bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme paleoflood events 3200–3000 a BP in the Jingyuan–Jingtai reaches of the upper Yellow River, China
Authors: Hu Guiming , Huang Chun Chang , Zhou Yali , Pang Jiangli , Zha Xiaochun , Guo Yongqiang , Zhang Yuzhu , Zhao Xueru
Published: February 2016

A set of paleoflood slack water deposit (SWD) beds was identified within slope clasts at the Jinpingcun (JPC) site in the Jingyuan–Jingtai reaches of the upper Yellow River gorges based on sedimentary criteria and analytical results. Paleoflood hydrology methods were applied to reconstruct paleoflood events in the Jingyuan–Jingtai reaches. The paleoflood peak stages were calculated based on the highest end-point elevations of the SWDs. The HEC-RAS model and optically stimulated luminescence dating enabled robust paleo-discharge estimates to be calculated between 12,750 and 16,310 m3/s for paleoflood events that occurred during 3200–3000 a BP. The peak discharges, including gauged and historical flood data at the Lanzhou gauge station and the reconstructed paleoflood peak discharges at the JPC site, were input for flood frequency analysis. These paleo-hydrological approaches can also be applied to other regions in the Yellow River gorges. Furthermore, the ages of the paleoflood events correspond well with the known climatic events at 3100 a BP during Holocene climatic variability. These findings are significant for flood risk estimation, in the assessment of water sources in dryland environments, and in understanding the interactions between hydrological systems and climatic change in arid and semi-arid regions of the upper Yellow River in China.
The transition of human subsistence strategies in relation to climate change during the Bronze Age in the West Liao River Basin, Northeast China
Authors: Jia Xin , Sun Yonggang , Wang Lin , Sun Wenfeng , Zhao Zhijun , Lee Harry F , Huang Wenbo , Wu Shuangye , Lu Huayu
Published: February 2016

Despite the proposed climate–human connection in the West Liao River Basin during the Bronze Age, the question of how climate change could have affected the subsistence strategies, and consequently, the cultural transformation from the Lower Xiajiadian to the Upper Xiajiadian periods, has never been systematically explored. Based on radiocarbon dating and the analysis of plant remains recovered by flotation, as well as the spatial distribution of archaeological sites, this study investigates the subsistence strategies of ancient people and their influence on cultural development in the West Liao River Basin during the Lower Xiajiadian (3900–3400 cal. yr BP) and Upper Xiajiadian periods (3000–2500 cal. yr BP). Carbonized seeds collected from 13 archaeological sites reveal that people engaged in millet-based agriculture in this area throughout the Bronze Age. Favorable climate during the Holocene Optimum promoted millet farming among the Lower Xiajiadian Culture. The end of the Holocene Optimum and its associated climate deterioration led to agricultural shrinkage in the Upper Xiajiadian period, which is revealed by the reduced amount of carbonized millet seeds and the ratio between foxtail millet and broomcorn millet. Climate deterioration led to diverse subsistence strategies, resulting in the dispersal of human settlements and the differentiation of the spatial distributions of different groups. People with millet-based subsistence strategies retreated southward, while people with animal husbandry and hunting-based subsistence strategies migrated westward. The above findings may offer insights in comprehending how climate deterioration could have affected the multi-facets of human societies in the West Liao River Basin, which is a climatically sensitive region, in Chinese prehistory.
Mid- to late-Holocene coastal vegetation patterns in Northern Levant (Tell Sukas, Syria): Olive tree cultivation history and climatic change
Authors: Sorrel Philippe , Mathis Marie
Published: February 2016

A detailed, high-resolution, pollen record conducted on Holocene sediments from Tell Sukas provides an advanced picture of landscape evolution and vegetation dynamics between 6000 and 2600 cal. BP (ca. 4050–650 BCE) in coastal Syria (core TSII). We report a prominent and abrupt increase in Olea pollen content and a coeval decrease in other arboreal essences at 4600 cal. BP, reflecting an intensification of olive horticulture in coastal Syria which is probably contemporaneous with the development of olive oil production in Northern Levant and an increased influence of human activities on vegetation dynamics. Highest abundances of Olea pollen (up to 60%) occurred between ca. 3900 and 3600 cal. BP at Tell Sukas, suggesting that the region became an important olive oil producer. However, the 4200 cal. BP increase in regional dryness widely reported in the Eastern Mediterranean coincides only with a slight decline in olive exploitation in Northern Levant, suggesting that milder conditions prevailed in coastal Syria. Conversely, the abrupt decline of Olea pollen abundances during 3400–3000 cal. BP along with increased values of semi-arid indicators and non-palatable herbs implies a significant drier climate, in accordance with other studies from the Levantine region. This is concurrent with the period of turmoil and crisis characterizing the end of the late Bronze Age and the transition to the Iron Age in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Reconfiguring the public and the private: Noc-Noc arts festival, Guimarães, Portugal
Authors: Sarmento João , Ferreira Marisa
Published: February 2016

In the past decades many cities have experienced growing pressure to produce and stage cultural events of different sorts to promote themselves and improve economic development. Culture-led development often relies on significant public investment and major private-sector sponsoring. In the context of strained public finances and profound economic crisis in European peripheral countries, local community low-budget events that manage to create significant fluxes of visitors and visibility assume a particular relevance. This paper looks at the four editions (2011–2014) of Noc-Noc, an arts festival organized by a local association in the city of Guimarães, Portugal, which is based on creating transient spaces of culture by transforming numerous homes, commercial outlets and other buildings into ephemeral convivial and playful ‘public’ environments. By interviewing a sample of people who have hosted (sometimes doubling as artists) these transitory art performances and exhibitions, artists and the events’ organizers and by experiencing the four editions of the event and engaging in multiple informal conversations with the public, this paper attempts to discuss how urban citizens may disrupt the cleavages between public and private space permitting various transgressions, and unsettling the hegemonic condition of the city council as the patron of the large majority of events.
Influence of Foreign Institutional Investments (FIIs) on the Indian Stock Market: An Insight by VAR Models
Authors: Vardhan Harsh , Sinha Pankaj
Published: February 2016

The study examines the influence of foreign institutional investments (FIIs) on the Indian equity market and its role in integration with the United States (US) equity market. Different vector autoregression (VAR) models have been employed for sub-periods created by the structural breaks. Despite global recessionary conditions, both purchase and sales of FIIs have steadily increased. The FII inflows and outflows are significantly influenced by the domestic equity market. The exchange rate has no effect on FII inflows; however, outflows are influenced by its change. The US equity market has no influence on FIIs’ inflows but has marginal impact on the outflows.

JEL Classification: C58, C54, G23, G18, G15
Board Independence, Audit Quality and Earnings Management: Evidence from Egypt
Authors: Khalil Mohamed , Ozkan Aydin
Published: February 2016

Using a unique dataset for Egyptian firms, we investigate the relationship between board independence, audit quality and earnings management. We test whether firm-level corporate governance provisions matter in an emerging market setting characterised by weak legal enforcement and inadequate external discipline by the market for corporate control. Our results cast doubt on the notion that a higher ratio of non-executive members is associated with lower earnings management. We find that the effect of board independence on earnings management practices is contingent on the levels of ownership held by executive directors and large shareholders, as well as the composition of audit committee. In addition, the results are consistent with the view that high-quality auditors are effective in reducing earnings management.

JEL Classification: M41, M48
Research in Early Childhood Education for Sustainability: International Perspectives and Provocations
Authors: Hirsh Jamie L.
Published: February 2016

Julie Davis and Sue Elliott (Eds), Routledge, 2014, 337 pages, $51.95 (paperback [Amazon]). ISBN-13: 978-0415854498
An evidence-based scale for the antecedents of depressive symptoms in Australian adults
Authors: Liu Xin , Furuya-Kanamori Luis , Siskind Dan , Crompton David , Williams Gail M , Kostner Karam , Vitetta Luis , Doi Suhail A
Published: February 2016

Objective:

To develop and test a self-reported scale designed to measure the antecedents of depression.

Methods:

Participants of the Sustainable Mastery of Innovative Lifelong Exercise (SMILE) Tai Chi program were invited to complete the scale for antecedents of depressive symptoms. The scale included questions regarding events/factors the participants have experienced over the past three months and preceded their depressive symptoms. The reliability of the questions was assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha. Principal components analysis was used to examine if there were domains of interest across the scale questions.

Results:

A total of 126 participants completed the scale. The scale had a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.82). Principal components analysis identified three components (life events, psychosocial problems, and physical/health problems) in the scale and the components detected the root categories of depression in more than 56% of the cases.

Conclusions:

This simple self-administered scale has proven to provide a reliable measure for the antecedent factors of depression in the SMILE Tai Chi cohort; further validation of the scale in different settings is encouraged.
Spirituality and Awareness of Diagnoses in Terminally Ill Patients With Cancer
Authors: Lai Carlo , Luciani Massimiliano , Galli Federico , Morelli Emanuela , Del Prete Francesca , Ginobbi Patrizia , Penco Italo , Aceto Paola , Lombardo Luigi
Published: February 2016

Objective:

Aims of the present study were to investigate the association between awareness of own illness condition and psychological outcome in end-of-life phase and to test the association between the spirituality and the awareness of own illness condition.

Methods:

Three hundred and ninety-nine terminally ill patients with cancer were enrolled in a hospice in central Italy. One hundred patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The Systems of Belief Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a psychological interview to determine the level of awareness of the illness diagnosis (aware; partially aware; and not aware) were administered to terminally ill patients.

Results:

The main finding was that the awareness of one’s own illness condition was positively associated with the extrinsic spirituality and negatively associated with intrinsic spirituality (regression model R = .26; R2 = .07; adjusted R2 = .05; F2, 97 = 3.45; P = .036). The aware group showed lower anxiety and depression ( F2, 97 = 1.9; P = . 075; F2, 97 = 2.6; P = .04) scores than partially aware and not aware groups. The psychological outcome was not associated with the spirituality level.

Conclusion:

In terminally ill patients with cancer, the levels of depression and anxiety were lower in patients aware of their own illness state. Moreover, higher levels of extrinsic and lower levels of intrinsic spirituality predicted the awareness of one’s own illness state.
Handing Off Safety at the Bedside
Authors: Groves Patricia S. , Manges Kirstin A. , Scott-Cawiezell Jill
Published: February 2016

The study purpose was to describe how bedside nurses can use nursing bedside shift report (NBSR) to keep patients safe. NBSR has been recommended as a means of increasing patient safety, but little is known about how or whether it does so. Grounded theory methods were used. Data were collected from 2014 to 2015 with bedside nurses in a pediatric unit with an established NBSR process. The primary process by which bedside nurses use NBSR to keep patients safe is reducing risk of harm through conveying the patient story from shift to shift. Having a perspective from the bedside is a key antecedent to reducing risk of harm, as it supports the nurses’ ability to subsequently identify and address risks. Although often seen as a routine exchange of information, how nursing shift report is conducted can impact patient safety. The study reinforces the value of targeting nursing communication to improve patient safety.
The Human Side of Restructures
Authors: Lensges Marcia L. , Hollensbe Elaine C. , Masterson Suzanne S.
Published: February 2016

Organizational restructures have been occurring for decades but are often rife with problems. Although researchers have studied these restructures, many studies focus on financial, strategic, and integration aspects and are limited in addressing the human side of restructuring. In addition, there is little study of internal restructures involving the movement of divisions within one organization. In our inductive case study, we examine how organizational members’ identification perceptions evolve and impact an internal restructure at a large university. We present our emergent findings in a process model that illustrates how identification perceptions evolved, as well as triggers that impacted identifying and de-identifying processes. These triggers, which helped move members simultaneously from a state of identification with the former entity (pre-restructure) to both de-identification with the former entity and identification with the new one (post-restructure), included experiences and expectations involving resources, justice, and organization oneness.
Trust and Distrust Network Accuracy and Career Advancement in an Organization
Authors: Marineau Joshua E.
Published: February 2016

Although there is some evidence individuals’ knowledge of the organization’s social network can be a valuable resource, providing advantages, it is unclear whether those advantages also relate to employee performance outcomes, such as career advancement. Thus, the question this study seeks to answer is “Does accuracy of the social network provide a unique resource unto itself, positively affecting one’s promotion in the organization?” This question is answered from a social exchange and social resources view using cognitive social structure-style data collected in the call center of a large U.S. restaurant equipment manufacturing firm. Evidence suggests that social network accuracy of the work-related trust and distrust networks increased the chances for promotion compared with the less accurate. In addition, trust and distrust network accuracy moderated supervisor-rated performance effects on promotion, such that accuracy is generally more beneficial for low compared with high performance individuals, increasing their chances of promotion. Contributions to research in career advancement, social networks, network cognition, and positive and negative tie perception are discussed.
News Internalizing and Externalizing
Authors: Choi Jihyang
Published: February 2016

The present study sheds light on the changing patterns of news experiences by defining it as news sharing. The study attempted to explicate the concept of news sharing by identifying the subdimensions of it in the context of online social networking sites (SNSs). Findings showed that news sharing is comprised of two distinctive behaviors: news internalizing (by those who read news) and externalizing (by those who offer news to others). Furthermore, news internalizing and externalizing have two subdimensions, respectively: browsing and personalizing for internalizing, and recontextualizing and endorsing for externalizing. Data were collected through a national survey of adults in the United States.
How Firm Responses to Natural Disasters Strengthen Community Resilience
Authors: McKnight Brent , Linnenluecke Martina K.
Published: February 2016

Natural disasters challenge a community’s resilience. Prior community resilience research has focused on the responses of public entities, such as emergency services and government agencies. However, for-profit firms are also engaged in responding to natural disasters. This article explores two aspects of how firms participate in building community resilience to natural disasters: First, the article synthesizes research on business continuity management, corporate philanthropy, and emerging evidence that firms engage in the business of disaster response into a coherent typology of for-profit firm responses to natural disasters. Second, the article draws on stakeholder theory to distinguish between firms adopting firm-centric postures (focused inwardly on firm outcomes) versus firms adopting community-centric postures (focused outwardly on stakeholders), with respect to responding to natural disasters. We theorize relationships between firm- versus community-centric postures and different community resilience outcomes. The article concludes by discussing contributions to stakeholder theory and outlines future research directions.
Meta-Prediction of MTHFR Gene Polymorphism Mutations and Associated Risk for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Shiao S. P. K. , Yu C. H.
Published: February 2016

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) gene is one of the most investigated of the genes associated with chronic human diseases because of its associations with hyperhomocysteinemia and toxicity. It has been proposed as a prototype gene for the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). The major objectives of this meta-analysis were to examine the polymorphism-mutation patterns of MTHFR and their associations with risk for CRC as well as potential contributing factors for mutations and disease risks. This analysis included 33,626 CRC cases and 48,688 controls across 92 studies for MTHFR 677 and 16,367 cases and 24,874 controls across 54 studies for MTHFR 1298, comprising data for various racial and ethnic groups, both genders, and multiple cancer sites. MTHFR 677 homozygous TT genotype was protective ( p < .05) for CRC for all included populations; however, with heterogeneity across various racial–ethnic groups and opposing findings, it was a risk genotype for the subgroup of Hispanics ( p < .01). Additional countries for which subgroup analyses resulted in 677 TT as a risk genotype included Turkey, Romania, Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, Mexico, Brazil, U.S. Hawai’i, Taiwan, India, and Egypt. Countries with the highest mutation rates and risks for both MTHFR 677 and 1298 genotypes are presented using global maps to visualize the grouping patterns. Meta-predictive analyses revealed that air pollution levels were associated with gene polymorphisms for both genotypes. Future nursing research should be conducted to develop proactive measures to protect populations in cities where air pollution causes more deaths.
Music as transitional object and practice: Children’s spontaneous musical behaviors in the subway
Authors: Custodero Lori A. , Calì Claudia , Diaz-Donoso Adriana
Published: February 2016

This study looks at children’s music making in a public setting designed for society writ large. Although known to most children in the city, the subway presents a unique environment, both structurally predictable yet sonically dynamic; it is in continuous transition. Adopting Winnicott’s psychoanalytical perspective, we make a case for viewing children’s spontaneous music making as a tool for comfort and engagement, specifically through the use of musical material as transitional objects and musical behaviors as transitional practices. Data were collected over three weekends on two subway lines in New York City. Seven to 10 field observers traveled in groups of two or three; each filled out a protocol form for every episode of children’s music making observed, indicating musical qualities, sources, and contexts. These categorical descriptors and accompanying field notes were later used to construct more detailed qualitative narratives. With a total of 69 episodes, the authors found that music making was present in children from infancy to middle childhood (approximately age 10). Findings showed musical behaviors were influenced by adult interaction, and generated by resources in the environment. Over 81% of observed episodes contained vocal behaviors; movement occurred in almost half (48%). Musical materials were mostly invented. The most frequent function was “to comfort and entertain self,” comprising over 50% of those observed, and was linked to solitary interaction. Communicating with others accounted for another third of the reports.
Some porous squeeze film-bearings using ferrofluid lubricant: A review with contributions
Authors: Shah Rajesh C , Patel Nayan I , Kataria Ramesh C
Published: February 2016

Based on ferrofluid flow model given by R.E. Rosensweig, a general equation for different slider squeeze film-bearing design systems, formed by solid upper surface and lower porous plate, is theoretically derived considering the effects of porosity, permeability, squeeze velocity, tangential velocity and oblique variable magnetic field. While deriving the general equation, continuity equation and Darcy’s law are also considered. Expressions for pressure and load-carrying capacity for different squeeze film-bearing design systems are obtained. The results for dimensionless load-carrying capacity are computed and compared with previous results in some cases. The results indicate the better performance of different bearing systems when ferrofluid is used as lubricant. Further, some important conclusions are also made. Two permeability models – globular sphere and capillary fissures are discussed. The variable magnetic field is considered because uniform magnetic field does not enhance bearing performances.
Gender identity disorders and multiple sclerosis risk: A national record-linkage study
Authors: Pakpoor Julia , Wotton Clare J , Schmierer Klaus , Giovannoni Gavin , Goldacre Michael J
Published: February 2016

Background:

An altered balance of gonadal hormones in males with gender identity disorders (GIDs) may increase multiple sclerosis (MS) risk both inherently and secondary to treatment in undergoing male-to-female conversion.

Objective:

We investigated any association between GIDs and MS through analysis of record-linked hospital statistics.

Method:

Analysis of English Hospital Episode Statistics, 1999–2012.

Results:

The adjusted rate ratio (RR) of MS following GIDs in males was 6.63 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.81–17.01, p = 0.0002). The RR of MS following GIDs in females was 1.44 (95% CI = 0.47–3.37, p = 0.58).

Conclusion:

We report a strong association between GIDs and MS in male-to-females, supporting a potential role for low testosterone and/or feminising hormones on MS risk in males.
Big Data Surveillance and the Body-subject
Authors: Ball Kirstie , Di Domenico MariaLaura , Nunan Daniel
Published: February 2016

This paper considers the implications of big data practices for theories about the surveilled subject who, analysed from afar, is still gazed upon, although not directly watched as with previous surveillance systems. We propose this surveilled subject be viewed through a lens of proximity rather than interactivity, to highlight the normative issues arising within digitally mediated relationships. We interpret the ontological proximity between subjects, data flows and big data surveillance through Merleau-Ponty’s ideas combined with Levinas’ approach to ethical proximity and Coeckelberg’s work on proximity in the digital age. This leads us to highlight how competing normativities, and normative dilemmas in these proximal spaces, manipulate the surveilled subject’s embodied practices to lead the embodied individual towards experiencing them in a local sense. We explore when and how the subject notices these big data practices and then interprets them through translating their experiences into courses of action, inaction or acquiescence.
Listening to both sides: A qualitative comparison between patients with hepatitis C and their healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to hepatitis C treatment adherence and completion
Authors: Sublette Victoria A , Smith Sian K , George Jacob , McCaffery Kirsten , Douglas Mark W
Published: February 2016

This qualitative study compares and contrasts the perspectives of healthcare professionals who treat hepatitis C with those of patients in treatment. Comparative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 20 healthcare professionals and 20 patients undergoing treatment for hepatitis C concluded that patients and healthcare professionals disagreed on the source of communication breakdowns, but both felt that individualised clinical information improved adherence. Stigma was recognised as a barrier to treatment adherence by both patients and healthcare professionals. Limitations of the healthcare system, such as patients receiving inconsistent information and long wait times, negatively impacted both patients and providers.
A Phaedrus baroque art of maintenance or constant fabulating qualia becoming quality
Authors: Reinertsen Anne Beate
Published: February 2016

This article is crafted through three scenes, through which the author tries to imagine quality as something that is third space, semiotic, plasticity, eternal, and simultaneously something solid and obviously good here and now, through a Spinozian/Deluzian/Braitottian joy/you/me. The author rhizomatically tries to lay everything out on a plane of exteriority – on a single page, the same sheet: lived events, historical determinations, theories, philosophies, stories, concepts, individuals, groups, social formations, and her desires. Scene One is from Plato’s dialogue Phaedrus and is about censuring. Scene Two is from Robert M Pirsig’s story Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values. The third scene (and all scenes) is a DeleuzoGuattarian fabulation, writing qualia becoming quality and hopefully transgressing universal quality measuring projects that are addressing specific professionals and/or preschools or child/ren/hoods, where early child/hood is ultimately seen as a matrix of becoming and early childhood education centres as translocal places preparing for future contingent events. The author tries to provide a chance to see better the airy void around us – to see beneath the stucco surface of the purely phenomenal, insubstantial character of the everyday world – so as to enjoy fleeting quality life all the more, at least for a moment. The author is initiating new discourses on childhood – ultimately, children’s political subject formations.
Poverty knowledge and action research: Lessons from the Ramanagaram Financial Diaries
Authors: Kamath Rajalaxmi , Ramanathan Smita
Published: February 2016

This piece is an attempt to synthesize our learnings about poverty and action research using the financial diaries methodology among the urban poor at Ramanagaram, a town 60 km away from Bangalore, India. We introduced a participatory component in the financial diaries methodology by asking our respondents (all women) to be the diary writers. This helped narrowing the gap between the researchers and researched towards understanding data on the lives of the poor. It spurred an on-going relationship with our diary writers and enabled us to take a critical look at several mainstream conclusions about poverty. For example, eating out and expenditure on snacks by women, especially in women-headed households is not to be considered a temptation good but an expense arising from the informal nature of her employment, allowing her little time towards household chores. Similarly, buying a TV (sometimes by borrowing money) was often prompted by the drudgery of onerous job–work done from home, rather than from the need to emulate the Joneses. A small self-help livelihoods venture grew out of the interaction, which we helped setup. This study reinforces the need to have more action research with the poor, if meaningful solutions need be sought to their problems.
“Tax” and “Fee” Message Frames as Inhibitors of Plastic Bag Usage Among Shoppers
Authors: Muralidharan Sidharth , Sheehan Kim
Published: February 2016

In response to the plastic bag pandemic, many studies have indicated that penalties can lower consumption of plastic bags but are only effective in the short term. For long-term impact, shoppers’ intrinsic motivations need to be explored. Using framing and the theory of planned behavior, the current study looked at how advertising messages framed as “avoiding a fee” (gain) and “paying a tax” (loss) can impact shoppers’ behavior to bring reusable bags. Findings from a hierarchical and multiple regression analysis showed differences in how both frames were interpreted. For the fee frame, attitude toward compliance and perceived control were important to intentions, while attitudes toward bringing reusable bags, control, and subjective norms impacted intentions for the tax frame. Behavioral intention was the main predictor of behavior for both frames. The findings suggest that a penalty framed as a tax maybe more effective in motivating shoppers to bring reusable bags. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
A robotics operator manager role for military application
Authors: Cassenti Daniel N
Published: February 2016

Due to the increasing use of robots in US military operations, a new role may help to manage and coordinate multiple robotic assets, especially when considering the high mental workload requirements for robot control. The role of a robotics operator manager (ROM) was formed to study a path forward in solving this problem. An experiment with human test participants acting as ROMs showed that the ROM role as constructed is a workable solution to the robot management problems and also showed that time limits and bandwidth limitation affected engineered explosive detection performance, assessments of trust, and ratings of mental workload. Some of these results and others showing preferences for image stimuli and ground robots were simulated in an Adaptive Control of Thought–Rational model of the ROM experiment. The experimental and model results reveal that the ROM is not just a workable solution to the robot coordination problem, but that it may also be a preferred solution. I conclude with notes on how to field the role with personnel of specific skill sets.
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Translation of the Sexual Quality of Life–Male Questionnaire
Authors: Maasoumi Raziyeh , Mokarami Hamidreza , Nazifi Morteza , Stallones Lorann , Taban Abrahim , Yazdani Aval Mohsen , Samimi Kazem
Published: February 2016

Sexual dysfunction has been demonstrated to be related to a poor quality of life. These dysfunctions are especially prevalent among men. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian translation of the Sexual Quality of Life–Male (SQOL-M), translated and adapted to measure sexual quality of life among Iranian men. Forward–backward procedures were applied in translating the original SQOL-M into Persian, and then the psychometric properties of the Persian translation of the SQOL-M were studied. A total of 181 participants (23-60 years old) were included in the study. Validity was assessed by construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity, and content validity. The international index of erectile function (IIEF) and the work ability index were used to study the convergent validity. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency and test–retest reliability analyses. The results from confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a one-factor solution for the Persian version of the SQOL-M. Content validity of the translated measure was endorsed by 10 specialists. Pearson correlations indicated that work ability index score, dimensions of the IIEF, and the IIEF total score were positively correlated with the Persian version of the SQOL-M ( p < .001). Reliability evaluation indicated a high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficients were .96 and .95, respectively. Results indicated that the Persian version of the SQOL-M has good to excellent psychometric properties and can be used to assess the sexual quality of life among Iranian men.
Lessons learned: Infrastructure development and financial management for large, publicly funded, international trials
Authors: Larson Gregg S , Carey Cate , Grarup Jesper , Hudson Fleur , Sachi Karen , Vjecha Michael J , Gordin Fred ,   INSIGHT Group
Published: February 2016

Background/aims:

Randomized clinical trials are widely recognized as essential to address worldwide clinical and public health research questions. However, their size and duration can overwhelm available public and private resources. To remain competitive in international research settings, advocates and practitioners of clinical trials must implement practices that reduce their cost. We identify approaches and practices for large, publicly funded, international trials that reduce cost without compromising data integrity and recommend an approach to cost reporting that permits comparison of clinical trials.

Methods:

We describe the organizational and financial characteristics of The International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials, an infectious disease research network that conducts multiple, large, long-term, international trials, and examine challenges associated with simple and streamlined governance and an infrastructure and financial management model that is based on performance, transparency, and accountability.

Results:

It is possible to reduce costs of participants’ follow-up and not compromise clinical trial quality or integrity. The International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials network has successfully completed three large HIV trials using cost-efficient practices that have not adversely affected investigator enthusiasm, accrual rates, loss-to-follow-up, adherence to the protocol, and completion of data collection. This experience is relevant to the conduct of large, publicly funded trials in other disease areas, particularly trials dependent on international collaborations.

Conclusion:

New approaches, or creative adaption of traditional clinical trial infrastructure and financial management tools, can render large, international clinical trials more cost-efficient by emphasizing structural simplicity, minimal up-front costs, payments for performance, and uniform algorithms and fees-for-service, irrespective of location. However, challenges remain. They include institutional resistance to financial change, growing trial complexity, and the difficulty of sustaining network infrastructure absent stable research work. There is also a need for more central monitoring, improved and harmonized regulations, and a widely applied metric for measuring and comparing cost efficiency in clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov is recommended as a location where standardized trial cost information could be made publicly accessible.
A multimodal discourse analysis of glocalization and cultural identity in three Indian TV commercials
Authors: Dash Amarendra Kumar , Patnaik Priyadarshi , Suar Damodar
Published: February 2016

Improvising selected tools from Kress and Van Leeuwen’s inter-semiosis framework, this study explores how, between global and local, TV commercials in India often reframe a cultural third space producing new discursive forms and identities. Three commercials from the food and beverage category are selected on the basis of the country of origin of the endorsing company and the patterns of glocalization. Multimodal discourse analysis reveals that the commercials construct the glocal identity in several ways. In the Knorr Soups commercial, the melody of the title song is contemporary pop, whereas the delivery style and crooning are distinctively Western. The language is predominantly Hindi with deft use of selected English words. The Funda Mint commercial casts a rebel voice-support executive who rejects the pseudo-glocal identity and asserts his true identity. In the Cadbury Bournvita Folk commercial, the two boys represent the global and the local in the realm of creativity. The study advances the knowledge of product positioning and brand identity involving the intersemiosis of discursive elements from different cultural spaces within the contemporary Indian consumerist culture.
‘My Holocaust experience was great!’: Entitlements for participation in museum media
Authors: Noy Chaim
Published: February 2016

This interdisciplinary study brings together research on audiences’ participation in the media, and an up-close exploration of communicative entitlement of and for such participation. Viewing visitor books as situated, public media, the study asks two related questions: how museums and institutions that employ this medium frame participation of ‘ordinary’ people in the public sphere, and how, in return, visitors variously articulate their participation. The article first examines the context in which visitor books mediate participation, and how museums frame them so as to invite ‘authentic’ expressions by ‘ordinary’ visitors. The analysis depicts a taxonomy of participation, evincing five types of entitlements found in visitor book texts. These entitlements shed light on how participation in the public sphere is both understood and pursued (performed). The article responds to calls for empirically rich studies on mediation practices and processes. It adds to the literature on communicative entitlements by examining an under-researched hitherto public medium and by illuminating a shift from talk-in-interaction to the context of text-in-interaction.
Is intramedullary nailing better than the use of volar locking plates for fractures of the distal radius? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang J. , Zhang L. , Ma J. , Yang Y. , Jia H. , Ma X.
Published: February 2016

We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the use of intramedullary nails and volar locking plates in distal radial fractures. PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Collaboration Central database were used to find randomized controlled trials that met the eligibility criteria. Two reviewers screened the studies, extracted the data, evaluated the methodological quality and analysed the data with RevMan 5.1 software. No statistically significant differences were detected in the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand and the Gartland and Werley scores, radiographic parameters, wrist range of motion, grip strength, total complication rate and incidence of tendon rupture between the two groups. However, carpal tunnel syndrome occurred less often after intramedullary nailing. The two fixation methods achieved equal clinical, functional and radiological outcomes for primary fixation of the indicated types of distal radial fractures.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic/LevelI
Technique Tip
Authors: Matson Andrew P. , Shi Glenn G. , Parekh Selene G.
Published: February 2016

Subtalar arthrodesis is considered to be the gold standard surgical solution for end-stage subtalar joint arthrosis. Although subtalar joint fusion rates are high, nonunion has been reported to range from 0% to 43%. Revision subtalar arthrodesis regardless of etiology often requires removal of loose hardware in soft bone. The inability of screw threads to engage bone may result in longer operative time, frustration for the surgeon, and potential negative outcome for the patient. We describe a novel technique in which a cannulated drill bit is used as a tamp to remove subtalar arthrodesis screws. We have found this method to be efficient and safe and transferable to any extremity.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level V: Expert opinion
Intra-parenchymal brainstem haemorrhage secondary to iatrogenic needle injury after a parenteral injection in a cat
Authors: Brocal Josep , Guevar Julien , Stalin Catherine , Durand Alexane , Gutierrez-Quintana Rodrigo
Published: February 2016

Case summary

A 6-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was presented with acute onset non-ambulatory right hemiparesis and horizontal nystagmus following an injection attempt in the neck, during which the cat did not cooperate. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-defined intra-axial lesion on the right side of the myelencephalon. The lesion was T2-weighted hypointense and T1-weighted hypointense to isointense to grey matter, non-contrast enhancing, with perilesional oedema and signal void on T2*-weighted images. A linear hyperintense lesion in the muscles of the right dorsolateral aspect of the neck on short tau inversion recovery images was also observed. These MRI findings were consistent with iatrogenic brainstem haemorrhage and a muscle needle tract. The cat made a good recovery with just mild residual neurological deficits 6 weeks after the injury.

Relevance and novel information

To our knowledge, this is the first report of an iatrogenic brainstem needle injury in a cat and the first report of a central nervous system iatrogenic trauma after a parenteral injection. Care should be taken with neck parenteral injections, especially in the cranial cervical area.
Longitudinal analyses of anti-JCV antibody index for risk assessment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Salmen A. , von Ahsen N. , Trampe A.K. , Hoepner R. , Plavina T. , Subramanyam M. , Kuesters G. , Gold R. , Chan A.
Published: February 2016

Risk assessment for natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (Nat-PML) comprises the anti-JC virus (JCV) antibody index (AI). The anti-JCV AI was longitudinally determined in a natalizumab-treated MS cohort (Nat-MS, n = 468) and samples of Nat-PML patients ( n = 15). In Nat-MS, the median AI was 0.8 (25th to 75th percentile, 0.2–2.8) with an intra-individual coefficient of variation (CV) of 9.8% (4.8–17.6). Patients with an AI ≤ 0.9 exhibited higher CV. The AI was higher (3.4 (3.1–3.6)) in samples before Nat-PML diagnosis than in seropositive Nat-MS (2.4 (1.0–3.4), n = 298, p = 0.010). AIs ≥ 3.0 were associated with a 14.5-fold (95% CI 2.3–90.4) increased PML risk ( p = 0.002). Groups with an AI below 1.5 exhibit higher variability or even serostatus fluctuation. AI dynamics require further investigation.
A Qualitative Examination of Stigma Among Formerly Incarcerated Adults Living With HIV
Authors: Swan Holly
Published: February 2016

The over-representation of people with stigmatized characteristics in the U.S. criminal justice population, including adults living with HIV, makes formerly incarcerated adults susceptible to multiple stigmas. Yet, the experience of HIV-related stigma, especially among individuals who have an additional compromising status in society (i.e., a criminal record) is understudied. This study used qualitative data from 30 interviews with formerly incarcerated adults living with HIV to explore the contexts within which one of these statuses becomes more salient than another for these individuals. Anticipated stigma was the primary barrier to disclosure of either status. The salience of anticipated stigma depended on the context within which disclosure may occur, including social interactions, employment, and engaging in HIV care. Communities with a high prevalence of HIV and incarceration, and health care providers within those communities should be targeted for stigma reduction efforts. Practitioners should work to empower individuals living with HIV, especially in the face of multiple potential stigmas.
A 13-Month-Old With Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis With Features of Renal Malakoplakia
Authors: Appleson Tova , Sharif Asma , Setty Suman , Liu Dennis , Wang Shihtien , Kanard Robert , Czech Kimberly
Published: February 2016

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is an uncommon chronic inflammatory renal disorder caused by chronic infection with gram-negative bacteria leading to destruction of the renal parenchyma and replacement with foamy lipid-laden macrophages. Renal malakoplakia is another rare form of chronic inflammatory granulomatous disease in the kidney associated with infection usually occurring in adults with immunocompromised status or debilitating disease. It is hallmarked by the finding of foamy histiocytes with distinctive basophilic inclusions (Michaelis-Gutmann bodies). We present a case of a 13-month-old male with history of congenital hydronephrosis who presented with clinical and radiologic findings suggestive of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. However, further pathologic studies revealed the presence of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies, which are pathognomonic for renal malakoplakia. With this case we hope to bring further evidence to support that these two conditions are not mutually exclusive but rather represent two pathologic processes on the same disease spectrum.
Lipid Changes in Virologically Suppressed HIV-Infected Patients Switching from any Antiretroviral Therapy to the Emtricitabine/Rilpivirine/Tenofovir Single Tablet
Authors: Palacios Rosario , Mayorga Marisa , Pérez-Hernández Isabel A. , Rivero Antonio , Arco Alfonso del , Lozano Fernando , Santos Jesús ,   GESIDA-8114-LIRA Study Group
Published: February 2016

We carried out a retrospective, multicenter study of a cohort of 298 asymptomatic HIV-infected patients who switched from a regimen based on 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors + protease inhibitor (PI)/nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or ritonavir-boosted PI monotherapy to emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/RPV/TDF) to analyze lipid changes. At 24 weeks, 284 (95.3%) patients were still taking the same regimen, maintaining similar CD4 counts as at baseline (651 versus 672 cells/mm3, P = .08), and 98.9% of them with an undetectable viral load. Eight of the other 14 patients were lost to follow up and 6 (2.0%) ceased the new regimen: 3 due to adverse effects, 2 due to virologic failure, and 1 due to abandonment. The mean levels of fasting total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides fell at 12 and 24 weeks, with no changes detected in the TC to HDL-C ratio.
The Racism-Race Reification Process
Authors: Sewell Alyasah Ali
Published: February 2016

The author makes the argument that many racial disparities in health are rooted in political economic processes that undergird racial residential segregation at the mesolevel—specifically, the neighborhood. The dual mortgage market is considered a key political economic context whereby racially marginalized people are isolated into degenerative ecological environments. A multilevel root-cause conceptual framework, the racism-race reification process ( R3p), is proposed and preliminarily tested to delineate how institutional conditions shape the health of racially marginalized individuals through the reification of race. After reviewing and critiquing the conceptual and theoretical roots of R3p, the key components of the synergistic framework are detailed and applied to clarify extant understandings of the upstream (i.e., macrolevel) factors informing racial health disparities. Using aggregated data from the 1994 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and Neighborhood Change Database merged at the mesolevel (i.e., the neighborhood cluster) with microlevel data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, exploratory analysis is presented that links dual mortgage market political economies to ethnoracial residential segregation at the mesolevel and to childhood health inequalities at the microlevel. The author concludes by considering how racial inequality is an artifact of the political economic reality of race and racism manifested from the neighborhood-level down.