bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Inflammatory Disorders and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Coronary Heart Disease, and Stroke
Authors: Dregan Alex , Charlton Judith , Chowienczyk Phil , Gulliford Martin C.
Published: June 2014

Background—

This study sought to evaluate whether risks of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease are elevated across a range of organ-specific and multisystem chronic inflammatory disorders.

Methods and Results—

A matched cohort study was implemented in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink including participants with severe psoriasis (5648), mild psoriasis (85 232), bullous skin diseases (4284), ulcerative colitis (12 203), Crohn’s disease (7628), inflammatory arthritis (27 358), systemic autoimmune disorders (7472), and systemic vasculitis (6283) and in 373 851 matched controls. The main outcome measures were new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, or coronary heart disease. The outcomes were evaluated for each condition in a multiple outcomes model, with adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Estimates for different inflammatory conditions were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. There were 4695 new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 3266 of coronary heart disease, and 1715 of stroke. The hazard ratio for pooled multiple failure estimate was 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–1.26). The highest relative hazards were observed in systemic autoimmune disorders (1.32; 95% CI, 1.16–1.50) and systemic vasculitis (1.29; 95% CI, 1.16–1.44). Hazards were increased in organ-specific disorders, including severe psoriasis (1.29; 95% CI, 1.12–1.47) and ulcerative colitis (1.26; 95% CI, 1.14–1.40). Participants in the highest tertile of C-reactive protein had greater risk of multiple outcomes (1.52; 95% CI, 1.37–1.68).

Conclusions—

The risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus is increased across a range of organ-specific and multisystem chronic inflammatory disorders with evidence that risk is associated with severity of inflammation. Clinical management of patients with chronic inflammatory disorders should seek to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Plasma Phospholipid Saturated Fatty Acids and Incident Atrial Fibrillation: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Fretts Amanda M. , Mozaffarian Dariush , Siscovick David S. , Djousse Luc , Heckbert Susan R. , King Irena B. , McKnight Barbara , Sitlani Colleen , Sacks Frank M. , Song Xiaoling , Sotoodehnia Nona , Spiegelman Donna , Wallace Erin R. , Lemaitre Rozenn N.
Published: June 2014

Background

Prior studies suggest that circulating fatty acids may influence the risk of atrial fibrillation (
AF
), but little is known about the associations of circulating saturated fatty acids with risk of
AF
.

Methods and Results

The study population included 2899 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study, a community‐based longitudinal cohort of adults aged 65 years or older in the United States who were free of prevalent coronary heart disease and
AF
in 1992. Cox regression was used to assess the association of all the long‐chain saturated fatty acids—palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0)—with incident
AF
. During a median of 11.2 years of follow‐up, 707 cases of incident
AF
occurred. After adjustment for other
AF
risk factors, higher levels of circulating 16:0 were associated with a higher risk of
AF
(hazard ratio comparing highest and lowest quartiles: 1.48; 95%
CI
: 1.18, 1.86). In contrast, higher levels of circulating 18:0, 20:0, 22:0, and 24:0 were each associated with a lower risk of
AF
. The hazard ratios (95%
CI
) for
AF
in the top and bottom quartiles were 0.76 (95%
CI
: 0.61, 0.95) for 18:0; 0.78 (95%
CI
: 0.63, 0.97) for 20:0; 0.62 (95%
CI
: 0.50, 0.78) for 22:0; and 0.68 (95%
CI
: 0.55, 0.85) for 24:0.

Conclusions

Results from this prospective cohort study of older adults demonstrate divergent associations of circulating 16:0 versus longer‐chain saturated fatty acids with incident
AF
, highlighting the need to investigate both determinants of these levels and potential pathways of the observed differential risk.
Heart Valve Prostheses in Pregnancy: Outcomes for Women and Their Infants
Authors: Lawley Claire M. , Algert Charles S. , Ford Jane B. , Nippita Tanya A. , Figtree Gemma A. , Roberts Christine L.
Published: June 2014

Background

As the prognosis of women with prosthetic heart valves improves, and increasing number are contemplating and undertaking pregnancy. Accurate knowledge of perinatal outcomes is essential, assisting counseling and guiding care. The aims of this study were to assess outcomes in a contemporary population of women with heart valve prostheses undertaking pregnancy and to compare outcomes for women with mechanical and bioprosthetic prostheses.

Methods and Results

Longitudinally linked population health data sets containing birth and hospital admissions data were obtained for all women giving birth in New South Wales, Australia, 2000–2011. This included information identifying presence of maternal prosthetic heart valve. Cardiovascular and birth outcomes were evaluated. Among 1 144 156 pregnancies, 136 involved women with a heart valve prosthesis (1 per 10 000). No maternal mortality was seen among these women, although the relative risk for an adverse event was higher than the general population, including severe maternal morbidity (139 versus 14 per 1000 births, rate ratio [
RR
]=9.96, 95%
CI
6.32 to 15.7), major maternal cardiovascular event (44 versus 1 per 1000,
RR
34.6, 95%
CI
14.6 to 81.6), preterm birth (183 versus 66 per 1000,
RR
=2.77, 95%
CI
1.88 to 4.07), and small‐for‐gestational‐age infants (193 versus 95 per 1000,
RR
=2.03, 95%
CI
1.40 to 2.96). There was a trend toward increased maternal and perinatal morbidity in women with a mechanical valve compared with those with a bioprosthetic valve.

Conclusions

Pregnancies in women with a prosthetic heart valve demonstrate an increased risk of an adverse outcome, for both mothers and infants, compared with pregnancies in the absence of heart valve prostheses. In this contemporary population, the risk was lower than previously reported.
Racial Differences in the Association of Insulin Resistance With Stroke Risk
Authors: Howard George , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Kernan Walter N. , Cushman Mary , Thacker Evan L. , Judd Suzanne E. , Howard Virginia J. , Kissela Brett M.
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose—

Insulin resistance is associated with increased stroke risk, but the effect has not been adequately examined separately in white and black populations.

Methods—

The association of baseline insulin resistance with risk of cerebral infarction (CI) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was assessed in 12 366 white and 6782 black participants from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort, recruited between 2003 and 2007 and followed for an average of 5.7 years. Insulin resistance was measured with the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance.

Results—

There were 364 incident CI and 41 incident ICH events. The risk for CI increased with the log of insulin resistance in whites (hazards ratio [HR]
ln(IR)
=1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.38) but was largely attenuated by adjustment for stroke risk factors (HR
ln(IR)
=1.05; 95% CI, 0.88–1.26). There was no association in blacks (HR
ln(IR)
=1.01; 95% CI, 0.81–1.25). After adjustment for demographic factors and risk factors, there was a significant difference by race in the association of insulin resistance with risk of ICH (
P
=0.07), with a decrease in the risk of ICH in whites (HR
ln(IR)
=0.61; 95% CI, 0.35–1.04) but a nonsignificant increase in blacks (HR
ln(IR)
=1.20; 95% CI, 0.60–2.39).

Conclusions—

These data support the growing evidence that insulin resistance may play a more important role in stroke risk among white than black individuals and suggest a potentially discordant relationship of insulin resistance on CI and ICH among whites.
Blood Pressure Variability on Antihypertensive Therapy in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Tanaka Eijirou , Koga Masatoshi , Kobayashi Junpei , Kario Kazuomi , Kamiyama Kenji , Furui Eisuke , Shiokawa Yoshiaki , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Okuda Satoshi , Todo Kenichi , Kimura Kazumi , Okada Yasushi , Okata Takuya , Arihiro Shoji , Sato Shoichiro , Yamagami Hiroshi , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki , Minematsu Kazuo , Toyoda Kazunori
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose—

The associations between early blood pressure (BP) variability and clinical outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage after antihypertensive therapy, recently clarified by a post hoc analysis of Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial 2 (INTERACT2), were confirmed using the Stroke Acute Management with Urgent Risk-factor Assessment and Improvement (SAMURAI)-intracerebral hemorrhage study cohort.

Methods—

Patients with hyperacute (<3 hours from onset) intracerebral hemorrhage with initial systolic BP (SBP) >180 mm Hg were registered in a prospective, multicenter, observational study. All patients received antihypertensive therapy based on a predefined standardized protocol to lower and maintain SBP between 120 and 160 mm Hg using intravenous nicardipine. BPs were measured hourly during the initial 24 hours. BP variability was determined as SD and successive variation. The associations between BP variability and hematoma expansion (>33%), neurological deterioration within 72 hours, and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 4–6) at 3 months were assessed.

Results—

Of the 205 patients, 33 (16%) showed hematoma expansion, 14 (7%) showed neurological deterioration, and 81 (39%) had unfavorable outcomes. The SD and successive variation of SBP were 13.8 (interquartile range, 11.5–16.8) and 14.9 (11.7–17.7) mm Hg, respectively, and those of diastolic BP were 9.4 (7.5–11.2) and 13.1 (11.2–15.9) mm Hg, respectively. On multivariate regression analyses, neurological deterioration was associated with the SD of SBP (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.45–6.12 per quartile) and the successive variation of SBP (2.37; 1.32–4.83), and unfavorable outcome was associated with successive variation of SBP (1.42; 1.04–1.97). Hematoma expansion was not associated with any BP variability.

Conclusions—

SBP variability during the initial 24 hours of acute intracerebral hemorrhage was independently associated with neurological deterioration and unfavorable outcomes. Stability of antihypertensive therapy may improve clinical outcomes.
Postischemic Reperfusion Causes Smooth Muscle Calcium Sensitization and Vasoconstriction of Parenchymal Arterioles
Authors: Cipolla Marilyn J. , Chan Siu-Lung , Sweet Julie , Tavares Matthew J. , Gokina Natalia , Brayden Joseph E.
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose—

Parenchymal arterioles (PAs) are high-resistance vessels in the brain that connect pial vessels to the microcirculation. We previously showed that PAs have increased vasoconstriction after ischemia and reperfusion that could increase perfusion deficit. Here, we investigated underlying mechanisms by which early postischemic reperfusion causes increased vasoconstriction of PAs.

Methods—

Isolated and pressurized PAs from within the middle cerebral artery territory were studied in male Wistar rats that were either nonischemic control (n=34) or after exposure to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by filament occlusion for 2 hours with 30 minutes of reperfusion (MCAO; n=38). The relationships among pressure-induced tone, smooth muscle calcium (using Fura 2), and membrane potential were determined. Sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to calcium was measured in permeabilized arterioles using
Staphylococcus aureus
α-toxin. Reactivity to inhibition of transient receptor potential melastanin receptor type 4 (9-phenanthrol), Rho kinase (Y27632), and protein kinase C (Gö6976) was also measured.

Results—

After MCAO, PAs had increased myogenic tone compared with controls (47±2% versus 35±2% at 40 mm Hg;
P
<0.01), without an increase in smooth muscle calcium (177±21 versus 201±16 nmol/L;
P
>0.05) or membrane depolarization (−38±4 versus −36±1 mV;
P
>0.05). In α-toxin–permeabilized vessels, MCAO caused increased sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to calcium. MCAO did not affect dilation to transient receptor potential melastanin receptor type 4 or protein kinase C inhibition but diminished dilation to Rho kinase inhibition.

Conclusions—

The increased vasoconstriction of PAs during early postischemic reperfusion seems to be due to calcium sensitization of smooth muscle and could contribute to infarct expansion and limit neuroprotective agents from reaching their target tissue.
Massonia saniensis (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), a new species from Lesotho, southern Africa
Authors: Wetschnig Wolfgang , MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN Mario , Pinter Michael , Brudermann Andreas , Deutsch Gerfried , Crespo Manuel B. , Dold Anthony P. , Pfosser Martin
Published: June 2014

As part of a taxonomic revision of the genus Massonia, a new species, M. saniensis is here described from Lesotho (southern Africa). This species is at first sight similar to both M. wittebergensis and M. jasminiflora, but it differs in vegetative, floral, and molecular characters as well as by its distribution. A complete morphological description of the new species and data on biology, habitat, and distribution are presented.
A new species of Cymodoce Leach, 1814 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Sphaeromatidae) based on morphological and molecular data, with a key to the Northern Indian Ocean species
Authors: KHALAJI-PIRBALOUTY VALIALLAH , RAUPACH MICHAEL J.
Published: June 2014

Cymodoce waegelei sp. nov. is described from the subtidal zone of the Iranian coasts of the Persian Gulf using both morphological and molecular data. C. waegelei sp. nov. is most similar to C. tribullis Harrison & Holdich, 1984 from Australia, Vietnam and Singapore. Analysis of DNA barcodes and nuclear 28S rDNA: D8 expansion segments clearly support the existence of two distinct species. Cymodoce waegelei sp. nov morphologically differs from C. tribullis by lacking two continuous rows of tubercles on the pereonites 3 and 4. Moreover, the pleotelson has numerous scattered tubercles between two large prominent bosses, and small lateral tubercles rather than two prominent tubercles in C. tribullis. Based on our results we redescribe Cymodoce tribullis using specimens sampled from the type locality, Magnetic Island, Queensland. Cymodoce lirella Schotte & Kensley, 2005 from the Seychelles is placed in synonymy with C. tribullis Harrison & Holdich 1984. Furthermore we provide a key to the northern Indian Ocean species of this genus.
The Importance of Wind and Buoyancy Forcing for the Boundary Density Variations and the Geostrophic Component of the AMOC at 26°N
Authors: Polo Irene , Robson Jon , Sutton Rowan , Balmaseda Magdalena Alonso
Published: June 2014

It is widely thought that changes in both the surface buoyancy fluxes and wind stress drive variability in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), but that they drive variability on different time scales. For example, wind forcing dominates short-term variability through its effects on Ekman currents and coastal upwelling, whereas buoyancy forcing is important for longer time scales (multiannual and decadal). However, the role of the wind forcing on multiannual to decadal time scales is less clear. Here the authors present an analysis of simulations with the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) ocean model with the aim of explaining the important drivers of the zonal density gradient at 26°N, which is directly related to the AMOC. In the experiments, only one of either the wind stress or the buoyancy forcing is allowed to vary in time, whereas the other remains at its seasonally varying climatology. On subannual time scales, variations in the density gradient, and in the AMOC minus Ekman, are driven largely by local wind-forced coastal upwelling at both the western and eastern boundaries. On decadal time scales, buoyancy forcing related to the North Atlantic Oscillation dominates variability in the AMOC. Interestingly, however, it is found that wind forcing also plays a role at longer time scales, primarily impacting the interannual variability through the excitation of Rossby waves in the central Atlantic, which propagate westward to interact with the western boundary, but also by modulating the decadal time-scale response to buoyancy forcing.
Evaluation of and Suggested Improvements to the WSM6 Microphysics in WRF-ARW Using Synthetic and Observed GOES-13 Imagery
Authors: Grasso Lewis , Lindsey Daniel T. , Sunny Lim Kyo-Sun , Clark Adam , Bikos Dan , Dembek Scott R.
Published: June 2014

Synthetic satellite imagery can be employed to evaluate simulated cloud fields. Past studies have revealed that the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) single-moment 6-class (WSM6) microphysics scheme in the Advanced Research WRF (WRF-ARW) produces less upper-level ice clouds within synthetic images compared to observations. Synthetic Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-13 (GOES-13) imagery at 10.7 μm of simulated cloud fields from the 4-km National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) WRF-ARW is compared to observed GOES-13 imagery. Histograms suggest that too few points contain upper-level simulated ice clouds. In particular, side-by-side examples are shown of synthetic and observed anvils. Such images illustrate the lack of anvil cloud associated with convection produced by the 4-km NSSL WRF-ARW. A vertical profile of simulated hydrometeors suggests that too much cloud water mass may be converted into graupel mass, effectively reducing the main source of ice mass in a simulated anvil. Further, excessive accretion of ice by snow removes ice from an anvil by precipitation settling. Idealized sensitivity tests reveal that a 50% reduction of the accretion rate of ice by snow results in a significant increase in anvil ice of a simulated storm. Such results provide guidance as to which conversions could be reformulated, in a more physical manner, to increase simulated ice mass in the upper troposphere.
Interferon-γ Release Assay for the Diagnosis of Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Children Younger Than 5 Years
Authors: Ge Long , Ma Ji-Chun , Han Min , Li Jin-Long , Tian Jin-Hui
Published: June 2014

Background. Interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) have been widely used for the diagnosis of latent and active tuberculosis in adults, but their role in diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in children younger than 5 years remains unclear. Objective. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of IGRAs for LTBI in children younger than 5 years. Methods. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Knowledge databases. According to inclusion criteria, the diagnostic studies of IGRAs for LTBI in children younger than 5 years were included. The study quality was assessed using the 14-item Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies instrument. The Meta-Analyst software was used to analyze the data. Results. Seven studies (627 patients) were included. Meta-analysis showed that compared with tuberculin skin test (TST), the pooled sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy and diagnosis odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve of QuantiFERON-TB (values in parentheses are 95% confidence intervals) were 0.841 (0.733-0.911), 0.895 (0.861-0.922), 8.046 (5.953-10.876), 0.192 (0.113-0.326), 0.622 (0.527-0.709), 0.970 (0.946-0.983), 0.891 (0.861-0.916), 50.718 (24.201-106.287), and 0.809 respectively. The pooled Sen, Spe, PLR, NLR, PPV, NPV, accuracy, DOR, and SROC curve of T-SPOT.TB test were 0.931 (0.760-0.983), 0.767 (0.684-0.833), 3.947 (2.854-5.459), 0.095 (0.026-0.354), 0.523 (0.398-0.645), 0.977 (0.914-0.994), 0.806 (0.737-0.860), 65.270 (13.463-316.434), and 0.855, respectively. Conclusion. This meta-analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of IGRAs were slightly higher than TST and can be used as supporting tools to detect LTBI in children younger than 5 years. The methodological quality of diagnostic test needs to be improved.
Work-worlds colliding: Self-reflexivity, power and emotion in organizational ethnography
Authors: Gilmore Sarah , Kenny Kate
Published: June 2014

While organizational ethnographers have embraced the concept of self-reflexivity, problems remain. In this article we argue that the prevalent assumption that self-reflexivity is the sole responsibility of the individual researcher limits its scope for understanding organizations. To address this, we propose an innovative method of collective reflection that is inspired by ideas from cultural and feminist anthropology. The value of this method is illustrated through an analysis of two ethnographic case studies, involving a ‘pair interview’ method. This collective approach surfaced self-reflexive accounts, in which aspects of the research encounter that still tend to be downplayed within organizational ethnographies, including emotion, intersubjectivity and the operation of power dynamics, were allowed to emerge. The approach also facilitated a second contribution through the conceptualization of organizational ethnography as a unique endeavour that represents a collision between one ‘world of work’: the university, with a second: the researched organization. We find that this ‘collision’ exacerbates the emotionality of ethnographic research, highlighting the refusal of ‘researched’ organizations to be domesticated by the specific norms of academia. Our article concludes by drawing out implications for the practice of self-reflexivity within organizational ethnography.
On the Road to Paran: Toward a Christian Perspective on Hagar and Ishmael
Authors: Heard Christopher
Published: June 2014

Some notable and common interpretations of Hagar’s and Ishmael’s story are Christian in origin, but fall short of higher Christian ideals of faith, hope, and charity. This essay contains evaluations of historic interpretations and constructive suggestions about how Christians might best understand Hagar and Ishmael today.
Synthesis of ZnO/CuO composite coaxial nanoarrays by combined hydrothermal–solvothermal method and potential for solar cells
Authors: Wu Fan , Zhang Hui , Lu Wenhui , Li Xiaoyi
Published: June 2014

CuO nanoparticles (NPs) sensitized ZnO nanorod composite coaxial nanoarrays were successfully prepared by a combined hydrothermal−solvothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy images show that the number of CuO-NPs on ZnO nanorod surface can be controlled by the reaction time. Synthesis mechanism of ZnO/CuO nanoarray was studied in this work. The Cu2+ ions in solution would be captured by Zn vacancy on ZnO nanorod surface, and then combined with hydroxy groups in solution to formation Cu(OH)2, providing the initial nucleation for surface growth of CuO-NPs. Moreover, the optical absorption properties of ZnO/CuO nanoarray and energy band analysis suggest that CuO can both serve as the supplementary absorption material and electron acceptor for conjugate polymer in polymer–inorganic hybrid solar cells, or might become the light-harvesting material in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Fabrication and properties of functionally graded Al/AlB2 composites
Authors: Kayikci Ramazan , Savaş Ömer
Published: June 2014

In the present study, an AlB2-reinforced functionally graded aluminium matrix composite has been produced by centrifugal casting. Boron 1.2–1.85% by weight has been dissolved in aluminium at 1400℃ by adding boron oxide resulting in AlB2 flakes 2.71–4.20% by weight before being cast centrifugally at 800℃. Results showed that there were two distinct regions without a smooth grading: one is rich of AlB2 and the other is poor of AlB2. The highest AlB2 content has been found to be around 11% in outer zones, whereas the lowest AlB2 content has been observed to be below 0.02% in inner zones. Results also showed that, depending on the increase in the reinforcement phase in outer zones, up to 64% increase in the strength and hardness of the composite has been achieved.
Access to cerebrospinal fluid in piglets via the cisterna magna: optimization and description of the technique
Authors: Romagnoli Noemi , Ventrella Domenico , Giunti Massimo , Dondi Francesco , Sorrentino Nicolina C , Fraldi Alessandro , Surace Enrico M , Bacci Maria L
Published: June 2014

The collection of cerebrospinal fluid is necessary in order to determine its composition. It can then be used to diagnose various diseases. The aim of the study was to develop and optimize a technique for performing safe centesis for the collection of cerebrospinal fluid in piglets and its injection through the cisterna magna. The study was divided into three phases: (1) anatomical study of cadavers, (2) in vivo application of the technique and (3) observation of recovery time. The proposed technique resulted in a safe puncture of the cisterna magna. The authors identified and confirmed the correspondence of the crista occipitalis and the wings of the atlas with the external landmarks on the cadaver by means of direct radiological visualization. The punctures were performed successfully at the first attempt in 11 out of 12 anaesthetized piglets. The technique herein described provides a reproducible safe and easy route for approaching the cisterna magna for cerebrospinal fluid collection, drug administration and gene delivery.
Learning to Interpret Cultural Meaning through an Etic Description of a Familiar Culture
Authors: Miller Elizabeth
Published: June 2014

Undergraduate students often have trouble interpreting cultures other than that with which they are familiar in a way that takes into account the symbols and meanings that explain behaviors, objects, and ideologies. Instead, many fall into the trap of making ethnocentric assumptions and coming to conclusions that are informed by their own cultural perspectives. This in-class active learning exercise makes the familiar strange, using Horace Miner’s well-known 1956 essay “Body Ritual among the Nacirema” to introduce students to an etic, cultural outsider–like description of American culture. Using short excerpts from Miner’s article, students draw pictures of Miner’s descriptions, producing a wide variety of interpretations. This activity demonstrates that when students overlook or misunderstand cultural meaning, they can come to myriad inaccurate depictions and conclusions about social life and behavior. It therefore reinforces the importance of developing an emic understanding of cultures, rather than accepting social phenomena at face value.
Corporate Governance, Auditing, and Reporting Distortions
Authors: Ramanan Ram N. V.
Published: June 2014

Conventional wisdom suggests that independent boards limit earnings distortions and promote accurate reporting. In contrast, this study indicates that having insiders on boards enhances reporting integrity. The central result is that strengthening board independence curtails earnings overstatements but heightens the likelihood of understatements. This asymmetry occurs because reinforcing board independence on one hand limits the CEO’s ability to overreport but on the other hand encourages the auditor to rely on the board’s monitoring and consequently economize on effort. The reduced effort impairs the auditor’s ability to verify high earnings and, because auditors favor conservative reports when in doubt, leads to increased incidence of conservative understatements.
An Exploratory Study of Enterprise Risk Management
Authors: Lundqvist Sara A.
Published: June 2014

There is a general consensus that enterprise risk management’s (ERM) popularity has resulted from a response to pressure on organizations to holistically manage risk. Multiple frameworks for implementation of ERM contribute to an overall uncertainty regarding the essential components of ERM. This uncertainty carries forward to empirical studies of ERM where results regarding value creation are inconclusive. There exists no real consensus about what the principal components of ERM are; this has led to identification and measurement methods that are inconsistent. By using inconsistent indicators and measures of ERM implementation, it is impossible to compare “apples to apples” and arrive at conclusive and convincing results regarding ERM’s ability to create value. This is an exploratory study of ERM aimed at determining the integral components of ERM based on how firms actually implement ERM dimensions. The result is the identification of four discrete components, or pillars, of ERM implementation; two prerequisite components related to the general internal environment and control activities of the firm, one component identifying risk management activities of the firm and one component with the defining attributes of ERM implementation. All four components must be implemented to have well-implemented ERM, but only one separates ERM firms from non-ERM firms. The resulting four components challenge existing frameworks to adapt to better reflect how firms implement ERM and can have a valuable impact on identifying and measuring ERM, leading to more informative empirical studies on the value creating abilities of ERM.
Computer use and behavior problems in twice-exceptional students
Authors: Alloway Tracy Packiam , Elsworth Miquela , Miley Neal , Seckinger Sean
Published: June 2014

This pilot study investigated how engagement with computer games and TV exposure may affect behaviors of gifted students. We also compared behavioral and cognitive profiles of twice-exceptional students and children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Gifted students were divided into those with behavioral problems and those without, based on teacher ratings of classroom behavior. Both gifted students and those with ADHD completed standardized tests of IQ and working memory. The findings indicated that gifted students displayed similar oppositional and hyperactive behaviors as those with ADHD, but did not exhibit similar levels of inattentive behaviors. Despite the similarities in behavioral profiles, the gifted students performed significantly better in the cognitive tests compared to those with ADHD. Playing computer games and watching TV showed a trend in predicting inattentive behaviors at home, but not in a classroom setting. We discuss possible applications of computer use for maximizing learning and maintaining motivation in the classroom.
Reconceptualizing ecosystem services
Authors: Jackson Sue , Palmer Lisa R.
Published: June 2014

This paper responds to a recent call for geographers to engage with the ecosystem services concept which is an increasingly dominant global model for environmental policy and management. We focus on its economic exchange mechanism, payment for environmental services (PES), and reject the conventional notion of it as either an economic or an environmental strategy. Rather than treating a disaggregated nature as the ‘fixed stock’ of ecosystem services, we value instead actual human and non-human interrelations and practices and focus on how we might reconfigure the socio-cultural relations between people and nature as the valued stock.
Stay or Leave? Race, Education, and Changing Returns to the External Labor Market Strategy, 1976–2009
Authors: Kronberg Anne-Kathrin
Published: June 2014

Since the 1970s, firm-internal opportunities for advancement have waned, and more employees have switched employers to build their career. The author compares the effect of staying and leaving one’s employer and how each career avenue reproduces or alleviates race-based earnings inequality. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics 1976–2009, the author finds that racial differences among women are unaffected by external mobility. Among men, the effect of switching depends on education: Since the 1970s, the Black–White gap first widened and then narrowed among male high school graduates. In contrast, the race gap first narrowed and then widened among male college graduates.
Workplace Violence Against Emergency Versus Non-Emergency Nurses in Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt
Authors: Abou-ElWafa Hala Samir , El-Gilany Abdel-Hady , Abd-El-Raouf Samar E. , Abd-Elmouty Samia Mahmoud , El-Sayed Hassan El-Sayed Rabab
Published: June 2014

Workplace violence (WPV) against nurses is a common but neglected problem in Egypt. The objectives are to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of different types of violence against nurses working in the emergency hospital compared with those working in non-emergency clinics, circumstances of violence, type of perpetrators, and victims’ response. This cross-sectional comparative study was carried out at Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt, during January 2013. The data were collected through the adapted version of a self-administered questionnaire developed by the International Labor Office/International Council of Nurses/World Health Organization/Public Services International on WPV in the health sector. All types of WPV are common among nurses. Precipitating factors for violent incidents identified by respondents are emergency specialty, having work shift, and younger age. Violent incidents result in work dissatisfaction and consequently impair work productivity. Nurses working in emergency hospital experienced a higher level of different types of WPV. There is an urgent need to formulate and implement a policy for dealing with violent events.
High-risk motorcycle taxi drivers in the HIV/AIDS era: a respondent-driven sampling survey in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Lindan Christina P , Anglemyer Andrew , Hladik Wolfgang , Barker Joseph , Lubwama George , Rutherford George , Ssenkusu John , Opio Alex , Campbell James ,   for the Crane Survey Group
Published: June 2014

We evaluated motorcycle taxi (‘boda-boda’) drivers in Kampala for the prevalence of HIV/sexually transmitted infections. We used respondent-driven sampling to recruit a cross-sectional sample of boda-boda drivers. We collected data through audio computer-assisted self-administered interviews. Men were tested for HIV, syphilis serology using Rapid Plasma Reagin and enzyme immunoassay, and Chlamydia and gonorrhoea using urine polymerase chain reaction. We recruited 683 men. Median age was 26 years; 59.4% were single. The prevalence of HIV was 7.5% (95% CI 5.2–10.0), of positive syphilis serology was 6.1% (95% CI 4.3–8.1), of Chlamydia was 1.1% (95% CI 0.4–2.0), and of gonorrhoea was 1.2% (95% CI 0.1–1.2). Many men (67.8%) had both casual and regular partners, sex with other men (8.7%), and commercial sex (33.1%). Factors associated with having HIV included reporting a genital ulcer (odds ratio [OR] =2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.4), drinking alcohol during last sex (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.7), having 4–6 lifetime partners (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–4.8), and having one’s last female partner be >24 years of age (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.6). Independent predictors of HIV included age ≥31 (adjusted OR (aOR) 5.8, 95% CI 1.5–48.5), having 4–6 partners (aOR 2.2, 95%CI 1.0–5.1), and self-report of a genital ulcer (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–4.1). Only 39.2% of men were circumcised, and 36.9% had been HIV tested in the past. Male boda-boda drivers have a higher prevalence of HIV than the general population, and low frequency of preventive behaviours, such as circumcision and HIV testing. Targeted and intensified interventions for this group are warranted.
Condylomata acuminata in the neovagina after male-to-female reassignment treated with CO2 laser and imiquimod
Authors: Matsuki Shingo , Kusatake Kenji , Hein Kyaw Zaw , Anraku Kuniaki , Morita Eishin
Published: June 2014

Condylomata acuminata are frequently occurring genital warts, but little is known about clinical features of the genital warts in transsexuals and their incidence. We report a case of condylomata acuminata arising on the neourethral meatus and the transplanted skin of the neovagina in a male-to-female transsexual, which was successfully treated with CO2 laser irradiation followed by topical application of imiquimod cream on the residual warts. This is a first report of using imiquimod cream for condylomata acuminata arising on the neovagina in a male-to-female transsexual.
Axial flow compressor blade optimization through flexible shape tuning by means of cooperative co-evolution algorithm and adaptive surrogate model
Authors: Song Peng , Sun Jinju , Wang Ke
Published: June 2014

The present study is to explore potential benefits of axial flow compressor blade optimization through a flexible tuning. Modifications of blade sectional profiles and their stacking line can control spanwise blade loading distribution, reduce shock losses, and extend operating flow range. Most previous studies focused on tuning either sectional profiles or stacking line, but little work was conducted by collaboratively varying both, which may be due to abrupt rise of optimization variables and complexity. An efficient optimization method is developed to handle highly nonlinear high-dimension blade optimization problem with simultaneous variation of both sectional profiles and stacking line. It incorporates an improved cooperative co-evolution algorithm optimizer and one-stage expected improvement based adaptive surrogate model. The former decomposes the high-dimension problem into low-dimension subproblems and they can be readily solved; the latter enables the optimizer to jump out of the local minima and conduct the aim-oriented optimal search toward global optimum. A coarse surrogate model is firstly constructed with some DOE samples but it is refined during optimization process with newly identified and evaluated samples. The model prediction accuracy is gradually improved, thus it captures the distinct features (especially global optimum) of optimization problem. Both blade sectional profiles and their spatial positions are simultaneously varied. Four sectional profiles of hub, 33% span, 67% span, and shroud are parameterized, and each is defined by a mean camber line and thickness distribution. Both of them are represented, respectively, by a third-order B-Spline curve. Spatial position of each profile varies in term of sweep and lean. Blade design optimization is conducted for Rotor67 at design flow on a single workstation of Dell 7500. Performance gains are significant: at design flow, overall efficiency and pressure ratio are increased, respectively, by 1.44 and 7.24%; off-design performances are also improved over the entire flow range.
Rethinking the concept of consent for anti-sexual violence activism and education
Authors: Beres Melanie Ann
Published: June 2014

Sexual violence prevention has shifted from centering around a message of ‘no means no’ toward a message of ‘get consent.’ This paper explores how young adults conceptualise consent in relation to how they talked about expressing a willingness to participate in sex. The analysis here argues that understandings of consent are disconnected from how young people understand communication about sex. Consent is viewed as a formal minimum requirement for ‘ok’ sex. At the same time, young people were more sophisticated when discussing how they understand and communicate a willingness to have sex. Implications for sexual violence prevention education and research on sexual consent are discussed.
Characterization of the impairment of the uptake of apoptotic polymorphonuclear cells by monocyte subpopulations in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mikołajczyk T P , Skiba D , Batko B , Krezelok M , Wilk G , Osmenda G , Pryjma J R , Guzik T J
Published: June 2014

Efficient removal of apoptotic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) is an important step in the resolution of inflammation, which protects tissues from the noxious contents of dying cells. While the impairment of apoptotic PMNs removal has been demonstrated for macrophages in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), recent studies show that monocytes are also capable of such phagocytosis, although their involvement in SLE is not clear. Therefore, we characterized phagocytosis of apoptotic PMNs by monocytes in 22 patients with SLE and 22 healthy controls. Using flow cytometry we demonstrate that in SLE peripheral blood monocytes show impaired phagocytosis of autologous apoptotic PMNs, while they efficiently engulf apoptotic PMNs isolated from healthy subjects. Monocytes CD14highCD16+ and CD14dimCD16+ more efficiently interacted with apoptotic neutrophils than CD16– cells both in SLE and healthy subjects. Monocytes in SLE showed modestly decreased expression of CD35 and CD91 and increased expression of T Cell Ig- and mucin-domain-containing molecule-3 (TIM-3); however, these differences were evident mainly in selected subsets of monocytes (CD16+) while defects in phagocytosis were observed in all monocyte subsets. Apoptotic cell-dependent induction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was blunted in SLE while the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α was unchanged.
Linguistics in Language Education
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Yunus Reva
Published: June 2014

This article looks at the contribution of insights from theoretical linguistics to an understanding of language acquisition and the nature of language in terms of their potential benefit to language education. We examine the ideas of innateness and universal language faculty, as well as multilingualism and the language–society relationship. Modern linguistics has studied language both as a phenomenon internal to individuals and as a social reality. We argue that understandings from both these areas together should be brought to bear on the conceptualisation of language teaching–learning. Multilingualism is indicative of tremendous language ability on the part of the speaker, and needs to be acknowledged as such, irrespective of which languages form part of the individual’s repertoire. It is also of great significance to learners who need to participate in a pluralistic, democratic society. Indeed, the concept of ‘a language’ needs to be replaced by the idea of ‘multilingualism’. We discuss a possible transformation in the goals and means of language education in the light of explanations and perspectives gained from the study of language. Since such a transformation would require a much greater and longer-term partnership between the study of language and language education, we suggest directions for future research. There does not seem to be an emphasis on linking these two fields in the literature at present; this article is an effort to establish the importance of addressing this gap.
An ab-initio analysis of the influence of knock-on atom induced damage on the peak tensile strength of 3C-SiC grain boundaries
Authors: Han You Sung , Tomar Vikas
Published: June 2014

Abstract

The effect of knock-on atom induced damage on the peak tensile strength of cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) is examined using an ab-initio simulation framework based on Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) method. The framework examines the effect of impact damage caused by a knock-on atom with velocities corresponding to four different kinetic energy levels (50 eV, 500 eV, 1 keV, and 2 keV) in three different SiC structure samples with different grain boundary (GB) configurations. Analyses show that peak tensile strength of the examined structures decreases by up to 37% in samples with GBs due to the impact damage caused by knock-on atom when compared with the case of single crystalline SiC under similar conditions. Analyses reveal new insights regarding the influence of bond strength change under knock-on atom induced impact damage on peak tensile strength of the examined structures. It is found that the peak tensile strength of the examined structures is a function of change in temperature, impact energy, and GB configuration. In order to extend the observed correlation of the peak tensile strength with atomic configurations to other structure types, a fractal dimension based approach is adopted to predict structure peak tensile strength as a function of knock-on atom impact energy, temperature, and GB configuration. Analyses show that the tensile strength of the examined SiC structures increases as a function of their fractal dimension increase. Fractal dimensions also change as a function of change in impact energy level and the corresponding damage in an inversely proportional manner. Based on the observed correlations, an empirical relation to predict structure peak tensile strength as a function of simulation parameters is developed. The developed relation is found to predict strength data of structures not included in the fitting with good accuracy.
Using finite element to estimate vibration energy loss by cracks in thermosonic phenomenon under chaotic and non-chaotic vibrations
Authors: Riahi Mohammad , Dehestani Pouya , Valipour Ali
Published: June 2014

Thermosonic tests are capable of detecting surface defects such as fatigue cracks. The mechanism of its operation is based on the stimulation of structural vibration of the test piece which generates detectable displacements between crack surfaces. The main problem with using a thermosonic test is the uncertainty caused by chaotic and non-reproducible vibrations of the test piece. Consequently, the study of effective parameters such as, for example, the frequency and amplitude of vibration, crack size, vibration damping around the crack, and acoustical chaos could play a major role in improving this method to make it a highly reliable non-destructive test. In this study, an algorithm has been used to estimate the wasted vibration energy caused by extra damping due to the presence of cracks in the sample. Initially, the validity of the discussed algorithm is studied and findings compared with the results of other experimental studies available in the literature. Subsequently, a simulation process of the thermosonic test in a beam in two conditions of chaotic and non-chaotic vibrations take place. Then, findings are compared with the desired algorithm. Results indicate that in a non-chaotic vibration condition, the measured wasted energy by the algorithm is confirmed by the results obtained from the finite element. However, in a chaotic vibration condition, when the crack size is large enough, there is considerable difference between the results of the finite element method and the algorithm. This difference is due to the occurrence of acoustic chaos while stimulating the test piece. The used algorithm was unable to predict this.
Memantine in the Treatment of Executive Function Deficits in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Biederman Joseph , Fried Ronna , Tarko Laura , Surman Craig , Spencer Thomas , Pope Amanda , Grossman Rebecca , McDermott Katie , Woodworth K. Yvonne , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: June 2014

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of memantine hydrochloride as an adjunct to stimulant pharmacotherapy for treating executive function deficits (EFDs) in adults with ADHD. Method: This was a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of memantine added to open-label treatment with stimulant medication. Because of the small sample size, we considered a standardized mean difference (equivalent to effect size) of ≥0.5 and odds ratios ≥2 as indicators of trend improvements. Results: Twelve participants received memantine and 14 received a placebo. Trend improvements favoring memantine were observed on Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions–Adult Inhibition and Self-Monitor subscales when compared with Placebo. No significant changes were noted on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Conclusion: Among adults with ADHD and EFDs, adjunct treatment with memantine to osmotic release oral system-methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) was associated with improvements in selective areas of executive functioning, supporting the need for further research.