bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD163 is not a sensitive marker for identification of atypical fibroxanthoma
Authors: Beer Trevor W.
Published: December 2011

The histopathological features of atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) overlap with those of poorly differentiated carcinoma, melanoma and leiomyosarcoma in the skin. As there are no specific stains to identify AFX, the diagnosis is essentially one of exclusion and requires completion of a panel of immunostains. Recently, it has been suggested that the macrophage/monocyte‐specific marker CD163 is of value in identifying AFX. To investigate this claim, 57 AFX were stained for CD163. Only 21 of 57 (37%) of AFX stained positively, and intratumoral macrophages confounded interpretation of the stain at times. In four cases, it was not possible to definitively interpret the tumor staining reaction because of this effect. While a lack of stainable CD163 antigenicity may indicate that AFX is not of histiocytic lineage, it is conceivable that expression of the antigen has been lost for some reason in cells that are in fact of macrophage lineage. In summary, CD163 only stains a minority of AFX and staining results can be difficult to interpret. CD163 is therefore of very limited value in the diagnosis of AFX.

Beer TW. CD163 is not a sensitive marker for identification of atypical fibroxanthoma.
An unconventional deep penetrating melanocytic nevus with microscopic involvement of regional lymph nodes
Authors: McCalmont Timothy H. , Bastian Boris C.
Published: December 2011

Editor's note: This manuscript represents a reprise of the preceding manuscript (J Cutan Pathol 2012; 39: 21–24). It has different conclusions. The wording of the case report section is very similar in both papers but has been included in both for the convenience of the reader. The illustrations are duplicated in both versions of the manuscript but the captions are not the same. The reader is encouraged to study both versions of the manuscript and consider the issue from both perspectives.

McCalmont TH, Bastian BC. An unconventional deep penetrating melanocytic nevus with microscopic involvement of regional lymph nodes.
Induction of immediate early genes in the mouse auditory cortex after auditory cued fear conditioning to complex sounds
Authors: Peter M. , Scheuch H. , Burkard T. R. , Tinter J. , Wernle T. , Rumpel S.
Published: December 2011

Immediate early genes (IEGs) are widely used as markers to delineate neuronal circuits because they show fast and transient expression induced by various behavioral paradigms. In this study, we investigated the expression of the IEGs c‐fos and Arc in the auditory cortex of the mouse after auditory cued fear conditioning using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and microarray analysis. To test for the specificity of the IEG induction, we included several control groups that allowed us to test for factors other than associative learning to sounds that could lead to an induction of IEGs. We found that both c‐fos and Arc showed strong and robust induction after auditory fear conditioning. However, we also observed increased expression of both genes in any control paradigm that involved shocks, even when no sounds were presented. Using mRNA microarrays and comparing the effect of the various behavioral paradigms on mRNA expression levels, we did not find genes being selectively upregulated in the auditory fear conditioned group. In summary, our results indicate that the use of IEGs to identify neuronal circuits involved specifically in processing of sound cues in the fear conditioning paradigm can be limited by the effects of the aversive unconditional stimulus and that activity levels in a particular primary sensory cortical area can be strongly influenced by stimuli mediated by other modalities.
Functional anatomy of the female reproductive systems of two spider crabs (Decapoda, Majoidea)
Authors: González‐Pisani Ximena , Barón Pedro , López Greco Laura Susana
Published: December 2011

To better understand the mating systems of majoid crabs, we studied the functional anatomy of the female reproductive systems of the spider crabs Leurocyclus tuberculosus and Libinia spinosa, comparing them with those of other Majoidea. Adult females were measured and dissected, and their reproductive systems described macroscopically and histologically. In females of both species, the seminal receptacles are paired globular structures of ecto‐mesodermal origin. The mesoderm‐derived region is lined by a stratified epithelium. The anchoring, proliferative, and secretory strata are clearly recognizable. The ectoderm‐derived region is lined by a simple cylindrical epithelium underlying a cuticle that increases in thickness toward the vagina. The transition between the ectoderm and mesoderm‐derived regions is abrupt, with differences between the studied species: Li. spinosa has a “velum,” whereas Le. tuberculosus presents prominent “folds.” In both species, the position in which the oviduct is connected to the seminal receptacles is intermediate between the dorsal and ventral types previously described in other eubrachyurans. The seminal receptacles of the studied species show four different conditions, which can be distinguished macroscopically based on their shape and amount of sperm stored. We compare our data with those from other Majoidea in an attempt to determine whether the morphology of the seminal receptacles is related to different mating strategies or behaviors.
Gone with the wind? Newspaper discourse of eutrophication and blue‐green algae blooms in Finland
Authors: Lyytimäki Jari
Published: December 2011

The mass media shape the public and policy agenda by giving prominence to certain ecosystem changes and risks, as well as by framing some policy measures as the preferred ones. Based on longitudinal analysis of the leading Finnish newspaper, this study considers the media coverage of eutrophication. The results show an increase of reporting in the late 1990s as a result of intertwined ecological and social factors – i.e. intense algal occurrences and establishment of a national communication system. The news coverage has highlighted the harmful algal blooms and health risks of algal toxins and has framed short‐term weather conditions as the key factor regulating algal occurrences. This creates a challenge for environmental management aimed at reduction in the nutrient discharges that influence the state of the environment in the long term.
Health‐related quality of life before and after management in adults referred to otolaryngology: a prospective national study
Authors: Swan I.R.C. , Guy F.H. , Akeroyd M.A.
Published: December 2011

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 35–43

Objective:  An assessment of the effect of otolaryngological management on the health‐related quality of life of patients.

Design:  Application of the Health Utilities Index mark 3 (HUI‐3) before and after treatment; application of the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) after treatment.

Setting:  Six otolaryngological departments around Scotland.

Participants:  A 9005 adult patients referred to outpatient clinics.

Main outcome measures:  Complete HUI‐3 data was collected from 4422 patients; complete GBI data from 4235; complete HUI‐3 and GBI data from 3884.

Results:  The overall change in health related quality of life from before to after management was just +0.02. In the majority of subgroups of data (classified by type of management) there was essentially no change in HUI‐3 score. The major exceptions were those patients provided with a hearing aid (mean change 0.08) and those whose problem was managed surgically (mean change 0.04). The mean GBI score was 5.3 which is low. Those managed surgically reported a higher GBI score of 13.0.

Conclusion:  We found that patients treated surgically or given a hearing aid reported a significant improvement in their health related quality of life after treatment in otolaryngology departments. In general, patients treated in other ways reported no significant improvement. We argue that future research should look carefully at patient groups where there is unexpectedly little benefit from current treatment methods and consider more effective methods of management.
Highly Oxidized Magma and Fluid Evolution of Miocene Qulong Giant Porphyry Cu‐Mo Deposit, Southern Tibet, China
Authors: XIAO Bo , QIN Kezhang , LI Guangming , LI Jinxiang , XIA Daixiang , CHEN Lei , ZHAO Junxing
Published: December 2011

The Miocene Qulong porphyry Cu‐Mo deposit, which is located at the Gangdese orogenic belt of Southern Tibet, is the largest porphyry‐type deposit in China, with confirmed Cu ∼10 Mt and Mo ∼0.5 Mt. It is spatially and temporally associated with multiphase granitic intrusions, which is accompanied by large‐scale hydrothermal alteration and mineralization zones, including abundant hydrothermal anhydrite. In addition to hydrothermal anhydrite, magmatic anhydrite is present as inclusions in plagioclase, interstitial minerals between plagioclase and quartz, and phenocrysts in unaltered granodiorite porphyry, usually in association with clusters of sulfur‐rich apatite in the Qulong deposit. These observations indicate that the Qulong magma‐hydrothermal system was highly oxidized and sulfur‐rich. Three main types of fluid inclusions are observed in the quartz phenocrysts and veins in the porphyry: (i) liquid‐rich; (ii) polyphase high‐salinity; and (iii) vapor‐rich inclusions. Homogenization temperatures and salinities of all type inclusions decrease from the quartz phenocrysts in the porphyry to hydrothermal veins (A, B, D veins). Microthermometric study suggests copper‐bearing sulfides precipitated at about 320–400°C in A and B veins. Fluid boiling is assumed for the early stage of mineralization, and these fluids may have been trapped at about 35–60 Mpa at 460–510°C and 28–42 Mpa at 400–450°C, corresponding to trapping depths of 1.4–2.4 km and 1.1–1.7 km, respectively.
The influence of traditional Buddhist wildlife release on biological invasions
Authors: Liu Xuan , McGarrity Monica E. , Li Yiming
Published: December 2011

An understanding of anthropogenic factors influencing wildlife invasions is crucial to development of comprehensive prevention and management strategies. However, little attention has been paid to the role religious practice plays in biological invasions. The tradition of wildlife release is prevalent in many areas around the world where Asian religions are influential and is hypothesized to promote species invasions, although quantitative evidence is lacking. We used an information‐theoretic approach to evaluate the influence of Buddhist wildlife release events on establishment of feral populations of American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) in Yunnan province, southwestern China, from 2008 to 2009. We identified frequency of release events and lentic water conditions as factors that promote establishment of bullfrog populations, whereas hunting activity likely helps to prevent establishment. Our study provides the first quantitative evidence that religious release is an important pathway for wildlife invasions and has implications for prevention and management on a global scale.
Consequences of nuclear accidents for biodiversity and ecosystem services
Authors: Wehrden Henrik von , Fischer Joern , Brandt Patric , Wagner Viktoria , Kümmerer Klaus , Kuemmerle Tobias , Nagel Anne , Olsson Oliver , Hostert Patrick
Published: December 2011

Nuclear energy is a potential solution to electricity demand but also entails risks. Policy debates on nuclear accidents have focused primarily on negative impacts on humans. Although such impacts are important, we argue that policy debates must also consider the consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services. We reviewed 521 studies conducted after the Chernobyl accident, the most severe nuclear accident in history. Elevated radiation levels have been recorded among a diversity of species, even up to thousands of kilometers away from the meltdown site, and after more than two decades following the accident. Close to the reactor, physiological and morphological changes have occurred. Negative effects on ecosystem services have been observed, including the contamination of water, soils, and wild food supplies. Informed policy decisions on nuclear energy require a greater understanding of the consequences of accidents, including effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Based on our review, we recommend to (1) fully incorporate risks for biodiversity and ecosystem services into policy debates; (2) develop a coherent information chain regarding such risks; (3) use proactive planning strategies to be prepared for potential accidents; and (4) develop a coherent research agenda on the consequences of nuclear accidents for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Multi-channel Active Vibration Isolation for the Control of Underwater Sound Radiation From A Stiffened Cylindrical Structure: A Numerical Study
Authors: Xiuchang Huang , Zhiyi Zhang , Zhenhua Zhang , Hongxing Hua
Published: December 2011

Numerical simulation of vibration control of a submerged stiffened cylindrical structure with active vibration isolators is presented. Vibration transmission from vibrating machinery to the cylindrical structure through the active vibration isolators is analyzed by a numerical model synthesized from frequency response functions (FRFs) and impedances. The coupled finite element/boundary element (FE/BE) method is employed to study the vibro-acoustic behavior of the fluid-loaded cylindrical structure. Sound pressure in the far-field is calculated in terms of the pressure and normal acceleration of the outer surface of the cylindrical shell. An adaptive multichannel control based on the filtered-x least mean squares (FxLMS) algorithm is used in the active vibration isolation. Simulation results have demonstrated that suppression of vibration of the four elastic foundations attached to the cylindrical shell will reduce the spatial-average mean-square velocity and the instantaneous radiated power of the cylindrical shell. As a result, suppression of vibration of the foundations leads to attenuation of sound radiation in the far-field induced by the radial displacement dominant mode of the shell. Moreover, vibration suppression is greatly influenced by the strong couplings among control channels. According to these results, it can be concluded that the proposed method is effective in the analysis of underwater sound radiation control of cylindrical structures.
Reevaluation of the Critical Concentration for Drug Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis against Pyrazinamide Using Wild-Type MIC Distributions and
pncA
Gene Sequencing
Authors: Werngren J. , Sturegård E. , Juréen P. , Ängeby K. , Hoffner S. , Schön T.
Published: December 2011

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a potent first-line agent for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) with activity also against a significant part of drug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strains. Since PZA is active only at acid pH, testing for susceptibility to PZA is difficult and insufficiently reproducible. The recommended critical concentration for PZA susceptibility (MIC, 100 mg/liter) used in the Bactec systems (460 and MGIT 960) has not been critically evaluated against wild-type MIC distributions in clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Using the Bactec MGIT 960 system, we determined the PZA MICs for 46 clinical
M. tuberculosis
isolates and compared the results to
pncA
sequencing and previously obtained Bactec 460 data. For consecutive clinical isolates (
n
= 15), the epidemiological wild-type cutoff (ECOFF) for PZA was 64 mg/liter (MIC distribution range, ≤8 to 64 mg/liter), and no
pncA
gene mutations were detected. In strains resistant in both Bactec systems (
n
= 18), the PZA MICs ranged from 256 to ≥1,024 mg/liter. The discordances between
pncA
sequencing, susceptibility results in Bactec 460, and MIC determinations in Bactec MGIT 960 were mainly observed in strains with MICs close to or at the ECOFF. We conclude that in general, wild-type and resistant strains were clearly separated and correlated to
pncA
mutations, although some isolates with MICs close to the ECOFF cause reproducibility problems within and between methods. To solve this issue, we suggest that isolates with MICs of ≤64 mg/liter be classified susceptible, that an intermediary category be introduced at 128 mg/liter, and that strains with MICs of >128 mg/liter be classified resistant.
In Vitro
Evaluation of Novel Compounds against Selected Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates
Authors: Housman Seth T. , Sutherland Christina , Nicolau David P.
Published: December 2011

We describe the activities of RX-P763, RX-P766, RX-P770, RX-P792, RX-P793, and RX-P808 against strains of resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. These compounds target the large subunit of the bacterial ribosome and have broad-spectrum activities against multidrug-resistant pathogens. All compounds demonstrated
in vitro
activity against
P. aeruginosa
, with MIC
90
values of 4 to 8 μg/ml (range, 0.5 to 64). These novel compounds had narrow MIC distributions and maintained activity despite resistance phenotypes to other commonly utilized agents.
Complete Genomic Sequence of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 1 from China
Authors: Yang Tao , Liu Nihong , Xu Qingyuan , Sun Encheng , Qin Yongli , Zhao Jing , Feng Yufei , Wu Donglai
Published: December 2011

We report here the complete genomic sequence of the Chinese bluetongue virus serotype 1 (BTV1) strain SZ97/1. This work is the first to document the complete genomic sequence of a BTV1 strain from China and represents the second complete sequence of BTV1 in the world. The sequence information provided here will help determine the geographic origin of Chinese BTV1 and provide data to facilitate future analyses of the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of BTV strains.
THE LONG-TIME EXISTENCE AND CONVERGENCE OF THE CR YAMABE FLOW
Authors: HO PAK TUNG
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we prove the long-time existence of the CR Yamabe flow on the compact strictly pseudoconvex CR manifold with positive CR invariant. We also prove the convergence of the CR Yamabe flow on the sphere by proving that: the contact form which is pointwise conformal to the standard contact form on the sphere converges exponentially to a contact form of constant pseudo-Hermitian sectional curvature. We also show that the eigenvalues of some geometric operators are non-decreasing under the unnormalized CR Yamabe flow provided that the pseudo-Hermitian scalar curvature satisfies certain conditions.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Is Associated With Faster Degeneration of Bioprosthetic Valve
Authors: Lorusso Roberto , Gelsomino Sandro , Lucà Fabiana , De Cicco Giuseppe , Billè Giuseppe , Carella Rocco , Villa Emmanuel , Troise Gianni , Viganò Mario , Banfi Carlo , Gazzaruso Carmine , Gagliardotto Pier , Menicanti Lorenzo , Formica Francesco , Paolini Giovanni , Benussi Stefano , Alfieri Ottavio , Pastore Matteo , Ferrarese Sandro , Mariscalco Giovanni , Di Credico Germano , Leva Cristian , Russo Claudio , Cannata Aldo , Trevisan Roberto , Livi Ugolino , Scrofani Roberto , Antona Carlo , Sala Andrea , Gensini Gian Franco , Maessen Jos , Giustina Andrea
Published: December 2011

Background—

The present study was aimed at determining the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) on postoperative bioprosthetic structural valve degeneration.

Methods and Results—

Twelve Italian centers participated in the study. Patient data refer to bioprosthetic implantations performed from November 1988 to December 2009, which resulted in 6184 patients (mean age 71.3±5.4 years, 60.1% male) being enrolled. Of these patients, 1731 (27.9%) had type 2 DM. The propensity score–matching algorithm successfully matched 1113 patients with type 2 DM with the same number of no-DM patients. The postmatching standard differences were less than 0.1 for each of the covariates, and 64.2% of DM patients were matched. The early (30 days) mortality rate was 7.8% (n=87) versus 2.9% (n=33) in patients with or without type 2 DM (
P
<0.001), respectively. Seven-year freedom from valve deterioration was significantly lower in patients with DM (73.2% [95% confidence interval, 61.6–85.5] versus 95.4% [95% confidence interval, 83.9–100],
P
<0.001). In Cox regression models with robust SEs that accounted for the clustering of matched pairs, DM was the strongest predictor of structural valve degeneration (hazard ratio 2.39 [95% confidence interval 2.28–3.52]). When we allowed for interaction between type 2 DM and other key risk factors, DM remained a significant predictor beyond any potentially associated variable.

Conclusions—

Patients with type 2 DM undergoing bioprosthetic valve implantation are at high risk of early and long-term mortality, as well as of structural valve degeneration.
Very Late Stent Thrombosis and Late Target Lesion Revascularization After Sirolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation
Authors: Kimura Takeshi , Morimoto Takeshi , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Kawai Kazuya , Miyazaki Shunichi , Muramatsu Toshiya , Shiode Nobuo , Namura Masanobu , Sone Takahito , Oshima Shigeru , Nishikawa Hideo , Hiasa Yoshikazu , Hayashi Yasuhiko , Nobuyoshi Masakiyo , Mitudo Kazuaki ,   on Behalf of the j-Cypher Registry Investigators
Published: December 2011

Background—

There is a scarcity of long-term data from large-scale drug-eluting stent registries with a large enough sample to evaluate low-frequency events such as stent thrombosis (ST).

Methods and Results—

Five-year outcomes were evaluated in 12 812 consecutive patients undergoing sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation in the j-Cypher registry. Cumulative incidence of definite ST was low (30 day, 0.3%; 1 year, 0.6%; and 5 years, 1.6%). However, late and very late ST continued to occur without attenuation up to 5 years after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation (0.26%/y). Cumulative incidence of target lesion revascularization within the first year was low (7.3%). However, late target lesion revascularization beyond 1 year also continued to occur without attenuation up to 5 years (2.2%/y). Independent risk factors of ST were completely different according to the timing of ST onset, suggesting the presence of different pathophysiological mechanisms of ST according to the timing of ST onset: acute coronary syndrome and target of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery for early ST; side-branch stenting, diabetes mellitus, and end-stage renal disease with or without hemodialysis for late ST; and current smoking and total stent length >28 mm for very late ST. Independent risk factors of late target lesion revascularization beyond 1 year were generally similar to those risk factors identified for early target lesion revascularization.

Conclusion—

Late adverse events such as very late ST and late target lesion revascularization are continuous hazards, lasting at least up to 5 years after implantation of the first-generation drug-eluting stents (sirolimus-eluting stents), which should be the targets for developing improved coronary stents.
Hydroxysteroid (17-β) Dehydrogenase 1
Is Dysregulated by
Mir-210
and
Mir-518c
That Are Aberrantly Expressed in Preeclamptic Placentas
Authors: Ishibashi Osamu , Ohkuchi Akihide , Ali Md. Moksed , Kurashina Ryuhei , Luo Shan-Shun , Ishikawa Tomoko , Takizawa Takami , Hirashima Chikako , Takahashi Kayo , Migita Makoto , Ishikawa Gen , Yoneyama Koichi , Asakura Hirobumi , Izumi Akio , Matsubara Shigeki , Takeshita Toshiyuki , Takizawa Toshihiro
Published: December 2011

In this study, to search for novel preeclampsia (PE) biomarkers, we focused on microRNA expression and function in the human placenta complicated with PE. By comprehensive analyses of microRNA expression, we identified 22 microRNAs significantly upregulated in preeclamptic placentas, 5 of which were predicted
in silico
to commonly target the mRNA encoding hydroxysteroid (17-β) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17B1), a steroidogenetic enzyme expressed predominantly in the placenta. In vivo HSD17B1 expression, at both the mRNA and protein levels, was significantly decreased in preeclamptic placentas. Of these microRNAs,
miR-210
and
miR-518c
were experimentally validated to target
HSD17B1
by luciferase assay, real-time PCR, and ELISA. Furthermore, we found that plasma HSD17B1 protein levels in preeclamptic pregnant women reflected the decrease of its placental expression. Moreover, a prospective cohort study of plasma HSD17B1 revealed a significant reduction of plasma HSD17B1 levels in pregnant women at 20 to 23 and 27 to 30 weeks of gestation before PE onset compared with those with normal pregnancies. The sensitivities/specificities for predicting PE at 20 to 23 and 27 to 30 weeks of gestation were 0.75/0.67 (cutoff value=21.9 ng/mL) and 0.88/0.51 (cutoff value=30.5 ng/mL), and the odds ratios were 6.09 (95% CI: 2.35–15.77) and 7.83 (95% CI: 1.70–36.14), respectively. We conclude that
HSD17B1
is dysregulated by
miR-210
and
miR-518c
that are aberrantly expressed in preeclamptic placenta and that reducing plasma level of HSD17B1 precedes the onset of PE and is a potential prognostic factor for PE.
Rate of Decline of Forced Vital Capacity Predicts Future Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Jacobs David R. , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Hearst Mary O. , Thyagarajan Bharat , Kalhan Ravi , Rosenberg Sharon , Smith Lewis J. , Barr R. Graham , Duprez Daniel A.
Published: December 2011

Lung function studies in middle-aged subjects predict cardiovascular disease mortality. We studied whether greater loss of forced vital capacity (FVC) early in life predicted incident hypertension. The sample was 3205 black and white men and women in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study examined between 1985 and 1986 (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults year 0, ages 18–30 years) and 2005–2006 and who were not hypertensive by year 10. FVC was assessed at years 0, 2, 5, 10, and 20. Proportional hazard ratios and linear regression models predicted incident hypertension at years 15 or 20 (n=508) from the change in FVC (FVC at year 10 − peak FVC, where peak FVC was estimated as the maximum across years 0, 2, 5, and 10). Covariates included demographics, center, systolic blood pressure, FVC maximum, smoking, physical activity, asthma, and body mass index. Unadjusted cumulative incident hypertension was 25% in the lowest FVC loss quartile (Q1; median loss: 370 mL) compared with 12% cumulative incident hypertension in those who achieved peak FVC at year 10 (Q4). Minimally adjusted hazard ratio for Q1 versus Q4 was 2.21 (95% CI: 1.73–2.83), and this association remained significant in the fully adjusted model (1.37; 95% CI: 1.05–1.80). Decline in FVC from average age at peak (29.4 years) to 35 years old predicted incident hypertension between average ages 35 and 45 years. The findings may represent a common pathway that may link low normal FVC to cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.
Climate Wars? Assessing the Claim That Drought Breeds Conflict
Authors: Theisen Ole Magnus , Holtermann Helge , Buhaug Halvard
Published: December 2011

Dominant climate models suggest that large parts of Africa will experience greater climatic variability and increasing rates of drought in coming decades. This could have severe societal consequences, because the economies and food supplies of most African countries depend on rain-fed agriculture. According to leading environmental security scholars, policymakers, and nongovernmental organizations, an increase in scarcity-driven armed conflicts should also be expected. A conditional theory of environmental conflict predicts that drought increases the risk of civil war primarily when it strikes vulnerable and politically marginalized populations in agrarian societies. However, an empirical evaluation of this general proposition through a unique gridded dataset of postcolonial Africa, which combines high-resolution meteorological data with georeferenced data on civil war onset and the local ethnopolitical context, shows little evidence of a drought-conflict connection. Instead, the local risk of civil war can be explained by sociopolitical and geographic factors: a politically marginalized population, high infant mortality, proximity to international borders, and high local population density.
Atmospheric Dispersion of Wheat Rust Spores: A New Theoretical Framework to Interpret Field Data and Estimate Downwind Dispersion
Authors: Chamecki Marcelo , Dufault Nicholas S. , Isard Scott A.
Published: December 2011

Theoretical predictions for dispersion of heavy particles above an area source are used to formulate a new framework to interpret measurements of spore concentration above an infected field. Experimental measurements of mean spore concentration above an infected wheat field are used to validate theoretical predictions. The framework is then used to estimate total spore flux from the infected field and deposition patterns downwind. Results suggest that for the present case, consisting of a very low open canopy and friction velocity between 0.2 and 0.5 m s−1, the properties of the spore plume above the source field are mostly determined by the source strength (i.e., spore release rate) and are approximately independent of turbulence properties. Turbulence conditions have a strong effect on the distance downwind from the source traveled by spores, however, and are therefore critical in the spread of the disease. In addition, effects of spore clumping on dispersal are explored, illustrating the strong effect of clumping on reducing spore dispersal distance.
Black Dance and the Fight for Flight
Authors: Gittens Angela Fatou
Published: December 2011

The arts have fulfilled a major historical role as mediums of expressivity for people of African descent during the 1960s. It is during this important decade that a number of political and artistic movements came to rise—like a pot waiting to boil over—as a result of decades of sociopolitical precedents that came to a head, sparking revolutionary responses by grassroots communities worldwide. This body of writing is an excerpt of a larger study the author conducted on the role of West African dance as performed by Black women dancers in New York City–based dance companies. Because of the techniques of djembe and sabar dance within traditional West African contexts for both dancers and drummers alike, the author closely examines these styles as leading examples of the types of physical movement within political movements of the 1960s era—movements that empowered and liberated oppressed peoples during moments of high tension.
A Longitudinal Assessment of the Impact of Foreclosure on Neighborhood Crime
Authors: Katz Charles M. , Wallace Danielle , Hedberg E. C.
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

To examine possible effects of housing foreclosure on neighborhood levels of crime and to assess temporal lags in the impact of foreclosure on neighborhood levels of crime.

Methods:

Longitudinal data from Glendale, Arizona, a city at the epicenter of the nation’s foreclosure problem. The authors rely on four data sources: (1) foreclosure data, (2) computer-aided dispatch (CAD)/police records management system (RMS) data, (3) U.S. census and census estimate data, and (4) land use data.

Results:

Foreclosure has a short-term impact, typically no more than 3 months, on total crime, property crime, and violent crime, and no more than 4 months for drug crime.

Conclusions:

Foreclosures do not have a long-term effect on crime in general, and have different, though modest effects on different types of crime. The relationship between foreclosure and crime is not linear in nature but rather is characterized by a temporal, short-term flux in crime.
Use of Parenteral Lipid Emulsions in French Neonatal ICUs
Authors: Lapillonne Alexandre , Fellous Laure , Kermorvant‐Duchemin Elsa ,   for the French neonatal departments
Published: December 2011

Objective: To determine the types of parenteral lipid emulsions currently used for preterm infants, their mode of delivery, and the main disease conditions that are considered by neonatologists as contraindications. Design: National survey using a questionnaire. Setting: 155 neonatal departments in France. Results: 100 (65%) neonatal departments participated in the survey. The most widely used lipid emulsion was the 20% soybean oil/coconut oil–based emulsion (68% of the units), followed by the soybean oil–based emulsion (28.5%) and the soybean oil/olive oil–based emulsion (3.5%). Peripheral venous access was considered to be a possible route for the infusion of lipid emulsions in only 58 (63.7%) of the units. In 80%–90% of the units, sepsis, hemodynamic failure, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and hyperbilirubinemia were considered to be relative or absolute contraindications, whereas only hemodynamic failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and to a lesser extent sepsis were most often perceived as absolute contraindications. Conclusions: Neonatologists are somewhat reluctant to use parenteral lipids when only peripheral venous access is available, despite the low osmolarity of the emulsions. This may impair, at least temporarily, the adequate supply of energy and/or essential fatty acids in infants who do not have central venous access. This study also shows a large heterogeneity of responses with regard to the contraindications for parenteral lipids.
A Qualitative Study Using a Systemic Perspective Exploring the Remediation of Abusive Interactions in Intimate Heterosexual Couples
Authors: Bonham Elizabeth , Vetere Arlene Louise
Published: December 2011

Very little attention has been paid to both partners beliefs about why violence in their previously abusive relationship has stopped or significantly reduced despite well-documented details in the research literature outlining the characteristics of both victims and perpetrators. This study aimed to provide some understanding of how each partner believed that the violence has ended. However their answers often were not definitive; instead, they uncovered the complexities in their relationship and their struggle to overcome the uncertainty they have to achieve and maintain successful remediation. The article is based on a qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study that explored the nature of the relationship between six heterosexual couples before and after a therapeutic intervention for the men perpetrators, which followed the Duluth Model. The study included how they both understood the violence and how they maintained nonviolence in their relationship. The men were notably still in the process of reprocessing their understanding of why they were violent and they needed to further understand their reactions to maintain their nonviolence. The IPA themes provided some understanding of how the participants thought they had a better understanding of the factors that had maintained their relationship since the termination of the intervention. The themes, generated from the interviews provided by the perpetrators and their victims, are explored and some explanations for the successful continuation of their relationship following treatment are suggested. Implications for widening the treatment options for men perpetrators are suggested in addition to providing treatment options for couples who wish to remain within their relationships and need help to identify unhelpful and dangerous patterns of interaction.
The Economic Costs of Partner Violence and the Cost-Benefit of Civil Protective Orders
Authors: Logan T K , Walker Robert , Hoyt William
Published: December 2011

Partner violence affects a significant number of women and their children each year. Estimates of the economic costs of partner violence are substantial. However, most estimates of the costs of partner violence are made at the aggregate level rather than the individual level. Estimating costs at the individual level allows for a wider range of costs of partner violence to be considered. This study is one of the first to examine a wide range of economic costs of partner violence and to examine the economic costs and cost-benefits of civil protective orders. Overall, including changes in quality of life, protective orders were estimated to have saved taxpayers in one small state US$85 million in a 1-year period. More generally, this study provides a framework to address more specific complexities associated with cost-benefit analyses of partner violence and the impact of justice system interventions.
The Effect of Acculturation and Immigration on the Victimization and Psychological Distress Link in a National Sample of Latino Women
Authors: Cuevas Carlos A. , Sabina Chiara , Bell Kristin A.
Published: December 2011

Distinct bodies of research have examined the link between victimization and psychological distress and cultural variables and psychological health, but little is known about how cultural variables affect psychological distress among Latino victims. Substantial research has concluded that Latino women are more likely than non-Latino women to experience trauma-related symptoms following victimization. In addition, examination of different types of cultural adaptation has found results supporting the idea that maintaining ties with one’s culture of origin may be protective against negative mental health outcomes. The present study evaluates the effect of victimization, immigrant status, and both Anglo and Latino orientation on psychological distress in a national sample of Latino women. Results indicate that along with the total count of victimization experiences, Anglo and/or Latino orientation were strong predictors of all forms of psychological distress. Anglo orientation also functioned as a moderator between victimization and psychological distress measures for anger, dissociation, and anxiety. The results suggest a more nuanced and complex interaction between cultural factors, victimization, and psychological distress.
Intimate Partner Violence and Alcohol Problems in Interethnic and Intraethnic Couples
Authors: Chartier Karen G. , Caetano Raul
Published: December 2011

Despite the growing number of interethnic marriages in the United States, few studies have examined intimate partner violence (IPV) in interethnic couples. This article examined past-year occurrences of IPV across interethnic and intraethnic couples and tested correlates of IPV specifically in interethnic couples. Data were from a national survey of couples 18 years of age and older from the 48 contiguous states. Interethnic couples ( n = 116) included partners from different ethnic backgrounds, including Black–White, Hispanic–White, and Black–Hispanic couples. White ( n = 555), Black ( n = 358), and Hispanic ( n = 527) intraethnic couples included partners with the same ethnicity. Data analyses were prevalence rates and logistic regressions. The analysis showed that interethnic couples were comparatively younger and had shorter relationships than intraethnic White, Black, and Hispanic couples. Male partners in interethnic couples had higher rates of binge drinking and alcohol problems compared with male partners in intraethnic couples. Past-year prevalence rates for any occurrence of IPV and acts of severe IPV were higher for interethnic couples relative to intraethnic couples. Most occurrences of IPV for interethnic couples were mutual. Factors predicting IPV among interethnic couples included marital status, couples’ age, male alcohol problems, and female impulsivity. Mounting evidence points to interethnic couples as a high-risk group for IPV. Interethnic couples may be at greater risk for IPV because of their younger age, binge drinking, and alcohol problems. Future research could build on this study by examining cohort effects and regional differences in IPV for interethnic couples and the risk for IPV across interethnic couples of different ethnic compositions.
Social Anxiety as a Predictor of Dating Aggression
Authors: Hanby Michelle S. R. , Fales Jessica , Nangle Douglas W. , Serwik Agnieszka K. , Hedrich Uriah J.
Published: December 2011

By far, most research on the behavior of socially anxious individuals has focused on the “flight” rather than the “fight” response described in the traditional conceptualization of anxiety. More recently, however, there has been some speculation and emerging evidence suggesting that social anxiety and aggression may be related. The present study examined social anxiety as a predictor of dating aggression within a late adolescent sample. Two forms of dating aggression were assessed: physical aggression, such as slapping, use of a weapon, or forced sexual activity, and psychological aggression, such as slamming doors, insulting, or refusing to talk to one’s partner. One aspect of social anxiety, Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE), emerged as a significant predictor of male dating aggression, even after controlling for relationship quality. Notably, FNE was most predictive of increased aggression of both types when men also perceived their romantic relationship to be more antagonistic. Despite its demonstrated importance as a contextual variable, however, relationship quality did not mediate the association between FNE and psychological or physical aggression. Implications for prevailing conceptualizations of social anxiety and dating aggression are discussed.
Adult Violence With the Mother and Sibling as Predictors of Partner Violence
Authors: Hendy Helen M. , Burns Mary K. , Can S. Hakan , Scherer Cory R.
Published: December 2011

The present study provides the first available evaluation of how violence with the mother and siblings during adulthood is associated with the occurrence of partner violence in young adults. Because a pattern of reciprocal partner violence is well documented, the authors hypothesized that reciprocal violence would also be found for adults and their mothers and for adults and their siblings. The authors also hypothesized that reciprocal violence with the mother and sisters would explain variance in partner violence even when controlling for other known predictors (poverty, poor family support, stress, anger, low self-esteem). Study participants included 377 college adults (114 men, 263 women; mean age = 24.4 years) who completed questionnaires to report their present violence to and from their mothers, sisters, brothers, and romantic partners. Violence is measured with a modified Conflict Tactics Scale. No sibling gender differences are found in violence reported as adults. Factor analysis confirms good fit for three clusters of reciprocal violence for adults: violence with the mother, violence with siblings, violence with the romantic partner. Violence with the mother and siblings significantly explains variance in partner violence even after controlling for other contextual variables, but only for women. One interpretation of present results is that because women receive less socialization than men to use violence, these two within-family models of violence have more significance for increasing their risk of partner violence. Partner violence prevention programs could include participation of mothers and siblings to enhance development of more peaceful conflict resolution patterns within and outside the family.
Predicting Overt and Cyber Stalking Perpetration by Male and Female College Students
Authors: Ménard Kim S. , Pincus Aaron L.
Published: December 2011

In this study, self-report student surveys on early childhood maltreatment, attachment styles, alcohol expectancies, and narcissistic personality traits are examined to determine their influence on stalking behavior. Two subtypes of stalking were measured using Spitzberg and Cupach’s (2008) Obsessive Relational Intrusion: cyber stalking (one scale) and overt stalking (comprised of all remaining scales). As t tests indicated that men and women differed significantly on several variables, OLS regression models were run separately for men ( N = 807) and women ( N = 934). Results indicated that childhood sexual maltreatment predicted both forms of stalking for men and women. For men, narcissistic vulnerability and its interaction with sexual abuse predicted stalking behavior (overt stalking R2 = 16% and cyber stalking R2 = 11%). For women, insecure attachment (for both types of stalking) and alcohol expectancies (for cyber stalking) predicted stalking behavior (overt stalking R2 = 4% and cyber stalking R2 = 9%). We discuss the methodological and policy implications of these findings.
Waltzing Matilda
Authors: Weaver-Hightower Marcus B.
Published: December 2011

In this autoethnographic essay, I consider the experience of my daughter Matilda’s stillbirth. I explore stillbirth, grief, tactile contact with death, and how all of these demonstrate the strictures and ruptures of masculinity in Western cultures. I counterpose these realities against the political, economic, and medical discourses of stillbirth as a means of exploring how social structures mediate and complicate parents’ experiences of their children’s deaths. Fathers’ experiences form the core of my analysis, for both the scientific literature and cultural texts about grief and perinatal death often discursively elide these experiences.
Making Waves at Work
Authors: Garner Johny T.
Published: December 2011

The way in which an employee communicates organizational dissent is partially responsible for the outcomes of that dissent conversation. Previous research has examined such outcomes in limited ways, but employees’ perceptions of the general effectiveness and appropriateness of their dissent expressions have been neglected. The current study fills that gap, finding that participants recalled solution presentation, circumvention, and repetition as effective whereas coalition-building messages were ineffective. Participants also report that solution presentation and direct factual appeals were appropriate whereas pressure tactics and humor messages were inappropriate. These results make important contributions and extend previous research by demonstrating connections between dissent messages and conversational outcomes and offering a practical understanding for dissenters about what types of dissent messages may be perceived as more effective and appropriate than others.
Developing Sensory Awareness in Qualitative Interviewing
Authors: Harris Anna , Guillemin Marilys
Published: December 2011

Within the social sciences there has been an increased interest in the senses. Much of this work has focused on ethnographic methods and has concentrated on research about the senses. In this article we focus on interviews and examine the value of expanded interviewing strategies that use the senses as access points. We argue that a sensory awareness can enrich interviews by offering a portal to otherwise unexplored illness or health care experiences which are either too difficult to articulate or too intangible to describe. Sensory awareness incorporates not only attentiveness to the research environment but also the utilization of sensory questions or prompts to gain insight into the research experience. We draw from a variety of empirical studies, and offer methodological guidance to the researcher while exploring ethical and challenging aspects of incorporating sensory awareness into the research interview.
Family Satisfaction With Care Provided by Nurse Practitioners to Nursing Home Residents With Dementia at the End of Life
Authors: Liu Linda M. , Guarino A. J. , Lopez Ruth Palan
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine family satisfaction with care provided by nurse practitioners (NP) to nursing home (NH) residents with dementia. A survey was mailed to 239 family members of nursing home residents who died with dementia. One open-ended question was added to provide comment about the care provided by the NP. A total of 131 surveys were returned (response rate 55%). The study revealed that 98% of family members agreed that they were satisfied with the end-of-life care provided by the NP. Survey responses were used to analyze the associations of communication, comfort, and satisfaction with NPs to total satisfaction with end-of-life care. Pearson’s correlations demonstrated that overall satisfaction was significantly associated with NP–family communication, resident comfort, and satisfaction with NP care. Findings suggested that NPs using a model of care that emphasizes advance care planning, communication, and comfort results in high satisfaction of family members.