bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Intrauterine Adhesions in Rats
Authors: Wang Jianmei , Ju Baohui , Pan Caijun , Gu Yan , Zhang Yu , Sun Li , Zhang Bumei , Zhang Yujuan
Published: September 2016

Aims: To investigate the therapeutic effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation on intrauterine adhesions (IUA). Methods: BMSCs were isolated and labeled by green fluorescence protein. IUA model was established by mechanical injury. 48 rats were randomly divided into control, IUA model, BMSCs vein injection and BMSCs intrauterine injection groups (n=12 in each group). The third generation of BMSCs was injected through tail vein or intrauterine. Three rats were killed at time 0 h, 7 d, 14 d and 28 d and bilateral uterus were obtained at each time points for the subseqent experiments. Morphological changes were determined by hematoxylin-eosin staining or Masson staining. Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: BMSCs were specifically stained by CD44 and CD90, but not by CD45. Before treatment, the numbers of endometrial glands were significantly decreased, while fibrosis area rate was increased in IUA model group (P<0.05 vs Control). Meanwhile, ER expression, but not PR was significantly up-regulated in model group (P<0.05 vs Control). By contrast, the therapies by BMSCs transplantation through either tail vein injection or intrauterine injection significantly elevated the numbers of endometrial glands and decreased the fibrosis area rate (P<0.05 vs Model). Moreover, both ER and PR were remarkably up-regulated after BMSCs transplantation (P<0.05 vs Model). The therapeutic effect attained to optimal level 1 or 2 weeks after transplantation. Conclusion: BMSCs transplantation was effective to repair the damaged endometrium likely through promoting the ER and PR expressions.
Onychopapilloma Presenting as Leukonychia: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Halteh Pierre , Magro Cynthia , Scher Richard K. , Lipner Shari R.
Published: September 2016

Onychopapilloma is a benign tumor of the nail bed and distal matrix and is the most common cause of localized longitudinal erythronychia. Here, we describe a case of onychopapilloma presenting as longitudinal leukonychia of the left 4th fingernail in a 71-year-old female. To date, this is only the ninth described case of onychopapilloma presenting as longitudinal leukonychia. We review the literature on the reported cases and provide evidence that longitudinal leukonychia as the presenting sign for onychopapilloma is becoming increasingly recognized in clinical practice.
Influence of Intrinsic Factors on Erosive Tooth Wear in a Large-Scale Epidemiological Study
Authors: Alaraudanjoki Viivi , Laitala Marja-Liisa , Tjäderhane Leo , Pesonen Paula , Lussi Adrian , Ronkainen Jukka , Anttonen Vuokko
Published: September 2016

Objective: To assess the influence of self-reported intrinsic factors [gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), long-term alcoholism, long-term heavy use of alcohol and multiple pregnancies] on erosive tooth wear in a middle-aged cohort sample. Materials and Methods: Of the total Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC 1966), a convenience sample (n = 3,181) was invited for an oral health examination in 2012-2013, of which 1,962 participated, comprising the final study group. Erosive tooth wear was assessed by sextants using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination Index (BEWE, 0-18). Clinical data were supplemented by questionnaires conducted in 1997/1998 and 2012/2013. The participants were divided into severe (BEWE sum ≥9) and no-to-moderate (BEWE sum 0-8) erosive wear groups, and the logistic regression model was applied. Results: Selected intrinsic factors were quite rare in this cohort sample and explained only 5.9% of the difference in the prevalence and severity of erosive wear. Daily symptoms of GERD [odds ratio (OR) 3.8, confidence interval (CI) 1.2-12.0] and hyposalivation (OR 3.8, CI 1.2-11.8) were the strongest risk indicators for severe erosive wear. Additionally, variables associated with an elevated risk for severe erosive wear were diagnosed alcoholism at any point (OR 2.5, CI 0.7-9.7) and self-reported heavy use of alcohol in both questionnaires (OR 2.0, CI 0.6-6.2). Even low-dose long-term consumption of alcohol was associated with erosive wear. Conclusions: In this cohort sample, intrinsic factors such as GERD or alcoholism alone are relatively uncommon causes of erosive tooth wear. The role of long-term use of alcohol in the erosion process may be bigger than presumed.
Management of Isolated Vaginal Metastasis in Squamous Cell Cervical Cancer: 23 Years' Experience at a Single Center
Authors: Güngördük Kemal , Kocaer Mustafa , Gülseren Varol , Özdemir Aykut İ. , Gokcu Mehmet , Güngördük Ozgu , Sancı Mustaffer
Published: September 2016

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment options and survival of cervical cancer (CC) patients who develop isolated vaginal metastasis (IVM), and to establish risk factors for IVM. Patients and Methods: A total of 21 cases with IVM were evaluated retrospectively. In addition, 42 control patients diagnosed with CC without recurrence were matched. Tumor size, depth of stromal invasion (DOI), lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), and size of vaginal and lymph node metastases were analyzed in accordance with the pathology reports. Patients who had IVM were investigated in terms of treatment options (chemotherapy (CT), radiotherapy (RT), or chemoradiotherapy (CRT)) and survival. Results: After detection of IVM, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 57.1, 23.8, and 9.5%, respectively. The mean survival time after metastasis detection was 23.1 ± 31.3 months. LVSI, DOI ≥ 1/2, hemoglobin < 12 g/dl, postmenopausal status, and tumor size ≥ 4 cm were independent risk factors for IVM. The 5-year survival rates were 30.0% for patients receiving RT, 17.1% for patients receiving CRT, and 0% for patients receiving CT. Conclusion: IVM typically develops within the first 2 years after the diagnosis of CC, and survival is generally poor. RT was the most effective treatment in patients with IVM.
Relationship between Human Papilloma Virus and Subungual Keratoacanthoma: Two Case Reports and the Outcomes of Surgical Treatment
Authors: Göktay Fatih , Kaynak Emre , Güneş Pembegül , Yaşar Şirin , Küçükodacı Zafer , Aytekin Sema
Published: September 2016

Subungual keratoacanthoma (SUKA) is a rare form of keratoacanthoma, with the majority of the lesions appearing as rapidly growing, painful hyperkeratotic masses located under the distal nail plate of the thumb. In some cases, SUKA causes damage to the underlying bone. The first case presented here was treated by surgical excision alone, and human papilloma virus (HPV) type 6 was detected in the tissue samples. The second case was treated by surgical excision plus curettage; however, HPV was not detected, and tumor cells were not found in the curettage material. There was near complete improvement in both the clinical appearance and the distal phalanx destruction, with no recurrence at the final follow-up in either patient (30 and 14 months, respectively). Overall, simple excision alone or in combination with curettage seemed to be sufficient in the treatment of SUKA; however, the etiopathogenetic role of HPV in SUKA remains controversial, as in its classical form.
HIV, Cocaine Use, and Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Lucas Gregory M. , Atta Mohamed G. , Fine Derek M. , McFall Allison M. , Estrella Michelle M. , Zook Katie , Stein James H.
Published: September 2016

Objective—

We assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of 3 nontraditional cardiovascular disease risk factors—HIV, cocaine use, and chronic hepatitis C virus infection—with 3 validated markers of subclinical cardiovascular disease: carotid artery plaque, albuminuria, and aortic pulse wave velocity in a well-characterized cohort.

Approach and Results—

We measured carotid plaque at baseline and after 24 months, urine albumin/creatinine ratio every 6 months, and pulse wave velocity annually for up to 36 months in a predominantly black cohort of 292 participants (100 HIV negative and 192 HIV positive). Thirty-nine percent had chronic hepatitis C virus infection and 20%, 28%, and 52% were never, past, and current cocaine users, respectively. Sixteen percent, 47%, and 64% of those with none, 1 or 2, or all 3 nontraditional risk factors had ≥2 abnormal cardiovascular disease risk markers (
P
=0.001). In fully adjusted models that included all 3 nontraditional risk factors, HIV infection was independently associated with carotid plaque progression (increase in the number of anatomic segments with plaque), albuminuria (albumin–creatinine ratio >30 mg/g), albuminuria progression (doubling of albumin–creatinine ratio from baseline to a value >30 mg/g), and pulse wave velocity. Cocaine use was associated with an ≈3-fold higher odds of carotid plaque at baseline, and hepatitis C virus infection was significantly associated with a higher risk of carotid plaque progression.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that HIV infection, cocaine use, and hepatitis C virus infection are important nontraditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease and highlight the need to understand the distinct and overlapping mechanisms of the associations.
Cardiac and Carotid Markers Link With Accelerated Brain Atrophy
Authors: Sabayan Behnam , van Buchem Mark A. , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Zhang Qian , Meirelles Osorio , Harris Tamara B. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Arai Andrew E. , Launer Lenore J.
Published: September 2016

Objective—

Pathologies in the heart–brain axis might, independently or in combination, accelerate the process of brain parenchymal loss. We aimed to investigate the association of serum N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), as a marker of cardiac dysfunction, and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), as a marker of carotid atherosclerosis burden, with structural brain changes.

Approach and Results—

In the longitudinal population-based AGES–Reykjavik study (Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility–Reykjavik), we included 2430 subjects (mean age, 74.6 years; 41.4% men) with baseline data on NT-proBNP and CITM (assessed by ultrasound imaging). Participants underwent a high-resolution brain magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 5 years later to assess total brain (TBV), gray matter, and white matter volumes. Each unit higher log-transformed NT-proBNP was associated with 3.6 mL (95% confidence interval [CI], −6.0 to −1.1) decline in TBV and 3.5 mL (95% CI, −5.7 to −1.3) decline in gray matter volume. Likewise, each millimeter higher CIMT was associated with 10.8 mL (95% CI, −17.3 to −4.2) decline in TBV and 8.6 mL (95% CI, −14.4 to −2.8) decline in gray matter volume. There was no association between NT-proBNP and CIMT and changes in white matter volume. Compared with participants with low NT-proBNP and CIMT, participants with both high NT-proBNP and CIMT had 3.8 mL (95% CI, −6.0 to −1.6) greater decline in their TBV and 4 mL (95% CI, −6.0 to −2.0) greater decline in GMW. These associations were independent of sociodemographic and cardiovascular factors.

Conclusions—

Older subjects with both cardiac dysfunction and carotid atherosclerosis are at an increased risk for brain parenchymal loss. Accumulated pathologies in the heart–brain axis might accelerate brain atrophy.
Coronary Plaque Characteristics Associated With Reduced TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) Flow Grade in Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Higuma Takumi , Soeda Tsunenari , Yamada Masahiro , Yokota Takashi , Yokoyama Hiroaki , Nishizaki Fumie , Xing Lei , Yamamoto Erika , Bryniarski Krzysztof , Dai Jiannan , Lee Hang , Okumura Ken , Jang Ik-Kyung
Published: September 2016

Background—

Previous studies reported that reduced TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) flow grade before procedure was associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The aim of this study was to identify specific morphological characteristics of the culprit plaque associated with poor TIMI flow grade at baseline in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction using both optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound.

Methods and Results—

A total of 111 ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 hours of symptom onset were included. Both optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound were performed after thrombectomy. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to preprocedural TIMI flow grade (TIMI 0–1 [n=82] and TIMI 2–3 [n=29]). Patients with preprocedural TIMI 0 to 1 had a greater lipid arc (
P
=0.037), a longer lipid length (
P
=0.021), and a greater lipid index (
P
=0.007) determined by optical coherence tomography and a larger external elastic membrane cross-sectional area (
P
=0.030) and plaque plus media cross-sectional area (
P
=0.030) determined by intravascular ultrasound, compared with patients with preprocedural TIMI 2 to 3.

Conclusions—

ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients with reduced TIMI flow grade at baseline have greater lipid burden, larger vessel sizes, and larger plaque areas.
Ethnic Comparison of 30-Day Potentially Preventable Readmissions After Stroke in Hawaii
Authors: Nakagawa Kazuma , Ahn Hyeong Jun , Taira Deborah A. , Miyamura Jill , Sentell Tetine L.
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose—

Ethnic disparities in readmission after stroke have been inadequately studied. We sought to compare potentially preventable readmissions (PPR) among a multiethnic population in Hawaii.

Methods—

Hospitalization data in Hawaii from 2007 to 2012 were assessed to compare ethnic differences in 30-day PPR after stroke-related hospitalizations. Multivariable models using logistic regression were performed to assess the impact of ethnicity on 30-day PPR after controlling for age group (<65 and ≥65 years), sex, insurance, county of residence, substance use, history of mental illness, and Charlson Comorbidity Index.

Results—

Thirty-day PPR was seen in 840 (8.4%) of 10 050 any stroke-related hospitalizations, 712 (8.7%) of 8161 ischemic stroke hospitalizations, and 128 (6.8%) of 1889 hemorrhagic stroke hospitalizations. In the multivariable models, only the Chinese ethnicity, compared with whites, was associated with 30-day PPR after any stroke hospitalizations (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval {CI}], 1.40 [1.05–1.88]) and ischemic stroke hospitalizations (OR, 1.42 [CI, 1.04–1.96]). When considering only one hospitalization per individual, the impact of Chinese ethnicity on PPR after any stroke hospitalization (OR, 1.22 [CI, 0.89–1.68]) and ischemic stroke hospitalization (OR, 1.21 [CI, 0.86–1.71]) was attenuated. Other factors associated with 30-day PPR after any stroke hospitalizations were Charlson Comorbidity Index (per unit increase) (OR, 1.21 [CI, 1.18–1.24]), Medicaid (OR, 1.42 [CI, 1.07–1.88]), Hawaii county (OR, 0.78 [CI, 0.62–0.97]), and mental illness (OR, 1.37 [CI, 1.10–1.70]).

Conclusions—

In Hawaii, Chinese may have a higher risk of 30-day PPR after stroke compared with whites. However, this seems to be driven by the high number of repeated PPR within the Chinese ethnic group.
Preventive Suboccipital Decompressive Craniectomy for Cerebellar Infarction
Authors: Kim Myeong Jin , Park Sang Kyu , Song Jihye , Oh Se-yang , Lim Yong Cheol , Sim Sook Yong , Shin Yong Sam , Chung Joonho
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose—

No evidence is available on the benefits of preventive suboccipital decompressive craniectomy (SDC) for patients with cerebellar infarction. The purpose of this matched case–control study was to investigate whether preventive SDC was associated with good clinical outcomes in patients with cerebellar infarction and to evaluate its predisposing factors.

Methods—

Between March 2007 and September 2015, 28 patients underwent preventive SDC. We performed propensity score matching to establish a proper control group among 721 patients with cerebellar infarction during the same period. Group A (n=28) consists of those who underwent preventive SDC, and group B (n=56) consists of those who did not undergo preventive SDC. We analyzed and compared clinical outcomes between groups.

Results—

Clinical outcomes were better in group A than in group B at discharge (
P
=0.048) and 12-month follow-up (
P
=0.030). Group B had more deaths within 12 months than group A (log-rank,
P
<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that preventive SDC (odds ratio, 4.815;
P
=0.009) and the absence of brain stem infarction (odds ratio, 2.862;
P
=0.033) were independently associated with favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) at 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions—

Favorable clinical outcomes including overall survival can be expected after preventive SDC in patients with a volume ratio between 0.25 and 0.33 and the absence of brain stem infarction. Among these patients, preventive SDC might be better than the best medical treatment alone.
Onto the Slippery Slope: East Germany and East-West Détente under Ulbricht and Honecker, 1965–1975
Authors: Bange Oliver
Published: September 2016

This article identifies and explains the fundamental shift of political and ideological paradigms that drew the Soviet Union's close ally, East Germany, into the détente process. Although economic and political influences and pressures, including from the Soviet Union itself, pushed the East German Communist regime to participate in this era of “peaceful coexistence,” officials in East Berlin were well aware of the dangers this posed to the Communist society in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in the long term. Even at this early stage of East-West interaction, détente left the GDR with the unenviable task of squaring ideology with realpolitik—a task that East German leaders found increasingly hard to cope with.
Applying the Rules of Attribution in Complex Scenarios
Authors: Palchetti Paolo
Published: September 2016

One of the difficulties with partnerships among international organizations concerns the problem of determining the subject who must bear responsibility for a harmful conduct, or for having contributed to the harmful conduct of others. By examining a numbers of issues relating to this problem—such as, for instance, whether, and to what extent, the fact that an organization hosts a partnership has an impact on attribution of conduct—this study aims to assess the potential and limits of the current rules of attribution in dealing with the complex scenarios created by partnerships. It is submitted that, while, no doubt, there are areas in which existing international law does not seem to offer sufficient solutions, on the whole the rules of attribution set forth in the ilc’s texts of 2001 and 2011 appear to provide adequate guidance for solving problems arising in connection to the activities of partnerships.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Authors: Szabó Eelco
Published: September 2016

This contribution puts a magnifying glass on the partner arrangements in Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Gavi has evolved from a loose partnership, bringing together the major stakeholders in immunization, to an organization in its own right with legal personality. The original partnership set-up remains a very important part of Gavi’s dna since it became an organization with separate legal personality. Together, Alliance partners aim to increase access to immunization in the poorest countries of the world. The manner in which this is achieved and the implications this may have on partner accountability or responsibility to third parties is described and analyzed.
New endemic species of Manihot (Euphorbiaceae) from Serra do Tombador in Goiás, Central Brazil
Authors: MENDOZA F. J. MOISES , SIMON MARCELO F. , REIS TALITA S. , FIDELIS ALESSANDRA , CAVALCANTI TACIANA B.
Published: September 2016

Extensive botanical explorations focused on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Manihot in the Cerrado biome permitted the finding of three new species restricted to Serra do Tombador in the municipality of Cavalcante, Goiás state, of Brazil. Manihot ebracteata, Manihot purpurea and Manihot tombadorensis, are described and illustrated. Morphological characteristics of the new taxa, relationships with closely related species, as well as comments on ecological aspects and natural distribution for each species, are provided.
Popowia arfakensis, a new name for P. parvifolia Scheff. (Annonaceae)
Authors: KARTHIGEYAN K. , JAYANTHI J.
Published: September 2016

During the study of the family Annonaceae for the flora of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India (Karthigeyan et al. 2010, 2011), we found that the name Popowia parvifolia Scheffer (1885: 16), a New Guinean endemic species (Moeljono 2009), is a later homonym (Art. 53.1 of the ICN, McNeill et al. 2012) of the Indian endemic species (Mitra 1993, Rao 1999) Popowia parvifolia Kurz (1875: 324). Accordingly, a new name P. arfakensis is formally proposed here to replace Popowia parvifolia Scheff.
New troglomorphic species of Tomocerus with well-developed postantennal organs (Collembola: Tomoceridae)
Authors: YU DAOYUAN , LI YOUBANG
Published: September 2016

Three new troglobitic species of Tomocerus are described from the southwestern karsts of China. All of them have well developed postantennal organs. Tomocerus dong sp. nov. is similar to Tomocerus postantennalis Yu, Zhang & Deharveng and Tomocerus deharvengi sp. nov., but is different from them mainly in the number of prelabral chaetae and the dorsal body chaetotaxy. T. deharvengi sp. nov. is very similar to T. postantennalis but differs from the latter in the cephalic chaetotaxy, the number of manubrial pseudopores and the number of dental spines. T. cthulhu sp. nov. is peculiar for the multi-furcated vesicles of ventral tube, and is different from the three aforementioned species mainly in the dorsal body chaetotaxy. The position of the new species and the relationships between them are discussed.
Description of Panagrellus ulmi sp. n. (Rhabditida, Panagrolaimidae) from Iran, and comments on the species of the genus and its relatives
Authors: ABOLAFIA JOAQUÍN , ALIZADEH MEHRDAD , KHAKVAR REZA
Published: September 2016

A new species of the genus Panagrellus, P. ulmi sp. n., has been found inside wetwood cankers of elms from the city of Tabriz, Iran. The new species is characterized by having small body size (0.91‒1.22 mm long in females and 0.82‒1.18 mm long in males), lateral field with three longitudinal incisures, lip region narrowing to distal end with six small lips and oral opening surrounded by six acute liplets, stoma with gymnostom shorter than cheilostom, cheilorhabdia not refringent, gymnorhabdia refringent, pharynx with metacorpus not swollen and isthmus slender, excretory pore at level of metacorpus, ovary very long without flexures, oviduct swollen, postvulval uterine sac long, 2.0‒3.4 times the corresponding body diameter, both female and male tails conoid-elongate, spicules with rounded and ventrally bent manubrium and lamina with dorsal anterior hump and fork-like bifurcate tip, gubernaculum with anterior dorsal handle-like manubrium, postcloacal genital papillae five pairs, two anterior subventral, one anterior subdorsal at same level than the first subventral, one posterior subventral and one posterior subdorsal both at same level. Description, measurements and illustrations are provided. In addition, species of Panagrellus and its relatives (Panagrobelus and Plectonchus) are analyzed. After this analysis, Plectonchus hunti is considered an intermediate species between Panagrellus and Panagrobelus, and is transferred, based on morphological and molecular evidence, to the latter genus as Panagrobelus hunti n. comb. On the other hand, Panagrellus (Panagrellinae) and Baujardia (Baujardinae), are two very similar genera according to both morphological and molecular evidence; we consider the respective subfamilies synonyms. Also, Plectonchus and Anguilluloides show great similarities, which justify considering Anguilluloides a junior synonym of the former genus. A. procerus is accordingly transferred as Plectonchus procerus n. comb. while Anguilluloides zondagi is considered a new junior synonym of Plectonchus molgos. Finally, emended diagnoses of the genera Panagrellus, Panagrobelus and Plectonchus, compendia, and keys to their species identification are included.
An annotated checklist of Malachiidae (Coleoptera: Cleroidea) from Iran
Authors: MIRUTENKO VLADYSLAV , GHAHARI HASSAN
Published: September 2016

A checklist of Iranian Malachiidae (Coleoptera) is given in this paper. Eighty two species from 22 genera (subfamily Malachiinae) are listed in the fauna of Iran. Of these species, 31 are endemic to Iran, and one Anthocomus pupillatus Abeille de Perrin, 1890 is a new record for this country.
The Statistical Severe Convective Risk Assessment Model
Authors: Hart John A. , Cohen Ariel E.
Published: September 2016

This study introduces a system that objectively assesses severe thunderstorm nowcast probabilities based on hourly mesoscale data across the contiguous United States during the period from 2006 to 2014. Previous studies have evaluated the diagnostic utility of parameters in characterizing severe thunderstorm environments. In contrast, the present study merges cloud-to-ground lightning flash data with both severe thunderstorm report and Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Analysis system data to create lightning-conditioned prognostic probabilities for numerous parameters, thus incorporating null-severe cases. The resulting dataset and corresponding probabilities are called the Statistical Severe Convective Risk Assessment Model (SSCRAM), which incorporates a sample size of over 3.8 million 40-km grid boxes. A subset of five parameters of SSCRAM is investigated in the present study. This system shows that severe storm probabilities do not vary strongly across the range of values for buoyancy parameters compared to vertical shear parameters. The significant tornado parameter [where “significant” refers to tornadoes producing (Fujita scale) F2/(enhanced Fujita scale) EF2 damage] exhibits considerable skill at identifying downstream tornado events, with higher conditional probabilities of occurrence at larger values, similar to effective storm-relative helicity, both findings being consistent with previous studies. Meanwhile, lifting condensation level heights are associated with conditional probabilities that vary little within an optimal range of values for tornado occurrence, yielding less skill in quantifying tornado potential using this parameter compared to effective storm-relative helicity. The systematic assessment of probabilities using convective environmental information could have applications in present-day operational forecasting duties and the upcoming warn-on-forecast initiatives.
Blessing and Curse
Authors: Diaz-Rioseco Diego
Published: September 2016

Recent studies on the subnational resource curse contend that subnational rentier units suffer from the same nondemocratic tendency as their national counterparts. However, subnational rentier states worldwide exhibit contrasting political outcomes. Why are some subnational rentier units politically competitive whereas others are not? This article argues that rent-sharing regimes—the fiscal institutions for sharing resource revenues among levels of government—condition political competitiveness at the provincial level. Using novel time-series cross-sectional data on Argentina, a case with several hydrocarbon-rich units with exogenously created rent-sharing regimes, I show that oil creates negative political effects at the provincial level only when these institutions do not share—or share minor amounts of—rents with municipal governments. Conversely, political competition emerges when rent-sharing regimes distribute rents to municipal governments, as this shrinks large provincial budgets, allows municipalities to deliver public and private goods, and gives municipal politicians fiscal independence from provincial governments.
The Missing Dimension of the Political Resource Curse Debate
Authors: Lall Ranjit
Published: September 2016

Given the methodological sophistication of the debate over the “political resource curse”—the purported negative relationship between natural resource wealth (in particular oil wealth) and democracy—it is surprising that scholars have not paid more attention to the basic statistical issue of how to deal with missing data. This article highlights the problems caused by the most common strategy for analyzing missing data in the political resource curse literature—listwise deletion—and investigates how addressing such problems through the best-practice technique of multiple imputation affects empirical results. I find that multiple imputation causes the results of a number of influential recent studies to converge on a key common finding: A political resource curse does exist, but only since the widespread nationalization of petroleum industries in the 1970s. This striking finding suggests that much of the controversy over the political resource curse has been caused by a neglect of missing-data issues.
The View at the Top or Signing at the Bottom? Workplace Diversity Responsibility and Women’s Representation in Management
Authors: Graham Mary E. , Belliveau Maura A. , Hotchkiss Julie L.
Published: September 2016

Women lag men in their representation in management jobs, which negatively affects women’s careers and company performance. Using data from 81 publicly traded firms with more than 2,000 establishments, the authors examine the impact of two management structures that may influence gender diversity in management positions. The authors find no association between the presence of an HR executive on the top management team—a structure envisioned in practice as enhancing diversity but which could, instead, operate merely symbolically—and the proportion of women in management. By contrast, the authors show a strong, positive association between a previously unexamined measure of commitment to diversity—the hierarchical rank of the individual certifying the company’s required, confidential federal EEO-1 report—and women’s representation in management. These findings counter the common perception that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations are too weak to affect gender diversity. The authors discuss the implications for diversity scholarship, as well as for management practice and public policy.
Mandating Change
Authors: Hirsh Elizabeth , Cha Youngjoo
Published: September 2016

Although complying with and monitoring court-mandated changes in organizations’ policies following employment discrimination lawsuits can be costly to both employers and taxpayers, little is known about the impact of such mandates on increasing sex and race managerial diversity in organizations. Using data on approximately 500 high-profile employment discrimination lawsuits resolved in U.S. federal courts between 1996 and 2008, the authors estimate the impact of court-mandated policy changes on shifts in the presence of white women, black women, and black men in managerial positions. Policies designed to reduce bias expand opportunities for white women but not for other demographic groups. By contrast, opportunities in management for all groups expand when policies are designed to increase organizational accountability by establishing specific recruitment, hiring, or promotion plans and monitoring arrangements. Policies designed to increase rights’ awareness are associated with declines in managerial diversity. Notably, compared with verdicts and settlements with modest penalties, those with the most costly monetary payouts do not expand managerial diversity; and in fact, they can backfire.
A qualitative analysis of explanatory models in medically unexplained physical symptoms presenting to a tertiary health care psychiatric facility in South India
Authors: Menon Vikas , Shanmuganathan Balasubramanian , Babu Arun Anand , Thamizh Jaiganesh Selvapandian , Selvakumar Nivedhitha , Sarkar Siddharth
Published: September 2016

Background:

Knowledge about subjective perceptions and explanatory models has the potential to inform clinical evaluation and lead to development of patient-friendly treatment models in medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS).

Aim:

To collect qualitative data about explanatory models in MUPS.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was done among patients with MUPS presenting over a 2-year period to a specialty psychosomatic clinic. The Short Explanatory Model of Illness interview was used to gather qualitative data about explanatory models which were subsequently recoded using standard manuals.

Results:

A total of 123 subjects were evaluated. The nature of symptoms was most commonly reported as ‘non-specific’ ( n = 102, 82.9%) but of moderate to severe intensity ( n = 87, 73.8%). Getting cured or showing improvement was the most common expectation from treatment ( n = 58, 47.9%). Moderate to severe impact of symptoms was reported on work output ( n = 100, 84%), emotional life ( n = 85, 71.4%) and physical mobility ( n = 59, 49.1%). A considerable proportion was either dissatisfied ( n = 61, 50%) or frankly unhappy ( n = 38, 31.4%) with treatment received.

Conclusion:

There is a need to re-calibrate the clinical approach to people with MUPS to enhance treatment satisfaction. Our findings could assist in evolving culturally sensitive conceptualizations of illness and in developing patient-centred models for therapy in MUPS patients.
Investigation on the mechanical and electrical properties of carbon nanotube/epoxy composites produced by resin transfer molding
Authors: Liu Wei , Wei Baochun , Xu Fujun
Published: September 2016

For industrial application of carbon nanotube/polymer composites, it is critical to produce composites in an efficient way. In this study, large size carbon nanotube buckypaper, which is directly produced by floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition method, was used to reinforce epoxy through conventional resin transfer molding process. The infiltration behavior of resin was analyzed, indicating that efficient carbon nanotube-epoxy interface has been formed near the surface of the composites. With 26.87% weight fraction of carbon nanotubes, the composites show a great enhancement in mechanical properties, that the failure strength and Young’s moduli increase from 45 MPa and 2.5 GPa to 254.39 MPa and 6.69 GPa with a large failure strain over 15%. In addition, the composite film is electrically conductive with a conductivity of 220 S/cm. It also shows linear piezoresistive effect with a gage factor tested to be 2.68, indicating a great potential in multifunctional smart structure applications.
Working Memory Load and Reminder Effect on Event-Based Prospective Memory of High- and Low-Achieving Students in Math
Authors: Chen Youzhen , Lian Rong , Yang Lixian , Liu Jianrong , Meng Yingfang
Published: September 2016

The effects of working memory (WM) demand and reminders on an event-based prospective memory (PM) task were compared between students with low and high achievement in math. WM load (1- and 2-back tasks) was manipulated as a within-subject factor and reminder (with or without reminder) as a between-subject factor. Results showed that high-achieving students outperformed low-achieving students on all PM and n-back tasks. Use of a reminder improved PM performance and thus reduced prospective interference; the performance of ongoing tasks also improved for all students. Both PM and n-back performances in low WM load were better than in high WM load. High WM load had more influence on low-achieving students than on high-achieving students. Results suggest that low-achieving students in math were weak at PM and influenced more by high WM load. Thus, it is important to train these students to set up an obvious reminder for their PM and improve their WM.
Non-invasive detection and successful treatment of a Helicobacter pylori infection in a captive rhesus macaque
Authors: Semrau Antje , Gerold Susanne , Frick Julia-Stefanie , Iglauer Franz
Published: September 2016

Gastritis is a commonly diagnosed condition in non-human primates used in biomedical research. As in humans, Helicobacter pylori infection may cause gastritis. The following report presents a method of non-invasive detection and a successful treatment protocol for this common pathogen.
Congenital anomalies following use of isotretinoin: Emphasis on its legal aspects
Authors: Farhidnia Naimeh , Memarian Azadeh
Published: September 2016

We described a neonate with severe and multiple abnormalities following use of isotretinoin, in spite of the mother's previous knowledge of drug complications. Initial physical examination after delivery showed congenital absence of both eyes and both auricles as well as anal atresia and a cleft palate. Due to severe respiratory distress and atresia of the anus, the neonate was admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit and underwent reconstructive surgery. The drug should not have been used during pregnancy. Using this drug within pregnancy with awareness of its side effects may have legal consequences.
Simulation optimization of lean production strategy by considering resilience engineering in a production system with maintenance policies
Authors: Zarrin Mansour , Azadeh Ali
Published: September 2016

Lean production aims are to reduce work-in-process and maintain close to zero inventories and resilience is about reacting quickly to disruptions impacting manufacturing systems. In this study, a manufacturing organization with maintenance strategy is simulated to evaluate the impacts of resilience engineering (RE) principles on lean practices. The process of simulation is conducted for different scenarios. Each scenario includes a set of resilience principles. Using computer simulation, many outputs are calculated namely, utility and availability of machines and maintenance operators, time in system, total cost, and number of failures. The optimal values of scenarios’ efficiencies are achieved using data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, which is a mathematical programming approach. The results of the DEA are validated by using principal component analysis. In addition, an analysis is performed to determine which factor of RE has the maximum effect on the system’s performance. The results show that the redundancy among the RE principles, has the maximum impact on the system’s performance. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the performance of lean production considering RE in a production line with maintenance policies.
Cui Bono? Public and Private Goals in Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Oelberger Carrie R.
Published: September 2016

Who benefits ( cui bono) from nonprofit organizational structures and practices? I draw on interviews, observation, and archival data from 25 grantmaking foundations to examine the mechanisms by which “charitable” institutions are designed to serve the private interests of internal members. I develop a framework to analyze how both public and private goals inform organizational design, exploring the dual, continuous, and dynamic nature of this process. This framework enables scholarship on nonprofit organizational behavior to examine private interests in a uniquely robust manner. Furthermore, it provides tools to study organizations’ evolution through varied functions and forms over time.
The Rental Housing Needs and Experiences of Veterans With Disabilities
Authors: Semeah Luz M. , Beamish Julia O. , Schember Tatiana O. , Cook LaWanda H.
Published: September 2016

This article presents an overview of the rental housing search and occupancy experiences of Veterans with disabilities. Utilizing a mixed-mode survey design, 83 usable responses were obtained. Measures of discrimination, accessibility, and demographics were used as independent variables to explore relationships with housing satisfaction using one-way ANOVA and multiple regression. In addition, chi-square tests were conducted to determine the association between perceived discrimination and independent variables. Findings suggest that Veterans with disabilities are facing challenges in locating and occupying suitable rental housing with factors such as discrimination impacting housing satisfaction. Implications for policy-makers, Veterans, and researchers are discussed.
Functions and Dysfunctions of Interorganizational Trust and Distrust in the Public Sector
Authors: Oomsels Peter , Callens Marloes , Vanschoenwinkel Jolien , Bouckaert Geert
Published: September 2016

This contribution explores the functional and dysfunctional roles of interorganizational trust and distrust in the public sector. We construct a conceptual framework and analyze 59 qualitative interviews with key informants in Flemish executive and judiciary public sector organizations. Results indicate that the combination of “trust as rule” and “distrust as reasonable exception” is functional for interorganizational interactions, whereas “trust as dogma” or “distrust as rule” gives rise to dysfunctionalities in interorganizational interactions. The study provides empirical evidence that challenges the “positive bias” toward trust in extant research, and suggests a more balanced perspective on roles of interorganizational trust and distrust.
Foster parents: an enduring presence for vulnerable youth
Authors: Munford Robyn , Sanders Jackie
Published: September 2016

This article draws on the findings from the qualitative phase of a New Zealand longitudinal study concerning vulnerable young people’s transitions to adulthood, the challenges they faced, their experiences with services and the factors that helped lead to positive outcomes. It reports on the experiences of foster parents and their perspectives on what contributed to meaningful support for these young people. The youth (aged 12 to 17 years at the time of their first interview) had experienced sustained exposure to harm, including abuse, violence, addictions, disengagement from school and mental health issues. They used multiple services (child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health and education support services). The study involved the administration of a survey (n = 593) and qualitative interviews over three years with a sub-sample of young people (n = 107). In the qualitative phase, they were asked to nominate a person whom they trusted to also be interviewed. Twenty-one chose a foster parent. Three thematic clusters emerged from the analysis of the foster parents’ interviews: the challenges in providing care to vulnerable youth; the provision of practical and emotional support; and foster parents becoming an enduring presence in their lives – holding hopes and dreams. The article concludes with a discussion that draws on ecological-transactional approaches and explores the key elements that enable foster parents to become an enduring presence for vulnerable young people.
‘We know it works but does it last?’ The implementation of the KEEP foster and kinship carer training programme in England
Authors: Roberts Rosemarie , Glynn Georgia , Waterman Colin
Published: September 2016

Recent years have seen an increased availability of well-researched parenting programmes but few are designed to address the specific needs of foster carers, including kinship carers, or are able to demonstrate longer-term outcomes. The KEEP training programme (Keeping foster and kinship carers trained and supported) was developed by Dr Patricia Chamberlain in the US state of Oregon and brought over to England in 2009 by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the drive to improve outcomes for looked after children. KEEP is designed to strengthen foster and kinship carer parenting skills, reduce foster children’s behavioural and emotional difficulties and increase placement stability.

Training programmes for carers of children aged from three to 17 are now running in 24 local authorities across the country. The implementation of the KEEP programme in England, supported by the National Implementation Service, includes outcome data on 572 children and young people and their carers that demonstrate significant improvements in child problem behaviour and carer stress, and positive changes in parenting discipline style consistent with findings from the original large randomised controlled trial. In addition, longer-term outcome data for six- and 12-month post-group follow-up for KEEP Standard (for carers of children aged 5–12 years) and KEEP Safe (for carers of adolescents) show that significant improvements in behavioural difficulties, foster carer stress and parenting discipline style are all maintained. Evidence for longer-term improvements in placement stability is currently limited by a lack of comparative data.
Does the Company of a Dog Influence Affective Response to Exercise? Using Ecological Momentary Assessment to Study Dog-Accompanied Physical Activity
Authors: Liao Yue , Solomon Olga , Dunton Genevieve F.
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

This study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA), a real-time self-report strategy, to examine (1) whether dog owners were more likely to be physically active when they were with their dogs and (2) whether being with a dog amplifies positive and dampens negative affective response during physical activity.

Design:

Electronic EMA surveys for 12 days.

Setting:

Free-living.

Participants:

Seventy-one adult dog owners.

Measures:

The EMA survey included 1 question about current activity, 3 questions about positive affect (Cronbach α = .837), 4 questions about negative affect (Cronbach α = .865), and 1 question about the presence of dog.

Analysis:

Multilevel modeling.

Results:

The company of a dog did not increase the likelihood of being active versus sedentary at any given EMA prompt. However, greater positive affect during physical activity was reported in the company of a dog. Negative affect did not differ between active and sedentary activity, regardless of being with a dog or not.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the utility of electronic EMA as a promising methodology to study dog-accompanied physical activity. Future studies may use EMA to collect further contextual information about dog-accompanied activity to inform the development of innovative physical activity interventions.
Dietary Behavior and Predicted 10-Year Risk for a First Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Event Using the Pooled Cohort Risk Equations Among US Adults
Authors: Edwards Meghan K. , Crush Elizabeth , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

The pooled cohort equations were developed in 2013 by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force to predict an individual’s 10-year risk of an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate how predicted 10-year ASCVD event risk varies as a function of daily dietary behavior.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2006.

Participants:

A total of 2362 adults aged 40 to 79 years.

Measures:

The ASCVD was assessed via the pooled cohort equations, with the Healthy Eating Index calculated from self-reported dietary behavior.

Analysis:

Multivariable linear and logistic regression.

Results:

Adults in the United States consuming a healthy diet (vs those not consuming a healthy diet) had an 88% increased odds of being at low risk for a future ASCVD event within the next 10 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-2.68; P < .001). Similarly, those eating a healthy diet had a 44% reduced odds of being at high risk for a future ASCVD event within the next 10 years (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34-0.93; P = .02).

Conclusion:

Among adults who were free of cardiovascular disease, those with a healthy diet had reduced odds of being at high risk for a 10-year ASCVD event.
‘De peccato Salomonis’ (BHG 2392c): A Ghost Pseudepigraphon
Authors: Bailey Ryan
Published: September 2016

Scholars have long considered the text on ff. 184v–185v of BnF gr. 1021 to be an as yet unedited pseudepigraphon on the subject of Solomon's sin. This article, however, demonstrates that the text is merely one among a number of excerpt collections culled from biblical erotapokriseis (questions-and-answers).