bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular phylogeny and phylogeography of Holarctic species of Pluteus section Pluteus (Agaricales: Pluteaceae), with description of twelve new species
Authors: Justo Alfredo , Malysheva Ekaterina , Bulyonkova Tatiana , Vellinga Else C , Cobian Gerry , Nguyen Nhu , Minnis Andrew M , Hibbett David S
Published: September 2014

The taxonomy and phylogeography of Pluteus section Pluteus in the Holarctic region was investigated using morphological and molecular data. Over 300 specimens spanning the major areas of boreal and temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere were studied and nrITS and tef1 were obtained for phylogenetic analyses. In order to stabilize the taxonomy of the group all available type collections were studied and, if possible, sequenced. A total of 26 species occurring in Eurasia and North America were recovered in the phylogenetic analyses. Twelve species are described as new (Pluteus rangifer, P. elaphinus, P. hibbettii, P. eos, P. orestes, P. methvenii, P. shikae, P. kovalenkoi, P. leucoborealis, P. sepiicolor, P. oreibatus, P. atrofibrillosus), one is provisionally named (P. parilis) and one variety is raised to species rank (P. americanus). In many cases separation of the species based on morphology alone is challenging. In general, tef1 distinguishes the species better than nrITS. Structured infraspecific genetic variation was detected in the nrITS phylogenies for five species (P. atromarginatus, P. hibbettii, P. orestes, P. primus and P. shikae) and in the tef1 phylogenies for P. cervinus. Phylogeographic patterns are strikingly different among the species in this group and include widespread Holarctic species, exclusively Palearctic, putative disjuncts and endemics in each Holarctic subregion (Eastern/Western Palearctic and Nearctic). Identification keys are provided for each subregion.
A new species of genus Schizopelex McLachlan (Trichoptera, Sericostomatidae), from the southern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: RUIZ-GARCÍA ANTONIO , FERRERAS-ROMERO MANUEL
Published: September 2014

The West Palearctic genus Schizopelex McLachlan 1876 is represented by eleven recognized species. The center of its distribution area is in Turkey, where seven species have been reported (Malicky 2004; Sipahiler 2005, 2012; Oláh 2010; Sipahiler & Pauls 2012). These 7 species are S. anatolica Schmid 1964, S. rhamnes Malicky 1976, S. sinopica Sipahiler 2012, S. yenicensis Sipahiler & Pauls 2012, S. boluensis Sipahiler 2012 (in Sipahiler & Pauls 2012), S. cachetica Martynov 1913a, S. pontica Martynov 1913b. Schizopelex cachetica and S. pontica have also been reported from the Caucasus and the Transcaucasia, respectively (Martynov 1913a, 1913b; Ivanov 2011). In addition, two species (S. huettingeri Malicky 1974 and S. persica Schmid 1964) are known from the Balkans and Iran, respectively. The two remaining species are distributed in the southwestern West Palearctic region (southwestern Europe): Schizopelex furcifera McLachlan 1880 has been reported from the northeastern Iberian Peninsula and the Pyrenees (González et al. 1992; Martínez-Menéndez & González 2010); Schizopelex festiva (Rambur 1842) is distributed throughout most of the Iberian Peninsula and the Maghreb (González et al. 1992; González & Martínez 2011).
Transformation of the CSU–CHILL Radar Facility to a Dual-Frequency, Dual-Polarization Doppler System
Authors: Junyent Francesc , Chandrasekar V. , Bringi V. N. , Rutledge S. A. , Kennedy P. C. , Brunkow D. , George J. , Bowie R.
Published: September 2014

This paper describes the transformation of the Colorado State University–University of Chicago–Illinois State Water Survey (CSU–CHILL) National Radar Facility from a single-frequency (S band) dual-polarization Doppler weather radar system to a dual-frequency (S and X bands) dual-polarization Doppler system with coaxial beams. A brief history regarding the development of dual-wavelength radars is first presented. In the past, dual-wavelength measurements were used to detect hail using the dual-wavelength ratio defined as the ratio of intrinsic (or attenuation corrected) X-band reflectivity to the S-band reflectivity. Departures of this ratio from unity were taken to indicate the presence of hail, produced by Mie scattering at the shorter wavelength by hail. Most dual-wavelength radars were developed with attempts to match beams for S and X bands, which implies that the sample volumes for the two frequencies were essentially the same. The X-band channel of the CSU–CHILL radar takes a different approach, that of making use of the already existing dual-offset-fed antenna designed to give a 1° beamwidth at S band, resulting in an X-band beamwidth of approximately 0.3°, with very high gain. Thus, the X band provides about a factor of 3 more resolution than the S-band component while maintaining the same sensitivity as the S-band component. Examples of cold season and warm season data from the X-band and S-band radar components are presented, demonstrating the successful transformation of the CSU–CHILL radar into a unique multifrequency, multipolarization system. The new CSU–CHILL dual-wavelength, dual-polarization weather radar will serve as an important asset for the scientific community.
Predictability of the Barents Sea Ice in Early Winter: Remote Effects of Oceanic and Atmospheric Thermal Conditions from the North Atlantic
Authors: Nakanowatari Takuya , Sato Kazutoshi , Inoue Jun
Published: September 2014

Predictability of sea ice concentrations (SICs) in the Barents Sea in early winter (November–December) is studied using canonical correlation analysis with atmospheric and ocean anomalies from the NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) data. It is found that the highest prediction skill for a single-predictor model is obtained from the 13-month lead subsurface temperature at 200-m depth (T200) and the in-phase meridional surface wind (Vsfc). T200 skillfully predicts SIC variability in 35% of the Barents Sea, mainly in the eastern side. The T200 for negative sea ice anomalies exhibits warm anomalies in the subsurface ocean temperature downstream of the Norwegian Atlantic Slope Current (NwASC) on a decadal time scale. The diagnostic analysis of NCEP CFSR data suggests that the subsurface temperature anomaly stored below the thermocline during summer reemerges in late autumn by atmospheric cooling and affects the sea ice. The subsurface temperature anomaly of the NwASC is advected from the North Atlantic subpolar gyre over ~3 years. Also, Vsfc skillfully predicts SIC variability in 32% of the Barents Sea, mainly in the western side. The Vsfc for the negative sea ice anomalies exhibits southerly wind anomalies; Vsfc is related to the large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns from the subtropical North Atlantic to the Eurasian continent. This study suggests that both atmospheric and oceanic remote effects have a potential impact on the forecasting accuracy of SIC.
Development of an Efficient Regional Four-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation System for WRF
Authors: Zhang Xin , Huang Xiang-Yu , Liu Jianyu , Poterjoy Jonathan , Weng Yonghui , Zhang Fuqing , Wang Hongli
Published: September 2014

This paper presents the development of a single executable four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var) system based on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model through coupling the variational data assimilation algorithm (WRF-VAR) with the newly developed WRF tangent linear and adjoint model (WRFPLUS). Compared to the predecessor Multiple Program Multiple Data version, the new WRF 4D-Var system achieves major improvements in that all processing cores are able to participate in the computation and all information exchanges between WRF-VAR and WRFPLUS are moved directly from disk to memory. The single executable 4D-Var system demonstrates desirable acceleration and scalability in terms of the computational performance, as demonstrated through a series of benchmarking data assimilation experiments carried out over a continental U.S. domain. To take into account the nonlinear processes with the linearized minimization algorithm and to further decrease the computational cost of the 4D-Var minimization, a multi-incremental minimization that uses multiple horizontal resolutions for the inner loop has been developed. The method calculates the innovations with a high-resolution grid and minimizes the cost function with a lower-resolution grid. The details regarding the transition between the high-resolution outer loop and the low-resolution inner loop are introduced. Performance of the multi-incremental configuration is found to be comparable to that with the full-resolution 4D-Var in terms of 24-h forecast accuracy in the week-long analysis and forecast experiment over the continental U.S. domain. Moreover, the capability of the newly developed multi-incremental 4D-Var system is further demonstrated in the convection-permitting analysis and forecast experiment for Hurricane Sandy (2012), which was hardly computationally feasible with the predecessor WRF 4D-Var system.
Activating Cross-border Brokerage
Authors: Wang Dan
Published: September 2014

Using an original dataset of 4,183 former J-1 Visa holders from 81 countries—all of whom had worked in the U.S.—I examine how skilled return migrants, as cross-border brokers, transfer knowledge about organizational practices from abroad to their home countries. I hypothesize that returnees’ knowledge transfer success depends on their embeddedness in both their home- and host-country workplaces and develop and test theory about the organizational and cultural conditions that activate or suppress skilled returnees’ ability to broker knowledge across borders. Findings show that not only do host- and home-country embeddedness increase knowledge transfer success, but they also interact positively. At the organizational level, however, the presence of other returnees in a home-country workplace decreases the positive effect of a returnee’s host-country embeddedness, whereas the similarity of a returnee’s industry background to the home-country industry increases it. At the country level, high xenophobia in a given home country diminishes the positive effect of host-country embeddedness but increases the positive effect of home-country embeddedness. These findings inform an interpersonal perspective on knowledge transfer, contributing to work on brokerage, organizational learning, employee mobility, and the globalization of expert knowledge.
Intersections of Indigenous status, sex and age in sentencing decisions in the New South Wales Children’s Court
Authors: McGrath Andrew
Published: September 2014

The current study uses sentencing data from the New South Wales Children’s Court to examine the impact of Indigenous status, age and sex on two outcomes: custodial status at sentence and the imposition of a detention order. Indigenous youth aged 10–16 were more likely to be in custody at sentence net of controls, although the major determinants of custody status were the criminal history of the offender as well as the nature of the offences that had been committed. Age and sex but not Indigenous status were related to the imposition of a detention order, with 17- to 21-year-old males having the highest odds of imprisonment. It is argued that while disparities in justice processing are primarily determined by differences in offending history and profile, some evidence was observed to indicate these differences may in part be a cumulative phenomenon, with early decisions indirectly leading to the later over-representation of Indigenous individuals.
Music and the Divine
Authors: Kaler Michael
Published: September 2014

In this article I discuss the way in which the Acid Tests, multimedia parties organized by author Ken Kesey in 1965 and 1966, were interpreted by the Grateful Dead, who played at the Acid Tests and were one of the most successful of the bands to emerge from the 1960s psychedelic scene in rock. In examining the construction of the meaning and significance of the Tests that band members created, we see a group that in many ways resembles a new religious movement struggling to create, make sense of, and free itself from its foundation story—a struggle repeated by many groups before and since.
Fluticasone or Montelukast in Preschool Wheeze
Authors: Krawiec Marta , Strzelak Agnieszka , Krenke Katarzyna , Modelska-Wozniak Izabela , Jaworska Joanna , Kulus Marek
Published: September 2014

Introduction. Approximately 30% of children younger than 3 years experience at least 1 episode of wheezing. Antiasthmatic medication is routinely prescribed, but its effectiveness remains unclear. Our study was aimed to evaluate the effect of anti-inflammatory treatment on frequency and severity of preschool wheeze episodes (PWEs). Methods. Children aged 6 to 36 months with the first up to the third PWE were randomly assigned to receive montelukast, fluticasone, or no treatment for 12 weeks. The outcome measures were the number of PWEs, the number of hospitalizations due to PWE, and the severity of respiratory symptoms. Results. There were no significant differences in outcome measures between the groups. However, tobacco-exposed children treated with fluticasone had significantly fewer PWEs ( P = .01). Conclusion. Neither montelukast nor fluticasone has proven effective in the prevention of PWE recurrence. Children of smoking parents may benefit from fluticasone treatment after PWE. This observation requires confirmation in larger studies.
Caregiver Quality of Life in Pediatric Asthma
Authors: Everhart Robin S. , Fedele David A. , Miadich Samantha A. , Koinis-Mitchell Daphne
Published: September 2014

Objective. To examine caregiver quality of life (QOL) related to pediatric asthma among families from Latino, African American, and non-Latino white (NLW) backgrounds. Methods. In all, 94 children with persistent asthma (6-15 years) and their primary caregivers completed interview-administered questionnaires. Results. Overall QOL and subscale scores differed across race/ethnicity, with NLW caregivers reporting higher QOL. Caregivers who expressed more concerns about their child’s medications and more beliefs in the necessity of asthma medications had lower QOL. In African American and Latino families, caregiver QOL mediated the association between beliefs about the necessity of asthma medications and child emergency department (ED) use. Conclusions. Caregiver beliefs and concerns related to child asthma medications may begin to explain differences in caregiver QOL across NLW, Latino, and African American caregivers. Caregiver QOL may be a mechanism by which caregiver beliefs and concerns about asthma medications are associated with child ED use.
Provider Recommendation Mediates the Relationship Between Parental Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Awareness and HPV Vaccine Initiation and Completion Among 13- to 17-Year-Old US Adolescent Children
Authors: Rahman Mahbubur , Laz Tabassum H. , McGrath Christine J. , Berenson Abbey B.
Published: September 2014

Objectives. To examine the association between parental human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and HPV vaccine initiation/completion based on 13- to 17-year-old US adolescent children and to explore whether these associations were mediated by provider recommendation. Methods. We used publicly available National Immunization Survey–Teen 2011 data (11 236 adolescent girls and 12 328 boys). Results. Weighted logistic regression analysis showed that parental HPV awareness and provider recommendation predicted HPV vaccine initiation and completion separately among both girls and boys, after adjusting for demographic and health care use variables. When provider recommendation and parental HPV awareness were entered in the model simultaneously, only provider recommendation was independently associated with HPV vaccine initiation and completion, demonstrating a mediation effect of provider recommendation. Conclusions. Future studies are needed to better understand why physicians may not provide a recommendation for the HPV vaccine as well as to identify strategies to improve providers’ ability to effectively communicate their recommendations.
Parents’ Views of Schools’ Involvement Efforts
Authors: Rodriguez Raymond J. , Blatz Erin T. , Elbaum Batya
Published: September 2014

Individual and focus group interviews were conducted with 96 parents of students with disabilities in 18 schools to explore parents’ views of schools’ efforts to engage them in their child’s education. A mixed-methods approach was used to identify and evaluate the relative importance of eight themes related to schools’ efforts to facilitate parent involvement and parents’ involvement with their child at school. The results suggest important relationships among parents’ initiative to become involved, their perceptions of the quality of services provided to their child, and their views of schools’ efforts to facilitate their involvement. Implications for best practices and future research are discussed.
Development of an incarceration-specific overdose prevention video: Staying Alive on the Outside
Authors: Green Traci C , Bowman Sarah E , Ray Madeline , McKenzie Michelle , Lord Sarah E , Rich Josiah D
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

The first 2 weeks following release from prison are associated with extraordinary risk of fatal drug overdose. However, bystanders can reverse opioid overdoses using rescue breathing and naloxone, an overdose antidote. We reviewed overdose prevention and naloxone administration training videos for incarceration-specific and behaviour change theory–specific content and then developed a video that addressed these gaps.

Design:

Systematic review of educational videos and community-based participatory video development process.

Setting:

Community-based organisations, correctional health programmes.

Method:

Video development proceeded as a community-informed, iterative process of creating and testing the acceptability of a new DVD among end-user populations, community and correctional staff. Data collection and video development advisory process included three focus groups with opioid users and formerly incarcerated individuals, two consultations with national expert groups and overdose prevention programme staff and ongoing informal presentations to correctional staff and leadership.

Results:

Of nine eligible and reviewed videos, three contained theory-based learning components, and only one also contained peer-based content; none directly addressed post-incarceration overdose prevention. The created 19-minute film, Staying Alive on the Outside, uses interviews, conversation and model training sessions by peers, who candidly discuss the challenges of re-entry from prison, opioid addiction and relapse and misconceptions about opioid tolerance and overdose. Viewers learn strategies to avoid overdose while using opioids and what to do in an overdose. Peer ‘learners’ and peer ‘trainers’ model the dissemination of education and naloxone administration.

Conclusion:

The DVD is currently used in several prisons and jails; a multi-site evaluation of programme effectiveness is discussed.
Detection of delamination onset in laser-cut carbon fiber transverse crack tension specimens using acoustic emission
Authors: Prieß Torben , Sause Markus GR , Fischer Daniel , Middendorf Peter
Published: September 2014

Numerous experimental studies have been made on cutting carbon fibers with lasers with the focus on productivity due to high cutting speeds. However, the laser-cutting process has an influence on the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. This paper presents a test to determine the impact of thermal damage at the cutting edge. The initiation load for mode II delamination at the transverse crack tension test can be used to estimate the impact on the mechanical properties of thermal damage at the cutting edge. Detection of the initiation load is done via acoustic emission methods. Two different specimen geometries show a decrease of more than 40% of the initiation load for a CO2 continuous wave laser system with a large heat-affected zone compared to mechanically cut specimens.
Attachment and Sexual Permissiveness
Authors: Schmitt David P. , Jonason Peter K.
Published: September 2014

How does the psychology of attachment relate to sexual permissiveness? Do some attachment–sexuality links differ as a function of biological sex? Are attachment–sexuality links truly universal across cultures or are some localized to Western populations? Across 10 world regions ( N = 17,837), using multiple indicators of permissive sexuality, we attempted to replicate and extend recent work on these questions. Unrestricted sociosexuality was consistently linked to positive Models of Self in men but much less so among women. Self-reports of having an unfaithful sexual personality were linked to dismissing attachment in both men and women, though additional associations were observed with fearful attachment suggesting infidelity as a form of sexual permissiveness may be more closely associated with negative Models of Other. A measure of short-term mating interests was more strongly linked to dismissing attachment in men than in women. Engaging in short-term mate poaching (i.e., stealing another person’s partner for a brief affair) was linked with low overall attachment security in women but not in men. Many of the revealed associations between attachment and sexuality were relatively small in size, and some appeared to be localized to Westernized cultures.
NOD2 Contributes to Porphyromonas gingivalis–induced Bone Resorption
Authors: Prates T.P. , Taira T.M. , Holanda M.C. , Bignardi L.A. , Salvador S.L. , Zamboni D.S. , Cunha F.Q. , Fukada S.Y.
Published: September 2014

The NOD-like receptors are cytoplasmic proteins that sense microbial by-products released by invasive bacteria. Although NOD1 and NOD2 are functionally expressed in cells from oral tissues and play a role triggering immune responses, the role of NOD2 receptor in the bone resorption and in the modulation of osteoclastogenesis is still unclear. We show that in an experimental model of periodontitis with Porphyromonas gingivalis W83, NOD2-/- mice showed lower bone resorption when compared to wild type. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that wild-type infected mice showed an elevated RANKL/OPG ratio when compared to NOD2-/- infected mice. Moreover, the expression of 2 osteoclast activity markers—cathepsin K and matrix metalloproteinase 9—was significantly lower in gingival tissue from NOD2-/- infected mice compared to WT infected ones. The in vitro study reported an increase in the expression of the NOD2 receptor 24 hr after stimulation of hematopoietic bone marrow cells with M-CSF and RANKL. We also evaluated the effect of direct activation of NOD2 receptor on osteoclastogenesis, by the activation of this receptor in preosteoclasts culture, with different concentrations of muramyl dipeptide. The results show no difference in the number of TRAP-positive cells. Although it did not alter the osteoclasts differentiation, the activation of NOD2 receptor led to a significant increase of cathepsin K expression. We confirm that this enzyme was active, since the osteoclasts resorption capacity was enhanced by muramyl dipeptide stimulation, evaluated in osteoassay plate. These results show that the lack of NOD2 receptor impairs the bone resorption, suggesting that NOD2 receptor could contribute to the progression of bone resorption in experimental model of periodontitis. The stimulation of NOD2 by its agonist, muramyl dipeptide, did not affect osteoclastogenesis, but it does favor the bone resorption capacity identified by increased osteoclast activity.
Ethnic differences in activity spaces as a characteristic of segregation: A study based on mobile phone usage in Tallinn, Estonia
Authors: Järv Olle , Müürisepp Kerli , Ahas Rein , Derudder Ben , Witlox Frank
Published: September 2014

Given ongoing developments altering social and spatial cohesion in urban societies, a more comprehensive understanding of segregation is needed. Taking the ‘mobilities turn’ at heart, we move beyond place-based segregation approaches and focus on the practised urban experiences of individuals through a more comprehensive assessment of their activity spaces. This study contributes to people-based segregation research by mapping the activity spaces of individuals on the basis of mobile phone data in Tallinn (Estonia) and relating these activity spaces to (mainly) the users’ ethnic background (i.e. Estonian versus Russian). Significant ethnic differences in terms of (1) the number of activity locations, (2) the geographical distribution of these locations, and (3) the overall spatial extent of activity spaces are found. We also find that these differences tend to deepen as the temporal framework is extended. We discuss the main implications for segregation research and highlight some avenues for further research.
Restorative Justice–Informed Moral Acquaintance
Authors: Ward Tony , Gannon Theresa A. , Fortune Clare-Ann
Published: September 2014

The issue of dual roles within forensic and correctional fields has typically been conceptualized as dissonance—experienced by practitioners—when attempting to adhere to the conflicting ethical requirements associated with client well-being and community protection. In this article, we argue that the dual role problem should be conceptualized more broadly to incorporate the relationship between the offender and their victim. We also propose that restorative justice (RJ) is able to provide a preliminary ethical framework to deal with this common ethical oversight. Furthermore, we unite the RJ framework with that of Ward’s moral acquaintance model to provide a more powerful approach ( RJ-informed moral acquaintance) aimed at addressing the ethical challenges faced by practitioners within forensic and correctional roles.
Interpreting Argentine Business Unionism
Authors: Haidar Julieta
Published: September 2014

Institutionalist and corporatist interpretations of the business unionism strategy adopted by some unions in Argentina when faced with the 1990s market reforms are inadequate in that they consider unions as interest groups, play down the context of capitalist restructuring, and fail to account for the novelty of the strategy. These limitations can be overcome by reviving some ideas from Marxist analysis, such as the classist nature of unions and their participation in the historical dynamic of a capitalist social formation.

Interpretaciones institucionalistas y corporativistas de la estrategia del sindicalismo empresarial adoptada por algunos sindicatos en Argentina cuando se enfrentaron a las reformas del mercado en los años 1990 son inadecuadas en que consideran a los sindicatos como grupos de interés, minimizan el contexto de la reestructuración capitalista, y no logran dar cuenta de la novedad de la estrategia. Estas limitaciones pueden ser superadas mediante la reactivación de algunas ideas de análisis marxista, tales como el carácter clasista de los sindicatos y su participación en la dinámica histórica de una formación social capitalista.
Research Note
Authors: Spera Christopher , Matto Holly C. , Travis Wendy
Published: September 2014

This study examined whether satisfaction with the Air Force (AF) as way of life increased post-9/11 and whether it has sustained. Using data from 179,309 personnel collected across a period of eight years (2000–2008) in four waves of cross-sectional data collection, we found that satisfaction with the AF as a way of life increased dramatically following 9/11 and since then has declined from the height, but has not returned to pre-9/11 levels. After controlling for time as well as demographics, the best predictors of satisfaction were (1) feeling that the AF is a good environment for bringing up children, (2) a strong a sense of community, and (3) perceived strong unit leader support for members and their families.
DC motor speed control by self-tuning fuzzy PID algorithm
Authors: Akbari-Hasanjani Reza , Javadi Shahram , Sabbaghi-Nadooshan Reza
Published: September 2014

DC motors are used in industry extensively due to their high reliability, low cost, simple control of speed and position, low energy consumption and their compatibility with digital systems. There are different methods for controlling the speed of DC motors, mainly armature voltage or field control. In this paper, the speed of a separately excited DC motor is controlled by means of self-tuning fuzzy PID method. Against classic PID controllers in which the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] values are constant, and are determined for a specific speed, in a self-tuning PID, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] values are varied with the speed variations. In this paper, two distinct systems have been suggested for the control of DC motor. The output is examined and compared using the error and derivative error, or error and integrated error. After that, the most optimum regarding the overshoot value and settling time is selected. Finally, to reduce the overshoot value and the settling time of the system, we combined them. The presented method is simulated by means of the data from a DC motor in MATLAB software and the Simulink environment.
Lean Tissue Imaging
Authors: Prado Carla M. M. , Heymsfield Steven B.
Published: September 2014

Body composition refers to the amount of fat and lean tissues in our body; it is a science that looks beyond a unit of body weight, accounting for the proportion of different tissues and its relationship to health. Although body weight and body mass index are well‐known indexes of health status, most researchers agree that they are rather inaccurate measures, especially for elderly individuals and those patients with specific clinical conditions. The emerging use of imaging techniques such as dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound imaging in the clinical setting have highlighted the importance of lean soft tissue (LST) as an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. It is clear from emerging studies that body composition health will be vital in treatment decisions, prognostic outcomes, and quality of life in several nonclinical and clinical states. This review explores the methodologies and the emerging value of imaging techniques in the assessment of body composition, focusing on the value of LST to predict nutrition status.
Mass Relocation and Depression Among Seniors in China
Authors: Zeng Weihong , Wu Zheng , Schimmele Christoph M. , Li Shuzhuo
Published: September 2014

The study applies the stress process model to investigate the relationship between state-organized relocation (mass internal migration) and depression among older people in a rural region of Central China. The study is based on primary data that our research team collected on 613 respondents from 25 villages in November–December 2011 and 507 respondents from 36 villages in March–April 2013. Two-stage probit least squares models assess the impact of relocation on depression and whether social support influences this relationship. Our findings demonstrate that migrants have higher levels of depression than nonmigrants, after controlling for selection into migration and risk factors. However, postmigration losses of emotional, instrumental, and financial support do not account for the gap in depression between migrants and nonmigrants. Levels of depression are similar between nonmigrants and migrants relocated for infrastructure projects, poverty alleviation, or disaster management. Only migrants relocated to conserve sensitive ecological areas have higher levels of depression than nonmigrants. This suggests that project-induced displacement is not as detrimental for the mental health of seniors as previous studies demonstrate it is for younger people. Agency is an important factor in postmigration outcomes. Migrants who can self-determine their place of resettlement have more favorable outcomes than others.
The Organization of Markets
Authors: Ahrne Göran , Aspers Patrik , Brunsson Nils
Published: September 2014

Markets have sometimes been described as vastly different from and even opposite to formal organizations. But markets and organizations share a similarity as well. Both are organized – by the use of decisions on membership, rules, monitoring, sanctions or hierarchy. Market organization creates differences among markets, and specific dynamics, which can be explained by the actions and interactions of market organizers: profiteers, ‘others’, sellers and buyers. The concept of market organization is an analytical tool, which can be used for analysing why and how markets are created, why they get their specific form and how they change.
Self-Management Interventions in Stages 1 to 4 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Welch Janet L. , Johnson Michelle , Zimmerman Lani , Russell Cynthia L. , Perkins Susan M. , Decker Brian S.
Published: September 2014

The prevalence, effect on health outcomes, and economic impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have created interest in self-management interventions to help slow disease progression to kidney failure. Seven studies were reviewed to identify knowledge gaps and future directions for research. All studies were published between 2010 and 2013; no investigations were conducted in the United States. Knowledge gaps included the focus on medical self-management tasks with no attention to role or emotional tasks, lack of family involvement during intervention delivery, and an inability to form conclusions about the efficacy of interventions because methodological rigor was insufficient. Educational content varied across studies. Strategies to improve self-management skills and enhance self-efficacy varied and were limited in scope. Further development and testing of theory-based interventions are warranted. There is a critical need for future research using well-designed trials with appropriately powered sample sizes, well-tested instruments, and clear and consistent reporting of results.
Head and Neck Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: A Curious Association with Second Primary Malignancy
Authors: Chan Richie Chiu‐Lung , Chan Jimmy Yu‐Wai
Published: September 2014

Objective

We noticed that a significant proportion of our patients with head and neck mucoepidermoid carcinoma (HNMEC) had second primary malignancies. To our knowledge, such an association has never been described. The aim of our study is to elucidate the association between second primary malignancies and HNMEC.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

We included all patients with histologically proven HNMEC managed in the Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, from January 2003 through December 2013. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients with HNMEC were identified. Fourteen (24.6%) had second primary malignancies. The commonest second primary malignancy was nasopharyngeal carcinoma, followed by carcinoma of the thyroid. Second primary malignancies developed before HNMEC in 7 patients, with a mean interval of 196 months. Five patients had second primary malignancies after development of HNMEC, with a mean interval of 65 months. Two patients had synchronous second primary malignancies. Clinical patterns of patients with HNMEC with and without second primary malignancies were compared. Major salivary glands were more frequently affected among patients with second primary malignancies, while minor salivary glands were more frequently affected among those without secondary primary malignancies (P =. 032). Development of second primary malignancy was not found to affect the survival.

Conclusion

About one‐fourth of patients with HNMEC had a second primary malignancy. Major salivary glands were more frequently affected among patients with second primary malignancies. Development of second primary malignancy did not affect survival.
Differential Expression of Livin, Caspase‐3, and Second Mitochondria‐Derived Activator of Caspases in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Lin Hai , Lin Dong , Xiong Xisheng
Published: September 2014

Background and Objectives

The pathogenesis of human chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains undetermined. Livin is a member of the inhibitor of the apoptosis protein family proteins. Caspase‐3 and second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspases (Smac) are critical in the induction of apoptosis. However, little is known about their roles in CRSwNP. We aimed to investigate the expression and role of Livin, caspase‐3, and Smac in CRSwNP.

Study Design

Basic research and descriptive study.

Setting

Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.

Methods

The immunohistochemistry method was employed for detecting Livin, caspase‐3, and Smac protein expression, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used for assaying mRNA expression of Livin, caspase‐3, and Smac in CRSwNP and controls. Moreover, the effects of various stimulators on Livin were evaluated on human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) culture. Then, the effects of Livin on caspase‐3 and Smac were observed on the culture of HNECs.

Results

Stronger protein and mRNA expression of Livin was observed in CRSwNP, especially eosinophilic CRSwNP, weaker protein and mRNA expression of caspase‐3 and Smac was observed in CRSwNP, and Livin expression was negatively related to caspase‐3 or Smac expression, respectively. Livin mRNA was augmented by interleukin (IL)–4, IL‐17A, and IL‐1β but suppressed by interferon‐γ. Caspase‐3 and Smac mRNA expression were inhibited by Livin.

Conclusions

Upregulation of Livin and downregulation of caspase‐3 and Smac were observed in CRSwNP, especially in eosinophilic CRSwNP. Livin may exert its anti‐apoptosis effect by suppressing caspase‐3 and Smac in CRSwNP. IL‐4, IL‐17A, and IL‐1β may be critical for Livin expression.
Preoperative assessment of lung cancer patients: Evaluating guideline compliance (re-audit)
Authors: Jayia Parminderjit Kaur , Mishra Pankaj Kumar , Shah Raajul R , Panayiotou Andrew , Yiu Patrick , Luckraz Heyman
Published: September 2014

Background

Guidelines have been issued for the management of lung cancer patients in the United Kingdom. However, compliance with these national guidelines varies in different thoracic units in the country. We set out to evaluate our thoracic surgery practice and compliance with the national guidelines.

Methods

An initial audit in 2011 showed deficiencies in practice, thus another audit was conducted to check for improvements in guideline compliance. A retrospective study was carried out over a 12-month period from January 2013 to January 2014 and included all patients who underwent radical surgical resection for lung cancer. Data were collected from computerized records.

Results

Sixty-eight patients had radical surgery for lung cancer between January 2013 and January 2014. Four patients were excluded from the analysis due to incomplete records. Our results showed improvements in our practice compared to our initial audit. More patients underwent surgery within 4 weeks of computed tomography and positron-emission tomography scanning. An improvement was noticed in carbon monoxide transfer factor measurements. Areas for improvement include measurement of carbon monoxide transfer factor in all patients, a cardiology referral in patients at risk of cardiac complications, and the use of a global risk stratification model such as Thoracoscore.

Conclusion

Guideline-directed service delivery provision for lung cancer patients leads to improved outcomes. Our results show improvement in our practice compared to our initial audit. We aim to liaise with other thoracic surgery units to get feedback about their practice and any audits regarding adherence to the British Thoracic Society and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.
Healthcare Information For All By 2015
Authors: Hagar Chris , Kartzinel Heather
Published: September 2014

This paper reports on the Mobile Healthcare Information For All By 2015 (mHIFA) initiative led by the Health Information For All 2015 (HIFA2015) 2012-2015 Challenge Working Group. It discusses the preliminary findings of a scoping exercise to identify global current, completed and planned projects that use mobile phones to provide healthcare information, particularly maternal, child and first-aid, in low- and middle-income countries, that appear to be aligned to the mHIFA Goal. Despite a plethora of mHealth projects on a wide range of mHealth topics, only nine projects were closely related to the mHealthcare Goal. Findings of the scoping exercise were made available on the HIFA2015 Discussion Forums to instigate feedback from key healthcare and telecom stakeholders. An assessment tool was created to help telecom providers and potential providers to assess relevance to the mHIFA Goal.
Periphery, professionalism and government stability in Israel’s local government
Authors: Mevorach Baruch , Horkin Amir , Katz Ytzhak
Published: September 2014

The economic weaknesses of Israel’s periphery have attracted media attention and have shifted upwards as a priority in the national agenda. There has been a heightened awareness of gaps between the haves and the have-nots and of growing inequality. One important facet of the public debate on issues of centre and periphery has been the degree of professionalism of the leaders running local government compared to that of their counterparts in the centre. In this paper, there is an examination of the relationship between three variables – periphery, professionalism and (to a lesser extent) local government stability. A vicious cycle has been identified which seems to perpetuate the economic and political weakness of local government in the periphery.
Solitary Large Intestinal Diverticulitis in Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)
Authors: Stacy B. A. , Innis C. J. , Daoust P.-Y. , Wyneken J. , Miller M. , Harris H. , James M. C. , Christiansen E. F. , Foley A.
Published: September 2014

Leatherback sea turtles are globally distributed and endangered throughout their range. There are limited data available on disease in this species. Initial observations of solitary large intestinal diverticulitis in multiple leatherbacks led to a multi-institutional review of cases. Of 31 subadult and adult turtles for which complete records were available, all had a single exudate-filled diverticulum, as large as 9.0 cm in diameter, arising from the large intestine immediately distal to the ileocecal junction. All lesions were chronic and characterized by ongoing inflammation, numerous intralesional bacteria, marked attenuation of the muscularis, ulceration, and secondary mucosal changes. In three cases, Morganella morganii was isolated from lesions. Diverticulitis was unrelated to the cause of death in all cases, although risk of perforation and other complications are possible.
Low heat pain thresholds in migraineurs between attacks
Authors: Schwedt Todd J , Zuniga Leslie , Chong Catherine D
Published: September 2014

Background/Objective

Between attacks, migraine is associated with hypersensitivities to sensory stimuli. The objective of this study was to investigate hypersensitivity to pain in migraineurs between attacks.

Methods

Cutaneous heat pain thresholds were measured in 112 migraineurs, migraine free for ≥48 hours, and 75 healthy controls. Pain thresholds at the head and at the arm were compared between migraineurs and controls using two-tailed t-tests. Among migraineurs, correlations between heat pain thresholds and headache frequency, allodynia symptom severity, and time interval until next headache were calculated.

Results

Migraineurs had lower pain thresholds than controls at the head (43.9℃ ± 3.2℃ vs. 45.1℃ ± 3.0℃, p = 0.015) and arm (43.2℃ ± 3.4℃ vs. 44.8℃ ± 3.3℃, p < 0.001). There were not significant correlations between pain thresholds and headache frequency or allodynia symptom severity. For the 41 migraineurs for whom time to next headache was known, there were positive correlations between time to next headache and pain thresholds at the head ( r = 0.352, p = 0.024) and arm ( r = 0.312, p = 0.047).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that migraineurs have low heat pain thresholds between migraine attacks. Mechanisms underlying these lower pain thresholds could also predispose migraineurs to their next migraine attack, a hypothesis supported by finding positive correlations between pain thresholds and time to next migraine attack.
Outcomes After Early Administration of Plasma Exchange in Pediatric Central Nervous System Inflammatory Demyelination
Authors: Bigi Sandra , Banwell Brenda , Yeh E. Ann
Published: September 2014

The use of plasma exchange has been described in steroid-refractory central nervous system inflammatory demyelination in adults, but less has been published regarding its use in children and adolescents. We describe 12 children treated with plasma exchange for acute severe central nervous system inflammatory demyelination. The clinical attack leading to plasma exchange included symptomatic spinal cord lesions in 10 and symptomatic brainstem lesions in 2 children. Diagnosis was acute transverse myelitis in 6, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in 5, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in 1 child. Adverse events related to plasma exchange necessitating intervention were observed in 3 children. Median Expanded Disability Status Scale score at plasma exchange start was 7.5 (range 4-9.5). At 3 months, 7 children were ambulatory without aid (Expanded Disability Status Scale score of ≤4). This retrospective study suggests that plasma exchange can be effective in ameliorating symptoms in severe pediatric central nervous system inflammatory demyelination, although lack of randomization or control group limits the ability to attribute this outcome entirely to plasma exchange.
“This Isn’t About Casey Anthony Anymore”
Authors: Socia Kelly M. , Brown Elizabeth K.
Published: September 2014

The 2011 trial of Casey Anthony for the murder of her child, Caylee, dominated media, public, and political attention in the United States. Anthony’s acquittal prompted many lawmakers to rally around “Caylee’s Law,” legislation that criminalizes the failure to report a missing child. This article considers the political rhetoric of Caylee’s Law by qualitatively evaluating statements made by state policymakers across the United States for the 12 months following Anthony’s acquittal. Policymakers’ rhetoric on Caylee’s Law exemplified the tendency to mobilize political action around “triggering events” through claims-making, to justify new penal legislation on the basis of worst case scenarios and public fears, and to demonize the accused in ways that reaffirm social solidarity in the face of heinous crimes. Policymakers used a variety of interconnected techniques to make claims about child protection, to justify the need for Caylee’s Law, and to label and degrade Casey Anthony.
Purists Need Not Apply
Authors: Florczak Kristine L.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this column is to describe several different ways of conducting mixed method research. The paradigms that underpin both qualitative and quantitative research are also considered along with a cursory review of classical pragmatism as it relates conducting mixed methods studies. Finally, the idea of loosely coupled systems as a means to support mixed methods studies is proposed along with several caveats to researchers who desire to use this new way of obtaining knowledge.
Imagination
Authors: Letcher Deborah C.
Published: September 2014

Imagination is powerful. It may bring questions to mind or bring clarity to wondering about something. Imagination may bring new thought, new ideas, and new possibles to day-to-day thinking, contemplation, and being. In this column, imagination will be explored first through a nursing perspective and then examined through the lens of philosophers and other great thinkers. The column concludes with discussion of imagination as it relates to the Humanbecoming Teaching-Learning Model.