bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Manual Retinal Thickness Measurement Protocol to Evaluate High Myopia Patients
Authors: de-Lázaro-Yagüe José Alberto , López-Miguel Alberto , Sanabria María Rosa , Fernández-Martínez Itziar , Coco-Martín Rosa María
Published: August 2013

Purpose: To validate a manual measurement protocol for quantifying retinal thickness (RT) using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device in pathologic myopia patients. Methods: The macular Cross Hair protocol of Stratus OCT3 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, Calif., USA) was applied and manual RT gauging was performed using the caliper tool. Foveal and paramacular RT, located at 1 and 2 mm distances from the fovea in both vertical and horizontal scans, were measured. Three consecutive RT measurements were taken to assess measurement reliability. The within-subject coefficient of variation (CVw) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to validate the manual method. Results: The mean axial length of the 29 eyes assessed was 28.28 ± 2.72 mm and the mean spherical refraction was -13.61 ± 6.68 diopters. CVw ranged from 0.86 to 8.73% and ICC varied from 0.81 to 0.98. Conclusion: A manual RT measurement protocol could reliably be used in the daily clinic for assessing pathologic myopic patients when OCT software segmentation fails.
Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy in Patients with Stage I Breast Cancer at a Regional Oncology Center in Israel: Implementation of a ‘Switching' Policy in Postmenopausal Patients after Initial Tamoxifen
Authors: Geffen D.B. , Tokar M. , Abu-Ghanem S. , Braunstein R. , Koretz M. , Amir N. , Delgado B. , Sion-Vardi N. , Ariad S. , Lazarev I.
Published: August 2013

Objective: To analyze the implementation of a switching policy of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy sequentially after tamoxifen in consecutively treated stage I (T1N0M0) hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer (BC) patients. Methods: The records of 279 consecutive HR-positive BC patients diagnosed between 2002 and 2006 and followed at the Soroka Medical Center were reviewed. Results: Two-hundred-seventeen patients who initially received tamoxifen were suitable for switching and 28 received an AI as initial adjuvant treatment. The switch was accomplished in 82.5% of the 217 patients. Those who switched to an AI had a higher proportion of T1c stage than patients eligible who were not switched, but did not differ in age, histologic grade, or having received chemotherapy. Of the 179 patients who switched, 155 (86.6%) completed at least 4.5-5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen/AI therapy. Eighteen patients discontinued AI therapy prematurely because of toxicity. Conclusions: In this stage I BC population, despite the toxicities of AI therapy, >84% of eligible patients received an AI as adjuvant therapy. Measures to improve the management of AI toxicity, such as changing to a different AI, may reduce early stopping.
Feasibility of Gracilis Muscle Flap Interposition for Management of Recurrent Rectovesical/Rectourethral Fistulas: A Single Centre Expertise
Authors: Abdou Ahmed Hossamedine , Troja Achim , Raab Hans-Rudolph , Antolovic Dalibur
Published: August 2013

Background: Recurrent rectovesical fistulas are a serious burden for the affected patient. Depending on the size and location of the fistula, the underlying disease as well as the preceding therapies, a definitive surgical treatment of the fistula should be the main goal. We analysed the technique of the transposition of the gracilis muscle as a therapeutical option. Methods: We analysed data from 3 male patients who were diagnosed with a recurrent rectovesical fistula and were treated by the transposition of the gracilis muscle in the surgical department of Klinikum Oldenburg. Results: All 3 patients suffered from prostate cancer and were already treated by a different surgical approach while one patient had a second recurrence. Complications arose in two cases in the form of fistula recurrence. Conclusion: Our study has shown that the interposition of the gracilis muscle provides an option to treat rectovesical fistulas.
Discrete Prepotential as an Indicator of Successful Ablation in Patients With Coronary Cusp Ventricular Arrhythmia
Authors: Hachiya Hitoshi , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Iesaka Yoshito , Yagishita Atsuhiko , Sasaki Takeshi , Higuchi Koji , Kawabata Mihoko , Sugiyama Koji , Tanaka Yasuaki , Kusa Shigeki , Nakamura Hiroaki , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Taniguchi Hiroshi , Isobe Mitsuaki , Hirao Kenzo
Published: August 2013

Background—

Although coronary cusp (CC) ventricular arrhythmia (VA) can be treated by catheter ablation, reliable indicators of successful ablation sites have not been fully identified.

Methods and Results—

This study comprised 392 patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation for outflow tract-VA at 3 institutions from January 2007 to August 2012. The successful ablation site was on the left CC or right CC in 35 (8.9%) of the 392 patients. In 9 (26%) of these 35 patients, a discrete prepotential was recognized, 5 of whom had left CC-VAs and 4 of whom had right CC-VAs. Radiofrequency catheter ablation was successful at the site of the prepotential in all 9 of these patients. The duration of the isoelectric line between the end of the discrete prepotential and the onset of the ventricular electrogram was 27±13 ms. The time from onset of the discrete prepotential at the successful ablation site on the CC to the QRS onset (activation time) was 69±20 ms (range, 50–98 ms). Pace mapping was graded as excellent at the successful ablation site in only 1 patient. No discrete prepotential was recorded in any successful right outflow tract-VA ablation case in this study.

Conclusions—

A discrete prepotential was seen in 9 (26%) of 35 patients with CC-VA. In left and right CC-VA, the site of a discrete prepotential with ≥50 ms activation time may indicate a successful ablation site.
Prevalence, Characteristics, Mapping, and Catheter Ablation of Potential Rotors in Nonparoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lin Yenn-Jiang , Lo Men-Tzung , Lin Chen , Chang Shih-Lin , Lo Li-Wei , Hu Yu-Feng , Hsieh Wan-Hsin , Chang Hung-Yu , Lin Wen-Yu , Chung Fa-Po , Liao Jo-Nan , Chen Yun-Yu , Hanafy Dicky , Huang Norden E. , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: August 2013

Background—

Identification of critical atrial substrates in patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) failing to respond to pulmonary vein isolation is important. This study investigated the signal characteristics, substrate nature, and ablation results of rotors during AF.

Methods and Results—

In total, 53 patients (age=55±8), 31 with persistent AF and 22 with long-lasting AF, underwent pulmonary vein isolation and substrate modification of complex fractionated atrial electrograms. Small-radius-reentrant rotors were identified from signal analyses of the dominant frequency and fractionation interval and nonlinear analyses (newly developed, beat-to-beat nonlinear measurement of the repetitiveness of the electrogram morphology >6 seconds). In 15% of the patients, activation maps demonstrated occurrences of rotor-like small-radius reentrant circuits (n=9; 1.1 per patient; cycle length=110±21 ms; diameter=11±6 mm) with fibrillation occurring outside these areas. Rotors were identified by conventional point-by-point mapping and signal analyses and were subsequently eradicated by catheter ablation in these patients. Persistent AF for <1 year, a smaller left atrial size, substrates with higher mean voltages and shorter total activation durations predicted a higher incidence of rotors (all
P
<0.05). In the multivariable model, areas of reentrant circuits exhibited a higher dominant frequency, kurtosis, and higher degree of a beat-to-beat electrogram similarity than areas without or outside the rotors (all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Rotor-like re-entry with fibrillatory conduction was found in a limited number of patients with nonparoxysmal AF after pulmonary vein isolation. Those areas were characterized by rapid repetitive activity with a high degree of electrogram similarity.
Evaluation and Reduction of Asymptomatic Cerebral Embolism in Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation, But High Prevalence of Chronic Silent Infarction
Authors: Verma Atul , Debruyne Philippe , Nardi Stefano , Deneke Thomas , DeGreef Yves , Spitzer Stefan , Balzer Jörn O. , Boersma Lucas
Published: August 2013

Background—

This prospective, multicenter study sought to evaluate the incidence of asymptomatic cerebral emboli (ACE) during ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using a multielectrode radiofrequency (MER) system when specific procedural changes were applied.

Methods and Results—

Sixty subjects (age 60±10 years; 87% paroxysmal; CHADS
2
score, 0.6±0.7) undergoing AF ablation with a circular MER catheter were studied. Three procedural changes were specified: (1) ablation was performed under therapeutic vitamin K antagonist and heparin to maintain activated clotting time >350 seconds; (2) submerged loading of the catheter into the introducer before sheath insertion to minimize air ingress; and (3) either the distal or proximal electrode of the circular MER catheter was deactivated to prevent inadvertent bipolar radiofrequency interaction. MRI was performed <7 days preablation and 2 days postablation. Subjects with new cerebral findings after ablation underwent repeat MRI after 1 month. An acute ACE lesion was defined by a new hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery cerebral MRI sequences. Neurological function was evaluated at baseline, postablation, and 1 month. All target pulmonary veins were isolated. In 60% (36/60) of patients, pre-existing cerebral lesions were seen on the preprocedure MRI (8 lesions per subject; interquartile range, 3–22). New postprocedural ACE occurred in only 1/60 patients (incidence, 1.7%; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–8.9), which was no longer visible on MRI after 1 month.

Conclusions—

Applying procedural changes to MER ablation significantly reduces the ACE incidence to 1.7%, which is on the low end of reported ACE rates of any technology.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT01520532.
Extracellular Matrix Turnover Biomarkers Predict Long-Term Left Ventricular Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Eschalier Romain , Fertin Marie , Fay Renaud , Bauters Christophe , Zannad Faïez , Pinet Florence , Rossignol Patrick
Published: August 2013

Background—

Extracellular matrix turnover plays a key role in wound repair after myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the study was to evaluate whether biomarkers of myocardial fibrosis measurements 1 month after MI may predict left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

Methods and Results—

This prospective multicenter study included 246 patients with a first anterior Q-wave MI. Echocardiographic studies were performed at hospital discharge and 12 months after MI. Brain natriuretic peptide as well as biomarkers of myocardial fibrosis (type 1 collagen telopeptide, aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen, aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen) were measured 1 month after MI in 218 patients. In multivariate analysis, aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen/type 1 collagen telopeptide ratio ≤1 (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.86 [1.02–3.39];
P
=0.043) 1 month after MI and brain natriuretic peptide >100 pg/mL (2.35 [1.28–4.31];
P
=0.006) were associated with a pejorative LV remodeling, whereas LV ejection fraction at discharge (per 5% increment; 0.78 [0.65–0.94];
P
=0.01) was independently associated with lower rates of detrimental LV remodeling at 12 months. Patients with high brain natriuretic peptide and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen/type 1 collagen telopeptide ratio ≤1, measured 1 month after MI, had the highest risk of developing a primary composite event (cardiovascular death or hospitalization for worsening heart failure; 14 events per 216 patients;
P
=0.0001) during a 3-year follow-up.

Conclusions—

Myocardial fibrosis turnover after MI is associated with LV remodeling. Low aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen/type 1 collagen telopeptide ratio (≤1) at 1 month is predictive, in addition to brain natriuretic peptide and LV ejection fraction, of detrimental LV remodeling as well as cardiovascular deaths and hospitalizations for heart failure.
Atrial Fibrillation, Stroke Risk, and Warfarin Therapy Revisited
Authors: Björck Staffan , Palaszewski Bo , Friberg Leif , Bergfeldt Lennart
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. This study aims to update the knowledge about AF and associated stroke risk and benefits of anticoagulation.

Methods—

We extracted data from the hospital, specialized outpatient, and primary healthcare and drug registries in a Swedish region with 1.56 million residents. We identified all individuals who had received an AF diagnosis during the previous 5 years; all stroke events during 2010; and patients with AF aged ≥50 years who had received warfarin during 2009.

Results—

AF had been diagnosed in 38 446 subjects who were alive at the beginning of 2010 (prevalence of 3.2% in the adult [≥20 years] population); ≈46% received warfarin therapy. In 2010, there were 4565 ischemic stroke events and 861 intracranial hemorrhages. AF had been diagnosed in 38% of ischemic events (≥50% among those aged ≥80 years) and in 23% of intracranial hemorrhages. An AF diagnosis was often lacking in hospital discharge records after stroke events. Warfarin therapy was associated with an odds ratio of 0.50 (confidence interval, 0.43–0.57) for ischemic stroke and, despite an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage, an odds ratio of 0.57 (confidence interval, 0.50–0.64) for the overall risk for stroke.

Conclusions—

AF is more common than present guidelines suggest. The attributable risk of AF for ischemic stroke increases with age and is close to that of hypertension in individuals aged ≥80 years. Because a majority of patients with AF with increased risk for stroke had not received anticoagulation therapy, there is a large potential for improvement.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Patients With Lacunar Stroke
Authors: Klarenbeek Pim , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Rouhl Rob P.W. , Knottnerus Iris L.H. , Staals Julie
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

Asymptomatic lacunar infarcts, white matter lesions, cerebral microbleeds, and enlarged perivascular spaces are MRI markers of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Higher blood pressure (BP) levels are associated with the presence of these markers separately, but the association with the total burden of cSVD on brain MRI, expressed by the simultaneous presence of multiple markers of cSVD (a compound score), has not been investigated.

Methods—

We performed 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring in 122 patients with first-ever lacunar stroke. On brain MRI, we scored the presence of each marker of cSVD. One point was awarded for the presence of each marker, producing a score between 0 and 4. Associations with BP levels were tested with ordinal regression analyses.

Results—

Eighteen (15%) patients had no markers of cSVD, and 6 (5%) patients had 4 markers. Most patients (45; 37%) had 2 different markers. After correction for age and sex, higher 24-hour, day, and night systolic (24-hour odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.52 per 10 mm Hg) and diastolic (24-hour odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.56 per 5 mm Hg) BP were all significantly associated with an increasing total burden of cSVD.

Conclusions—

We found a positive association of ambulatory BP levels with total burden of cSVD on brain MRI. With increasing BP levels, there is a piling up of damage in the brain. We suggest that further cSVD studies also consider viewing the total burden in addition to each of the MRI markers separately.
Antiplatelet Loading Improves Behavioral Outcome in a Rabbit Model of Stroke
Authors: Meyer Dawn M. , Compton Peggy , Eastwood Jo-Ann , Gylys Karen , Zivin Justin A.
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

No approved acute therapy exists for thousands of patients with ischemic stroke who present ineligible for thrombolytics. The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the efficacy of acute antiplatelet loading on stroke outcome in the rabbit small clot embolic model.

Methods—

Sixty male New Zealand white rabbits were embolized via small clots into the middle cerebral artery. Two hours later, animals were treated with (1) aspirin (5 mg/kg; n=20); (2) usual dual antiplatelet loading (aspirin 10 mg/kg+clopidogrel 10 mg/kg; n=20); or (3) high-dose dual antiplatelet loading (aspirin 10 mg/kg+clopidogrel 30 mg/kg; n=20). The coprimary outcomes were as follows: (1) platelet inhibition and (2) behavioral outcome as measured by the P
50
(milligrams of clot that leads to neurological dysfunction in 50% of animals in a group).

Results—

There was a significant difference in 3-hour arachidonic acid and ADP (
P
<0.011); 6-hour collagen and ADP (
P
<0.01,
P
<0.01); and 24-hour collagen, arachidonic acid, and ADP (
P
=0.02,
P
<0.01,
P
<0.01) platelet inhibition. The behavioral outcome was significantly better in the usual dual antiplatelet loading versus aspirin group (
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—

This study suggests that usual dual antiplatelet loading is clinically beneficial in a validated model of acute stroke. Study of usual dual antiplatelet loading in acute stroke is warranted to provide treatment to stroke victims ineligible for current therapies.
Sex Differences in the Use of Early Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Nakagawa Kazuma , Vento Megan A. , Seto Todd B. , Koenig Matthew A. , Asai Susan M. , Chang Cherylee W.J. , Hemphill J. Claude
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

Studies show that women are more likely to receive do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders after acute medical illnesses than men. However, the sex differences in the use of DNR orders after acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have not been described.

Methods—

We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive patients hospitalized for acute ICH at a tertiary stroke center between 2006 and 2010. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to test for associations between female sex and early (<24 hours of presentation) DNR orders.

Results—

A total of 372 consecutive ICH patients without preexisting DNR orders were studied. Overall, 82 (22%) patients had early DNR orders after being hospitalized with ICH. In the fully adjusted model, early DNR orders were more likely in women (odds ratio, 3.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.51–6.70), higher age (odds ratio, 1.09 per year; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.12), larger ICH volume (odds ratio, 1.01 per cm
3
; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.02), and lower initial GCS score (odds ratio, 0.76 per point; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.84). Early DNR orders were less likely when the patients were transferred from another hospital (odds ratio, 0.28, 95% confidence interval, 0.11–0.76).

Conclusions—

Women are more likely to receive early DNR orders after ICH than men. Further prospective studies are needed to determine factors contributing to the sex variation in the use of early DNR order after ICH.
Religious Cognition as a Dual-Process: Developing the Model
Authors: Oviedo Lluis
Published: August 2013

Several authors in the field of the cognitive science of religion have resorted to ‘dual-process’ models in their own developments. These models distinguish between non-conscious (fast, intuitive, and automatic) and conscious (slow, reflective and controlled) forms of religious reasoning. Most of the published studies focus only on the first of those two processes when dealing with religion. The present pages offer a summary of the current state of dual-process research, their application to religion to the date, and a plea for their broader use, aimed at building a more integrated view of religion as a combination of both cognitive dimensions. The developments on ‘heuristics’ might contribute to a better understanding of several features of the religious mind.
The Prevention of Human Trafficking – Regulating Domestic Criminal Legislation through the European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Eriksson Maria
Published: August 2013

The article displays how human rights law is extending into the sphere of domestic criminal law, as seen through the approach to human trafficking by the European Court of Human Rights. The Court is increasingly demanding the criminalisation of harmful acts to prevent harms and to protect potential victims. The content of domestic laws is also progressively subject to evaluation of the Court, in line with its development of placing positive obligations on states to protect individuals from harm perpetrated by private actors. Human trafficking is an example where the Court has not only found the crime to fall within the ambit of Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits slavery, forced labour and servitude, but through case law has concretised various positive obligations for states. These include adopting effective criminal laws that cover the acts included in human trafficking. Such laws must be clear and not open to various interpretations. If the law is similar to that of the Palermo Protocol, it is considered effective. However, it is indicated that other constructions may also reach the required level of effectiveness. It is submitted that the methodology of the Court in delineating state obligations is flawed in that the Court demands effective laws but does not clarify what ‘effectiveness’ entails. The casuistic style of the Court negates its increasingly outspoken goal of developing the rules of the Convention for all Member States. The rather broad margin of appreciation of states in formulating domestic criminal laws conflicts with the demands of ‘effectiveness’ in protection.
Thomas Taylor’s Dissent from Some 18th-Century Views on Platonic Philosophy: The Ethical and Theological Context
Authors: Catana Leo
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Thomas Taylor’s interpretation of Plato’s works in 1804 was condemned as guilty by association immediately after its publication. Taylor’s 1804 and 1809 reviewer thus made a hasty generalisation in which the qualities of Neoplatonism, assumed to be negative, were transferred to Taylor’s own interpretation, which made use of Neoplatonist thinkers. For this reason, Taylor has typically been marginalised as an interpreter of Plato.

This article does not deny the association between Taylor and Neoplatonism. Instead, it examines the historical and historiographical reasons for the reviewer’s assumption that Neoplatonic readings of Plato are erroneous by definition. In particular, it argues that the reviewer relied on, and tacitly accepted, ethical and theological premises going back to the historiography of philosophy developed by Jacob Brucker in his Historia critica philosophiae (1742-44). These premises were an integral part of Brucker’s Lutheran religiosity and thus theologically and ethically biased. If these premises are identified, articulated and discussed critically—which they have not been so far in connection with Taylor’s reception—it becomes less obvious that the reviewer was justified in his assumption that the Neoplatonic reading was erroneous by definition. This, in turn, leaves Taylor’s Plato interpretation in a more respectable position.
Chremistica ribhoi sp. n. (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from North-East India and its mass emergence
Authors: HAJONG SUDHANYA RAY , YAAKOP SALMAH
Published: August 2013

The genus Chremistica Stål, 1870 is reported from the northeastern region of India for the first time. A new species, Chremistica  ribhoi, is described from this region and male genitalia illustrations and scanning electron microscope photographs of the pygofer for C. ribhoi are presented. Observations on mass emergence of C. ribhoi are described.
Angular Momentum Transports and Synoptic Flow Patterns Associated with Tropical Cyclone Size Change
Authors: Chan Kelvin T. F. , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: August 2013

This paper is the second part of a comprehensive study on tropical cyclone (TC) size. In Part I, the climatology of TC size and strength over the western North Pacific (WNP) and the North Atlantic was established based on the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) data. In this second part, the mechanisms that are likely responsible for TC size changes are explored through analyses of angular momentum (AM) transports and synoptic flow patterns associated with the TC. Changes in AM transport in the upper and lower troposphere appear to be important factors that affect TC intensity and size, respectively. The change in TC intensity is positively related to the change in the upper-tropospheric AM export, while the change in TC size is positively proportional to the change in the lower-tropospheric AM import. An examination of the synoptic flow patterns associated with WNP TCs suggests that changes in the synoptic flow near the TC are important in determining the change in TC size, with developments of the lower-tropospheric anticyclonic flows (one to the east and one to the west) bordering the TC being favorable for TC growth and a weakening of the subtropical high to the southeast for TC size reduction. A recurving TC tends to grow if the lower-tropospheric westerlies to its west increase. Moreover, a northward TC movement is related to the change in TC size. For example, a higher northward-moving speed is found for a larger TC, which also agrees well with the AM transport concept.
Clustering of Tibetan Plateau Vortices by 10–30-Day Intraseasonal Oscillation*
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Li Guoping , Fu Xiouhua , Liu Yimin , Li Laifang
Published: August 2013

Tibetan Plateau (TP) vortices and the related 10–30-day intraseasonal oscillation in May–September 1998 are analyzed using the twice-daily 500-hPa synoptic weather maps, multiple reanalysis datasets, and satellite-retrieved brightness temperature. During the analysis period, distinctively active and suppressed periods of TP vortices genesis are noticed. In 1998, nine active periods of TP vortices occurred, which were largely clustered by the cyclonic circulations associated with the intraseasonal oscillation of 500-hPa relative vorticity. In addition to the well-recognized 30–60-day oscillation, the clustering of TP vorticity in the 1998 summer are more likely modulated by the 10–30-day oscillation, because all active periods of TP vortices fall into the positive phase of the 10–30-day oscillation in 1998. Even in the negative (i.e., anticyclonic) phases of the 30–60-day oscillation, the positive (i.e., cyclonic) 500-hPa 10–30-day oscillation can excite the clustering of TP vortices. This result indicates that the 10–30-day oscillation more directly modulates the activities of TP vortices by providing a favorable (unfavorable) cyclonic (anticyclonic) environment. The analysis of the 10–30-day atmospheric oscillation suggests that the westerly trough disturbances, in conjunction with convective instability due to low-level warm advection from the Indian monsoon region, are important in the clustering of TP vortex activities. In particular, the moisture flux from the southwest boundary of TP is essential to the accumulation of convective energy. Thus, a better understanding and prediction of the 10–30-day intraseasonal oscillation is needed to advance the extended-range forecasting of TP vortices and their downstream impacts on the weather and climate over East Asia.
Remembering May 4, 1970
Authors: Steidl Christina R.
Published: August 2013

Recent research on collective memory suggests that commemorations of difficult pasts take either a multivocal or a fragmented form. I suggest these forms exist as ideal types for the initial commemoration, but the commemorative field, as a whole, remains dynamic over time, effectively shifting between forms. This study traces the creation, maintenance, and transformation of collective memory of the May 4, 1970 shootings at Kent State from 1970 to 2013 using archival sources, media accounts, and participant observation. In examining the commemorative field at Kent, I theorize the existence of a third commemorative form—the integrated commemorative field, which allows for the expression of divergent narratives and the maintenance of separate commemorative spaces while simultaneously enhancing social solidarity through shared meta-narratives that stress overarching values, like human rights or scientific inquiry.
Soluble form of receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE): do sRAGE ligands or anti-sRAGE auto-antibodies interfere with sRAGE quantification?
Authors: Lorenzi Rodrigo , Grossin Nicolas , Lambert Marc , Daroux Maité , Adjoutah Zoubir , Flahaut Christophe , Jacolot Philippe , Tessier Frédéric J , Lefranc Didier , Desremaux Pierre , Dubucquoi Sylvain , Boulanger Eric
Published: August 2013

Background

The soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) has been studied in various diseases. It is not clear why sRAGE levels vary between studies, with controversial results. What also remains to be determined is whether receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) ligands could affect sRAGE assessment by epitope masking. Recently described anti-sRAGE autoantibodies may play an interfering role. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the influence of RAGE ligands and anti-sRAGE autoantibodies on sRAGE quantification.

Methods

The RAGE ligands carboxymethyllysine (CML; AGEs with a high affinity for RAGE), S100 proteins, high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) and β-amyloid peptide (aβ) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with recombinant sRAGE (rHu-sRAGE) or serum from healthy controls. Using ELISA, anti-sRAGE autoantibodies (IgGs) were identified in haemodialysis (HD) patients, then purified and incubated with rHu-sRAGE or serum to investigate their effects on sRAGE levels.

Results

RAGE ligands, either alone at three different concentrations (CML was also tested at different glycation levels) or a mixture of all these ligands, did not affect sRAGE levels when incubated with rHu-sRAGE or control serum. Compared with healthy controls, HD patients had higher levels of sRAGE ( P < 0.001) and anti-sRAGE IgGs ( P < 0.05). However, incubation of rHu-sRAGE with purified IgGs from HD patients had no effect on sRAGE quantification.

Conclusions

RAGE ligands or anti-sRAGE autoantibodies did not interfere with sRAGE quantification. Further studies are required to elucidate the variability in sRAGE levels reported in the literature and to define the potential of sRAGE for use as a reliable biomarker.
Is disgust the driver behind the selection of images for UK tobacco packets?
Authors: Humphris Gerry , Williams Brian
Published: August 2013

Objective:

The use of pictorial warning labels on tobacco packets has gained almost universal international acceptance. In a public consultation exercise in 2006, the Department of Health in England, through a web-based answering system, asked people’s preferences of 42 images, asking which images might be effective to encourage tobacco cessation in smokers. On cursory inspection of the rank order of preference, a pattern appeared to suggest that effectiveness was associated with the level of disgust emotion generated; that is, the images rated the most likely to persuade smokers to quit tobacco consumption appeared revolting. The objective of this study was to confirm that disgust emotion generated by United Kingdom (UK) tobacco packet images was associated with the public’s selection of possible effective images.

Design:

Three cross-sectional opinion surveys were conducted including students from medicine and psychology disciplines and a section of the public. In addition, a web opinion consultation database was made available for secondary analysis.

Method:

A total of 291 participants were involved in the three convenience surveys and 19,812 participants gave complete replies to the public consultation website. Each individual rated every image on a five-category rating scale ranging from ‘extremely disgusting’ to ‘not disgusting’.

Results:

Significant correlations (ranging from 0.91 to 0.94) existed between the image rank order aggregated preference ratings from the original public consultation and the average final score of the disgust ratings for specific items for the three groups.

Conclusion:

The emotion of disgust may be a possible intervening variable to explain the initial reactions to health promotion materials and smoking cessation.
The Development of SCADA and Instrumentation on the GPSS
Authors: Whittle Tim
Published: August 2013

The government had, during the Second World War, constructed a massive system of protected storage depots and pipelines for the storage and transport of petroleum fuels. With the end of the war, the system was largely decommissioned. It was to be another war, the ‘Cold War’, which would lead in the 1950s to the reuse, and a considerable expansion, of the system. It was later to be adapted to additionally meet the increased use of petroleum fuels for civil aviation, heating and motor transportation. This article describes how this system was monitored and controlled from the 1950s up to the present day. It covers the improvements in the usage of instrumentation, automation, telemetry and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems during that 60-year period.
Peace through globalization and capitalism? Prospects of two liberal propositions
Authors: Schneider Gerald
Published: August 2013

The security externalities of globalization and capitalism continue to play an influential role in peace research. Typical contributions to these interrelated areas of scientific inquiry address the hope that the external openness (commercial liberalism) and the internal freedom of an economy (capitalist peace) pacify interstate as well as intrastate relations. I claim, despite the empirical support both theses have received, that they face considerable analytical hurdles. Commercial liberalism has, on a theoretical level, not yet moved much beyond the opportunity cost arguments that enlightenment philosophers first advanced more than 200 years ago. The capitalist peace research program similarly does not offer clear micro-level mechanisms explaining why the interactions between economic agents and political decisionmakers should be more peaceful in capitalist than in state-dominated economies. Drawing on the political economy literature, I argue that economic liberalism should distinguish between level- and change-effects of both globalization and capitalism and that thinking in analogies between domestic and interstate peace has prevented the field from making analytical headway. Both literatures will only profit from the advent of ‘big data’ in the case that the field addresses the theoretical challenges upfront.
Achilles and the tortoise. A society monopolized by Catholicism faced with an unexpected religious pluralism
Authors: Pace Enzo
Published: August 2013

From the religious standpoint, the Italian case is a good example of how, and to what extent, a symbolically monopolistic system can be transformed exogenously. Using the famous paradox of Achilles and the tortoise attributed to the pre-Socratic philosopher Zeno of Elea (5th century BC), the author analyzes the social changes taking place in Italy from a particular angle, i.e. the passage from a society under a Catholic monopoly to one characterized by an unprecedented and unexpected religious pluralism. The maps illustrating the presence of a number of religions other than that of a typical Italian’s birth (Catholicism) show how the country’s social and religious geography is changing. Such a change is a major novelty in a country that has always seen itself as Catholic for long-standing historical reasons and also for deeply rooted and still strong cultural motives.
Catholiques, politique et culture. Le cas italien
Authors: Garelli Franco
Published: August 2013

Depuis quelque temps, l’Italie est sous le feu des projecteurs, notamment dans le domaine religieux, où l’on observe une présence singulière de l’Église et du catholicisme. C’est précisément à la singularité du cas religieux italien qu’est consacré cet article : nous entendons démontrer comment les rapports Église catholique et société, religion et politique ont changé dernièrement. Après la fin de la Démocratie Chrétienne, les évêques lancent le « Projet culturel » afin d’éviter la diaspora des Catholiques et les faire converger sur certains thèmes qui leur sont chers : la vie, le mariage, la prudence dans le domaine bioéthique, etc. C’est ainsi que démarre une saison de protagonisme de l’Église qui tente de contrer le relativisme culturel et de revitaliser la présence des Catholiques dans la société. Pour défendre des valeurs « immuables », l’Église intervient directement dans le domaine politique aussi, juste au moment où le catholicisme politique a une faible emprise sur l’électorat.
La vie religieuse en Italie
Authors: Dalpiaz Giovanni
Published: August 2013

La vie religieuse en Italie est en train de changer de visage, ainsi que les modalités de sa présence dans la société. L’auteur analyse les dynamiques de ce changement. Autour des années 80 du siècle dernier on a connu l’arrêt du cycle d’expansion qui avait commencé à partir de 1870. Aujourd’hui les instituts religieux doivent affronter en premier lieu les problèmes posés par la nécessité de réduire leur présence sur le champ à cause de la baisse des vocations. En deuxième lieu, on voit bien l’affaiblissement de leur influence sur la société, qui auparavant était moyennée par plusieurs « œuvres » dans le domaine de l’institution, de la santé, du welfare, etc. On a essayé de trouver des solutions dans le sillon de la continuité, c’est à dire d’assurer le fonctionnement des œuvres, plutôt que d’expérimenter une différente manière de s’insérer dans la société.
Fragmented Peri-urbanisation Led by Autonomous Village Development under Informal Institution in High-density Regions: The Case of Nanhai, China
Authors: Zhu Jieming , Guo Yan
Published: August 2013

Rapid urbanisation in China has been a significant phenomenon with profound social, economic and environmental impacts. The most profound and intriguing changes occur in the interface between the central city and the suburbs—namely, peri-urban areas. Being one of the dynamic urbanising regions, the Pearl River Delta has seen great transitions in its demography and built environment in the context of institutional change. Rapid urbanisation in peri-urban Nanhai has been chiefly driven by the numerous autonomous small-area rural collectives, which has created a fragmented urbanising landscape. The fragmentation and excessive conversion of farmland for industrial uses are brought about by the new institutions of village-based land shareholding co-operatives and their informal leasing of collective land. As a result, extremely scarce land resources are not utilised optimally and the ecological environment is deteriorating. Urbanisation in high-density peri-urban Nanhai is made unsustainable for the long-term future.
An item and construct bias analysis of two language versions of a verbal analogies scale
Authors: Roomaney Rizwana , Koch Elize
Published: August 2013

The Woodcock Muñoz Language Survey is a test of cognitive academic language proficiency that has been adapted from English into Xhosa by a South African team of researchers. This study was primarily concerned with the Verbal Analogies Scale of the Woodcock Muñoz Language Survey and aimed to extend previous research on the equivalence of the two language versions of the scale. The study employed a monolingual two-group design consisting of 150 mainly English-speaking and 149 mainly Xhosa learners in Grades 6 and 7. The first research objective was to investigate item bias (or differential item functioning items) in the Visual Analogies Scale across the Xhosa and English versions using logistic regression and Mantel–Haenszel statistical techniques. Five items were identified as differential item functioning. The second objective was to evaluate the construct equivalence of the two versions by conducting a factor analysis after removing the differential item functioning items from the scale. Two factors were identified. The first factor displayed significant loadings across both language versions. The second factor was stable for the English version but not for the Xhosa version. Results were supported by calculating a Tucker’s phi coefficient for both factors. It was therefore concluded that Factor 1 is structurally equivalent across the two language versions but that Factor 2 was not structurally equivalent. Thus, the detection and removal of differential item functioning items did not result in structural equivalence.
Early South African engagement with international psychology
Authors: Nicholas Lionel J
Published: August 2013

South African psychology has been informed by international trends in psychology from its earliest inception. South African psychologists, such as Joseph Wolpe and Arnold Lazarus, have also influenced international trends in psychology. Jan Christiaan Smuts’s contributions to psychology and the high esteem in which he was held by Adler, Koffka, and Perls are little known. Adler facilitated the translation of Smuts’s first book in German and felt that Smuts’s ideas were of great importance to Individual Psychology. Koffka stated that Smuts’s book guided a number of Gestalt psychologists in their work, and Perls also acknowledged Smuts’s influence. Other South African psychologists engaged with leading American psychologists, influencing and shaping South African psychology into the vibrant enterprise it is today.
Derailed by Diversity? Purpose Buffers the Relationship Between Ethnic Composition on Trains and Passenger Negative Mood
Authors: Burrow Anthony L. , Hill Patrick L.
Published: August 2013

Many individuals feel socially isolated and distressed in ethnically diverse settings. Purpose in life may buffer this form of distress by fostering one’s sense of having a meaningful direction, which may also be of significance to others. In two experience-sampling studies with ethnically diverse participants, we examined associations between the ethnic composition of urban trains and passenger distress, and tested purpose as a moderator of these relationships. Study 1 showed that participants of all ethnic backgrounds reported greater negative mood when the percentage of ethnic out-group members aboard their train increased. However, individual differences in purpose significantly attenuated this effect. Study 2 replicated and extended these findings experimentally by showing that relative to a control condition, briefly writing about purpose prior to boarding trains also diminished the impact of ethnic composition on negative mood. The discussion addresses strategies for promoting positive adjustment in our increasingly diverse society.
What Drives Priming Effects in the Affect Misattribution Procedure?
Authors: Gawronski Bertram , Ye Yang
Published: August 2013

The affect misattribution procedure (AMP) is one of the most promising implicit measures to date, showing high reliability and large effect sizes. The current research tested three potential sources of priming effects in the AMP: affective feelings, semantic concepts, and prepotent motor responses. Ruling out prepotent motor responses as a driving force, priming effects on evaluative and semantic target responses occurred regardless of whether the key assignment in the task was fixed or random. Moreover, priming effects emerged for affect-eliciting primes in the absence of semantic knowledge about the primes. Finally, priming effects were independent of the order in which primes and targets were presented, suggesting that AMP effects are driven by misattribution rather than biased perceptions of the targets. Taken together, these results support accounts that attribute priming effects in the AMP to a general misattribution mechanism that can operate on either affective feelings or semantic concepts.
Obesity, Labeling, and Psychological Distress in Late-Childhood and Adolescent Black and White Girls
Authors: Mustillo Sarah A. , Budd Kristen , Hendrix Kimber
Published: August 2013

The stigma of childhood obesity has the potential to affect psychological development during the early life course, but few studies examine whether experiencing stigma in childhood and adolescence has lasting ramifications for mental health during the transition to adulthood. Integrating modified labeling theory with a life course perspective, this study examined how obesity at different ages affects psychological distress in late adolescence using longitudinal data on black and white girls. We tested whether parent or friend labeling mediates this relationship and whether distal effects on psychological distress are further mediated through proximal distress using data from the National Growth and Health Study (n = 2,379). Findings showed significant proximal and distal effects of obesity on psychological distress through both parent and friend labeling among white girls. Distal effects on psychological distress were also mediated by proximal psychological distress. Among black girls, there were no distal effects, suggesting weight-based stigma is more consequential for white girls compared to black girls.
Resounding Silences
Authors: Koudenburg Namkje , Postmes Tom , Gordijn Ernestine H.
Published: August 2013

In this article we suggest a mechanism for norm regulation that does not rely on explicit information exchange or costly reinforcement, but rather on the sensitivity of group members to social cues in their environment. We examine whether brief conversational silences can (a) signal a threat to one’s inclusionary status in the group and (b) motivate people to shift their attitudes to be in line with group norms. In two experiments—using videotaped and actual conversations, respectively—we manipulated the presence of a brief silence after group members expressed a certain attitude. As predicted, attitudes changed relative to the norm after such a brief silence. Those highly motivated to belong changed their attitude to become more normative, whereas those less motivated to belong shifted away from the group norm. The results suggest that social regulation may occur through very subtle means.
The Political and Civic Implications of Chicago’s Unsuccessful Bid to Host the 2016 Olympic Games
Authors: Bennett Larry , Bennett Michael , Alexander Stephen , Persky Joseph
Published: August 2013

Between 2006 and 2009, Chicago’s political and civic leadership developed a bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ultimately selected Rio de Janeiro to host the 2016 Games, with Chicago finishing fourth among the finalist cities in the October, 2009, IOC voting. This article is based on 20 key informant interviews with members and staff of the Chicago 2016 Committee, neighborhood activists and organizational staff in projected Olympic “venue” neighborhoods, and three “unaffiliated” civic leaders. The aim of the interviews was to determine—in light of the failed 2016 Olympic bid—if Chicago’s leadership had effected a process of what urban regime theorists term “social learning,” collective retrospection that can lead to the pursuit of more successful future civic ventures. The evidence provided by these interviews suggests that not only has there been little civic retrospection by Chicago’s leadership, but also that processes put in place to promote the Chicago bid to international and local constituencies actually inhibited the ability of local elites to learn from past action.