bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-, Body Size-, and Sex-Specific Reference Values for Right Ventricular Volumes and Ejection Fraction by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Maffessanti Francesco , Muraru Denisa , Esposito Roberta , Gripari Paola , Ermacora Davide , Santoro Ciro , Tamborini Gloria , Galderisi Maurizio , Pepi Mauro , Badano Luigi P.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Right ventricular (RV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) vary significantly with demographic and anthropometric factors and are associated with poor prognosis in several cardiovascular diseases. This multicenter study was designed to (1) establish the reference values for RV volumes and EF using transthoracic three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography; (2) investigate the influence of age, sex, and body size on RV anatomy; (3) develop normative equations.

Methods and Results—

RV volumes (end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume), stroke volume, and EF were measured by 3D echocardiography in 540 healthy adult volunteers, prospectively enrolled, evenly distributed across age and sex. The relation of age, sex, and body size parameters was investigated using bivariate and multiple linear regression. Analysis was feasible in 507 (94%) subjects (260 women; age, 45±16 years; range, 18–90). Age, sex, height, and weight significantly influenced RV volumes and EF. Sex effect was significant (
P
<0.01), with RV volumes larger and EF smaller in men than in women. Older age was associated with lower volumes (end-diastolic volume, −5 mLdecade; end-systolic volume, −3 mL/decade; EF, −2 mL/decade) and higher EF (+1% per decade). Inclusion of body size parameters in the statistical models resulted in improved overall explained variance for volumes (end-diastolic volume,
R
2
=0.43; end-systolic volume,
R
2
=0.35; stroke volume,
R
2
=0.30), while EF was unaffected. Ratiometric and allometric indexing for age, sex, and body size resulted in no significant residual correlation between RV measures and height or weight.

Conclusions—

The presented normative ranges and equations could help standardize the 3D echocardiography assessment of RV volumes and function in clinical practice, considering the effects of age, sex, and body size.
Association Between Maternal Chronic Conditions and Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Liu Shiliang , Joseph K.S. , Lisonkova Sarka , Rouleau Jocelyn , Van den Hof Michiel , Sauve Reg , Kramer Michael S.
Published: June 2013

Background—

This study quantifies the association between maternal medical conditions/illnesses and congenital heart defects (CHDs) among infants.

Methods and Results—

We carried out a population-based study of all mother-infant pairs (n=2 278 838) in Canada (excluding Quebec) from 2002 to 2010 using data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. CHDs among infants were classified phenotypically through a hierarchical grouping of
International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Canada
codes. Maternal conditions such as multifetal pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and congenital heart disease were defined by use of diagnosis codes. The association between maternal conditions and CHDs and its subtypes was modeled using logistic regression with adjustment for maternal age, parity, residence, and other factors. There were 26 488 infants diagnosed with CHDs at birth or at rehospitalization in infancy; the overall CHD prevalence was 116.2 per 10 000 live births, of which the severe CHD rate was 22.3 per 10 000. Risk factors for CHD included maternal age ≥40 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–1.58), multifetal pregnancy (aOR, 4.53; 95% CI, 4.28–4.80), diabetes mellitus (type 1: aOR, 4.65; 95% CI, 4.13–5.24; type 2: aOR, 4.12; 95% CI, 3.69–4.60), hypertension (aOR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.61–2.03), thyroid disorders (aOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.26–1.67), congenital heart disease (aOR, 9.92; 95% CI, 8.36–11.8), systemic connective tissue disorders (aOR, 3.01; 95% CI, 2.23–4.06), and epilepsy and mood disorders (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16–1.72). Specific CHD subtypes were associated with different maternal risk factors.

Conclusions—

Several chronic maternal medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, connective tissue disorders, and congenital heart disease, confer an increased risk of CHD in the offspring.
Impact of Aortic Valve Replacement on Outcome of Symptomatic Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis With Low Gradient and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Ozkan Alper , Hachamovitch Rory , Kapadia Samir R. , Tuzcu E. Murat , Marwick Thomas H.
Published: June 2013

Background—

The optimal management of low-gradient “severe” aortic stenosis (mean gradient <40 mm Hg, indexed aortic valve area ≤0.6 cm
2
/m
2
) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction remains controversial because gradients may be similar after aortic valve replacement (AVR). We compared outcomes of low-gradient severe aortic stenosis with AVR or medical therapy.

Methods and Results—

Comprehensive echocardiographic measurements including hemodynamic calculations were completed in 260 prospectively identified patients with symptomatic low-gradient severe aortic stenosis. Patients were followed up for mortality over 28±24 months. AVR was performed in 123 patients (47%). Compared with AVR patients, medically treated patients had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (25% versus 41%,
P
=0.009), lower stroke volume index (36.4±8.4 versus 34.4±8.7 mL/m
2
,
P
=0.02), higher pulmonary artery pressure (38±11 versus 48±21 mm Hg,
P
=0.001), and higher creatinine level (1.1±0.4 versus 1.22±0.5 mg/dL,
P
=0.02). These and other clinically relevant variables were entered into a propensity model that reflected likelihood of referral to AVR. This score and other variables were entered into a Cox model to explore the independent effect of AVR on outcome. During follow-up, 105 patients died (40%): 32 (30%) in the AVR group and 73 (70%) in the medical treatment group. AVR (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.94;
P
<0.001) was independently associated with outcome and remained a strong predictor of survival after adjustment for propensity score. Medical therapy was associated with 2-fold greater all-cause mortality than AVR. The protective effect of AVR was similar in 125 patients with normal flow (stroke volume index >35 mL/m
2
;
P
=0.22).

Conclusions—

AVR is associated with better survival than medical therapy in patients with symptomatic low-gradient severe AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
Cocaine-Induced Vasoconstriction in the Human Coronary Microcirculation
Authors: Gurudevan Swaminatha V. , Nelson Michael D. , Rader Florian , Tang Xiu , Lewis Joshua , Johannes Jimmy , Belcik J. Todd , Elashoff Robert M. , Lindner Jonathan R. , Victor Ronald G.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Cocaine is a major cause of acute coronary syndrome, especially in young adults; however, the mechanistic underpinning of cocaine-induced acute coronary syndrome remains limited. Previous studies in animals and in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization suggest that cocaine constricts coronary microvessels, yet direct evidence is lacking.

Methods and Results—

We used myocardial contrast echocardiography to test the hypothesis that cocaine causes vasoconstriction in the human coronary microcirculation. Measurements were performed at baseline and after a low, nonintoxicating dose of intranasal cocaine (2 mg/kg) in 10 healthy cocaine-naïve young men (median age, 32 years). Postdestruction time-intensity myocardial contrast echocardiography kinetic data were fit to the equation y=A(1−e
−βt
) to quantify functional capillary blood volume (A), microvascular flow velocity (β), and myocardial perfusion (A×β). Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and left ventricular work (2-dimensional echocardiography) were measured before and 45 minutes after cocaine. Cocaine increased mean arterial pressure (by 14±2 mm Hg [mean±SE]), heart rate (by 8±3 bpm), and left ventricular work (by 50±18 mm Hg·mL
−1
·bpm
−1
). Despite the increases in these determinants of myocardial oxygen demand, myocardial perfusion decreased by 30% (103.7±9.8 to 75.9±10.8 arbitrary units [AU]/s;
P
<0.01) mainly as a result of decreased capillary blood volume (133.9±5.1 to 111.7±7.7 AU;
P
<0.05) with no significant change in microvascular flow velocity (0.8±0.1 to 0.7±0.1 AU).

Conclusions—

In healthy cocaine-naïve young adults, a low-dose cocaine challenge evokes a sizeable decrease in myocardial perfusion. Moreover, the predominant effect is to decrease myocardial capillary blood volume rather than microvascular flow velocity, suggesting a specific action of cocaine to constrict terminal feed arteries.
Risk of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Early Case Fatality Associated With Outpatient Antithrombotic Drug Use
Authors: Garbe Edeltraut , Kreisel Stefan H. , Behr Sigrid
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) accounts for <7% of all strokes, but is an enormous individual and societal burden. We investigated the risk of SAH associated with prior use of antithrombotic drugs and their influence on 30-day case fatality.

Methods—

We conducted a nested case–control study in a cohort of 13.4 million members of the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database. Ten controls were matched to each case hospitalized for SAH between July 2004 and November 2006 by health insurance, year of birth, and sex using risk set sampling. Exposure was assessed for the warfarin analog phenprocoumon, heparin, clopidogrel/ticlopidine, and acetylsalicylic acid. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for SAH were estimated by conditional logistic regression. Risk factors for 30-day case fatality were assessed in patients with SAH by logistic regression.

Results—

The nested case–control study included 2065 SAH cases and 20 649 matched controls. The risk of SAH was significantly increased for phenprocoumon (OR, 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–2.3), clopidogrel/ticlopidine (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.5), and for acetylsalicylic acid use (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2–2.0), but not for outpatient heparin use (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.5–2.7). The early case fatality of 22.8% was associated with an age >70 years (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.8–3.1) and arterial hypertension (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.6), but not with any of the antithrombotic drugs.

Conclusions—

Outpatient antithrombotic drug use was associated with an increased risk of SAH, but no association was observed with early case fatality.
The Complexion of Two Bodies. Part One: Nuance Drawn Out
Authors: Breaker Jeanine
Published: July 2013

Motion capture, eye-tracking and digital image capture technologies are rapidly replacing traditional life drawing practice. We are led to believe that such technologies provide high-quality movement-analysis resources, yet these new tools are only in the early developmental stages. The author employed cutting-edge movement-analysis technologies and traditional drawing practice to create a series of “transparent” key-frame drawings based on Muybridge-style movement sequences, depicting specificity of the skeleton and musculature at key anatomical landmarks as though seen through the skin to stimulate perception of both movement and structure simultaneously.
Tele Echo Tube
Authors: Kobayashi Hill Hiroki
Published: July 2013

Tele Echo Tube (TET) is a speaking tube installation that allows acoustic interaction with a deep mountain echo through the slightly vibrating lampshade-like interface. TET allows users to interact with the mountain echo in real time through an augmented echo sounding experience with the vibration over satellite data network. This novel interactive system can create an imaginable presence of a mythological creature in undeveloped natural locations beyond our cultural and imaginable boundaries.
Concepts, Water and Reflections on Practice
Authors: Seevinck Jen
Published: July 2013

This paper discusses the nature of the conceptual structure in art practice, by example. It draws on insights gained from a practice based research (PBR) approach to making art. The PBR methods used include Reflective Practice and are briefly described. They have informed an understanding of the conceptual structure as an instance of problem framing. This is demonstrated by two creative examples, taken from two interactive artworks. These were informed by an evolving conceptual structure concerned with water.
Context and genesis of the Lebanese amberiferous palaeoenvironments at the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition
Authors: Veltz Isabelle , Paicheler Jean-Claude , Maksoud Sibelle , Gèze Raymond , Azar Dany
Published: June 2013

The Lebanese amber is still the oldest for Gondwanaland and its fauna is relatively well studied; as to date about 180 taxa have been described from this material. Nevertheless, the formation of the different Lebanese amberiferous outcrops is not yet clearly understood. We propose a new hypothesis and interpretation for the formation of amber deposits in the Late Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous Lebanese sediments. We thus evoke the evolution of the stratigraphy and the geodynamical context that lead to the amber deposition. Indeed, tectonic complexity of what is now a part of the Middle East area existed since the Precambrian times and is still modeling its geology. We redefine as well Lebanon during the formation of its amber deposits, but we do not conclude on the real age of this amber.
Palaeoenvironmental and palaeoecological implications from body fossils and ovipositions of Odonata from the Eocene of Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Petrulevičius Julián F.
Published: June 2013

Odonata are beginning to be well recorded in the Eocene of Patagonia, Argentina. They are represented by body fossils and traces in three localities. Oviposition scars are recorded in Río Pichileufú (Lutetian: 47.7 Ma; Río Negro province) and Laguna del Hunco (Ypresian: 52.2 Ma; Chubut province), nymphs in Confluencia (Ypresian?; Río Negro), and adults (wings) in Laguna del Hunco. The absence of different stages in given localities could depend on different factors, such as as environmental, taphonomical and/or sampling bias. Laguna del Hunco is well sampled and the absence of nymphs seems to depend on taphonomical factors since there are other preimaginal aquatic inhabitants of the lake, such as Trichoptera nymph cases. Confluencia has not been well sampled and adults could be absent due to a sampling bias. The nymphs of Confluencia indicate a water body with low energy flux. Ovipositions in Laguna del Hunco and Río Pichileufú are made on terrestrial leaves of bushes and trees and have three different morphologies. Leaves are interpreted to be alive when oviposition was done as they show tissue reactions associated to the injuries. Wrinkled wings at Laguna del Hunco are interpreted to be signals of predation probably by birds or mammals.
Current knowledge of Coleoptera (Insecta) from the Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber and taxonomical notes for some Mesozoic groups
Authors: Kirejtshuk Alexander G. , Azar Dany
Published: June 2013

This paper overviews more than 39 families of fossil Coleoptera from Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber from nine outcrops. Lebanese amber contains the oldest representatives of the families Scydmaenidae (considered by some as a subfamily of Staphylinidae), Ptiliidae, Elodophalmidae, Clambidae, Throscidae, Lebanophytidae fam. n., Ptilodactylidae, Cantharidae, Melyridae, Dasytidae, Dermestidae, Ptinidae, Kateretidae, Erotylidae, Latridiidae, Laemophloeidae, Salpingidae, Anthicidae, Melandryidae, Aderidae, Curculionidae (Scolytinae). The families Chelonariidae and Scraptiidae are known from both Lebanese amber and Baissa, with both sites having a comparable age. The subfamilies Trechinae (Carabidae), Euaesthetinae (Staphylinidae) and Liparochrinae (Hybosoridae) first appear in the fossil record in Lebanese amber. The Coleoptera in Lebanese amber mostly belong to groups with arboreal habits (as found today in wood and tree fungi).Eochelonarium bellegen. et sp. n.,Rhizophtoma synchrotronicasp. n.,Rhizobactron marinaegen et sp. n. andAtetrameropsis subglobosagen. et sp. n. are described from Lebanese amber. A new subfamily in the family Cerophytidae is proposed forAphytocerus communisZherichin, 1977 (Aphytocerinae subfam. n.) and new genusBaissopsisgen.nov. is erected forBaissophytum amplusChang, Kirejtshuk et Ren, 2011. Also a new interpretation of the taxon “Lasiosynidae” is provided by placing it as a subfamily in the family Eulichadidae with two genera (LasiosyneTan, Ren et Shih, 2007 andBupredactylaKirejtshuk, Chang, Ren et Shih, 2010), while the other genera initially regarded as “Lasiosynidae” were tentatively transferred into Eulichadinae sensu n. (MesodascillaMartynov, 1926;TarsomegamerusZhang, 2005;BrachysyneTan et Ren, 2009;AnacapitisYan, 2009;ParelateriformiusYan et Wang, 2010 andCretasyneYan, Wang et Zhang, 2013) with the new synonymy ofTarsomegamerusandParelateriformiussyn. n. The genusMesaplusHong, 1983 described in the family Triaplidae is also transvered to Eulichadinae. The generaArtematopoditesPonomarenko, 1990;DzeregiaPonomarenko, 1985 andGlaphyropteroidesHandlirsch, 1906 proposed for species known only by separate elytra and recently included in the “family” Lasiosynidae (Yan et al., 2013) are regarded as Elateriformiaincertae sedis. The first insect from the newly discovered outcrops of Nabaa Es-Sukkar – Brissa: Caza (District) Sir Ed-Danniyeh, Mouhafazet (Governorate) Loubnan Esh-Shimali (North Lebanon) is described and the first general description of this outcrop is made.
Ommatin beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) from the Lower Cretaceous of northeast China and southern England
Authors: Jarzembowski E. A. , Yan E. V. , Wang B. , Zhang H.
Published: June 2013

Lower Cretaceous beetles belonging to the extant tribe Ommatini (Coleoptera: Cupedidae: Ommatinae) are revised and six new species proposed in the extinct Eurasian genusCionocoleus:Cionocoleus tanaesp. n.,Cionocoleus olympicussp. n. (Yixian Formation, China);Cionocoleus elizabethaesp. n.,Cionocoleus watsonisp. n.,Cionocoleus minimussp. n. (Weald Clay Group, UK); andCionocoleus jepsonisp. n. (Purbeck Limestone Group, UK). New morphological data is provided forCionocoleus magicusandCionocoleus cervicalisstat. n. of whichCionocoleus planiusculusis considered a synonym (Yixian Formation).Cionocoleus punctatuscomb. n. is considered the oldest record (Upper Jurassic; Kazakhstan) of this presumably xylophagous, warm climate genus. A simple key is provided to all known species ofCionocoleus.
On the taxonomic position of new taxa of the subfamily Eumolpinae (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) from Baltic amber
Authors: Moseyko Alexey G. , Kirejtshuk Alexander G.
Published: June 2013

Taphioporusgen. n. with the type speciesT. balticussp. n. and the new species,Colaspoides eocenicussp. n., from Baltic amber are described. The distinctness of the new genus makes the former definitions of the tribes Euryopini Lefèvre, 1885 and Typophorini Baly, 1865 problematic because the presence or absence of the preapical emargination on the meso- and metatibiae is the only distinguishing character.
Voices Yet to Be Heard: On Listening to the Last Speakers of Jewish Malayalam
Authors: Gamliel Ophira
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Jewish history in Kerala, the southernmost state in modern India, goes back to as early as the tenth century CE. In the mid-twentieth century, Kerala Jews migrated en masse to Israel, leaving behind but a handful of their community members and remnants of eight communities, synagogues, and cemeteries. The paper presents a preliminary attempt to describe and analyze the language—so far left undocumented and unexplored—still spoken by Kerala Jews in Israel, based on a language documentation project carried out in 2008 and 2009. In light of the data collected and studied so far, it is clear that the language in question fits nicely into the Jewish languages spectrum, while at the same time it fits perfectly into the linguistic mosaic of castolects in Kerala. Though the linguistic database described here reflects a language in its last stages, it affords salvaging the remnants of a once rich oral heritage and opens new channels for the study of the history, society, and culture of Kerala Jews.
Two genera Foersteria Szépligeti, 1896 and Polydegmon Foerster, 1862 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Brachistinae) from China, with description of a new species
Authors: YAN CHENG-JIN , HE JUN-HUA , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: July 2013

The genera Foersteria Szépligeti, 1896 and Polydegmon Foerster, 1862 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Brachistinae) are re-corded for the first time from China. A new species, Foersteria xinjiangensis Yan & Chen, sp. nov., is described and il-lustrated. A key to the Palaearctic species of Foersteria is given. In addition, Polydegmon sinuatus Foerster, 1862 is illustrated in detail for the first time.
Preanalytical stringency: what factors may confound interpretation of thiopurine S-methyl transferase enzyme activity?
Authors: van Egmond Remco , Barclay Murray L , Chin Paul K L , Sies Christiaan W , Florkowski Christopher M
Published: June 2013

Background

Measurement of red blood cell thiopurine S-methyl transferase (TPMT) enzyme activity before commencing thiopurine therapy is recommended to avoid severe bone marrow suppression in TPMT-deficient patients. Patient's samples go through preanalytical transportation and storage steps before measurement. We studied patient's TPMT activity sample data to assess the effect of preanalytical variables including transportation time.

Methods

A total of 8524 TPMT enzyme activity analyses were conducted from 2002 to 2010 in a single laboratory, with samples sent from seven centres throughout New Zealand. TPMT activity was correlated with time of arrival at the reference laboratory, patient gender and age and centre of sample collection.

Results

The 6348 (74%) selected TPMT measurements that fulfilled selection criteria ranged from 0 to 25.8 IU/mL. Median delay to sample analysis was 42 h. Median TPMT activity was significantly lower for all centres compared with the reference centre ( P < 0.001). Delay in sample arrival was significantly and independently correlated with TPMT enzyme activity (ANCOVA; P < 0.001), which showed a 0.011 (95% CI, 0.008–0.014) IU/mL decrease per extra hour of delay. After correcting for these data, one centre still had a significantly lower TPMT enzyme activity compared with the reference centre.

Conclusions

There was a significant negative correlation between TPMT enzyme activity and delay from sample collection to analysis. Transportation time is therefore an important preanalytical variable influencing TPMT activity. Samples from one centre had a lower TPMT activity after correcting for transportation delay, suggesting that other factors related to sample processing may also be relevant.
Terrorism and government: Between history and criminology
Authors: Finnane Mark
Published: June 2013

Incontestably the decade since 9/11 has been the age of terrorism. Or has it? In this lecture we consider terrorism as an object of government and of academic research. In arguing that law and criminology have been the pre-eminent disciplines attending to governmental responses to terrorism we note that their interventions have been significant in both their critical stance and in their impact in shaping discourse about the tactics and limits of counter-terrorism, particularly legislation and its uses. But what understanding of the broader role of government in responding to terrorism emerges from such a literature? And what histories are available to inform such an understanding? Existing historical accounts of Australian security and intelligence as a response to political violence and terrorism are for the most part dominated by Cold War politics and ideology, especially through their preoccupation with the politics of intelligence organisations. Increasing availability of security archives, together with a more international view of the context of Australian counter-terrorism histories, provide a sounder base for assessing the emergence of terrorism as an object of government attention since the 1970s.
Change and stability in ethnic diversity across urban communities: Explicating the influence of social cohesion on perceptions of disorder
Authors: Zahnow Renee , Wickes Rebecca , Haynes Michele , Mazerolle Lorraine
Published: June 2013

A growing body of research shows that perceived community disorder is not solely driven by crime, but is influenced by the community’s social cohesion and ethnic composition. Drawing on two waves of survey data from 2509 and 2651 individuals in Wave 1 and Wave 2 respectively, living in 71 communities in Brisbane Australia, we examine changes in ethnic composition over two time periods and how these changes influence perceived neighbourhood disorder. We also test whether or not social cohesion mediates these associations. Our findings indicate that high proportions of Indigenous residents and high levels of reported crime averaged across time are associated with greater perceived disorder. Whereas increases in household income over time are associated with lower perceived disorder. We also find that social cohesion is strongly associated with perceived disorder over time, but does not mediate the relationship between the racial and ethnic composition of the community and disorder. Yet when a community’s social cohesion is considered, the effect of increasing household income becomes non-significant.
Public trust in the police in Taiwan: A test of instrumental and expressive models
Authors: Sun Ivan Y , Jou Susyan , Hou Charles C , Chang Yao-chung (Lennon)
Published: June 2013

Although public assessments of the police have become the focal concern of a substantial amount of research efforts since the 1970s, a very small number of studies have analysed public opinions on the Taiwan police. Using survey data collected from three cities and two counties in 2010, this study expands the existing literature by assessing whether Taiwan residents’ perceptions are distinguishable in terms of procedural-based trust and outcome-based trust and whether both the instrumental and expressive models are predictive of Taiwanese trust in the police. Findings revealed that the Taiwanese tended to conflate procedural-based and outcome-based trust. Both the instrumental model (concerns about safety) and the expressive model (trust in neighbours and perceived quality of life) were significantly linked to Taiwanese trust in the police. Satisfaction with government performance and media influence were also predictive of police trustworthiness. Directions for future research and policy are discussed.
The Governance Challenges of Corporate Political Activity
Authors: Dahan Nicolas M. , Hadani Michael , Schuler Douglas A.
Published: June 2013

This article explains the rationale for study of the governance challenges of corporate political activity. The topic is important, especially in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, but understudied to date. The authors review the literature bearing on this topic. The authors separate consideration of the topic into macro-level and micro-level issues. The macro level concerns the societal perspective. At this level, key research questions concern whether corporate political activity be allowed, and how it should be regulated. The micro level covers managerial and shareholder control over corporate political activity. At this level, key research questions include concern whether the firm should practice political activity and how to regulate practice through professional self-regulation, ethical guidelines, and corporate governance systems control. The remainder of this article contains focused summaries of the articles selected for this Special Issue. Each article is introduced and evaluated against the key research questions at the macro or micro levels of analysis.
Fitwits
Authors: Wislo Valerie M. P. , McGaffey Ann , Scopaz Kristen A. , D’Amico Frank J. , Jewell Ilene Katz , Bridges Michael W. , Hogan Linda , Hughes Kristin
Published: June 2013

Objective. To evaluate the Fitwits MD office tool and games for obesity discussions with 9- to 12-year-olds. Methods. A nonrandomized intervention study using pre- and posttest assessments in 2 residency programs compared 31 control group and 55 intervention physicians (34 previously trained, 21 newly trained to use Fitwits). Surveys addressed comfort and competence regarding: obesity prevention and treatment, nutrition, exercise, portion size, body mass index (BMI), and the term “obesity.” We surveyed all groups at baseline and 5 months (post 1) and new trainees 3 months later (post 2). Results. In post 1, prior trainees reported significantly increased comfort and competence for discussing obesity prevention, portion size, BMI, and “obesity.” In post 2, new trainees reported significantly increased comfort and competence discussing obesity prevention and treatment, portion size, and BMI. Conclusions. Experience using Fitwits improved residency-based physician comfort and competence in obesity prevention and treatment, portion size, BMI, and “obesity” discussions with preadolescents.
Team Knowledge Representation
Authors: Espinosa J. Alberto , Clark Mark A.
Published: June 2013

Objective:

We propose a network perspective of team knowledge that offers both conceptual and methodological advantages, expanding explanatory value through representation and measurement of component structure and content.

Background:

Team knowledge has typically been conceptualized and measured with relatively simple aggregates, without fully accounting for differing knowledge configurations among team members. Teams with similar aggregate values of team knowledge may have very different team dynamics depending on how knowledge isolates, cliques, and densities are distributed across the team; which members are the most knowledgeable; who shares knowledge with whom; and how knowledge clusters are distributed.

Method:

We illustrate our proposed network approach through a sample of 57 teams, including how to compute, analyze, and visually represent team knowledge.

Results:

Team knowledge network structures (isolation, centrality) are associated with outcomes of, respectively, task coordination, strategy coordination, and the proportion of team knowledge cliques, all after controlling for shared team knowledge.

Conclusion:

Network analysis helps to represent, measure, and understand the relationship of team knowledge to outcomes of interest to team researchers, members, and managers. Our approach complements existing team knowledge measures.

Application:

Researchers and managers can apply network concepts and measures to help understand where team knowledge is held within a team and how this relational structure may influence team coordination, cohesion, and performance.
Experiences from the implementation of a comprehensive development plan for user involvement in a mental health hospital: A qualitative case study
Authors: Rise Marit B , Solbjør Marit , Steinsbekk Aslak
Published: June 2013

Background:

Few studies have investigated user involvement initiatives in whole organizations. The aim was to explore the experiences of professionals and user representatives taking part in the implementation of a user involvement plan.

Materials:

A qualitative study in a mental health hospital included interviews and observational data.

Discussion:

Three different stories emerged. The first described the implementation as a success. The second described the implementation as a success, but after overcoming several obstacles. The third described that the development plan had limited impact.

Conclusions:

Close attention should be made to decision-making and resource allocation when implementing user involvement.
Power and Influence of Islam-Based Political Parties in Bangladesh: Perception versus Reality
Authors: Jahan Ferdous , Shahan Asif M
Published: June 2013

Bangladesh has received scholarly attention about the extent and nature of Islamism in the political domain. We argue that, to analyze the significance of religion in the political process, it is essential to consider the role of religion in both influencing the policy and electoral outcome. Based on an in-depth qualitative study during the most recent election of 2008, we review previous elections results and the policy influence of religion-based parties; we argue that, in Bangladesh, Islamic parties’ policy influence is very high and electoral success is very low. A deeply entrenched civil religion in the form of nationalistic identity bars religion from playing a significant role in influencing the voting behavior of the citizens. The mainstream political parties have so far failed to recognize the significance of this civil religion.
Characterization of torsion behavior and fracture morphology of single carbon fiber
Authors: Liu Ya-Nan , Li Min , Gu Yizhuo , Zhang Zuoguang
Published: June 2013

A novel approach for evaluating the torsional performance of single carbon fiber filament was established based on a self-designed apparatus. The number of torsion turns and twist angle at fracture from the direct torsion failure test were defined to characterize the torsion-bearing capacity of single carbon fiber. The fiber fracture strain under torsion stress was calculated based on a single fiber torsional deformation model and was compared with the fiber elongation in tension, which showed that the toughness of carbon fiber under torsion shear stress was inferior to its resistance to tensile stress. In addition, the resistance of carbon fiber to torsion shear stress was changed after changing the fiber surface structure by removing the sizing agent or coating the fiber surface with epoxy resin. The established method will enrich the existing research work on mechanical properties of carbon fiber as well as those for different types of fibers.
The Influence of Status on the Relationship between Intergroup Contact, Threat, and Prejudice in the Context of a Nation-building Intervention in Malaysia
Authors: Ramiah Ananthi Al , Hewstone Miles , Little Todd D. , Lang Kyle
Published: June 2013

We assessed whether intergroup contact at a nation-building intervention in Malaysia improved participants’ perceptions of threat and outgroup evaluations and whether this process was conceptually moderated by group status in a three-group setting. We found evidence of a strong relationship between post-intervention contact and post-intervention outgroup evaluations in all groups and evidence of indirect effects of post-intervention contact on outgroup evaluations by symbolic threat for the minority groups rating the majority group. We found that in the context of institutional inequalities, integrated threat theory may not be sufficiently complex to uncover the processes that underlie the contact–attitude link for majority groups rating minority groups. Further, we found indirect effects of post-intervention contact on outgroup evaluations via realistic threat for interminority group ratings. Thus, we elucidate some of the different mechanisms that underlie the intergroup perceptions of majority and minority group members.
Reassessing American Casualty Sensitivity
Authors: Kriner Douglas L. , Shen Francis X.
Published: June 2013

Scholars have long conceptualized public support for war as the product of a cost–benefit calculation in which combat casualties factor significantly. This article argues that, when calculating the human costs of conflict, Americans care about more than just the number of war dead; they also care about the distribution of those casualties across society. Using two original survey experiments, we show that inequalities in sacrifice affect Americans’ casualty sensitivity. We find strong evidence that learning about socioeconomic inequalities in casualties in previous wars decreases Americans’ casualty tolerance toward future military endeavors. These effects are stronger for some mission types, particularly non-humanitarian interventions, than others. The effects are also concentrated among Americans from states that suffered high casualty rates in the Iraq War. Our results suggest that raising public awareness of inequalities in wartime sacrifice could significantly strengthen popular constraints on policy makers contemplating military solutions to future crises.
The Trend in SLD Enrollments and the Role of RTI
Authors: Zirkel Perry A.
Published: July 2013

Based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data, this article presents the enrollment figures for students identified with specific learning disabilities (SLD) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for the school years from 1995–1996 to 2011–2012. The figures for each year are (a) the number of students with SLD ages 6 to 21, (b) the percentage in relation to students classified under all of the IDEA classifications, and (c) the percentage in relation to total K–12 school enrollments. The discussion examines these trends and explores the possible reasons for them.
Spinoza and the Theory of Active Tolerance
Authors: Tønder Lars
Published: June 2013

This paper considers the politics of tolerance through the lens of Spinoza’s philosophy of immanence. The contention is that Spinoza’s philosophy of immanence provides us with a better conceptualization of the relationship between tolerance and power, and that it in so doing reinvigorates a theory of active tolerance that, for the most part, has been lost in contemporary democratic theory. Spinoza’s philosophy of immanence does so because it animates a sensorial orientation to politics, one that heightens our attention to the affective components of political life, enabling us to better theorize how all modes of existence, including the so-called passive ones, harbor a degree of power that can be mobilized for purposes that go beyond the “non-practice” highlighted by advocates and critics of tolerance in contemporary democratic theory. The paper develops this argument with ongoing reference to Marcuse’s critique of tolerance.
Case marking in Hungarian children with specific language impairment
Authors: Lukács Ágnes , Kas Bence , Leonard Laurence B.
Published: June 2013

This study examines whether children with specific language impairment (SLI) acquiring a language with a rich case marking system (Hungarian) have difficulty with case, and, if so, whether the difficulty is comparable for spatial and nonspatial meanings. Data were drawn from narrative samples and from a sentence repetition task. Suffixes were tested both in their spatial and nonspatial meanings. Participants with SLI were compared to same-age peers and younger typically developing children matched on receptive vocabulary scores (VC children). Results show that although case marking errors are very rare in spontaneous speech in Hungarian children with SLI, the number of case-marked nouns and of different case markers is significantly lower in children with SLI. In the elicited production task, overall performance of the children with SLI was significantly below that of VC children, but children with SLI and VC children scored higher with spatial than with nonspatial meanings. The results are in line with expectations based on processing accounts which posit greater difficulties with less transparent details of grammar.
Regional development, equality and gender: Moving towards more inclusive and socially sustainable measures
Authors: Perrons Diane , Dunford Robin
Published: June 2013

As the efficacy of the neoliberal model is now in question this is an appropriate moment to consider ‘what kind of regional development and for whom?’, or, as the authors interpret it, what kind of development model would be inclusive and economically and socially sustainable. Current indicators of regional performance are based on growth alone, overlook distribution and so misrepresent the performance of regions in terms of social well-being. An alternative, more inclusive measure of regional development and a gender sensitive variant are calculated for UK regions. On these measures London falls from the top ranked region to a middle rank on the regional development indicator and on the gender sensitive variant falls to the lowest position, arguably better reflecting the experience of life in this region. Optimistically, use of these measures would lead to more inclusive models of development that would render the more contentious social, redistributive policies less necessary.
Attachment and Parental Divorce
Authors: Fraley R. Chris , Heffernan Marie E.
Published: June 2013

One of the assumptions of attachment theory is that disruptions in parental relationships are prospectively related to insecure attachment patterns in adulthood. The majority of research that has evaluated this hypothesis, however, has been based on retrospective reports of the quality of relationships with parents—research that is subject to retrospective biases. In the present research, the authors examined the impact of parental divorce—an event that can be assessed relatively objectively—on attachment patterns in adulthood across two samples. The data indicate that parental divorce has selective rather than diffuse implications for insecure attachment. Namely, parental divorce was more strongly related to insecure relationships with parents in adulthood than insecure relationships with romantic partners or friends. In addition, parental insecurity was most pronounced when parental divorce took place in early childhood. This finding is consistent with hypotheses about sensitive periods in attachment development.
Changing Me to Keep You
Authors: Slotter Erica B. , Lucas Gale M. , Jakubiak Brett , Lasslett Heather
Published: June 2013

Individuals sometimes alter their self-views to be more similar to others—traditionally romantic partners—because they are motivated to do so. A common motivating force is the desire to affiliate with a partner. The current research examined whether a different motivation—romantic jealousy—might promote individuals to alter their self-views to be more similar to a romantic rival, rather than a partner. Romantic jealousy occurs when individuals perceive a rival as a threat to their relationship and motivates individuals to defend their relationship. We proposed that one novel way that individuals might defend their relationship is by seeing themselves as more similar to a perceived romantic rival. We predicted individuals would alter their self-views to be more similar to a rival that they believed their partner found attractive. Importantly, we predicted that state romantic jealousy would motivate these self-alterations. Three studies confirmed these hypotheses.
Direct Likelihood Analysis and Multiple Imputation for Missing Item Scores in Multilevel Cross-Classification Educational Data
Authors: Kadengye Damazo T. , Ceulemans Eva , Van den Noortgate Wim
Published: June 2013

Multiple imputation (MI) has become a highly useful technique for handling missing values in many settings. In this article, the authors compare the performance of a MI model based on empirical Bayes techniques to a direct maximum likelihood analysis approach that is known to be robust in the presence of missing observations. Specifically, they focus on handling of missing item scores in multilevel cross-classification item response data structures that may require more complex imputation techniques, and for situations where an imputation model can be more general than the analysis model. Through a simulation study and an empirical example, the authors show that MI is more effective in estimating missing item scores and produces unbiased parameter estimates of explanatory item response theory models formulated as cross-classified mixed models.
Highly Skilled Workers and Employment Risks
Authors: D’Amours Martine , Legault Marie-Josée
Published: June 2013

This paper analyzes the construction of risk and its effects on three groups of highly skilled professionals doing project work (video game designers, freelance journalists, and performing artists). Our results reveal that high qualifications are not a universal protective factor in the risk society. They suggest, rather, that the political economy of the various markets in which knowledge workers offer their services, as well as the institutions that structure these markets—or do not—is at least as important in determining the fate that awaits them when they are old or sick and that these other factors help create, among these highly skilled workers, a variety of risk societies.
Logic and the Organization of Information – an appreciation of the book of this title by Martin Frické. A set of short essays
Authors: Gilchrist Alan , Zeng Marcia Lei , Dextre Clarke Stella , Isaac Antoine , Lambe Patrick , Vernau Judi
Published: July 2013

The Journal of Information Science does not normally carry book reviews, but when the Editor received a copy of Martin Frické’s book, Logic and the Organization of Information, he thought it was too interesting to ignore. It succinctly encapsulates years of accumulated research and practice in the field, while also adding ‘logic’ into the mix. He asked me if I could think of a suitable way of acknowledging the work, and I proposed a collection of short pieces by prominent people in the information science community. This is not, then, a review; more a salute to the author for making explicit the fundamental relationship between the ancient disciplines of logic and knowledge organization.
An (In)convenient Truce? Paralympic Stakeholders’ Reflections on the Olympic–Paralympic Relationship
Authors: Purdue David E. J.
Published: June 2013

Formal contractual agreements between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) evince the closer relationship that has been negotiated in recent times between the governing bodies of the Olympic and Paralympic sporting movements. This article explores the IOC–IPC relationship using Paralympic stakeholder perspectives, gathered via semistructured interviews. Utilizing Bourdieusian theory, these insights are analyzed and highlight the complex contestation for multiple forms of capital that occurs at the intersection of Olympic and Paralympic sport. Discussion focuses on perceived similarities between the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, before considering IOC–IPC contractual and economic relationships. Finally, concerns are voiced that to market Paralympians as the same as Olympians risks marginalizing certain individuals with impairments, and alienating disabled people in general.
Young Women’s Experiences With Complementary Therapies During Cancer Described Through Illness Blogs
Authors: Keim-Malpass Jessica , Albrecht Tara A. , Steeves Richard H. , Danhauer Suzanne C.
Published: July 2013

Many young women with cancer have a high symptom burden and negative psychosocial consequences as a result of their disease. To offset some of these experiences, a growing number of young women with cancer are writing about their experience with complementary therapies through online illness blogs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine descriptions of complementary therapy use among young women (diagnosed between 20 and 39 years of age) who maintained an online cancer blog. Women’s narratives describe several themes of the experience of using complementary therapies including awakening, new identities (that incorporate loss), the good stuff, and release. Online illness blogs allow researchers to understand the complete experience of the patient through personal accounts and substantially contributes to the body of knowledge surrounding cancer in young adulthood and complementary therapy use.