bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography of the Choroid in Choroidal Osteoma
Authors: Haruta Masatoshi , Hangai Masanori , Taguchi Chikako , Yamakawa Ryoji
Published: December 2011

The authors report spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings in a patient with decalcifying choroidal osteoma accompanied by a choroidal neovascular membrane and serous retinal detachment. A 13-year-old girl was found to have a choroidal osteoma in the left eye. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by B-scan ultrasonography, computed tomography, and fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. The SD-OCT findings over the decalcified portion included serous retinal detachment, photoreceptor outer segment disorganization, retinal pigment epithelial atrophy, deformed Bruch’s membrane, and choroidal neovascular membrane. In contrast, the retinal structures over the calcified portion appeared to be preserved. SD-OCT showed loss of a vascular appearance and increased thickness in the affected choroid, especially in the decalcified portion. Choroidal thickening may be associated not only with choroidal osteomas, but also with tumor decalcification. These unique features on SD-OCT may be important in understanding poor visual prognosis when decalcification involves the fovea.
Faculty-Faculty Interactions in Online Learning Environments
Authors: Kyei-Blankson Lydia , Keengwe Jared
Published: December 2011

Past research has shown that peer support helps improve faculty activities such as research, teaching, and technology competencies. Using a mixed research method design, this research study investigated resources available to faculty as they teach or prepare to teach online courses at a large Midwest public university. In addition, the study explored the nature of peer interactions that existed between faculty who taught or planned to teach online courses. The determinants of such interactions as well as the benefits and the challenges involved in initiating and maintaining the interactions were examined. Findings from this study have implications for the development and implementation of training and support programs intended to help faculty successfully teach online courses.
Duodenal Lipoma Associated with Ectopic Duodenal Glands
Authors: Cao Dianbo , Sun Xiaoyan , Du Jimin , Sun Yutian
Published: December 2011

Duodenal lipomas are relatively uncommon and are rarely responsible for clinical symptoms. Occasionally, searching for aetiology of gastrointestinal bleeding leads to the final diagnosis of duodenal lipomas. Here, we present the case of a 68-year-old woman who suffered with repeated melena and weight loss. Endoscopy, abdominal computed tomography (CT) and histopathological outcomes are described in this case of duodenal lipoma with ectopic duodenal glands.
Benign lichenoid keratosis: an off-center fold case
Authors: Hamstra Ashley , Messina Michael , Torres Abel
Published: December 2011

This off-center fold case depicts the difficult differential diagnosis for benign lichenoid keratosis. It is challenging to diagnosis this benign lesion through clinical exam, dermscopy, and even dermatopathology. Given its similar appearance to regressed melanoma, it is important to be cognizant of both and up to date on the dermatopathology clues.
Dermoscopy of keratosis follicularis squamosa
Authors: Nakano Michiyo , Kambe Naotomo , Satou Takashi , Togawa Yaei , Kamada Noriaki , Matsue Hiroyuki
Published: December 2011

Although the characteristic clinical appearance and the differences in distribution, it is often difficult to differentiate keratosis follicularis squamosa (Dohi) from other keratotic disorders. Here, we describe the case of a 5-year-old boy with Dohi in the first time that by using dermoscopy. Dermoscpoy of the lesion showed typical lotus leaves on the water appearance and follicular plug in the center. We reported the usefulness of dermosocopy in Dohi.
Karl Gustaf Torsten Sjögren and the Sjögren-Larsson syndrome
Authors: Al Aboud Khalid , Al Aboud Daifullah
Published: December 2011

Karl Gustaf Torsten Sjögren (1896-1974) a Swedish psychiatrist and geneticist, was a pioneer of modern Swedish psychiatry. Sjögren studied medicine at the University of Uppsala. From 1932 to 1935, he was Head Physician and Director of Lillehagen Hospital in Gothenburg, and between 1935- 1945, he was physician-in-chief at the psychiatric department of Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg. Sjögren was professor of psychiatry at Karolinska Institutet from 1945 to 1961 and was elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1951. Sjögren was an expert of psychiatry for the World Health Organization. Among his many contributions to medicine, he is credited for describing several medical conditions, which were later named after him, including Graefe- Sjögren syndrome, Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome, and Sjögren-Larsson syndrome (SLS). During his work on juvenile amaurotic idiocy, Sjögren forged a collaboration with Tage K.L. Larsson, a statistics lecturer at the University of Lund. Their study on the combination of oligophrenia, congenital ichthyosis, and spastic disorders in 1957 established the clinical and genetic profile of a new disease entity, later known as Sjogren-Larsson syndrome (SLS).
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: current diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Mehren Christine R. , Gniadecki Robert
Published: December 2011

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an acquired, autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease with an approximate prevalence of 0,2/million people. The hallmark of EBA is the presence of autoantibodies (mainly IgG class) to anchoring fibril collagen (type VII collagen) located at the dermal-epidermal junction. Clinically EBA is subdivided into the inflammatory and the non-inflammatory phenotypes, depending on the level of the cleavage in the basal membrane. A recent addition to the diagnostic techniques is the analysis of the serration pattern of the autoantibody deposits at the basal membrane in the direct immunofluorescence. EBA and the closely related bullous systemic lupus erythematosus are the only diseases presenting with the so-called u-serration pattern which distinguishes them from many other autoimmune subepidermal blistering diseases. We also discuss the recent advances in therapy, including the experience with Rituximab.
Lupus erythematosus and lichen planus overlap syndrome: a case report with a rapid response to topical corticosteroid therapy
Authors: Tukenmez Demirci Gulsen , Altunay Ilknur Kivanc , Sarikaya Sezgi , Sakiz Damlanur
Published: December 2011

Lupus erythematosus (LE) and lichen planus (LP) may occur as an overlap syndrome. We report the clinical characteristics of a young man with lesions diagnosed as LE and LP by histopathological and direct immunoflurosence examinations. We achieved remarkable clinical response from the treatment with topical corticosteroids and no recurrence was seen in a 6 months of follow up time. We found this case interesting because of the rapid improvement with corticosteroid and discussed if there is a real overlap or a coexistence according to the literature.
Cumulative life damage in dermatology
Authors: Ibler Kristina , Jemec Gregor B.E.
Published: December 2011

Cumulative life damage is an old concept of considerable face validity, which has attracted more scientific interest in the fields of sociology and psychology than in medicine over the years. The research examines the interconnectivity of the many factors which shape the development of individuals or institutions over time. By focussing on time, context and process, life course research highlights the different effects seemingly similar events may have at different points in time and in different contexts.
Atypical piloleiomyoma of the face presenting with central ulceration
Authors: Pileri Alessandro , Ghetti Pier Luigi , Neri Iria , Raone Beatrice , Ciabatti Selena , Reggiani Camilla , Patrizi Annalisa
Published: December 2011

Piloleimyoma is a type of cutaneous leiomyoma arising from arrectores pilorum. It can present as either a solitary nodule or multiple lesions. Usually it is localized on the extremities, but can also occur on trunk, neck area and face. Lesions are usually cold, ulcerated and spontaneously painful. Herein we report a case of piloleiomyoma with cytological atypia that was painless despite the presence of central ulceration.
Current Approaches to Pediatric Heart Catheterizations
Authors: Bernard Philip A. , Ballard Hubert , Schneider Douglas
Published: December 2011

Sedation for pediatric cardiac catheterization is a common requirement in many institutions. As the field of cardiac catheterization has evolved, the provision of sedation for these procedures has been varied. Increasingly the demand is for dedicated personnel focused on monitoring and delivery of sedation while in the catheterization suite. This article describes the considerations one must use when undertaking these cases.
Comparison of the Methods of Fibrinolysis by Tube Thoracostomy and Thoracoscopic Decortication in Children with Stage II and III EmpyemA: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Cobanoglu Ufuk , Sayir Fuat , Bilici Salim , Melek Mehmet
Published: December 2011

Today, in spite of the developments in imaging methods and antibiotherapy, childhood pleural empyema is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality. In recent years, it has been shown that there has been an increase in the frequency of pleural empyema in children, and antibiotic resistance in microorganisms causing pleural empyema has made treatment difficult. Despite the many studies investigating thoracoscopic debridement and fibrinolytic treatment separately in the management of this disease, there is are not enough studies comparing these two treatments. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the efficacy of two different treatment methods in stage II and III empyema cases and to present a perspective for treatment options. We excluded from the study cases with: i) thoracoscopic intervention and fibrinolytic agent were contraindicated; ii) immunosuppression or additional infection focus; iii) concomitant diseases, those with bronchopleural fistula diagnosed radiologically, and Stage I cases. This gave a total of 54 cases: 23 (42.6%) in stage II, and 31 (57.4%) cases in stage III. These patients were randomized into two groups of 27 cases each for debridement or fibrinolytic agent application by video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication (VATS). The continuity of symptoms after the operation, duration of thoracic tube in situ, and the length of hospital stay in the VATS group were of significantly shorter duration than in the streptokinase applications (P=0.0001). In 19 of 27 cases (70.37%) in which fibrinolytic treatment was applied and in 21 cases of 27 (77.77%) in which VATS was applied, the lung was fully expanded and the procedure was considered successful. There was no significant difference with respect to success rates between the two groups (P=0.533). The complication rate in our cases was 12.96% and no mortality was observed. Similar success rates in thoracoscopic drainage and enzymatic debridement, and the low cost of enzymatic drainage both served to highlight intrapleural streptokinase treatment as a reliable method in reducing the need for surgery in complicated empyema.
Radiotherapy in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Knowlton Christin A. , Brady Luther W. , Heintzelman Rebecca C.
Published: December 2011

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Up to one-third of GISTs are malignant with a high rate of metastasis. Surgical resection is the mainstay of care for patients with resectable disease. Imatinib mesylate, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is the current standard of care for GISTs that cannot be completely resected or in cases of metastatic GIST. Although often overlooked, radiation therapy is a viable option for select patients with GIST. We report the case of a patient with unresectable GIST who was treated with local radiotherapy and achieved long-term response. We also present a review of the literature regarding the use of radiotherapy in the treatment of GIST. GIST has been shown to be a radiosensitive tumor. Radiotherapy can offer long-term local control and should be considered in the adjuvant or palliative setting. The role of radiotherapy delivered concurrently with imatinib in the treatment of GIST may warrant further investigation.
Follow-Up Results of a Pure Retroperitoneoscopic/Extraperitoneal Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Tumors
Authors: Khoder Wael Y. , Tritschler Stefan , Haseke Nikolas , Bastian Patrick J. , Stief Christian G. , Becker Armin J.
Published: December 2011

We present the results of a pure retroperitoneoscopic/ extraperitoneal nephroureterectomy (RENU) for upper urinary tract transitional cell cancer (UT-TCC). After establishment of RENU in benign indications (n = 21 Patients), 14 patients (age range 51–92 years, mean 71.6) with UT-TCC have undergone the technique in our clinic from October 2005 to October 2008. This paper reports the operative procedure, clinical results and follow up. Total operative time was 110-240 minutes (median 154.5). Average blood loss was 132 mL. Tumor localization in oncology patients was renal pelvis (63.6%), ureter (18.2%) or both (18.2%). Postoperative tumor stages were Ta (n = 2), Tis (n = 2), T1 (n = 3), T2 (n = 3) and T3 (n = 4) without lymph node involvement. No perioperative complications were observed. Urethral catheters were removed on Day 6-8 post surgery (median Day 7). Recovery to normal life activity ranged from 8 to 30 days (mean 17.8). During the 4–36 month (median 23) follow-up period, there was one mortality due to cancer progression. Four patients had developed superficial bladder cancer disease requiring regular cystoscopic resections. One patient had coincidental Bellini duct renal tumor and developed psoas metastasis after eight months. The 2-year tumor specific survival rate is 91%. The retroperitoneoscopic/ extraperitoneal nephroureterectomy is a lowrisk and minimally invasive procedure to be used whenever nephroureterectomy is indicated. It is an attractive alternative to both laparoscopic and open techniques and adheres to the oncological principles of radical nephroureterectomy. Short-term follow-up data showed no increased risk of tumor recurrence. However, long-term results are needed before this technique can be established as standard UT-TCC therapy.
Achieving Symptom Control in Patients with Moderate Asthma
Authors: Weir Nargues A. , Levine Stewart J.
Published: December 2011

Disease severity in asthma can be classified as mild, moderate or severe based upon the frequency of symptoms or the severity of airflow obstruction. This review will focus on the treatment of youths greater than 12 years of age and adults with moderate persistent asthma. Moderate asthmatics may have daily symptoms that cause some limitation with normal daily activities and require use of a rescue inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist inhaler or experience nocturnal awakenings secondary to asthma that occur more than once per week. Furthermore, spirometry may reveal airflow obstruction with a reduction in FEV1 to between 60% and 80% of predicted. Although inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the primary controller medication used to modify symptoms in moderate asthmatics, additional controller medications, such as inhaled long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA), leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) or theophylline, are often needed to obtain optimal disease control. While the addition of an inhaled LABA to an ICS is very effective at improving disease control in moderate asthma, concerns have arisen over the safety of LABAs, in particular the risk of asthma-related death. Therefore, consideration may be given to initially adding a LTRA, rather than a LABA, to ICS when asthma symptoms are not adequately controlled by ICS alone. Furthermore, individualization of medication regimens, treatment of co-morbid conditions, and patient education are crucial to optimizing compliance with therapy, improving disease control, and reducing the risk of exacerbations. Lastly, the development of new asthma treatments, perhaps based upon personalized medicine, may revolutionize the future treatment of moderate asthma.
An Analysis of Breast Cancer Coverage in Selected Women's Magazines, 1987–1995
Authors: Marino Christina , Gerlach Karen K.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

Women's magazines are a significant source of health information for many women, but there is some concern that the media may misrepresent a woman's risk of breast cancer. This review analyzes breast cancer articles in selected women's magazines to determine if the information presented is accurate and balanced.

Search Methods.

For the years 1987 to 1995, the quantity and content of breast cancer articles were examined in four popular women's magazines and three magazines with a large African-American audience. Fifty-nine lead factual breast cancer articles were analyzed for the information presented on prevention measures, risk factors, incidence/mortality statistics, and lifetime risk. The age at diagnosis for women featured in these articles was also determined.

Summary of Important Findings.

Breast cancer was the topic of 34.9% of the 585 cancer articles published in these seven magazines. Mammography screening guidelines were recommended in 68% of articles that discussed prevention; 66% presented the American Cancer Society guidelines. Risk factors for breast cancer were reported as age greater than 50 in 41 % and family history in 78 % of the articles that discussed risk factors. Twenty articles used the lifetime risk statistic of developing breast cancer; six explained what this statistic means. The average age of diagnosis for women featured in the articles was 40.5.

Major Conclusions.

The proportion of breast cancer articles to all cancer articles in these magazines (34.9%) was similar to breast cancer incidence (32.2%) but was higher than its contribution to either female cancer mortality (17.2%) or overall female mortality (4.0%). Magazines that targeted the African-American audience had fewer breast cancer articles than the other four magazines. Risk factors for breast cancer were not discussed in proportion to their impact on risk. The popular lifetime risk statistic was not explained in the majority of cases where it was presented. The average age of diagnosis for the women featured in these articles was far below the median age of diagnosis of 65. Thus, magazine reports may be contributing to women's misunderstanding of their true breast cancer risk.
Evaluation of a Skin Cancer Prevention Module for Nurses: Change in Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Attitudes
Authors: McCormick Laura K. , Mâsse Louise C. , Cummings Sharon S. , Burke Catherine
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 1-week didactic and clinical skin cancer prevention training module. The evaluation assessed both the immediate and the 3-month effects of the module on nurse participants. In addition, this study assessed whether the module had any secondary effects on skin cancer practices, including perceived support from colleagues, resources, time, and perceived responsibility to conduct skin cancer screening activities and education.

Methods.

A quasi-experimental design with 32 intervention and 87 comparison subjects was employed. Instruments developed and validated specifically for this study were used to assess knowledge, self-efficacy, priority of skin cancer, and organizational level constructs.

Results.

The findings indicate that the module significantly increased general and prevention knowledge as well as screening ability; the increase was stable over time. The module was also found to improve self-efficacy to screen and to educate. There was no effect on the organizational-level constructs.

Conclusions.

Baseline knowledge assessments validated other studies indicating that nurses need more education about skin cancer. Despite promising results from program participants, system-level barriers could impose substantial barriers to implementation in health care practice. Knowledgeable nurses must educate their colleagues, their supervisors, and the public about the priority of skin cancer screening and develop strategies for creating organizational change to increase the likelihood that screening and patient education will occur for people at risk for skin cancer.
Social Support in Worksite Smoking Cessation: Qualitative Analysis of the EASE Project
Authors: Fisher Edwin B. , Bishop Donald B. , Levitt-Gilmour Tami , Cappello Marian T. , Ashenberg Zev S. , Newman Elana
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

Mobilize and study social support in EASE, a worksite smoking cessation program.

Design.

Qualitative study of social support in two pilot and two test worksites.

Setting.

Collaboration with American Lung Association of eastern Missouri to implement program in 12 companies between 1982 and 1985.

Subjects.

Ninety-eight participants in cessation clinics at pilot and test sites and 350 randomly sampled respondents from among all 877 employees at test sites.

Intervention.

Steering committees included representatives of management and line employees and tailored the program from plans and materials for program promotion, self-help manuals, and a standard curriculum for a Group Comprehensive Clinic.

Measures.

Implementation and participation from project records. Outcomes and perceptions of social support from surveys of employees.

Results.

Twelve to 24 months after program initiation, smoking cessation among active participants ranged from 21% to 41%. Consistent with emphasis on promoting support for quitting throughout the worksite, 10% to 25% of nonparticipants were abstinent at follow-ups, exceeding national base rates. Surveys indicated greater importance of social support than of program's procedures or materials and greater benefits of social ties to nonsmokers than to others attempting to quit. Differences among companies in both reported social support for nonsmoking and cessation rates paralleled differences in Steering Committees' activities and organizational support for the program.

Conclusion.

Though limited by lack of experimental controls, this qualitative study of active program participants as well as random samples of all employees indicates social support can be a strength of worksite smoking cessation programs.
Cigarette Smoking Control Strategies of Firms with Small Work Forces in Two Northeastern States
Authors: Flynn Brian S. , Gurdon Michael A. , Secker-Walker Roger H.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

Cigarette smoking control strategies of firms with small work forces were assessed and compared with those of larger firms.

Design.

A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted in 1990 among private employers systematically selected from a proprietary database.

Setting.

These firms were located in four counties of two northeastern stales.

Subjects.

Interviews were conducted with managers of 470 small (25 employees; n=262), medium (26–50; n=87), and larger (<50; n=121) firms.

Measures.

Interviews assessed characteristics of the firms and their cigarette smoking policies and cessation programs.

Results.

Small firms differed from larger firms in several areas. They were less likely to have written policies, used fewer methods to communicate their policies, and their policies were consistently less restrictive. Small firms also offered less assistance to employees who wished to quit.

Conclusions.

The less restrictive smoking policies reported here may be relatively ineffective in protecting nonsmokers in small firms. Small firms may encounter difficulties introducing more restrictive smoking policies because of the relative closeness of employee relations, smaller work spaces, and inability to deliver smoking cessation services to employees. Methods should be developed to assist managers of smaller firms to implement stronger smoking policies and to devise ways of making cessation assistance more easily available to their employees.
A Debunking of the Myth of Healthy Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Authors: Chen Moon S. , Hawks Betty Lee
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To present evidence that the model of healthy Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) stereotype is a myth.

Search Method.

The authors retrieved literature from the National Library of Medicine's compact disk databases (Cancerlit, CINAHL, Health, and MEDLINE), and examined pertinent federal government publications supplemented by the authors' knowledge of other published materials.

Important Findings.

This review paper presents three reasons why AAPIs are underserved: (1) the population growth rate has been unusually rapid and recent; (2) data regarding the health status of AAPIs are inadequate; and (3) the myth that AAPIs are model minority populations in terms of their health status was promulgated.

Major Conclusions.

The conclusions are as follows: (1) AAPIs are heterogenous with respect to demographic factors and health risk factors; (2) because the current databases on the health status of AAPIs include small sample sizes, both the quantity and quality of these data need to be improved with respect to appropriate gender and ethnic group representation; (3) Risk factor and mortality data for AAPIs suggest that the burden of certain preventable diseases, namely, tuberculosis, hepatitis-B, liver cancer, and lung cancer may be higher than those of any other racial and ethnic population. The model healthy AAPI stereotype is a myth.
Health Promotion and African-Americans: From Personal Empowerment to Community Action
Authors: Neighbors Harold W. , Braithwaite Ronald L. , Thompson Estina
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

Self-help among African-Americans is that tradition of individual and group efforts aimed toward racial progress and defending against a hostile society. The purpose of this paper is to encourage African-Americans, regardless of income, to take personal responsibility for their health. This review discusses each side of the individual versus societal responsibility issue and provides a rationale for integrating these two perspectives. It argues that the tradition of community-based self-help among African-Americans is a mechanism for personal empowerment that can lead to collective action; it therefore has important implications for the improvement of African-American health.

Search Methods.

The search made use of a computer-based inquiry with self-help, community health empowerment, and African-American or blacks used as descriptors. We also used a computerized search by the last names of key authors writing in the area of minority health. The review was limited to references between 1964 and 1994. The review also relied on our own professional libraries. Finally, 15 knowledgeable individuals employed at universities around the country were queried about their work, focusing on this subject. They were asked about their perceptions of the issues pertinent to the role of personal and societal responsibility in modifying health behaviors of African-Americans.

Summary of Important Points.

Effective health behavior change strategies with black populations will require an integration of personal responsibility and advocacy for social systems change. The formation of effective self-help community-based coalition partnerships is a viable strategy for forging systemic changes to address the health disparity problem.

Major Conclusions.

The discussion concludes that blacks should hold themselves more personally responsible for solving their own problems while rejecting debilitating forms of extreme self-blame. Affiliation with self-help organizations and community coalitions for health empowerment is offered as a strategy for community infrastructure development with potential for improving quality of life.
Effect of a Hospital Nonsmoking Policy on Patients' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Smoking Behavior
Authors: Rosen Amy K. , McCarthy Ellen P. , Moskowitz Mark A.
Published: December 2011

Purpose:

To explore patients' knowledge of and attitudes toward a hospital nonsmoking policy and to examine changes in patients' smoking behavior before admission and after discharge.

Design:

Patients were surveyed by mail 1 week after hospitalization.

Setting:

A 379-bed Boston tertiary teaching hospital.

Subjects:

Seven hundred twenty-six patients were surveyed. There were 337 respondents, yielding a response rate of 59%.

Outcome Measures:

Policy knowledge, policy satisfaction, and smoking cessation assistance. Smoking status was assessed retrospectively by self-report 1 week before admission and at the time of the survey.

Results:

Bivariate and multiple logistic regression techniques were used to explore relationships among explanatory variables and outcomes. Knowledge of the policy was fair, although satisfaction with the policy was high. Twenty percent of patients reported that they had quit smoking at the time of the survey; 53% of quitters said they quit because of the policy. Thirty-nine percent of patients reported receiving assistance from medical providers, and 88 % were satisfied with this help. Smoking cessation assistance was not associated with quitting but was related to smoking less (p < 0.02).

Conclusions:

A hospital nonsmoking policy was well accepted by patients and may have had a favorable impact on patients' smoking behavior. Because intervention by health care providers was limited but appeared to be effective, smoking cessation assistance programs need to be developed and implemented in other hospitals so that these results can be generalizable.
“Aye, But It were Wasted on Thee”: Cricket, British Asians, Ethnic Identities, and the ‘Magical Recovery of Community’
Authors: Fletcher Thomas
Published: December 2011

People in sport tend to possess rather jaded perceptions of its colour-blindness and thus, they are reluctant to confront the fact that, quite often racism is endemic. Yorkshire cricket in particular, has faced frequent accusations from minority ethnic communities of inveterate and institutionalised racism and territorial defensiveness. Drawing upon semi-structured interviews conducted with amateur white and British Asian cricketers, this paper examines the construction of regional identities in Yorkshire at a time when traditional myths and invented traditions of Yorkshire and ‘Yorkshireness’ are being deconstructed. This is conceptualised through a reading of John Clarke's ‘magical recovery of community’. Although cricket has been multiracial for decades, I argue that some people's position as insiders is more straightforward than others. I present evidence to suggest that, regardless of being committed to Yorkshire and their ‘Yorkshireness’, white Yorkshire people may never fully accept British Asians as ‘one of us’. Ideologically and practically, white Yorkshire people are engaged in constructing British Asians as anathema to Yorkshire culture. The paper concludes by advocating that, for sports cultures to be truly egalitarian, the ideology of sport itself has to change. True equality will only ever be achieved within a de-racialised discourse that not only accepts difference, but embraces it.
Land of My Fathers? Economic Development, Ethnic Division and Ethnic National Identity in 32 Countries
Authors: Ford Robert , Tilley James , Heath Anthony
Published: December 2011

We investigate the reasons why some people, and some countries, place greater or lesser emphasis on the idea that membership of a nation is tied to ancestry. We test the influence of two key factors - economic development and ethnic division. Economic development is strongly associated with support for the ancestry criterion of national membership. Those who are more economically secure, who grew up in wealthier nations, or live in a wealthier nation currently, are less likely to emphasise ancestry as an important factor in national identity. Those who have grown up since mass immigration to a country begun are also less likely to emphasise ancestry. However, we find no evidence that historical conditions are correlated with current national identity beliefs.
Race, Rumours and Riots: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Solomos John
Published: December 2011

The riots of August 2011 have led to renewed discussion about the conditions that help to shape outbreaks of urban unrest. The role of race and ethnicity in the riots is one of the factors that has been discussed, although it has received relatively little attention when compared to earlier riots in 1981 and 1985. This paper argues that it is important to avoid easy generalisations about the role of race in the events of August 2011. It then explores the links between the riots and issues such as policing, urban deprivation and unemployment, and political inclusion and exclusion. It suggests that there is a need to locate the riots within their specific local and social environments and for more empirically focused research on the localities in which they occurred.
The Mediated Crowd: New Social Media and New Forms of Rioting
Authors: Baker Stephanie Alice
Published: December 2011

Commentary on the recent riots largely reflects ideological differences with political discourse reviving traditional debates of social inequality and moral decline. While the 2011 riots resemble former incidents of rioting in twentieth-century Britain, it is argued that the recent unrest was significantly enhanced by the development of new social media, requiring new understandings of mediated crowd membership in the twenty-first century. I introduce and outline a model of the ‘mediated crowd’ commencing with the impact of new social media, and develop this paradigm in conjunction with emotions research, to account for the emotional dimensions of collective action, and the social and political effects these technological developments have on contemporary forms of rioting. Here, it is argued that attempts to understand the causes of the recent riots must recognise that while social media contributed to the speed and scope of the unrest, emotions play a crucial role in motivating and sustaining collective action as the structures of feeling that intersect geographic and virtual public space. This innovative approach provides insight into the particular conditions in which the English riots emerged, while demonstrating how social media contributes more broadly to new forms of collectivity in the media age.
Riot: Race and Politics in the 2011 Disorders
Authors: Murji Karim , Neal Sarah
Published: December 2011

The 2011 riots have already been the most commented upon riots of recent decades. Casting some doubt about generalised and holistic explanations and responses, we seek to locate the events in a matrix of race, policing and politics. This approach enables us to identify shifts in political discourse around the riots from the simple to the complex, as well as significant changes between how the events of 2011 and earlier riots have been ‘read’. We seek to unravel some of these strands, to show how race, place and political discourse have been located in the reaction to the riots. In drawing attention to important unevenness, we argue that sociologists need to focus on both continuities and changes since the 1980s.
Measurement of ambient aerosol hydration state at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the southeastern United States
Authors: Taylor N. F. , Collins D. R. , Spencer C. W. , Lowenthal D. H. , Zielinska B. , Samburova V. , Kumar N.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We present results from two field deployments of a unique tandem differential mobility analyzer (TDMA) configuration with two primary capabilities: identifying alternative stable or meta-stable ambient aerosol hydration states associated with hysteresis in aerosol hydration behavior and determining the actual Ambient hydration State (AS-TDMA). This data set is the first to fully classify the ambient hydration state of aerosols despite recognition that hydration state significantly impacts the roles of aerosols in climate, visibility and heterogeneous chemistry. The AS-TDMA was installed at a site in eastern Tennessee on the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park for projects during the summer of 2006 and winter of 2007–2008. During the summer, 12% of the aerosols sampled in continuous AS-TDMA measurements were found to posses two possible hydration states under ambient conditions. In every case, the more hydrated of the possible states was occupied. The remaining 88% did not posses multiple possible states. In continuous measurements during the winter, 49% of the aerosols sampled possessed two possible ambient hydration states; the remainder possessed only one. Of those aerosols with multiple possible ambient hydration states, 65% occupied the more hydrated state; 35% occupied the less hydrated state. This seasonal contrast is supported by differences in the fine particulate (PM2.5) composition and ambient RH as measured during the two study periods. In addition to seasonal summaries, this work includes case studies depicting the variation of hydration state with changing atmospheric conditions.
Airborne and ground-based measurements of the trace gases and particles emitted by prescribed fires in the United States
Authors: Burling I. R. , Yokelson R. J. , Akagi S. K. , Urbanski S. P. , Wold C. E. , Griffith D. W. T. , Johnson T. J. , Reardon J. , Weise D. R.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We have measured emission factors for 19 trace gas species and particulate matter (PM2.5) from 14 prescribed fires in chaparral and oak savanna in the southwestern US, as well as conifer forest understory in the southeastern US and Sierra Nevada mountains of California. These are likely the most extensive emission factor field measurements for temperate biomass burning to date and the only published emission factors for temperate oak savanna fuels. This study helps to close the gap in emissions data available for temperate zone fires relative to tropical biomass burning. We present the first field measurements of the biomass burning emissions of glycolaldehyde, a possible precursor for aqueous phase secondary organic aerosol formation. We also measured the emissions of phenol, another aqueous phase secondary organic aerosol precursor. Our data confirm previous observations that urban deposition can impact the NOx emission factors and thus subsequent plume chemistry. For two fires, we measured both the emissions in the convective smoke plume from our airborne platform and the unlofted residual smoldering combustion emissions with our ground-based platform. The smoke from residual smoldering combustion was characterized by emission factors for hydrocarbon and oxygenated organic species that were up to ten times higher than in the lofted plume, including high 1,3-butadiene and isoprene concentrations which were not observed in the lofted plume. This should be considered in modeling the air quality impacts for smoke that disperses at ground level. We also show that the often ignored unlofted emissions can significantly impact estimates of total emissions. Preliminary evidence suggests large emissions of monoterpenes in the residual smoldering smoke. These data should lead to an improved capacity to model the impacts of biomass burning in similar temperate ecosystems.
Evaluating the influences of biomass burning during 2006 BASE-ASIA: a regional chemical transport modeling
Authors: Fu J. S. , Hsu N. C. , Gao Y. , Huang K. , Li C. , Lin N.-H. , Tsay S.-C.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. To evaluate the impact of biomass burning from Southeast Asia to East Asia, this study conducted numerical simulations during NASA's 2006 Biomass-burning Aerosols in South-East Asia: Smoke Impact Assessment (BASE-ASIA). Two typical episode periods (27–28 March and 13–14 April) were examined. Two emission inventories, FLAMBE and GFED, were used in the simulations. The influences during two episodes in the source region (Southeast Asia) contributed to the surface CO, O3 and PM2.5 concentrations as high as 400 ppbv, 20 ppbv and 80 μg m−3, respectively. The perturbations with and without biomass burning of the above three species during the intense episodes were in the range of 10 to 60%, 10 to 20% and 30 to 70%, respectively. The impact due to long-range transport could spread over the southeastern parts of East Asia and could reach about 160 to 360 ppbv, 8 to 18 ppbv and 8 to 64 μg m−3 on CO, O3 and PM2.5, respectively; the percentage impact could reach 20 to 50% on CO, 10 to 30% on O3, and as high as 70% on PM2.5. In March, the impact of biomass burning was mainly concentrated in Southeast Asia and Southern China, while in April the impact becomes slightly broader, potentially including the Yangtze River Delta region. Two cross-sections at 15° N and 20° N were used to compare the vertical flux of biomass burning. In the source region (Southeast Asia), CO, O3 and PM2.5 concentrations had a strong upward transport from surface to high altitudes. The eastward transport becomes strong from 2 to 8 km in the free troposphere. The subsidence process during the long-range transport contributed 60 to 70%, 20 to 50%, and 80% to CO, O3 and PM2.5, respectively to surface in the downwind area. The study reveals the significant impact of Southeastern Asia biomass burning on the air quality in both local and downwind areas, particularly during biomass burning episodes. This modeling study might provide lower limit constraints. An additional study is underway for an active biomass burning year to obtain an upper limit and climate effects.
Oxygen exchange and ice melt measured at the ice-water interface by eddy correlation
Authors: Long M. H. , Koopmans D. , Berg P. , Rysgaard S. , Glud R. N. , Søgaard D. H.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. This study uses the eddy correlation technique to examine fluxes across the ice-water interface. Temperature eddy correlation systems were used to determine rates of ice melting and freezing, and O2 eddy correlation systems were used to examine O2 exchange rates as driven by biological and physical processes. The research was conducted below 0.7 m thick sea ice in mid March 2010 in a southwest Greenland fjord and revealed low average rates of ice melt amounting to a maximum of 0.80 ± 0.09 mm d−1 (SE, n=31). The corresponding calculated O2 flux associated with release of O2 depleted melt water was less than 13 % of the average daily O2 respiration rate. Ice melt and insufficient vertical turbulent mixing due to low current velocities caused periodic stratification immediately below the ice. This prevented the determination of fluxes during certain time periods, amounting to 66 % of total deployment time. The identification of these conditions was evaluated by examining the velocity and the linearity and stability of the cumulative flux. The examination of unstratified conditions through velocity and O2 spectra and their cospectra revealed characteristic fingerprints of well-developed turbulence. From the observed O2 fluxes, a photosynthesis/irradiance curve was established by least-squares fitting. This relation showed that light limitation of net photosynthesis began at 4.2 μmol photons m−2 s−1, and that the algal communities were well-adapted to low-light conditions as they were light saturated for 75 % of the day during this early spring period. However, the sea ice associated microbial and algal community was net heterotrophic with a daily gross primary production of 0.69 ± 0.02 mmol O2 m−2 d−1 (SE, n=4) and a respiration rate of −2.13 mmol O2 m−2 d−1 (no SE, see text for details) leading to a net primary production of −1.45 ± 0.02 mmol O2 m−2 d−1 (SE, n=4). Modeling the observed fluxes allowed for the calculation of fluxes during time periods when no O2 fluxes were extracted. This application of the eddy correlation technique produced high temporal resolution O2 fluxes and ice melt rates that were measured without disturbing the environmental conditions while integrating over a large area of approximately 50 m2 which encompassed the highly variable activity and spatial distributions of sea ice algal communities.
Spatial variation of the longitudinal dispersion coefficient in an estuary
Authors: Shaha D. C. , Cho Y.-K. , Kwak M.-T. , Kundu S. R. , Jung K. T.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The effective longitudinal dispersion is a primary tool for determining property distributions in estuaries. Most previous studies have examined the longitudinal dispersion coefficient for the average tidal condition. However, information on spatial and temporal variations of this coefficient at low and high tides is scarce. Three years of hydrographic data taken at low and high tide along the main axis of the Sumjin River Estuary (SRE), Korea are used to estimate the spatial and temporal variation of the effective longitudinal dispersion coefficient. The range of the dispersion coefficient is rather broad at high water slack (HWS) and narrower at low water slack (LWS) because of the different tidal amplitudes. The spatially varying dispersion coefficient has maximal values (>300 m2 s−1) near the mouth at high water and decreases gradually upstream, with fluctuations. The temporally varying dispersion coefficient appears to be positively correlated with river discharges at both low and high tide. The dispersion varies with the square root of river discharges at HWS and LWS. The dispersive salt fluxes increases with increasing river discharges and decreases with decreasing river discharges at HWS and LWS. Estimation of the numerical values of the effective longitudinal dispersion coefficient in the SRE can be useful for better understanding of the distributions of other tracers in the SRE as well as for developing and testing hypotheses about various mixing mechanisms.
How are flood risk estimates affected by the choice of return-periods?
Authors: Ward P. J. , de Moel H. , Aerts J. C. J. H.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Flood management is more and more adopting a risk based approach, whereby flood risk is the product of the probability and consequences of flooding. One of the most common approaches in flood risk assessment is to estimate the damage that would occur for floods of several exceedance probabilities (or return periods), to plot these on an exceedance probability-loss curve (risk curve) and to estimate risk as the area under the curve. However, there is little insight into how the selection of the return-periods (which ones and how many) used to calculate risk actually affects the final risk calculation. To gain such insights, we developed and validated an inundation model capable of rapidly simulating inundation extent and depth, and dynamically coupled this to an existing damage model. The method was applied to a section of the River Meuse in the southeast of the Netherlands. Firstly, we estimated risk based on a risk curve using yearly return periods from 2 to 10 000 yr (€ 34 million p.a.). We found that the overall risk is greatly affected by the number of return periods used to construct the risk curve, with over-estimations of annual risk between 33% and 100% when only three return periods are used. In addition, binary assumptions on dike failure can have a large effect (a factor two difference) on risk estimates. Also, the minimum and maximum return period considered in the curve affects the risk estimate considerably. The results suggest that more research is needed to develop relatively simple inundation models that can be used to produce large numbers of inundation maps, complementary to more complex 2-D–3-D hydrodynamic models. It also suggests that research into flood risk could benefit by paying more attention to the damage caused by relatively high probability floods.