bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the Serum Vitamin D-Parathyroid Hormone Relationship Influenced by Obesity in Children?
Authors: Amini Z. , Bryant S. , Smith C. , Singh R. , Kumar S.
Published: September 2013

Background/Aims: Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels correlate inversely. The 25(OH)D level at which PTH is maximally suppressed and below which PTH begins to rise (inflection point) has been used to define optimum 25(OH)D levels. While serum 25(OH)D levels are lower in obese individuals, likely due to sequestration of vitamin D in the adipose tissue, it is not known if the lower 25(OH)D levels in obese children are associated with a PTH increase in the same manner as it is in normal weight children. Methods: A retrospective record review of children between 2 and 18 years of age (n = 269) undergoing simultaneous measurement of serum 25(OH)D and PTH levels was performed. Results: The level of serum 25(OH)D below which PTH begins to rise was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in overweight/obese children compared to normal weight children [12.4 (95% CI 9.8-15.0) vs. 17.0 ng/ml (95% CI 11.4-22.6)]. Conclusions: In overweight and obese children, the PTH axis is activated at much lower 25(OH)D levels than in normal weight children. These findings are a consequence of similar ionized calcium levels in these groups despite lower serum 25(OH)D levels in obese children.
Intracranial Hypertension due to Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis following Head Trauma: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Lindvall Peter , Koskinen Lars-Owe D.
Published: September 2013

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) may occur following head trauma and contribute to intracranial hypertension that mandates immediate action. Anticoagulant therapy is the first line of treatment in CVST but may not be applicable in patients with head trauma. Here, we report on the treatment of 2 patients with CVST. In 1 patient, there was an attempt to perform thrombectomy and thrombolysis, and eventually a decompressive craniectomy was performed. In this patient, there was an excellent outcome. In the other patient, an immediate decompressive craniectomy was performed that did not improve the outcome.
Clinical and Procedural Characteristics Associated With Higher Radiation Exposure During Percutaneous Coronary Interventions and Coronary Angiography
Authors: Delewi Ronak , Hoebers Loes P. , Råmunddal Truls , Henriques José P.S. , Angerås Oskar , Stewart Jason , Robertsson Lotta , Wahlin Magnus , Petursson Petur , Piek Jan J. , Albertsson Per , Matejka Göran , Omerovic Elmir
Published: September 2013

Background—

We aim to study the clinical and procedural characteristics associated with higher radiation exposure in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and coronary angiography.

Methods and Results—

Our present study included all coronary angiography and PCI procedures in 5 PCI centers in the Western part of Sweden, between January 1, 2008, and January 19, 2012. The radiation exposure and clinical data were collected prospectively in these 5 PCI centers in Sweden as part of the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR). A prediction model was made for the radiation exposure (dose–area product) expressed in Gy·cm
2
. A total of 20 669 procedures were included in the present study, consisting of 9850 PCI and 10 819 coronary angiography procedures. In multivariable analyses, body mass index (β=1.04; confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.04;
P
<0.001); history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (β=1.32; CI, 1.28–1.32;
P
<0.001); 2, 3, or 4 treated lesions (2 treated lesions: β=1.95; CI, 1.84–2.03;
P
<0.001; 3 treated lesions: β=2.34; CI, 2.16–2.53;
P
<0.001; and 4 treated lesions: β=2.83; CI, 2.53–3.16;
P
<0.001); and chronic total occlusion lesions (β=1.39; CI, 1.31–1.48;
P
<0.001) were associated with the highest radiation exposure. After adjusting for procedural complexity, radial access route was not associated with increased radiation exposure (β=1.00; CI, 0.98–1.03;
P
=0.67).

Conclusions—

In the largest study population to assess radiation exposure, we found that high body mass index, history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery, number of treated lesions, and chronic total occlusions were associated with the highest patient radiation exposure. Radial access site was not associated with higher radiation exposure when compared with femoral approach.
Sex-Related Differences in Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Gang , Liao Yan-Biao , Peng Yong , Chai Hua , Liu Wei , Li Qiao , Ren Xin , Wang Xue-Qin , Luo Xiao-Lin , Zhang Chen , Lu Li-Hui , Meng Qing-Tao , Chen Chi , Chen Mao , Feng Yuan , Huang De-Jia
Published: September 2013

Background—

There were considerable discrepancies with regard to sex-related differences in complications and prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Methods and Results—

The Cochrane library and PubMed online databases were searched. Articles reporting sex-specific post–transcatheter aortic valve implantation complications and mortality were identified. Two authors selected studies and extracted data independently. Random- and fixed-effects models were used depending on between-study heterogeneity. There were 27 articles, a total of 9118 patients, enrolled in our systematic review and meta-analysis, including 4176 men and 4942 women. Pooled analyses suggested considerable sex-related differences in complications and early as well as midterm outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The difference in the risk for heart block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation was noted to be significant only in the subgroup of the CoreValve-dominating studies (pooled risk ratio [RR, men versus women], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.47). Although men had significantly lower risks for major/life-threatening bleeding (pooled RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68–0.96) and major vascular complications (pooled RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.37–0.66), they had poorer prognosis. In fact, male sex was associated with significantly higher risks for deaths at both 30 days (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.07–1.76) and 1 year (RR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14–1.49).

Conclusions—

Although men had lower risks for major/life-threatening bleeding and major vascular complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, they had less favorable short-term and midterm survival.
Atrium-Specific Kir3.x Determines Inducibility, Dynamics, and Termination of Fibrillation by Regulating Restitution-Driven Alternans
Authors: Bingen Brian O. , Neshati Zeinab , Askar Saïd F.A. , Kazbanov Ivan V. , Ypey Dirk L. , Panfilov Alexander V. , Schalij Martin J. , de Vries Antoine A.F. , Pijnappels Daniël A.
Published: September 2013

Background—

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Ventricular proarrhythmia hinders pharmacological atrial fibrillation treatment. Modulation of atrium-specific Kir3.x channels, which generate a constitutively active current (
I
K,ACh-c
) after atrial remodeling, might circumvent this problem. However, it is unknown whether and how
I
K,ACh-c
contributes to atrial fibrillation induction, dynamics, and termination. Therefore, we investigated the effects of
I
K,ACh-c
blockade and Kir3.x downregulation on atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results—

Neonatal rat atrial cardiomyocyte cultures and intact atria were burst paced to induce reentry. To study the effects of Kir3.x on action potential characteristics and propagation patterns, cultures were treated with tertiapin or transduced with lentiviral vectors encoding
Kcnj3
- or
Kcnj5
-specific shRNAs. Kir3.1 and Kir3.4 were expressed in atrial but not in ventricular cardiomyocyte cultures. Tertiapin prolonged action potential duration (APD; 54.7±24.0 to 128.8±16.9 milliseconds;
P
<0.0001) in atrial cultures during reentry, indicating the presence of
I
K,ACh-c
. Furthermore, tertiapin decreased rotor frequency (14.4±7.4 to 6.6±2.0 Hz;
P
<0.05) and complexity (6.6±7.7 to 0.6±0.8 phase singularities;
P
<0.0001). Knockdown of
Kcnj3
or
Kcnj5
gave similar results. Blockade of
I
K,ACh-c
prevented/terminated reentry by prolonging APD and changing APD and conduction velocity restitution slopes, thereby altering the probability of APD alternans and rotor destabilization. Whole-heart mapping experiments confirmed key findings (eg, >50% reduction in atrial fibrillation inducibility after
I
K,ACh-c
blockade).

Conclusions—

Atrium-specific Kir3.x controls the induction, dynamics, and termination of fibrillation by modulating APD and APD/conduction velocity restitution slopes in atrial tissue with
I
K,ACh-c
. This study provides new molecular and mechanistic insights into atrial tachyarrhythmias and identifies Kir3.x as a promising atrium-specific target for antiarrhythmic strategies.
Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Murthy Santosh B. , Karanth Siddharth , Shah Shreyansh , Shastri Aditi , Rao Chethan P. Venkatasubba , Bershad Eric M. , Suarez Jose I.
Published: September 2013

Background and Purpose—

The safety of thrombolysis for acute stroke in patients with cancer is not well established. Our aim is to study the outcomes after thrombolysis in patients with stroke with cancer.

Methods—

Patients with acute ischemic stroke who received thrombolysis were identified from the 2009 and 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Patients with cancer-associated strokes and noncancer strokes were compared based on demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes.

Results—

Of the 32 576 strokes treated with thrombolysis, cancer-associated strokes had significantly higher comorbidity indices overall, but fewer vascular risk factors than noncancer strokes. There was no difference in the rates of home discharge and in-hospital mortality, after adjusting for confounders. Subgroup analysis showed that compared with liquid cancers, patients with solid tumors had worse home discharge (odds ratio, 0.178; 95% confidence interval, 0.109–0.290;
P
<0.001) and higher in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.018; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–6.646;
P
=0.006) after thrombolysis. Metastatic cancers had poorest outcomes, but intracerebral hemorrhage rates were similar.

Conclusions—

Thrombolytic therapy for acute stroke in patients with cancer is not associated with increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage or in-hospital mortality. However, careful consideration of the cancer subtype may help delineate the subset of patients with poor response to thrombolysis. Prospective confirmation is warranted.
Recomposing the City: A Survey of Recent Sound Art in Belfast
Authors: Ouzounian Gascia
Published: September 2013

This article introduces examples of recent sound art in Belfast, a city that has undergone radical transformation over the past decade and is home to a burgeoning community of sound artists. The text investigates the ways in which sonic art can redraw boundaries in a city historically marked by myriad political, socioeconomic, religious and sectarian divisions. The article focuses on sound works that reimagine a “post-conflict” Belfast. These include site-specific sound installations in urban and public spaces, soundwalks, sculptures, locative and online works, and experimental sonic performances that draw upon traditional Irish song and music.
From Ear to Site: On Discreet Sound
Authors: Balit Daniele
Published: September 2013

The notion of discreet sound arises through the encounter of the sonic avant-garde with the post-studio methods of the field of sculpture: a distinctive, situational aesthetics that aspires to relocate, and sometimes to disperse, the listening experience within the varied spaces of everyday life. In sound art, however, there seems a predominant interest in the sounding object as an experience delivered to the audience through indoor modalities. By comparing these two tendencies, this article observes some of the implications for the ways in which we think about the site and modes specific to listening practices.
Neotripyla vulgaris gen. n., sp. n. and Semitobrilus andrassyi sp. n. (Nematoda, Triplonchida) from freshwater bodies of Vietnam
Authors: GAGARIN VLADIMIR G. , GUSAKOV VLADIMIR A.
Published: September 2013

A new genus and two new species are described and illustrated from Vietnam. Neotripyla gen. n. has distinctive morphological characters of both Tripylidae and Tobrilidae. The presence of three lips, a narrow stoma with no sclerotized walls, and the arrangement of outer labial and cephalic setae are characteristic of nematodes of the family Tripylidae. The presence of vesiculate precloacal supplements in males and the absence of a muscular pouch for the spicular apparatus are characteristic of nematodes of the family Tobrilidae. Accordingly a new family, Neotripylidae fam. n., is established. Neotripyla vulgaris gen. n., sp. n. is designated the type and only species of the new genus and family. Semitobrilus andrassyi sp. n. is closely related to S. gagarini (Ebsary, 1982), but differs in the longer spicules (71–80 µm vs 65 µm long in S. gagarini) and in the presence of keel-like projection and lateral ribs at distal part of spicules. S. gagarini (Ebsary, 1982) is considered a valid species of the genus Semitobrilus. A list of all valid species of the genus Semitobrilus and key for their determination are given.
A new species of Atrichopleura Bezzi (Diptera, Empididae, Empidinae) from Ceará, Brazil
Authors: CÂMARA J. T. , LIMEIRA-DE-OLIVEIRA F. , RAFAEL J. A.
Published: September 2013

Atrichopleura Bezzi, 1909 occurs in different regions of the Southern Hemisphere (24 Neotropical species, 2 Afrotropical species and 2 Australasian species). A new species collected in the Brazilian state of Ceará, A. acuminata sp. nov. is described and illustrated. This is the first record of the genus from northeastern Brazil. A modified key to the five Brazilian species is presented.
The Estimation of Base Temperature for Heating and Cooling Degree-Days for South Korea
Authors: Lee Kyoungmi , Baek Hee-Jeong , Cho ChunHo
Published: September 2013

In South Korea, heating degree-days (HDD) and cooling degree-days (CDD) have been widely used as climatic indicators for the assessment of the impact of climate change, but arbitrary or customary base temperatures have been used for calculation of HDD and CDD. The purpose of this study is to determine real base temperatures to accurately calculate HDD and CDD for South Korea, using monthly electric energy consumption and mean temperature data from 2001 to 2010. The results reveal that the regional electricity demand generally depends on air temperature in a V-shaped curve in urban settings but in an L-shaped curve in rural settings, indicating that the sensitivity of the electricity demand to the temperature change is affected by the size of cities. The South Korean regional base temperatures, defined by a piecewise linear regression method, range from 14.7° to 19.4°C. These results suggest that the assessment of climate change impacts on the energy sector in South Korea should be carried out on a regional scale.
Relationships between Ice Water Content and Volume Extinction Coefficient from In Situ Observations for Temperatures from 0° to −86°C: Implications for Spaceborne Lidar Retrievals
Authors: Heymsfield Andrew , Winker Dave , Avery Melody , Vaughan Mark , Diskin Glenn , Deng Min , Mitev Valentin , Matthey Renaud
Published: September 2013

An examination of 2 yr of Cloud–Aerosol Lidar Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) lidar observations and CloudSat cloud radar observations shows that ice clouds at temperatures below about −45°C frequently fall below the CloudSat radar’s detection threshold yet are readily detectable by the lidar. The CALIPSO ice water content (IWC) detection threshold is about 0.1 versus 5 mg m−3 for CloudSat. This comparison emphasizes the need for developing a lidar-only IWC retrieval method that is reliable for high-altitude ice clouds at these temperatures in this climatically important zone of the upper troposphere. Microphysical measurements from 10 aircraft field programs, spanning latitudes from the Arctic to the tropics and temperatures from −86° to 0°C, are used to develop relationships between the IWC and volume extinction coefficient σ in visible wavelengths. Relationships used to derive a radiatively important ice cloud property, the ice effective diameter De, from σ are also developed. Particle size distributions (PSDs) and direct IWC measurements, together with evaluations of the ice particle shapes and comparisons with semidirect extinction measurements, are used in this analysis. Temperature-dependent De(σ) and IWC–σ relationships developed empirically facilitate the retrieval of IWC from lidar-derived σ and De values and for comparison with other IWC observations. This suite of empirically derived relationships can be expressed analytically. These relationships can be used to derive IWC and De from σ and are developed for use in climate models to derive σ from prognosed values of IWC and specified PSD properties.
Monin–Obukhov Similarity Functions for the Structure Parameters of Temperature and Humidity in the Unstable Surface Layer: Results from High-Resolution Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Maronga Björn
Published: September 2013

Large-eddy simulations (LESs) of free-convective to near-neutral boundary layers are used to investigate the surface-layer turbulence. The article focuses on the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) relationships that relate the structure parameters of temperature and humidity to the surface fluxes of sensible and latent heat, respectively. Moreover, the applicability of local free convection (LFC) similarity scaling is studied. The LES data suggest that the MOST function for is universal. It is shown to be within the range of the functions proposed from measurement data. It is found that follows MOST if entrainment of dry air from the free atmosphere is sufficiently small. In this case the similarity functions for and are identical. If entrainment is significant, dissimilarity between the transport of sensible heat and moisture is observed and no longer follows MOST. In the free-convection limit the LFC similarity functions should collapse to universal constants. The LES data suggest values around 2.7, which is in agreement with the value proposed in the literature. As for MOST, the LFC similarity constant for becomes nonuniversal if entrainment of dry air is significant. It is shown that LFC scaling is applicable even if shear production of turbulence is moderately high.
The NCEP Climate Forecast System Version 2
Authors: Saha Suranjana , Moorthi Shrinivas , Wu Xingren , Wang Jiande , Nadiga Sudhir , Tripp Patrick , Behringer David , Hou Yu-Tai , Chuang Hui-ya , Iredell Mark , Ek Michael , Meng Jesse , Yang Rongqian , Mendez Malaquías Peña , van den Dool Huug , Zhang Qin , Wang Wanqiu , Chen Mingyue , Becker Emily
Published: September 2013

The second version of the NCEP Climate Forecast System (CFSv2) was made operational at NCEP in March 2011. This version has upgrades to nearly all aspects of the data assimilation and forecast model components of the system. A coupled reanalysis was made over a 32-yr period (1979–2010), which provided the initial conditions to carry out a comprehensive reforecast over 29 years (1982–2010). This was done to obtain consistent and stable calibrations, as well as skill estimates for the operational subseasonal and seasonal predictions at NCEP with CFSv2. The operational implementation of the full system ensures a continuity of the climate record and provides a valuable up-to-date dataset to study many aspects of predictability on the seasonal and subseasonal scales. Evaluation of the reforecasts show that the CFSv2 increases the length of skillful MJO forecasts from 6 to 17 days (dramatically improving subseasonal forecasts), nearly doubles the skill of seasonal forecasts of 2-m temperatures over the United States, and significantly improves global SST forecasts over its predecessor. The CFSv2 not only provides greatly improved guidance at these time scales but also creates many more products for subseasonal and seasonal forecasting with an extensive set of retrospective forecasts for users to calibrate their forecast products. These retrospective and real-time operational forecasts will be used by a wide community of users in their decision making processes in areas such as water management for rivers and agriculture, transportation, energy use by utilities, wind and other sustainable energy, and seasonal prediction of the hurricane season.
Evaluating Light Rain Drop Size Estimates from Multiwavelength Micropulse Lidar Network Profiling
Authors: Lolli Simone , Welton Ellsworth J. , Campbell James R.
Published: September 2013

This paper investigates multiwavelength retrievals of median equivolumetric drop diameter D0 suitable for drizzle and light rain, through collocated 355-/527-nm Micropulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) observations collected during precipitation occurring 9 May 2012 at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) project site. By applying a previously developed retrieval technique for infrared bands, the method exploits the differential backscatter by liquid water at 355 and 527 nm for water drops larger than ≈50 μm. In the absence of molecular and aerosol scattering and neglecting any transmission losses, the ratio of the backscattering profiles at the two wavelengths (355 and 527 nm), measured from light rain below the cloud melting layer, can be described as a color ratio, which is directly related to D0. The uncertainty associated with this method is related to the unknown shape of the drop size spectrum and to the measurement error. Molecular and aerosol scattering contributions and relative transmission losses due to the various atmospheric constituents should be evaluated to derive D0 from the observed color ratio profiles. This process is responsible for increasing the uncertainty in the retrieval. Multiple scattering, especially for UV lidar, is another source of error, but it exhibits lower overall uncertainty with respect to other identified error sources. It is found that the total error upper limit on D0 approaches 50%. The impact of this retrieval for long-term MPLNET monitoring and its global data archive is discussed.
Mapping of Near-Surface Winds in Hurricane Rita Using Finescale Radar, Anemometer, and Land-Use Data
Authors: Kosiba Karen , Wurman Joshua , Masters Forrest J. , Robinson Paul
Published: September 2013

Data collected from a Doppler on Wheels (DOW) mobile radar deployed in Port Arthur, Texas, near the point of landfall of Hurricane Rita (2005) and from two Florida Coastal Monitoring Program 10-m weather stations (FCMP-WSs) are used to characterize wind field variability, including hurricane boundary layer (HBL) streaks/rolls, during the hurricane's passage. DOW data, validated against nearby weather station data, are combined with surface roughness fields derived from land-use mapping to produce fine spatial scale, two-dimensional maps of the 10 m above ground level (AGL) open-terrain exposure and exposure-influenced winds over Port Arthur. The DOW collected ~3000 low-elevation radar sweeps at 12-s intervals for >10 h during the passage of the hurricane. This study focuses on the 2–3-h period when the western eyewall passed over Port Arthur. Finescale HBL wind streaks are observed to have length scales of O(300 m), smaller than previously identified in other HBL studies. The HBL streaks are tracked as they pass over an FCMP-WS located in flat, open terrain and another FCMP-WS located near a subdivision. DOW data collected over the FCMP-WS are reduced to anemometer height, using roughness lengths calculated from DOW and FCMP-WS data. Variations in the radar-observed winds directly over the FCMP-WS are very well correlated, both in their timing and magnitude, with wind gusts observed by the weather stations, revealing directly for the first time the surface manifestation of these wind streaks that are observed frequently by radar >100 m AGL. This allows for the generation of spatially filled maps of small-scale wind fluctuations over Port Arthur during the hurricane eyewall's passage using DOW-measured winds.
Wealth Disparities Before and After the Great Recession
Authors: Pfeffer Fabian T. , Danziger Sheldon , Schoeni Robert F.
Published: September 2013

The collapse of the labor, housing, and stock markets beginning in 2007 created unprecedented challenges for American families. This study examines disparities in wealth holdings leading up to the Great Recession and during the first years of the recovery. All socioeconomic groups experienced declines in wealth following the recession, with higher wealth families experiencing larger absolute declines. In percentage terms, however, the declines were greater for less advantaged groups as measured by minority status, education, and prerecession income and wealth, leading to a substantial rise in wealth inequality in just a few years. Despite large changes in wealth, longitudinal analyses demonstrate little change in mobility in the ranking of particular families in the wealth distribution. Between 2007 and 2011, one-fourth of American families lost at least 75 percent of their wealth, and more than half of all families lost at least 25 percent of their wealth. Multivariate longitudinal analyses document that these large relative losses were disproportionally concentrated among lower-income, less educated, and minority households.
Expanding Enrollments and Contracting State Budgets
Authors: Barr Andrew , Turner Sarah E.
Published: September 2013

The Great Recession heightened a growing conflict in the United States between expanding enrollments in postsecondary education and contracting public budget support. Weak labor market conditions during the Great Recession encouraged college enrollments, with much of the increase in enrollment occurring outside the most selective institutions. While federal aid policies, including the Pell grant, became more generous, dramatic reductions in state budget allocations made it difficult for colleges and universities to maintain programming and accommodate student demand. As a result, the Great Recession has accelerated the cost-shifting from public subsidies to individual payments in higher education.
The Effects of Local Economic Conditions on Confidence in Key Institutions and Interpersonal Trust after the Great Recession
Authors: Owens Lindsay A. , Cook Karen S.
Published: September 2013

The effects of recessions on social and political attitudes are likely smaller than the effects on employment, income, and wealth, but relatively modest aggregate effects may be masking differences in attitudes between individuals who live in areas most and least affected by recessions. To investigate social and political attitudes in geographical context, we exploit a new data source that matches individuals to their county of residence to analyze whether changing economic conditions at the county level are associated with changing confidence in major social institutions and with changing levels of interpersonal trust. We find that individuals in particularly affected counties are more likely to decrease their support for organized labor and the federal government. County-level hardship does not appear to be associated with changes in interpersonal measures of trust, however, suggesting that two very different processes may be at play.
The Effects of the Great Recession on Family Structure and Fertility
Authors: Cherlin Andrew , Cumberworth Erin , Morgan S. Philip , Wimer Christopher
Published: September 2013

Recessions can alter family life by constraining the choices that individuals and couples make concerning their family lives and by activating the family’s role as an emergency support system. Both effects were visible during and after the Great Recession. Fertility declined by 9 to 11 percent, depending on the measure, and the decline was greater in states that experienced higher increases in unemployment. The decline was greater among younger women, which suggests postponement rather than forgoing of births. The fall in fertility was sharpest for Hispanics, a result the authors attribute to a drop in Mexican immigration, which reduced the number of recent immigrants, the group with the highest fertility. Substantial increases occurred in the percentage of young adults, single and married, who lived with their parents, augmenting a long-term trend toward intergenerational coresidence. There was a slight decline in divorce and separation in states with higher unemployment.
Changes in Hypothalamus–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Following Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Radak Djordje , Resanovic Ivana , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: September 2013

Acute brain ischemia caused by transient ischemic attack initiates a complex sequence of events in the central nervous system and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis which may ultimately culminate in neuronal and cell damage. The brain is highly susceptible to ischemia and in response to stress shows changes in morphology and chemistry that are largely reversible. These responses are known to modify the function of the HPA axis, but their mechanisms are not yet clear. Duration and size of the HPA axis activation are regulated by corticotropin-releasing hormone, vasopressin (AVP), and glucocorticoids, including cortisol. Numerous studies suggest that activation of these hormones following brain ischemia can result in neurohormonal dysfunction that can exacerbate long-term prognosis following stroke. These studies represent evidence that changes in the HPA axis play an important role in brain ischemia.
Duration of untreated psychosis in a high-income versus a low- and middle-income region
Authors: Mossaheb Nilufar , Schloegelhofer Monika , Kaufmann Rainer M , Werneck-Rohrer Sonja , Zehetmayer Sonja , Malik Farah , Khawar Rabia , Chaudry Haroon Rasheed , Amminger G Paul , Klier Claudia M , Aschauer Harald
Published: September 2013

Objective:

Most data on duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) derives from high-income countries. An inverse relationship between DUP and income and a longer DUP in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries has been reported. The aim of this study was to compare DUP in a high-income country with that in a LAMI country using the same methodology.

Methods:

The sample consisted of in- and outpatients, aged 15–35 years for the Vienna site and 18–35 years for the Pakistani sites, with first-episode psychosis (FEP). DUP was evaluated using psychiatric interviews, medical charts and the Nottingham Onset Schedule. Differentiated reporting of duration of untreated illness (DUI) from prodrome to start of treatment, and DUP from manifest psychotic symptoms to start of treatment was ensured. Primary outcome measures, DUI and DUP, were measured at a 0.025 level of significance.

Results:

Thirty-one FEP patients in Vienna (mean age 20.03 years, SD 4.2) and 60 FEP patients from the Pakistani sites (mean age 26.15 years, SD 5.29) participated. The mean age in Vienna was younger due to the different age range inclusion criteria. The severity of psychopathology was more pronounced in the Pakistani sample. Log DUP was significantly different between groups (i.e. longer in the Pakistani sample ( p=0.001)). Log DUI showed a trend for longer duration in the Vienna sample; however, this did not reach statistical significance ( p=0.036). The severity of positive psychotic symptoms was associated with length of DUI in both regions.

Conclusion:

The longer DUP in Pakistan confirms the need to provide affordable treatment for psychosis for young FEP patients in Pakistan and in other LAMI countries. The relatively long period from prodrome to treatment initiation in both regions underlines the need to further establish low-threshold early intervention strategies in order to increase detection rates and reduce factors limiting patients seeking treatment.
Delaminations buckling and growth phenomena in stiffened composite panels under compression. Part II: a numerical study
Authors: Riccio A , Raimondo A , Caprio F Di , Scaramuzzino F
Published: September 2013

A numerical study has been carried out on stiffened composite panels under compression, focusing on the delamination-related phenomena. A robust numerical finite elements model has been introduced to simulate the compression behavior of the panel, including the delamination buckling and growth, and to provide reasonable predictions of the strain measurements in the delaminated area. The robustness of the novel approach, which adopts an improved (mesh and time step independent) virtual crack closure technique for the simulation of the delamination propagation, has been demonstrated by comparisons with standard commercial FEM (Finite Element Method) codes results and experimental data. Indeed, the numerical results, in terms of strains and delamination size as a function of the applied load, have been compared to experimental strain gauges readings, embedded optical fibers measurements, and thermography images of the delamination taken at different load steps. Actually, the performed numerical activity contributed to improve the knowledge on delamination-related phenomena in stiffened composite panels, focusing on delamination growth initiation and delamination growth stability, by providing reasonable justifications and interpretations of experimental strain measurements and thermography images.
Optically transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) composite reinforced by polyacylonitrile hollow nanofibers
Authors: Hu Wen , Antoine Donley , Yu Xun
Published: September 2013

In this research, optically transparent composites were successfully fabricated by embedding polyacylonitrile hollow nanofibers into poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix. Hollow polyacylonitrile nanofibers were first prepared by coaxial electrospinning polyacylonitrile/mineral oil solution, followed by etching with octane to remove the mineral oil from the fibers. Polyacylonitrile hollow fibers were then homogeneously distributed in poly(methyl methacrylate) resins to fabricate the composite. The embedded polyacylonitrile hollow nanofibers significantly enhanced the tensile stress and the Young’s modulus of the composite (increased by 58.3% and 50.4%, respectively), while having little influence on the light transmittance of the composite. This novel transparent composite could be used for transparent armor protection, window panes in vehicles and buildings, airplane windshield, etc.
Self-reported Measures for Surveillance of Periodontitis
Authors: Eke P.I. , Dye B.A. , Wei L. , Slade G.D. , Thornton-Evans G.O. , Beck J.D. , Taylor G.W. , Borgnakke W.S. , Page R.C. , Genco R.J.
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of self-reported measures in predicting periodontitis in a representative US adult population, based on 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Self-reported gum health and treatment history, loose teeth, bone loss around teeth, tooth not looking right, and use of dental floss and mouthwash were obtained during in-home interviews and validated against full-mouth clinically assessed periodontitis in 3,743 US adults 30 years and older. All self-reported measures (> 95% item response rates) were associated with periodontitis, and bivariate correlations between responses to these questions were weak, indicating low redundancy. In multivariable logistic regression modeling, the combined effects of demographic measures and responses to 5 self-reported questions in predicting periodontitis of mild or greater severity were 85% sensitive and 58% specific and produced an ‘area under the receiver operator characteristic curve’ (AUROCC) of 0.81. Four questions were 95% sensitive and 30% specific, with an AUROCC of 0.82 in predicting prevalence of clinical attachment loss ≥ 3 mm at one or more sites. In conclusion, self-reported measures performed well in predicting periodontitis in US adults. Where preferred clinically based surveillance is unattainable, locally adapted variations of these self-reported measures may be a promising alternative for surveillance of periodontitis.
Academic Achievement Among Juvenile Detainees
Authors: Grigorenko Elena L. , Macomber Donna , Hart Lesley , Naples Adam , Chapman John , Geib Catherine F. , Chart Hilary , Tan Mei , Wolhendler Baruch , Wagner Richard
Published: September 2013

The literature has long pointed to heightened frequencies of learning disabilities (LD) within the population of law offenders; however, a systematic appraisal of these observations, careful estimation of these frequencies, and investigation of their correlates and causes have been lacking. Here we present data collected from all youth (1,337 unique admissions, mean age 14.81, 20.3% females) placed in detention in Connecticut (January 1, 2010–July 1, 2011). All youth completed a computerized educational screener designed to test a range of performance in reading (word and text levels) and mathematics. A subsample ( n = 410) received the Wide Range Achievement Test, in addition to the educational screener. Quantitative (scale-based) and qualitative (grade-equivalence-based) indicators were then analyzed for both assessments. Results established the range of LD in this sample from 13% to 40%, averaging 24.9%. This work provides a systematic exploration of the type and severity of word and text reading and mathematics skill deficiencies among juvenile detainees and builds the foundation for subsequent efforts that may link these deficiencies to both more formal, structured, and variable definitions and classifications of LD, and to other types of disabilities (e.g., intellectual disability) and developmental disorders (e.g., ADHD) that need to be conducted in future research.
‘Alive after five’: Constructing the neoliberal night in Newcastle upon Tyne
Authors: Shaw Robert
Published: September 2013

The development of the ‘night-time economy’ in the UK through the 1990s has been associated with neoliberal urban governance. Academics have, however, begun to question the use and the scope of the concept of ‘neoliberalism’. This paper identifies two common approaches to studying neoliberalism, one exploring neoliberalism as a series of policy networks, the other exploring neoliberalism as the governance of subjectivities. It is argued that to understand the urban night, we need to explore both these senses of ‘neoliberalism’. As a case study, the paper takes the ‘Alive After Five’ project, organised by the Business Improvement District in Newcastle upon Tyne, which sought to extend shopping hours in order to encourage more people to use the city at night. Drawing from actor–network theory, the planning, the translation and the practice of this new project are explored together with the on-going nature and influence of neoliberal policy on the urban night in the UK.
The gloomy city: Rethinking the relationship between light and dark
Authors: Edensor Tim
Published: September 2013

Given geography’s neglect of illuminated and dark space, this paper explores the various qualities of darkness that have contributed to the experience of the city. In recent history, darkness has been conceptualised negatively, for instance, with the ‘dark side’ and the ‘forces of darkness’ conceived as the opposite of that which enlightens and illuminates. Perhaps such metaphors testify to earlier urban conditions in which perils of all sorts lurked in the nocturnal city and doors were closed when darkness fell. Yet modern illumination has transformed nocturnal urban experience, producing cityscapes of regulation, hierarchical selectiveness, consumption, fantasy and imagination. However, this article suggests that the more positive qualities of darkness have been overlooked: the potential for conviviality and intimacy to be fostered in the dark, the aesthetics and atmospherics of darkness and shadow, the possibilities for apprehending the world through other senses and the dismissal of the star-saturated sky.
Tuberculosis presenting as mediastinal and lung mass radiologically: a case report
Authors: Kasilingam Sangeeth Kumar
Published: September 2013

Mediastinal and lung masses are commonly encountered. The causes range from benign to malignant lesions to which infective lesions contribute to some extent. The conditions presenting as a lung mass with metastatic mediastinal mass are usually indications of malignancy. Tuberculosis is an uncommon cause of such presentations. We report a case of a 53-year-old man who presented with a lung mass with conglomerate lymph nodal mass which was later confirmed as tuberculosis on histopathological examination.
Patterns of Specialization and Escalation in the Criminal Careers of Gang and Non-Gang Homicide Offenders
Authors: Adams Jennifer J. , Pizarro Jesenia M.
Published: September 2013

Although studies have established that homicide offenders are clearly well versed in the criminal world, there is limited knowledge of the specific types of offenses they engage in leading up to the homicide, and if patterns of specialization or escalation exist. In addition, no study on homicide offenders has differentiated between gang and non-gang members. This study examines the arrest histories of homicide gang and non-gang offenders to assess whether patterns of offense specialization, escalation, or de-escalation exist. The findings suggest that homicide offenders were heavily involved in violent and drug crimes prior to the homicide. Gang members committed and specialized in drug crimes, while non-gang members committed more violent crimes and had the highest probability of specializing in drug crimes. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in light of these findings.
Prosody and animacy in the development of noun determiner use: A cross-linguistic approach
Authors: Bassano Dominique , Korecky-Kröll Katharina , Maillochon Isabelle , van Dijk Marijn , Laaha Sabine , van Geert Paul , Dressler Wolfgang U
Published: September 2013

This study investigates prosodic (noun length) and lexical-semantic (animacy) influences on determiner use in the spontaneous speech of three children acquiring French, Austrian German and Dutch. In support of typological and language-specific hypotheses from the Germanic–Romance contrast, an advantage of monosyllabic nouns and of inanimate nouns for taking a determiner or filler was found in French, but not in Austrian German or Dutch. The authors discuss the possible contributory role of these factors on determiner acquisition from a cross-linguistic perspective, also accounting for more specific differences between Austrian German and Dutch.
Parameter Estimation of the Reduced RUM Using the EM Algorithm
Authors: Feng Yuling , Habing Brian T. , Huebner Alan
Published: September 2013

Diagnostic classification models (DCMs) are psychometric models widely discussed by researchers nowadays because of their promising feature of obtaining detailed information on students’ mastery on specific attributes. Model estimation is essential for further implementation of these models, and estimation methods are often developed within some general framework, such as generalized diagnostic model (GDM) of von Davier, the log-linear diagnostic classification model (LDCM), and the generalized deterministic input, noisy-and-gate (G-DINA). Using a maximum likelihood estimation algorithm, this article addresses the estimation issue of a complex compensatory DCM, the reduced reparameterized unified model (rRUM), whose estimation under general frameworks could be lengthy due to the complexity of the model. The proposed estimation method is demonstrated on simulated data as well as a real data set, and is shown to provide accurate item parameter estimates for the rRUM.
Effects of Time Frame on the Recall Reliability of CFS Symptoms
Authors: Evans Meredyth , Jason Leonard A.
Published: September 2013

This study serves as an investigation of the reliability of symptom data as reported by individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), across three recall time frames (the past week, the past month, and the past 6 months), and at two assessment points (with 1 week in between each assessment). Multilevel model analyses were used to determine the optimal recall time frame, in terms of test -retest reliability, for each of the Fukuda et al. (1994) case defining symptoms. Results suggested that the optimal time frame for reliably reporting CFS symptoms was six months for sore throat, lymph node pain, muscle pain, post-exertional malaise, headaches, memory/concentration difficulties, and unrefreshing sleep. For joint pain, the optimal time frame was one month. Researchers who are interested in the assessment of CFS symptoms need to take recall time frame into account, especially when the intended goal is to standardize and improve the methods used to reliably and accurately diagnose this complex illness.
Methods for Identifying Translational Researchers
Authors: Feeney Mary K. , Johnson Timothy , Welch Eric W.
Published: September 2013

There is currently no generally accepted method for identifying the community of translational researchers when evaluating Clinical and Translational Science Centers. We use data from the multiyear evaluation of the University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) to investigate the complexities of reliably identifying translational researchers. We use three methods to identify translational researchers: (1) participating in CCTS services and programs; (2) self-identifying as a translational researcher; and (3) engaging in activities that are characteristic of translational science. We find little overlap of these differently defined research groups. We conclude with a discussion of how the findings suggest challenges for evaluating translational science programs and the need for better definition, communication, and demonstration of translational science for scientists and evaluators.
An Integrative Review
Authors: Lin Yun-Ping , McCullagh Marjorie C. , Kao Tsui-Sui , Larson Janet L.
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this review is to synthesize the research evidence for the role of the work environment—workplace physical activity policies and resources and job strain factors—in explaining physical activity in white-collar workers. White-collar workers are at risk for developing a sedentary lifestyle, which contributes to all-cause mortality. Understanding how work environment can influence worker physical activity is important for the development of effective interventions. We reviewed 15 research articles that describe the relationship between work environment factors and physical activity in predominantly white-collar workers. Relatively consistent evidence was found for the effects of supportive workplace policies and resources. Weak evidence was found for the effects of job strain. Both work environment factors have the potential to influence physical activity but require further exploration to fully understand their contribution to physical activity in white-collar workers. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Unusual coexistence of pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma and pericardial cyst
Authors: Kaplan Tevfik , Han Serdar , Ekmekci Perihan , Akincioglu Egemen , Ataoglu Omur
Published: September 2013

Pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma is an uncommon tumor, thought to be a benign neoplasm. Pericardial cysts are also uncommon benign abnormalities, most often found incidentally on chest radiography. We describe the case of a 51-year-old woman in whom both lesions were incidentially detected on a routine chest radiograph. Enucleation of the pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma and simultaneous resection of the pericardial cyst were undertaken.