bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Variation in Quality of Care Among Patients Hospitalized With Acute Heart Failure in an International Trial
Authors: Howlett Jonathan G. , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Podder Mohua , Hernandez Adrian F. , Diaz Rafael , Dickstein Kenneth , Dunlap Mark E. , Corbalán Ramón , Armstrong Paul W. , Starling Randall C. , O’Connor Christopher M. , Califf Robert M. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: July 2013

Background—

Translation of evidence-based heart failure (HF) therapies to clinical practice is incomplete and may vary internationally. We examined common measures of quality of care in patients enrolled in the international Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure trial.

Methods and Results—

Patients were admitted to 398 hospitals for acute HF in 5 regions (North America, n=3149; Latin America, n=658; Asia Pacific, n=1744; Central Europe, n=966; and Western Europe, n=490). Predefined quality indicators assessed at hospital discharge included the following: medications (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, β-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, hydralazine/nitrates, statin therapy, and warfarin), use (or planned use) of implantable intracardiac devices, and blood pressure control (<140/90 mm Hg). We determined regional variations in quality indicators as well as the temporal variation of these indicators during the course of the trial. There was significant variation in conformity among different quality indicators, ranging from 0% to 89%. Of all potential performance opportunities, 19 076 of 32 268 (59%) were met, with Central Europe highest at 64%, followed by North America (63%), Western Europe (61%), Latin America (56%), and Asia Pacific (51%;
P
<0.0001). North America, Central Europe, and Asia Pacific regions demonstrated a modest increase in quality indicator conformity over time, although there was no significant change in other regions.

Conclusions—

Quality of care for patients hospitalized with acute HF varies and remains suboptimal even within a randomized clinical trial, which included quality improvement interventions. Specific measures designed to improve performance measures should be implemented even within multicenter clinical trials.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00475852.
Fast Measurement of Sarcomere Length and Cell Orientation in Langendorff-Perfused Hearts Using Remote Focusing Microscopy
Authors: Botcherby Edward J. , Corbett Alex , Burton Rebecca A.B. , Smith Chris W. , Bollensdorff Christian , Booth Martin J. , Kohl Peter , Wilson Tony , Bub Gil
Published: July 2013

Rationale
:

Sarcomere length (SL) is a key indicator of cardiac mechanical function, but current imaging technologies are limited in their ability to unambiguously measure and characterize SL at the cell level in intact, living tissue.

Objective
:

We developed a method for measuring SL and regional cell orientation using remote focusing microscopy, an emerging imaging modality that can capture light from arbitrary oblique planes within a sample.

Methods and Results
:

We present a protocol that unambiguously and quickly determines cell orientation from user-selected areas in a field of view by imaging 2 oblique planes that share a common major axis with the cell. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique in establishing single-cell SL in Langendorff-perfused hearts loaded with the membrane dye di-4-ANEPPS.

Conclusions
:

Remote focusing microscopy can measure cell orientation in complex 2-photon data sets without capturing full z stacks. The technique allows rapid assessment of SL in healthy and diseased heart experimental preparations.
Heterogeneity in Lung
18
FDG Uptake in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Zhao Lan , Ashek Ali , Wang Lei , Fang Wei , Dabral Swati , Dubois Olivier , Cupitt John , Pullamsetti Soni Savai , Cotroneo Emanuele , Jones Hazel , Tomasi Gianpaolo , Nguyen Quang-De , Aboagye Eric O. , El-Bahrawy Mona A. , Barnes Gareth , Howard Luke S. , Gibbs J. Simon R. , Gsell Willy , He Jian-Guo , Wilkins Martin R.
Published: July 2013

Background—

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease of progressive vascular remodeling, characterized by dysregulated growth of pulmonary vascular cells and inflammation. A prevailing view is that abnormal cellular metabolism, notably aerobic glycolysis that increases glucose demand, underlies the pathogenesis of PAH. Increased lung glucose uptake has been reported in animal models. Few data exist from patients with PAH.

Methods and Results—

Dynamic positron emission tomography imaging with fluorine-18–labeled 2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (
18
FDG) ligand with kinetic analysis demonstrated increased mean lung parenchymal uptake in 20 patients with PAH, 18 with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) (FDG score: 3.27±1.22), and 2 patients with connective tissue disease (5.07 and 7.11) compared with controls (2.02±0.71;
P
<0.05). Further compartment analysis confirmed increased lung glucose metabolism in IPAH. Lung
18
FDG uptake and metabolism varied within the IPAH population and within the lungs of individual patients, consistent with the recognized heterogeneity of vascular pathology in this disease. The monocrotaline rat PAH model also showed increased lung
18
FDG uptake, which was reduced along with improvements in vascular pathology after treatment with dicholoroacetate and 2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors, imatinib and sunitinib. Hyperproliferative pulmonary vascular fibroblasts isolated from IPAH patients exhibited upregulated glycolytic gene expression, along with increased cellular
18
FDG uptake; both were reduced by dicholoroacetate and imatinib.

Conclusions—

Some patients with IPAH exhibit increased lung
18
FDG uptake.
18
FDG positron emission tomography imaging is a tool to investigate the molecular pathology of PAH and its response to treatment.
Risk of Ischemic Cerebrovascular and Coronary Events in Adult Users of Anticonvulsant Medications in Routine Care Settings
Authors: Patorno Elisabetta , Glynn Robert J. , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia , Avorn Jerry , Wahl Peter M. , Bohn Rhonda L. , Mines Daniel , Liu Jun , Schneeweiss Sebastian
Published: July 2013

Background

Older‐generation anticonvulsants that highly induce cytochrome P450 enzyme system activity produce metabolic abnormalities that may increase cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular and coronary events in adult new users of anticonvulsants that highly induce cytochrome P450 activity compared with other anticonvulsant agents, as observed in a routine care setting.

Methods and Results

This was a cohort study of patients 40 to 64 years old from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database who had initiated an anticonvulsant medication between 2001 and 2006 and had no recorded major coronary or cerebrovascular condition in the 6 months before treatment initiation. Propensity score (
PS
) matching was used to evaluate ischemic cerebrovascular and coronary risk among anticonvulsant new users. High‐dimensional propensity score (hd
PS
)–matched analyses were used to confirm adjusted findings. The study identified 913 events in 166 031 unmatched new treatment episodes with anticonvulsant drugs. In a
PS
‐matched population of 22 864 treatment episodes, the rate ratio (
RR
) for ischemic coronary or cerebrovascular events associated with highly inducing agents versus other agents was 1.22 (95%
CI
, 0.90‐1.65). The
RR
moved to 0.99 (95%
CI
, 0.73‐1.33) with adjustment for hd
PS
matching (
RR
, 1.47; 95%
CI
, 0.95‐2.28 for cerebrovascular events;
RR
, 0.70; 95%
CI
, 0.47‐1.05 for coronary events).

Conclusions

In this exploratory analysis, there was no evidence of a consistent and statistically significant effect of initiating anticonvulsants that highly induce cytochrome P450 activity on ischemic coronary or cerebrovascular outcomes compared with other agents, given routine care utilization patterns.
Endovascular Therapy for Asymptomatic Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , Fujinaka Toshiyuki , Yoshimine Toshiki , Imamura Hirotoshi , Ishii Akira , Sakai Chiaki , Sakai Nobuyuki
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

National registration studies (the Japanese Registry of Neuroendovascular Therapy [JR-NET] and JR-NET2) have determined the current status and outcomes of neuroendovascular therapy (neuro-EVT). We analyzed short-term outcomes of EVT for asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs).

Methods—

We extracted periprocedural information about EVT for 4767 asymptomatic UIAs from 31 968 registered procedural records of all EVT in the JR-NET and JR-NET2 databases. We assessed the features of the aneurysms and procedures, immediate radiographic findings, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcomes at 30 days after the procedures.

Results—

We located 80.0% of UIAs in the anterior circulation, and the most frequent were paraclinoid. The diameter of 2.5%, 32.9%, 51.9%, 12.0%, and 0.7% of the UIAs was <3, 3 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 19, and >20 mm, respectively. EVT failed in only 2.1%. Adjunctive techniques were applied in 54.8% of procedures. Pre- and postprocedural antiplatelet agents were prescribed in 85.6% and 84.0%, respectively, of the procedures. The immediate radiographic outcomes of 57.7%, 31.9%, and 10.0% of the UIAs comprised complete occlusion, residual necks, and residual aneurysms, respectively. Complications that were associated with 9.1% of procedures comprised 2.0% hemorrhagic and 4.6% ischemic, and the 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 2.12% and 0.31%, respectively.

Conclusions—

The radiographic results of EVT for asymptomatic UIAs in Japan were acceptable, with low mortality and morbidity rates.
Serum Fatty Acids and Incidence of Ischemic Stroke Among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Yaemsiri Sirin , Sen Souvik , Tinker Lesley F. , Robinson Whitney R. , Evans Rhobert W. , Rosamond Wayne , Wasserthiel-Smoller Sylvia , He Ka
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Although studies have linked types of fatty acids with coronary heart disease, data on individual fatty acids and risk of ischemic stroke are limited. We aimed to examine the associations between serum fatty acid concentrations and incidence of ischemic stroke and its subtypes.

Methods—

We conducted a prospective case–control study nested in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study cohort of postmenopausal US women aged 50 to 79 years. Between 1993 and 2003, incident cases of ischemic stroke were matched 1:1 to controls on age, race, and length of follow-up (964 matched pairs). Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 99.9% confidence intervals (CI) for ischemic stroke and its subtypes.

Results—

The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios and 99.9% CI of ischemic stroke associated with a 1-SD increment in serum fatty acid concentration were 1.38 (99.9% CI, 1.05–1.83) for linoelaidic acid (18:2
tt
, SD=0.04%), 1.27 (99.9% CI, 1.06–1.51) for palmitic acid (16:0, SD=2.74%), 1.20 (99.9% CI, 1.01–1.43) for oleic acid (18:1n9, SD=2.32%), 0.72 (99.9% CI, 0.59–0.87) for docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n3, SD=0.18%), 0.72 (99.9% CI, 0.59–0.87) for docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3, SD=0.91%), and 0.81 (99.9% CI, 0.67–0.98) for arachidonic acid (20:4n6, SD=2.02%). These associations were generally consistent for atherothrombotic and lacunar stroke but not cardioembolic stroke.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that individual serum
trans
, saturated, and monounsaturated fatty acids are positively associated with particular ischemic stroke subtypes, whereas individual n3 and n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are inversely associated.
Predictors of Stroke in Patients With Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Preiss David , Giles Thomas D. , Thomas Laine E. , Sun Jie-Lena , Haffner Steven M. , Holman Rury R. , Standl Eberhard , Mazzone Theodore , Rutten Guy E. , Tognoni Gianni , Chiang Fu-Tien , McMurray John J.V. , Califf Robert M.
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Risk factors for stroke are well-established in general populations but sparsely studied in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance.

Methods—

We identified predictors of stroke among participants with impaired glucose tolerance in the Nateglinide and Valsartan in Impaired Glucose Tolerance Outcomes Research (NAVIGATOR) trial. Cox proportional-hazard regression models were constructed using baseline variables, including the 2 medications studied, valsartan and nateglinide.

Results—

Among 9306 participants, 237 experienced a stroke over 6.4 years. Predictors of stroke included classical risk factors such as existing cerebrovascular and coronary heart disease, higher pulse pressure, higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, older age, and atrial fibrillation. Other factors, including previous venous thromboembolism, higher waist circumference, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, lower heart rate, and lower body mass index, provided additional important predictive information, yielding a C-index of 0.72. Glycemic measures were not predictive of stroke. Variables associated with stroke were similar in participants with no prior history of cerebrovascular disease at baseline.

Conclusions—

The most powerful predictors of stroke in patients with impaired glucose tolerance included a combination of established risk factors and novel variables, such as previous venous thromboembolism and elevated waist circumference, allowing moderately effective identification of high-risk individuals.
Concomitant Headache Influences Long-term Prognosis After Acute Cerebral Ischemia of Noncardioembolic Origin
Authors: Maino Alberto , Algra Ale , Koudstaal Peter J. , van Zwet Erik W. , Ferrari Michel D. , Wermer Marieke J.H.
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Acute cerebral ischemia is frequently associated with headache. It is unknown whether concomitant headache reflects a partly different pathogenesis, and thus, may influence long-term prognosis after stroke. Here, we compared the long-term risk of recurrent vascular events in patients in whom a transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke of noncardioembolic origin was associated with headache with those without headache.

Methods—

We used data from the Life Long After Cerebral ischemia (LiLAC) cohort. Participants were grouped on the basis of presence or absence of headache at presentation. We calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for any first vascular event (primary outcome) or any cardiac or cerebral event (secondary outcomes). Adjustments were made for baseline clinical characteristics.

Results—

Of 2473 participants, 420 (17%) experienced headache during the acute event. Median follow-up was 14.1 years. For the primary outcome, the crude HR of headache versus no headache was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.66–0.89) and the adjusted HR 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71–0.97). For cardiac events the adjusted HR was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.67–1.14) and for cerebral events, 0.97 (95% CI, 0.76–1.24). The ratio of cardiac versus cerebral events, however, did not differ between the 2 groups. Participants with headache were at lower risk of vascular death (adjusted HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61–0.87).

Conclusions—

Patients who experienced headache in association with a transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke have a better vascular prognosis than those without concomitant headache. This may, at least partly, reflect a different pathogenesis.
Current knowledge of Coleoptera (Insecta) from the Lowermost Eocene Oise amber
Authors: Kirejtshuk Alexander G. , Nel André
Published: July 2013

The paper provides an overview on fossil Coleoptera from the Lowermost Eocene Oise amber of the Paris Basin (circa 53 million years old). At present 45 beetle families have been found from this source. This fossil “fauna” has some peculiarities in comparison with other amber deposits. Some of these families are not recorded in older outcrops (Pselaphidae, Smicripidae, Coccinellidae, Ciidae). Some subfamilies and tribes of other groups have their oldest representatives recorded in Oise, i.e., Eurygeniinae (Anthicidae), Inopeplinae (Salpingidae), Trinodini (Dermestidae), Megatominae (Dermestidae), Attageninae (Dermestidae), Brontinae (Silvanidae), Synchitini (Zopheridae) and Opatrini (Tenebrionidae). The genera defined in the “Oise fauna” show various geographical links with relatives in the recent fauna. These alternative links support that the faunistic composition of the early Eocene had a weak zonal differentiation. Scirtes circumcisus sp.n., Boleopsidae fam.n., Boleopsis polinae gen. et sp.n. and Antiphloeus stramineus gen. et sp.n. are described. The synonymy of the genera Scirtes Latreille, 1796 and Eohelodites Hong, 2002 is proposed.
Oscillating Relationship between the East Asian Winter Monsoon and ENSO
Authors: He Shengping , Wang Huijun
Published: July 2013

This work investigates the interdecadal variations of the relationship between the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM), further explores possible mechanisms, and finally considers a recent switch in the ENSO–EAWM relationship. The 23-yr sliding correlation between the Niño-3.4 index and the EAWM index reveals an obvious low-frequency oscillation with a period of about 50 yr in the ENSO–EAWM relationship. Warm ENSO events during high-correlation periods are associated with an unusually weak East Asian trough, a positive phase of the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO), significant southerly wind anomalies along coastal East Asia, and warmer East Asian continent and adjacent oceans. However, there are no robust and significant anomalies in the EAWM-related circulation during low-correlation periods. Because of the southeastward shift of the Walker circulation, the area of anomalously high pressure in the western Pacific retreats south of 25°N, confining it to the region of the Philippine Sea. In this sense, the Pacific–East Asian teleconnection is not well established. Consequently, ENSO’s impact on the EAWM is suppressed. Additionally, the low-frequency oscillation of the ENSO–EAWM relationship might be attributable to the combined effect of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) and the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation owing to their modulation on the establishment of the NPO teleconnection. The observation of two full cycles of the ENSO–EAWM relationship, a transition to negative PDO in the early 2000s and an enhancement of the Walker circulation in the late 1990s, suggests a recovery of the ENSO–EAWM relationship.
Freshening of Subsurface Waters in the Northwest Pacific Subtropical Gyre: Observations and Dynamics
Authors: Yan Youfang , Chassignet Eric P. , Qi Yiquan , Dewar William K.
Published: July 2013

Subsurface salinity anomalies propagating between mid- and low latitudes along isopycnal surfaces have been shown to play an important role in modulating ocean and climate variability. In this study, a sustained freshening and southwestward propagation of subsurface salinity anomalies in the northwest Pacific subtropical gyre and its dynamical mechanism are investigated using observations, numerical outputs, and a predictive model. Analyses of the observations show a pronounced subsurface freshening with salinity decreasing about 0.25 PSU near the 24.5-σθ surface in the northwest Pacific subtropical gyre during 2003–11. This freshening is found to be related to the surface forcing of salinity anomalies in the outcrop zone (25°–35°N, 130°–160°E). A predictive model based on the assumption of salinity conservation along the outcrop isopycnals is derived and used to examine this surface-forcing mechanism. The resemblance between the spatial structures of the subsurface salinity derived from the predictive model and from observations and numerical outputs suggests that subsurface salinity anomalies are ventilated over the outcrop zone. A salinity anomaly with an amplitude of about 0.25 PSU generated by the surface forcing is subducted in the outcrop zone and then propagates southwestward, accompanied by potential vorticity anomalies, to the east of Luzon Strait (~15°N) in roughly one year. When the anomalies reach 15°N, they turn and move gradually eastward toward the central Pacific, associated with an eastward countercurrent on the southern subtropical gyre.
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Heavy Hourly Rainfall in the United States
Authors: Hitchens Nathan M. , Brooks Harold E. , Schumacher Russ S.
Published: July 2013

The climatology of heavy rain events from hourly precipitation observations by Brooks and Stensrud is revisited in this study using two high-resolution precipitation datasets that incorporate both gauge observations and radar estimates. Analyses show a seasonal cycle of heavy rain events originating along the Gulf Coast and expanding across the eastern two-thirds of the United States by the summer, comparing well to previous findings. The frequency of extreme events is estimated, and may provide improvements over prior results due to both the increased spatial resolution of these data and improved techniques used in the estimation. The diurnal cycle of heavy rainfall is also examined, showing distinct differences in the strength of the cycle between seasons.
Large-Scale Atmospheric and Oceanic Conditions during the 2011–12 DYNAMO Field Campaign
Authors: Gottschalck Jon , Roundy Paul E. , Schreck III Carl J. , Vintzileos Augustin , Zhang Chidong
Published: July 2013

An international field campaign, Dynamics of the Madden Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO), took place in the Indian Ocean during October 2011–March 2012 to collect observations for the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), especially its convective initiation processes. The large-scale atmospheric and oceanic conditions during the campaign are documented here. The ENSO and the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) states, the monthly mean monsoon circulation and its associated precipitation, humidity, vertical and meridional/zonal overturning cells, and ocean surface currents are discussed. The evolution of MJO events is described using various fields and indices that have been used to subdivide the campaign into three periods. These periods were 1) 17 September–8 December 2011 (period 1), which featured two robust MJO events that circumnavigated the global tropics with a period of less than 45 days; 2) 9 December 2011–31 January 2012, which contained less coherent activity (period 2); and 3) 1 February–12 April 2012, a period that featured the strongest and most slowly propagating MJO event of the campaign (period 3). Activities of convectively coupled atmospheric Kelvin and equatorial Rossby (ER) waves and their interaction with the MJO are discussed. The overview of the atmospheric and oceanic variability during the field campaign raises several scientific issues pertaining to our understanding of the MJO, or lack thereof. Among others, roles of Kelvin and ER waves in MJO convective initiation, convection-circulation decoupling on the MJO scale, applications of MJO filtering methods and indices, and ocean–atmosphere coupling need further research attention.
Improving Intraseasonal Prediction with a New Ensemble Generation Strategy
Authors: Hudson Debra , Marshall Andrew G. , Yin Yonghong , Alves Oscar , Hendon Harry H.
Published: July 2013

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has recently enhanced its capability to make coupled model forecasts of intraseasonal climate variations. The Predictive Ocean Atmosphere Model for Australia (POAMA, version 2) seasonal prediction forecast system in operations prior to March 2013, designated P2-S, was not designed for intraseasonal forecasting and has deficiencies in this regard. Most notably, the forecasts were only initialized on the 1st and 15th of each month, and the growth of the ensemble spread in the first 30 days of the forecasts was too slow to be useful on intraseasonal time scales. These deficiencies have been addressed in a system upgrade by initializing more often and through enhancements to the ensemble generation. The new ensemble generation scheme is based on a coupled-breeding approach and produces an ensemble of perturbed atmosphere and ocean states for initializing the forecasts. This scheme impacts favorably on the forecast skill of Australian rainfall and temperature compared to P2-S and its predecessor (version 1.5). In POAMA-1.5 the ensemble was produced using time-lagged atmospheric initial conditions but with unperturbed ocean initial conditions. P2-S used an ensemble of perturbed ocean initial conditions but only a single atmospheric initial condition. The improvement in forecast performance using the coupled-breeding approach is primarily reflected in improved reliability in the first month of the forecasts, but there is also higher skill in predicting important drivers of intraseasonal climate variability, namely the Madden–Julian oscillation and southern annular mode. The results illustrate the importance of having an optimal ensemble generation strategy.
Transcending the Coloniality of Development
Authors: Casas Tanya
Published: July 2013

At this particular historical conjuncture, human-made crises—from ecological disasters such as the BP oil spill or the Fukushima nuclear accident, to food shortages and national economic calamities—have rightly gained attention, and the prospect of real limits to consumption seem ever present on the horizon. According to David Harvey, such “[c]rises are moments of paradox and possibility out of which all manner of alternatives . . . can spring.” It is these moments, or encounters, of paradox and possibility that I address in this article. I specifically consider novel ecological political articulations that have emerged out of indigenous movements that unmask the material foundations of world history and demonstrate cracks in a dominant ideology that commoditizes all matter—living and otherwise.
Measurement of single low-density lipoprotein particles by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Sakurai Toshihiro , Takeda Seiji , Takahashi Jun-ya , Takahashi Yuji , Wada Norio , Trirongjitmoah Suchin , Namita Takeshi , Jin Shigeki , Ikuta Akiko , Furumaki Hiroaki , Hui Shu-Ping , Fuda Hirotoshi , Fujikawa Masato , Shimizu Koichi , Chiba Hitoshi
Published: July 2013

Background

The size of lipoprotein particles is relevant to the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

We investigated the feasibility of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for evaluating the size of large low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and small dense LDL (sd-LDL) separated by ultracentrifugation. The measurements by AFM in tapping mode were compared to those by electron microscopy (EM).

Results

There was a significant difference in particle sizes determined by AFM between large LDL (20.6 ± 1.9 nm, mean ± SD) and sd-LDL (16.2 ± 1.4 nm) obtained from six healthy volunteers ( P < 0.05). The particle sizes determined by EM for the same samples were 23.2 ± 1.4 nm for large LDL and 20.4 ± 1.4 nm for sd-LDL. The difference between large LDL and sd-LDL detected by EM was also statistically significant ( P < 0.05). In addition, the particle sizes of each lipoprotein fraction were significantly different between AFM and EM: P < 0.05 for large LDL and P < 0.05 for sd-LDL.

Conclusions

AFM can differentiate between sd-LDL and large LDL particles by their size, and might be useful for evaluating risk for CAD.
Defining Correctness
Authors: Lee Siu-yau
Published: July 2013

Chinese dictionaries have long been an important tool for promoting the political agenda of the state. Not much has changed in the twenty-first century. A conventional assumption is that dictionary compilation has been controlled by the state. An examination of the history of the Contemporary Chinese Dictionary 现代汉语词典 suggests that such a claim is exaggerated. While the state was indeed actively involved in the compilation of the dictionary before the 1980s, the presumed propagandistic content of the dictionary in the twenty-first century has been more a result of the profit-seeking behavior of its publisher, the Commercial Press 商务印书馆, than direct state control. In order to defend the market share of its product, the Commercial Press needs to struggle with rival publishers to present to the public a close affinity with the state, which has the authority to define linguistic correctness. Consequently, the Contemporary Chinese Dictionary has been revised in accordance with the changing political agenda of the state and thus continues to support its nation-building project. This finding revises the conventional wisdom on several scores, particularly by deepening the analysis of language politics and reaffirming its importance in contemporary China.
Combining Decision Trees and Stochastic Curtailment for Assessment Length Reduction of Test Batteries Used for Classification
Authors: Fokkema Marjolein , Smits Niels , Kelderman Henk , Carlier Ingrid V. E. , van Hemert Albert M.
Published: July 2013

For classification problems in psychology (e.g., clinical diagnosis), batteries of tests are often administered. However, not every test or item may be necessary for accurate classification. In the current article, a combination of classification and regression trees (CART) and stochastic curtailment (SC) is introduced to reduce assessment length of questionnaire batteries. First, the CART algorithm provides relevant subscales and cutoffs needed for accurate classification, in the form of a decision tree. Second, for every subscale and cutoff appearing in the decision tree, SC reduces the number of items needed for accurate classification. This procedure is illustrated by post hoc simulation on a data set of 3,579 patients, to whom the Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (MASQ) was administered. Subscales of the MASQ are used for predicting diagnoses of depression. Results show that CART-SC provided an assessment length reduction of 56%, without loss of accuracy, compared with the more traditional prediction method of performing linear discriminant analysis on subscale scores. CART-SC appears to be an efficient and accurate algorithm for shortening test batteries.
Investigation of soy protein hydrogels for biomedical applications: Materials characterization, drug release, and biocompatibility
Authors: Chien Karen B , Chung Eun J , Shah Ramille N
Published: July 2013

Soy protein is emerging as a novel material for biomedical applications due to its abundance in nature, ease of isolation and processing, and inherent properties for mediating cell adhesion and growth. In this study, mechanically robust soy protein hydrogels were fabricated with varying weight percentages in water (15, 18, and 20 wt.%) without the use of chemical modifiers or crosslinkers. This fabrication method is beneficial because it allows for the direct injection of these soy hydrogels in vivo. The material properties, drug releasing capability, and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo were assessed. The different concentrations of soy protein varied the rheological, swelling, and mechanical properties and affected the release of the model drug fluorescein from the hydrogels in vitro. Higher weight percent of soy increased the robustness of the hydrogels and released a lower amount of fluorescein over one week. Viability and growth of seeded L929 mouse fibroblasts demonstrated that the hydrogels were biocompatible in vitro for one week. Soy hydrogels were injectable in vivo into the subcutaneous pocket of mice, and histological staining showed minimal fibrous capsule formation for up to 20 days. The ease of fabrication and tailorable properties of soy hydrogels render it a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications, particularly for wound healing.
Constructing (non-)normative identities in written lesbian discourse: A diachronic study
Authors: Koller Veronika
Published: July 2013

This article provides an analysis of two texts written from a lesbian subject position at different points in recent history, to show how the authors construct (non-)normative in-group representations. The study is based on theoretical notions from discourse theory, queer theory and social cognition research, and uses a mostly data-driven analytical approach. The two texts, a manifesto and a journal article, are investigated to see how they use nomination and predication to construct in- and out-group representations, to what extent these identities are non-normative and why they are constructed in this particular way. Results show a stark demarcation of a positive, non-complex in-group from a negative, equally non-complex out-group in the earlier text, which contrasts with a more differentiated and less uniformly positive in-group representation in the later text. This is explained with the respective socio-political context, and the earlier text is interpreted as promoting a more explicitly normative in-group representation.
How valuable is P-wave dispersion in the determination of carboxyhemoglobin levels?
Authors: Sener MT , Anci Y , Kalkan K , Kir MZ , Emet M
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To determine whether or not wave/interval dispersions in electrocardiography (ECG) are increased, and to define whether wave and interval dispersions are correlated with carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels.

Methods:

ECG, complete blood count, and biochemical parameters were taken from 87 patients with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as well as 90 control patients with similar age, gender, and body mass index distribution. COHb levels were recorded in CO-poisoning patients. The COHb levels and the relationships with ECG parameters were studied.

Results:

Pmax, Pmin, Pd, PRmax, PRmin, PRd, QTmax, QTmin, QTd, cQTmax, cQTmin, cQTd, Tmax, Tmin, and Td in ECG were higher in intoxicated patients than the control group ( p < 0.05 for all). Pearson’s correlation analyses showed moderately significant positive correlations between COHb level and Pmax ( r = 0.224; p = 0.037) and Pd ( r = 0.222; p = 0.039). The receiver–operator characteristic (ROC) curve showed that a Pd value of 38 ms determined by ECG separates patients with a COHb ≥ 20% with area under the ROC curve of 0.78 (95%CI = 0.71–0.83), a sensitivity of 67.9% (95%CI = 59.4–75.6), a specificity of 95% (95%CI = 83.0–99.2], a positive predictive value of 97.9% (95%CI = 92.5–99.7), and a negative predictive value of 46.3% (95%CI = 35.3–57.7.)

Conclusion:

A significant increase in wave/interval dispersions in the ECG of CO-poisoning patients compared with controls may show that not only a part is affected but both atrium and the ventricles as a whole are affected by hypoxic ischemia. When COHb levels of the patients are unavailable, P dispersion on ECG may show CO poisoning level of the patient.
Sexual harassment and abuse in sport: The NOC*NSF helpline
Authors: Vertommen Tine , Schipper-van Veldhoven Nicolette HMJ , Hartill Michael J , Van Den Eede Filip
Published: July 2013

Following a high-profile case of child sexual abuse in sport in 1996, the Netherlands Olympic Committee and the Netherlands Sports Confederation (NOC*NSF) established a telephone ‘helpline’ service on sexual harassment and abuse (SHA). In order to expand their understanding of this problem, NOC*NSF maintained written records of incidents reported to the helpline. These records revealed 323 separate incidents for the period 2001 to 2010. This paper presents a descriptive analysis of this data and discusses the findings. We conclude that whilst there are major limitations to working with information gathered in this way, a sustainable telephone ‘helpline’ can provide a valuable service for the sports community. Whilst official sources of data are known to under represent the scale of sexual abuse, through collaboration with researchers, such services can also generate important information for policymakers.
A variational constitutive model for the distribution and interactions of multi-sized voids
Authors: Liu JX , Sayed Tamer El
Published: July 2013

The evolution of defects or voids, generally recognized as the basic failure mechanism in most metals and alloys, has been intensively studied. Most investigations have been limited to spatially periodic cases with non-random distributions of the radii of the voids. In this study, we use a new form of the incompressibility of the matrix to propose the formula for the volumetric plastic energy of a void inside a porous medium. As a consequence, we are able to account for the weakening effect of the surrounding voids and to propose a general model for the distribution and interactions of multi-sized voids. We found that the single parameter in classical Gurson-type models, namely void volume fraction is not sufficient for the model. The relative growth rates of voids of different sizes, which can in principle be obtained through physical or numerical experiments, are required. To demonstrate the feasibility of the model, we analyze two cases. The first case represents exactly the same assumption hidden in the classical Gurson’s model, while the second embodies the competitive mechanism due to void size differences despite in a much simpler manner than the general case. Coalescence is implemented by allowing an accelerated void growth after an empirical critical porosity in a way that is the same as the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman model. The constitutive model presented here is validated through good agreements with experimental data. Its capacity for reproducing realistic failure patterns is shown by simulating a tensile test on a notched round bar.
Graduating With a Science Major
Authors: Larson Lisa M. , Pesch Kathryn M. , Bonitz Verena S. , Wu Tsui-Feng , Werbel James D.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to determine whether the degree of science interests and educational aspirations in students’ first year of university would significantly differentiate those students who graduated with a science major from those students who did not graduate with a science major. Moreover, the authors expected that educational aspirations would moderate the relation between science interests and graduating with/without a science major. First-year college students in introductory science courses were surveyed in their first semester and then again upon graduation. These 166 students’ science interests and educational aspirations were assessed at Time 1; their educational major was assessed upon graduation. The findings supported both hypotheses. Science interests and educational aspirations significantly differentiated whether or not students graduated with science majors. Moreover, the interaction of science interests and educational aspirations also significantly differentiated whether or not students graduated with a science major. In short, students who graduated with science majors, compared to their counterparts who graduated with nonscience majors, had significantly higher interests only when they also had higher educational aspirations.
A Contemporary Simulation Infused in the Business Communication Curriculum
Authors: Drury-Grogan Meghann L. , Russ Travis L.
Published: July 2013

This research examines students’ reactions to a contemporary simulation infused in the business communication curriculum. Results show that students indicated the experience helped them learn how to work better as a team, how to maintain composure, how the business world works, and how to improve their communication. Students also verified the validity of the simulation, stating that it prepared them for the business world by providing them with a challenging yet positive experience to demonstrate learned business communication principles. Details about the pedagogical framework of the business communication simulation and possible explanations and implications behind the findings are discussed.
A complete dynamic approach to the Generalized Beam Theory cross-section analysis including extension and shear modes
Authors: Piccardo Giuseppe , Ranzi Gianluca , Luongo Angelo
Published: July 2013

A simple and efficient ‘complete dynamic approach’ is proposed, and named GBT-D, to evaluate a suitable basis of modes for the elastic analysis of thin-walled members in the framework of Generalized Beam Theory (GBT). The basis includes conventional and non-conventional modes, the latter accounting for transverse extension and membrane shear strain of the plate elements forming the cross-section, which identically vanish in the former set. The method relies on the solution of two distinct eigenvalue problems, governing the in-plane and the out-of-plane free oscillations of a segment of a thin-walled beam. Both the eigenvalue problems, differential in origin, and defined on a one-dimensional spatial domain, are transformed into an algebraic problem by means of a discretization carried out at the cross-section middle line. Numerical examples are then presented to outline the ease of use of the proposed method considering a single plate, an open cross-section and a partially closed one. Member analyses are also performed for the simplest boundary conditions, to validate the accuracy of the proposed GBT-D approach against finite element method results and analytical solutions, highlighting the importance in including the non-conventional modes.
Nonmedical Use of Prescription ADHD Stimulant Medications Among Adults in a Substance Abuse Treatment Population
Authors: Cassidy Theresa A. , McNaughton Emily C. , Varughese Sajan , Russo Leo , Zulueta Mirella , Butler Stephen F.
Published: July 2013

Objective: To examine nonmedical use (NMU) of prescription ADHD stimulants among adults evaluated for substance abuse treatment. Method: 147,816 assessments from the National Addictions Vigilance Intervention and Prevention Program (NAVIPPRO) system (10/01/2009 through 03/31/2012) examined NMU prevalence, routes of administration (ROA), and diversion sources. Results: Past 30-day NMU for prescription stimulants (1.29%) was significantly lower than that of prescription opioids (19.79%) or sedatives (10.62%). For stimulant products, NMU for Adderall was 0.62, followed by Adderall XR (0.42), Ritalin (0.16), Vyvanse (0.12), and Concerta (0.08); product differences likely have limited clinical relevance given the low estimates (<1%). Higher NMU per prescriptions was for Adderall (4.92), Ritalin (4.68), and Adderall XR (3.18) compared with newer formulations (Vyvanse 1.26, Concerta 0.89). Diversion source was mainly family/friends with no differences between products; swallowing whole was the most frequent ROA. Conclusion: Prescription stimulant NMU was low compared with other prescription medications among individuals assessed for substance abuse problems, with little difference among specific products.
The impact of transformational, transactional and non-leadership styles on employee job satisfaction in the German hospitality industry
Authors: Rothfelder Kathrin , Ottenbacher Michael C , Harrington Robert J
Published: July 2013

This work examines the influence of different leadership behaviours of hospitality managers on employee job satisfaction to close open gaps in leadership research, especially in the German context. Bass’s (1985) full-range leadership model was selected as a framework of this study. A quantitative survey methodology was used to assess leadership influence on employee job satisfaction, and 101 hotel employees in Germany completed the survey. The data analysis involved three major stages: correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and MANOVA. The results from this study suggest that German hotel employee job satisfaction is strongly affected by leadership behaviour. In this regard, the influence of transformational leadership on employee job satisfaction differs widely from transactional and non-leadership behaviour. Earlier studies have indicated a situational or cultural impact on appropriate leadership style, and this study furthers this concept with a new geographic area (Germany), which can therewith be added to the hospitality leadership research.
Estimating the mean flow field in combustion chambers
Authors: Morton Thad S
Published: July 2013

Swirling flow fields in combustion chambers can be determined based on swirl ratio and a velocity profile specified along some path to the vortex center. A method is presented whereby flow fields can be constructed by applying the continuity equation in a streamline coordinate system and imposing irrotationality about the symmetry axis of the vortex ring. The swirl ratio may be specified at the vortex core, along with a velocity profile along any semi-axis of the vortex cross section.
Development of communicative gestures in normally developing children between 8 and 18 months: An exploratory study
Authors: Veena Kadiyali D , Bellur Rajashekhar
Published: July 2013

Children who have not developed speech tend to use gestures to communicate. Since gestures are not encouraged and suppressed in the Indian traditional context while speaking, this study focused on profiling the developing gestures in children to explore whether they use the gestures before development of speech. Eight normally developing 8-month-old children served as participants, who were followed up till the age of 18 months. Mother–child interactions were video-recorded and analyzed for deictic and representational gestures. The age of emergence and representational gestures in this study were relatively diverse from those in the Western studies; furthermore, representational gestures were unique and depended on the culture and mothers’ input.
The Effects of Outcome Uncertainty, Scoring, and Pregame Expectations on Nielsen Ratings for Bowl Championship Series Games
Authors: Salaga Steven , Tainsky Scott
Published: July 2013

This study utilizes Nielsen ratings to estimate the factors that influence viewership for Bowl Championship Series telecasts. Our modeling demonstrates increased start-of-game ratings for contests of higher absolute quality, but not of anticipated higher relative quality. Little support is generated for the notion of consumer preference for scoring. However, the relationship between outcome uncertainty and television ratings is dynamic as consumers initially prefer more certain games, but ratings increase systematically throughout a contest when the outcome of that contest becomes more uncertain. Preferences also exist for games in which actual outcomes match pregame expectations.
Copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase-1 transfers copper to mitochondria but does not affect cytochrome c oxidase activity
Authors: Wang Biao , Dong Daoyin , Kang Y James
Published: July 2013

Copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase-1 (CCS-1) is present in the cytosol and in the intermembrane space of mitochondria. It transfers copper ions to superoxide dismutase 1 in the cytosol, but its function in the mitochondria is not clear. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that CCS-1 functions in mitochondrial copper homeostasis. Mitochondria were isolated from human umbilical vein endothelial cells and copper concentrations in the mitochondria were measured in the CCS-1 deficient cells made by siRNA targeting the protein. Copper concentrations in the mitochondria were about 10 fold higher than its total concentrations in the cell and the CCS-1 deficiency significantly reduced the copper level in the mitochondria. However, this decrease in the mitochondrial copper concentration did not affect cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity. On the other hand, siRNA targeting COX17, a copper chaperone for the CCO, significantly increased the mitochondrial copper concentration, but suppressed the CCO activity. This study thus demonstrates that CCS-1 facilitates copper trafficking to the mitochondria, but does not affect the transfer of copper to the CCO. In addition, the COX17 not only functions in the copper shuttling to the CCO, but also may participate in the copper efflux from the mitochondria.