bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision of the fish family Kyphosidae (Teleostei: Perciformes)
Authors: KNUDSEN STEEN WILHELM , CLEMENTS KENDALL D.
Published: December 2013

A molecular phylogenetic analysis with complete species sampling of the family Kyphosidae revealed several discrepancies with the current taxonomy. We thus undertook a complete taxonomic revision of all kyphosid genera, i.e. Kyphosus Lacepède, 1801, and the monotypic Hermosilla Jenkins and Evermann, 1889, Sectator Jordan and Evermann, 1903 and Neoscorpis Smith, 1931. Species delimitation was determined on the basis of congruence between (a) monophyletic groupings in the molecular phylogeny, and (b) clusters of morphological variation in type material. Twelve species are supported and redescribed. Both Hermosilla and Sectator are considered junior synonyms of Kyphosus. Kyphosus azureus (Jenkins & Evermann, 1889) and K. ocyurus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) are redescribed accordingly. We designate a neotype for Kyphosus cornelii (Whitley, 1944), as the original material is lost, and new material was collected at the type locality for this study to facilitate comparison with other species of Kyphosus. Kyphosus sandwicensis (sensu Sauvage, 1880) was found to be a junior synonym of K. elegans (Peters, 1869). Kyphosus incisor (Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1831) and K. analogus (Gill, 1862) are considered junior synonyms of K. vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825). Kyphosus gallveii (Cunningham, 1910), K. pacificus Sakai and Nakabo, 2004 and K. lutescens (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) are all considered junior synonyms of K. sectatrix (Linnaeus, 1758). One of the two syntype specimens of K. sectatrix was identified as the holotype of Pimelepterus bosquii (Lacepède, 1802), and proved to be a specimen of K. bigibbus Lacepède, 1801. This specimen is re-assigned as a non-type of K. bigibbus. Full re-descriptions of the following valid species are presented: K. bigibbus, K. cinerascens (Forsskål, 1775), K. cornelii, K. elegans, K. hawaiiensis Sakai and Nakabo, 2004, K. gladius Knudsen and Clements, 2013, K. sydneyanus (Günther, 1886) and K. vaigiensis, together with a key to the family. The distribution of Kyphosus species is reconsidered based on our taxonomic revision, indicating that four species (K. bigibbus, K. cinerascens, K. sectatrix and K. vaigiensis) occur in both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
Redescription of Paragaleus tengi (Chen, 1963) (Carcharhiniformes: Hemigaleidae) and first record of Paragaleus randalli Compagno, Krupp & Carpenter, 1996 from the western North Pacific
Authors: WHITE WILLIAM T. , HARRIS MARK
Published: December 2013

Paragaleus tengi was previously considered to be the only member of this genus occurring in the Western Pacific, with Paragaleus randalli occurring in the Indian Ocean and allopatric in distribution. Recent molecular and morphological studies showed that P. randalli also occurs in the Western Pacific with records from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia previously mostly incorrectly attributed to P. tengi. This paper provides a redescription of P. tengi and confirms the presence of P. randalli from off Taiwan in the western North Pacific. These two species are morphologically very similar in appearance but differ in meristics, dentition, some coloration attributes and minor morphological characters. The conservation status of these two species needs to be reassessed based on this new information.
Redescription of Hexanchus nakamurai Teng 1962, (Chondrichthyes: Hexanchiformes: Hexanchidae), with designation of a neotype
Authors: Ebert David A. , White William T. , HO HSUAN-CHING
Published: December 2013

Hexanchus nakamurai Teng, 1962 is one of two valid nominal species in the genus Hexanchus; the other being H. griseus. The taxonomic history of H. nakamurai is somewhat convoluted due to questions about the validity of whether it constituted a publication or an unpublished dissertation. The issue appeared to have been resolved once it was determined that the Teng’s original description met the criteria under the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature code (Article 8a) of a publication. However, recent molecular studies have indicated that the western North Atlantic H. nakamurai (=?H. vitulus) may be distinct from western Indian Ocean H. nakamurai. Compounding the issue is the loss of the holotype of H. nakamurai from Taiwan.  A neotype is herein designated and the species redescribed based on the neotype and eight additional Taiwanese specimens.
The Myth of Youth Apathy
Authors: Cammaerts Bart , Bruter Michael , Banaji Shakuntala , Harrison Sarah , Anstead Nick
Published: December 2013

A common interpretation of the low levels of electoral turnout among young voters is that they are apathetic and part of a generation that does not care about political issues—indeed, a selfish and materialistic generation. In this article, the authors question this common perception and test this claim against an important alternative: that the limitations to youth participation in Europe are due not to a lack of interest in the public good but rather to a combination of contextual and psychosocial factors, including the real as well as perceived inadequacy of the existing political offer. The authors assessed young people’s attitudes toward democratic life in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Austria, Finland, and Hungary. A mixture of a comparative mass survey, stakeholder interviews, an experiment, and focus groups was used. The data suggest that young people are willing to engage politically but are turned off by the focus and nature of existing mainstream political discourse and practice, which many believe excludes them and ignores their needs and interests. Contrary to the assumptions of the disaffected and apathetic citizen approach, there is a strong desire among many young Europeans to participate in democratic life, but this desire is not met by existing democratic institutions and discourses.
Effectiveness of Intravenous Ilomedin Infusion and Smoking Cessation in the Treatment of Acutely Symptomatic Buerger Disease
Authors: Spanos Kostas , Georgiou Evangelia , Saleptsis Vassileios , Athanasoulas Athanasios , Sakkas Lazaros , Giannoukas Athanasios D.
Published: December 2013

We assessed the effectiveness of iloprost treatment in the management of symptomatic Buerger disease (BD) and assessed smoking cessation compliance, based on a single-center experience. Thirteen patients with BD were treated with sessions of intravenous (IV) Ilomedin infusion. At 1-year follow-up, pain status alteration, number of analgesics required, ankle–brachial index (ABI) change, compliance with supervised smoking cessation, and amputation-free rate were recorded. The pain status improved considerably according to a visual analog scale, the number of analgesics required was significantly reduced, and all patients improved their pain-free walking distance, the ABI, and their self-reported quality of life. Only 2 patients required minor amputations. Combination of IV Ilomedin infusion, supervised smoking cessation, and a specific follow-up protocol may lead to improvement in pain-free walking distance, pain status, quality of life, and substantial reduction in amputation risk.
Predictive Risk Factors in Childhood Urinary Tract Infection, Vesicoureteral Reflux, and Renal Scarring Management
Authors: Roupakias Stylianos , Sinopidis Xenophon , Karatza Ageliki , Varvarigou Anastasia
Published: December 2013

Approaches to the management of children with urinary tract infection (UTI), vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and renal scars have been challenged and have become controversial over the past decade. It is difficult to determine when, how, and which patients will benefit from the diagnosis and management of this condition. Therefore, the issues of diagnostic imaging, observation, follow-up, and intervention tend to be decided more on a case-by-case basis, rather than by using an algorithm. Over the past few years, there have been advances in the identification of risk factors that predispose patients with UTI to present with VUR, to develop recurrent UTIs and renal scars, to have deteriorating renal function, to show VUR improvement and/or spontaneous resolution, and to be candidates for and benefit from early surgical intervention.
Ethnicity, corruption and violence in urban land conflict in Kenya
Authors: Obala Luke M , Mattingly Michael
Published: December 2013

Relatively little has been recorded about the relationships among ethnicity, corruption and conflict over urban land, especially at community level. The stories of land matters in four lower-income settlements in Nairobi, Kenya, drawn from extensive interviews with their occupants and officials and field observations, shed light on the roles of corruption and ethnicity in land conflicts and the character of violence involved. At the same time, they reveal new details of competition for urban land rights. In these cases, land conflict seemed to promote corruption and the use of ethnicity, while corruption and ethnicity were able to alter the relationship of this conflict to violence. There are findings here regarding sources of urban violence in general.
Does Becoming an ADL Spousal Caregiver Increase the Caregiver’s Depressive Symptoms?
Authors: Dunkle Ruth E. , Feld Sheila , Lehning Amanda J. , Kim Hyunjee , Shen Huei-Wern , Kim Min Hee
Published: December 2013

This study investigated whether transitioning into the role of activities of daily living (ADL) spousal caregiver is associated with increased depressive symptoms for older husbands and wives among a sample of coresiding community-dwelling older couples. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we estimated a two-level linear model to examine the association between change in caregiver status and respondents’ depressive symptoms at follow-up, controlling for other factors identified in Pearlin’s stress process model (PSPM). Results indicate that both husbands and wives who become ADL caregivers have more follow-up depressive symptoms than noncaregivers. Furthermore, wives continuing as caregivers have more follow-up depressive symptoms than wives who do not provide care. Finally, the physical health of the spousal caregiver is related to depressive symptoms at follow-up. We conclude with policy and practice implications of these three main findings.
Mining Immune Epitopes in the Inner Ear
Authors: Platt Michael , Dilwali Sonam , Elackattu Alphi , Parikh Jignesh R. , Stankovic Konstantina M.
Published: December 2013

Etiologies for many inner ear disorders, including autoimmune inner ear disease, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and Meniere's disease, remain unknown. Indirect evidence suggests an immune‐mediated process involving an allergic or autoimmune mechanism. We examined whether known immunogenic proteins share sequence similarity with inner ear proteins, which may lead to cross‐reactivity and detrimental immune activation. Comprehensive bioinformatic analyses of primary sequences of intact and mutated proteins associated with human hearing loss and all proteins known to be expressed in the human inner ear were compared with all immune epitopes in the Immune Epitope Database. The exact match and basic local alignment search tool computational algorithms identified 3036 and 106 unique epitope matches, respectively, the majority of which were infectious epitopes. If validated in future clinical trials, these candidate immune epitopes in the inner ear would be potential novel targets for diagnosis and treatment of some inner ear disorders and the resulting hearing loss.
Economic impact of hospitalisations among patients in the last year of life: An observational study
Authors: Gardiner Clare , Ward Sue , Gott Merryn , Ingleton Christine
Published: December 2013

Background:

Hospital admissions among patients at the end of life have a significant economic impact. Avoiding unnecessary hospitalisations has the potential for significant cost savings and is often in line with patient preference.

Objective:

To determine the extent of potentially avoidable hospital admissions among patients admitted to hospital in the last year of life and to cost these accordingly.

Design:

An observational retrospective case note review with economic impact assessment.

Setting:

Two large acute hospitals in the North of England, serving contrasting socio-demographic populations.

Patients:

A total of 483 patients who died within 1 year of admission to hospital.

Measurements:

Data were collected across a range of clinical, demographic, economic and service use variables and were collected from hospital case notes and routinely collected sources. Palliative medicine consultants identified admissions that were potentially avoidable.

Results:

Of 483 admissions, 35 were classified as potentially avoidable. Avoiding these admissions and caring for the patients in alternative locations would save the two hospitals £5.9 million per year. Reducing length of stay in all 483 patients by 14% has the potential to save the two hospitals £47.5 million per year; however, this cost would have to be offset against increased community care costs.

Limitations:

A lack of accurate cost data on alternative care provision in the community limits the accuracy of economic estimates.

Conclusions:

Reducing length of hospital stay in palliative care patients may offer the potential to achieve higher hospital cost savings than preventing avoidable admissions. Further research is required to determine both the feasibility of reducing length of hospital stay for patients with palliative care needs and the economic impact of doing so.
A review of the clinical diagnosis and therapy of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Yao Denghua , Kunam Vamsi Krishna , Li Xiao
Published: December 2013

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy worldwide. The incidence of intrahepatic CCA is increasing, whereas that of extrahepatic CCA is decreasing. This review looks at the new advances that have been made in the management of CCA, based on a PubMed and Science Citation Index search of results from randomized controlled trials, reviews, and cohort, prospective and retrospective studies. Aggressive interventional approaches and new histopathological techniques have been developed to make a histological diagnosis in patients with high risk factors or suspected CCA. Resectability of the tumour can now be assessed using multiple radiological imaging studies; the main prognostic factor after surgery is a histologically negative resection margin. Biliary drainage and/or portal vein embolization may be performed before extended radical resection, or liver transplantation may be undertaken in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Though many advances have been made in the management of CCA, the standard modality of treatment has not yet been established. This review focuses on the clinical options for different stages of CCA.
The Roles and Needs of Families of Adolescents With ASD
Authors: Smith Leann E. , Anderson Kristy A.
Published: December 2013

The transition of a student out of high school and into the adult world can be a stressful time for many families of high school students. This major life transition can be particularly challenging for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. In this article, we first discuss the roles of families in the transition process for their son or daughter with ASD. Next, we present literature on the unique needs of families of adolescents with ASD during the transition to adulthood. Finally, we highlight current research on best practices for supporting transition-age students and their families as well as discuss future directions for research and practice.
Early Marriage and Intimate Partner Violence Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Viet Nam
Authors: Hong Le Minh Thi , Tran Thach Duc , Nguyen Huong Thanh , Fisher Jane
Published: December 2013

Research about the association between early marriage and intimate partner violence (IPV) in low-income countries has yielded conflicting evidence. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of and associations between early marriage, and IPV among adolescents and young adults in Viet Nam. Secondary analysis of data from the national Survey Assessment of Viet Namese Youth–Round II (SAVY-II) conducted in 2009-2010, which assessed a representative cohort of people aged 14 to 25 years recruited via a systematic household survey was undertaken. Prevalence was established using descriptive statistics. The association between early marriage and IPV was examined using multiple logistic regressions, adjusting for potential risk factors. Of 10,044 participants, 1,701 had ever married and were included in analyses. Early marriage (before age 18), and experiences of verbal, physical, or sexual IPV were more common among females than males. More young married men than women reported experiences of controlling behaviors by their partners. Early marriage, being illiterate, and exposure to sexual abuse were associated with experience of IPV among young females, but not among young males. Poverty and exposure to family violence was associated with IPV in both sexes. Addressing early marriage, low educational opportunities for girls, childhood sexual abuse, family violence, and poverty should be considered in strategies to reduce IPV in Viet Nam.
Age-Graded Risks for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Male and Female Youth
Authors: Reid Joan A. , Piquero Alex R.
Published: December 2013

Emerging evidence indicates male youth are affected by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). However, most studies investigating risk markers influencing age of onset of CSE have focused on vulnerabilities of girls and women. Using a sample of 1,354 serious youthful offenders (of whom approximately 8% of males and females reported being paid for sex), the current study assessed whether risks associated with age of onset of CSE for girls and young women operated similarly in boys and young men. Findings showed that African American male youth were at heightened risk for CSE, while female youth of all races/ethnicities were at similar risk. For all youth, maternal substance use and earlier age of first sex were associated with early age of onset of CSE. For male youth, experiencing rape and substance use dependency were associated with early age of onset. Psychotic symptoms, likely experienced as social alienation, were associated with both early and late age of onset. For all youth, lower educational attainment was associated with CSE beginning in later adolescence or young adulthood. In addition, substance use dependency was linked to late age of onset for female youth. Implications of the study findings for theory development and application to CSE are noted.
Economic Implications of Inadequate Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism and Potential Solutions
Authors: Dobesh Paul P.
Published: December 2013

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and serious medical complication among medical and surgical patients, both in the hospital and postdischarge. Patients with venous stasis or vascular damage or those with underlying hypercoagulable disorders, including cancer, are at risk of developing VTE. The clinical consequences of inadequate treatment of VTE can result in significant patient morbidity and mortality. The direct health care costs and indirect societal costs related to VTE and its complications are high. Traditional anticoagulants can reduce recurrent VTE but they present costly management challenges. Oral anticoagulants currently in development offer simpler management compared with the established agents, potentially resulting in improved adherence with VTE treatment regimens and better outcomes. Reductions in recurrent VTE and its associated complications could translate into reduced direct and indirect costs.
Political Attitudes Bias the Mental Representation of a Presidential Candidate’s Face
Authors: Young Alison I. , Ratner Kyle G. , Fazio Russell H.
Published: December 2013

Using a technique known as reverse-correlation image classification, we demonstrated that the face of Mitt Romney as represented in people’s minds varies as a function of their attitudes toward Mitt Romney. Our findings provide evidence that attitudes bias how people see something as concrete and well learned as the face of a political candidate during an election. Practically, our findings imply that citizens may not merely interpret political information about a candidate to fit their opinion, but also may construct a political world in which they literally see candidates differently.
A novel self-tuning proportional–integral–derivative controller based on a radial basis function network for trajectory tracking of service robots
Authors: Yuan Mingxin , Cheng Shuai , Jiang Yafeng , Wang Sunan
Published: December 2013

To solve the trajectory tracking of service robots in autonomous navigation, a novel self-tuning proportional–integral–derivative controller identified by a radial basis function neural network (radial basis function proportional–integral–derivative controller) is presented. The error regarding the lateral distance and directional deviation angle of the service robot is taken as the control deviation in the radial basis function proportional–integral–derivative controller. During the trajectory tracking, the proportional–integral–derivative parameters of the proposed controller can be adaptively adjusted online by using a radial basis function identification network. To keep the tracking effect of the service robot from being influenced by the initial values (i.e. the initial proportional–integral–derivative parameters and their learning rates) of the radial basis function proportional–integral–derivative controller, a chaos small-world algorithm is introduced to optimize them. The simulation results of the trajectory tracking show that the proposed controller can realize online adjustment of proportional–integral–derivative parameters according to actual conditions of service robots and is characterized by strong noise and disturbance suppression capability. The optimization of the radial basis function network controller based on chaos small-world algorithm can further improve the trajectory tracking precision. Additionally, experiments in the indoor environment further support the validity of the proposed radial basis function proportional–integral–derivative controller for trajectory tracking of service robots.
A comparative analysis of the development of the auditing profession in the United Kingdom and France
Authors: Baker C Richard
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this article is to present a comparative analysis of the development of the auditing profession in the United Kingdom and France. Although legal requirements for external audits of company financial statements provided an opportunity for the development of an auditing profession as early as the mid-nineteenth century, differences in the role and status of professions led to differences in the development of the auditing profession in these two countries. It is only in recent years that there have been significant efforts to harmonize the regulatory structures for the auditing profession on a more international basis. The primary argument of this article is that historical differences in the ways that auditing has developed in different countries are significant and that international harmonization of the regulation of the auditing profession may be difficult to achieve without understanding these differences.
The emergent Institute of Chartered Accountants of India: An upper-caste profession
Authors: Sidhu Jasvinder , West Brian
Published: December 2013

The distinctive Indian caste system divides Hindu society into a hierarchy of four varnas, each of which also has a traditional association with particular categories of occupations. This exploratory study examines the interplay between varna and the emergent organised accounting profession in India. Using the earliest available membership list of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) – being 1953, just four years after the organisation’s formation – a comprehensive classification of the caste status of the Hindu membership was undertaken. Among other findings, this revealed a significant over-representation of the Brahman upper caste relative to this caste’s presence in the general population. This Brahman presence is posited as having endowed a status to the accounting occupation that aided the replication in India of the British model of professional organisation. However, it also meant that the formation of the ICAI would predominantly benefit an already privileged social stratum and contribute to perpetuating traditional caste hierarchies within the modern occupation of professional accounting.
Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Five Factor Form
Authors: Rojas Stephanie L. , Widiger Thomas A.
Published: December 2013

The current study tests the convergent and discriminant validity of a modified version of the Five Factor Model Rating Form (FFMRF), a one-page, brief measure of the five-factor model. The Five Factor Form (FFF) explicitly identifies maladaptive variants for both poles of each of the 30 facets of the FFMRF. The purpose of the current study was to test empirically whether this modified version still provides a valid assessment of the FFM, as well as to compare its validity as a measure of the FFM to other brief FFM measures. Two independent samples of 510 and 330 community adults were sampled, one third of whom had a history of some form of mental health treatment. The FFF was compared with three abbreviated and/or brief measures of the FFM (i.e., the FFMRF, the Ten Item Personality Inventory, and the Big Five Inventory), a more extended measure (i.e., International Personality Item Pool-NEO), an alternative measure of general personality (i.e., the HEXACO-Personality Inventory-Revised), and a measure of maladaptive personality functioning (i.e., the Personality Inventory for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition). The results of the current study demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity, even at the single-item facet level.
The Use of Nitrates in the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Hospitalized After Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Peguero Julio G. , Cornielle Vertilio , Gomez Sabas I. , Issa Omar M. , Heimowitz Todd B. , Santana Orlando , Goldszer Robert C. , Lamas Gervasio A.
Published: December 2013

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and effective strategies for its prevention are greatly needed. The purpose of this retrospective, single-center study was to investigate whether nitrate use during percutaneous coronary artery intervention reduces the incidence of CIN. Chart review of all individuals who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from April 2010 to March 2011 was done. Included in the study were patients who were admitted to the hospital after percutaneous coronary artery intervention and had baseline and follow-up creatinine measured. Patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis and those patients with insufficient information to calculate Mehran score were excluded. There were 199 patients who met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this study. In the identified population, postprocedure renal function was compared between 112 patients who received nitrates prior to coronary intervention and 87 who did not. Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined as either a 25% or a 0.5 mg/dL, or greater, increase in serum creatinine during the first 48 to 72 hours after contrast exposure. Overall, 43 (21.6%) patients developed CIN post-PCI. Of the patients who received nitrates, 15.2% developed renal impairment when compared to 29.9% in those who did not (odds ratio [OR] = 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.84, P = .014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that nitrate use was independently correlated with a reduction in the development of contrast nephropathy (OR = 0.334, 95% CI 0.157-0.709, P = .004). Additionally, of the various methods of nitrate administration, intravenous infusion was shown to be the most efficacious route in preventing renal impairment (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.20-0.90, P = .03). In conclusion, the use of nitrates prior to PCI, particularly intravenous nitroglycerin infusion, may be associated with a decreased incidence of CIN.
Role of ATP-Sensitive K+ Channels in Cardiac Arrhythmias
Authors: Nakaya Haruaki
Published: December 2013

The sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ (sarcKATP) channel in the heart is a hetero-octamer comprising the pore-forming subunit Kir6.2 and the regulatory subunit sulfonylurea receptor SUR2A. By functional analysis of genetically engineered mice lacking sarcKATP channels, the pathophysiological roles of the K+ channel in the heart have been extensively evaluated. Although mitochondrial KATP (mitoKATP) channel is proposed to be an important effector for the protection of ischemic myocardium and the inhibition of ischemia/reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias, the molecular identity of mitoKATP channel has not been established. Although selective sarcKATP-channel blockers can prevent ischemia/reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias by inhibiting the action potential shortening in the acute phase, the drugs may aggravate the ischemic damages due to intracellular Ca2+ overload. The sarcKATP channel is also mandatory for optimal adaptation to hemodynamic stress such as sympathetic activation. Dysfunction of mutated sarcKATP channels in atrial cells may lead to electrical instability and atrial fibrillation. Recently, it has been proposed that the gain-of-function mutation of cardiac Kir6.1 channel can be a pathogenic substrate for J wave syndromes, a cause of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation as early repolarization syndrome or Brugada syndrome, whereas loss of function of the channel mutations can underlie sudden infant death syndrome. However, precise role of Kir6.1 channels in cardiac cells remains to be defined and further study may be needed to clarify the role of Kir6.1 channel in the heart.
Breaking Barriers
Authors: Lee Mihan
Published: December 2013

Many studies have attributed the disproportionately high rate of domestic violence in Asian communities to Asian patriarchal “cultural norms” and the psychological and behavioral traits that these norms produce in individuals. This article seeks to expand the scope of domestic violence analysis beyond these individual and cultural frameworks, arguing that Asian domestic violence is also a product of larger scale, social systems of inequality. By examining the funding criteria of the Family Violence Prevention Services Administration (FVPSA) and the Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) standard used by Robin Hood, my research shows how state and private organizations systematically devalue and underfund minority-targeted programs.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Albus Heidi , Ro Heejung
Published: December 2013

This research builds on the halo effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature in marketing to provide insight into the positive effect of CSR in a service encounter. Using a company’s green practices as CSR, this research examines how customers’ perceptions of CSR might spill over into their evaluations of the company and behavioral intentions in a service recovery context. The results, from 418 participants of the scenario-based role-playing experiment, indicate that CSR and service recovery have a significant effect on customer satisfaction, trust, word-of-mouth recommendations, and repeat patronage intentions in a casual-dining restaurant setting. Also, an interaction effect suggests that the CSR effect is more pronounced in a positive service recovery compared to a negative service recovery. The findings of this research provide researchers and practitioners with a better understanding of CSR and the positive influence it has on customer responses in a service encounter.
Biochemical survey of free-roaming cats (Felis catus) in New York City presented to a trap–neuter–return program
Authors: Wycislo Kathryn L , Connolly Sara L , Slater Margaret R , Makolinski Kathleen V
Published: December 2013

Free-roaming cats in New York, NY, USA, that presented to a trap–neuter–return program were surveyed for biochemical data. One hundred and one cats had blood collected for a plasma biochemistry panel after the induction of surgical anesthesia. Reference intervals for 18 analytes were generated for the sample population, along with age-specific reference intervals when statistically appropriate. Age groups (juveniles and adults) differed in 10 of the 18 analytes measured, including protein levels and albumin/globulin ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, creatinine, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. No differences were found between males and females. This is the first report of biochemical reference intervals for a group of free-roaming cats within the USA.
Fingolimod to treat severe multiple sclerosis after natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: a valid option?
Authors: Maillart Elisabeth , Louapre Céline , Lubetzki Catherine , Papeix Caroline
Published: December 2013

We report two cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Severe MS relapses occurred between four and five months after natalizumab discontinuation. After failure of immunomodulatory treatment, both patients were treated with fingolimod. The outcome was positive on clinical and MRI disease activity, without worsening of the progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. These observations suggest that using fingolimod for severe multiple sclerosis after natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy may be an option, under close clinical and radiological monitoring.
Undergraduates’ attitudes to text messaging language use and intrusions of textisms into formal writing
Authors: Grace Abbie , Kemp Nenagh , Martin Frances H , Parrila Rauno
Published: December 2013

Students’ increasing use of text messaging language has prompted concern that textisms (e.g., 2 for to, dont for don’t, ☺) will intrude into their formal written work. Eighty-six Australian and 150 Canadian undergraduates were asked to rate the appropriateness of textism use in various situations. Students distinguished between the appropriateness of using textisms in different writing modalities and to different recipients, rating textism use as inappropriate in formal exams and assignments, but appropriate in text messages, online chat and emails with friends and siblings. In a second study, we checked the examination papers of a separate sample of 153 Australian undergraduates for the presence of textisms. Only a negligible number were found. We conclude that, overall, university students recognise the different requirements of different recipients and modalities when considering textism use and that students are able to avoid textism use in exams despite media reports to the contrary.
Making clinical decisions when ‘behavior has meaning’: An ethnographic study of expertise in a residential treatment center for children and adolescents
Authors: Smith Yvonne
Published: December 2013

Although social work scholars have proposed and promoted various models for making effective and ethical clinical decisions, little empirical research has addressed processes of clinical decision-making as they occur naturally in ‘real world’ mental health practice. This article briefly reviews approaches to the study of decision-making, and presents findings from an ethnographic study of the collaborative decision-making activities of mental health workers in a residential treatment center for children and adolescents. This article describes and analyzes a local theory and practice of interactional clinical decision-making in which workers provide competing interpretations of the ‘meaning’ of clients’ behaviors before committing to a particular course of clinical action. This process, which I term the ‘behavior-has-meaning’ hermeneutic, serves not only to guide clinical interventions, but as a forum for modeling, developing, and evaluating locally valued forms of clinical expertise. Implications of these findings for the implementation of prescriptive models of clinical decision-making – such as the evidence-based practice process – are discussed.
Leader–Follower Interpersonal Emotion Management
Authors: Thiel Chase , Griffith Jennifer , Connelly Shane
Published: December 2013

Compliance with demands to express certain emotions at certain times is difficult for most employees to achieve without also experiencing adverse effects such as stress. Emotion researchers typically study “demands” in the form of organizational display rules. However, most emotional “demands” come from leaders who are uniquely positioned to help subordinates manage negative emotions and express positive ones. While this is often implied in the literature, research projects on leader-facilitated emotion management are scarce. Using Cóté’s social interaction model as a theoretical foundation, we examine leader-facilitated emotion management in a simulated workplace setting. Interpersonal, as opposed to intrapersonal, emotion management is a multifaceted process, whose success depends on emotion-focused action and socioaffective needs being met. Our hypotheses rested on this premise, and we sought to find the most effective combination of two common emotion-focused emotion management strategies (i.e., reappraisal and suppression) with a person-focused emotion management strategy (i.e., leader empathy) for helping participants to minimize stress from an affective event. We compared these relationships across a simulated crisis situation and under normal circumstances. Our results highlight the fundamental differences between interpersonal and intrapersonal emotion management. Suppression was found to be an effective strategy for lowering employee stress after an emotional event and expression of an active, negative emotion (i.e., anger) as long as the leader also displayed empathy. Under times of crisis, the empathy-suppression combination appeared to be especially effective. Implications are discussed.
Are Humanism and Mixed Methods Related? Leibniz’s Universal (Chinese) Dream
Authors: Andrés-Gallego José
Published: December 2013

According to Guba and Lincoln, renunciation of mixed methods is characteristic of a moribund culture with the possible exception of human sciences. The question I raise here is whether a person can be considered a humanist only if he or she mixes methods, and I analyze Leibniz’s search for a universal system of justice to test this hypothesis. Considering the difference between a methodology and a mere approach, I also consider the issue of whether acquiring knowledge of any methodology always entails an approach. I stress the relationship between the concepts of “paradigm” and “culture” as a set of habits linked to mixed methods, and I conclude with an explanation of how mixing methods can be first sequential and, then, concurrent.
Calcium and fat metabolic balance, and gastrointestinal tolerance in term infants fed milk-based formulas with and without palm olein and palm kernel oils: a randomized blinded crossover study
Authors: Leite Maria Efigênia de Queiroz , Lasekan John , Baggs Geraldine , Ribeiro Tereza , Menezes-Filho Jose , Pontes Mariana , Druzian Janice , Barreto Danile Leal , de Souza Carolina Oliveira , Mattos Ângela , Costa-Ribeiro Hugo
Published: December 2013

Background

Effects of palm olein (POL) on calcium and fat metabolic balance and gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance have been clinically evaluated but its use in combination with palm kernel oil (PKO), and canola oil has not been similarly assessed in infants.

Methods

Calcium and fat balance and GI tolerance were evaluated in 33 healthy term infants (age = 68-159d) in a randomized, double-blinded, 14d crossover trial at a day care center in Salvador, Brazil; followed by a 4d hospital ward metabolic balance study in 17 of the male subjects. The study compared two commercially available milk-based powdered formulas in Brazil; one containing POL (44% of total fat), PKO (21.7%) and canola oil (18.5%) as predominant fats (PALM), and the other containing none (NoPALM). Occasional human milk (HM) supplementation was allowed at home.

Results

Formula and HM intakes, and growth were not different (p > 0.05). Calcium absorption (%) for infants fed NoPALM (58.8 ± 16.7%; means ± SD) was higher (p = 0.023) than those fed PALM (42.1 ± 19.2%), but was not significant (p = 0.104) when calcium intake was used as a covariate. Calcium intake was higher (p < 0.001) in NoPALM versus PALM fed infants. However, calcium retention (%) was higher in infants fed NoPALM compared to PALM with (p = 0.024) or without (p = 0.015) calcium intake as a covariate. Fat absorption (%) for NoPALM was greater than PALM fed infants (NoPALM = 96.9 ± 1.2 > PALM = 95.1 ± 1.5; p = 0.020 in Study Period I). Mean rank stool consistency was softer in infants fed NoPALM versus PALM (p < 0.001; metabolic period). Adverse events, spit-up/vomit, fussiness and gassiness were not different (p > 0.05). Formula acceptability was high and comparable for both formula feedings, regardless of HM supplementation.

Conclusions

Term infants fed PALM based formula (containing palm olein, palm kernel and canola oils) demonstrated lower calcium retention and fat absorption, and less softer stool consistency versus infants fed NoPALM based formula. Study suggested formula fat differences may affect GI function in infants.

Clinical trial registration

Clinical Trial.Gov # (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov): NCT00941564.
Allogeneic Transplantation Versus Chemotherapy as Postremission Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Prospective Matched Pairs Analysis
Authors: Stelljes Matthias , Krug Utz , Beelen Dietrich W. , Braess Jan , Sauerland Maria C. , Heinecke Achim , Ligges Sandra , Sauer Tim , Tschanter Petra , Thoennissen Gabriela B. , Berning Björna , Kolb Hans J. , Reichle Albrecht , Holler Ernst , Schwerdtfeger Rainer , Arnold Renate , Scheid Christoph , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Woermann Bernhard J. , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Büchner Thomas
Published: December 2013

Purpose

The majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who achieve complete remission (CR) relapse with conventional postremission chemotherapy. Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (alloSCT) might improve survival at the expense of increased toxicity. It remains unknown for which patients alloSCT is preferable.

Patients and Methods

We compared the outcome of 185 matched pairs of a large multicenter clinical trial (AMLCG99). Patients younger than 60 years who underwent alloSCT in first remission (CR1) were matched to patients who received conventional postremission therapy. The main matching criteria were AML type, cytogenetic risk group, patient age, and time in first CR.

Results

In the overall pairwise compared AML population, the projected 7-year overall survival (OS) rate was 58% for the alloSCT and 46% for the conventional postremission treatment group (P = .037; log-rank test). Relapse-free survival (RFS) was 52% in the alloSCT group compared with 33% in the control group (P < .001). OS was significantly better for alloSCT in patient subgroups with nonfavorable chromosomal aberrations, patients older than 45 years, and patients with secondary AML or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. For the entire patient cohort, postremission therapy was an independent factor for OS (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.89 for alloSCT v conventional chemotherapy), among age, cytogenetics, and bone marrow blasts after the first induction cycle.

Conclusion

AlloSCT is the most potent postremission therapy for AML and is particularly active for patients 45 to 59 years of age and/or those with high-risk cytogenetics.
X-ray Direct Observation of Reactions and Labile Species on the Basis of Crystal Design
Authors: Kawano Masaki
Published: December 2013

This account reviews recent development of in situ crystallographic study of reactive intermediates using the cryo-trapping method. Starting from the basic concept of a reaction cavity in a crystal, we succeeded in not only observing photoinduced reactive species such as radical, carbene, and nitrene but also establishing a unique approach, crystalline molecular flask, to observe labile species in chemical reactions in a crystal. On the basis of such a crystalline reaction field design, we successfully observed irreversible reactive intermediates in a crystal.
A Non-Bornian Analysis of the Gibbs Energy of Ion Hydration
Authors: Murakami Wataru , Eda Kazuo , Yamamoto Masahiro , Osakai Toshiyuki
Published: December 2013

A non-Bornian model for understanding the Gibbs energy of ion hydration (Δ Ghyd° ) has been proposed, in which only short-range interactions between an ion and solvent molecules adjacent to the ion are considered, while the long-range electrostatic interaction between the ion and the outer bulk solvent is not explicitly included in the model. As the short-range interactions, Coulomb, polarization, and charge-transfer interactions are taken into account. It has thus been shown that the Δ Ghyd° scaled by the solvent-accessible surface (SAS) area of an ion can be given by a quadratic function of the electric field strength E at the SAS. Regression analyses with the derived analytical equation have been performed for the literature values of Δ Ghyd° for spherical ions, including 85 cations (with the charge number, z = 1 to 4) and 53 anions (with z = −1 and −2); good fitting results have been obtained for either the cations or the anions. An additional regression analysis has been performed for 10 representative cations, using the data set employed by Koehl et al. (J. Phys. Chem. B2009, 113, 5694). Our non-Bornian model has been found to be one of the highest performance models for the prediction of Δ Ghyd° .
Child Gender and Parental Investments In India: Are Boys and Girls Treated Differently?
Authors: Barcellos Silvia Helena , Carvalho Leandro S. , Lleras-Muney Adriana
Published: December 2013

Previous research has not always found that boys and girls are treated differently in rural India. However estimates of the effect of gender on parental investments could be biased if girls end up in larger families due to son-biased stopping rules. Using a novel identification strategy that exploits that gender at conception is random, we document that boys receive more childcare time than girls, they are breastfed longer and they get more vitamin supplementation. Compared to other developing countries, boys have an advantage in height and weight relative to girls. Neither greater needs nor anticipated family size explain the results. (JEL J12, J13, J16, O15)
The Historically Evolving Impact of the Ogallala Aquifer: Agricultural Adaptation to Groundwater and Drought
Authors: Hornbeck Richard , Keskin Pinar
Published: December 2013

Agriculture on the American Plains has been constrained historically by water scarcity. Post-WWII technologies enabled farmers over the Ogallala aquifer to extract groundwater for large-scale irrigation. Comparing counties over the Ogallala with nearby similar counties, groundwater access increased agricultural land values and initially reduced the impact of droughts. Over time, land use adjusted toward water intensive crops and drought sensitivity increased. Viewed differently, farmers in nearby water-scarce areas maintained lowervalue drought-resistant practices that fully mitigate naturally higher drought sensitivity. The evolving impact of the Ogallala illustrates the importance of water for agricultural production, but also the large scope for agricultural adaptation to groundwater and drought. (JEL N51, N52, Q15, Q25, Q54)