bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residual Antimicrobial Effect of Chlorhexidine Digluconate and Octenidine Dihydrochloride on Reconstructed Human Epidermis
Authors: Müller G. , Langer J. , Siebert J. , Kramer A.
Published: July 2013

The objective of the present investigation was to examine the residual antimicrobial activity after a topical exposure of reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) to equimolar solutions of either chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG, 0.144% w/v) or octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT, 0.1% w/v) for 15 min. RHE-associated antiseptic agents were more effective on Staphylococcus aureus than on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. S. aureus was not detected after 24 h of contact, which demonstrated a microbicidal efficacy of greater than 5-log10 reduction. In contrast, P. aeruginosa was reduced by approximately 2 log10 at the same incubation time, which parallels the growth of the initial inoculum. This result could be interpreted either as a microbiostatic effect or as an adherence of P. aeruginosa to a low positively charged surface. Small amounts of CHG and OCT can penetrate the stratum corneum. Using these antiseptic agents, the viability of keratinocytes was reduced to 65-75% of that of the untreated RHE control following 24 h incubation in the presence of test microorganisms. With consideration of antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic effect, OCT corresponds better to a biocompatible antiseptic agent than CHG.
Severe Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in the Netherlands
Authors: Gotink Mark J. , Benders Manon J. , Lavrijsen Selma W. , Rodrigues Pereira Rob , Hulzebos Christian V. , Dijk Peter H.
Published: July 2013

Background: The occurrence of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SH) is partly attributed to nonhospitalized perinatal care. The Netherlands have a high frequency of home births and nonhospitalized perinatal care, and the incidence of SH is unknown. Objective: To assess the effects of home births and early hospital discharge on the incidence of SH in term-born infants in the Netherlands. Methods: In this nationwide prospective surveillance study between 2005 and 2009, infants (≥37 weeks GA) were included if total serum bilirubin (TSB) was ≥500 µmol/l or if they received an exchange transfusion when TSB was ≥340 µmol/l. Results: Seventy-one infants had SH (incidence 10.4/100,000); 43 had a TSB ≥500 μmol/l (incidence 6.3/100,000) and 45 (63%) underwent an exchange transfusion. 26% of the infants with SH were born at home, which is similar to 22% of all term infants who are born at home in the Netherlands (p = 0.41). Maximum TSB levels were similar in infants born at home (523 ± 114 μmol/l) and infants born in hospital (510 ± 123 μmol/l; p = 0.70). Of the 51 infants born in hospital, 33 were discharged and readmitted with SH, with maximal TSB levels (567 ± 114 μmol/l), which were higher than in infants who remained hospitalized (406 ± 47 μmol/l; p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The incidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia in term-born infants in the Netherlands is 10.4 per 100,000, which is similar to other developed countries. Home birth and early hospital discharge do not necessarily lead to a higher incidence of SH, provided that perinatal home care is well organized.
The Use of the WINROP Screening Algorithm for the Prediction of Retinopathy of Prematurity in a Chinese Population
Authors: Sun Huiqing , Kang Wengqing , Cheng Xiuyong , Chen Chao , Xiong Hong , Guo Jing , Zhou Chongchen , Zhang Yinghui , Hellström Ann , Löfqvist Chatarina , Zhu Changlian
Published: July 2013

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a gestational age (GA)-related illness that can lead to blindness in premature infants. Timely screening of premature infants could improve visual prognosis. Objective: To evaluate the WINROP algorithm as a method of predicting severe ROP in a Chinese population. Methods: 590 infants with a GA <32 weeks were entered into an online surveillance system (www.winrop.com) that included ROP evaluations and weekly weight measurements from birth to a corrected GA of 40 weeks. If the rate of weight gain decreased to a certain degree, the algorithm signaled an alarm that the infant was at risk for developing sight-threatening ROP. Each infant was categorized as having no, mild, or severe ROP. Results: Among the 590 infants with a GA <32 weeks, an alarm was triggered in 85 infants (14.4%), 50 of which developed severe ROP and were identified in this alarm group. Twenty-seven infants triggered the alarm signal in the first week after birth and 7 infants triggered the alarm at birth. Seven of the infants developed proliferative ROP and the median GA at birth for these infants was 31 weeks. Conclusions: The WINROP system had a sensitivity of 87.5% in a Chinese population for the early identification of infants that developed severe ROP. Postnatal weight gain may help predict ROP in lower birth weight infants.
Age-Related Changes in Male Skin: Quantitative Evaluation of One Hundred and Fifty Male Subjects
Authors: Luebberding S. , Krueger N. , Kerscher M.
Published: July 2013

Background/Purpose: Modern men have changed their beauty and grooming habits, which has resulted in an increasing demand for cosmetics for men. However, very little information is available about the dermatological needs of male skin. Therefore, the aim of this present clinical study was to conduct the first systematic assessment of the skin physiology of men with special attention to lifetime changes. Methods: A total of 150 healthy male subjects (aged 20-70 years) were selected following strict criteria, including age, sun behavior and smoking habits. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration level, sebum production and pH values were measured with worldwide-acknowledged biophysical measuring methods at the forehead, cheek, neck, volar forearm and dorsum of hand. Results: TEWL and sebum production vary by localization, but generally not with increasing age, whereas stratum corneum (SC) hydration decreases significantly at the face and neck. The greatest decrease was assessed at the forehead. Skin surface pH significantly increases with aging in the face. Conclusion: The present study assigns for the first time systematic reference values for standardized biophysical measuring methods and localizations reflecting the skin physiology of men in relation to age. The results show that the physiology of male skin partly changes with aging. While SC hydration and skin surface pH are affected by the subject's age, TEWL and sebum production show only minor variations.
Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Transplantation Increases Metalloproteinase-9 and 13 and Decreases Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase-1 and 2 Expression in the Liver of Cholestatic Rats
Authors: Nunes de Carvalho Simone , Helal-Neto Edward , de Andrade Daniela Caldas , Costa Cortez Erika Afonso , Thole Alessandra Alves , Barja-Fidalgo Christina , de Carvalho Lais
Published: July 2013

Liver fibrosis results from chronic injury followed by activation of macrophages and fibrogenic cells like myofibroblasts and activated hepatic stellate cells. These fibrogenic cells express α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and produce excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), with disorganization and loss of function of hepatic parenchyma. It is known that increased levels of metalloproteinases (MMPs) in liver fibrosis are associated with reduction of the pathologic ECM and fibrosis resolution. Recently, it has been shown that bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) may reduce collagen and α-SMA expression, and ameliorate liver function in cholestatic rats. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-13, and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs)-1 and TIMP-2 in the liver of cholestatic rats transplanted with BMMNC. Animals were divided into normal rats, cholestatic rats obtained after 14 and 21 days of bile duct ligation (BDL), and rats obtained after 14 days of BDL that received BMMNCs and were killed after 7 days. MMP and TIMP expression was assessed by Western blotting, along with α-SMA, CD68 and CD11b expression by confocal microscopy. Western blotting analysis showed that 14-day BDL animals had significantly reduced amounts of MMP-2 and MMP-13, but increased amounts of MMP-9 compared to normal rats. After 21 days of BDL, overall MMP amounts were decreased and TIMPs were increased. BMMNC transplantation significantly increased MMP-9 and MMP-13, and decreased TIMP expression. Increased MMP activity was confirmed by zymography. MMP-9 and MMP-13 were expressed by macrophages near fibrotic septa, suggesting BMMNC may stimulate MMP production in fibrotic livers, contributing to ECM degradation and hepatic regeneration.
From Structure to Function: Mitochondrial Morphology, Motion and Shaping in Vascular Smooth Muscle
Authors: McCarron John G. , Wilson Calum , Sandison Mairi E. , Olson Marnie L. , Girkin John M. , Saunter Christopher , Chalmers Susan
Published: July 2013

The diversity of mitochondrial arrangements, which arise from the organelle being static or moving, or fusing and dividing in a dynamically reshaping network, is only beginning to be appreciated. While significant progress has been made in understanding the proteins that reorganise mitochondria, the physiological significance of the various arrangements is poorly understood. The lack of understanding may occur partly because mitochondrial morphology is studied most often in cultured cells. The simple anatomy of cultured cells presents an attractive model for visualizing mitochondrial behaviour but contrasts with the complexity of native cells in which elaborate mitochondrial movements and morphologies may not occur. Mitochondrial changes may take place in native cells (in response to stress and proliferation), but over a slow time-course and the cellular function contributed is unclear. To determine the role mitochondrial arrangements play in cell function, a crucial first step is characterisation of the interactions among mitochondrial components. Three aspects of mitochondrial behaviour are described in this review: (1) morphology, (2) motion and (3) rapid shape changes. The proposed physiological roles to which various mitochondrial arrangements contribute and difficulties in interpreting some of the physiological conclusions are also outlined.
Tentativas de desconstrução do racismo e preconceitos: um diálogo entre o Norte e o Sul do no século XXI
Authors: Silva Nilce da
Published: July 2013

Este artigo apresenta tentativas de desconstrução do racismo implementadas pelo Brasil e pelo Canadá. Quanto a esse país, aborda-se ação realizada na Faculdade de Educação da Universidade de São Paulo embasada na Lei 10639/03 e apoiada pelo CNPq no âmbito do Edital ProAfrica. Quanto ao Canadá, apontamos a Lei de Quebec, a Révolution tranquille;a Charter of Rights and Freedoms e os accommodements raisonnables como indicadores do movimento cotidiano que a sociedade quebequense faz no sentido de desconstruir diferentes formas de racismo, tal como podemos observar na constituição e existência de escolas de diferentes etnias, grupos sociais, religiosos, como, por exemplo, a Escola Portuguesa em Montreal. Finalmente, considera-se que a destruição do racismo e do preconceito são processos tão longos como a construção dos mesmos e são colocados em funcionamento nas sociedades estudadas caracterizadas pela recepção de imigrantes
Biodiversidade de moscas-das-frutas (Diptera, Tephritidae) em Moçambique
Authors: Garcia Flávio Roberto Mello , Bandeira Romana Rombe
Published: July 2013

Os levantamentos das espécies de moscas-das-frutas, especialmente as da família Tephritidae, suas plantas hospedeiras e parasitóides são fundamentais para uma melhor compreensão da bioecologia desses grupos de insetos, dada sua importância econômica para a fruticultura mundial. Existe uma tendência de que esses estudos se tornem ainda mais importantes, uma vez que é necessário saber rotineiramente se determinada espécie ocorre em um dado país e em quais hospedeiros. O projeto teve como objetivo geral conhecer a ecologia das moscas-das-frutas no sentido de compreender a dinâmica da sua população em Moçambique com vista ao desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo integrado e reduzir perdas económicas na produção de frutas. São listadas 59 espécies de moscas-das-frutas pertencentes a 27 gêneros incluídas em quatro subfamílias para Moçambique. A subfamília Dacinae foi a que apresentou o maior número de espécies (61,0%). O gênero com maior número de espécies no país é Dacus correspondendo a 32,2% (19 espécies) do total, seguido por Ceratitis (9 espécies) com 15,2%, os demais gêneros apresentam poucas espécies. Seis espécies correspondem a novos registros para Moçambique: Ceratitis punctata, Ceratitis quinaria, Dacus chiwira, Dacus), Dacus pallidilatus e Dacus vertebratus.
Impact of Stepwise Ablation on the Biatrial Substrate in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure
Authors: Jones David G. , Haldar Shouvik K. , Jarman Julian W.E. , Johar Sofian , Hussain Wajid , Markides Vias , Wong Tom
Published: July 2013

Background—

Ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation can be challenging, often involving not only pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) but also additional linear lesions and ablation of complex fractionated electrograms (CFE). We examined the impact of stepwise ablation on a human model of advanced atrial substrate of persistent atrial fibrillation in heart failure.

Methods and Results—

In 30 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, high-density CFE maps were recorded biatrially at baseline, in the left atrium (LA) after PVI and linear lesions (roof and mitral isthmus), and biatrially after LA CFE ablation. Surface area of CFE (mean cycle length ≤120 ms) remote to PVI and linear lesions, defined as CFE area, was reduced after PVI (18.3±12.03 to 10.2±7.1 cm
2
;
P
<0.001) and again after linear lesions (7.7±6.5 cm
2
;
P
=0.006). Complete mitral isthmus block predicted greater CFE reduction (
P
=0.02). Right atrial CFE area was reduced by LA ablation, from 25.9±14.1 to 12.9±11.8 cm
2
(
P
<0.001). Estimated 1-year arrhythmia-free survival was 72% after a single procedure. Incomplete linear lesion block was an independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence (hazard ratio, 4.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–21.06;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Remote LA CFE area was progressively reduced following PVI and linear lesions, and LA ablation reduced right atrial CFE area. Reduction of CFE area at sites remote from ablation would suggest either regression of the advanced atrial substrate or that these CFE were functional phenomena. Nevertheless, in an advanced atrial fibrillation substrate, linear lesions after PVI diminished the target area for CFE ablation, and complete lesions resulted in a favorable clinical outcome.
Benefit of Warfarin Compared With Aspirin in Patients With Heart Failure in Sinus Rhythm
Authors: Homma Shunichi , Thompson John L.P. , Sanford Alexandra R. , Mann Douglas L. , Sacco Ralph L. , Levin Bruce , Pullicino Patrick M. , Freudenberger Ronald S. , Teerlink John R. , Graham Susan , Mohr J.P. , Massie Barry M. , Labovitz Arthur J. , Di Tullio Marco R. , Gabriel André P. , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Estol Conrado J. , Lok Dirk J. , Ponikowski Piotr , Anker Stefan D.
Published: July 2013

Background—

The Warfarin versus Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction (WARCEF) trial found no difference in the primary outcome between warfarin and aspirin in 2305 patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in sinus rhythm. However, it is unknown whether any subgroups benefit from warfarin or aspirin.

Methods and Results—

We used a Cox model stepwise selection procedure to identify subgroups that may benefit from warfarin or aspirin on the WARCEF primary outcome. A secondary analysis added major hemorrhage to the outcome. The primary efficacy outcome was time to the first to occur of ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or death. Only age group was a significant treatment effect modifier (
P
for interaction, 0.003). Younger patients benefited from warfarin over aspirin on the primary outcome (4.81 versus 6.76 events per 100 patient-years: hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.48–0.84;
P
=0.001). In older patients, therapies did not differ (9.91 versus 9.01 events per 100 patient-years: hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.35;
P
=0.44). With major hemorrhage added, in younger patients the event rate remained lower for warfarin than aspirin (5.41 versus 7.25 per 100 patient-years: hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–0.89;
P
=0.005), but in older patients it became significantly higher for warfarin (11.80 versus 9.35 per 100 patient-years: hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.53;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

In patients <60 years, warfarin improved outcomes over aspirin with or without inclusion of major hemorrhage. In patients ≥60 years, there was no treatment difference, but the aspirin group had significantly better outcomes when major hemorrhage was included.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00041938.
Prognostic Value of Indeterminable Anaerobic Threshold in Heart Failure
Authors: Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Corrà Ugo , Cattadori Gaia , Veglia Fabrizio , Battaia Elisa , La Gioia Rocco , Scardovi Angela B. , Emdin Michele , Metra Marco , Sinagra Gianfranco , Limongelli Giuseppe , Raimondo Rosa , Re Federica , Guazzi Marco , Belardinelli Romualdo , Parati Gianfranco , Magrì Damiano , Fiorentini Cesare , Cicoira Mariantonietta , Salvioni Elisabetta , Giovannardi Marta , Mezzani Alessandro , Scrutinio Domenico , Di Lenarda Andrea , Mantegazza Valentina , Ricci Roberto , Apostolo Anna , Iorio AnnaMaria , Paolillo Stefania , Palermo Pietro , Contini Mauro , Vassanelli Corrado , Passino Claudio , Piepoli Massimo F.
Published: July 2013

Background—

In patients with heart failure (HF), during maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test, anaerobic threshold (AT) is not always identified. We evaluated whether this finding has a prognostic meaning.

Methods and Results—

We recruited and prospectively followed up, in 14 dedicated HF units, 3058 patients with systolic (left ventricular ejection fraction <40%) HF in stable clinical conditions, New York Heart Association class I to III, who underwent clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and cardiopulmonary exercise test investigations at study enrollment. We excluded 921 patients who did not perform a maximal exercise, based on lack of achievement of anaerobic metabolism (peak respiratory quotient ≤1.05). Primary study end point was a composite of cardiovascular death and urgent cardiac transplant, and secondary end point was all-cause death. Median follow-up was 3.01 (1.39–4.98) years. AT was identified in 1935 out of 2137 patients (90.54%). At multivariable logistic analysis, failure in detecting AT resulted significantly in reduced peak oxygen uptake and higher metabolic exercise and cardiac and kidney index score value, a powerful prognostic composite HF index (
P
<0.001). At multivariable analysis, the following variables were significantly associated with primary study end point: peak oxygen uptake (% pred;
P
<0.001; hazard ratio [HR]=0.977; confidence interval [CI]=0.97–0.98), ventilatory efficiency slope (
P
=0.01; HR=1.02; CI=1.01–1.03), hemoglobin (
P
<0.05; HR=0.931; CI=0.87–1.00), left ventricular ejection fraction (
P
<0.001; HR=0.948; CI=0.94–0.96), renal function (modification of diet in renal disease;
P
<0.001; HR=0.990; CI=0.98–0.99), sodium (
P
<0.05; HR=0.967; CI=0.94–0.99), and AT nonidentification (
P
<0.05; HR=1.41; CI=1.06–1.89). Nonidentification of AT remained associated to prognosis also when compared with metabolic exercise and cardiac and kidney index score (
P
<0.01; HR=1.459; CI=1.09–1.10). Similar results were obtained for the secondary study end point.

Conclusions—

The inability to identify AT most often occurs in patients with severe HF, and it has an independent prognostic role in HF.
Revision of the extant Nearctic species of Dryinus Latreille 1804 group 1 (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae), with description of a new species from the USA
Authors: GUGLIELMINO ADALGISA , OLMI MASSIMO
Published: July 2013

The extant Nearctic species of Dryinus Latreille, 1804 group 1 are revised. A new species is described from the USA, New Mexico, Eddy County: D. splendidus Guglielmino & Olmi, sp. nov. A new combination is proposed for D. wetmorei (Olmi, 1984), comb. nov. (from Richardsidryinus Móczár). A new key to the females of the extant Nearctic species of Dryinus group 1 is presented.
A new species of Acanthaspidia Stebbing, 1898 (Isopoda, Asellota, Acanthaspidiidae) from the bathyal Weddell Sea (Southern Ocean)
Authors: TIMM MARLENE , KAISER STEFANIE , BRANDT ANGELIKA
Published: July 2013

A new acanthaspidiid species, Acanthaspidia matsi sp. nov., is described from the Powell Basin slope (Weddell Sea, Southern Ocean). Specimens of the new species were collected during the expedition ANDEEP III on board RV Polarstern in March 2005. The new species most closely resembles Acanthaspidia typhlops (G. O. Sars, 1879), Acanthaspidia natalensis (Kensley, 1977) andAcanthaspidia bifurcatoides Kussakin & Vasina, 1982, but can be distinguished from all these species by the following characters: rostrum strongly trifid (tips 0.4 times rostrum length); pereonites 1, 3–4 and 6 with 2 mid-dorsal spines; pleotelson spinulated, with 2 robust mid-dorsal spines. Systematic difficulties to distinguish the genera Acanthaspidia Stebbing, 1898 and Ianthopsis Beddard, 1886 are discussed and a key to all species in the genus Acanthaspidia is provided.
Hexactinellida of the genus Rossella, of ANT XXIV/2 (SYSTCO I) Expedition—Antarctic Eastern Weddell Sea
Authors: GÖCKE CHRISTIAN , JANUSSEN DORTE
Published: July 2013

The genus Rossella Carter, 1872 comprises a group of very abundant and large sponges, which often dominate and even define the benthic habitats of the Antarctic shelf. While the ecological role and importance of the genus is unquestionable, the taxonomy of Rossella has been in a state of flux since its erection in 1872. Several species have been described, many of which have proven to be individual representatives of species with high variation in diagnostic characters, thus many published species are actually synonyms and a valid concept is still lacking. Here, we present the Rossella-fauna of one station sampled during the SYSTCO-I expedition in winter 2007/08 at 600 m depth on the lower Ekström-shelf near Kapp Norvegia, Eastern Weddell Sea, Antarctica. This sponge fauna showed some remarkable peculiarities in its characters, especially an unusually large growth of many microscleres, which will broaden the diagnoses of many Rossella spp. significantly. Implications for the definitions of these species are discussed.
Pseudopolycope (P.) andeep sp. nov. from the deep Southern Ocean (Crustacea, Ostracoda, Cladocopina)
Authors: KARANOVIC IVANA , BRANDÃO SIMONE NUNES
Published: July 2013

Polycopids are one of the most diverse and often very abundant ostracod group in the deep sea. The true diversity of polycopids today inhabiting this environment, however, is very poorly known, because most of the studies identify ostracod material to the genus level, and they are based on the shell characters only. In this paper we describe Pseudopolycope (Pseudopolycope) andeep sp. nov. collected during the ANDEEP-SYSTCO I expedition in 2007 in the Atlantic Sector of the Southern Ocean. The new species was collected from 2,063 m depth. It differs from other 18 Recent Pseudopolycope Chavtur, 1981 species by (1) a peculiar morphology of the structures between claws on the uropodal lamellae; (2) morphology of the mandibular exopod; and (3) ornamentation of the shell. This is the first description of a living polycopid species from the deep Southern Ocean.
Analysis of a Historical (1981–2010) Temperature Record of the Punjab Province of Pakistan
Authors: Abbas Farhat
Published: July 2013

Prolonged droughts and uneven monsoons have adversely affected socioeconomic and environmental conditions of Pakistan, especially of the Punjab province. Analysis of historical (1981–2010) daily minimum and maximum temperatures from five cities in semiarid Punjab, Pakistan, was carried out to evaluate spatial and temporal patterns in thermal regimes. A total of 13 climate change indices were calculated using daily minimum and maximum temperatures and analyzed for trend using RClimDex, a program written in the statistical software package R. A nonparametric Mann–Kendall test and Sen's slope estimates were used to determine the statistical significance and magnitude of a trend, respectively. Observed trends in selected indices during 1981–2010 suggest an overall warming in the region. Over the analysis period, the regionally averaged occurrence of extreme cold (10th percentile) nights and days has decreased by −3.94 nights per decade and −0.61 days per decade, respectively. Occurrence of extreme hot (90th percentile) nights and days has increased by 4.19 nights per decade and 0.92 days per decade, respectively. The number of summer days has increased by almost 3 days per decade on average at four out of the five cities. Multan was the only city where the number of summer days has declined by 5 days per decade. Regionally averaged increase in tropical nights was 8.35 nights per decade. Regional warming will dictate increased crop water requirements in this semiarid region agriculture, which is already under water-scarce conditions, especially in the Faisalabad district, where saline groundwater is not suitable for crops.
ENSO Transition, Duration, and Amplitude Asymmetries: Role of the Nonlinear Wind Stress Coupling in a Conceptual Model
Authors: Choi Kit-Yan , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Wittenberg Andrew T.
Published: July 2013

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exhibits well-known asymmetries: 1) warm events are stronger than cold events, 2) strong warm events are more likely to be followed by cold events than vice versa, and 3) cold events are more persistent than warm events. Coupled GCM simulations, however, continue to underestimate many of these observed features.

To shed light on these asymmetries, the authors begin with a widely used delayed-oscillator conceptual model for ENSO and modify it so that wind stress anomalies depend more strongly on SST anomalies (SSTAs) during warm conditions, as is observed. Then the impact of this nonlinearity on ENSO is explored for three dynamical regimes: self-sustained oscillations, stochastically driven oscillations, and self-sustained oscillations disrupted by stochastic forcings. In all three regimes, the nonlinear air–sea coupling preferentially strengthens the feedbacks (both positive and delayed negative) during the ENSO warm phase—producing El Niños that grow to a larger amplitude and overshoot more rapidly and consistently into the opposite phase, than do the La Niñas. Finally, the modified oscillator is applied to observational records and to control simulations from two global coupled ocean–atmosphere–land–ice models [Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Climate Model version 2.1 (GFDL CM2.1) and version 2.5 (GFDL CM2.5)] to elucidate the causes of their differing asymmetries.
Athletics, Athletic Leadership, and Academic Achievement
Authors: Yeung Ryan
Published: July 2013

This study examines the relationship between athletics, athletic leadership, and academic achievement. This is likely to be a tricky issue as athletes and athletic leaders are not likely to be a random group of students. To address this issue I control for school fixed effects and instrument the endogenous variables with height. I find that athletes perform better than nonathletes in every subject area tested by the High School and Beyond survey and that this effect appear to differ by sex and race. Based on the literature, these results are likely to be especially true for urban youths. In addition, there are large benefits from leadership on these athletic teams.
Team Performance in Networked Supervisory Control of Unmanned Air Vehicles
Authors: McKendrick Ryan , Shaw Tyler , de Visser Ewart , Saqer Haneen , Kidwell Brian , Parasuraman Raja
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Assess team performance within a networked supervisory control setting while manipulating automated decision aids and monitoring team communication and working memory ability.

Background:

Networked systems such as multi–unmanned air vehicle (UAV) supervision have complex properties that make prediction of human-system performance difficult. Automated decision aid can provide valuable information to operators, individual abilities can limit or facilitate team performance, and team communication patterns can alter how effectively individuals work together. We hypothesized that reliable automation, higher working memory capacity, and increased communication rates of task-relevant information would offset performance decrements attributed to high task load.

Method:

Two-person teams performed a simulated air defense task with two levels of task load and three levels of automated aid reliability. Teams communicated and received decision aid messages via chat window text messages.

Results:

Task Load × Automation effects were significant across all performance measures. Reliable automation limited the decline in team performance with increasing task load. Average team spatial working memory was a stronger predictor than other measures of team working memory. Frequency of team rapport and enemy location communications positively related to team performance, and word count was negatively related to team performance.

Conclusion:

Reliable decision aiding mitigated team performance decline during increased task load during multi-UAV supervisory control. Team spatial working memory, communication of spatial information, and team rapport predicted team success.

Application:

An automated decision aid can improve team performance under high task load. Assessment of spatial working memory and the communication of task-relevant information can help in operator and team selection in supervisory control systems.
Influence at work and the desire for more influence
Authors: Markey Raymond , Ravenswood Katherine , Webber Don J , Knudsen Herman
Published: July 2013

What determines whether workers want more influence in their workplace? Much of the literature on employee voice assumes that employees desire a say in how they do their work, and that where they lack influence they are more likely to desire a greater say. This econometric study of 536 Danish and New Zealand employees in four industries indicates that workers’ desire for more influence was not dependent on how much influence they thought they already had. What mattered was age, length of service and specific organisational characteristics. Those who wanted more influence were not learning new things and did not feel that they received sufficient information about the workplace, and those who felt appreciated by management did not desire more influence. The results support human resource management literature that suggests the importance of integrated and mutually supportive ‘bundles’ of employment practices to support high performance.
Examining Studies of Inquiry-Based Learning in Three Fields of Education
Authors: Levy Brett L. M. , Thomas Ebony Elizabeth , Drago Kathryn , Rex Lesley A.
Published: July 2013

Many educational researchers across the United States have found that inquiry-based learning (IBL) supports the development of deep, meaningful content knowledge. However, integrating IBL into classroom practice has been challenging, in part because of contrasting conceptualizations and practices across educational fields. In this article, we (a) describe differing conceptions of IBL, (b) summarize our own studies of IBL in three fields of education, (c) compare and contrast the processes and purposes of IBL in our studies and fields, and (d) suggest numerous opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations on IBL curriculum, teaching, and research that could bolster its inclusion in K-12 education. We ground our exploration in knowledge-generating conceptualizations and practices in these fields.
Capitalism as a System of Expectations
Authors: Beckert Jens
Published: July 2013

Political economy and economic sociology have developed in relative isolation from each other. While political economy focuses largely on macro phenomena, economic sociology focuses on the embeddedness of economic action. The article argues that economic sociology can provide a microfoundation for political economy beyond rational actor theory and behavioral economics. At the same time political economy offers a unifying research framework for economic sociology with its focus on the explanation of capitalist dynamics. The sociological microfoundation for understanding of capitalist dynamics should focus on the expectations actors have regarding future states of the world. Based on a discussion of what I call the four Cs of capitalism (credit, commodification, creativity, and competition), I argue that under conditions of uncertainty, expectations are contingent and should be understood as “fictional expectations.” The capability of humans to imagine future states of the world that can be different from the present is the central basis for a sociological microfoundation of the dynamics of economic macro phenomena. Macroeconomic dynamics are anchored in these “fictional expectations,” which create motifs for engaging in potentially profitable but ultimately incalculable outcomes. This shifts attention to the “management of expectations” as a crucial element of economic activity and to the institutional, political, and cultural foundations of expectations. The reproduction of capitalism is precarious also because of the contingency of expectations conducive to its growth.
Neighbourhoods and Municipalities as Contextual Opportunities for Interethnic Contact
Authors: Petermann Sören
Published: July 2013

This article investigates consequences of spatial contexts on interethnic contact. Despite the acknowledged integrative effects of pleasant interethnic relationships, several unresolved issues remain in this research field: investigations at two contextual levels simultaneously—i.e. neighbourhood and municipality levels; investigations of several contextual characteristics simultaneously, e.g. ethnic concentration, physical contact opportunities, population size; investigations on different kinds of interethnic contact, for example, contact with neighbours, with friends or in general. The present study contributes to these issues by analysing interethnic contact from a native’s perspective using a German nation-wide dataset. A considerably high proportion of Germans (72 per cent) have contact with foreigners in at least one out of four measured types. Ethnic concentration is the strongest contextual predictor for all kinds of interethnic contact. Physical contact opportunities in the immediate neighbourhood foster interethnic contact in the neighbourhood only, while municipality size mostly diminishes interethnic contact.
Home, Sweet Home
Authors: Hirt Sonia
Published: July 2013

This paper explores the emergence of zoning in early twentieth-century America against the background of zoning in two European countries: Germany and England. The common interpretation is that zoning was first used in these countries and then imported to America. But this interpretation neglects the extent to which American zoning began to deviate from European traditions early on. Based on primary and secondary archival sources, this paper tells a story about two aspects of zoning that set U.S. practice apart from that in Europe. The first is the purely residential district and the second is the purely single-family residential district. The European–American comparison helps highlight the distinct nature of U.S. land-use regulation.
Addressing flooding in the city of Surat beyond its boundaries
Authors: Bhat G K , Karanth Anup , Dashora Lalit , Rajasekar Umamaheshwaran
Published: July 2013

This paper describes the flood risks faced by Surat, one of India’s most successful and also most flood-prone cities. The city is located on the Tapi River and faces flood risks not only from heavy precipitation in and around the city but also from heavy precipitation upstream and from high tides downstream. Reducing the risks from upstream depends on better water management in a water catchment area and dam reservoir located far outside the city authority’s jurisdiction and in another state. The paper also reviews measures being taken to reduce flood risks – and how climate change is likely to affect such risks. It suggests that part of the city’s response needs to be a greater ability to live with floods, while minimizing the costs these usually bring in terms of loss of life, damage to homes and disruption to businesses.
Medical Equipment Adoption in Greek Hospitals: The Case of CT Scanners
Authors: Papathanassopoulos Fotis , Kounetas Kostas , Skuras Dimitris
Published: July 2013

The paper aims to unravel the elements which constitute the decision-making process concerning new medical technologies in the context of the Greek Health System, where there are more than one decision makers. Computerized tomography is used as a case study. Using a unique data setting that refers to the total number of the Greek Public Hospitals, the pattern of adoption is outlined. At the second stage, data is associated with regional and geographical characteristics as well as information related to the hospital efficiency. A probit model is used for the factor analysis and a survival function hazard model for time to adopt. Results indicate that the models used are suitable for examining the factors influencing the adoption of medical technologies as well as the time that such technologies are adopted. It was found that the size of the hospital and its plenitude positively influence not only the probability of adoption but also the time of adoption of computerized tomography. Findings are encouraging; they support the use of the model in studying the adoption of other medical technologies too and can be used also as a tool by policy makers to assist the process of investment in new health technologies.
Feeding the Problem, Seeking a Solution: India’s Nutrition and Health Paradox
Authors: Lakshmi J.K.
Published: July 2013

This essay is a description of the apparent cross-purposes at which certain limbs of the Indian government, specifically the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke (NPDCS), seem to be functioning: Some of the workings of the PDS contribute to poor health and non-communicable diseases, while the NPDCS endeavours to control non-communicable diseases. The lacunae and setbacks in public health engendered by the non-convergence of the goals of programmes geared to assure nutritional security and disease prevention are discussed. The ramifications of national policies on the conservation of local culture are alluded to. Faced as India is with multiple challenges of population health, piecemeal approaches such as ad hoc subsidies and policies that skew health behaviours will not answer. It is vital for a holistic view of the country’s problems and potential to be taken, and for this process to begin with the steering of all the government’s policies to the achievement of shared goals.
ShakerVis: Visual analysis of segment variation of German translations of Shakespeare’s Othello
Authors: Geng Zhao , Cheesman Tom , Laramee Robert S. , Flanagan Kevin , Thiel Stephan
Published: July 2013

William Shakespeare is one of the world’s greatest writers. His plays have been translated into every major living language. In some languages, his plays have been retranslated many times. These translations and retranslations have evolved for about 250 years. Studying variations in translations of world cultural heritage texts is of cross-cultural interest for arts and humanities researchers. The variations between retranslations are due to numerous factors, including the differing purposes of translations, genetic relations, cultural and intercultural influences, rivalry between translators and their varying competence. A team of Digital Humanities researchers has collected an experimental corpus of 55 different German retranslations of Shakespeare’s play, Othello. The retranslations date between 1766 and 2010. A sub-corpus of 32 retranslations has been prepared as a digital parallel corpus. We would like to develop methods of exploring patterns in variation between different translations. In this article, we develop an interactive focus + context visualization system to present, analyse and explore variation at the level of user-defined segments. From our visualization, we are able to obtain an overview of the relationships of similarity between parallel segments in different versions. We can uncover clusters and outliers at various scales, and a linked focus view allows us to further explore the textual details behind these findings. The domain experts who are studying this topic evaluate our visualizations, and we report their feedback. Our system helps them better understand the relationships between different German retranslations of Othello and derive some insight.
A review of the high-concentration capsaicin patch and experience in its use in the management of neuropathic pain
Authors: Baranidharan Ganesan , Das Sangeeta , Bhaskar Arun
Published: July 2013

In the European Union, the high-concentration capsaicin patch is licensed for the management of neuropathic pain conditions in nondiabetic patients, including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and HIV-associated distal sensory polyneuropathy (HIV-DSP). However, in the USA, the Food and Drug Administration approved its use only in PHN patients. Capsaicin is a transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 agonist, which increases the intracellular calcium ion concentration. This triggers calcium-dependent protease enzymes causing cytoskeletal breakdown and leads to the loss of cellular integrity and ‘defunctionalization’ of nociceptor fibres. Efficacy and therapeutic effect has been shown in several clinical studies of PHN and HIV-DSP. The high-concentration capsaicin patch and its practical application are different from low-concentration creams; one application can help for up to 3 months. The process of setting up of a service to use the capsaicin 8% patch is also discussed.
An Educational–Vocational Intervention
Authors: Friberg Kalervo
Published: July 2013

Changes in student-affective entry characteristics were examined in an educational−vocational intervention at Finnish comprehensive school. The conceptual framework constructed from attitudes as learned dispositions (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975) and self-determination (Deci & Ryan, 1985) was tested in a longitudinal study. A person-based survey questionnaire was designed, piloted, and validated. Spearman−Brown reliability was calculated. In the first observation, 669 (Time One Cohort), and in the second, 649 (Time Two Cohort) subjects (girls and boys) of mean ages of 14.5 and 16.0 years took the Web-based survey. The tested hypotheses were (a) variables of self-determination, self-regulation, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation would emerge as attitudinal domains in work−life orientation; (b) the experiences during the implementation of a work−life orientation program would decrease the effects of seventh-grade student background factors at the end of the program in the ninth grade, and (c) work−life orientation would be effective and have efficacy in changing student attitudes in relation to further education and occupations. Three factors emerged in the Maximum Likelihood Factor Analysis. The factors Independence, Self-Direction, and Flexibility were used as the dependents in repeated measures in a general linear model. The factor means were subjected to a paired samples t test. There was development toward stronger Independence and Flexibility in the case of both genders. The boys had gained the girls’ seventh-grade lead at the end of the program. Self-Direction did not show any changes. Empirical findings tentatively supported the program’s efficacy in changing entry characteristics.
Female Fitness in the Blogosphere
Authors: Andreasson Jesper , Johansson Thomas
Published: July 2013

This article analyzes self-portrayals and gender constructions among female personal trainers within an Internet-mediated framework of fitness culture. The empirical material comes from a close examination of three strategically selected blogs. The result shows that some of the blogs clearly build upon what Connell calls emphasized femininity, as a means of legitimizing and constructing appropriate female fitness. In addition, there are also tendencies of sexualization in text and imagery present. As such, these self-representations are framed within a cultural history of body fitness dominated by stereotypical ways of perceiving masculinity and femininity. However, this does not capture the entire presentation of the self among the analyzed fitness bloggers. The blogs also point in the direction of ongoing negotiations and subversions of traditional gender norms. Among other things, they show how irony and humor are used as a means of questioning normative gender constructions while empowering female fitness and bodyliness.
Polypoid Gallbladder Lesion in the Context of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Seeliger Barbara , Callari Cosimo , Diana Michele , Mutter Didier , Marescaux Jacques
Published: July 2013

Introduction. The only curative therapeutic approach for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is surgery. Laparoscopic surgery for RCC has become an established surgical procedure with equivalent cancer-free survival rate, following the same surgical oncological principles as open surgery. Metastatic RCC of the gallbladder is a rare phenomenon. Hence, there are few reports regarding their management. Case Presentation. We report 2 cases of gallbladder metastasis from clear cell RCC treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The first case was that of a 44-year-old male patient who underwent palliative cholecystectomy, the second case was that of an 83-year-old female patient who is doing well 55 months after surgery without evidence of disease recurrence. Conclusion. The outcome allows us to demonstrate the interest of surgical resection of RCC metastases in the gallbladder by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, respecting surgical oncological principles. Laparoscopic resection of an uncommon gallbladder metastasis can provide long-term favorable outcome.
A new variant of statistical convergence
Authors: Mohiuddine Syed Abdul , Alotaibi Abdullah , Mursaleen Mohammad
Published: July 2013

In this paper we study the notion of statistical

(
A
,
λ
)

-summability, which is a generalization of statistical A-summability. We study here many other related concepts and its relations with statistical convergence and λ-statistical convergence and provide some interesting examples.