bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and genetic features of myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: GREENBERG P. L.
Published: December 2011

Multifactorial pathogenetic features underlying myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) relate to inherent abnormalities within the hematopoietic precursor cell population. The predominant final common pathogenetic pathway causing ineffective hematopoiesis in MDS has been the varying degrees of apoptosis of the hematopoietic precursors and their progeny. A variety of molecular abnormalities have been demonstrated in MDS. These lesions are attributable to nonrandom cytogenetic and oncogenic mutations, indicative of chromosomal and genetic instability, transcriptional RNA splicing abnormalities, and epigenetic changes. Evolutionary cytogenetic changes may occur during the course of the disorder, which are associated with disease progression. These genetic derangements reflect a multistep process believed to underlie the transformation of MDS to acute myeloid leukemia. Recent findings provide molecular insights into specific gene mutations playing major roles for the development and clinical outcome of MDS and their propensity to progress to a more aggressive stage. Use of more comprehensive and sensitive methods for molecular profiling using ‘next‐generation’ sequencing techniques for MDS marrow cells will likely further define critical biologic lesions underlying this spectrum of diseases.
A new species of Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) from Taiwan, China, based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: YEH Ching‐Long , CHUNG Shih‐Wen , KUO Yu‐Wen , HSU Tian‐Chuan , LEOU Chong‐Sheng , HONG Shin‐Jie , YEH Chuan‐Rong
Published: December 2011

Abstract  Zingiber shuanglongensis sp. nov. is a species endemic to Taiwan, China, that has been found in Nantou and Kaohsiung. In this study, the new Zingiber species is illustrated and the results of morphological and phylogenetic comparisons with other related taxa are presented. Morphologically, Z. shuanglongensis can be readily distinguished from Z. kawagoii, the most closely related species, by its shorter spike, whitish corolla tube, the longer lateral lobes of its labellum, and its persistent bract. In addition, phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and matK data indicated that Z. shuanglongensis is well separated from Z. kawagoii with high support. Combining the morphological characters and molecular analysis, we confirm that Z. shuanglongensis is a new species of Zingiber.
Fabrication Characteristics of SOFC Single Cell Using Nanocrystalline 1Ce10ScSZ Electrolyte Powder prepared by Co-Precipitation Process
Authors: Kang Ju Hee , Kim Young Mi , Kim Ho-Sung , Lee Moo Sung , Jang Jae Hyuk , Jo Jin-Hun
Published: December 2011

Nanocrystalline ceria-doped scandia-stabilized zirconia (1Ce10ScSZ) powders were prepared via the co-precipitation process for solid oxide fuel cell. The effects of the calcination temperature on different properties of the as-synthesized powders, such as phase evolution, crystalline size, and specific surface area were investigated. The synthesized powders calcined at 900 °C showed a specific surface area of 5 m2 g−1 and crystalline size of 28.2 nm, and ionic conductivity of 0.07S cm−1 as measured at 750 °C. An anode-supported electrolyte with a thin electrolyte layer of 6μm composed of the synthesized 1Ce10ScSZ powders was fabricated using the tape-casting and co-sintering techniques for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) single cell. The open-circuit voltage of the single cell thus obtained was 1.11 V at 750 °C, indicating the dense microstructure of the electrolyte layer. A power density of 0.9W cm−2 was obtained for the SOFC single cell at 1.5A cm−2 and 750 °C. The SOFC single cell fabricated using the nanocrystalline 1CeScSZ electrolyte exhibited good performance because of the drastic reductions in the ohmic resistances.
Investigation of the Effects of Catalyst Loading and Gas Flow Rate on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Performance and Degradation
Authors: Okafor Anthony C. , Mogbo Hector-Martins C.
Published: December 2011

In this paper, the effects of gas flow rates and catalyst loading on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance was investigated using a 50 cm2active area fuel cell fixture with serpentine flow field channels machined into poco graphite blocks. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with catalyst and gas flow rates at two levels each (0.5 mg/cm2, 1 mg/cm2; 0.3 l/min, 0.5 l/min, respectively) were tested at 60 °C without humidification. The cell performance was analyzed by taking ac impedance, Tafel plot, open circuit voltage, and area specific resistance measurements. It was observed that MEAs with lower gas flow rate had lesser cell resistance compared to MEAs with a higher gas flow rate. Tafel plot shows the highest exchange current density value of 10−2.05 mA cm2 for MEA with 0.5 mg/cm2 catalyst loading tested at reactant gas flow rate of 0.3 l/min signifying it had the least activation loss and fastest reaction rate. Open circuit voltage-time curve shows a higher output voltage and lesser voltage decay rate for MEAs tested at higher gas flow rates.
Real-Time Friction Error Compensation in Tube Hydroforming Process Control
Authors: Ngaile Gracious , Yang Chen , Kilonzo Obadiah
Published: December 2011

Tube hydroforming (THF) is a metal-forming process that uses a pressurized fluid in place of a hard tool to plastically deform a given tube into a desired shape. In addition to the internal pressure, the tube material is fed axially toward the die cavity. One of the challenges in THF is the nonlinear and varying friction conditions at the tube-tool interface, which make it difficult to establish accurate loading paths (pressure versus feed) for THF. A THF process control model that can compensate for the loading path deviation due to frictional errors in tube hydroforming is proposed. In the proposed model, an algorithm and a software platform have been developed such that the sensed forming load from a THF machine is mapped to a database containing a set of loading paths that correspond to different friction conditions for a specific part. A real-time friction error compensation is then carried out by readjusting the loading path as the THF process progresses. This scheme reduces part failures that would normally occur due to variability in friction conditions. The implementation and experimental verification of the proposed model is discussed.
Reshuffling of Aspergillus fumigatus Cell Wall Components Chitin and β-Glucan under the Influence of Caspofungin or Nikkomycin Z Alone or in Combination
Authors: Verwer Patricia E. B. , van Duijn M. L. , Tavakol M. , Bakker-Woudenberg Irma A. J. M. , van de Sande Wendy W. J.
Published: December 2011

Chitin and β-glucan are major cell wall components of
Aspergillus
spp. We investigated the antifungal activity of chitin synthesis inhibitors nikkomycin Z, polyoxin D, flufenoxuron, lufenuron, and teflubenzuron, alone and combined with the β-glucan synthesis inhibitor caspofungin. Only nikkomycin Z and caspofungin were found to act synergistically. The nikkomycin Z-induced chitin decrease corresponded with a β-glucan increase, while with the caspofungin-induced β-glucan decrease, an increase in chitin was found. This could explain the synergistic activity of this combination of drugs.
Antistaphylococcal Activity of TD-1792, a Multivalent Glycopeptide-Cephalosporin Antibiotic
Authors: Blais Johanne , Lewis Stacey R. , Krause Kevin M. , Benton Bret M.
Published: December 2011

TD-1792 is a new multivalent glycopeptide-cephalosporin antibiotic with potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The
in vitro
activity of TD-1792 was tested against 527
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates, including multidrug-resistant isolates. TD-1792 was highly active against methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MIC
90
, 0.015 μg/ml), methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
, and heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
(MIC
90
, 0.03 μg/ml). Time-kill studies demonstrated the potent bactericidal activity of TD-1792 at concentrations of ≤0.12 μg/ml. A postantibiotic effect of >2 h was observed after exposure to TD-1792.
Characterization of Resistance to the Nonnucleoside NS5B Inhibitor Filibuvir in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients
Authors: Troke Philip J. F. , Lewis Marilyn , Simpson Paul , Gore Katrina , Hammond Jennifer , Craig Charles , Westby Mike
Published: December 2011

Filibuvir (PF-00868554) is an investigational nonnucleoside inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural 5B (NS5B) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase currently in development for treating chronic HCV infection. The aim of this study was to characterize the selection of filibuvir-resistant variants in HCV-infected individuals receiving filibuvir as short (3- to 10-day) monotherapy. We identified amino acid M423 as the primary site of mutation arising upon filibuvir dosing. Through bulk cloning of clinical NS5B sequences into a transient-replicon system, and supported by site-directed mutagenesis of the Con1 replicon, we confirmed that mutations M423I/T/V mediate phenotypic resistance. Selection in patients of an NS5B mutation at M423 was associated with a reduced replicative capacity
in vitro
relative to the pretherapy sequence; consistent with this, reversion to wild-type M423 was observed in the majority of patients following therapy cessation. Mutations at NS5B residues R422 and M426 were detected in a small number of patients at baseline or the end of therapy and also mediate reductions in filibuvir susceptibility, suggesting these are rare but clinically relevant alternative resistance pathways. Amino acid variants at position M423 in HCV NS5B polymerase are the preferred pathway for selection of viral resistance to filibuvir
in vivo
.
Comparative Effects of Micafungin, Caspofungin, and Anidulafungin against a Difficult-To-Treat Fungal Opportunistic Pathogen, Candida glabrata
Authors: Spreghini Elisabetta , Orlando Fiorenza , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Posteraro Brunella , Giannini Daniele , Manso Esther , Barchiesi Francesco
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to compare the
in vitro
and
in vivo
activities of micafungin, caspofungin, and anidulafungin against
Candida glabrata
. The MICs against 28 clinical isolates showed that the overall susceptibilities to caspofungin and to micafungin were not statistically different in the absence of human serum, whereas the isolates were less susceptible to micafungin than to caspofungin in its presence. Minimum fungicidal concentrations, as well as time-kill experiments, showed that caspofungin was more active than anidulafungin, while micafungin was superior to either caspofungin or anidulafungin without serum; its addition rendered caspofungin and micafungin equally effective. A murine model of systemic candidiasis against a
C. glabrata
-susceptible isolate was performed to study the effects of all three echinocandins, and kidney burden counts showed that caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin were active starting from 0.25, 1, and 5 mg/kg of body weight/day, respectively. Two echinocandin-resistant strains of
C. glabrata
were selected:
C. glabrata
30, a laboratory strain harboring the mutation Fks2p-P667T, and
C. glabrata
51, a clinical isolate harboring the mutation Fks2p-D666G. Micafungin activity was shown to be as effective as or more effective than that of caspofungin or anidulafungin in terms of MICs.
In vivo
studies against these resistant strains showed that micafungin was active starting from 1 mg/kg/day, while caspofungin was effective only when administrated at higher doses of 5 or 10 mg/kg/day. Although a trend toward colony reduction was observed with the highest doses of anidulafungin, a significant statistical difference was never reached.
Impact of Mutations at Residue I223 of the Neuraminidase Protein on the Resistance Profile, Replication Level, and Virulence of the 2009 Pandemic Influenza Virus
Authors: Pizzorno Andrés , Abed Yacine , Bouhy Xavier , Beaulieu Édith , Mallett Corey , Russell Rupert , Boivin Guy
Published: December 2011

Amino acid substitutions at residue I223 of the neuraminidase (NA) protein have been identified in 2009 pandemic influenza (pH1N1) variants with altered susceptibilities to NA inhibitors (NAIs). We used reverse genetics and site-directed mutagenesis to generate the recombinant A/Québec/144147/09 pH1N1 wild-type virus (WT) and five (I223R, I223V, H275Y, I223V-H275Y, and I223R-H275Y) NA mutants. A fluorimetry-based assay was used to determine 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir. Replicative capacity was analyzed by viral yield assays in ST6GalI-MDCK cells. Infectivity and transmission of the WT, H275Y, and I223V-H275Y recombinant viruses were evaluated in ferrets. As expected, the H275Y mutation conferred resistance to oseltamivir (982-fold) and peramivir (661-fold) compared to the drug-susceptible recombinant WT. The single I223R mutant was associated with reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir (53-fold), zanamivir (7-fold) and peramivir (10-fold), whereas the I223V virus had reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir (6-fold) only. Interestingly, enhanced levels of resistance to oseltamivir and peramivir and reduced susceptibility to zanamivir (1,647-, 17,347-, and 16-fold increases in IC50s, respectively) were observed for the I223R-H275Y recombinant, while the I223V-H275Y mutant exhibited 1,733-, 2,707-, and 2-fold increases in respective IC50s. The I223R and I223V changes were associated with equivalent or higher viral titersin vitrocompared to the recombinant WT. Infectivity and transmissibility in ferrets were comparable between the recombinant WT and the H275Y or I223V-H275Y recombinants. In conclusion, amino acid changes at residue I223 may alter the NAI susceptibilities of pH1N1 variants without compromising fitness. Consequently, I223R and I223V mutations, alone or with H275Y, need to be thoroughly monitored.
First Report of the Multidrug Resistance Gene
cfr
in Enterococcus faecalis of Animal Origin
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Yang , Wu Congming , Shen Zhangqi , Schwarz Stefan , Du Xiang-Dang , Dai Lei , Zhang Wanjiang , Zhang Qijing , Shen Jianzhong
Published: December 2011

The multiresistance gene
cfr
was identified for the first time in an
Enterococcus faecalis
isolate of animal origin. The 32,388-bp plasmid pEF-01, which carried the
cfr
gene, was sequenced completely. Three copies of the insertion sequence IS
1216
were identified in pEF-01, and the detection of a
cfr
- and IS
1216
-containing amplicon by inverse PCR suggests that IS
1216
may play a role in the dissemination of
cfr
by a recombination process.
A Cadaveric Study of Needle Insertion at Pc6 in Eight Wrists of Four Subjects and An Understanding of the Anatomy
Authors: Joo Oh Hyun , Ko Yee Kyoung , Cho Sa Sun , Yoon Sang Pil
Published: December 2011

The anatomical structures vulnerable to acupuncture around the PC6 acupuncture point were investigated. Needles were inserted in PC6 of eight wrists from four cadavers to a depth of 2 cm, the forearms were dissected and the adjacent structures around the path of the needles were observed. The needles passed between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles and then penetrated the flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus and pronator quadratus muscles. The inserted needles were located adjacent to the median nerve. To minimise the risk of unintended injury by acupuncture, it is recommended that needles should not be inserted deeply at the PC6 acupuncture point. An understanding of the anatomical variations of the median nerve and the persistent median artery in the forearm is of clinical importance when performing acupuncture procedures.
OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS IN FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING USING WEIGHTED PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS
Authors: SOOD ANOOP KUMAR , CHATURVEDI VEDANSH , DATTA SAURAV , MAHAPATRA SIBA SANKAR
Published: December 2011

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a process by which functional parts can be produced rapidly through deposition of fused layers of material according to a numerically defined cross-sectional geometry. Literature suggests that process parameters largely influence on quality characteristics of rapid prototyping (RP) parts. A functional part is subjected to different loading conditions in actual practice. Therefore, process parameters need to be determined in such a way that they collectively optimize more than one response simultaneously. To address this issue, effect of important process parameters viz., layer thickness, orientation, raster angle, raster width, and air gap have been studied. The responses considered in this study are mechanical property of FDM produced parts such as tensile, bending and impact strength. The multiple responses are converted into a single response using principal component analysis (PCA) so that influence of correlation among the responses can be eliminated. Resulting single response is nothing but the weighted sum of three principal components that explain almost hundred percent of variation. The experiments have been conducted in accordance with Taguchi's orthogonal array to reduce the experimental runs. The results indicate that all the factors such as layer thickness, orientation, raster angle, raster width and air gap and interaction between layer thickness and orientation significantly influence the response. Optimum parameter settings have been identified to simultaneously optimize three responses. The mechanism of failure is explained with the help of SEM micrographs.
Acute Exposure to Microcystin-Producing CyanobacteriumMicrocystis aeruginosaAlters Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Swimming Performance Parameters
Authors: Kist Luiza Wilges , Piato Angelo Luis , da Rosa João Gabriel Santos , Koakoski Gessi , Barcellos Leonardo José Gil , Yunes João Sarkis , Bonan Carla Denise , Bogo Maurício Reis
Published: December 2011

Microcystins (MCs) are toxins produced by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), primarilyMicrocystis aeruginosa, forming water blooms worldwide. When an organism is exposed to environmental perturbations, alterations in normal behavioral patterns occur. Behavioral repertoire represents the consequence of a diversity of physiological and biochemical alterations. In this study, we assessed behavioral patterns and whole-body cortisol levels of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to cell culture of the microcystin-producing cyanobacteriumM. aeruginosa(MC-LR, strain RST9501). MC-LR exposure (100 μg/L) decreased by 63% the distance traveled and increased threefold the immobility time when compared to the control group. Interestingly, no significant alterations in the number of line crossings were found at the same MC-LR concentration and time of exposure. When animals were exposed to 50 and 100 μg/L, MC-LR promoted a significant increase (around 93%) in the time spent in the bottom portion of the tank, suggesting an anxiogenic effect. The results also showed that none of the MC-LR concentrations tested promoted significant alterations in absolute turn angle, path efficiency, social behavior, or whole-body cortisol level. These findings indicate that behavior is susceptible to MC-LR exposure and provide evidence for a better understanding of the ecological consequences of toxic algal blooms.
A Cognitive Model for Generalization during Sequential Learning
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Vig Lovekesh , Noelle David C.
Published: December 2011

Traditional artificial neural network models of learning suffer fromcatastrophic interference. They are commonly trained to perform only one specific task, and, when trained on a new task, they forget the original task completely. It has been shown that the foundational neurocomputational principles embodied by the Leabra cognitive modeling framework, specifically fast lateral inhibition and a local synaptic plasticity model that incorporates both correlational and error-based components, are sufficient to largely overcome this limitation during the sequential learning of multiple motor skills. Evidence has also provided that Leabra is able to generalize the subsequences of motor skills, when doing so is appropriate. In this paper, we provide a detailed analysis of the extent of generalization possible with Leabra during sequential learning of multiple tasks. For comparison, we measure the generalization exhibited by the backpropagation of error learning algorithm. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of sequential learning to a pair of movement tasks using a simulated robotic arm.
Information Fusion-Based Storage and Retrieve Algorithms for WSNs in Disaster Scenarios
Authors: Xiao Zhe , Huang Ming , Shi Jihong , Niu Wenwei , Yang Jingjing
Published: December 2011

Sensor networks are especially useful in catastrophic or disaster scenarios such as abysmal sea, floods, fires, or earthquakes where human participation may be too dangerous. Storage technologies take a critical position for WSNs in such scenarios since the sensor nodes may themselves fail unpredictably, resulting in the loss of valuable data. This paper focuses on fountain code-based data storage and recovery solutions for WSNs in disaster scenarios. A review on current technologies is given on challenges posed by disaster environments. Two information fusion-based distributed storage (IFDS) algorithms are proposed in the “few global knowledge” and “zero-configuration” paradigm, respectively. Correspondingly, a high-efficient retrieve algorithm is designed for general storage algorithms using Robust Soliton distribution. We observe that the successful decoding probability can be provisioned by properly selecting parameters—the ratio of number of source node and total nodes, and the storage capacity M in each node.
Identification of Human Regulatory T Cells in the Setting of T-Cell Activation and Anti–CTLA-4 Immunotherapy on the Basis of Expression of Latency-Associated Peptide
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Tang Derek Ng , Fu Tihui , Sharma Padmanee
Published: December 2011

Effector and regulatory T cells (Treg) share multiple markers that make it difficult to discern differences in these populations in humans. The transcription factor FoxP3 has been shown to identify Tregs. However, the detection of FoxP3 requires cell permeabilization, thereby preventing isolation of viable Tregs. Subsequently, the extracellular marker CD127 was established for the identification of Tregs. However, these studies were not conducted in the setting of immunotherapy. Here, we conducted studies to analyze CD127 and FoxP3 expression on T cells before and after in vitro activation as well as in the setting of patients treated with antibodies directed against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4). We show that latency-associated peptide (LAP), as opposed to CD127, was capable of identifying Tregs after in vitro activation as well as after treatment with anti–CTLA-4. Therefore, we propose that LAP should be used as a marker of Tregs for immune monitoring studies in patients treated with active immunotherapy such as anti–CTLA-4.

Significance: Tregs play an important role in human diseases, including cancer and autoimmunity; however, it has been difficult to study these cells because of a lack of an appropriate marker. Here, we propose LAP as a marker that can be used to identify Tregs in patients treated with immunotherapy, thereby permitting isolation of these cells for functional studies and for ex vivo expansion. Cancer Discovery; 2(2); 122–30. © 2011 AACR.

Read the Commentary on this article by Lee and Yee, p. 107.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 95.
Identification of a Monocyte-Predisposed Hierarchy of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells in the Adventitia of Postnatal Murine Aorta
Authors: Psaltis Peter J. , Harbuzariu Adriana , Delacroix Sinny , Witt Tyra A. , Holroyd Eric W. , Spoon Daniel B. , Hoffman Scott J. , Pan Shuchong , Kleppe Laurel S. , Mueske Cheryl S. , Gulati Rajiv , Sandhu Gurpreet S. , Simari Robert D.
Published: December 2011

Background—

Hematopoiesis originates from the dorsal aorta during embryogenesis. Although adult blood vessels harbor progenitor populations for endothelial and smooth muscle cells, it is not known if they contain hematopoietic progenitor or stem cells. Here, we hypothesized that the arterial wall is a source of hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells in postnatal life.

Methods and Results—

Single-cell aortic disaggregates were prepared from adult chow-fed C57BL/6 and apolipoprotein E–null
(ApoE
−/−
) mice. In short- and long-term methylcellulose-based culture, aortic cells generated a broad spectrum of multipotent and lineage-specific hematopoietic colony-forming units, with a preponderance of macrophage colony-forming units. This clonogenicity was higher in lesion-free
ApoE
−/−
mice and localized primarily to stem cell antigen-1–positive cells in the adventitia. Expression of stem cell antigen-1 in the aorta colocalized with canonical hematopoietic stem cell markers, as well as CD45 and mature leukocyte antigens. Adoptive transfer of labeled aortic cells from green fluorescent protein transgenic donors to irradiated C57BL/6 recipients confirmed the content of rare hematopoietic stem cells (1 per 4 000 000 cells) capable of self-renewal and durable, low-level reconstitution of leukocytes. Moreover, the predominance of long-term macrophage precursors was evident by late recovery of green fluorescent protein–positive colonies from recipient bone marrow and spleen that were exclusively macrophage colony-forming units. Although trafficking from bone marrow was shown to replenish some of the hematopoietic potential of the aorta after irradiation, the majority of macrophage precursors appeared to arise locally, suggesting long-term residence in the vessel wall.

Conclusions—

The postnatal murine aorta contains rare multipotent hematopoietic progenitor/stem cells and is selectively enriched with stem cell antigen-1–positive monocyte/macrophage precursors. These populations may represent novel, local vascular sources of inflammatory cells.
The Impact of Social Roles on Trait Judgments
Authors: Bosak Janine , Sczesny Sabine , Eagly Alice H.
Published: December 2011

Consistent with social role theory’s assumption that the role behavior of men and women shapes gender stereotypes, earlier experiments have found that men’s and women’s occupancy of the same role eliminated gender-stereotypical judgments of greater agency and lower communion in men than women. The shifting standards model raises the question of whether a shift to within-sex standards in judgments of men and women in roles could have masked underlying gender stereotypes. To examine this possibility, two experiments obtained judgments of men and women using measures that do or do not restrain shifts to within-sex standards. This measure variation did not affect the social role pattern of smaller perceived sex differences in the presence of role information. These findings thus support the social role theory claim that designations of identical roles for subgroups of men and women eliminate or reduce perceived sex differences.
The Amendment of IAS 39
Authors: Paananen Mari , Renders Annelies , Shima Kim M.
Published: December 2011

This study examines the determinants of banks’ decision to reclassify financial assets under the amendment of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 39 and the capital market consequences of these reclassifications. Based on the prior literature, the authors identify two possible drivers of banks’ reclassification behavior, namely, solvency concerns and exposure to financial markets. The authors expect these reclassifications to adversely affect the market pricing of banks’ accounting numbers. The results of this study show that capital adequacy ratios close to the minimum requirement are indeed associated with banks’ decisions to reclassify financial assets. Furthermore, the authors find evidence that the level of exposure to fair value measurement also increases the probability to reclassify. In the second part of the analyses, they use a difference-in-differences approach to test the market’s pricing of bank’s accounting numbers around the time of reclassification. They observe that for reclassifying banks, investors rely less on earnings and book value of equity after the reclassifications than before. However, before the amendment of IAS 39, the authors find no difference in investors’ pricing of the accounting numbers of a control group of non-reclassifying banks and those of the reclassifying banks.
Linearity and Nonlinearity in HIV/STI Transmission
Authors: Pinkerton Steven D. , Chesson Harrell W. , Crosby Richard A. , Layde Peter M.
Published: December 2011

A mathematical model of HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) transmission was used to examine how linearity or nonlinearity in the relationship between the number of unprotected sex acts (or the number of sex partners) and the risk of acquiring HIV or a highly infectious STI (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia) affects the utility of sexual behavior change measures as indicators of the effectiveness of HIV/STI risk-reduction interventions. Findings indicate that the risk of acquiring HIV through vaginal intercourse is essentially a linear function of the number of unprotected sex acts and is nearly independent of the number of sex partners. Consequently, the number of unprotected sex acts is an excellent marker for the risk of acquiring HIV through vaginal intercourse, whereas the number of sex partners is largely uninformative. In general, the number of unprotected sex acts is not an adequate marker for the risk of acquiring a highly infectious STI due to the highly nonlinear per act transmission dynamics of these STIs. The number of sex partners is a reasonable indicator of STI risk only under highly circumscribed conditions. A theoretical explanation for this pattern of results is provided. The contrasting extent to which HIV and highly infectious STIs deviate from the linearity assumption that underlies sexual behavior outcome measures has important implications for the use of these measures to assess the effectiveness of HIV/STI risk-reduction interventions.
“One of My Fears Is That Physically or Mentally, the Time Will Come Where I’ll Be Unable to Drive Anymore. And I’m Not Looking Forward to That”
Authors: Jones Vanya C. , Gielen Andrea C. , Bailey Maryanne M. , Rebok George W. , Gaines Jean M. , Joyce John , Parrish John M.
Published: December 2011

Sixty-seven older adults were assessed using multiple validated tools. The current study aimed to identify high-, medium-, and low-risk impairment among older drivers and to explore high-risk drivers’ reactions to being told their results. Of 67 adults screened from a convenience sample of older drivers, nine high-risk participants, four completed in-depth follow-up qualitative interviews. The quantitative assessment algorithm identified 13% as high risk, 30% as medium risk, and 57% as low risk, and only Trails B distinguished the medium- and high-risk impairment groups. Although the assessment tests did not predict future crash involvement over a 7-month period, four participants in the medium- and high-risk impairment categories had been involved in a crash during the 5 years prior to the study compared with none of those who screened low risk. Only three participants (1 high risk) voluntarily surrendered their driver’s licenses after the assessment, and one participant in the in-depth interviews reported that the assessment influenced the decision to stop driving. There may be some benefit in using driving record history and assessment results to determine driving risk impairment level. However, more research is needed to determine the best combination of tools to predict risk level. How to best communicate risk levels remains to be determined, although results from the older drivers in this study underscore the need for great sensitivity when identifying areas of concern about driving ability.
Containing the Secret of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: McElvaney Rosaleen , Greene Sheila , Hogan Diane
Published: December 2011

This study reports a grounded theory study of the process of how children tell of their experiences of child sexual abuse from the perspectives of young people and their parents. Individual interviews were conducted with 22 young people aged 8 to 18, and 14 parents. A theoretical model was developed that conceptualises the process of disclosure as one of containing the secret of child sexual abuse. Three key dynamics were identified: the active withholding of the secret on the part of the child, the experience of a ‘pressure cooker effect’ reflecting a conflict between the wish to tell and the wish to keep the secret, and the confiding itself which often occurs in the context of an intimacy being shared. Children’s experiences of disclosure were multidetermined and suggest the need for multifaceted and multisystemic approaches to prevention and intervention. The need for the secret to be contained, individually and interpersonally in appropriate safeguarding and therapeutic contexts needs to be respected in helping children tell.
Associations Between Intimate Partner Violence and Emotional Distress Among Pregnant Women in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Groves Allison K. , Kagee Ashraf , Maman Suzanne , Moodley Dhayendre , Rouse Petrica
Published: December 2011

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy has been associated with multiple negative health outcomes including emotional distress during pregnancy. However, little is known about IPV during pregnancy and its association with emotional distress among South African women. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of both emotional distress and IPV during pregnancy, to identify whether different exposures of violence were associated with emotional distress and to assess whether social support attenuated the relationship between IPV and emotional distress. Pregnant women enrolled in the South Africa HIV Antenatal and Posttest Support Study (SAHAPS) who completed the baseline survey were included in this cross sectional analysis. We used logistic regression models to explore bivariate and multivariate relationships between the proposed covariates and emotional distress. Nearly a quarter of women experienced some type of IPV during the current pregnancy, with psychological violence being the most prevalent. The odds of emotional distress was 1.41 times (95% CI: [1.26, 1.57]) higher for each additional episode of psychological violence and 2.01 times (95% CI: [1.16, 3.77]) higher for each additional episode of sexual violence during pregnancy, adjusting for other covariates. Physical violence was only marginally associated with increased odds of emotional distress. Finally, social support was marginally significant as a main effect but did not attenuate the relationship between IPV and emotional distress. The high prevalence of IPV among South African women and its association with emotional distress during pregnancy suggest that interventions that reduce violence during or prior to pregnancy are needed.
Peer Influences on the Dating Aggression Process Among Brazilian Street Youth
Authors: Antônio Tiago , Koller Silvia H. , Hokoda Audrey
Published: December 2011

This study explored risk factors for adolescent dating aggression (ADA) among Brazilian street youth. Forty-three adolescents, between the ages of 13 and 17 years, were recruited at services centers in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Simultaneous multiple regression revealed that ADA was significantly predicted by adolescent dating victimization (ADV), and that this relationship was moderated by peer involvement in dating aggression. Results also revealed that peer involvement in dating aggression did not significantly predict ADA. These findings suggested that having peers who are involved in dating aggression exacerbates the effects of dating victimization on ADA among Brazilian street youth. However, ADV might be a stronger risk factor for dating aggression in this population, because when controlling for the effects of victimization in dating conflicts peer abuse toward romantic partners did not uniquely contribute to ADA.
Dating Norms and Dating Violence Among Ninth Graders in Northeast Georgia
Authors: Reeves Patricia M. , Orpinas Pamela
Published: December 2011

This mixed-methods study describes the norms supporting male-to-female and female-to-male dating violence in a diverse sample of ninth graders. The quantitative study, based on student surveys ( n = 624), compared norms supporting dating violence by sex, race/ethnicity, and dating status, and it examined the relation between dating violence norms and physical aggression and victimization. The qualitative study, based on 12 focus groups, explored participants’ views of dating aggression. Findings revealed more support for female-to-male aggression, greater acceptance of norms supporting dating violence by non-White students, a strong association between norms and physical aggression but only in males, and a high correlation between victimization and perpetration. Participants rejected male-to-female dating aggression because of peer pressure not to hit girls, parents’ beliefs that denounce dating violence, the superior physical advantage of boys over girls, and legal consequences. Results highlight the importance of culturally sensitive and gender-specific interventions.
Characteristics of Victims of Sexual Abuse by Gender and Race in a Community Corrections Population
Authors: Clark C. Brendan , Perkins Adam , McCullumsmith Cheryl B. , Islam M. Aminul , Hanover Erin E. , Cropsey Karen L.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine how victims of sexual abuse in a community corrections population differ as a result of their sex and race. Of the 19,422 participants, a total of 1,298 (6.7%) reported a history of sexual abuse and were compared with nonabused participants. The sample was analyzed by race–gender groups (White men, White women, African American men, and African American women) using univariate and logistic regression analyses, which were conducted separately for each group. White women were the most likely to report a history of sexual abuse (26.5%), followed by African American women (16.0%), White men (4.0%), and African American men (1.1%). For all groups, histories of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were associated with a history of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse was associated with substance abuse problems for women but not the men. Cannabis dependence was associated with sexual abuse for the White women while cocaine dependence was associated with sexual abuse for the African American women. Several other variables were associated with sexual abuse for women but not men, including lower education (White women only), a history of violent offenses (White women only), and living in a shelter (African American women only). African American men tended to have higher levels of education; this was the only variable uniquely associated with either male group. Receiving psychiatric medications was associated with sexual abuse for all groups except African American men and a history of sex for drugs was associated with sexual abuse for all groups except White men. Consistent with national sample, women, particularly White women, were more likely to be victims of sexual abuse. The gender–race differences for the sociodemographic factors associated with sexual abuse, particularly the risk of substance abuse for women, suggest the need for tailored interventions for sexual abuse prevention and treatment.
Reducing Risk for Sexual Victimization
Authors: Orchowski Lindsay M. , Untied Amy S. , Gidycz Christine A.
Published: December 2011

The current study examined college women’s perceptions of the positive and negative socioemotional consequences associated with engaging in self-protective behaviors to reduce risk for sexual victimization. At baseline, women completed assessments of the extent to which they would experience positive or negative socioemotional consequences as a result of engaging in various self-protective behaviors. At a 2-month follow-up, women reported on their engagement in self-protective behaviors and experience of sexual victimization over the interim ( N = 143). At baseline, some self-protective strategies were perceived as having more positive or negative socioemotional consequences than others. Perceiving a high level of negative socioemotional consequences associated with taking precautions prior to a date was associated with sexual victimization over the 2-month follow-up.
The Role of Alcohol and Victim Sexual Interest in Spanish Students’ Perceptions of Sexual Assault
Authors: Romero-Sánchez Mónica , Megías Jesús L. , Krahé Barbara
Published: December 2011

Two studies investigated the effects of information related to rape myths on Spanish college students’ perceptions of sexual assault. In Study 1, 92 participants read a vignette about a nonconsensual sexual encounter and rated whether it was a sexual assault and how much the woman was to blame. In the scenario, the man either used physical force or offered alcohol to the woman to overcome her resistance. Rape myth acceptance (RMA) was measured as an individual difference variable. Participants were more convinced that the incident was a sexual assault and blamed the woman less when the man had used force rather than offering her alcohol. In Study 2, 164 college students read a scenario in which the woman rejected a man’s sexual advances after having either accepted or turned down his offer of alcohol. In addition, the woman was either portrayed as being sexually attracted to him or there was no mention of her sexual interest. Participants’ RMA was again included. High RMA participants blamed the victim more than low RMA participants and were less certain that the incident was a sexual assault, especially when the victim had accepted alcohol and was described as being sexually attracted to the man. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the prevention and legal prosecution of sexual assault.
From Parallel to Intersecting Narratives in Cases of Sexual Assault
Authors: Bletzer Keith V. , Koss Mary P.
Published: December 2011

Restorative justice alternatives to criminal justice are designed to balance the needs of victims, offenders, families, friends, and the community at large to achieve social justice, repair of victims, and deterrence of crime. In the model we evaluated from RESTORE (Responsibility and Equity for Sexual Transgressions Offering a Restorative Experience), each offender and victim received individual services and met in guided conferencing to mutually determine reparative actions for the offender. At the exit meeting, the offender, as the responsible person, read a written apology to the survivor/victim. In this article, we analyze the expression of empathy in the apology, in which the initial mitigation of responsibility in early documents was replaced by acknowledgment of harm to the survivor/victim and acceptance of responsibility for the assault. Those accused of felony rape and those targeting a visible person in cases of misdemeanor indecent exposure expressed greater regret and remorse than offenders of indecent exposure with an indeterminate victim.
Family Caregivers’ Health in Connection With Providing Care
Authors: Erlingsson Christen L. , Magnusson Lennart , Hanson Elizabeth
Published: December 2011

Our aim was to investigate connections between Swedish family caregivers’ health and providing care for an ill relative by conducting a systematic search and synthesis of previous research. We analyzed 31 articles using first qualitative content analysis then hermeneutic analysis. Analysis resulted in three derived themes—sliding sideways into caregiving, caregiving in reciprocity, and caregiving in disintegration—and a main interpretation and conceptual model of Swedish family caregivers’ health—caregiving in a sphere of beliefs. Results indicated that Swedish family caregivers’ beliefs, experiences of reciprocity, or nonsupport, together with quality of interpersonal relationships and feelings of responsibility and guilt, have a profound impact on their health. These results point to the value and importance of nurses gaining an understanding of family caregivers’ beliefs and experiences of reciprocity or nonsupport to effectively promote family caregivers’ health.
The Narrative Approach as a Learning Strategy in the Formation of Novice Researchers
Authors: Guillemin Marilys , Heggen Kristin
Published: December 2011

Novice researchers must be trained to be ethical practitioners. This means more than just knowing how to gain ethics approval and being familiar with the codes of ethics. Rather, researchers need to develop their ethical awareness, perception, and judgment, and their capabilities to reflect and act when actually in the field, which we refer to as “situated research ethics.” We employ the concept of “formation” as a useful pedagogical frame accentuating the importance of integrating knowledge, research skills, and ethical capabilities in research practice. We suggest that a narrative approach is consistent with formation, and is useful in research ethics training. This approach uses storytelling and engaging with stories to enable the development of ethical know-how in research. We conclude the article by focusing on the benefits and limitations of this approach.
Using a Theory-Driven Conceptual Framework in Qualitative Health Research
Authors: MacFarlane Anne , O’Reilly-de Brún Mary
Published: December 2011

The role and merits of highly inductive research designs in qualitative health research are well established, and there has been a powerful proliferation of grounded theory method in the field. However, tight qualitative research designs informed by social theory can be useful to sensitize researchers to concepts and processes that they might not necessarily identify through inductive processes. In this article, we provide a reflexive account of our experience of using a theory-driven conceptual framework, the Normalization Process Model, in a qualitative evaluation of general practitioners’ uptake of a free, pilot, language interpreting service in the Republic of Ireland. We reflect on our decisions about whether or not to use the Model, and describe our actual use of it to inform research questions, sampling, coding, and data analysis. We conclude with reflections on the added value that the Model and tight design brought to our research.
Discrimination Against Muslim American Adolescents
Authors: Aroian Karen J.
Published: December 2011

Although there is ample evidence of discrimination toward Muslim Americans in general, there is limited information specific to Muslim American adolescents. The few existing studies specific to this age group suggest that Muslim American adolescents encounter much discrimination from teachers, school administrators, and classmates. This descriptive qualitative study complements the few existing studies on Muslim American adolescents by obtaining in-depth description of the discrimination they encounter. The sample was 14 Muslim American adolescents who participated in one of two gender-specific focus groups about their discrimination experiences. Findings identified school settings as rife with discrimination toward Muslims, portrayed Muslim girls as at risk for harassment by strangers in public places, and illustrated how Muslim youth cope with discrimination. The study findings sensitize school nurses to the nature of the problem and provide direction for intervention.
Cross-Language Transfer of Reading Ability
Authors: Chuang Hui-Kai , Joshi R. Malatesha , Dixon L. Quentin
Published: December 2011

How proficiency in reading the first language (L1) influences proficiency in reading in the second language (L2) was explored in this study. Reading scores in Mandarin Chinese (L1) and in English (L2) for 30,000 Taiwanese ninth-grade students were randomly selected from all who took the national Basic Competency Test during a 6-year period in Taiwan. Results of regression analyses showed that proficiency in L1 reading predicts with statistical significance the L2 reading proficiency of those whose scores were analyzed. In addition, participants’ gender and school district also played small but statistically significant roles affecting the cross-language transfer of reading ability. The results are discussed in light of Cummins’s linguistic interdependence hypothesis.