bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Location Predicting Method for Indoor Mobile Target Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Gao Peng , Shi Weiren , Zhou Wei , Li Hongbing , Wang Xiaogang
Published: March 2013

Node position information is one of the important issues in many wireless sensor networks' usages. In this paper, based on path planning, a location predicting method (PPLP) for indoor mobile target localization is proposed. We first establish the path planning model to constrain the movement trajectory of the mobile target in indoor environment according to indoor architectural pattern. Then, one certain localization result can be obtained using MLE algorithm. After that, based on the path-planning model and some previous localization results, the most likely position of the target in the next time interval can be predicted with the proposed predicting approach. Finally, the MLE result and prediction result are weighted to obtain the final position. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
The Acetone Extract of Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) Possesses Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Potential against Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines (MCF‐7)
Authors: Tanih Nicoline Fri , Ndip Roland Ndip
Published: March 2013

Interesting antimicrobial data from the stem bark of Sclerocarya birrea, which support its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases, have been delineated. The current study was aimed to further study some pharmacological and toxicological properties of the plant to scientifically justify its use. Anticancer activity of water and acetone extracts of S. birrea was evaluated on three different cell lines, HT‐29, HeLa, and MCF‐7 using the cell titre blue viability assay in 96‐well plates. Apoptosis was evaluated using the acridine orange and propidium iodide staining method, while morphological structure of treated cells was examined using SEM. The acetone extract exhibited remarkable antiproliferative activities on MCF‐7 cell lines at dose‐ and time‐dependent manners (24 h and 48 h of incubation). The extract also exerted apoptotic programmed cell death in MCF‐7 cells with significant effect on the DNA. Morphological examination also displayed apoptotic characteristics in the treated cells, including clumping, condensation, and culminating to budding of the cells to produce membrane‐bound fragmentation, as well as formation of apoptotic bodies. The acetone extract of S. birrea possesses antiproliferative and apoptotic potential against MCF‐7‐treated cells and could be further exploited as a potential lead in anticancer therapy.
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Decoction, a Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula, for the Treatment of Essential Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xiong Xingjiang , Yang Xiaochen , Feng Bo , Liu Wei , Duan Lian , Gao Ao , Li Haixia , Ma Jizheng , Du Xinliang , Li Nan , Wang Pengqian , Su Kelei , Chu Fuyong , Zhang Guohao , Li Xiaoke , Wang Jie
Published: March 2013

Objectives. To assess the clinical effectiveness and adverse effects of Zhen Gan Xi Feng Decoction (ZGXFD) for essential hypertension (EH).Methods. Five major electronic databases were searched up to August 2012 to retrieve any potential randomized controlled trials designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of ZGXFD for EH reported in any language, with main outcome measure as blood pressure (BP).Results. Six randomized trials were included. Methodological quality of the trials was evaluated as generally low. Four trials compared prescriptions based on ZGXFD with antihypertensive drugs. Meta-analysis showed that ZGXFD was more effective in BP control and TCM syndrome and symptom differentiation (TCM-SSD) scores than antihypertensive drugs. Two trials compared the combination of modified ZGXFD plus antihypertensive drugs with antihypertensive drugs. Meta-analysis showed that there is significant beneficial effect on TCM-SSD scores. However, no significant effect on BP was found. The safety of ZGXFD is still uncertain.Conclusions. ZGXFD appears to be effective in improving blood pressure and hypertension-related symptoms for EH. However, the evidence remains weak due to poor methodological quality of the included studies. More rigorous trials are warranted to support their clinical use.
Burden of Intracranial Steno-Occlusive Lesions on Initial Computed Tomography Angiography Predicts Poor Outcome in Patients With Acute Stroke
Authors: Lau Alexander Y. , Wong Ka-sing Lawrence , Lev Michael , Furie Karen , Smith Wade , Kim Anthony S.
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

Computed tomography angiography is an accurate noninvasive method to diagnose intracranial steno-occlusive disease (ICAD) at initial presentation for stroke. We aimed to identify features of computed tomography angiography associated with unfavorable outcome.

Methods—

We identified patients with ICAD in the Screening Technology and Outcomes Project in Stroke Study, a prospective imaging-based study of stroke outcomes, in consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) presenting to 2 academic medical centers. All patients underwent computed tomography angiography, which were graded by 2 neuroradiologists independently. Univariate and multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of favorable outcome at 6 months, defined as a modified Rankin Scale ≤2.

Results—

Among 539 patients that met study entry criteria, ICAD was identified in 212 patients (39%); 116 patients (22%) had concurrent extraintracranial lesions, and 66 patients (12%) had multiple sites of ICAD. Patients with ICAD had more severe stroke (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, 9 versus 3;
P
<0.001), worse outcomes at 6 months (modified Rankin Scale, 0–2; 57% versus 73%;
P
<0.001), and higher mortality (18% versus 8%;
P
=0.001). In the multivariate model, age (odds ratio [OR], 0.75 per decade; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–0.87), female sex (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32–0.73), multiple sites of ICAD (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29–0.97), complete occlusion (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.25–0.72), and concurrent extraintracranial lesions (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.31–0.84) negatively predicted favorable outcome.

Conclusions—

Findings of multiple sites of ICAD from computed tomography angiography, concurrent extraintracranial lesions, and complete occlusion are independent predictors of unfavorable outcome at 6 months.
Early Prediction of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: de Rooij Nicolien K. , Greving Jacoba P. , Rinkel Gabriel J.E. , Frijns Catharina J.M.
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

To develop and validate a risk chart for prediction of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage based on admission characteristics.

Methods—

For derivation of the risk chart, we studied data from 371 prospectively collected consecutive subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with a confirmed aneurysm admitted between 1999 and 2007. For its validation we similarly studied 255 patients admitted between 2007 and 2009. The predictive value of admission characteristics was tested in logistic regression models with delayed cerebral ischemia–related infarction as primary outcome. Procedure-related infarctions were not included. Performance of the models was tested by discrimination and calibration. On the basis of these models, a risk chart was developed for application in clinical practice.

Results—

The strongest predictors were clinical condition on admission, amount of blood on computed tomography (both cisternal and intraventricular) and age. A model that combined these 4 predictors had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.63 (95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.69). This model improved little by including current smoking and hyperglycemia on admission (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.59–0.71). The risk chart predicted risks of delayed cerebral ischemia–related infarction varying from 12% to 61%. Both low risk (<20% risk) and high risk (>40% risk) were predicted in ≈20% of the patients. Validation confirmed that the discriminative ability was adequate (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.77).

Conclusions—

Absolute risks of delayed cerebral ischemia–related infarction can be reliably estimated by a simple risk chart that includes clinical condition on admission, amount of blood on computed tomography (both cisternal and intraventricular), and age.
Biomorphic Presentation of Proteins: Artistic Science or Scientific Art?
Authors: Balaji S.
Published: March 2013

The author's biomorphic presentations of proteins are intended to promote the understanding of protein structure by analogy with living organisms. The understanding of a protein's structure is necessary to the understanding of its function. The analogies discussed in this paper can be used to understand the structure-function relationship; they convey the structural and functional information aesthetically. The biomorphic representation of proteins based on their topology may be used to classify proteins as well as to study their structure-function relationships.
Network Intelligence for All
Authors: Arıkan Burak
Published: March 2013

Network intelligence today is only available for scientists, engineers, government and business institutions. However today we live an interconnected and complex life more than ever. We should all have access to network intelligence and move beyond its intended goals. Therefore what we need are easy-to-use and accessible tools, having many examples and platforms for collaboration. This way non-experts too could traverse the finest complexity and enjoy the merits of network intelligence.
Navigation in Complex Networks
Authors: Zweig Katharina Anna
Published: March 2013

The question of how humans learn to navigate in a new environment has mainly been studied in geographically embedded environments. Next to navigation in these concrete networks, people also need to understand and navigate abstract networks like those which connect concepts with each other. With a simple game the author and colleagues analyzed how humans explored an abstract word network and how they learned to navigate it extremely fast after a short period of learning.
Three Dimensional Visualization of Complex Environmental Data Sets of Variable Resolution
Authors: Burnham Brian
Published: March 2013

Three dimensional visualization of complex, variable resolution data sets is an inherent problem with the increase in data retrieval and processing methods. This problem translates across many disciplines in the sciences and engineering, but also in the arts, new media and social networking. In this paper the authors report on a project to integrate terrestrial and aerial based terrain data with variable degrees of resolution. Future implications of big data set visualization and the development of transdisciplinary approaches that can be used in both the sciences and the arts are discussed.
A new species of Chasmatopontius (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Dirivultidae) from a hydrothermal vent field in the Tofua Arc, southwestern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Kim Se-Joo , Kim Il-Hoi
Published: March 2013

A new species of siphonostomatoid copepod is described from a hydrothermal vent in the Tofua Arc of the southwestern Pacific at a depth of 1018 m. Chasmatopontius inflatus sp. nov. (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Dirivultidae) is defined and illustrated from specimens isolated from washings of invertebrates including gastropods, bivalves, and crustaceans collected from a hydrothermal vent field. A brief description of its habitat is presented. This new species can be distinguished from C. thescalus, the only known congener, by the greatly expanded mediodistal seta of the caudal ramus in the female, the three-segmented endopod of the female maxilliped, the smaller female body, not exceeding 0.9 mm in length, and the unique shape of the female genital double-somite.
Invasive crayfish Orconectes rusticus (Decapoda, Cambaridae) is a more effective predator of substrate nesting fish eggs than native crayfish (O. virilis)
Authors: Morse Joshua W. , Baldridge A. K. , Sargent L. W.
Published: March 2013

Non-indigenous crayfish pose substantial threats to native species, community structure, and ecosystem function in invaded lakes across the globe. The well-documented range expansion of the rusty crayfish Orconectes rusticus is an ideal system to study potential relationships between the attributes that contribute to invasive success, and the ways in which non-indigenous species alter invaded systems. In Michigan and northern Wisconsin (U.S.A.) lakes where O. rusticus is replacing its native congener O. virilis, it is thought that O. rusticus invasion may account for decreased fish abundance. However, not all of the potential mechanisms that could drive this process have been explored. We examined the hypothesis that O. rusticus are better benthic egg predators than O. virilis, and tested the prediction that O. rusticus would consume substrate bound fish eggs at a higher rate than its native congener. Support for this hypothesis would suggest that O. rusticus may be able to access a high-energy food source better than O. virilis, and exert predation pressures that could limit the abundance of fish species which might otherwise limit crayfish populations through top-down control. In laboratory experiments, we determined that O. rusticus exhibit a positive correlation between feeding rate and carapace length not displayed by O. virilis, and that larger O. rusticus feed at a higher rate than their native congener. We also found that O. rusticus in laboratory feeding trials engaged in longer feeding events than crayfish foraging in situ in a substrate-spawning fish nest, a factor which could give O. rusticus an advantage in resource competition with its native congener O. virilis. Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that O. rusticus is a better predator of substrate bound fish eggs than O. virilis, and suggest that direct predation by crayfish may influence fish reproduction in lakes where O. rusticus replaces O. virilis.
Religious Arguments in the Public Sphere: A View from Israel
Authors: Sapir Gidon , Statman Daniel
Published: March 2013

It is commonly believed that, from a liberal point of view, there is something problematic in government action rooted in religious considerations. We begin by showing exactly what kind of religious considerations might thought to be ruled out as a basis for such action. We then discuss at length the approach expressed by the Supreme Court of Israel, according to which legislation and other government actions based on religious considerations are problematic because they violate the right to freedom from religion of non-religious citizens. We reject the court’s interpretation of this right and conclude that the court has failed to explain why government action based on religious considerations is illegitimate.
Seed provenance influences the wood structure of Gallesia Integrifolia
Authors: Longui Eduardo Luiz , de Lima Israel Luiz , Andrade Ivelize Maciel , Freitas Miguel Luiz Menezes , Florsheim Sandra Monteiro Borges , Zanatto Antonio Carlos Scatena , da Silva Júnior Francides Gomes
Published: March 2013

Plants from three provenances of Gallesia integrifolia were cultivated under homogeneous growth conditions to determine the effect of seed provenance on the wood density, anatomy and chemical constituents. In 1981, seeds were collected in Ribeirão Preto (RP), Campinas (CA) and Bauru (BA). Seedlings of the three provenances were planted at the Luiz Antonio Station in 1982 and trees were felled in 2008. The plants showed significant differences in their wood, possibly due to different genotypes. The relatively small vessel diameter in CA was associated with a high wood density. The provenances RP and CA did not show radial variation in density, which indicates a more homogeneous wood than BA. To obtain wood with a high density, trees of the provenance CA would be most useful, while wood from the RP and CA provenances would be suitable if a homogeneous wood with minor radial variation were desirable.
Redescription of Alonella lineolata Sars, 1901 (Crustacea, Cladocera, Chydoridae) and its translocation to the subfamily Aloninae and to the new genus Bergamina gen. nov.
Authors: ELMOOR-LOUREIRO LOURDES M.A. , SANTOS-WISNIEWSKI MARIA JOSÉ , ROCHA ODETE
Published: March 2013

Alonella lineolata Sars 1901 (Anomopoda, Chydoridae) was described from a single female found in an aquarium prepared with dried mud from São Paulo, Brazil, and just recently this taxon has been reported again. The taxonomic status of A. lineolata was previously questioned, but re-evaluation was not possible until now due to the lack of specimens. The present paper described parthenogenetic females, based on specimens collected in a small pond at Pradópolis, state of São Paulo, and a specimen was selected as neotype. The head pores, mandibles, and the trunk limb morphology revealed that this species belongs to the subfamily Aloninae, instead of Chydorinae, as presumed by Sars. Despite its Alona-like aspect, this species presents a unique combination of characters, leading to its assignment to a new alonine genus, Bergamina gen.nov.
Four new Chlaenius species (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Chlaeniini) from Asia and a key to the species of subgenus Chlaenioctenus
Authors: LIU YE , SHI HONGLIANG , LIANG HONGBIN
Published: March 2013

Four new Chlaenius species are described from Asian region: C. cheni Liu & Liang sp. n., C. bodhidharma Liu & Liang sp. n., C. li Liu & Liang sp. n., and C. aodai Liu & Liang sp. n. Chlaenius langsonensis Kirschenhofer, 2008 is assigned from subgenus Ocybatus to Chlaenioctenus. Chlaenius (Chlaenioctenus) eneides Bates, 1892 is redescribed and lectotype is designated. A key to all species of the subgenus Chlaenioctenus is provided.
Southern Ocean Circulation and Eddy Compensation in CMIP5 Models
Authors: Downes Stephanie M. , Hogg Andrew McC.
Published: March 2013

Thirteen state-of-the-art climate models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) are used to evaluate the response of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) transport and Southern Ocean meridional overturning circulation to surface wind stress and buoyancy changes. Understanding how these flows—fundamental players in the global distribution of heat, gases, and nutrients—respond to climate change is currently a widely debated issue among oceanographers. Here, the authors analyze the circulation responses of these coarse-resolution coupled models to surface fluxes. Under a future CMIP5 climate pathway where the equivalent atmospheric CO2 reaches 1370 ppm by 2100, the models robustly project reduced Southern Ocean density in the upper 2000 m accompanied by strengthened stratification. Despite an overall increase in overlying wind stress (~20%), the projected ACC transports lie within ±15% of their historical state, and no significant relationship with changes in the magnitude or position of the wind stress is identified. The models indicate that a weakening of ACC transport at the end of the twenty-first century is correlated with a strong increase in the surface heat and freshwater fluxes in the ACC region. In contrast, the surface heat gain across the ACC region and the wind-driven surface transports are significantly correlated with an increased upper and decreased lower Eulerian-mean meridional overturning circulation. The change in the eddy-induced overturning in both the depth and density spaces is quantified, and it is found that the CMIP5 models project partial eddy compensation of the upper and lower overturning cells.
Skill and Global Trend Analysis of Soil Moisture from Reanalyses and Microwave Remote Sensing
Authors: Albergel C. , Dorigo W. , Reichle R. H. , Balsamo G. , de Rosnay P. , Muñoz-Sabater J. , Isaksen L. , de Jeu R. , Wagner W.
Published: March 2013

In situ soil moisture measurements from 2007 to 2010 for 196 stations from five networks across the world (United States, France, Spain, China, and Australia) are used to determine the reliability of three soil moisture products: (i) a revised version of the ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim; ERA-Land); (ii) a revised version of the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalysis from NASA (MERRA-Land); and (iii) a new, microwave-based multisatellite surface soil moisture dataset (SM-MW). Evaluation of the time series and anomalies from a moving monthly mean shows a good performance of the three products in capturing the annual cycle of surface soil moisture and its short-term variability. On average, correlations (95% confidence interval) are 0.66 (±0.038), 0.69 (±0.038), and 0.60 (±0.061) for ERA-Land, MERRA-Land, and SM-MW. The two reanalysis products also capture the root-zone soil moisture well; on average, correlations are 0.68 (±0.035) and 0.73 (±0.032) for ERA-Land and MERRA-Land, respectively. Global trends analysis for 1988–2010 suggests a decrease of surface soil moisture contents (72% of significant trends are negative, i.e., drying) for ERA-Land and an increase in surface soil moisture (59% of significant trends are positive, i.e., wetting) for MERRA-Land. As the spatial extent and fractions of significant trends in both products differ, the trend reflected in the majority of grid points within different climate classes was investigated and compared to that of SM-MW. The latter is dominated by negative significant trends (73.2%) and is more in line with ERA-Land. For both reanalysis products, trends for the upper layer of soil are confirmed in the root-zone soil moisture (first meter of soil).
The ascension of Kafkaesque bureaucracy in private sector organizations
Authors: Hodson Randy , Roscigno Vincent J , Martin Andrew , Lopez Steven H
Published: March 2013

Although Weber’s ideal typical model of bureaucracy was developed primarily in relation to the state, studies of private sector organizations typically adhere to its formal-rational conceptions with little adjustment. This is unfortunate since bureaucracy in private sector economic organizations has many elements that are poorly captured by and potentially significantly at odds with Weber’s thinking. Most notable in this regard is the pervasiveness of particularistic and often informal, emergent arrangements − arrangements well documented for many decades by workplace ethnographers. This has significant implications for the conception of modern private sector organizations and indeed offers a picture that is more Kafkaesque than Weberian. Significant support for this point is provided by an analysis of content coded organizational ethnographies. Weberian dimensions of bureaucracy − most notably coordinated and specialized organization and training − are predominant in public institutions; private sector establishments, in contrast, witness significantly more particularism as well as uncertainty and fear as core organizing principles. Importantly, and as delineated in our over-time comparisons, such Kafkaesque elements of bureaucracy and organization appear to be increasingly prevalent.
The Politics of Intergovernmental Grants in Canada
Authors: Mehiriz Kaddour , Marceau Richard
Published: March 2013

In this article, we present the findings of a study on the electoral use of intergovernmental grants for municipal infrastructure. The study adds to the body of work on redistributive politics by showing that both federal and provincial governments use intergovernmental grants for electoral purposes. The study also shows that grant distribution seems to be skewed toward electoral districts hold by governing party and by legislators who are influential in their party because they have more seniority or they fill ministerial positions. Therefore, this finding does not match the predictions of McGillivray’s model according to which in a political system like Canada’s, grant distribution would benefit to swing districts.
Agentic Capacities and Capacious Historical Materialism: Thinking with New Materialisms in the Political Sciences
Authors: Coole Diana
Published: March 2013

In this article, I note that the idea of a new materialist turn has recently been gathering steam. The first part considers some of the signature elements of the new materialisms. The most distinctive aspect identified here is the invocation of a generative or vital ontology of immanence. Following discussion of some of its principal claims, the article draws out its implications for reconceptualising agency, in particular regarding the way agentic capacities are recognised to be distributed across animate, and perhaps also inanimate, entities. The significance of this development for the political sciences is then explored. In a second part, I suggest that the new materialism entails a normative project. Here, ethical overtures towards a new sensitivity predicated on vital materialist insights are contrasted with a renewed critical theory. The latter is commended as a material reckoning of the 21st century: a project provisionally labelled a capacious historical materialism.
Overall bolt stress optimization
Authors: Pedersen Niels L
Published: March 2013

The state of stress in bolts and nuts with International Organization for Standardization metric thread design is examined and optimized. The assumed failure mode is fatigue, so the applied preload and the load amplitude together with the stress concentrations define the connection strength. Maximum stress in the bolt is found at the fillet under the head, at the thread start, or at the thread root. To minimize the stress concentration, shape optimization is applied. Nut shape optimization also has a positive effect on the maximum stress.

The optimization results show that designing a nut, which results in a more evenly distribution of load along the engaged thread, has a limited influence on the maximum stress due to the stress concentration at the first thread root. To further reduce the maximum stress, the transition from bolt shank to the thread must be optimized. Stress reduction of up to 34% is found, still with the standard International Organization for Standardization thread. The design changes suggested in this article also have the positive advantage of reducing the joint stiffness factor. The reduction in the bolt shank directly reduces the bolt stiffness but the design change to the bolt head and the nut has the positive indirect effect of increasing the member stiffness, all leading to a smaller joint stiffness factor.
The protective effects of ω-3 fatty acids on doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Tulubas Feti , Gurel Ahmet , Oran Mustafa , Topcu Birol , Caglar Veli , Uygur Emine
Published: March 2013

This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of ω-3 fatty acids (FAs) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats. A total of 24 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Control group was given only saline by intragastric gavage. DOX group received DOX at the dose of 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally on day 28. DOX-ω-3 FA group was given as ω-3 FAs at the dose of 400 mg/kg daily by intragastric gavage for 30 days and received DOX at the dose of 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally on day 28. At the end of the 30-day experimental period, the serum, liver and kidney tissue specimens were taken from the animals by giving a general anesthesia. Glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and GSH and MDA levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in liver and kidney tissues were measured spectrophotometrically. In our study, a significant increase in MDA levels was observed in rats when given a dose of DOX and a significant decrease in the levels of GSH, SOD and GSH-Px activities in serum, liver and kidney tissues was determined when compared with control group. In addition, a significant decrease in MDA levels was observed in rats when a dose of ω-3 FAs was given with DOX and a significant increase was determined in the levels of GSH, SOD and GSH-Px activities in serum, liver and kidney tissues, when compared with DOX group. We concluded that ω-3 FA had favorable effects in rat liver and kidney tissues by preventing oxidative damage.
Relational Competence-Based Knowledge Transfer Within Intrafamily Succession
Authors: Hatak Isabella R. , Roessl Dietmar
Published: March 2013

This article discusses the challenges of knowledge management within intrafamily succession against the background of the knowledge-based view. As a knowledge transfer is crucial for a successful business continuation, factors that promote the interpersonal knowledge transfer are identified. Since the quality of the relationship between successor and predecessor is considered a key determinant of knowledge transfer, the role of relational competence in the knowledge transfer process is analyzed. A laboratory experiment ( N = 107) was conducted to test the derived hypotheses. In its conclusion, the article presents the empirically confirmed strong relationship between relational competence and knowledge transfer within intrafamily succession.
A new era for studies on cross-Strait relations: Introduction
Authors: Lee Chun-Yi
Published: March 2013

After more than half a century’s separation, interaction between China and Taiwan has increased and has progressively changed from a politico-economic interaction to a more civic interaction. Scholars working on cross-Strait relations have recently begun to pay attention to the civic influence of Taiwanese businesses on the relationship. Some emphasize the importance of sub-governmental interactions in the process of cross-Strait integration. Others assert that Taiwanese businesses can exercise economic leverage to constrain the Chinese government in cross-Strait policymaking. These scholars stress bottom–up processes by observing current phenomena, then deducing the emerging pattern of cross-Strait relations that may be influenced by business activities. Taking account of changing trends in scholarly discussions of the cross-Strait relationship, this special issue of China Information presents current research in this field. Unlike studies on top–down processes that affect political and economic interactions between China and Taiwan, several contributions in the special issue highlight bottom–up mechanisms affecting such interactions by examining the identity of Taiwanese businesspeople and migrants, as well as the activities and implications of Taiwanese charitable organizations operating in China. This issue focuses not only on the impact of China on Taiwan, but also the impact of Taiwanese investments, migrants, and exports on Chinese society.
Islamicising Motifs in Byzantine Lead Seals: Exoticising Style and the Expression of Identity
Authors: Walker Alicia
Published: March 2013

Among a relatively small number of ninth- to eleventh-century Byzantine lead seals with animal motifs, scholars have long recognised that some show Islamicising stylistic and iconographic features. Building from a recently completed catalogue of the 140 middle Byzantine (c. 843–1204) lead seals decorated with animal devices in the collections of Dumbarton Oaks and the Harvard University Art Museums, this article establishes criteria for distinguishing Islamicising animal seals and offers some possible explanations for why the owners of these seals chose to represent themselves via these motifs. It is proposed that exotic stylistic and iconographic attributes helped express the seal owners’ social identities and aspirations.
Do Foreign Institutional Investors Reward Transparency and Disclosure
Authors: Ertuna Bengi , Tükel Ali
Published: March 2013

Corporate governance has emerged as a leading investment criterion for institutional investors with the rise of cross-border portfolio flows, especially for markets with weak investor protection. This study provides firm-level evidence on the relationship between the level of foreign institutional investment and the transparency and disclosure performance of companies listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. We develop a self-constructed transparency and disclosure index, consisting of voluntary and mandatory components, and find that only voluntary disclosure is positively associated with foreign institutional investment. We conclude that firms that operate in markets with lower governance standards can indeed attract more institutional investment through better disclosure, beyond what is required by regulations.

JEL Classification: G32, G34
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Revised Posttraumatic Growth Inventory for Children (PTGI-C-R)
Authors: Lau Joseph T. F. , Yeung Nelson C. Y. , Yu Xiaonan , Zhang Jianxin , Mak Winnie W. S. , Lui Wacy W. S. , Zhang Jianxin
Published: March 2013

We investigated the psychometric properties of the modified 8-item Chinese version of the Revised Posttraumatic Growth Inventory for Children (PTGI-C-R) among 3256 adolescents in Chengdu, China, after the Sichuan Earthquake in 2008. The PTGI-C-R showed good reliability (Cronbach’s α = .86; composite reliability = 0.87). A single factor was extracted by exploratory factor analysis and confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis in 2 randomly split half subsamples. Multigroup analyses showed that the single-factor structure was stable across gender groups and age groups (age <15 years and ≥15 years). The PTGI-C-R was negatively correlated with depression ( r = −0.21) and positively correlated with resilience, social support, and perceived importance of health, family, and friendship ( r ranged from 0.34 to 0.40). Our findings support the idea that the PTGI-C-R is a reliable and valid measure of posttraumatic growth among Chinese adolescents having experienced a natural disaster. Validation of the scale in the context of other traumatic events is warranted.
Quality Issues of Court Reporters and Transcriptionists for Qualitative Research
Authors: Hennink Monique , Weber Mary Beth
Published: March 2013

Transcription is central to qualitative research, yet few researchers identify the quality of different transcription methods. We explored the quality of verbatim transcripts from traditional transcriptionists and court reporters by reviewing 16 transcripts from 8 focus group discussions using four criteria: transcription errors, cost, time of transcription, and effect on study participants. Transcriptionists made fewer errors, captured colloquial dialogue, and errors were largely influenced by the quality of the recording. Court reporters made more errors, particularly in the omission of topical content and contextual detail, and were less able to produce a verbatim transcript; however, the potential immediacy of the transcript was advantageous. In terms of cost, shorter group discussions favored a transcriptionist and longer groups a court reporter. Study participants reported no effect by either method of recording. Understanding the benefits and limitations of each method of transcription can help researchers select an appropriate method for each study.
When Does Narcissistic Leadership Become Problematic? Dick Fuld at Lehman Brothers
Authors: Stein Mark
Published: March 2013

Driven by intense needs for power and prestige, narcissists all too frequently are to be found in leadership positions. Drawing on the dichotomy outlined in the literature that some narcissistic leaders are “constructive” (helpful) whereas others are “reactive” (unhelpful) to their organizations, I offer a new approach by reframing the debate and arguing that, at different times, a single individual may be both constructive and reactive. I draw on concepts from psychoanalysis in this formulation. I also argue that a downturn in the environment is the key factor that may lever a constructive narcissistic leader to become reactive. I use the example of Dick Fuld—whose leadership at Lehman Brothers was at the eye of the 2008 credit crisis storm—to illustrate this. A key implication is that constructive narcissistic leaders may be incubating problems that only become manifest at a later stage.
Hemangioblastoma of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Casadei Gardini Andrea , Pieri Federica , Fusaroli Pietro , Oboldi Devil , Passardi Alessandro , Monti Manlio , Rosetti Paola , Calpona Sebastiano , Valgiusti Martina , Ragazzini Angela , Amadori Dino , Frassineti Giovanni Luca
Published: March 2013

We present the first documented case of hemangioblastoma located in the left colon. A 75-year-old woman undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer experienced rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed a roundish mass covered with normal mucosa in the sigmoid colon. Endoscopic ultrasound showed an isoechoic lesion originating from the third layer of the intestinal wall; underlying layers were normal. Endoscopic ultrasound features were not suggestive of either cancer or malignant stromal tumor. Left hemicolectomy was subsequently performed due to repeated episodes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Grossly, a circumscribed submucosal yellowish nodule (13 mm) was observed, which was not attached to any peripheral nerve. Histologically, the lesion was composed of large, atypical cells traversed by a network of blood vessels. Immunohistochemically, the cells showed positivity for inhibin and NSE and weak positivity for S-100. A diagnosis of hemangioblastoma was made. This case highlights that hemangioblastoma of the gastrointestinal tract can also occur.
Treatment of Myotendinous Achilles Ruptures
Authors: Ahmad Jamal , Repka Michael , Raikin Steven M.
Published: March 2013

Background:

There is scant literature regarding the treatment of myotendinous Achilles ruptures. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine clinical outcomes from uniform nonsurgical treatment of these injuries.

Methods:

Between November 2005 and May 2011, 30 patients presented with an acute, complete myotendinous Achilles rupture. The location of the Achilles injury was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for all patients. All patients were treated nonsurgically, which involved 3 weeks of non-weight-bearing and then 3 weeks of progressive to full weight-bearing in an Achilles boot. Physical therapy was provided for 4 to 6 weeks after this period of immobilization. 21 patients were male and 9 were female. The patients had a mean age of 40.8 years (range, 24-54). Patients were followed an average of 40.5 months (range, 23-81).

Results:

Full healing of the Achilles myotendinous junction was achieved clinically in all 30 patients . All patients experienced improved function and less pain at their latest follow-up. Mean Foot and Ankle Ability Measure–Sports (FAAM-Sports) increased from 20.2% at the time of initial presentation to 95.2% at the latest follow-up ( P < .05). Mean Visual Analog Scores (VAS) of pain decreased from 8.2 at the time of initial presentation to 1.3 at latest follow-up ( P < .01). In all, 23 (76.7%), 6 (20%), and 1 (3.3%) patients rated their satisfaction as excellent, good, and fair, respectively. No patients have developed recurrent myotendinous Achilles ruptures to date.

Conclusion:

Nonsurgical treatment of myotendinous Achilles ruptures results in a high rate of myotendinous healing with improved patient function and pain relief.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Osteochondral Distal Metatarsal Allograft Reconstruction
Authors: Ajis Adam , Seybold Jeffrey D. , Myerson Mark S.
Published: March 2013

Background:

Painful degenerative diseases of the metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) are frequently progressive and difficult to treat. Traditional operative treatments such as debridement, distal metatarsal osteotomies, and arthroplasty present a unique set of complications, and pain and deformity may still occur. Osteochondral distal metatarsal allograft reconstruction (ODMAR) is presented as a salvage procedure, reserved for patients with significant bone loss or avascular necrosis in whom traditional interventions have failed or are inadequate to address the underlying joint deformity.

Methods:

A retrospective review identified all ODMAR cases performed by the senior author over the past 10 years. Patient symptoms, satisfaction, and MTPJ range of motion were measured at each postoperative evaluation. Graft healing and subsequent degenerative changes at the MTPJ were observed at each visit with foot radiographs. The surgical techniques for both first and lesser metatarsal reconstructions are described.

Results:

Six patients were identified with average follow-up interval of 36 months (range, 6-66). Preoperative diagnoses included infection (1), fracture (1), and avascular necrosis (4). Mean total arc of motion was 40 degrees (range, 30-50). All patients maintained viability of the allograft metatarsal head and joint space was normal or Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1 in 5 of 6 patients at final follow-up. All patients demonstrated osseous union of the metatarsal osteotomy site. No patients have undergone revision surgery to date.

Conclusions:

ODMAR is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of painful, degenerative conditions of the MTPJs. Further studies are required to determine the definitive indications and long-term outcomes for this procedure.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Psychometric Properties of the CES-D-10 in a Psychiatric Sample
Authors: Björgvinsson Thröstur , Kertz Sarah J. , Bigda-Peyton Joe S. , McCoy Katrina L. , Aderka Idan M.
Published: March 2013

The 10-item Center for the Epidemiological Studies of Depression Short Form (CES-D-10) is a widely used measure to screen for depression in primary care settings. The 10-item measure has demonstrated strong psychometric properties, including predictive accuracy and high correlations with the original 20-item version, in community populations. However, clinical utility and psychometric properties have yet to be assessed in an acutely symptomatic psychiatric population. This study examined the psychometric properties of the CES-D-10 in a sample of 755 patients enrolled in a psychiatric partial hospital program. Participants completed a diagnostic interview and a battery of self-report measures on admission and discharge. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis suggested that a one-factor structure provided a good fit to the data. High item–total correlations indicated high internal consistency, and the CES-D-10 demonstrated both convergent validity and divergent validity. Previously suggested cutoff scores of 8 and 10 resulted in good sensitivity (.91 and .89, respectively) but poor specificity (.35 and .47). These data suggest that although the CES-D-10 has generally strong psychometric properties in this psychiatric sample, the measure should be primarily used to assess depression symptom severity rather than as a diagnostic screening tool.
Corporeality, Sadomasochism and Sexual Trauma
Authors: Hammers Corie
Published: March 2013

Work in body studies and theories of affect challenge the mind/body dualism where human action/behavior is shown to be an embodied, lived event. More specifically, bodily practices not only inform/shape human subjectivity but convey what language—words—often cannot. BDSM is one such practice that illuminates embodied subjectivities, where the flesh proves pivotal to one’s orientation to/with the world. In this article I explore women BDSMers who, as survivors of sexual violence, engage in BDSM rape play. BDSM rape play foregrounds the flesh, exemplifying quite powerfully “bodily capacity,” one where bodily disintegration that occurred with the sexual assault is disrupted through bodily recuperation. This felt experience—the body as the source of insight—carries considerable weight, and should inform our thinking when it comes to feminist explorations of sexuality and those contentious and controversial practices such as BDSM.
Rewriting Bodies, Portraiting Persons? The New Genetics, the Clinic and the Figure of the Human
Authors: Latimer Joanna
Published: March 2013

Contemporary debate suggests that the new genetics may be changing ideas about the body and what it is to be human. Specifically, there are notions that the new genetics seems to erode the ideas that underpin modernity, such as the figure of the integrated, discrete, conscious individual body-self. Holding these ideas against the practices of genetic medicine, however, this article suggests a quite different picture; one that does not erase, but helps to keep in play, some crucial tenets of humanism. The article examines how the genetic clinic constructs clinical pictures as new forms of portraiture: assemblages in which multiple and heterogeneous images of bodies and their parts are juxtaposed. Rather than these portraits just making the distributed and hybrid nature of personhood explicit, shifts in ground mean that what is being portrayed is the possibility of a ‘syndrome–genotype’ relation. At first sight this appears as a straightforward geneticization of the body and the unravelling of the figure of the individual. But the article illustrates how, at the same time as the portraits of syndrome–genotypes are made up of many heterogeneous parts, the clinic still keeps in play an idea of persons that remains, unlike their bodies, much more than the sum of their parts. All the parts that make up the body of the person can still, at moments, be transcended, to refigure the human: the complex individual of humanist thought.
Doing Wholeness, Producing Subjects: Kinesiological Sensemaking and Energetic Kinship
Authors: Grünenberg Kristina , Hillersdal Line , Walker Hanne Kjærgaard , Boelsbjerg Hanne Bess
Published: March 2013

This article is concerned with the ways in which bodies and subjects are enacted and negotiated in the encounter between client and practitioner within specialized kinesiology – a specific complementary and alternative medical practice. In the article we trace the ideas of connections and disconnections, which are conceptualized and practised within kinesiology. We attempt to come to grips with these specific notions of relatedness through the introduction of the concept ‘energetic kinship’ and to relate them to more general discussions about the nature of subjects, bodies and social identity in late modern society. We argue that through the particular approach to the body as a prime locus of knowledge on which kinesiological treatment practices are based, kinesiology offers clients an alternative understanding of being-in-the-world. The understanding of the body as the locus of knowledge might, on the one hand, potentially alleviate the individual from the weight of a late modern focus on self-responsible, rational and autonomous individuality, while, on the other hand, it simultaneously supports this understanding. Hence, we argue that kinesiology operates with a subject which is both inherently related and individual at the same time, and that these particular understandings may be appealing in a world in which health and illness are increasingly seen as a question of individual responsibility. The article was written on the basis of interviews and participant observation among kinesiological teachers and practitioners in Denmark.