bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF MICROARRAY DATA USING ORTHOGONAL FORWARD SELECTION WITH A CLUSTERING APPROACH
Authors: KAH WONG SOU , MOORTHY KOHBALAN , MOHAMAD MOHD SABERI , KASIM SHAHREEN , DERIS SAFAAI , OMATU SIGERU , YOSHIOKA MICHIFUMI
Published: April 2015

DNA microarray technology allows researchers to monitor the expression level of thousands of genes under various conditions in microarray experiments. However, high-dimensional data in microarray is a major challenge as the irrelevant genes often reduce the detection capability and increase the computation time. Many learning algorithms are not specifically developed to deal with the noisy genes, thus, incorporating them with gene selection techniques has become a necessity. In this paper, we propose a combined method of Gram–Schmidt orthogonal forward selection (OFS) and FunCluster to search for putatively co-regulated biological processes that share the co-expressed genes. There were two datasets used in this research: human white adipose tissue and human skeletal muscle. This study aimed to find a small subset of strongly correlated genes from the raw datasets to maximize the detection capability of cluster analysis. This method was found able to detect the clusters of biological categories that were overlooked in the previous research. Some clusters represented minor functions of the datasets and indicated more specific biological processes. Further, the computation time for both datasets was reduced using this proposed method, as the Gram–Schmidt OFS significantly reduced the dimensionality of the datasets.
FRACTALS WITH HYPERBOLIC SCATORS IN 1 + 2 DIMENSIONS
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ-GUASTI M.
Published: April 2015

A nondistributive scator algebra in 1 + 2 dimensions is used to map the quadratic iteration. The hyperbolic numbers square bound set reveals a rich structure when taken into the three-dimensional (3D) hyperbolic scator space. Self-similar small copies of the larger set are obtained along the real axis. These self-similar sets are located at the same positions and have equivalent relative sizes as the small M-set copies found between the Myrberg-Feigenbaum (MF) point and -2 in the complex Mandelbrot set. Furthermore, these small copies are self similar 3D copies of the larger 3D bound set. The real roots of the respective polynomials exhibit basins of attraction in a 3D space. Slices of the 3D confined scator set, labeled [Formula: see text](s;x,y), are shown at different planes to give an approximate idea of the 3D objects highly complicated boundary.
Characterizing and Overriding the Structural Mechanism of the Quizartinib-Resistant FLT3 “Gatekeeper” F691L Mutation with PLX3397
Authors: Smith Catherine C. , Zhang Chao , Lin Kimberly C. , Lasater Elisabeth A. , Zhang Ying , Massi Evan , Damon Lauren E. , Pendleton Matthew , Bashir Ali , Sebra Robert , Perl Alexander , Kasarskis Andrew , Shellooe Rafe , Tsang Garson , Carias Heidi , Powell Ben , Burton Elizabeth A. , Matusow Bernice , Zhang Jiazhong , Spevak Wayne , Ibrahim Prabha N. , Le Mai H. , Hsu Henry H. , Habets Gaston , West Brian L. , Bollag Gideon , Shah Neil P.
Published: April 2015

Tyrosine kinase domain mutations are a common cause of acquired clinical resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) used to treat cancer, including the FLT3 inhibitor quizartinib. Mutation of kinase “gatekeeper” residues, which control access to an allosteric pocket adjacent to the ATP-binding site, has been frequently implicated in TKI resistance. The molecular underpinnings of gatekeeper mutation–mediated resistance are incompletely understood. We report the first cocrystal structure of FLT3 with the TKI quizartinib, which demonstrates that quizartinib binding relies on essential edge-to-face aromatic interactions with the gatekeeper F691 residue, and F830 within the highly conserved Asp-Phe-Gly motif in the activation loop. This reliance makes quizartinib critically vulnerable to gatekeeper and activation loop substitutions while minimizing the impact of mutations elsewhere. Moreover, we identify PLX3397, a novel FLT3 inhibitor that retains activity against the F691L mutant due to a binding mode that depends less vitally on specific interactions with the gatekeeper position.

Significance: We report the first cocrystal structure of FLT3 with a kinase inhibitor, elucidating the structural mechanism of resistance due to the gatekeeper F691L mutation. PLX3397 is a novel FLT3 inhibitor with in vitro activity against this mutation but is vulnerable to kinase domain mutations in the FLT3 activation loop. Cancer Discov; 5(6); 668–79. ©2015 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 565
Characteristics, Expectations and Needs of the Dutch Endometriosis Society Members
Authors: Roos-Eysbouts Yalck , De Bie-Rocks Bianca , Van Dijk Jolanda , Nap Annemiek W.
Published: April 2015

Background/Aim Study Question: Endometriosis is associated with a significant reduction in the quality of life and higher depression and anxiety rates. The Dutch Endometriosis Society (ES) was founded to increase the recognition and knowledge in patients and health care professionals, stimulate research and improve care. This study was conducted to explore the characteristics of the members and evaluate their needs and expectations. Methods: A descriptive questionnaire-based survey was conducted among all members of the ES. The response rate was 51% (n = 571). Results: ES members appear to be highly educated women with a wide variety of endometriosis-related symptoms resulting in considerable restrictions in daily life. Information transmission was considered the main aim of ES (97%), whereas 56% expected social support, and 38% expected advocacy. The majority (71%) reported an improvement in their quality of life after contact with the ES. Conclusion: The results of this study underline patients' primary quest for information about endometriosis. Patient support groups such as ES can fulfil a useful role in disseminating knowledge from medical professionals to those suffering a chronic illness, resulting in a greater understanding and ultimately increasing their quality of life.
PFI-14©: A Rasch Analysis Refinement of the Psoriasis Family Index
Authors: Basra Mohammad K.A. , Zammit Anne-Marie , Kamudoni Paul , Eghlileb Ahmed M. , Finlay Andrew Y. , Salek M. Sam
Published: April 2015

Objective: We aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Psoriasis Family Index (PFI), a disease-specific instrument, to measure the secondary impact of psoriasis on the quality of life (QoL) of family members and partners of psoriasis patients. Methods: PFI data were collected from 150 accompanying family members of psoriasis patients attending the dermatology department of a secondary referral hospital. Rasch analysis was used to examine various psychometric properties of the PFI, including dimensionality, response category functioning, fit statistics, scale reliability and validity, item targeting and differential item functioning (DIF). Results: The 15-item PFI with 4 response options showed good overall fit to the Rasch model. The response category almost entirely followed the Linacre criteria, demonstrating its optimal functionality. All items except one had good fit to the Rasch model. The mean fit residual for the items was -0.085 ± 1.184 (range -1.54 to 2.7). Strict unidimensionality was achieved following removal of the misfitting item 5. The revised 14-item PFI maintained strong reliability (person separation index = 0.87). The scale showed minor mistargeting (mean difference between person and item location = 0.95 logits). None of the items displayed DIF across gender or relationship type. Conclusions: The PFI is the first disease-specific measure to quantify the QoL of family members of psoriasis patients. Following the application of Rasch analysis we now recommend the use of a 14-item version of the PFI: question No. 5 from the 15-item version has been deleted. This study demonstrates the promising psychometric performance of the PFI and confirms its potential as a useful outcome measure in future clinical research.
Repeatability of Retinal Macular Thickness Measurements in Healthy Subjects and Diabetic Patients with Clinically Significant Macular Edema: Evaluation of the Follow-Up System of Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Fiore Tito , Lupidi Marco , Androudi Sofia , Giansanti Fabrizio , Fruttini Daniela , Cagini Carlo
Published: April 2015

Background: It was the aim of this study to compare the repeatability of Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal thickness measurements in healthy subjects and diabetic patients with clinically significant macular edema (CSME) with or without the use of the follow-up system. Methods: Thirty-eight eyes of 38 healthy subjects (control group) and 68 eyes of 68 diabetic patients with CSME were included in the study. The coefficient of repeatability (CR) and intrasession coefficients of variation were tested with 20 × 15 degree raster scans consisting of 19 high-resolution line scans (15 frames per scan) that were repeated 3 times by 1 experienced examiner. The first scan was set as the reference scan, whereas the second and third scans were the follow-up scans and were performed with and without the use of the follow-up mode, respectively. Results: The means and standard deviations for the central foveal subfield (CSF) in healthy subjects and diabetic patients were 289 ± 21 and 402 ± 105 μm, respectively. Particularly in diabetic patients, examining the CSF, CR was 2.67% (10.73 µm) and 6.73% (27.01 µm) with and without using the follow-up mode, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that the follow-up system improves the repeatability either in healthy subjects or in diabetic patients with poor fixation. The wider improvement in repeatability in diabetic patients in the follow-up system group compared to the no follow-up system group are probably related to poor patient fixation or eye movement in patients with CSME.
Multitask Imaging Monitor for Surgical Navigation: Combination of Touchless Interface and Head-Mounted Display
Authors: Yoshida Soichiro , Ito Masaya , Tatokoro Manabu , Yokoyama Minato , Ishioka Junichiro , Matsuoka Yoh , Numao Noboru , Saito Kazutaka , Fujii Yasuhisa , Kihara Kazunori
Published: April 2015

As a result of the dramatic improvements in the resolution, wearability, and weight of head-mounted displays (HMDs), they have become increasingly applied in the medical field as personal imaging monitors. The combined use of a multiplexer with an HMD allows the wearer to simultaneously and seamlessly monitor multiple streams of imaging information through the HMD. We developed a multitask imaging monitor for surgical navigation by combining a touchless surgical imaging control system with an HMD. This system is composed of a standard color digital video camera mounted on the HMD and computer software that enables the identification of the number of pictured fingertips from the video camera image. The HMD wearer uses this information as a touchless interface for the operating multiplexer, which can control the arrays and types of imaging information displayed on the HMD. We used this system in an experimental demonstration during a single-port gasless partial nephrectomy. The use of this multitask imaging monitor using a touchless interface would refine the surgical workflow, especially during surgical navigation.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in End-Stage Kidney Disease: Not Strictly Posterior or Reversible
Authors: Canney Mark , Kelly Dearbhla , Clarkson Michael
Published: April 2015

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an uncommon clinico-radiological condition that can result in severe brain injury. The pathogenesis of cerebral vasogenic edema, the hallmark of PRES, is not fully understood. Despite its name, there is substantial heterogeneity both in terms of imaging findings and outcome. Relatively little is known about PRES in kidney disease despite the clustering of risk factors including hypertension, autoimmune disease and immunosuppression. In a retrospective observational study of incident end-stage kidney disease patients in Southwest Ireland over a ten year period, we discovered five cases of PRES representing an incidence of 0.84% in this patient population. These five cases highlight the variability in clinical presentation and the potentially life-threatening nature of this condition. We provide an in-depth review of the existing literature regarding PRES in terms of its pathogenesis and heterogeneity, as well as the experience of PRES in ESKD patients. PRES appears to be rare in the ESKD population but could be under-recognized. Marked hypertension is a cardinal risk factor in this population, associated with extracellular fluid volume expansion. Neuroimaging findings can be diverse involving both anterior and posterior circulation territories. Three of the five patients described had commenced haemodialysis within four weeks of their presentation. These patients may be particularly vulnerable to microvascular brain injury, which can be devastating. This emphasises the need for clinicians to pay meticulous attention to extracellular fluid volume control during this potentially hazardous period.
The Risk of Hyponatremia with Desmopressin Use for Nocturnal Polyuria
Authors: Choi Eun Young , Park Joon-Sung , Kim Yong Tae , Park Sung Yul , Kim Gheun-Ho
Published: April 2015

Background: Desmopressin is used for treating nocturnal polyuria, but hyponatremia is an associated concern in the elderly due to impaired urinary dilution. This study was undertaken to characterize hyponatremia occurring in adults using desmopressin for nocturnal polyuria. Methods: Data from 172 patients who were prescribed desmopressin for nocturnal polyuria at a urology clinic from September 2010 through February 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and laboratory parameters were investigated to examine the risk factors for desmopressin-associated hyponatremia. Results: The average follow-up serum sodium measured 21 ± 22 days after using desmopressin was 138 ± 5 mmol/l. Hyponatremia (<135 mmol/l) was found in 24 patients (14%), and it was severe in 7 (<126 mmol/l). In the hyponatremic patients, serum sodium decreased by 11 ± 6 mmol/l. Patients with hyponatremia were older than those with normonatremia (78 ± 7 vs. 68 ± 9 years, p < 0.0001). The presence of either hyponatremia-predisposing comorbidities or concurrent medications was associated with hyponatremia. Patients with hyponatremia had lower basal hemoglobin (11 ± 2 vs. 13 ± 2 g/dl, p < 0.001) and serum sodium (139 ± 2 vs. 140 ± 2 mmol/l, p < 0.05) than those with normonatremia. Multivariate logistic regression after adjustment for basal serum sodium showed that advanced age (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.03-1.27) and lower hemoglobin level (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.43-0.94) were independently associated with hyponatremia. Conclusion: Hyponatremia is not infrequently associated with desmopressin use. Those with advanced age (≥65 years) and lower hemoglobin are at risk of desmopressin-associated hyponatremia and need to be carefully monitored.
Regulatory T Cells Ameliorate Intrauterine Growth Retardation in a Transgenic Rat Model for Preeclampsia
Authors: Przybyl Lukasz , Ibrahim Tarek , Haase Nadine , Golic Michaela , Rugor Julianna , Luft Friedrich C. , Bendix Ivo , Serdar Meray , Wallukat Gerd , Staff Anne Cathrine , Müller Dominik N. , Hünig Thomas , Felderhoff-Müser Ursula , Herse Florian , LaMarca Babette , Dechend Ralf
Published: April 2015

Preeclampsia is a multisystemic syndrome during pregnancy that is often associated with intrauterine growth retardation. Immunologic dysregulation, involving T cells, is implicated in the pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of upregulating regulatory T cells in an established transgenic rat model for preeclampsia. Application of superagonistic monoclonal antibody for CD28 has been shown to effectively upregulate regulatory T cells. In the first protocol (treatment protocol), we applied 1 mg of CD28 superagonist or control antibody on days 11 and 15 of pregnancy. In the second protocol (prevention protocol), the superagonist or control antibody was applied on days 1, 5, and 9. Superagonist increased regulatory T cells in circulation and placenta from 8.49±2.09% of CD4-positive T cells to 23.50±3.05% and from 3.85±1.45% to 23.27±7.64%, respectively. Blood pressure and albuminuria (30.6±15.1 versus 14.6±5.5 mg/d) were similar in the superagonist or control antibody–treated preeclamptic group for both protocols. Rats treated with CD28 superagonist showed increased pup weights in the prevention protocol (2.66±0.03 versus 2.37±0.05 g) and in the treatment protocol (3.04±0.04 versus 2.54±0.1 g). Intrauterine growth retardation, calculated by brain:liver weight ratio, was also decreased by the superagonist in both protocols. Further analysis of brain development revealed a 20% increase in brain volume by the superagonist. Induction of regulatory T cells in the circulation and the uteroplacental unit in an established preeclamptic rat model had no influence on maternal hypertension and proteinuria. However, it substantially improved fetal outcome by ameliorating intrauterine growth retardation.
Read My Lips: Brain Dynamics Associated with Audiovisual Integration and Deviance Detection
Authors: Tse Chun-Yu , Gratton Gabriele , Garnsey Susan M. , Novak Michael A. , Fabiani Monica
Published: April 2015

Information from different modalities is initially processed in different brain areas, yet real-world perception often requires the integration of multisensory signals into a single percept. An example is the McGurk effect, in which people viewing a speaker whose lip movements do not match the utterance perceive the spoken sounds incorrectly, hearing them as more similar to those signaled by the visual rather than the auditory input. This indicates that audiovisual integration is important for generating the phoneme percept. Here we asked when and where the audiovisual integration process occurs, providing spatial and temporal boundaries for the processes generating phoneme perception. Specifically, we wanted to separate audiovisual integration from other processes, such as simple deviance detection. Building on previous work employing ERPs, we used an oddball paradigm in which task-irrelevant audiovisually deviant stimuli were embedded in strings of non-deviant stimuli. We also recorded the event-related optical signal, an imaging method combining spatial and temporal resolution, to investigate the time course and neuroanatomical substrate of audiovisual integration. We found that audiovisual deviants elicit a short duration response in the middle/superior temporal gyrus, whereas audiovisual integration elicits a more extended response involving also inferior frontal and occipital regions. Interactions between audiovisual integration and deviance detection processes were observed in the posterior/superior temporal gyrus. These data suggest that dynamic interactions between inferior frontal cortex and sensory regions play a significant role in multimodal integration.
“The Cooties Effect”: Amygdala Reactivity to Opposite- versus Same-sex Faces Declines from Childhood to Adolescence
Authors: Telzer Eva H. , Flannery Jessica , Humphreys Kathryn L. , Goff Bonnie , Gabard-Durman Laurel , Gee Dylan G. , Tottenham Nim
Published: April 2015

One of the most important social identities that children learn to define themselves and others by is sex, becoming a salient social category by early childhood. Although older children begin to show greater flexibility in their gendered behaviors and attitudes, gender rigidity intensifies again around the time of puberty. In the current study, we assessed behavioral and neural biases to sex across a wide age group. Ninety-three youth (ages 7–17 years) provided behavioral rating of same- and opposite-sex attitudes, and 52 youth (ages 4–18 years) underwent an fMRI scan as they matched the emotion of same- and opposite-sex faces. We demonstrate significant age-related behavioral biases of sex that are mediated by differential amygdala response to opposite-sex relative to same-sex faces in children, an effect that completely attenuates by the teenage years. Moreover, we find a second peak in amygdala sensitivity to opposite-sex faces around the time of puberty. Thus, the amygdala codes for developmentally dependent and motivationally relevant social identification across development.
A Reply to Franco Fabbro, ‘The Benefit of Expanding the Cultural, Scientific Religious and Frontiers of Historical Jesus Research
Authors: Fabris Rinaldo
Published: April 2015

In the conclusions to his detailed and extensive review Professor Franco Fabbro draws the reader’s attention to three ‘weak points’ of my research on ‘Jesus the Nazarene’: (1) the ‘anthropological-religious’ perception of Jesus, (2) the view that Jesus was ‘illiterate’ and (3) the lack of comparison ‘between Jesus (along with his activity) and the most important religious traditions besides Judaism and Islam’—in particular, Hinduism and Buddhism. Besides addressing these three, I would also like to reply to other criticisms raised by Fabbro in his review. Towards the end of my contribution I will discuss the issue of the biblical culture of Jesus and clarify my methodological approach to research on the historical Jesus.
African Slavery and Spanish Empire
Authors: Schneider Elena
Published: April 2015

This article traces a philosophical shift that opened the door to a new departure in eighteenth-century Spanish empire: a newly emerging sense that the slave trade and African slavery were essential to the wealth of nations. Contextualizing this ideological reconfiguration within mid-eighteenth century debates, this article draws upon the works of political economists and royal councilors in Madrid and puts them in conversation with the words and actions of individuals in and from Cuba, including people of African descent themselves. Because of the central place of the island in eighteenth-century imperial rivalry and reform, as well as its particular demographic situation, Cuba served as a catalyst for these debates about the place of African slavery and the transatlantic slave trade in Spanish empire. Ultimately, between the mid-eighteenth century and the turn of the nineteenth, this new mode of thought would lead to dramatic transformations in the institution of racial slavery and Spanish imperial political economy.
A Psycho-Theological Synopsis of Youth Culture and Faith in Africa
Authors: Maiko Saneto
Published: April 2015

In this article, Saneto Maiko considers the need for the church to develop the faith of young people in Africa. Maiko is concerned to develop his theory from a sound theological perspective alongside the developmental theories of Erikson, Fowler et al. Maiko's reflections on the African situation speak powerfully into other perspectives too.
Modeling Ice Crystal Aspect Ratio Evolution during Riming: A Single-Particle Growth Model
Authors: Jensen Anders A. , Harrington Jerry Y.
Published: April 2015

This paper describes and tests a single-particle ice growth model that evolves both ice crystal mass and shape as a result of vapor growth and riming. Columnar collision efficiencies in the model are calculated using a new theoretical method derived from spherical collision efficiencies. The model is able to evolve mass, shape, and fall speed of growing ice across a range of temperatures, and it compares well with wind tunnel data. The onset time of riming and the effects of riming on mass and fall speed between −3° and −16°C are modeled, as compared with wind tunnel data for a liquid water content of 0.4 g m−3. Under these conditions, riming is constrained to the more isometric habits near −10° and −4°C. It is shown that the mass and fall speed of riming dendrites depend on the liquid drop distribution properties, leading to a range of mass–size and fall speed–size relationships. Riming at low liquid water contents is shown to be sensitive to ice crystal habit and liquid drop size. Moreover, very light riming can affect the shape of ice crystals enough to reduce vapor growth and suppress overall mass growth, as compared with those same ice crystals if they were unrimed.
Cloud-Resolving Large-Eddy Simulation of Tropical Convective Development and Surface Fluxes
Authors: Skyllingstad Eric D. , de Szoeke Simon P.
Published: April 2015

Cloud-resolving large-eddy simulations (LES) on a 500 km × 500 km periodic domain coupled to a thermodynamic ocean mixed layer are used to study the effect of large-scale moisture convergence M on the convective population and heat and moisture budgets of the tropical atmosphere, for several simulations with M representative of the suppressed, transitional, and active phases of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). For a limited-area model without an imposed vertical velocity, M controls the overall vertical temperature structure. Moisture convergence equivalent to ~200 W m−2 (9 mm day−1) maintains the observed temperature profile above 5 km. Increased convective heating for simulations with higher M is partially offset by greater infrared cooling, suggesting a potential negative feedback that helps maintain the weak temperature gradient conditions observed in the tropics. Surface evaporation decreases as large-scale moisture convergence increases, and is only a minor component of the overall water budget for convective conditions representing the active phase of the MJO. Cold pools generated by evaporation of precipitation under convective conditions are gusty, with roughly double the wind stress of their surroundings. Consistent with observations, enhanced surface evaporation due to cold pool gusts is up to 40% of the mean, but has a small effect on the total moisture budget compared to the imposed large-scale moisture convergence.
Item Response Theory With Covariates (IRT-C)
Authors: Tay Louis , Huang Qiming , Vermunt Jeroen K.
Published: April 2015

In large-scale testing, the use of multigroup approaches is limited for assessing differential item functioning (DIF) across multiple variables as DIF is examined for each variable separately. In contrast, the item response theory with covariate (IRT-C) procedure can be used to examine DIF across multiple variables (covariates) simultaneously. To assess the utility of the IRT-C procedure, we conducted a simulation study. Using SAT data for realistic parameters, uniform DIF on three covariates were simulated: gender (dichotomous), race/ethnicity (categorical), and income (continuous). Simulations were conducted across several conditions: two test lengths (14 items, 21 items), four sample sizes (5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 40,000), and two DIF effect sizes (medium, large). It was found that the IRT-C procedure could accurately recover the latent means and the three-parameter logistic model parameters well with a substantial sample size of 20,000. There was good control of Type I error rates to the nominal rates across the sample sizes. Good power to detect DIF across all covariates (>.80) was observed when the sample size was 20,000 for large DIF effect size and 40,000 for medium DIF effect size. Practical implications for the use of the IRT-C procedure are discussed.
Politics of Protective Territoriality and Governance Challenges in the Geography of Networked Human Connectivity: the Jarso-Girhi case in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Hussein Jeylan Wolyie , Kenee Fekadu Beyene , Wentzell Richard
Published: April 2015

By focusing on the case of the Jarso and the Girhi in eastern Ethiopia, this article seeks to contribute to comparative studies on the social, territorial and relational effects of the effort at political and administrative decentralization in multi-ethnic settings. The article analyses the political and social implications of the elements that constitute impediments to social cohesion and socio-economic interaction in the study area. The data required for the study were collected through fieldwork that involved interviews, focus group discussions and field observations. On the basis of the analysis, the article recommends what should be done to create a relational politics of place in which places and spaces that connect people remain open, discontinuous, relational and internally diverse.
Constraints of Tones, Vowels and Consonants on Lexical Selection in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Wiener Seth , Turnbull Rory
Published: April 2015

Previous studies have shown that when speakers of European languages are asked to turn nonwords into words by altering either a vowel or consonant, they tend to treat vowels as more mutable than consonants. These results inspired the universal vowel mutability hypothesis: listeners learn to cope with vowel variability because vowel information constrains lexical selection less tightly and allows for more potential candidates than does consonant information. The present study extends the word reconstruction paradigm to Mandarin Chinese–a Sino-Tibetan language, which makes use of lexically contrastive tone. Native speakers listened to word-like nonwords (e.g., su3) and were asked to change them into words by manipulating a single consonant (e.g., tu3), vowel (e.g., si3), or tone (e.g., su4). Additionally, items were presented in a fourth condition in which participants could change any part. The participants’ reaction times and responses were recorded. Results revealed that participants responded faster and more accurately in both the free response and the tonal change conditions. Unlike previous reconstruction studies on European languages, where vowels were changed faster and more often than consonants, these results demonstrate that, in Mandarin, changes to vowels and consonants were both overshadowed by changes to tone, which was the preferred modification to the stimulus nonwords, while changes to vowels were the slowest and least accurate. Our findings show that the universal vowel mutability hypothesis is not consistent with a tonal language, that Mandarin tonal information is lower-priority than consonants and vowels and that vowel information most tightly constrains Mandarin lexical access.
Marginalized Maximum Likelihood Estimation for the 1PL-AG IRT Model
Authors: Park Ryoungsun , Pituch Keenan A. , Kim Jiseon , Dodd Barbara G. , Chung Hyewon
Published: April 2015

Marginal maximum likelihood estimation based on the expectation–maximization algorithm (MML/EM) is developed for the one-parameter logistic model with ability-based guessing (1PL-AG) item response theory (IRT) model. The use of the MML/EM estimator is cross-validated with estimates from NLMIXED procedure (PROC NLMIXED) in Statistical Analysis System. Numerical data are provided for comparisons of results from MML/EM and PROC NLMIXED.
Auditors’ Role in China
Authors: Du Ning , Ronen Joshua , Ye Jianfang
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the role of Chinese auditors in preventing aggressive management financial reporting. We conduct two experiments to investigate auditors’ behaviors. The first experiment examines auditors’ awareness of earnings management (EM) attempts induced by the delisting rule. One hundred seventy-four Chinese auditors participated in the study. The evidence shows that auditors believe the use of the classification of investment transactions to avoid losses is appropriate. The second experiment investigates whether the bond (Guanxi) between managers and auditors may have contributed to auditors’ reluctance to mitigate delisting-motivated EM and whether increased regulatory enforcement may moderate this behavior. We find that Guanxi undermines auditors’ ability to correct EM. Specifically, when auditors have close bond (Guanxi) with managers, they are less likely to recommend adjustments; however, we find that increased penalty has a positive effect on auditors’ performance, as harsh penalties/sanctions enhance their willingness to challenge managers’ decisions.
The Role of Social Support in Dance Talent Development
Authors: Chua Joey
Published: April 2015

This multiple case study aims to answer the main research question, “How well are exceptionally talented Finnish and Singaporean dance students supported by significant individuals at different phases of the students’ development?” The exceptionally talented students aged 16 to 22 were enrolled in their national dance institutions—the Finnish National Opera Ballet School and the Singapore Dance Theatre. Perspectives of social support were elicited from 13 participants—dance students ( n = 4), teachers ( n = 6), parents ( n = 2), and one sibling. Data were documents, letters, interviews, and observation field notes collected over 2 years. The themes that emerged from the deductive and inductive analysis—being there, sharing, and knowing—illustrated the types of support from families, peers, and teachers that contributed to the students’ development. While making cross-cultural comparisons, reflections about mindset, self-efficacy, and pedagogical practices are also discussed. A conclusion offers educational implications and directions for future research.
Drawing out understanding
Authors: Eiserman Jennifer , Lai Heather , Rushton Chelsea
Published: April 2015

Dabrowski recognized that the creative process is important in the personality development of the gifted and talented. Given the intrinsically creative nature of learning in an arts- infused context, we hypothesize that interdisciplinary approaches to curriculum address the unique needs of the gifted. First, we will summarize Dabrowski’s theory of positive disintegration, providing a theoretical context to discuss an ongoing research project that engages gifted students in arts-based learning. We then briefly describe the implications of positive disintegration in the middle school context, and how art education can support this process. Finally, we describe how two arts integrated projects addressed the process of positive disintegration. In 2013, University of Calgary students in ART 307, “Applied concepts in art with children ages 6-12,” worked with gifted middle school students on an integrated art–social studies–science project called “When Fisher went to Skyland.” In this project, one class of Grade 6 students explored Iroquois culture and sky science through printmaking. In 2014, four classes of Grade 5 students worked with ART 307 students to enhance their understanding of electricity and magnetism through explorations using theatre games, creative movement and animation. We suggest that engaging gifted middle school students in the arts can be a means to facilitate alternative learning methodologies in all subject areas, and provide necessary support in personality development.
A More Perfect Union? Christian Nationalism and Support for Same-sex Unions
Authors: Whitehead Andrew L. , Perry Samuel L.
Published: April 2015

How do overlapping social identities shape Americans’ views toward contemporary social and moral issues? Drawing upon national-level data and employing the theoretical construct of social identity complexity, we examine the link between Christian nationalism–representing a convergence of national and religious identities–and Americans’ views toward same-sex marriage and civil unions. Multivariate analyses reveal that greater adherence to Christian nationalism is strongly and negatively related to support for both same-sex marriage and civil unions, even after controlling for political ideology, religious controls, attribution of homosexuality, and other relevant correlates. We argue that Christian nationalists, who by definition internalize a high degree of overlap between political and religious identities, are more likely to see gays and lesbians as out-groups and same-sex unions as a threat to their sense of self and community. We conclude by discussing the implications of this study for future research on political and religious identities and intolerance toward socially marginalized populations.
Latino Mothers’ and Fathers’ Caregiving With Their School-Age Children
Authors: Hossain Ziarat , Lee Soyoung , Martin-Cuellar Ashley
Published: April 2015

This study examined the levels of Latino mothers’ and fathers’ involvement in their school-age children’s care and the relationships between parents’ socio-economic status (SES) variables, sense of community, community provisions, and marital satisfaction with their involvement in children’s routine and demand care. Mothers and fathers from 159 intact Latino families participated in the study. Multivariate analyses revealed that mothers spent significantly more time in providing child care than fathers did. The gender of the child did not make a difference in the amount of time mothers and fathers invested in children’s care. Whereas community provisions and marital satisfaction predicted mothers’ involvement in routine care, sense of community and community provisions predicted mothers’ involvement in demand care. None of the predictors were related to fathers’ involvement in routine or demand care. Findings are discussed in light of gender role differences in parental involvement with children within Latino families.
From Heroic Victims to Competent Comrades
Authors: Belzer Alisa , Pickard Amy
Published: April 2015

This research synthesis analyzed qualitative depictions of adult literacy learners and identified five ways in which they are typically characterized: the Heroic Victim, the Needy (Problem) Child, the Broken (but Repairable) Cog, the Pawn of Destiny, and the Capable Comrade. These types do not capture the diversity or complexity of all adult literacy learners, and we do not argue that they are comprehensive. Rather they are representative of the ways in which adult literacy learners are portrayed in the research literature. We argue that each type, like characters in a narrative, drive the “action” in research, policy, and practice arena. The ways in which they populate research may have very real consequences for how adult literacy learning opportunities are provided and the outcomes that can be expected.
Patterns of Dating Violence Perpetration and Victimization in U.S. Young Adult Males and Females
Authors: Spencer Rachael A. , Renner Lynette M. , Clark Cari Jo
Published: April 2015

Dating violence (DV) is frequently reported by young adults in intimate relationships in the United States, but little is known about patterns of DV perpetration and victimization. In this study, we examined sexual and physical violence perpetration and victimization reported by young adults to determine how the violence patterns differ by sex and race/ethnicity. Data from non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic participants in Wave 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health were analyzed. DV was assessed using responses to four questions focused on perpetration and four questions focused on victimization. The information on DV was taken from the most violent relationship reported by participants prior to Wave 3. Latent class analysis was first conducted separately by sex, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and financial stress, then by race/ethnicity, adjusting for age and financial stress. Relative model fit was established by comparing Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC), adjusted BIC, entropy, interpretability of latent classes, and certainty of latent class assignment for covariate-adjusted models. The results indicate that patterns of violence differed by sex and for females, by race/ethnicity. A three-class model was the best fit for males. For females, separate four-class models were parsimonious for White, Black, and Hispanic females. Financial stress was a significant predictor of violence classification for males and females and age predicted membership in White and Black female models. Variations in DV patterns by sex and race/ethnicity suggest the need for a more nuanced understanding of differences in DV.
Age, Marital Status, and Risk of Sexual Victimization
Authors: Siddique Julie A.
Published: April 2015

By now, age and marital status are well-established correlates of criminal victimization, including adult women’s sexual victimization. National crime statistics, as well as a large body of scholarly literature, have specified that younger women and unmarried women are at comparatively higher risk of sexual victimization than older women and married women. Few studies, however, have examined the relationship between age, marital status, and risk of victimization across diverse situational contexts of sexual victimization. The current study used data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) to examine whether the relationship between age, marital status, and risk of sexual victimization varied across victimization experiences involving three victim–offender relationships: stranger, acquaintance, and intimate partner. Results indicate both similarities and differences in the relationship between age, marital status, and risk of victimization across these three situational contexts of victimization. As expected, age was a significant predictor of victimization in all models; however, younger women’s increased risk of victimization was far more pronounced for acquaintance and intimate partner victimization experiences as compared with stranger experiences. Also, consistent with prior research, unmarried women were at higher risk of victimization in all models; however, within unmarried status categories, separated women were at highest risk of both intimate partner and acquaintance victimization experiences as compared with never married or divorced women.
Snack and Relax®
Authors: Markwell Perpetua , Polivka Barbara J. , Morris Katrina , Ryan Carol , Taylor Annetra
Published: April 2015

Purpose and Design: Snack and Relax® (S&R), a program providing healthy snacks and holistic relaxation modalities to hospital employees, was evaluated for immediate impact. A cross-sectional survey was then conducted to assess the professional quality of life (ProQOL) in registered nurses (RNs); compare S&R participants/nonparticipants on compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout, and secondary traumatic stress (STS); and identify situations in which RNs experienced compassion fatigue or burnout and the strategies used to address these situations. Method: Pre- and post vital signs and self-reported stress were obtained from S&R attendees ( N = 210). RNs completed the ProQOL Scale measuring CS, burnout, and STS ( N = 158). Findings: Significant decreases in self-reported stress, respirations, and heart rate were found immediately after S&R. Low CS was noted in 28.5% of participants, 25.3% had high burnout, and 23.4% had high STS. S&R participants and nonparticipants did not differ on any of the ProQOL scales. Situations in which participants experienced compassion fatigue/burnout were categorized as patient-related, work-related, and personal/family-related. Strategies to address these situations were holistic and stress reducing. Conclusion: Providing holistic interventions such as S&R for nurses in the workplace may alleviate immediate feelings of stress and provide a moment of relaxation in the workday.
Non-chemotherapy drug-induced agranulocytosis in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Navarro-Martínez R , Chover-Sierra E , Cauli O
Published: April 2015

Drug-induced agranulocytosis is a rare haematological disorder considered as severe adverse drug reaction. Due to its low incidence, the number of studies are low and the variability of clinical features and presentation in hospitalized patients is rarely described. Awe performed an observational, transversal and retrospective study in the haematology and toxicology unit in a tertiary hospital located in Spain (Valencia) (1996–2010) in order to assess its incidence, the drugs involved, the management and outcomes of drug-induced agranulocytosis. Twenty-one cases of agranulocytosis were retrieved. All of them presented severe and symptomatic agranulocytosis (fever and infection). The most common drug associated with drug-induced agranulocytosis was metamizole administration but other drugs belonging to different pharmacological classes as well (carbimazol, sulfasalazine, bisoprolol, itraconazole, amitryptiline, ketorolac and claritomicine+cefuroxime). No differences between sex and age were found in relationship with the manifestations or course of agranulocytosis. In contrast, a significantly negative association was found between age of patients and the percentage of increase in neutrophil count. Administration of human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor did not significantly enhance the recovery of the process or the restoration of leucocytes count, suggesting a limited utility in this type of agranulocytosis.
Generalized linear mixed models for multi-reader multi-case studies of diagnostic tests
Authors: Liu Wei , Pantoja-Galicia Norberto , Zhang Bo , Kotz Richard M , Pennello Gene , Zhang Hui , Jacob Jessie , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: April 2015

Diagnostic tests are often compared in multi-reader multi-case (MRMC) studies in which a number of cases (subjects with or without the disease in question) are examined by several readers using all tests to be compared. One of the commonly used methods for analyzing MRMC data is the Obuchowski–Rockette (OR) method, which assumes that the true area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for each combination of reader and test follows a linear mixed model with fixed effects for test and random effects for reader and the reader–test interaction. This article proposes generalized linear mixed models which generalize the OR model by incorporating a range-appropriate link function that constrains the true AUCs to the unit interval. The proposed models can be estimated by maximizing a pseudo-likelihood based on the approximate normality of AUC estimates. A Monte Carlo expectation-maximization algorithm can be used to maximize the pseudo-likelihood, and a non-parametric bootstrap procedure can be used for inference. The proposed method is evaluated in a simulation study and applied to an MRMC study of breast cancer detection.
Immigration policy regimes, welfare states and urban inequality patterns: A comparison between Malmö and Genoa
Authors: Scarpa Simone
Published: April 2015

There is a general consensus that welfare states influence urban inequality patterns in cities experiencing increases in immigration. Whereas much of the existing research focused on the extent to which welfare states affect the well-being of immigrants after their admission, this study focuses on how immigration policy regimes affect the extent to which immigrant flows, and subsequent labour supply, match variations and fluctuations in the composition of demand in urban labour markets. In particular, the article develops a comparison between Malmö and Genoa, an Italian and a Swedish city with similar urban histories that display considerably different patterns of urban inequality. Immigration to Malmö was fuelled largely by humanitarian emergencies in the countries of origin and occurred in a period of economic decline for the city. The growth of the immigrant population was associated with a worsening of the labour market situation for immigrants and an increase in ethnic residential segregation. Immigration to Genoa was mainly driven by demand for cheap labour, particularly in the private-care sector. Therefore, the growth of the immigrant population was associated with an ethnic segmentation of the labour market, but it also resulted in a more dispersed distribution of immigrants than in Malmö. The differences in the urban inequality patterns in Malmö and Genoa can be only partly explained by policies affecting the living conditions of admitted immigrants. An important role has also been played by the immigration policy regimes of the two countries, which prescribed the integration potential of immigrant flows.