bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Well Are the Distribution and Extreme Values of Daily Precipitation over North America Represented in the Community Climate System Model? A Comparison to Reanalysis, Satellite, and Gridded Station Data
Authors: Gervais Melissa , Gyakum John R. , Atallah Eyad , Tremblay L. Bruno , Neale Richard B.
Published: May 2014

An intercomparison of the distribution and extreme values of daily precipitation between the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4) and several observational/reanalysis data sources are conducted over the contiguous United States and southern Canada. The use of several data sources, from gridded station, satellite, and reanalysis products, provides a measure of errors in the reference datasets. An examination of specific locations shows that the global climate model (GCM) distributions closely match the observations along the East and West Coasts, with larger discrepancies in the Great Plains and Rockies. In general, the distribution of model precipitation is more positively skewed (more light and less heavy precipitation) in the Great Plains and the eastern United States compared to gridded station observations, a recurring error in GCMs. In the Rocky Mountains the GCMs generally overproduce precipitation relative to the observations and furthermore have a more negatively skewed distribution, with fewer lower daily precipitation values relative to higher values. Extreme precipitation tends to be underestimated in regions and time periods typically characterized by large amounts of convective precipitation. This is shown to be the result of errors in the parameterization of convective precipitation that have been seen in previous model versions. However, comparison against several data sources reveals that model errors in extreme precipitation are approaching the magnitude of the disparity between the reference products. This highlights the existence of large errors in some of the products employed as observations for validation purposes.
Midlatitude Moisture Contribution to Recent Arctic Tropospheric Summertime Variability*
Authors: Laliberté Frédéric , Kushner Paul J.
Published: May 2014

The dynamics of late summer Arctic tropospheric heat content variability is studied using reanalyses. In both trends and interannual variability, much of the August heat content variability in the Arctic midtroposphere can be explained by the total—sensible plus latent—heat content variability at the midlatitude near surface in July. Climate models suggest that this connection is part of the global warming signal in September–November, but in reanalyses the connection is most strongly present in July–August variability and trends. It is argued that heat content signals are propagated from the midlatitude near surface to the Arctic midtroposphere approximately along climatological moist isentropes. High-frequency data reveal that the propagating signal is primarily driven by a few strong meridional heat flux events each summer season. Composite analysis on these events shows that August meridional heat fluxes into the Arctic midtroposphere are succeeded by positive heat content anomalies in the lower troposphere a few days later. This second connection between the Arctic midtroposphere and the Arctic lower troposphere could be sufficient to explain some of the recent Arctic 850-hPa temperature variability north of 75°N.
Are commonly used paediatric reference intervals for water and electrolyte balance appropriate for clinical use?
Authors: Dodd Alan , El-Farhan Nadia , Moat Stuart
Published: May 2014

Background:

Paediatric reference intervals are less well characterized than in adults. An initiative for harmonization of pathology across the United Kingdom has recommended an interval for sodium of 133–146 mmol/L at all ages.

Methods:

To assess the validity of this, the laboratory database was interrogated for all renal profiles (sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine) for children presenting to primary care over a 13-year period. While the primary interest was in sodium results, sufficient current data were also available for potassium and creatinine and so these were included for study. The electrolyte results were filtered to include only normal renal function and the remaining data were analysed for age-related differences.

Results:

Sodium concentrations were observed to be lower for infants (1–5 years of age) with a mean of 138 mmol/L, increasing towards adult concentrations (mean 140 mmol/L) by teenage years. A similar pattern was seen for potassium results, and creatinine was seen to increase with age. At all ages, the distributions of sodium concentrations measured in this population were observably tighter than the interval of 133–146 mmol/L recommended by Pathology Harmony.

Conclusions:

We suggest that this interval is too wide, and more work is needed to establish more appropriate paediatric ranges.
Longitudinal Study of Nutrient Intakes in Infants Aged 12 to 18 Months
Authors: Falciglia Grace , Lee Seung Yeon , Paxton Kaitlyn , Reinerman Christina , Spiess Libbey
Published: May 2014

Objective. To examine the nutrient intakes in young children and to compare their intakes with the dietary reference intakes (DRIs). Design. Longitudinal study observing the child’s food and beverage intakes as he or she grows from 12 to 18 months. Methods. Three interviewer-administered 24-hour dietary recalls over 1 week were collected from the mother to assess the child’s intakes at 12 and 18 months of age. Intakes were calculated at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles and compared with the DRIs to determine the proportions below and above cutoff values. Results. Nutrient intakes met or exceeded energy and nutrient requirements, with some exceptions. Diets were deficient in healthy fats, iron, fiber, and potassium and excessive in calories, synthetic folate, preformed vitamin A, zinc, and sodium. Conclusions. Health professionals should emphasize foods that are nutrient dense while decreasing highly processed foods for children.
Institutional Development Leading Trade Developments
Authors: Singh Mayengbam Lalit
Published: May 2014

Many economists acknowledge importance of institutions in economic development of countries. It had also been proved well in historical records based on Western Europe. The present article deals with how institutional developments prevailed in India and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) could lead to development in bilateral trade between India and the ASEAN.
Simultaneous and Sequential Contributions to Step-level Public Goods
Authors: Normann Hans-Theo , Rau Holger A.
Published: May 2014

In a step-level public-good experiment, we investigate how the order of moves (simultaneous vs. sequential) and the number of step levels (one vs. two) affects public-good provision in a two-player game. We find that the sequential order of moves significantly improves public-good provision and payoffs, even though second movers often punish first movers who give less than half of the threshold contribution. The additional second step level—which is not feasible in standard Nash equilibrium—leads to higher contributions but does not improve public-good provision and lowers payoffs. We calibrate the parameters of Fehr and Schmidt’s model of inequality aversion to make quantitative predictions. We find that actual behavior fits remarkably well with several predictions in a quantitative sense.
Torture allegations as events data
Authors: Conrad Courtenay R , Haglund Jillienne , Moore Will H
Published: May 2014

The Ill-Treatment and Torture (ITT) Data Collection Project uses content analysis to measure a number of variables on more than 15,000 public allegations of government ill-treatment and torture made by Amnesty International (AI) from 1995 to 2005. The ITT specific allegation (SA) event data use the torture allegation as the unit of observation, thus permitting users to manipulate them for a wide variety of purposes. In this article, we introduce the ITT SA data. We first describe the key variables in the SA data and report a number of bivariate descriptive statistics to illustrate some of the research questions that might be usefully investigated with the data. We then discuss how we believe the ITT SA data can be used to study not only AI’s naming and shaming behavior, but also states’ (lack of) compliance with the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT). We conclude with an empirical analysis using the SA data that investigates the effect of domestic political institutions on formal complaints, investigations, and adjudication of torture allegations. We show that legislative checks are positively associated with complaints, investigations, and trials; elections and freedom of speech are positively associated with investigations and trials; and powerful judiciaries are associated only with investigations.
Automaticity and Stability of Adaptation to a Foreign-Accented Speaker
Authors: Witteman Marijt J , Bardhan Neil P , Weber Andrea , McQueen James M
Published: May 2014

In three cross-modal priming experiments we asked whether adaptation to a foreign-accented speaker is automatic, and whether adaptation can be seen after a long delay between initial exposure and test. Dutch listeners were exposed to a Hebrew-accented Dutch speaker with two types of Dutch words: those that contained [ɪ] (globally accented words), and those in which the Dutch [i] was shortened to [ɪ] (specific accent marker words). Experiment 1, which served as a baseline, showed that native Dutch participants showed facilitatory priming for globally accented, but not specific accent, words. In experiment 2, participants performed a 3.5-minute phoneme monitoring task, and were tested on their comprehension of the accented speaker 24 hours later using the same cross-modal priming task as in experiment 1. During the phoneme monitoring task, listeners were asked to detect a consonant that was not strongly accented. In experiment 3, the delay between exposure and test was extended to 1 week. Listeners in experiments 2 and 3 showed facilitatory priming for both globally accented and specific accent marker words. Together, these results show that adaptation to a foreign-accented speaker can be rapid and automatic, and can be observed after a prolonged delay in testing.
Glutamine and Antioxidants in the Critically Ill Patient
Authors: Heyland Daren K. , Elke Gunnar , Cook Deborah , Berger Mette M. , Wischmeyer Paul E. , Albert Martin , Muscedere John , Jones Gwynne , Day Andrew G. ,   on behalf of the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group
Published: May 2014

Background: The recent large randomized controlled trial of glutamine and antioxidant supplementation suggested that high‐dose glutamine is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients with multiorgan failure. The objectives of the present analyses were to reevaluate the effect of supplementation after controlling for baseline covariates and to identify potentially important subgroup effects. Materials and Methods: This study was a post hoc analysis of a prospective factorial 2 × 2 randomized trial conducted in 40 intensive care units in North America and Europe. In total, 1223 mechanically ventilated adult patients with multiorgan failure were randomized to receive glutamine, antioxidants, both glutamine and antioxidants, or placebo administered separate from artificial nutrition. We compared each of the 3 active treatment arms (glutamine alone, antioxidants alone, and glutamine + antioxidants) with placebo on 28‐day mortality. Post hoc, treatment effects were examined within subgroups defined by baseline patient characteristics. Logistic regression was used to estimate treatment effects within subgroups after adjustment for baseline covariates and to identify treatment‐by‐subgroup interactions (effect modification). Results: The 28‐day mortality rates in the placebo, glutamine, antioxidant, and combination arms were 25%, 32%, 29%, and 33%, respectively. After adjusting for prespecified baseline covariates, the adjusted odds ratio of 28‐day mortality vs placebo was 1.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.0–2.1, P = .05), 1.2 (0.8–1.8, P = .40), and 1.4 (0.9–2.0, P = .09) for glutamine, antioxidant, and glutamine plus antioxidant arms, respectively. In the post hoc subgroup analysis, both glutamine and antioxidants appeared most harmful in patients with baseline renal dysfunction. No subgroups suggested reduced mortality with supplements. Conclusions: After adjustment for baseline covariates, early provision of high‐dose glutamine administered separately from artificial nutrition was not beneficial and may be associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients with multiorgan failure. For both glutamine and antioxidants, the greatest potential for harm was observed in patients with multiorgan failure that included renal dysfunction upon study enrollment.
Delamination propagation analysis in tufted carbon fibre-reinforced plastic composites subjected to high-velocity impact
Authors: Deconinck P , Capelle J , Bouchart V , Chevrier P , Ravailler F
Published: May 2014

Impact-induced delamination propagation on both tufted and untufted carbon fibre-reinforced plastics composite laminates was investigated. High-velocity impacts were performed on a ballistic gas gun. Initial and residual velocities were monitored with optical sensors especially developed for this study. Energy-absorption abilities were compared for different tufting parameters. The perforated specimens were inspected with an original technique allowing the observation of interlaminar delamination area for each interface. The existence of preferential propagation direction is highlighted. It is concluded that tufting helps to contain delamination and provides improved energy absorption depending on the tufting pitch.
Buying Food for the Family: Negotiations in Parent/Child Supermarket Shopping
Authors: Gram Malene
Published: May 2014

Children play a part in family food shopping, but their roles are often underestimated. In contrast to earlier studies focusing on “who wins” in parent/child negotiations, in this study I focus on emotional and cooperative ways of negotiating food in the supermarket. Through unobtrusive observation of Danish and American parent/child groups, I found that children—even from a very young age—also appear interested in and knowledgeable about healthy eating. Just as importantly, I observed parents not only being sensible and focused on healthy eating but also immersed in habits and desire, at times bending their own rules and using their notion of health arbitrarily. The concepts of “healthy” and “unhealthy” were used to decipher food in collaborative ways, and health was a core concept that parents tended to use negatively and children positively. Both children and parents must be considered as competent and incompetent consumers to understand family food negotiations.
Norman Barrett (1903–1979): Unorthodox pioneer of thoracic and oesophageal surgery
Authors: Edison E , Agha R , Camm C
Published: May 2014

It is an interesting quirk of medical history that the legacy of Norman Barrett most ostensibly lies in the name of a disease the he was quite emphatically wrong about, at least when he first described it. Indeed, there are those who argue to remove the eponym in favour of the title ‘Columnar Lined Epithelium’, in part because of what little Barrett actually had to do with the correct initial characterisation of this disease. Yet the sum of Norman Barrett’s contributions to modern medicine is much more than a mistaken characterisation of a pathological process. Barrett was truly a pioneer of chest surgery in the UK – a speciality in its embryonic stages when he first qualified. He was also renowned as a teacher and academic of the highest calibre. In tracing the story of his life we can see how his natural attributes, life experiences and keen appreciation of the arts (especially history) facilitated personal success and such sharp insight into the vagaries of modern academic medicine.
Factor Structure of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in Malaysian Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kaur Satpal , Zainal Nor Zuraida , Low Wah Yun , Ramasamy Ravindran , Sidhu Jaideep Singh
Published: May 2014

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a common screening instrument used to determine the levels of anxiety and depression experienced by a patient and has been extensively used in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to establish the factor structure of HADS in a Malaysian sample of 189 patients with CAD. Factor analysis of HADS using principal component analysis with varimax rotation yielded 3 factors. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the use of HADS in assessing 3 distinct dimensions of psychological distress—namely, anxiety, anhedonia, and psychomotor retardation. The HADS showed good internal consistency and was found to be a valid measure of psychological distress among Malaysian patients with CAD. However, low mean scores on the original 2 factors—that is, anxiety and depression—and also on the 2 depression subscales—anhedonia and psychomotor retardation—suggests that the recommended cutoff score to screen for psychological distress among CAD patients be reevaluated. Further research to determine the generalizability and consistency for the tridimensional structure of the HADS in Malaysia is recommended.
Lifestyles of Jamaican Men With Hypertension
Authors: Welsh Faithlee Elizabeth , Duff Edith Marilyn , Campbell-Taffe Khadene , Lindo Jascinth L.M.
Published: May 2014

Purpose: Determine the extent to which the lifestyles of Jamaican men with hypertension met the guidelines of the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7). Design and Methods: Following informed consent, a convenience sample of Jamaican men with hypertension ( n = 48), of African ethnicity, attending a Type 5 Health Center was interviewed over a four week period, using a 31-item interview schedule. Results: Mean age of respondents was 65.2 (± 12.1) years (range = 35-89 years) with 33% having blood pressure (BP) controlled to 130/80 mmHg. Those meeting the guidelines were normal weight 23 (47.9%), DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet zero, medication 7 (14.6%), exercise 14 (29.2%), alcohol restriction 38 (79.2%), and smoking cessation 40 (83.3%). Medication adherence was associated with BP control ( r = −0.30, p < .04). More than half of the respondents believed that hypertension could be cured and that they could stop all treatment if their BP was normal. Discussion and Conclusions: Only a third of the sample had BP controlled to ≤130/80 mmHg. Adherence to the JNC 7 lifestyle guidelines was inadequate. Implications for Practice: A nurse led intervention, focusing on perceptions and lifestyle practices, is indicated.
Documenting Hidden Disabilities in Higher Education
Authors: Lovett Benjamin J. , Nelson Jason M. , Lindstrom Will
Published: May 2014

Once students with disabilities leave high school, they must take proactive steps to document their disabilities to educational institutions or employers when requesting accommodations. The Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) has been the principal organization offering suggestions on documentation requirements, and AHEAD’s recently revised guidance involves radical changes to the suggested requirements. AHEAD now recommends that students’ self-reports and disability services professionals’ impressions take precedence over external, objective records. This article reviews the relevant research to evaluate the evidence base for the revised guidance, finding it lacking in important ways as it applies to hidden disabilities (learning, cognitive, and psychiatric disabilities). The evidence supporting various sources of disability documentation is reviewed, and implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Cytotoxic Effects of a Novel Thialo Benzene Derivative 2,4-Dithiophenoxy-1-iodo-4-bromobenzene (C18H12S2IBr) in L929 Cells
Authors: Süloğlu Aysun Kılıç , Karacaoğlu Elif , Koçkaya Evrim Arzu , Selmanoğlu Güldeniz , Loğoglu Elif
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the cytotoxic effects of a newly synthesized thialo benzene derivative 2,4-dithiophenoxy-1-iodo-4-bromobenzene (C18H12S2IBr) and a well-known antifungal agent, fluconazole, in L929 cells. L929 cells were treated with 250, 500, or 1000 µg/mL of C18H12S2IBr and with the same doses of fluconazole. Cytotoxicity tests including 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, and protein content were compared. Glucose and lactate concentrations were measured to determine alterations in metabolic activity. Apoptosis was investigated by TUNEL test and results were supported with survivin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Treatment with C18H12S2IBr resulted in a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity as indicated by MTT, LDH leakage assay, and decreased protein concentration. The loss of cell viability and the increased LDH leakage in 500 µg/mL and 1000 µg/mL C18H12S2IBr and fluconazole groups indicated cell membrane damage and necrotic cell death. In all groups, metabolic activities were altered but apoptosis was not induced. We have previously investigated lower doses of C18H12S2IBr; there was no cytotoxicity in L929 cells. In this study, higher doses caused cytotoxicity and alterations in metabolic activity . When we consider the similar results obtained from fluconazole and especially the lowest dose of C18H12S2IBr, this newly synthesized compound may be a good alternative antifungal agent.
Brief report: The protective effects of school engagement for African American adolescent males
Authors: Voisin Dexter R , Elsaesser Caitlin
Published: May 2014

This study examined whether school engagement was protective with regard to externalizing behaviors, gang involvement, sexual debut, and unsafe sexual behaviors among African American adolescent males. Self-administered surveys were administered to 219 male students from an urban Chicago high school. Controlling for age and socioeconomic status, higher school engagement levels were associated with lower rates of aggressive behaviors, lower levels of gang involvement, delay of sexual debut, and lower levels of unsafe sexual behaviors. Findings support the development of school-based interventions designed to promote student–teacher bonds, academic performance, and after-school activities for African American youth.
‘Let’s get wasted’: A discourse analysis of teenagers’ talk about binge drinking
Authors: Chainey Timothy A , Stephens Christine
Published: May 2014

Teenage binge drinking is a significant health issue. To explore teenagers talk about binge drinking, four peer-group interviews were conducted with 20 teenagers, aged 16–18 years, with experience of excessive alcohol use. A discourse analysis showed that a ‘drinking is cool’ discourse constructed ‘getting wasted’ as an integral part of social life, while a ‘drinking as a social lubricant’ discourse described the behavioural functions of alcohol use. Participants also actively resisted an ‘alcohol is bad’ discourse, which acknowledges the risks of alcohol use. The findings illustrate how teenagers use these resources in sophisticated ways to position the teen drinker positively and negatively.
‘You have to die first’: Exploring the thoughts and feelings on organ donation of British women who have not signed up to be donors
Authors: Nizza Isabella E , Britton Heather P , Smith Jonathan A
Published: May 2014

Four White British women who had not signed up to be organ donors were interviewed in depth to investigate their feelings on organ donation. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to reveal how the ability to detach from the body affects the acceptance of organ donation, how organ donation can trigger difficult thoughts and how the family can be used to explain not having signed up. The findings confirm previous empirical evidence but also offer original insight on the discrepancy between attitudes and behaviours, how fears can inhibit action and the importance of communicating organ donation wishes to family.
Workplace Technology and the Creation of Boundaries
Authors: Thomas Kristopher J.
Published: May 2014

The Problem

Significant advances in technology and the increasing ways in which employees use it in their work and personal lives have led to an environment in which employees can work nearly anytime and anywhere. Although virtual human resource development (VHRD) brings with it useful efficiencies and increased opportunities for learning, the prospect of 24/7 learning can have a deleterious impact on work–life balance for employees.

The Solution

The aim of this article is to first explain how work–life balance and workplace technology interact to affect the lives of employees. The article models boundaries between these areas and recommends that attention to work–life balance become part of practice when human resource development (HRD) professionals design virtual learning or help develop workplace technologies and policies.

The Stakeholders

Stakeholders include HRD professionals, scholars who study work–life balance, and organizational leaders who implement workplace technology policies and practices.
Awareness of Media-Based Antitobacco Messages Among a Community Sample of LGBT Individuals
Authors: Matthews Alicia K. , Balsam Kimberly , Hotton Anna , Kuhns Lisa , Li Chien-Ching , Bowen Deborah J.
Published: May 2014

Purpose. Study objectives were to measure awareness of general antitobacco messages in LGBT-focused and general media outlets among LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) individuals and to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and awareness levels. Method. Data were based on cross-sectional survey data from a racially diverse sample of participants ( N = 726). Participants were primarily male (69.3%), with smaller percentages of female (21.8%) and transgender (8.9%). The median age was 31 years. Results. A higher proportion of participants reported awareness of antitobacco messages in general media outlets compared to LGBT-specific media outlets. Awareness of antitobacco messages in general media was positively associated with current smoking and negatively associated with female gender and Latino ethnicity. Awareness of antitobacco messages in LGBT media was positively associated with younger age, current smoking, frequent reading of LGBT newspapers or magazines, and frequent attendance at LGBT bars and negatively associated with Latino ethnicity. Conclusions. Despite frequent readership, awareness of antitobacco messages in LGBT newspapers/magazines was quite low. We speculate that low awareness is related to the absence of antitobacco messages in LGBT-related media. LGBT-specific media outlets provide an important opportunity for future antitobacco campaigns.
Acceptability and Feasibility of a Culturally Tailored Internet-Delivered Intervention to Promote Blood Donation in Blacks
Authors: Robbins Mark L. , Paiva Andrea L. , Amoyal Nicole R. , Brick Leslie , Kessler Debra A. , Burditt Caitlin , Caltabiano Melinda , Shaz Beth H.
Published: May 2014

Introduction. A pilot test of a computer-tailored intervention designed to promote blood donation among Blacks was conducted. Method. Intervention content, based on the transtheoretical model, offered participants individually and culturally tailored information on blood donation with emphasis on need specific to race (e.g., sickle-cell disease). Black adults ( N = 150) with a diversity of blood donation experience were recruited from a blood center and a survey recruitment website. Posttest assessment included a 14-item evaluation and transtheoretical model questions. Results. Participants rated the program positively (81.3% to 98.7% of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing with evaluation items). For example, 98.7% of respondents reported that the program gave sound advice and that personal feedback was easily understood, and 87.3% felt the program was designed for people like themselves. Ninety-five percent of participants reported that they would recommend the program to others. There were no significant differences in ratings based on demographics. Qualitative responses support program acceptability. Furthermore, pre- and postprogram assessments indicated an increase in intention to donate, t(149) = 3.56, p = .001, d = .29. Discussion. With acceptability and feasibility confirmed, the next steps are to test efficacy and cost-effectiveness for use to increase blood donation, particularly in priority populations.
Making Media Workers
Authors: Ashton Daniel
Published: May 2014

This article examines the position of the “runner” as an entry-level route into film and television production. Through the analysis of publicly available industry guidance materials, desirable characteristics and dispositions associated with working as a runner are identified. A recurring understanding emerges in these materials that the “rite of passage” of working as a runner is a necessary step for those seeking to break into film and TV production. In turn, tensions are revealed with perspectives from higher education students who question the value of mundane entry-level work and stress their degree experiences as a means to negotiate and challenge seemingly established career pathways.
On the Limits of the New and the Lasting Power of the Mediasport Interpellation
Authors: Wenner Lawrence A.
Published: May 2014

This essay comments on the limits of new and social media to change the contemporary landscape of mediated sport in meaningful ways. The first part of the essay speaks to the “limits of the new.” Here, the forces of “monetization” and the transition of new media into mainstream are considered. Arguments are presented that the “game” of new and social media will likely draft of media logics of legacy media rather than structurally change them. The second part of the essay speaks to the “lasting power of the mediasport interpellation.” Here, theoretical strains from the work of Althusser concerning ideological state apparatuses and the nature of “hailing” are melded, on one hand, with the work of Bauman on “consumer sociality,” and on the other, with that of Wenner on the communicative powers of sports dirt in a commodified environment. Consideration is given to the constancy of sport-anchored mediated hailing to establish (1) gender identities, (2) fan identities, and (3) consumer identities in ways that anchor subject position. It is argued that, given the cultural hold and embrace of these identities, new and social media will be more likely to engage them rather than mount structural resistance in ways that will facilitate meaningful changes in “lived experience” relations with contemporary sport.
Team Leadership
Authors: Curry Katherine A.
Published: May 2014

Group decision-making can result in important benefits for organizational effectiveness. However, collaborative environments do not emerge organically. Effective leadership is critical for group success. Educational leaders must understand group processes and the importance of creating a culture that supports collaboration. Student discipline for off-campus behavior is an example of a complex situation that offers opportunity for group decision-making. Legal questions have yielded new twists in recent years with districts taking a more aggressive stance toward off-campus behavior that has a spillover effect at school. In this case study, team leadership and legal aspects of discipline are examined in the context of Superintendent Carter’s attempt to lead a group through a complex, ambiguous, emotionally charged situation that has potential consequences for a wide variety of stakeholders.
The Relative Odds of Lifetime Health Conditions and Infectious Diseases Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Compared With a Matched General Population Sample
Authors: Swartz James A.
Published: May 2014

To address the understudy of health conditions and infectious diseases that are not strictly related to sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM), this study examined the relative odds of 10 health conditions and two infectious diseases in a sample of MSM compared with a matched general population sample. MSM ( N = 653) living mainly in Chicago were sampled through successive administrations of an Internet-based survey (2008-2010) that assessed physical and mental health, substance use, and HIV status. Propensity score matching was used to obtain a demographically comparable sample of men ( N = 653) from aggregated administrations (2008-2012) of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Multivariate Firth logistic regressions compared the odds of ever having been diagnosed with each condition or disease, controlling for demographics, substance use, psychological distress, and HIV/AIDS status. MSM were more likely ( p < .01) to have experienced: ulcers (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3), hypertension (OR = 2.1), liver disease (OR = 5.7), and sexually transmitted infections other than HIV/AIDS (OR = 8.9). Two other conditions, pneumonia and pancreatitis, as well as tuberculosis, were significant at p < .05 but below the statistical threshold used to reduce alpha error. The findings suggest that relative to non-sexual-minority men, MSM are more likely to experience a range of health conditions not specifically attributable to HIV/AIDS, sexual behavior, psychological distress, or substance use. The implications for research on the health status and provision of health care to MSM in light of the study findings are considered.
Experimental and numerical study on the efficiency of the polypropylene fibers admixture in reducing pore pressure in heated concrete
Authors: Witek Arkadiusz , Gawin Dariusz
Published: May 2014

The gas permeability and strength properties of the concrete and cement mortar with three different dosages of polypropylene fibers were tested. The obtained results confirm a significant influence of the fibers on the increase of permeability of cement-based materials heated above 180°C. At the same time, no influence of the polypropylene fibers content on the compressive and flexural strengths, and the fracture energy of the heated cement composites was observed. The measured material parameters were used in the computer simulations of complex physical phenomena in heated concrete, confirming efficiency of the polypropylene fiber admixture in reducing pore pressure in the material exposed to fire conditions.
Pregnancy in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 equals multiple complications
Authors: Mistry Megha , Gupta Manish , Kaler Mandeep
Published: May 2014

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) is a rare inherited disorder caused by mutations in the tumour suppressor gene MEN 1. It is characterised by a predisposition towards the development of parathyroid, anterior pituitary and entero-pancreatic tumours. Clinically, MEN 1 is defined following development of two out of these three tumours. There have been no published cases of the management of MEN 1 in pregnancy. We report the first case of a 31-year-old primigravida with a confirmed diagnosis of MEN 1 prior to conception. Due to the rare nature of MEN 1, there are no guidelines on how such women should be managed. The main issues were to assess and manage potential complications, such as hypercalcaemia, diabetes mellitus and the symptoms from a pituitary tumour as well the issues around a gastrinoma and monitor fetal well-being. A Caesarean section was performed at 35 weeks gestation for a growth-restricted fetus with raised umbilical artery Dopplers. The neonate was treated with intravenous calcium secondary to hypocalcaemia. The patient and neonate recovered well. We have demonstrated successful management of a woman with MEN 1 who completed her pregnancy with few complications and a healthy neonate. It is vital for such women to be managed in the context of a multidisciplinary team setting to optimise maternal and fetal outcomes.
Postprandial Plasma Glucose Response and Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity in Patients With Diabetic Gastroparesis
Authors: Olausson Eva A. , Grundin Håkan , Isaksson Mats , Brock Christina , Drewes Asbjørn M. , Attvall Stig , Simrén Magnus
Published: May 2014

Background:

Gastroparesis is a well-known diabetic complication. The pathogenesis is not fully understood. However, it is important to early diagnose these patients.

Method:

This study evaluated the plasma glucose response after a test meal, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptom severity in patients with clinical suspicion of diabetic gastroparesis, and assessed its usefulness to predict gastroparesis. In all, 83 subjects with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (DM) type 1 and 2 were included; 53 subjects had gastroparesis and 30 had normal gastric emptying determined by gastric scintigraphy. GI symptom severity during the preceding 2 weeks was evaluated with a validated questionnaire. The test meal consisted of 100 g meat, 40 g pasta, 150 g carrot, and 5 g oil. The subjects ingested the meal under fasting conditions, and plasma glucose was followed during 180 minutes.

Results:

Patients with gastroparesis demonstrated a blunted plasma glucose response after a test meal versus patients with normal gastric emptying ( P < .005), reflected by lower maximum increase in plasma glucose response and incremental area under the curve of the plasma glucose, but a similar time to the maximum plasma glucose level. All GI symptoms were more severe in patients with gastroparesis. GI symptom severity had the best discriminative value to identify patients with gastroparesis with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.83 (optimal cutoff: sensitivity 87%, specificity 80%).

Conclusions:

Patients with diabetic gastroparesis have a blunted postprandial plasma glucose response. Combining this information with the presence of GI symptoms can help clinicians identify diabetic patients with gastroparesis.
Long-Term Hypoparathyroidism and Hypophosphatemia in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Shavit Linda , Lifschitz Meyer , Slotki Itzchak
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives. Hypoparathyroidism in patients with functioning kidneys leads to hyperphosphatemia. This article reviews data suggesting that hypoparathyroidism in patients on dialysis leads to hypophosphatemia. Design. Clinical data of the following were reviewed: ( a) a patient with hypoparathyroidism before and during chronic dialysis; ( b) patients on dialysis with surgically created hypoparathyroidism; ( c) dialysis patients being treated with Cinacalcet, a calcium-sensing receptor agonist that lowers parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels; and ( d) dialysis patients being treated with Velcalcetide, a new calcium-sensing receptor agonist that also lowers PTH. Results. In the patient presented in this study, in patients with surgically created hypoparathyroidism, and those receiving Cinacalcet or Velcalcetide, a fall in PTH was associated with hypophosphatemia or a fall in serum phosphorus. Conclusion. In patients on dialysis, hypoparathyroidism may lead to hypophosphatemia.
Characteristics of defect bands and their formation mechanisms in A356 wheel fabricated by horizontal squeeze casting
Authors: Huang X. S. , He L. J. , Mi G. B. , Li P. J.
Published: May 2014

Based on the opinion that a decreasing solid fraction gradient in the cross-section develops during the intensification stage, the shear stress in the solidifying alloy was analysed, and a mechanism for dilatant band formation was discussed. That is, when the shear stress at one position of the stable grain network reaches a critical value, the network collapses and the band forms. The characteristics of defect bands at different locations of an A356 wheel fabricated by horizontal squeeze casting were then studied. Three types of defect bands, i.e. skin related band, dilatant band and separate band, were observed. Combining the process and conditions of defect band formation, several types of defect bands in the casting were discussed. Furthermore, the influence of the structural characteristics of castings on the defect bands, including thickness, geometry and location, was summarised.
Genome-wide identification of heat shock proteins (Hsps) and Hsp interactors in rice: Hsp70s as a case study
Authors: Wang Yongfei , Lin Shoukai , Song Qi , Li Kuan , Tao Huan , Huang Jian , Chen Xinhai , Que Shufu , He Huaqin
Published: May 2014

Background

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) perform a fundamental role in protecting plants against abiotic stresses. Although researchers have made great efforts on the functional analysis of individual family members, Hsps have not been fully characterized in rice (Oryza sativaL.) and little is known about their interactors.

Results

In this study, we combined orthology-based approach with expression association data to screen rice Hsps for the expression patterns of which strongly correlated with that of heat responsive probe-sets. Twenty-seven Hsp candidates were identified, including 12 small Hsps, six Hsp70s, three Hsp60s, three Hsp90s, and three clpB/Hsp100s. Then, using a combination of interolog and expression profile-based methods, we inferred 430 interactors of Hsp70s in rice, and validated the interactions by co-localization and function-based methods. Subsequent analysis showed 13 interacting domains and 28 target motifs were over-represented in Hsp70s interactors. Twenty-four GO terms of biological processes and five GO terms of molecular functions were enriched in the positive interactors, whose expression levels were positively associated with Hsp70s. Hsp70s interaction network implied that Hsp70s were involved in macromolecular translocation, carbohydrate metabolism, innate immunity, photosystem II repair and regulation of kinase activities.

Conclusions

Twenty-seven Hsps in rice were identified and 430 interactors of Hsp70s were inferred and validated, then the interacting network of Hsp70s was induced and the function of Hsp70s was analyzed. Furthermore, two databases named Rice Heat Shock Proteins (RiceHsps) and Rice Gene Expression Profile (RGEP), and one online tool named Protein-Protein Interaction Predictor (PPIP), were constructed and could be accessed athttp://bioinformatics.fafu.edu.cn/.
Characterization of necrosis-inducing NLP proteins in Phytophthora capsici
Authors: Feng Bao-Zhen , Zhu Xiao-Ping , Fu Li , Lv Rong-Fei , Storey Dylan , Tooley Paul , Zhang Xiu-Guo
Published: May 2014

Background

Effector proteins function not only as toxins to induce plant cell death, but also enable pathogens to suppress or evade plant defense responses. NLP-like proteins are considered to be effector proteins, and they have been isolated from bacteria, fungi, and oomycete plant pathogens. There is increasing evidence that NLPs have the ability to induce cell death and ethylene accumulation in plants.

Results

We evaluated the expression patterns of 11 targeted PcNLP genes by qRT-PCR at different time points after infection by P. capsici. Several PcNLP genes were strongly expressed at the early stages in the infection process, but the expression of other PcNLP genes gradually increased to a maximum at late stages of infection. The genes PcNLP2, PcNLP6 and PcNLP14 showed the highest expression levels during infection by P. capsici. The necrosis-inducing activity of all targeted PcNLP genes was evaluated using heterologous expression by PVX agroinfection of Capsicum annuum and Nicotiana benthamiana and by Western blot analysis. The members of the PcNLP family can induce chlorosis or necrosis during infection of pepper and tobacco leaves, but the chlorotic or necrotic response caused by PcNLP genes was stronger in pepper leaves than in tobacco leaves. Moreover, PcNLP2, PcNLP6, and PcNLP14 caused the largest chlorotic or necrotic areas in both host plants, indicating that these three genes contribute to strong virulence during infection by P. capsici. This was confirmed through functional evaluation of their silenced transformants. In addition, we further verified that four conserved residues are putatively active sites in PcNLP1 by site-directed mutagenesis.

Conclusions

Each targeted PcNLP gene affects cells or tissues differently depending upon the stage of infection. Most PcNLP genes could trigger necrotic or chlorotic responses when expressed in the host C. annuum and the non-host N. benthamiana. Individual PcNLP genes have different phytotoxic effects, and PcNLP2, PcNLP6, and PcNLP14 may play important roles in symptom development and may be crucial for virulence, necrosis-inducing activity, or cell death during infection by P. capsici.
High-separation efficiency micro-fabricated multi-capillary gas chromatographic columns for simulants of the nerve agents and blister agents
Authors: Li Yi , Du Xiaosong , Wang Yang , Tai Huiling , Qiu Dong , Lin Qinghao , Jiang Yadong
Published: May 2014

To achieve both high speed and separation efficiency in the separation of a mixture of nerve and blister agent simulants, a high-aspect-ratio micro-fabricated multi-capillary column (MCC, a 50-cm-long, 450-μm-deep, and 60-μm-wide four-capillary column) was fabricated by the application of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) techniques. Mixtures of chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulants - dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), and methyl salicylate - were used as samples. The fabricated MCC allowed for the separation of all the components of the gaseous mixture within 24 s, even when the difference in boiling point was 4°C, as in the case of TEP and methyl salicylate. Furthermore, interfering agents - dichloromethane, ethanol, and toluene - were also included in the subsequent gaseous mixture samples. The boiling point of these six components ranged from 78°C to 219°C. All six components were clearly separated within 70 s. This study is the first to report the clear separation of gas mixtures of components with close boiling points. The column efficiency was experimentally determined to be 12,810 plates/m.
Synthesis and structure of undoped and indium-doped thermoelectric lead telluride nanoparticles
Authors: Kadel Kamal , Kumari Latha , Wang Xuewen , Li Wenzhi , Huang Jian Yu , Provencio Paula Polyak
Published: May 2014

Undoped and indium (In)-doped lead telluride (PbTe) nanostructures were synthesized via solvothermal/hydrothermal route. The crystalline structure of the as-prepared undoped and In-doped PbTe samples was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) which indicated the formation of face-centered single-phase cubic crystal. A first principle calculation on indium doping shows that the indium atoms are more likely to replace lead (Pb) rather than to take the interstitial sites. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis confirms that indium is incorporated into the PbTe matrix of the indium-doped PbTe samples. The effects of surfactant and synthesis temperature on the structure and morphology of the undoped PbTe were also investigated; it was found that PbTe nanostructures synthesized with the addition of surfactants exhibited uniform shapes and their size increased with the synthesis temperature.