bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One Lung Wheezing due to Endobronchial Solitary Papilloma
Authors: Artul Suheil , Artoul Faozi
Published: September 2013

A 55-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to intolerant severe short of breathing and persistent cough for two hours. He had similar attacks in the past two years which were treated with bronchodilators. Computed tomography revealed endobronchial mass, which was endoscopically resected by laser. Histology revealed benign squamous papilloma. In this paper we will deal with the various nonspecific clinical presentations, etiopathology, predisposing factors, and diagnosing tests of these benign tumors, especially the important role of computed tomography.
Outbreak of Hepatitis A in a Nursery School
Authors: Galmes-Truyols Antonia , Gimenez-Duran Jaume , Nicolau-Riutort Antonio , Bosch-Isabel Catalina , Vanrell-Berga Juana Maria , Portell-Arbona Margarita
Published: September 2013

In a background of very low incidence of hepatitis A HA in the last decade (annual average of 1.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) we describe an outbreak of HA which evolved in Mallorca between May and August 2010, whose main focus was a nursery school where more cases were parents and other young relatives of the children of the institution. Thirty-four cases were defined as outbreak cases. Ten were children of the nursery or their siblings and 22 adults (3 staff members of the nursery and 19 relatives; median age 33 years). The first detected cases were children of the same class. There were 2 adults with haematological complications, though not severe. All children, nursery staff members, parents, and siblings of the cases of the first affected class were immediately offered HA vaccination, but only 43.3% eligible individuals accepted it. None of the cases had been vaccinated. The outbreak spread mostly from asymptomatic children to young adults, showing the changes in HA pattern. That is of great concern as the risk of severe illness rises with age. This incident shows the need to implement new HA vaccination policies in outbreak control. This was later carried out.
Current Status and Future Perspectives of the COBRA Experiment
Authors: Ebert J. , Fritts M. , Gößling C. , Göpfert T. , Gehre D. , Hagner C. , Heidrich N. , Köttig T. , Neddermann T. , Oldorf C. , Quante T. , Rajek S. , Reinecke O. , Schulz O. , Tebrügge J. , Timm J. , Wonsak B. , Zuber K.
Published: September 2013

The aim of the COBRA experiment is to prove the existence of neutrinoless double-beta-decay (0νββ-decay) and to measure its half-life. For this purpose a detector array made of cadmium-zinc-telluride (CdZnTe) semiconductor detectors is operated at the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory (LNGS) in Italy. This setup is used to investigate the experimental issues of operating CdZnTe detectors in low-background mode and to identify potential background components, whilst additional studies are proceeding in surface laboratories. The experiment currently consists of monolithic, calorimetric detectors of coplanar grid design (CPG detectors). These detectors are 1 × 1 × 1 cm3and are arranged in 4 × 4 detector layers. Ultimately four layers will be installed by the end of 2013, of which two are currently operating. To date 82.3 kg·days of data have been collected. In the region of interest for116Cd around 2.8 MeV, the median energy resolution is 1.5% FWHM, and a background level near 1 counts/keV/kg/y has been reached. This paper gives an overview of the current status of the experiment and future perspectives.
Rare Testicular Tumor Discovered by Assault: An Unusual Presentation of a Primary Testicular Neuroendocrine Tumor Grade 2
Authors: Epperson Jonathan R. , Pope Necia M. , Abuzeid Margaret J.
Published: September 2013

Testicular neuroendocrine tumors (NET) or carcinoid tumors are rare neoplasms which represent 1% of all testicular tumors and can be divided into 3 subgroups: pure primary testicular NET, primary testicular NET associated with a teratoma, and NET metastases to the testis. We report an unusual presentation of a primary testicular neuroendocrine tumor in a 39-year-old male who presented after a physical altercation during a soccer game. Histology showed a diffuse infiltrating tumor with extensive involvement of the tunica albuginea and tunica vaginalis. Immunohistochemical expression of CD56, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A was strongly positive in the tumor cells. Foci of tumor cell necrosis and occasional mitotic figures as well as extensive lymph-vascular invasion were also identified. A review of the literature reveals differing opinions on the prognostic significance of primary tumor size, mitotic index, tumor necrosis, and nuclear atypia. In our patient, the increased mitotic rate (3–5 mitotic figures per 10 hpf and a Ki-67 index of 5%), foci of necrosis, and mild to moderate nuclear atypia warranted a diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor grade 2, formerly atypical carcinoid. Long term surveillance in these patients is essential as metastasis occurs in up to 15% of cases. At the 6-month followup, the patient remains symptom free.
Opinion Impact Models and Opinion Consensus Methods in Ad Hoc Tactical Social Networks
Authors: Li Demin , Zhou Jie , Zhu Jingjuan , Wang Jiacun
Published: September 2013

Ad hoc social networks are special social networks, such as ad hoc tactical social networks, ad hoc firefighter social networks, and ad hoc vehicular social networks. The social networks possess both the properties of ad hoc network and social network. One of the challenge problems in ad hoc social networks is opinion impact and consensus, and the opinion impact plays a key role for information fusion and decision support in ad hoc social networks. In this paper, consider the impact of physical and logical distance on the opinions of individuals or nodes in heterogeneous social networks; we present a general opinion impact model, discuss the local and global opinion impact models in detail, and point out the relationship between the local opinion impact model and the global opinion impact model. For understanding the opinion impact models easily, we use the general opinion impact model to ad hoc tactical social networks and discuss the opinion impact and opinion consensus for ad hoc tactical social networks in the end.
An Empirical Study on the Performance of Cost-Sensitive Boosting Algorithms with Different Levels of Class Imbalance
Authors: Yin Qing-Yan , Zhang Jiang-She , Zhang Chun-Xia , Liu Sheng-Cai
Published: September 2013

Cost-sensitive boosting algorithms have proven successful for solving the difficult class imbalance problems. However, the influence of misclassification costs and imbalance level on the algorithm performance is still not clear. The present paper aims to conduct an empirical comparison of six representative cost-sensitive boosting algorithms, including AdaCost, CSB1, CSB2, AdaC1, AdaC2, and AdaC3. These algorithms are thoroughly evaluated by a comprehensive suite of experiments, in which nearly fifty thousands classification models are trained on 17 real-world imbalanced data sets. Experimental results show that AdaC serial algorithms generally outperform AdaCost and CSB when dealing with different imbalance level data sets. Furthermore, the optimality of AdaC2 algorithm stands out around the misclassification costs setting:CN=0.7,CP=1, especially for dealing with strongly imbalanced data sets. In the case of data sets with a low-level imbalance, there is no significant difference between the AdaC serial algorithms. In addition, the results indicate that AdaC1 is comparatively insensitive to the misclassification costs, which is consistent with the finding of the preceding research work.
Taccalonolide Binding to Tubulin Imparts Microtubule Stability and Potent In Vivo Activity
Authors: Risinger A.L. , Li J. , Bennett M.J. , Rohena C.C. , Peng J. , Schriemer D.C. , Mooberry S.L.
Published: September 2013

The taccalonolides are highly acetylated steroids that stabilize cellular microtubules and overcome multiple mechanisms of taxane resistance. Recently, two potent taccalonolides, AF and AJ, were identified that bind to tubulin directly and enhance microtubule polymerization. Extensive studies were conducted to characterize these new taccalonolides. AF and AJ caused aberrant mitotic spindles and bundling of interphase microtubules that differed from the effects of either paclitaxel or laulimalide. AJ also distinctly affected microtubule polymerization in that it enhanced the rate and extent of polymerization in the absence of any noticeable effect on microtubule nucleation. In addition, the resulting microtubules were found to be profoundly cold stable. These data, along with studies showing synergistic antiproliferative effects between AJ and either paclitaxel or laulimalide, suggest a distinct binding site. Direct binding studies demonstrated that AJ could not be displaced from microtubules by paclitaxel, laulimalide, or denaturing conditions, suggesting irreversible binding of AJ to microtubules. Mass spectrometry confirmed a covalent interaction of AJ with a peptide of β-tubulin containing the cyclostreptin-binding sites. Importantly, AJ imparts strong inter-protofilament stability in a manner different from other microtubule stabilizers that covalently bind to tubulin, consistent with the distinct effects of the taccalonolides as compared with other stabilizers. AF was found to be a potent and effective antitumor agent that caused tumor regression in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenograft model. The antitumor efficacy of some taccalonolides, which stabilize microtubules in a manner different from other microtubule stabilizers, provides the impetus to explore the therapeutic potential of this site. Cancer Res; 73(22); 6780–92. ©2013 AACR.
Hormonal Determinants of Nipple Aspirate Fluid Yield among Breast Cancer Cases and Screening Controls
Authors: Fought Angela J. , McGathey Claire , Scholtens Denise M. , Heinz Richard E. , Lowe Rick , Feeney Yvonne B. , Lee Oukseub , Kmiecik Thomas E. , Wolfman Judith A. , Clevenger Charles V. , Gann Peter H. , Gapstur Susan , Chatterton Robert T. , Khan Seema A.
Published: September 2013

Background: Nipple aspiration fluid (NAF) use as a biosample is limited by the variable yield across studies. We investigated the endocrine determinants of yield in an ongoing breast cancer case–control study.

Methods: One-hundred and eighteen women yielding ≥2 μL NAF and 120 non-yielders were included; serum hormones were measured; differences in median hormones were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for yielder status relative to hormone levels were estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for parity and lactation, and, in premenopausal women, menstrual cycle phase (MCP).

Results: Prolactin concentrations were higher in yielders than non-yielders (premenopausal: 7.6 and 2.5 ng/mL, P < 0.01; postmenopausal 5.3 and 2.2 ng/mL; P < 0.01). Among premenopausal-yielders, estradiol was lower (64.3 vs. 90.5 pg/mL, MCP-adjusted P = 0.02). In separate menopausal status and parity-adjusted models, significant case–control differences persisted in prolactin: case OR 1.93 (95% CI, 1.35–2.77), control OR 1.64 (95% CI, 1.17–2.29). Premenopausal control yielders had higher progesterone (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.18–2.46) and sex-hormone binding-globulin (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.08–4.05) than non-yielders. Among parous women, further adjustment for lactation suggested a stronger positive association of serum prolactin with yield in cases than controls.

Conclusion: NAF-yielders show higher prolactin than non-yielders, regardless of menopause and parity; implications of this and other endocrine differences on NAF biomarkers of breast cancer risk deserve further study.

Impact: NAF yield is associated with a distinct endocrine environment that must be considered in studies of NAF-based breast cancer risk markers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(12); 2277–84. ©2013 AACR.
Impact of Earlier Ureteral Ligation on Intravesical Recurrence during Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy
Authors: Ou Chien-Hui , Yang Wen-Horng
Published: September 2013

Objective: To determine the impact of earlier ureteral ligation (EUL) during hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN) for primary renal pelvis urothelial cancer. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 240 patients with upper urinary tract urothelial cancer who underwent HARN. Only patients with primary renal pelvis urothelial cancer and complete follow-up with a minimum of 1 year after HARN were enrolled into our study. We defined EUL as ligating the ureter prior to pneumoretroperitoneum and mobilizing the kidney during the surgery. Of these 61 patients, 31 (who composed the study group) underwent EUL, while 30 serving as controls were without ureteral ligation during the surgery. We analyzed intravesical recurrence utilizing log rank testing to assess the significance between the two groups. Results: Clinical parameters were similar between the two groups. The median follow-up after HARN was 39.7 months (range 12-96). There was no significant difference in the rate of intravesical recurrence and cancer-specific survival. However, patients without ligation of the ureter had shorter time to first bladder tumor recurrence (11.7 ± 9.1 months vs. 26.4 ± 19.1 months, p = 0.03). Conclusion: EUL during HARN for primary renal urothelial cancer did not affect intravesical recurrence rate or cancer-specific survival.
Vitamin K Intake, Body Mass Index and Warfarin Maintenance Dose
Authors: Kabagambe Edmond K. , Beasley T. Mark , Limdi Nita A.
Published: September 2013

Background: Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. Being fat-soluble, the availability of vitamin K may vary according to body fat. We hypothesized that body mass index (BMI), a proxy of body fat, may interact with vitamin K intake in determining a warfarin maintenance (WM) dose. Methods: Patients with data on vitamin K intake, potential confounders and WM dose (n = 172) were included in linear regression models to test whether BMI modifies the relation between vitamin K intake and WM dose. Results: Warfarin loading dose correlated with the maintenance dose (r = 0.36, p < 0.0001) but was not significantly associated with WM dose in analyses adjusted for vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1) and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) genotypes. In fully adjusted models, BMI was associated (p = 0.001) with WM dose but vitamin K was only marginally positively associated (p = 0.06) with WM dose. We found no interaction (p > 0.05) between BMI and vitamin K intake with regard to WM dose. Inclusion of vitamin K intake in the model only slightly improved the amount of variance (1.1%) explained by age, gender, BMI, race, physical activity, energy intake and VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotypes. Conclusion: Our data suggest that body fat does not affect the relation between vitamin K intake and WM dose.
New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus Mimicking Herpes Virus Encephalitis
Authors: Puoti Gianfranco , Elefante Andrea , Saracino Dario , Capasso Antonella , Cotrufo Roberto , Belluomo Anello Clara
Published: September 2013

New-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a recently defined clinical entity that describes patients who present with status epilepticus of unclear etiology that is highly refractory to therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of NORSE usually discloses no specific abnormalities except for an occasional mild T2/FLAIR hyperintense signal of the mesial temporal lobe. Here, we report a peculiar case of NORSE in which brain MRI showed massive alteration of both temporal lobes, with features strongly supporting the diagnosis of herpes virus encephalitis, but lacking any laboratory evidence of viral infection in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. It showed also striking signal alterations in the thalamus, which got worse in the course of the disease. This report emphasizes the possibility that seizure activity alone plays a critical role in both determining the disease and whether it will be self-sustaining.
Pathological Findings of Pemphigus Vulgaris Showing Giant Cobblestone-Like Conjunctival Papillae
Authors: Namba Hiroyuki , Narumi Mari , Sugano Akira , Murata Ichidai , Suzuki Tamio , Yamakawa Mitsunori , Yamashita Hidetoshi
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To describe the pathophysiological findings of a patient with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) showing giant conjunctival papillae. Methods: A 64-year-old man who had mucosal-dominant PV with giant conjunctival papillae, resembling those of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), underwent an ophthalmological workup. The clinical and pathological findings were investigated. Results: Ophthalmic interventions were unable to provide the desired beneficial effects, and multiple excisions were necessary to remove the proliferative conjunctival lesions. Histopathological investigations of the excised tissues demonstrated acantholysis and a subconjunctival infiltration with numerous inflammatory cells such as lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrophils. However, in contrast to typical VKC, mast cells and eosinophils were rarely found in the subconjunctival tissues. Direct immunofluorescent staining showed a significant deposition of immunoglobulin G and complement component 3 in the epithelial intercellular substance, consistent with mucosal-dominant PV. Then, the patient was hospitalized because of oral erosion exacerbation and malnutrition. Because of the patient's declining general condition, we administered an increasing dose of a systemic steroid with an intravenous immunoglobulin, after which his ocular lesions and symptoms improved. Conclusions: The histological conjunctival papilla findings were quite different from those of VKC papillae. If PV causes a lesion in a patient, systemic immunosuppression might be more effective than topical ophthalmic treatment because of overall immunological involvement.
Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies 3 Genomic Loci Significantly Associated With Serum Levels of Homoarginine
Authors: Kleber Marcus E. , Seppälä Ilkka , Pilz Stefan , Hoffmann Michael M. , Tomaschitz Andreas , Oksala Niku , Raitoharju Emma , Lyytikäinen Leo-Pekka , Mäkelä Kari-Matti , Laaksonen Reijo , Kähönen Mika , Raitakari Olli T. , Huang Jie , Kienreich Katharina , Fahrleitner-Pammer Astrid , Drechsler Christiane , Krane Vera , Boehm Bernhard O. , Koenig Wolfgang , Wanner Christoph , Lehtimäki Terho , März Winfried , Meinitzer Andreas
Published: September 2013

Background—

Low serum levels of the amino acid derivative, homoarginine, have been associated with increased risk of total and cardiovascular mortality. Homoarginine deficiency may be related to renal and heart diseases, but the pathophysiologic role of homoarginine and the genetic regulation of its serum levels are largely unknown.

Methods and Results—

In 3041 patients of the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study referred for coronary angiography and 2102 participants of the Young Finns Study (YFS), we performed a genome-wide association study to identify genomic loci associated with homoarginine serum levels and tested for associations of identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms with mortality in LURIC. We found genome-wide significant associations with homoarginine serum levels on chromosome 2 at the carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I locus, on chromosome 5 at the alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 locus, and on chromosome 15 at the glycine amidinotransferase locus, as well as a suggestive association on chromosome 6 at the Homo sapiens mediator complex subunit 23 gene/arginase I locus. All loci harbor enzymes located in the mitochondrium are involved in arginine metabolism. The strongest association was observed for rs1153858 at the glycine amidinotransferase locus with a
P
value of 1.25E-45 in the combined analysis and has been replicated in both the Die Deutsche Diabetes Dialyse Studie (4D study) and the Graz Endocrine Causes of Hypertension (GECOH) study.

Conclusions—

In our genome-wide association study, we identified 3 chromosomal regions significantly associated with serum homoarginine and another region with suggestive association, providing novel insights into the genetic regulation of homoarginine.
Frequency and Determinants of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Deployment Among Primary Prevention Candidates With Subsequent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the Community
Authors: Narayanan Kumar , Reinier Kyndaron , Uy-Evanado Audrey , Teodorescu Carmen , Chugh Harpriya , Marijon Eloi , Gunson Karen , Jui Jonathan , Chugh Sumeet S.
Published: September 2013

Background—

The prevalence rates and influencing factors for deployment of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) among subjects who eventually experience sudden cardiac arrest in the general population have not been evaluated.

Methods and Results—

Cases of adult sudden cardiac arrest with echocardiographic evaluation before the event were identified from the ongoing Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study (population approximately 1 million). Eligibility for primary ICD implantation was determined from medical records based on established guidelines. The frequency of prior primary ICD implantation in eligible subjects was evaluated, and ICD nonrecipients were characterized. Of 2093 cases (2003–2012), 448 had appropriate pre– sudden cardiac arrest left ventricular ejection fraction information available. Of these, 92 (20.5%) were eligible for primary ICD implantation, 304 (67.9%) were ineligible because of left ventricular ejection fraction >35%, and the remainder (52, 11.6%) had left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% but were ineligible on the basis of clinical guideline criteria. Among eligible subjects, only 12 (13.0%; 95% confidence interval, 6.1%–19.9%) received a primary ICD. Compared with recipients, primary ICD nonrecipients were older (age at ejection fraction assessment, 67.1±13.6 versus 58.5±14.8 years,
P
=0.05), with 20% aged ≥80 years (versus 0% among recipients,
P
=0.11). Additionally, a subgroup (26%) had either a clinical history of dementia or were undergoing chronic dialysis.

Conclusions—

Only one fifth of the sudden cardiac arrest cases in the community were eligible for a primary prevention ICD before the event, but among these, a small proportion (13%) were actually implanted. Although older age and comorbidity may explain nondeployment in a subgroup of these cases, other determinants such as socioeconomic factors, health insurance, patient preference, and clinical practice patterns warrant further detailed investigation.
Flow-Gradient Patterns in Severe Aortic Stenosis With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Eleid Mackram F. , Sorajja Paul , Michelena Hector I. , Malouf Joseph F. , Scott Christopher G. , Pellikka Patricia A.
Published: September 2013

Background—

Among patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved ejection fraction, those with low gradient (LG) and reduced stroke volume may have an adverse prognosis. We investigated the prognostic impact of stroke volume using the recently proposed flow-gradient classification.

Methods and Results—

We examined 1704 consecutive patients with severe AS (aortic valve area <1.0 cm
2
) and preserved ejection fraction (≥50%) using 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. Patients were stratified by stroke volume index (<35 mL/m
2
[low flow, LF] versus ≥35 mL/m
2
[normal flow, NF]) and aortic gradient (<40 mm Hg [LG] versus ≥40 mm Hg [high gradient, HG]) into 4 groups: NF/HG, NF/LG, LF/HG, and LF/LG. NF/LG (n=352, 21%), was associated with favorable survival with medical management (2-year estimate, 82% versus 67% in NF/HG;
P
<0.0001). LF/LG severe AS (n=53, 3%) was characterized by lower ejection fraction, more prevalent atrial fibrillation and heart failure, reduced arterial compliance, and reduced survival (2-year estimate, 60% versus 82% in NF/HG;
P
<0.001). In multivariable analysis, the LF/LG pattern was the strongest predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 3.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.71–6.22;
P
<0.001 versus NF/LG). Aortic valve replacement was associated with a 69% mortality reduction (hazard ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.39;
P
<0.0001) in LF/LG and NF/HG, with no survival benefit associated with aortic valve replacement in NF/LG and LF/HG.

Conclusions—

NF/LG severe AS with preserved ejection fraction exhibits favorable survival with medical management, and the impact of aortic valve replacement on survival was neutral. LF/LG severe AS is characterized by a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and reduced survival, and aortic valve replacement was associated with improved survival. These findings have implications for the evaluation and subsequent management of AS severity.
Cultural chameleons
Authors: Daenekindt Stijn , Roose Henk
Published: September 2013

This article investigates whether the cultural practices of socially mobile individuals are predominantly associated with social position of origin or with social position of destination. Using data representative of the Flemish population of Belgium ( n = 2,849), we find evidence of a substantial association with the social position of destination, which we argue to be both profound and superficial. By contrasting private and public practices, we find that (1) both private and public practices are predominantly related to social position of destination and (2) that public practices are more strongly correlated with social position of destination than private practices. This suggests that underlying cultural preferences are mainly associated with the secondary socialization context and, moreover, that in the public sphere socially mobile individuals overstress their conformity – probably to fit in – and in a way become cultural chameleons.
Race, Management Citizenship Behavior, and Employees’ Commitment and Well-Being
Authors: Maume David J. , Rubin Beth A. , Brody Charles J.
Published: September 2013

Previous research, building on Hodson’s concept of management citizenship behavior (MCB), has shown that managers’ operational and relational competence are positively related to important employee outcomes. In this article, we suggest and show how such behaviors vary by the race-specific character of manager–subordinate dyads. Drawing on organizational demography literature (that emphasizes ascriptive differences between superiors and subordinates) and literatures on racial stereotyping (that suggest ways in which minority supervisors are viewed as less competent than White supervisors), we test hypotheses that minority and White employees have different responses to minority and White managers’ MCBs. Analyses of the 2002 National Survey of the Changing Workforce reveal that in cross-race dyads managers’ relational competence significantly increases subordinates’ commitment and job satisfaction. Managers’ technical competence, in contrast, increases subordinates’ commitment, satisfaction, and (to a lesser extent) mental health, but only in same-race dyads. Our findings suggest that managers who competently organize the workplace and show respect for workers’ rights can potentially transcend racial differences in the workplace. In the process, worker well-being and employee commitment can be enhanced.
Guests and Hosts Revisited
Authors: Sirakaya-Turk Ercan , Nyaupane Gyan , Uysal Muzaffer
Published: September 2013

This study evaluates the impact of all-inclusive trip experiences of tourists on their prejudicial attitudes toward their host. All-inclusive German travelers were probed for their attitudes toward their host at the time of arrival and before departure. Reasons for the differences between arrival and departure attitude scores were explored via multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and regression analyses. As opposed to the intergroup contact hypothesis that tourism would reduce prejudice and increase cross-cultural understanding, the findings indicate that structured, all-inclusive tour experiences of this sample of tourists increase prejudicial attitudes toward their host. Exploring potential reasons for such differences in pre- and post-arrival scores, the study reports that overall satisfaction with the vacation, service quality factors and the nature of all-inclusive tour might be responsible for such results. Enhanced with qualitative data from key informants, likely reasons are cautiously speculated using contact hypothesis and the notion of “cultural bubble.”
Diabetes Self-Management and Leptin in Mexican Americans With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Brown Sharon A. , Kouzekanani Kamiar , García Alexandra A. , Orlander Philip R. , Hanis Craig L.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to (1) characterize leptin in Mexican Americans with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, (2) examine relationships among leptin and indicators of diabetes status (body mass index and A1C), and (3) explore the effects of a culturally tailored diabetes self-management education intervention on leptin.

Methods

In Starr County, an impoverished Texas-Mexico border community, 252 Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes were recruited to test a diabetes self-management education intervention culturally tailored in terms of language, dietary recommendations, social emphasis, family participation, and incorporation of cultural health beliefs. Groups of 8 participants were randomized to experimental or wait-listed control conditions. Outcomes were measured at 3, 6, and 12 months; by 12 months, 109 had complete leptin data.

Results

Most participants were women and, on average, 55 years of age, diagnosed with diabetes for 8 years, obese, and in poor glycemic control. Three variables—body mass index, sex, A1C—explained 36% of the variance in baseline leptin; there were no intervention effects on leptin. Sex, time, and gender × time interaction effects on leptin were statistically significant; greater increases in leptin over time occurred in women compared to men. In women, fasting blood glucose changes from baseline to 12 months significantly predicted leptin changes from baseline to 12 months; in men, body mass index changes predicted leptin change.

Conclusions

With increasing obesity rates, further research is warranted to determine if leptin is a useful intervention target in type 2 diabetes.
Being Transgender
Authors: Levitt Heidi M. , Ippolito Maria R.
Published: September 2013

In this interview-based study, we investigated the common social experiences and minority stressors related to being transgender. It is one of two articles that resulted from a grounded theory analysis of interviews with 17 participants who claimed a variety of transgender identities (e.g., cross-dresser, transman, transwoman, butch lesbian) and were from different regions in the United States. The interview was centered on how participants’ identities influenced their lives across different interpersonal contexts. Participants described developing a more complex understanding of gender because of the effect of their transgender status on others and the need to modify their gender presentation at times to secure their safety. In the workplace, their gender could overshadow their competence and, in the age of social media, was always at risk of becoming public. Seeking social support could be dangerous, and the process of transitioning was found to make safe spaces especially elusive. Also, open communication about sex and gender was found to be particularly important within successful intimate relationships. Our findings emphasized the tensions between a need to be respected and valued for oneself and one’s abilities with a need to mitigate the very real dangers of being visible or out as transgender in different contexts. Our research can be used to enhance health professionals’ understandings of transgender people’s life experiences, to identify salient minority stressors for further research exploration, and to advance advocacy.
Feasibility of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Use in Children Aged 5 to 12 Years
Authors: Andrade Agnes Carvalho , Magnavita Guilherme Moreira , Allegro Juleilda Valéria Brasil Nunes , Neto Carlos Eduardo Borges Passos , Lucena Rita de Cássia Saldanha , Fregni Felipe
Published: September 2013

Transcranial direct current stimulation is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that has been studied for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders in adults, with minimal side effects. The objective of this study is to report the feasibility, tolerability, and the short-term adverse effects of transcranial direct current stimulation in children from 5 to 12 years of age. It is a naturalistic study of 14 children who underwent 10 sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation as an alternative, off-label, and open-label treatment for various languages disorders. Frequency, intensity, adverse effects, and perception of improvement reported by parents were collected. The main side effects detected were tingling (28.6%) and itching (28.6%), acute mood changes (42.9%), and irritability (35.7%). Transcranial direct current stimulation is a feasible and tolerable technique in children, although studies regarding plastic and cognitive changes in children are needed to confirm its safety. In conclusion, this is a naturalistic report in which we considered transcranial direct current stimulation as feasible in children.
Individual and partner risk factors associated with abnormal cervical cytology among women in HIV-discordant relationships
Authors: Soh Jason , Rositch Anne F , Koutsky Laura , Guthrie Brandon L , Choi Robert Y , Bosire Rose K , Gatuguta Ann , Smith Jennifer S , Kiarie James , Lohman-Payne Barbara , Farquhar Carey
Published: September 2013

Individual and sexual partner characteristics may increase the risk of abnormal cervical cytology among women in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-discordant relationships. Papanicolaou smears were obtained in a prospective cohort of Kenyan HIV-discordant couples. Of 441 women, 283 (64%) were HIV-infected and 158 (36%) were HIV-uninfected with HIV-infected partners. Overall, 79 (18%) had low-grade and 25 (6%) high-grade cervical abnormalities. Male herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) seropositivity and lower couple socioeconomic status were associated with cervical abnormalities ( p < 0.05). HIV-uninfected women with HIV-infected male sex partners (CD4 > 350 cells/µL) had the lowest prevalence of high-grade cervical lesions. HIV-infected women (CD4 > 350 cells/µL) and HIV-uninfected women with HIV-infected partners (CD4 ≤ 350 cells/µL) were at similar intermediate risk ( p > 0.05), and HIV-infected women (CD4 ≤ 350 cells/µL) had significantly higher risk of high-grade cervical abnormalities ( p = 0.05). Women in HIV-discordant relationships have high rates of cervical lesions and this may be influenced by couple-level factors, including HIV status and CD4 count of the infected partner.
A comparison of machine learning methods for classification using simulation with multiple real data examples from mental health studies
Authors: Khondoker Mizanur , Dobson Richard , Skirrow Caroline , Simmons Andrew , Stahl Daniel
Published: September 2013

Background

Recent literature on the comparison of machine learning methods has raised questions about the neutrality, unbiasedness and utility of many comparative studies. Reporting of results on favourable datasets and sampling error in the estimated performance measures based on single samples are thought to be the major sources of bias in such comparisons. Better performance in one or a few instances does not necessarily imply so on an average or on a population level and simulation studies may be a better alternative for objectively comparing the performances of machine learning algorithms.

Methods

We compare the classification performance of a number of important and widely used machine learning algorithms, namely the Random Forests (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and k-Nearest Neighbour (kNN). Using massively parallel processing on high-performance supercomputers, we compare the generalisation errors at various combinations of levels of several factors: number of features, training sample size, biological variation, experimental variation, effect size, replication and correlation between features.

Results

For smaller number of correlated features, number of features not exceeding approximately half the sample size, LDA was found to be the method of choice in terms of average generalisation errors as well as stability (precision) of error estimates. SVM (with RBF kernel) outperforms LDA as well as RF and kNN by a clear margin as the feature set gets larger provided the sample size is not too small (at least 20). The performance of kNN also improves as the number of features grows and outplays that of LDA and RF unless the data variability is too high and/or effect sizes are too small. RF was found to outperform only kNN in some instances where the data are more variable and have smaller effect sizes, in which cases it also provide more stable error estimates than kNN and LDA. Applications to a number of real datasets supported the findings from the simulation study.
Globalization, Policy Reforms and Productivity Growth in Developing Countries: Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Bandara Yapa M.W.Y. , Karunaratne Neil D.
Published: September 2013

Sri Lanka’s economic policy strategies radically moved away from inward-looking import-substituting industrialization to outward-looking export-oriented industrialization (EOI) in 1977. The EOI strategy was implemented through a broad agenda of reforms including trade liberalization, privatization of state owned enterprises and financial deregulation. These reforms had a profound impact on productivity in the export oriented production sector (primarily manufacturing) and laid the foundation for rapid growth and structural change. This study empirically analyzes the impact of policy reforms on the total factor productivity (TFP) of manufacturing industries in Sri Lanka. A balanced panel data set of all 27 manufacturing industries over 21 years is used. The industry heterogeneity effects are taken into account through the validation of a fixed effects model. The empirical results confirm, in general, that post 1977 pursuit of the EOI strategy has resulted in TFP growth. However, in an uncertain investment and economic climate due to the ethnic conflict that has engulfed Sri Lanka, TFP growth has reversed dramatically since 1994. The findings reinforce the view that in order to increase productivity and growth in developing countries in this era of Globalization the pursuit of open economy policies alone is insufficient. Fostering of a stable political environment is also necessary.
On the Linkages among Ex-ante and Ex-post Volatility: Evidence from NSE Options Market (India)
Authors: Shaikh Imlak , Padhi Puja
Published: September 2013

This article investigates the cointegration level, and changes in the existence and direction of causality among volatilities. Vector autoregressive (VAR) model enables us to conduct Granger-causality and impulse response analysis, and determine the pattern of causality. The empirical findings uncover that ex-ante volatility best impounds the market-wide information to explain the ex-post volatility. Vector autoregression results make clear that unidirectional causality exists among ex-ante and ex-post volatilities. Impulse response analysis explains that realized volatility declines significantly initially in the first two periods and remains constant for all other periods. Findings, emphasizes that implied volatility is more informative on volatility forecasting, useful for successful volatility traders and pricing of options.
Book Review: Leaders on Leadership: Insights from Corporate India
Authors: Popli Sapna
Published: September 2013

All India Management Association, Leaders on Leadership: Insights from Corporate India. New Delhi, India: Response Business Books (SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd), 2012, 156 pp., ₹ 295 (ISBN 978-81-321-1049-1[PB])
Playing with Plug-ins
Authors: Thompson Douglas E.
Published: September 2013

In today’s complex music software packages, many features can remain unexplored and unused. Software plug-ins—available in most every music software package, yet easily overlooked in the software’s basic operations—are one such feature. In this article, I introduce readers to plug-ins and offer tips for purchasing plug-ins I have formulated, and provide three examples of plug-ins’ use in three common software packages.
Personalization in the health care system: do personal health budgets have an impact on outcomes and cost?
Authors: Jones Karen , Forder Julien , Caiels James , Welch Elizabeth , Glendinning Caroline , Windle Karen
Published: September 2013

Objectives

In England’s National Health Service, personal health budgets are part of a growing trend to give patients more choice and control over how health care services are managed and delivered. The personal health budget programme was launched by the Department of Health in 2009, and a three-year independent evaluation was commissioned with the aim of identifying whether the initiative ensured better health- and care-related outcomes and at what cost when compared to conventional service delivery.

Methods

The evaluation used a pragmatic controlled trial design to compare the outcomes and costs of patients selected to receive a personal health budget with those continuing with conventional support arrangements (control group). Just over 1000 individuals were recruited into the personal health budget group and 1000 into the control group in order to ensure sufficient statistical power, and followed for 12 months.

Results

The use of personal health budgets was associated with significant improvement in patients’ care-related quality of life and psychological wellbeing at 12 months. Personal health budgets did not appear to have an impact on health status, mortality rates, health-related quality of life or costs over the same period. With net benefits measured in terms of care-related quality of life on the adult social care outcome toolkit measure, personal health budgets were cost-effective: that is, budget holders experienced greater benefits than people receiving conventional services, and the budgets were worth the cost.

Conclusion

The evaluation provides support for the planned wider roll-out of personal health budgets in the English NHS after 2014 in so far as the localities in the pilot sample are representative of the whole country.
Why do women bloggers use social media? Recreation and information motivations outweigh engagement motivations
Authors: Chen Gina M
Published: September 2013

Analyses of survey results from a random sample of women bloggers ( N = 298) show three motivations drive women to use social media – information, engagement, and recreation. The recreation motivation outweighs the other two motivations in predicting frequency of social media use. However, when differences between Facebook, Twitter, and other social media were considered, results show women bloggers turn to social media in general for recreation, but to Facebook for engagement and to Twitter for information. Findings also show that psychological needs for affiliation and self-disclosure are related to the engagement motivation, and self-disclosure is associated with the information motivation. The results are discussed in relation to need theory.
Testing models of legislative decision-making with measurement error: The robust predictive power of bargaining models over procedural models
Authors: Leinaweaver Justin , Thomson Robert
Published: September 2013

Previous studies found that models emphasising legislative procedures make less accurate predictions of decision outcomes in the EU than the compromise model, a computationally simple variant of the Nash Bargaining Solution. In this journal, Slapin (2014) argues that this and other findings may be the result of measurement error. While acknowledging the importance of measurement error, we disagree with several assumptions in Slapin’s analysis, and show that his results are driven by an unrealistic assumption about how policy preferences are distributed among EU decision makers. We construct simulated data that more accurately reflect the distributions of policy preferences found in existing empirical evidence and suggested by theory, and demonstrate that measurement error is unlikely to have biased previous findings. If real-world decision-making took place according to the procedural model, then it would have made the most accurate predictions, even with data containing large amounts of measurement error. While this strengthens our confidence in previous studies’ findings, we explain why we should not discard procedural models.
Reification and compassion in medicine: A tale of two systems
Authors: Smajdor Anna
Published: September 2013

In this paper, I will explore ideas advanced by Bradshaw, Pence and others who have written on compassion in healthcare. I will attempt to see how and whether their assumptions about compassion can be justified, and explore the role compassion should play in a modern healthcare system. I will justify scepticism at the idea of attempting to incentivise compassion through metrics. The Francis Report raises important questions concerning the nature of a healthcare system that harms rather than helps patients. If something is failing in modern healthcare, those in charge should naturally seek to remedy it. I will investigate whether this is due to the disappearance of compassion, and if so, what is it that is emerging to fill its place. I will consider whether we need to rehabilitate or enforce compassion in the system, or to acknowledge that our modern healthcare systems are incompatible with compassion and how we can make the best of what remains.
Connecting Participant Observation Positions
Authors: McCurdy Patrick , Uldam Julie
Published: September 2013

In this article, we argue for the importance of considering participant observation roles in relation to both insider/outsider and overt/covert roles. Through combining key academic debates on participant observation, which have separately considered insider/outsider and overt/covert participant observation, we develop a reflexive framework to assist researchers in (1) locating the type of participant observation research; (2) identifying implications of participant observation for both the research and the subjects under study; and (3) reflecting on how one’s role as participant observer shifts over the course of fieldwork and considering the implications of this. To illustrate these dynamics, we draw on two examples from our own ethnographic research experiences in direct action anticapitalist movements.