bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adopting Public Health Approaches to Communication Disability: Challenges for the Education of Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Wylie Karen , McAllister Lindy , Davidson Bronwyn , Marshall Julie , Law James
Published: March 2015

Public health approaches to communication disability challenge the profession of speech-language pathology (SLP) to reconsider both frames of reference for practice and models of education. This paper reviews the impetus for public health approaches to communication disability and considers how public health is, and could be, incorporated into SLP education, both now and in the future. The paper describes tensions between clinical services, which have become increasingly specialized, and public health approaches that offer a broader view of communication disability and communication disability prevention. It presents a discussion of these tensions and asserts that public health approaches to communication are themselves a specialist field, requiring specific knowledge and skills. The authors suggest the use of the term ‘communication disability public health' to refer to this type of work and offer a preliminary definition in order to advance discussion. Examples from three countries are provided of how some SLP degree programmes are integrating public health into the SLP curriculum. Alternative models of training for communication disability public health that may be relevant in the future in different contexts and countries are presented, prompting the SLP profession to consider whether communication disability public health is a field of practice for speech-language pathologists or whether it has broader workforce implications. The paper concludes with some suggestions for the future which may advance thinking, research and practice in communication disability public health.
Education of Speech and Language Therapists/Logopedists in Selected Central and Southeastern European Countries: Challenges and New Horizons
Authors: Georgieva Dobrinka , Woźniak Tomasz , Topbaş Seyhun , Vitaskova Katerina , Vukovic Mile , Zemva Nada , Duranovic Mirela
Published: March 2015

Objective: To provide an overview of student training in speech and language therapy/logopedics (SLT) in selected Central and Southeastern European countries (Poland, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey). Method: Data were collected using a special questionnaire developed by Söderpalm and supplemented by Georgieva. Results from 23 SLT programs in the seven countries were collected and organized. Results: In all these countries, SLT has roots in special education or health and is centralized in the university environment. The training programs have positive accreditation provided by the national agencies of accreditation and evaluation. Results were examined specifically for evidence of the new paradigm of evidence-based practice (EBP) according to the revised International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP) guidelines and the application of research-based teaching in SLT. The professional bodies that govern clinical practice in public health and/or educational fields are in the process of EBP implementation. Most speech and language therapists/logopedists in the selected countries work in an educational setting, clinical organization and/or hospital as well as in social day care centers. Except in Turkey, private practices are not regulated by the law. Conclusions: In the seven countries examined in this survey, SLT is progressing as a professional discipline but must be supported by government funding of SLT education and services to relevant populations.
Educating Speech-Language Pathologists for the 21st Century: Course Design Considerations for a Distance Education Master of Speech Pathology Program
Authors: McCormack Jane , Easton Catherine , Morkel-Kingsbury Lenni
Published: March 2015

The landscape of tertiary education is changing. Developments in information and communications technology have created new ways of engaging with subject material and supporting students on their learning journeys. Therefore, it is timely to reconsider and re-imagine the education of speech-language pathology (SLP) students within this new learning space. In this paper, we outline the design of a new Master of Speech Pathology course being offered by distance education at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Australia. We discuss the catalyst for the course and the commitments of the SLP team at CSU, then describe the curriculum design process, focusing on the pedagogical approach and the learning and teaching strategies utilised in the course delivery. We explain how the learning and teaching strategies have been selected to support students' online learning experience and enable greater interaction between students and the subject material, with students and subject experts, and among student groups. Finally, we highlight some of the challenges in designing and delivering a distance education SLP program and identify future directions for educating students in an online world.
Educating Globally Conscious Speech-Language Pathologists for Collaborative Professional Practice
Authors: McNeilly Lemmietta G.
Published: March 2015

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) practicing in the US are facing significant changes in reimbursement, billing and practice in both health care and educational settings. Health care professionals need to convey and demonstrate the value of their services, measure functional patient outcomes and assess patient satisfaction. Documentation procedures for patient and student progress are changing, becoming more abbreviated and electronic. The content of curricula in accredited graduate programs and professional development programs for maintenance of certification for SLPs will need modifications to address the myriad of changes in clinical practice. University programs that design interprofessional education opportunities for students in speech-language pathology programs and educate students in other health professional programs, e.g. physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing and pharmacy, will help practitioners who are prepared to engage in collaborative practice with other health care professionals in hospitals, schools and community-based environments. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is actively engaged in several initiatives to facilitate interprofessional education for graduate students, faculties and practicing professionals. Individuals and families with communication disorders in the US represent an array of cultures, and SLPs need to be prepared to work effectively with individuals from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Subjective and Objective Memory Changes in Old Age across Five Years
Authors: Zimprich Daniel , Kurtz Tanja
Published: March 2015

Typically, subjective memory assessments (be it in form of single items or questionnaires) in old age only weakly correlate with the performance in objective memory tests at cross-section. It thus appears as if individual differences in subjective memory assessments hardly reflect individual differences in memory in old age. A shortcoming of cross-sectional studies, however, is that subjective assessments may rely on different individual standards, which are not taken into account. One solution to this problem has been to investigate subjective and objective memory longitudinally, thereby focusing on individual differences in intraindividual changes. Results from studies using this approach have been mixed, with some studies showing a significantly stronger relation between changes than between levels, and other studies showing no such significant difference. Using data from the Zurich Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging (n = 236), we find that 5-year changes in subjective assessments of memory capacity and memory changes correlate with objective memory changes of 0.54 and -0.44, respectively. These correlations are significantly stronger than at cross-section. After controlling for age, depressive affect, and subjective health at the first measurement occasion, correlations are slightly attenuated, but the basic findings remain the same.
Editorial: Subjective Perceptions of Memory Functioning in Old Age - Nature, Correlates, and Developmental Trajectories
Authors: Hülür Gizem , Gerstorf Denis
Published: March 2015

Subjective memory complaints are often used as diagnostic criteria for several neurocognitive disorders. Although a number of studies have examined subjective memory and its associations with memory functioning in adulthood and old age, it is still an open question whether subjective perceptions of one's memory indicate actual memory functioning or whether they are rather derived from factors other than memory, such as depressive symptoms. The studies in this special section examine subjective perceptions of memory functioning and their associations with objectively measured memory performance in general and in clinical populations. The four articles adopt cross-sectional and longitudinal methodologies and offer key insights into the nature, correlates, and developmental trajectories of subjective memory. To begin with, the studies compiled in this special section demonstrate that changes in subjective memory perceptions are indeed associated with changes in memory performance [Zimprich and Kurtz, this issue, pp. 223-231], but the size of associations between levels of and changes in subjective memory and memory performance is in part modulated by personality characteristics and depressive symptoms [Hülür et al., this issue, pp. 232-240]. Second, the studies compiled here show that factors other than memory are also closely associated with memory perceptions, including functional health as well as domain-general and health-specific control beliefs [Luszcz et al., this issue, pp. 241-250]. Third, the study by Thompson et al. [this issue, pp. 251-257] shows that self- and informant-reports of retrospective and prospective memory difficulties are not associated with performance-based measures and does not sufficiently differentiate between healthy controls and patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. In our editorial, we put these findings in perspective and discuss implications for research and practice. To extend our knowledge, we conclude by outlining two key avenues for future research: (i) longitudinal multivariate studies of the construct space surrounding subjective memory and (ii) the viability of experience sampling studies with daily or hourly measurements to tackle some of the mechanisms underlying these associations.
Impacts of Comorbidities on the Association between Arterial Stiffness and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Elderly
Authors: Kim Tae , Lee Chung Suk , Lee Sang Don , Kang Suk-Hoon , Han Ji Won , Malhotra Atul , Kim Ki Woong , Yoon In-Young
Published: March 2015

Background: Although the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on cardiovascular risk is reasonably well established in middle-aged patients, the debate persists as to whether OSA also increases this risk in the elderly. Arterial stiffness has been used as an early independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Study Objectives: We sought to determine whether OSA has significant effects on the arterial stiffness in the elderly population and evaluate the impact of comorbidities on the association between arterial stiffness and OSA. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in a university hospital. Elderly participants (≥60 years) were invited to participate in our study between November 2010 and January 2013. OSA was diagnosed using gold standard polysomnography and arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and central systolic and diastolic blood pressure (cSBP and cDBP). The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level was also measured. Results: We found no significant association between the severity of OSA and the arterial stiffness-related parameters cSBP, cDBP, baPWV, CAVI and hs-CRP. However, in patients with no comorbid medical conditions or use of medications (n = 101), we showed a modest association between OSA and arterial stiffness-related parameters and hs-CRP. Conclusion: We conclude that OSA is associated with increased arterial stiffness in an otherwise healthy elderly population, although the association was obviated by comorbidities and medications perhaps due to ceiling effects.
Antiviral and Immunoregulatory Effects of Indoleamine-2,3-Dioxygenase in Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Lepiller Quentin , Soulier Eric , Li Qisheng , Lambotin Mélanie , Barths Jochen , Fuchs Dietmar , Stoll-Keller Françoise , Liang T. Jake , Barth Heidi
Published: March 2015

In patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, enhanced activity of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO) has been reported. IDO - a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme - has been considered as both an innate defence mechanism and an important regulator of the immune response. The molecular mechanism of IDO induction in HCV infection and its role in the antiviral immune response remain unknown. Using primary human hepatocytes, we show that HCV infection stimulates IDO expression. IDO gene induction was transient and coincided with the expression of types I and III interferons (IFNs) and IFN-stimulated genes in HCV-infected hepatocytes. Overexpression of hepatic IDO prior to HCV infection markedly impaired HCV replication in hepatocytes, suggesting that IDO limits the spread of HCV within the liver. siRNA-mediated IDO knock-down revealed that IDO functions as an IFN-mediated anti-HCV effector. Hepatic IDO was most potently induced by IFN-γ, and ongoing HCV replication could significantly upregulate IDO expression. IRF1 (IFN-regulatory factor 1) and STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) regulated hepatic IDO expression. Hepatic IDO expression also had a significant inhibitory effect on CD4+ T-cell proliferation. Our data suggest that hepatic IDO plays a dual role during HCV infection by slowing down viral replication and also regulating host immune responses.
Identification of Pivotal Markers in Vascular Dementia Based on Proteomics Data
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Zhao Jingkun , Xu Ran , Zhao Jiwei , Duan Shurong
Published: March 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze protein expression profiles of vascular dementia (VaD) subjects for investigating the underlying therapeutic markers. Methods: Protein expression profile data were acquired from a quantitative clinical proteomic study, including 10 nondemented elderly controls and 10 age-matched VaD subjects. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between VaD subjects and controls, followed by function prediction using DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery). Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by comparing it with the STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes) database, and the pathway crosstalk analysis was conducted based on overlapping PPI network and enriched pathways. Furthermore, the subpathway was screened and analyzed by the iSubpathwayMiner package in R. Results: A total of 144 DEPs were screened from VaD subjects and the controls. They were significantly enriched in many pathways. High-degree proteins were detected in the PPI network, such as ATP5B (ATP synthase subunit β). Furthermore, ‘metabolic pathways' and ‘Alzheimer's disease' were the significant pathways screened in the crosstalk analysis. At last, upregulated proteins were enriched in 2 subpathways of 1 pathway, while downregulated proteins were enriched in 162 subpathways of 36 pathways. Conclusion: By analyzing the differential expressions of proteins, the potential underlying therapeutic markers and mechanism of VaD might be elucidated.
Identification of Visceral Patterns in Patients with Stress-Related Disorders
Authors: Kondo Tetsuya , Tokunaga Shoji , Sugahara Hideyo , Yoshimasu Kouichi , Kanemitsu Yoshio , Kubo Chiharu
Published: March 2015

Background: There is no report on traditional Chinese patterns associated with stress-related disorders such as eating disorder, pain disorder, primary insomnia, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, hyperventilation syndrome, bronchial asthma, and dystonia. Therefore, a large-size case-control study was conducted. Methods: A total of 914 new cases were assessed at a psychosomatic clinic of a tertiary medical care center. The severity of visceral patterns was analyzed according to the main symptoms described and a comprehensive questionnaire. Three patterns of the liver, four of the heart, and one of the kidney as well as dual deficiency of the heart and spleen were assessed. Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that liver qi depression, liver fire flaming upward, phlegm clouding the pericardium, and dual deficiency of the heart and spleen were associated with bulimia nervosa in females. Liver fire flaming upward and phlegm turbidity were associated with primary insomnia and pain disorder, respectively, in males. An excess pattern was associated with irritable bowel syndrome, while dual deficiency of the heart and spleen was associated with functional dyspepsia in females. On the other hand, the deficiency-excess pattern was reverse in males. Phlegm fire harassing the heart was associated with hyperventilation syndrome in females. Phlegm clouding the pericardium and two kinds of yin deficiency were associated with dystonia in females. Conclusion: Primary insomnia, pain disorder in males, gastrointestinal disorders, and hyperventilation syndrome are each attributed to a single individual pattern. The pattern is different between both sexes. Bulimia nervosa and dystonia are attributed to a few patterns respectively.
Pegvisomant Treatment in Acromegaly
Authors: Neggers Sebastian J.C.M.M. , Muhammad Ammar , van der Lely Aart Jan
Published: March 2015

Historically, medical treatment of acromegaly has mainly been used as an adjuvant therapy after surgery. In the last decades, an increased range of medical therapy options has been available. Somatostatin analogues have become the cornerstones of medical treatment in acromegaly and are even seen as a primary treatment in a selected group of acromegaly patients. The most recent medical treatment available for acromegaly patients is pegvisomant, a growth hormone receptor antagonist. To date, it is the most effective medical treatment, but it is costly. Pegvisomant is used as monotherapy and combined with somatostatin analogues. In this article, we review clinical studies and cohorts that have documented the efficacy of pegvisomant monotherapy and combined therapy and give a concise overview of associated side effects.
Acute phase treatment of venous thromboembolism: advanced therapy
Authors: Wärntges Simone , Konstantinides Stavros V.
Published: March 2015

Venous thromboembolism, which encompasses deep-vein thrombosis and acute pulmonary embolism (PE), represents a major contributor to global disease burden worldwide. For patients who present with cardiogenic shock or persistent hypotension (acute high-risk PE), there is consensus that immediate reperfusion treatment applying systemic fibrinolysis or, in the case of a high bleeding risk, surgical or catheterdirected techniques, is indicated. On the other hand, for the large, heterogeneous group of patients presenting without overt haemodynamic instability, the indications for advanced therapy are less clear. The recently updated guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology emphasise the importance of clinical prediction rules in combination with imaging procedures (assessment of right ventricular function) and laboratory biomarkers (indicative of myocardial stress or injury) for distinguishing between an intermediate and a low risk for an adverse early outcome. In intermediate-high-risk PE defined by the presence of both right ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography (or computed tomography) and a positive troponin (or natriuretic peptide) test, the bleeding risks of full-dose fibrinolytic treatment have been shown to outweigh its potential clinical benefits unless clinical signs of haemodynamic decompensation appear (rescue fibrinolysis). Recently published trials suggest that catheter-directed, ultrasoundassisted, low-dose local fibrinolysis may provide an effective and particularly safe treatment option for some of these patients.
A randomised study in healthy volunteers to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of idarucizumab, a specific antidote to dabigatran
Authors: Moschetti Viktoria , Norris Stephen , Stangier Joachim , Schmohl Michael , Ryn Joanne van , Lang Benjamin , Ramael Steven , Reilly Paul , Glund Stephan
Published: March 2015

Idarucizumab, a monoclonal antibody fragment that binds dabigatran with high affinity, is in development as a specific antidote for dabigatran. In this first-in-human, single-rising-dose study, we investigated the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of idarucizumab. Healthy male volunteers aged 18–45 years received between 20 mg and 8 g idarucizumab as a 1-hour intravenous infusion in 10 sequential dose groups, or 1, 2 or 4 g idarucizumab as a 5-minute infusion. Subjects within each dose group were randomised 3:1 to idarucizumab or placebo. A total of 110 randomised subjects received study drug (27 placebo, 83 idarucizumab). Peak and total exposure to idarucizumab increased proportionally with dose. Maximum plasma concentrations were achieved near the end of infusion, followed by a rapid decline, with an initial idarucizumab half-life of ∼45 minutes. For the 5-minute infusions, this resulted in a reduction of plasma concentrations to less than 5 % of peak within 4 hours. Idarucizumab (in the absence of dabigatran) had no effect on coagulation parameters or endogenous thrombin potential. Overall adverse event (AE) frequency was similar for idarucizumab and placebo, and no relationship with idarucizumab dose was observed. Drug-related AEs (primary endpoint) were rare (occurring in 2 placebo and 3 idarucizumab subjects) and were mostly of mild intensity; none of them resulted in study discontinuation. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetic profile of idarucizumab meets the requirement for rapid peak exposure and rapid elimination, with no effect on pharmacodynamic parameters. Idarucizumab was safe and well tolerated in healthy males.

Clinical trial registration: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01688830?term=NCT01688830&rank=1 (NCT01688830).
The Construction of Heresy and the Creation of Identity: Epiphanius of Salamis and His Medicine-Chest against Heretics
Authors: Gilhus Ingvild Sælid
Published: March 2015

The article is about Epiphanius’ use of metaphors in thePanarionto create boundaries between acceptable and non-acceptable religion. The stress is on how the various inventors of so-called heresies were made similar to different species of harmful animals, and how a comparative system of serpents and other animals was applied metaphorically. This explanatory model has multiple references to biblical texts. The article shows the persuasive power and emotional impact of the use of animals to describe heresies.
Kabbalah and the Politics of Inauthenticity: The Controversies over the Kabbalah Center
Authors: Huss Boaz
Published: March 2015

This article examines the controversies and polemics against the Kabbalah Center, and probes the cultural significance of the denunciations of thekcas “inauthentic.” The study shows that the accusation of inauthenticity is directed both at thekc’s modern features, which are perceived as incompatible with “authentic” Kabbalah, as well as against the kabbalistic practices and doctrines of thekcwhich are perceived as incompatible with “authentic” modern Western values. It argues that the hostility to thekcis stimulated to a large degree by the postmodern features of thekcand its transgression of the fundamental cultural boundaries of modern Western culture. Furthermore, it shows that the indictment of inauthenticity is used to amplify the cultural power of competing Kabbalists and academic scholars of Kabbalah, who present themselves as experts on “authentic” Kabbalah.
Scientology: Sect, Science, or Scam?
Authors: Lewis James R.
Published: March 2015

The present piece surveys different discussions of “religion” — especially in the legal realm — which have had a bearing on Scientology. L. Ron Hubbard adopted the religion label for practical reasons; in his mind, Scientology was a science, not a religion. However, it is clear that Scientology actuallyisa religion — at least in the sense of functioning as a religion in the lives of participants — parading as science; instead of, as Hubbard thought, a science parading as religion. This becomes particularly clear upon examination of individuals participating in the so-called “Free Zone” (ex-CoS members who continue to identify as Scientologists), for whom Scientology remains their primary religious identity.
Religion Under Bureaucracy: The u.s. Case
Authors: Sullivan Winnifred Fallers
Published: March 2015

This article outlines a shift in u.s. law about religion from constitutionally enforced separation to bureaucratic management of a naturalized religion. Administration of the chaplaincy of the Veterans Administration is used to illustrate this shift. Chaplains hired for government jobs such as those at the va are generally required to have three credentials: the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from an accredited institution, a prescribed number of cpe (Clinical Pastoral Education) credits, and an ecclesiastical endorsement. Each of these credentials originated within mostly Protestant institutions but all have adapted over the last half century or so to function in a bureaucratic “multi-faith context.” The new “spiritual governance” exercised through the web of public-private partnerships that administer pastoral care is built on a human anthropology that assumes that humans are naturally spiritual, a governance that might be understood as a new form of religious “establishment.”
A new species of Passiflora supersection Tacsonia (Passifloraceae) from Amazonas, Northern Peru
Authors: Esquerre-Ibañez Boris
Published: March 2015

A new species, Passiflora kuethiana (Passifloraceae) is described and illustrated from Cordillera Calla Calla, Amazonas Department, Northern Peru. This species shares morphological characteristics more related with Passiflora tripartita and Passiflora runa on stipules and flowers but differs mainly from the former in the size, shape and color of the involucre, peduncles length and arrangement, and the latter in shape and margin of stipules. This species is considered as a new endemic to the Peruvian flora. Its location within the section Elkea according to the new classification of Passiflora is proposed. Comparative data of related species and a key to the species of the section Elkea from Northern Peru are too added.
A new species of Philodendron subg. Pteromischum (Araceae) from the Paraná River, Brazil
Authors: Buturi Camila Vanessa , Temponi Lívia Godinho , Sakuragui Cassia Mônica
Published: March 2015

A new species of Philodendron subg. Pteromischum was found growing along the Paraná River and it is here described and illustrated. Philodendron rheophyticum is similar to P. flumineum from which it differs by its obscure lateral veins, by having an obovate leaf blade, longer spadix and pistils with 3-4 locules. Philodendron rheophyticum is also similar to P. sonderianum but from which it can be distinguished by its obscure primary lateral veins, by having upright closed sheath, obovate leaf shape, longer length of spathe and petiole.
Biology, morphology and DNA barcodes of Tessaratoma javanica (Thunberg) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae)
Authors: PARVEEN SHAMA , CHOUDHARY JAIPAL SINGH , THOMAS ASHA , RAMAMURTHY VILAYANOOR VENKATARAMAN
Published: March 2015

Tessaratoma javanica (Thunberg) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae) an important sucking pest of litchi is studied for supplementing information on its biology, morphometrics of life stages and mtCOI (DNA barcodes). More details generated on the study add to the description of stages namely egg, 1st to 5th nymphal instars and adults. The evaluation of morphometrics of the life stages reveal that the progression of growth is more during 2nd to 3rd nymphal stages, and these are critical as far as the growth and development is concerned. The life cycle takes about 141.7±4.25 days; eggs last for 12.81±1.4 days with 97.14±2.86% hatchability; and duration of 1st , 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th nymphal instars were 11.69±0.58, 7.23±0.2, 8.63±0.55, 13.04±0.55 and 26.31±0.97 days, respectively. In addition mtCOI analyses have been done employing standard 658 bp barcode fragments facilitating molecular diagnostics of the adults and other life stages and the phylogenetic tree with available sequence in the GenBank.
Variability and Trends in U.S. Cloud Cover: ISCCP, PATMOS-x, and CLARA-A1 Compared to Homogeneity-Adjusted Weather Observations
Authors: Sun Bomin , Free Melissa , Yoo Hye Lim , Foster Michael J. , Heidinger Andrew , Karlsson Karl-Göran
Published: March 2015

Variability and trends in total cloud cover for 1982–2009 across the contiguous United States from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP), AVHRR Pathfinder Atmospheres–Extended (PATMOS-x), and EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring Clouds, Albedo and Radiation from AVHRR Data Edition 1 (CLARA-A1) satellite datasets are assessed using homogeneity-adjusted weather station data. The station data, considered as “ground truth” in the evaluation, are generally well correlated with the ISCCP and PATMOS-x data and with the physically related variables diurnal temperature range, precipitation, and surface solar radiation. Among the satellite products, overall, the PATMOS-x data have the highest interannual correlations with the weather station cloud data and those other physically related variables. The CLARA-A1 daytime dataset generally shows the lowest correlations, even after trends are removed. For the U.S. mean, the station dataset shows a negative but not statistically significant trend of −0.40% decade−1, and satellite products show larger downward trends ranging from −0.55% to −5.00% decade−1 for 1984–2007. PATMOS-x 1330 local time trends for U.S. mean cloud cover are closest to those in the station data, followed by the PATMOS-x diurnally corrected dataset and ISCCP, with CLARA-A1 having a large negative trend contrasting strongly with the station data. These results tend to validate the usefulness of weather station cloud data for monitoring changes in cloud cover, and they show that the long-term stability of satellite cloud datasets can be assessed by comparison to homogeneity-adjusted station data and other physically related variables.
Realizing Surface-Driven Flows in the Primitive Equations
Authors: Bembenek Eric , Poulin Francis J. , Waite Michael L.
Published: March 2015

The surface quasigeostrophic (SQG) model describes flows with surface buoyancy perturbations with no interior quasigeostrophic potential vorticity at small Rossby number Ro and O(1) Burger number, where quasigeostrophic dynamics are expected to hold. Numerical simulations of SQG dynamics have shown that vortices are frequently generated at small scales, which may have O(1) Rossby numbers and therefore may be beyond the limits of SQG. This paper examines the dynamics of an initially geostrophically balanced elliptical surface buoyancy perturbation in both the SQG model and the nonhydrostatic Boussinesq primitive equations (PE). In the case of very small Rossby number, it is confirmed that both models agree, as expected. For larger Ro, non-SQG effects emerge and as a result the solution of the PE deviates significantly from that of SQG. In particular, an increase in the Rossby number has the following effects: (i) the buoyancy filaments at the surface are stabilized in that they generate fewer secondary vortices; (ii) the core of the vortex experiences inertial instability, which results in a uniform buoyancy profile in its interior; (iii) the divergent part of the energy spectrum increases in magnitude; (iv) the PE model has significantly more gravity waves that are radiated from the vortex; (v) the magnitude of the vertical velocity increases; and (vi) in the mature stages of evolution, there are gravitational instabilities that develop because of the complicated dynamics inside the vortex. It is demonstrated that significant non-SQG effects are evident when the large-scale Rossby number of the initial flow is about 0.05 and the local Rossby number is O(1).
The Role of Observed Environmental Conditions and Precipitation Evolution in the Rapid Intensification of Hurricane Earl (2010)
Authors: Susca-Lopata Gabriel , Zawislak Jonathan , Zipser Edward J. , Rogers Robert F.
Published: March 2015

An investigation into the possible causes of the rapid intensification (RI) of Hurricane Earl (2010) is carried out using a combination of global analyses, aircraft Doppler radar data, and observations from passive microwave satellites and a long-range lightning network. Results point to an important series of events leading to, and just after, the onset of RI, all of which occur despite moderate (7–12 m s−1) vertical wind shear present. Beginning with an initially vertically misaligned vortex, observations indicate that asymmetric deep convection, initially left of shear but not distinctly up- or downshear, rotates into more decisively upshear regions. Following this convective rotation, the vortex becomes aligned and precipitation symmetry increases. The potential contributions to intensification from each of these structural changes are discussed.

The radial distribution of intense convection relative to the radius of maximum wind (RMW; determined from Doppler wind retrievals) is estimated from microwave and lightning data. Results indicate that intense convection is preferentially located within the upper-level (8 km) RMW during RI, lending further support to the notion that intense convection within the RMW promotes tropical cyclone intensification. The distribution relative to the low-level RMW is more ambiguous, with intense convection preferentially located just outside of the low-level RMW at times when the upper-level RMW is much greater than the low-level RMW.
Novel Mutations in LRTOMT Associated With Moderate Progressive Hearing Loss in Autosomal Recessive Inheritance
Authors: Ichinose Aya , Moteki Hideaki , Hattori Mitsuru , Nishio Shin-ya , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: March 2015

Objective:

We present a patient who was identified with novel mutations in the LRTOMT gene and describe the clinical features of the phenotype including serial audiological findings.

Methods:

One hundred six Japanese patients with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss from unrelated and nonconsanguineous families were enrolled in the study. Targeted genomic enrichment and massively parallel sequencing of all known nonsyndromic hearing loss genes were performed to identify the genetic cause of hearing loss.

Results:

Compound heterozygotes with a novel frame-shift mutation and a missense mutation were identified in the LRTOMT gene. The mutated residues were segregated in both alleles of LRTOMT, present within the LRTOMT2 protein coding region. The patient had moderate sloping hearing loss at high frequencies, which progressed at 1000 Hz and higher frequencies over a period of 6 years.

Conclusion:

Hearing loss caused by mutations in the LRTOMT gene is extremely rare. This is the first case report of a compound heterozygous mutation in a nonconsanguineous family.
Decreased regional activity and network homogeneity of the fronto-limbic network at rest in drug-naive major depressive disorder
Authors: Guo Wenbin , Liu Feng , Yu Miaoyu , Zhang Jian , Zhang Zhikun , Liu Jianrong , Xiao Changqing , Zhao Jingping
Published: March 2015

Objective:

The fronto-limbic network is implicated in the neurobiology of major depressive disorder. However, no studies are designed to assess directly the abnormalities of regional activity and network homogeneity of this network in major depressive disorder.

Methods:

A total of 44 drug-naive major depressive disorder patients and 44 healthy controls participated in the study, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations and network homogeneity methods were employed to analyze the data.

Results:

Compared with the controls, the patients exhibited reduced fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the right middle frontal gyrus (orbital part) and decreased network homogeneity in the left middle frontal gyrus. There was no correlation between abnormal fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations/network homogeneity and clinical variables.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that decreased regional activity and network homogeneity in the frontal cortex may be the key impairment of the fronto-limbic network in major depressive disorder, and thus highlight the importance of the fronto-limbic network in the neurobiology of major depressive disorder.
Explaining leadership in family firms: Reflexivity, social conditioning and institutional complexity
Authors: Edwards Tim , Meliou Elina
Published: March 2015

Research on leadership in family firms has concentrated on the drivers of performance viewed in the context of reciprocal family and business logics, family or non-family CEOs operating within different family governance and administrative settings. The explanatory aim is to ascertain the optimum configuration of elements for achieving improved economic rents so the benefits of family loyalty do not negatively impact firm performance. Our thesis challenges this research, which treats family leadership as a contingent outcome of the governance and administrative contexts within which family and non-family CEOs make strategic choices. We argue that family leadership studies restrict explanations of action to a narrow bandwidth because leadership is effectively black-boxed when it is treated as an outcome of these contingent relations. To overcome this limitation we propose a nested framing of social conditioning that explains the connections between actors, organizations and multiple social orders (and not just family and business). Our contribution is to theorize family leadership in the context of multiple ‘social context – personal preference’ modes; that is, leadership is conceived through reflexivity, which is the personal process mediating the effects of our circumstances upon our actions.
Economic inequality of the badli workers of Bangladesh: Contested entitlements and a ‘perpetually temporary’ life-world
Authors: Alamgir Fahreen , Cairns George
Published: March 2015

This article discusses the experience of economic inequality of badli workers in the state-owned jute mills of the postcolonial state of Bangladesh, and how this inequality is constituted and perpetuated. Nominally appointed to fill posts during the temporary absence of permanent workers, the reality of badli workers’ employment is very different. They define themselves as ‘a different category of workers’, with limited economic entitlements. We undertake content analysis of the badli workers’ narratives to identify elements that they themselves consider constitute these economic entitlements. We consider their perceptions of discrimination and exclusion and explain how, in response to these feelings, they construct their survival strategy. From this, through the writings of Armatya Sen, we discuss the badli workers’ contextual experience and understanding of economic inequality in relation to extant theoretical understandings, seeking to contribute to the field and to empirical studies in the subaltern context.
The Misintegration of the Negro: A Historical Analysis of Black Male Habitus in Sport and Schooling
Authors: Smith Martin P. , Harrison Louis , Brown Anthony L.
Published: March 2015

Drawing from the lenses of critical race theory (CRT) and Pierre Bourdieu’s notion of habitus, this article compares the Jackie Robinson story with the Brown versus Board of Education narrative. This juxtaposition illustrates the similarities of these narratives and how interests converged racially. By comparing these historical narratives, we show that there are significant racial contingencies African Americans must internalize to integrate into society. In this sense, we argue that the Jackie Robinson story serves as a powerful and problematic pedagogy for Black males to be part of mainstream society—what we call “expected racial habitus.”
The growing research field of patient education and learning: The significance of a Nordic network
Authors: Leksell Janeth , Berglund Mia , Koinberg Ingalill , Friberg Febe
Published: March 2015

The research field of patient learning and patient education is growing due to the high prevalence of people living with lifelong disease and illness. The aim of the present article is to argue for and describe the building of a Nordic Network for Patient Education and Learning. The article describes the Network and the activities, theoretical framework and ongoing research within the Network. If patients’ voices are to be heard within healthcare settings, patient learning and patient education are of the utmost importance. Furthermore, it is essential to share experiences from the research we have conducted and are currently carrying out with nurses in Nordic countries as well as around the world.
Når mor ikke vil spise – Etiske dilemmaer i møte med underernærte mennesker med demens i sykehjem
Authors: Kuven Britt Moene , Giske Tove
Published: March 2015

Aim

This article explores the ethical dilemmas nurses in nursing homes experience when caring for malnourished patents with dementia. The background for the study is the increasing number of patients with dementia in nursing homes in Norway, and the growing awareness of malnutrition amongst these patients.

Method

The study has a qualitative, descriptive design. Data came from four focus group interviews with 15 nurses working with patients with dementia from six different nursing homes. The transcribed interviews were analysed and five ethical dilemmas were identified.

Findings

The ethical dilemmas were: ‘Guilty conscience or abuse against patient’, ‘To take account of patient or relatives’, ‘Professional judgment or national guidelines’, ‘Busy times lead to weight loss for patients’ and ‘Reflection with colleagues or professional uncertainty’.

Conclusion

By understanding and articulating ethical dilemmas nurses experience in caring for undernourished patients with dementia, these challenges can be better dealt with. By reflecting upon the various forms of pressure nurses face in every day practice, they can be better prepared to act for the benefit of malnourished patients with dementia.
Establishing relationships between environmental exposures to radionuclides and the consequences for wildlife: inferences and weight of evidence
Authors: Garnier-Laplace J. , Alonzo F. , Adam-Guillermin C.
Published: March 2015

Ecological risk assessments for radioactive substances are based on a number of inference rules to compensate for knowledge gaps, and generally require the implementation of a weight-of-evidence approach. Until recently, dose (rate)–response relationships used to derive radioprotection criteria for wildlife have mainly relied on laboratory studies from a limited number of species as representatives of biodiversity. There is no doubt that additional knowledge, combined with advanced conceptual and mathematical approaches, is needed to develop general rules and increase confidence when extrapolating from test species to complex biological/ecological systems. Moreover, field data sets based on robust sampling strategies are still needed to validate benchmark values derived from controlled laboratory tests, and to indicate potential indirect ecological effects, if any. This paper illustrates, through several examples, the need for implementing a combined laboratory–field-model approach to obtain science-based benchmark doses (or dose rates) (e.g. screening benchmarks for ecological risk assessments or derived consideration reference levels), based on robust meta-analysis of dose–effect relationships covering ecologically relevant exposure time scales, species, and endpoints.
Ties to Unbind: Political Ties and Firm Sell-Offs During Institutional Transition
Authors: Zheng Weiting , Singh Kulwant , Chung Chi-Nien
Published: March 2015

We examine how formal interlocking political ties between business leaders and political actors affect sell-off strategy of firms in emerging markets. We propose that political ties substitute for underdeveloped institutions and provide firms with market intermediation, influence over political actors, and access to resources. These benefits increase the likelihood that firms with political ties will exit through sell-offs, which is an adaptation strategy in emerging markets. We propose that the effectiveness of political ties in facilitating sell-offs is contingent on the type of political ties and the state of institutional development. Empirically, we evaluate 280 television manufacturers in China between 1993 and 2003. Results show that political ties can help firms exit through sell-offs but that these effects are primarily from ties to actors with executive authority rather than legislative authority. The value of executive ties declines with capital market development, while that of legislative ties increases with legal system development. We show that political ties help firms exit an industry, clarify the conditions under which they are valuable during institutional transition, and improve understanding of the seller’s perspective in acquisitions.
In Search of Process Innovations: The Role of Search Depth, Search Breadth, and the Industry Environment
Authors: Terjesen Siri , Patel Pankaj C.
Published: March 2015

Although a significant corpus of work focuses on the impact of search strategies on product innovations, we have a limited understanding of search strategies for process innovations, including the potential role of the industry environment. Process innovations are central to improving a firm’s productivity and contributing to efficiency and gross domestic product growth. As a result of the complexity of identifying, developing, and implementing process innovations, firms increasingly draw on external sources of knowledge. Building on key tenets in the knowledge search, innovation, and industry environment literatures, we investigate search strategies, process innovations, and industry dynamics in a sample of 505 firms spanning 23 manufacturing industries. We find that search breadth is negatively related to process innovation outcomes and that search depth is positively related to process innovation outcomes. Furthermore, high industry process heterogeneity mitigates the negative impact of search breadth on process innovation such that firms employing broad search strategies in highly process heterogeneous industries are more likely to introduce process innovations. In industries with greater productivity growth, the positive relationship between search depth and process innovation is stronger.