bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Calcium-Sensing Receptor in Cardiac Injury of Hereditary Epileptic Rats
Authors: Li Lei , Chen Fan , Cao Yong-gang , Qi Han-ping , Huang Wei , Wang Ye , Jing Shan , Sun Hong-li
Published: January 2015

Background: It has been reported that epilepsy leads to cardiac injury, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Studies indicated that the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is involved in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. However, the role of CaSR in epilepsy-induced cardiac injury remains unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CaSR on cardiac injury of hereditary epileptic rats. Methods: The tremor (TRM) rat was used as an epilepsy model. Apoptotic rate, collagen volume fraction, and the expression of CaSR, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagen I and collagen III protein were analyzed. Results: The results showed that the CaSR protein was increased in TRM rat hearts. Cardiac apoptosis and fibrosis were also observed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Masson's trichrome staining, respectively. Further results demonstrated that the expression of Bax, caspase-3, P-JNK, P-p38, TGF-β1, CTGF, collagen I and collagen III protein were upregulated, whereas Bcl-2 and P-ERK were downregulated in TRM rat hearts. Moreover, these deleterious changes were further aggravated by GdCl3 and attenuated by NPS-2390. Conclusions: Our results suggest that CaSR promotes cardiac apoptosis and fibrosis in TRM rat through the induction of mitochondrial and MAPK pathways as well as the activation of TGF-β1 and CTGF.
Atrial Fibrillation in Young Ischemic Stroke Patients: An Underestimated Cause?
Authors: Šaňák Daniel , Hutyra Martin , Král Michal , Bártková Andrea , Zapletalová Jana , Fedorco Marián , Veverka Tomáš , Vindiš David , Dorňák Tomáš , Skála Tomáš , Školoudík David , Táborský Miloš , Kaňovský Petr
Published: January 2015

Background: Undetected atrial fibrillation (AF) is often suspected as the possible cause in patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke (IS), especially in elderly population. In young IS patients, the prevalence of AF, particularly paroxysmal form, remains still not enough established. Our aim was to assess the presence of AF in young patients using a long-term electrocardiography (ECG) Holter monitoring. Methods: The study set consisted of acute IS patients ≤50 years enrolled in the prospective HISTORY (Heart and Ischemic STrOke Relationship studY) study (NCT01541163). In all patients, admission ECG, serum cardiac markers, transesophageal echocardiography, 24-h and 3-week ECG Holter monitoring were performed. Results: Out of 634 enrolled patients in the HISTORY study, 98 were ≤50 years (56 males, mean age 39.7 ± 8.4). In total, AF was detected in 10.2% of patients and 70% of them had a paroxysmal form of AF. The elevated serum cardiac markers were present in 70% of patients with detected AF (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: AF was detected in 10.2% of young stroke patients and paroxysmal form of AF prevailed. Using of long-term ECG Holter monitoring improved the detection of AF. Patients with presence of AF had more frequently elevated serum specific cardiac markers.
Unbalanced Translocations Involving Chromosome Region 10q25.3q26.3 in Patients with Intellectual Disability and Complex Phenotypes
Authors: Hryshchenko Nataliya V. , Bychkova Ganna M. , Tavokina Lyubov V. , Brovko Anton O. , Graziano Claudio , Soloviov Oleksandr O. , Hettinger Joe A. , Patsalis Philippos C. , Lurie Iosif W. , Livshits Ludmila A.
Published: January 2015

We describe 2 Ukrainian families with unbalanced reciprocal translocations (RTs) involving the distal part of chromosome 10q. In both families, the fathers were healthy carriers of the RT. Two affected patients from the first family had an ∼2.3-Mb loss at 10q26.3 and an ∼25-Mb gain at 2q35qter, and the patient from the other family had an ∼12.5-Mb loss at 5p15.2pter and an ∼18-Mb gain at 10q25.3q26.3. We assume that intellectual disability (ID) in association with congenital anomalies observed in our patients was the result of the cumulative effect of both gains and losses of the chromosomal regions involved in each translocation. Comparison of the sizes of the deleted and duplicated segments in our families as well as in other published families with translocations affecting the distal part of 10q showed that generally deletions seem to be ∼2 times more harmful than duplications of the same size. The data obtained here may contribute to improve the diagnosis and genetic counseling of families with similar chromosomal imbalances.
Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD)
Authors: Collins Gary S. , Reitsma Johannes B. , Altman Douglas G. , Moons Karel G.M.
Published: January 2015

Background—

Prediction models are developed to aid health care providers in estimating the probability or risk that a specific disease or condition is present (diagnostic models) or that a specific event will occur in the future (prognostic models), to inform their decision making. However, the overwhelming evidence shows that the quality of reporting of prediction model studies is poor. Only with full and clear reporting of information on all aspects of a prediction model can risk of bias and potential usefulness of prediction models be adequately assessed.

Methods—

The Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) Initiative developed a set of recommendations for the reporting of studies developing, validating, or updating a prediction model, whether for diagnostic or prognostic purposes. This article describes how the TRIPOD Statement was developed. An extensive list of items based on a review of the literature was created, which was reduced after a Web-based survey and revised during a 3-day meeting in June 2011 with methodologists, health care professionals, and journal editors. The list was refined during several meetings of the steering group and in e-mail discussions with the wider group of TRIPOD contributors.

Results—

The resulting TRIPOD Statement is a checklist of 22 items, deemed essential for transparent reporting of a prediction model study. The TRIPOD Statement aims to improve the transparency of the reporting of a prediction model study regardless of the study methods used. The TRIPOD Statement is best used in conjunction with the TRIPOD explanation and elaboration document.

Conclusions—

To aid the editorial process and readers of prediction model studies, it is recommended that authors include a completed checklist in their submission (also available at
www.tripod-statement.org
).
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors After Early-Onset Preeclampsia, Late-Onset Preeclampsia, and Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Veerbeek Jan H.W. , Hermes Wietske , Breimer Anath Y. , van Rijn Bas B. , Koenen Steven V. , Mol Ben W. , Franx Arie , de Groot Christianne J.M. , Koster Maria P.H.
Published: January 2015

Observational studies have shown an increased lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women who experienced a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy. This risk is related to the severity of the pregnancy-related hypertensive disease and gestational age at onset. However, it has not been investigated whether these differences in CVD risk factors are already present at postpartum cardiovascular screening. We evaluated postpartum differences in CVD risk factors in 3 subgroups of patients with a history of hypertensive pregnancy. We compared the prevalence of common CVD risk factors postpartum among 448 women with previous early-onset preeclampsia, 76 women with previous late-onset preeclampsia, and 224 women with previous pregnancy-induced hypertension. Women with previous early-onset preeclampsia were compared with women with late-onset preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension and had significantly higher fasting blood glucose (5.29 versus 4.80 and 4.83 mmol/L), insulin (9.12 versus 6.31 and 6.7 uIU/L), triglycerides (1.32 versus 1.02 and 0.97 mmol/L), and total cholesterol (5.14 versus 4.73 and 4.73 mmol/L). Almost half of the early-onset preeclampsia women had developed hypertension, as opposed to 39% and 25% of women in the pregnancy-induced hypertension and late-onset preeclampsia groups, respectively. Our data show differences in the prevalence of common modifiable CVD risk factors postpartum and suggest that prevention strategies should be stratified according to severity and gestational age of onset for the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Effects of Daily Almond Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risk and Abdominal Adiposity in Healthy Adults With Elevated LDL‐Cholesterol: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Berryman Claire E. , West Sheila G. , Fleming Jennifer A. , Bordi Peter L. , Kris‐Etherton Penny M.
Published: January 2015

Background

Evidence consistently shows that almond consumption beneficially affects lipids and lipoproteins. Almonds, however, have not been evaluated in a controlled‐feeding setting using a diet design with only a single, calorie‐matched food substitution to assess their specific effects on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods and Results

In a randomized, 2‐period (6 week/period), crossover, controlled‐feeding study of 48 individuals with elevated
LDL
‐C (149±3 mg/dL), a cholesterol‐lowering diet with almonds (1.5 oz. of almonds/day) was compared to an identical diet with an isocaloric muffin substitution (no almonds/day). Differences in the nutrient profiles of the control (58%
CHO
, 15%
PRO
, 26% total fat) and almond (51%
CHO
, 16%
PRO
, 32% total fat) diets were due to nutrients inherent to each snack; diets did not differ in saturated fat or cholesterol. The almond diet, compared with the control diet, decreased non‐
HDL
‐C (−6.9±2.4 mg/dL;
P
=0.01) and
LDL
‐C (−5.3±1.9 mg/dL;
P
=0.01); furthermore, the control diet decreased
HDL
‐C (−1.7±0.6 mg/dL;
P
<0.01). Almond consumption also reduced abdominal fat (−0.07±0.03 kg;
P
=0.02) and leg fat (−0.12±0.05 kg;
P
=0.02), despite no differences in total body weight.

Conclusions

Almonds reduced non‐
HDL
‐C,
LDL
‐C, and central adiposity, important risk factors for cardiometabolic dysfunction, while maintaining
HDL
‐C concentrations. Therefore, daily consumption of almonds (1.5 oz.), substituted for a high‐carbohydrate snack, may be a simple dietary strategy to prevent the onset of cardiometabolic diseases in healthy individuals.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier:
NCT
01101230.
Implementation of the Third Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Survey Study in Western Europe
Authors: van Beek Dianne E. C. , van Zaane Bas , Buijsrogge Marc P. , van Klei Wilton A.
Published: January 2015

Background

Diagnosing a postoperative myocardial infarction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting is challenging, as the normally used criteria are more difficult to interpret. The rate of implementation of the consensus‐based new diagnostic criteria for postoperative myocardial infarction proposed by the third universal definition of myocardial infarction is unknown. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to address the implementation of the third universal definition of postoperative myocardial infarction following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods and Results

We conducted a web‐based survey by sending 4 waves of invitations via e‐mail to cardiothoracic surgeons in 12 Western European countries. Of the 302 participating cardiothoracic specialists, from 182 different centers, 213 (71%) were aware that troponin is the preferred biomarker and 112 (37%) knew that using a cut‐off level of >10 times the 99th percentile is recommended. Overall, 90 (30%) participants (strongly) agreed with implementation of this cut‐off level in their clinical practice. Troponin was used in clinical practice by 149 (49%) of the participants. In total, 117 (89%) of the 131 participants with a local guideline confirmed
ECG
changes as a diagnostic criterion in that guideline.
ST
segmental changes (75, 64%) were used more often for diagnosing postoperative myocardial infarction than Q waves (64, 55%) or new left bundle branch blocks (34, 29%).

Conclusions

Cardiac biomarkers and
ECG
changes were not used in concordance with the third universal definition, and only a minority had a positive attitude toward implementation of the proposed cut‐off level for troponin in their clinical practice.
Association of Fluid Retention With Anemia and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hung Szu‐Chun , Kuo Ko‐Lin , Peng Ching‐Hsiu , Wu Che‐Hsiung , Wang Yi‐Chun , Tarng Der‐Cherng
Published: January 2015

Background

Observational studies have demonstrated an association between anemia and adverse outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (
CKD
). However, randomized trials failed to identify a benefit of higher hemoglobin concentrations, suggesting that the anemia‐outcome association may be confounded by unknown factors.

Methods and Results

We evaluated the influence of fluid status on hemoglobin concentrations and the cardiovascular and renal outcomes in a prospective cohort of 326 patients with stage 3 to 5
CKD
. Fluid status, as defined by overhydration (
OH
) level measured with bioimpedance, was negatively correlated with hemoglobin concentrations at baseline (
r
=−0.438,
P
<0.001). In multivariate regression analysis,
OH
remained an independent predictor of hemoglobin, second only to estimated glomerular filtration rate. Patients were stratified into 3 groups: no anemia (n=105), true anemia (n=82), and anemia with excess
OH
(n=139) (relative
OH
level ≥7%, the 90th percentile for the healthy population). During a median follow‐up of 2.2 years, there was no difference in cardiovascular and renal risks between patients with true anemia and those with no anemia in the adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. However, patients with anemia with excess
OH
had a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and
CKD
progression relative to those with true anemia and those with no anemia, respectively.

Conclusions

Fluid retention is associated with the severity of anemia and adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with
CKD
. Further research is warranted to clarify whether the correction of fluid retention, instead of increasing erythropoiesis, would improve outcomes of
CKD
‐associated anemia.
Encounters in Feminist Revisioning
Authors: Fisk Anna
Published: January 2015

The imaginative reworking of biblical narrative and tropes has been a significant strategy of feminist biblical interpretation. This article considers the work of the British second-wave feminist writers Sara Maitland, Michèle Roberts and Michelene Wandor in exploring the relational encounters of feminist biblical revisioning. This article engages with the relationship between biblical texts and revisionist writers through the paradigms of wrestling and visitation encounter.
Telenovelas: Television Stories for Our Global Times
Authors: Artz Lee
Published: January 2015

A complete international political economy connects transnational media structures with programming content demonstrating themes and ideologies that promote transnational capitalist social relations, including consumerism, individualism, deference to authority, and a dampening of citizenship. Series melodramas, known internationally as telenovelas, does not appear as a cultural or media response by Latin American cultures resisting American imperialism, but as a hybrid genre articulating popular consent for transnational capitalist hegemony.
Allium moly subsp. glaucescens (Asparagaceae), a new subspecies from the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO PEDRO PABLO , FERRER-GALLEGO Raúl , LAGUNA LUMBRERAS Emilio , GUARA-REQUENA Miguel
Published: January 2015

Allium moly subsp. glaucescens is described as a new subspecies from the Iberian Peninsula. Different morphological characters from populations located in Valencia (Spain) are evidenced. Lower size of plants, smaller and narrower leaves, of noticeably bluish-green color (glaucous-pruinose), smaller and less flowers in the umbel-inflorescence are characteristic of the new subspecies. Ecology, habitat, cultivation and chemotaxonomy have also been considered and discussed in this work.
A new species of Phaedranassa (Amaryllidaceae) from Ecuador
Authors: MINGA DANILO , Ulloa Ulloa Carmen , OLEAS NORA , VERDUGO ADOLFO
Published: January 2015

Phaedranassa Herbert (1845: misc. 16) is a small genus of bulbous, terrestrial geophytes comprising some eleven species, eight endemic to Ecuador, three known from Colombia, and one from Costa Rica (Meerow 1990). Most of the species are narrow endemics known from few collections. All but one of the species known from Ecuador are considered to be under some threat (IUCN, 2014) because of their restricted distribution and threatened habitat where they occur. Five of them are regarded as Endangered and one as Vulnerable (Oleas 2011). Here we describe a distinctive new species in this genus. Despite its occurrence on cliffs along roads, the species has remained unnoticed by previous floristic explorers.
Taxonomic revision of the flathead fish genus Platycephalus Bloch, 1785 (Teleostei: Platycephalidae) from Australia, with description of a new species
Authors: IMAMURA HISASHI
Published: January 2015

The taxonomy of the fish genus Platycephalus Bloch, 1785 from Australia is revised following examination of all extant primary types of Australian species, including those previously synonymized.  The following 16 Australian species, including a single new species, are recognized in this study: Platycephalus angustus Steindachner, 1866, Platycephalus aurimaculatus Knapp, 1987, Platycephalus bassensis Cuvier, 1829, Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus McCulloch, 1922, Platycephalus chauliodous Knapp, 1991, Platycephalus conatus Waite & McCulloch, 1915, Platycephalus endrachtensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1825, Platycephalus fuscus Cuvier, 1829, Platycephalus grandispinis Cuvier, 1829, Platycephalus laevigatus Cuvier, 1829, Platycephalus marmoratus Stead, 1908, Platycephalus orbitalis Imamura & Knapp, 2009, Platycephalus richardsoni Castelnau, 1872, Platycephalus speculator Klunzinger, 1872, Platycephalus westraliae (Whitley, 1938) and Platycephalus australis sp. nov. [formerly confused with Platycephalus indicus (Linnaeus, 1758)].  Previously suggested synonymies of several species are reevaluated and a key provided for all Australian species of Platycephalus.
First faunal inventory of large branchiopods (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) of Western Maharashtra, India with taxonomical and distributional comments
Authors: PADHYE SAMEER , RABET NICOLAS , GHATE HEMANT
Published: January 2015

An updated inventory of large branchiopods of the Western Maharashtra state, India is presented for the first time. Employing current identification keys, we have detailed the egg morphology of Eulimnadia indocylindrova, which shares some similarities with E. geayi from South America and E. alluaudi from Madagascar, based on these egg characters. A thorough re-description of few morphological traits of the same species is also presented. We also have described the female of a Cyzicus species seen rarely from the studied region. Distributional comments on few species are also reported.
A New Iranian Phrynocephalus (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) from the hottest place on earth and a key to the genus Phrynocephalus in southwestern Asia and Arabia
Authors: KAMALI KAMRAN , ANDERSON STEVEN C.
Published: January 2015

A new species of agamid lizard, Phrynocephalus lutensis sp. nov., is described from the Lut Desert in Iran. It is a species adapted to wind-blown sand in this semi-isolated basin. It appears to be most closely similar to P. luteoguttatus and P. euptilopus on the basis of external morphology. A key to the 19 known Phrynocephalus species of southwestern Asia and Arabia is presented for the first time.
Taxonomic status of Podabrus albocaudatus Krefft, 1872 and declaration of Sminthopsis granulipes Troughton, 1932 (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) as a protected name for the White-tailed Dunnart from Western Australia
Authors: PARNABY HARRY , INGLEBY SANDY , DIVLJAN ANJA
Published: January 2015

The name Sminthopsis granulipes Troughton, 1932 has universally and uncontroversially been used for the White-tailed Dunnart since its description in 1932. We regard the forgotten name Podabrus albocaudatus Krefft, 1872 to be an available name and demonstrate that it is a disused, neglected senior synonym of S. granulipes. The holotype of granulipes Troughton is also likely to be the holotype of Krefft’s albocaudatus and therefore an objective synonym. Consequently, Sminthopsis granulipes Troughton, 1932 is declared a nomen protectum and Podabrus albocaudatus Krefft, 1872 a nomen oblitum, as required by Article 23.9.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. This action in no way alters current use of Sminthopsis granulipes for the White-tailed Dunnart but is required to ensure continued nomenclatural stability.
Thirteen new Costa Rican species belonging to the genus Triraphis Ruthe (Braconidae: Rogadinae) with their host records
Authors: VALERIO ALEJANDRO A. , SHAW SCOTT R.
Published: January 2015

Thirteen new species belonging to the genus Triraphis Ruthe are described and illustrated: Triraphis baios sp. nov., T. balteus sp. nov., T. chinusi sp. nov., T. cortazari sp. nov., T. defectus sp. nov., T. guarusa sp. nov., T. huidobroi sp. nov., T. ikelosops sp. nov., T. melasops sp. nov., T. paraholos sp. nov., T. proxilus sp. nov., T. simphlex sp. nov. and T. willei sp. nov. The lepidopteran hosts were feeding on 17 genera of plants within 16 families. Two families of Lepidoptera are reported as new hosts for Triraphis: Acraga sp. (Dalceridae) parasitized by T. paraholos sp. nov. and Norape sp. (Megalopygidae) by T. guarusa sp. nov. Moreover, four Triraphis species are treated as new combinations under the genus Triraphis sensu van Achterberg: Triraphis areatus (Cresson) comb. n., T. fasciipennis (Cresson) comb. n., T. fusciceps (Cresson) comb. n. and T. ornatus (Cresson) comb. n..
A new species of Megaperlodes Yokoyama et al. 1990 (Plecoptera, Perlodidae) from the South of the Russian Far East
Authors: TESLENKO VALENTINA A.
Published: January 2015

A new species of Plecoptera Megaperlodes tiunovi sp. n., from the South of the Russian Far East is described and illustrated. The relationships with its close relatives are discussed. Newly discovered features are added to the diagnosis of the genus Megaperlodes, especially previously overlooked eversible lobes within the paraprocts, egg structure, and wing venation.
New species of the genus Glyphobythus Raffray, 1904 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Turkey
Authors: HLAVÁČ PETER , BRACHAT VOLKER
Published: January 2015

A new species of the tribe Bythinini, Glyphobythus anatolicus Hlaváč & Brachat sp. nov. from the province Zonguldak, Turkey is described.
Impacts of Climate Modes on Air–Sea Heat Exchange in the Red Sea
Authors: Abualnaja Yasser , Papadopoulos Vassilis P. , Josey Simon A. , Hoteit Ibrahim , Kontoyiannis Harilaos , Raitsos Dionysios E.
Published: January 2015

The impacts of various climate modes on the Red Sea surface heat exchange are investigated using the MERRA reanalysis and the OAFlux satellite reanalysis datasets. Seasonality in the atmospheric forcing is also explored. Mode impacts peak during boreal winter [December–February (DJF)] with average anomalies of 12–18 W m−2 to be found in the northern Red Sea. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the east Atlantic–west Russia (EAWR) pattern, and the Indian monsoon index (IMI) exhibit the strongest influence on the air–sea heat exchange during the winter. In this season, the largest negative anomalies of about −30 W m−2 are associated with the EAWR pattern over the central part of the Red Sea. In other seasons, mode-related anomalies are considerably lower, especially during spring when the mode impacts are negligible. The mode impacts are strongest over the northern half of the Red Sea during winter and autumn. In summer, the southern half of the basin is strongly influenced by the multivariate ENSO index (MEI). The winter mode–related anomalies are determined mostly by the latent heat flux component, while in summer the shortwave flux is also important. The influence of the modes on the Red Sea is found to be generally weaker than on the neighboring Mediterranean basin.
A Rossby Wave Bridge from the Tropical Atlantic to West Antarctica
Authors: Li Xichen , Gerber Edwin P. , Holland David M. , Yoo Changhyun
Published: January 2015

Tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature changes have recently been linked to circulation anomalies around Antarctica during austral winter. Warming in the tropical Atlantic associated with the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation forces a positive response in the southern annular mode, strengthening the Amundsen–Bellingshausen Sea low in particular. In this study, observational and reanalysis datasets and a hierarchy of atmospheric models are used to assess the seasonality and dynamical mechanism of this teleconnection. Both the reanalyses and models reveal a robust link between tropical Atlantic SSTs and the Amundsen–Bellingshausen Sea low in all seasons except austral summer. A Rossby wave mechanism is then shown to both explain the teleconnection and its seasonality. The mechanism involves both changes in the excitation of Rossby wave activity with season and the formation of a Rossby waveguide across the Pacific, which depends critically on the strength and extension of the subtropical jet over the west Pacific. Strong anticyclonic curvature on the poleward flank of the jet creates a reflecting surface, channeling quasi-stationary Rossby waves from the subtropical Atlantic to the Amundsen–Bellingshausen Sea region. In summer, however, the jet is weaker than in other seasons and no longer able to keep Rossby wave activity trapped in the Southern Hemisphere. The mechanism is supported by integrations with a comprehensive atmospheric model, initial-value calculations with a primitive equation model on the sphere, and Rossby wave ray tracing analysis.
Climatology, Storm Morphologies, and Environments of Tornadoes in the British Isles: 1980–2012
Authors: Mulder Kelsey J. , Schultz David M.
Published: January 2015

A climatology is developed for tornadoes during 1980–2012 in the British Isles, defined in this article as England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. The climatology includes parent storm type, interannual variability, annual and diurnal cycles, intensities, occurrence of outbreaks (defined as three or more tornadoes in the same day), geographic distribution, and environmental conditions derived from proximity soundings of tornadoes. Tornado reports are from the Tornado and Storm Research Organization (TORRO). Over the 33 years, there were a mean of 34.3 tornadoes and 19.5 tornado days (number of days in which at least one tornado occurred) annually. Tornadoes and tornado outbreaks were most commonly produced from linear storms, defined as radar signatures at least 75 km long and approximately 3 times as long as wide. Most (78%) tornadoes occurred in England. The probability of a tornado within 10 km of a point was highest in the south, southeast, and west of England. On average, there were 2.5 tornado outbreaks every year. Where intensity was known, 95% of tornadoes were classified as F0 or F1 with the remainder classified as F2. There were no tornadoes rated F3 or greater during this time period. Tornadoes occurred throughout the year with a maximum from May through October. Finally, tornadoes tended to occur in low-CAPE, high-shear environments. Tornadoes in the British Isles were difficult to predict using only sounding-derived parameters because there were no clear thresholds between null, tornadic, outbreak, and significant tornado cases.
Foster Caregivers’ Perspectives on the Medical Challenges of Children Placed in Their Care
Authors: Greiner Mary V. , Ross Jennifer , Brown Courtney M. , Beal Sarah J. , Sherman Susan N.
Published: January 2015

Objective. To investigate, using qualitative methodology, foster caregivers’ perspectives related to the medical needs of children placed in their care. Study design. Fifteen foster caregivers were individually interviewed using a semistructured open-ended question guide. Data were coded, and the analysis was conducted in an inductive manner, allowing themes to emerge from the interviews. Results. The following 4 themes were identified: (1) the fragmented histories provided to foster caregivers and difficulty in obtaining information; (2) the unique medical complications that children in foster care experience; (3) the difference between “doing what is expected” and becoming a proactive foster caregiver; and (4) the support needs of foster caregivers. Conclusions. Foster caregivers receive insufficient information despite the evidence that these children are likely to have complex needs. It is, therefore, necessary for the pediatrician to recognize existing medical problems, identify new medical problems, educate foster caregivers, and communicate with the multidisciplinary team.
Continuing Education Needs of Pediatricians Across Diverse Specialties Caring for Children With Medical Complexity
Authors: Bogetz Jori F. , Bogetz Alyssa L. , Gabhart Julia M. , Bergman David A. , Blankenburg Rebecca L. , Rassbach Caroline E.
Published: January 2015

Objective. Care for children with medical complexity (CMC) relies on pediatricians who often are ill equipped, but striving to provide high quality care. We performed a needs assessment of pediatricians across diverse subspecialties at a tertiary academic US children’s hospital about their continuing education needs regarding the care of CMC. Methods. Eighteen pediatricians from diverse subspecialties were asked to complete an online anonymous open-ended survey. Data were analyzed using modified grounded theory. Results. The response rate was 89% (n = 16). Of participants, 31.2% (n = 5) were general pediatricians, 18.7% (n = 3) were hospitalists, and 50% (n = 8) were pediatric subspecialists. Pediatricians recognized the need for skills in care coordination, giving bad news, working in interprofessional teams, and setting goals of care with patients. Conclusions. Practicing pediatricians need skills to improve care for CMC. Strategically incorporating basic palliative care education may fill an important training need across diverse pediatric specialties.
Clutter in Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Moacdieh Nadine , Sarter Nadine
Published: January 2015

Objective:

The objective was to use eye tracking to trace the underlying changes in attention allocation associated with the performance effects of clutter, stress, and task difficulty in visual search and noticing tasks.

Background:

Clutter can degrade performance in complex domains, yet more needs to be known about the associated changes in attention allocation, particularly in the presence of stress and for different tasks. Frequently used and relatively simple eye tracking metrics do not effectively capture the various effects of clutter, which is critical for comprehensively analyzing clutter and developing targeted, real-time countermeasures.

Method:

Electronic medical records (EMRs) were chosen as the application domain for this research. Clutter, stress, and task difficulty were manipulated, and physicians’ performance on search and noticing tasks was recorded. Several eye tracking metrics were used to trace attention allocation throughout those tasks, and subjective data were gathered via a debriefing questionnaire.

Results:

Clutter degraded performance in terms of response time and noticing accuracy. These decrements were largely accentuated by high stress and task difficulty. Eye tracking revealed the underlying attentional mechanisms, and several display-independent metrics were shown to be significant indicators of the effects of clutter.

Conclusion:

Eye tracking provides a promising means to understand in detail (offline) and prevent (in real time) major performance breakdowns due to clutter.

Application:

Display designers need to be aware of the risks of clutter in EMRs and other complex displays and can use the identified eye tracking metrics to evaluate and/or adjust their display.
Reflections on the labyrinth: Investigating black and minority ethnic leaders’ career experiences
Authors: Wyatt Madeleine , Silvester Jo
Published: January 2015

Black and minority ethnic (BME) employees appear to experience more difficulty reaching senior leadership positions than do their white counterparts. Using Eagly and Carli’s metaphor of the labyrinth, our aim was to give voice to black and minority ethnic managers who have successfully achieved senior management roles, and compare their leadership journeys with those of matched white managers. This article used semi-structured interviews and attribution theory to examine how 20 black and minority ethnic and 20 white senior managers from a UK government department made sense of significant career incidents in their leadership journeys. Template analysis was used to identify facilitators and barriers of career progression from causal explanations of these incidents. Although BME and white managers identified four common themes (visibility, networks, development and line manager support), they differed in how they made sense of formal and informal organizational processes to achieve career progression. The findings are used to theorize about the individual and organizational factors that contribute to the leadership journeys of minority ethnic employees.
Micromechanics modeling of fatigue hysteresis loops in carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites
Authors: Longbiao Li
Published: January 2015

When fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) are first loading to fatigue peak stress, matrix multicracking and fiber/matrix interface debonding occur. Under fatigue loading, the stress–strain hysteresis loops appear as the frictional slip occurred between the fiber and the matrix in the interface debonded region. The micromechanics fatigue hysteresis loops models of fiber-reinforced CMCs have been developed for different fiber preforms, i.e., unidirectional, cross-ply, and woven CMCs. The interface slip lengths, i.e., the interface debonded length upon first loading, unloading interface counter slip length, and reloading interface new slip length, were determined by fracture mechanics approach. The fatigue hysteresis loops of different interface debonding and slipping cases have been analyzed. The fatigue hysteresis loss energy is formulated in terms of fiber/matrix interface shear stress in the interface debonded region. When the interface shear stress decreases, the fatigue hysteresis loss energy first increases to the maximum value and then decreases to zero. By assuming the mechanical hysteresis behavior of cross-ply and woven CMCs was mainly controlled by interface frictional slip in the 0° plies or longitudinal yarns, considering the effect of matrix multicracking modes in cross-ply or woven CMCs, the fatigue hysteresis loops of fiber-reinforced CMCs with different fiber preforms under different peak stresses corresponding to different number of applied cycles have been predicted.
A numerical study to analyse the strength and stiffness of hollow cylindrical structures comprising sandwich fibre reinforced plastic composites
Authors: Zeleniakiene Daiva , Leisis Vitalis , Griskevicius Paulius
Published: January 2015

Using experimentally obtained specific material properties, a numerical finite element model of a hollow cylindrical structure was designed and experimentally verified. A wall of sandwich composite comprised facesheets from wound glass fibre and polyvinylester resin and a core from recycled paper hexagonal honeycomb impregnated with polyvinylester resin. This model was used to determine the optimal geometrical arrangement of hollow cylindrical structure stiffness elements to supply the stiffness and strength properties with the largest efficiency of fibre reinforced plastic volume usage. It was determined that the cylinder diameter had a significant influence on the arrangement of the stiffness elements only if the diameter has relatively low value.
Punishment and Cooperation in Stochastic Social Dilemmas
Authors: Xiao Erte , Kunreuther Howard
Published: January 2015

Previous findings on punishment have focused on deterministic environments in which the outcomes are known with certainty. In this article, we conduct experiments to investigate how punishment affects cooperation in stochastic social dilemmas where each person can decide whether to cooperate, when the outcomes of alternative strategies are specified probabilistically. Two types of punishment mechanisms are studied: (1) an unrestricted punishment mechanism—both persons can punish—and (2) a restricted punishment mechanism—only cooperators can punish noncooperators. We compare behavior in a two-person deterministic prisoner’s dilemma game (DPD) with a two-person stochastic prisoner’s dilemma (SPD). In all treatments, participants are given information on the other person’s actions. We find that in both games, the restricted punishment mechanism promotes more cooperative behavior than unrestricted punishment. However, the difference in the degree of effectiveness between the two mechanisms is smaller in the SPD game than in the DPD game because noncooperative behavior is less likely to be punished when there is outcome uncertainty. Our findings provide useful information for designing efficient incentive mechanisms to induce cooperation in a stochastic social dilemma environment.
Cultural pluralism
Authors: Bernstein Richard J.
Published: January 2015

The expression ‘cultural pluralism’ was popularized by Horace Kallen, a student of William James. I explore the meaning of pluralism in the context of the American pragmatic tradition with emphasis on the meaning of pluralism for William James. Kallen sought to characterize cultural pluralism in contrast with the idea of America as a ‘melting-pot’. I also examine the contributions of Randolph Bourne and the African-American philosopher Alain Locke to the discussion of cultural pluralism. I conclude by indicating that the idea of a democratic society that respects and is enriched by differences is highly relevant to contemporary discussions of cultural pluralism in a global context.
Nystagmus Discordance with 2‐Dimensional Videonystagmography in Posterior Semicircular Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: VanDerHeyden Crystal M. , Carender Wendy J. , Heidenreich Katherine D.
Published: January 2015

Objective

The Dix‐Hallpike test is a standard component of the videonystagmography test battery and can diagnose posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of discordant, equivocal, and concordant nystagmus tracings in active posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo when compared directly with the eye video.

Study Design

Case series with chart review of patients diagnosed with posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo by 2‐dimensional videonystagmography from August 1, 2007, to August 1, 2012.

Setting

A tertiary vestibular test laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Ninety‐six adults (4 had bilateral involvement) with posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were included. A total of 100 videos with accompanying videonystagmography tracings were reviewed to determine nystagmus trajectory as well as globe position. Descriptive statistics were used to describe prevalence. Fisher exact test was used to compare proportions.

Results

Sixty‐two percent of cases involved benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the right posterior semicircular canal, while 38% involved the left posterior semicircular canal. The prevalence of discordant, equivocal, and concordant tracings was 65% (65/100), 29% (29/100), and 6% (6/100). All tracing errors involved the horizontal channel. There was no association between tracing accuracy and the ear of involvement or globe position (P >. 05).

Conclusions

Two‐dimensional videonystagmography tracings are not reliable for identifying nystagmus trajectory in posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Impact of Nonaspirin Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Agents and Acetaminophen on Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Kyle Meghann E. , Wang James C. , Shin Jennifer J.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To perform a systematic review evaluating the association between sensorineural hearing loss and (1) nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as a class, (2) NSAIDs available over the counter, (3) NSAIDs in short intravenous courses, (4) prescription NSAIDs utilized by patients without systemic inflammatory conditions, (5) prescription NSAIDs in patients with arthritides, and (6) acetaminophen with and without concomitant narcotic usage.

Data Sources

Computerized searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were updated through May 2014, along with manual searches and inquiries to topic experts.

Review Methods

The systematic review was performed according to an a priori protocol. Data extraction was performed by 2 independent investigators, and it focused on relevant audiologic measurements, methodological elements related to risk of bias, and potential confounders.

Results

The 23 criterion‐meeting studies included a total of 92,532 participants, with mixed results. Sulindac was the only specific agent to have been studied with formal audiometry in a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial in which hearing was the reported primary outcome: Although an effect was seen in the unadjusted analysis (pure tone threshold > 15 dB, 9.3% vs 2.9%; relative risk [RR], 3.2; confidence interval [CI], 1.09‐9.55; P =. 02), the effect dissipated in the adjusted analysis (P =. 09). There was a significant effect on self‐reported hearing loss from NSAIDs as a class (RR, 1.21; CI, 1.11‐1.33), ibuprofen (RR, 1.13; CI, 1.06‐1.19), and acetaminophen (RR, 1.21; CI, 1.11‐1.33), but no formal audiometric data confirm or refute this suggested effect. Audiometry has demonstrated profound loss in some instances of acetaminophen‐narcotic combination ingestions.

Conclusions

Data are varied regarding the impact of NSAIDs and acetaminophen on population hearing health.
Comparisons and analyses of gifted students’ characteristics and learning methods
Authors: Lu Jiamei , Li Daqi , Stevens Carla , Ye Renmin
Published: January 2015

Using PISA 2009, an international education database, this study compares gifted and talented (GT) students in three groups with normal (non-GT) students by examining student characteristics, reading, schooling, learning methods, and use of strategies for understanding and memorizing. Results indicate that the GT and non-GT gender distributions show differences; GT groups’ reading time, reading material types, and level of interests are higher than or different from non-GT, but their use of library is not. Furthermore, teacher–student relationships of GT groups are better than those of non-GT, but their attitudes toward school show no differences. Results of t-tests reveal that two learning methods are employed significantly more often by GT than by non-GT, but a third method is used less by GT students.
Neural oscillations as a translational tool in schizophrenia research: Rationale, paradigms and challenges
Authors: Phillips Keith G , Uhlhaas Peter J
Published: January 2015

Neural oscillations have received recently a great deal of interest in schizophrenia research because of the possibility to integrate findings from non-invasive electro/magnetoencephalographical recordings with pre-clinical research, which could potentially lead to the identification of pathophysiological mechanisms and novel treatment targets. In the current paper, we review the potential as well as the challenges of this approach by summarizing findings on alterations in rhythmic activity from both animal models and human data which have implicated dysfunctional neural oscillations in the explanation of cognitive deficits and certain clinical symptoms of schizophrenia. Specifically, we will focus on findings that have examined neural oscillations during 1) perceptual processing, 2) working memory and executive processes and 3) spontaneous activity. The importance of the development of paradigms suitable for human and animal models is discussed as well as the search for mechanistic explanation for oscillatory dysfunctions.
Do private equity target firms exhibit less effectual governance structures?
Authors: Clarkson Peter M , Pathan Shams , Tellam Andrew
Published: January 2015

We investigated the unique corporate governance structure of Australian private equity target firms to establish the disciplinary motive underpinning a corporate buy-out and tested our expectations using a sample of 43 publicly listed private equity target firms and a control sample of 182 conventional corporate targets, matched by year and industry, for the period 2001–2010. The findings provide evidence of a less effectual corporate governance structure for private equity target firms. In particular, our analysis reveals that, relative to our benchmark sample, private equity target firms have larger boards, more board meetings and a greater inside ownership. Similarly, our results show that the probability of a firm being a private equity target increases with board size, percentage of insider directors, board meetings and CEO ownership. Consistent with results from work elsewhere, private equity target firms appear to perform ex post reactive monitoring roles rather than ex ante proactive roles.
Does skin in the game help? Bank franchise value, managerial incentives and ‘going for broke’
Authors: Pathan Shams , Haq Mamiza , Williams Barry
Published: January 2015

The roles bank franchise value (‘skin in the game’) and CEO ownership play in determining bank risk are studied for large United States Bank Holding Companies. We find robust evidence of a convex relation between bank risk and each of CEO shareholding and franchise value, indicating that increases in each are initially risk decreasing, but as franchise value and CEO ownership increases so too does bank risk. Further, we find that low levels of franchise value combined with high CEO ownership result in managerial incentives aligning with those of shareholders, resulting in increased bank risk (‘going for broke’ or asset substitution). We argue that these results are consistent with those of Robert Merton, but in the context of franchise value rather than bank capital and deposit insurance, and accordingly offer some policy recommendations for regulatory monitoring of bank risk that are consistent with these results.
Virtual remanufacturing: Cross-section curve reconstruction for repairing a tip-defective blade
Authors: Tao Wang , Huapeng Ding , Hao Wang , Jie Tang
Published: January 2015

Remanufacturing of damaged blades has been widely discussed in the field related with aero maintenance. Cross-section curve is the key factor for rebuilding 3D airfoil of a damaged blade. This paper focuses on how to reconstruct the cross-section curves of a tip-defective blade. The difficulty in the reconstruction of the cross-section curve is in broken region, where some data points are absent. In this paper, a method for reconstructing the cross-section curve in small-scale broken region of the blade tip is proposed. This method involves 3D noncontact digitization, methodology of obtaining the cross-section plane, cross-section curve reconstruction of the unbroken region, and cross-section curve deduction of the broken region. At last, an error analysis is carried out so as to indicate that the proposed method is appropriate for reconstructing the cross-section curve of the small-scale broken blade tip.