bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Islamic Banks Employ Less Earnings Management?
Authors: Quttainah Majdi A. , Song Liang , Wu Qiang 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn this article, we examine whether Islamic banks are less likely to manage their earnings than non‐Islamic banks and how Islamic banks’ unique corporate governance system, especially Shari'ah Supervisory Boards, impacts earnings management behaviors within Islamic banks. Using a sample of Islamic banks and their matched non‐Islamic banks in 15 countries, we find that, first, Islamic banks are less likely to conduct earnings management as measured by both earnings loss avoidance and abnormal loan loss provisions. Second, there are no significantly different earnings management behaviors between Islamic banks with and without Shari'ah Supervisory Boards. Third, several Shari'ah Supervisory Board characteristics, such as size and the presence of members from Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions, are important determinants of the earnings management of Islamic banks who have Shari'ah Supervisory Boards.
Costamere remodeling with muscle loading and unloading in healthy young men
Authors: Li Ruowei , Narici Marco V. , Erskine Robert M. , Seynnes Olivier R. , Rittweger Jörn , Pišot Rado , Šimunič Boštjan , Flück Martin 
Published: September 2013

AbstractCostameres are mechano‐sensory sites of focal adhesion in the sarcolemma that provide a structural anchor for myofibrils. Their turnover is regulated by integrin‐associated focal adhesion kinase (FAK). We hypothesized that changes in content of costamere components (beta 1 integrin, FAK, meta‐vinculin, gamma‐vinculin) with increased and reduced loading of human anti‐gravity muscle would: (i) relate to changes in muscle size and molecular parameters of muscle size regulation [p70S6K, myosin heavy chain (MHC)1 and MHCIIA]; (ii) correspond to adjustments in activity and expression of FAK, and its negative regulator, FRNK; and (iii) reflect the temporal response to reduced and increased loading. Unloading induced a progressive decline in thickness of human vastus lateralis muscle after 8 and 34 days of bedrest (−4% and −14%, respectively; n = 9), contrasting the increase in muscle thickness after 10 and 27 days of resistance training (+5% and +13%; n = 6). Changes in muscle thickness were correlated with changes in cross‐sectional area of type I muscle fibers (r = 0.66) and beta 1 integrin content (r = 0.76) at the mid‐point of altered loading. Changes in meta‐vinculin and FAK‐pY397 content were correlated (r = 0.85) and differed, together with the changes of beta 1 integrin, MHCI, MHCII and p70S6K, between the mid‐ and end‐point of resistance training. By contrast, costamere protein level changes did not differ between time points of bedrest. The findings emphasize the role of FAK‐regulated costamere turnover in the load‐dependent addition and removal of myofibrils, and argue for two phases of muscle remodeling with resistance training, which do not manifest at the macroscopic level.
Diabetes Severity, Metabolic Syndrome, and the Risk of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Weinberg Aviva E. , Eisenberg Michael , Patel Chirag J. , Chertow Glenn M. , Leppert John T. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and/or the metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Aim
The aim of this study is to investigate the associations among proxy measures of diabetic severity and the presence of MetS with ED in a nationally representative U.S. data sample.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional analysis of adult participants in the 2001–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Main Outcome Measures
ED was ascertained by self-report. T2DM severity was defined by calculated measures of glycemic control and insulin resistance (IR). IR was estimated using fasting plasma insulin (FPI) levels and the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) definition. We classified glycemic control using hemoglobin-A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. MetS was defined by the American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria. Logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographics, risk factors, and comorbidities, were fitted for each measure of T2DM severity, MetS, and the presence of ED.

Results
Proxy measures of glycemic control and IR were associated with ED. Participants with FPG between 100–126mg/dL (5.6–7mmol/L) and ≥126mg/dL (&gt;7mmol/L) had higher odds of ED, odds ratio (OR) 1.22 (confidence interval or CI, 0.83–1.80), and OR 2.68 (CI, 1.48–4.86), respectively. Participants with HbA1c 5.7–6.4% (38.8–46.4mmol/mol) and ≥6.5% (47.5mmol/mol) had higher odds of ED (OR 1.73 [CI, 1.08–2.76] and 3.70 [CI, 2.19–6.27], respectively). When FPI and HOMA-IR were evaluated by tertiles, there was a graded relation among participants in the top tertile. In multivariable models, a strong association remained between HbA1c and ED (OR 3.19 [CI,1.13–9.01]). MetS was associated with &gt;2.5-fold increased odds of self reported ED (OR 2.55 [CI, 1.85–3.52]).

Conclusions
Poor glycemic control, impaired insulin sensitivity, and the MetS are associated with a heightened risk of ED.
Gellner redux?
Authors: Meadwell Hudson 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe work of Ernest Gellner continues to be an influential part of nationalism studies. A recent appraisal has raised questions about the argument that Gellner offered in his central text on nationalism, Nations and Nationalism. This article takes up other issues in Gellner's work on nationalism. The article examines Gellner's influential definition of nationalism and the interpretation that he placed on that definition, as well as his treatment of ‘political cohabitation’. It also pays more attention to Gellner's later work, namely, Gellner's discussion of ‘the time zones of nationalism’. The paper draws on secondary literature but its primary purpose is to assess the coherence of Gellner's arguments.
Progress on obesity prevention over 20 years in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Swinburn B. , Wood A. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThe lessons learned from over 20 years of obesity prevention efforts in Australia and New Zealand are presented. The obesity epidemic started in the 1980s but poor monitoring systems meant the rise in obesity prevalence initially went undetected. In the 1990s, experts started advocating for government action; however, it was the rapid increase in media reports on obesity in the early 2000s which created the pressure for action. Several, comprehensive reports produced some programme investment but no regulatory policies were implemented. The powerful food industry lobby ensured this lack of policies on front‐of‐pack food labelling, restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children, or taxes on unhealthy foods. The New Zealand government even backpedalled by rescinding healthy school food guidelines and withdrawing funding for the comprehensive national obesity strategy. In 2007, Australian Governments started a major long term‐investment in preventive health in order to improve economic productivity. Other positive initiatives, especially in Australia, were: the establishment of several advocacy organizations; successful, long‐term, whole‐of‐community projects reducing childhood obesity; a national knowledge exchange system for practitioners; and some innovative programmes and social marketing. However, despite multiple reports and strong advocacy, key recommended regulatory policies remain unimplemented, largely due to the private sector interests dominating public policy development.
Overview: Bellagio Conference on Program and Policy Options for Preventing Obesity in the Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Popkin B. , Monteiro C. , Swinburn B. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThe Bellagio ‘Conference on Program and Policy Options for Preventing Obesity in the Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries’ (LMICs) was organized to pull together the current. We need not reiterate the importance of this topic or the speed of change in eating, drinking and moving facing us across the globe. The conference emerges from need to significantly step up the policies and programs to reduce obesity by learning from some current examples of best practice and strengthening the role of the academic and civil society players in translating global evidence and experience into action at the national level. There is also a need to empower the younger generation of scholars and activists in these countries to carry on this effort. The meeting was also timely because a number of funding agencies in the United States, Canada and the UK, at least, are beginning to focus attention on this topic. This set of papers provides not only examples of existing best practice but also a road map ahead for LMICs in the various areas of action needed to reduce obesity across LMICs. The meeting highlighted critical barriers to implementation that have blocked many initiatives.
Electrophysiology of blunted emotional bias in psychopathic personality
Authors: Carolan Patrick L. , Jaspers‐Fayer Fern , Asmaro Deyar T. , Douglas Kevin S. , Liotti Mario 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDiminished emotional capacity is a core characteristic of psychopathic personality. We examined behavioral and electrophysiological differences in attentional bias to emotional material in 34 healthy individuals rated high or low in psychopathic traits using the short form of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory–Revised (18 high‐trait, 16 low‐trait). While performing an emotional Stroop task, high‐trait participants displayed reduced emotional modulation of the late positive potential (LPP, 400–600 ms), and early anterior positivity (EAP, 200–300 ms) amplitudes. Results suggest blunted bias to affective content in psychopathic personality, characterized by diminished early capture to emotional salience (EAP) and dampened cognitive emotional processing (LPP).
Timing of Dialysis Initiation in Acute Kidney Injury and Acute‐On‐Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Macedo Etienne , Mehta Ravindra L 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe decision to provide dialytic support and choosing the ideal moment to initiate therapy are common impasses for physicians treating patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Although renal replacement therapy (RRT) has been extensively used in clinical practice for more than 30 years, there is a paucity of evidence to guide clinicians on the optimal utilization of RRT in AKI. In the absence of traditional or urgent indications, there is no consensus on whether dialysis should be offered and when it should be started. The lack of agreed‐upon parameters to guide the decision, the fear of the risk of the procedure, and the possible contribution to worse prognosis with RRT have resulted in a considerable variation in practice among physicians and centers. In this review, we summarize the evidence evaluating time of initiation of RRT and discuss possible approaches for future trials in addressing this issue.
Timing of Return to Dialysis in Patients with Failing Kidney Transplants
Authors: Molnar Miklos Z. , Ichii Hirohito , Lineen James , Foster Clarence E. , Mathe Zoltan , Schiff Jeffrey , Kim S. Joseph , Pahl Madeleine V. , Amin Alpesh N. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar , Kovesdy Csaba P. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn the last decade, the number of patients starting dialysis after a failed kidney transplant has increased substantially. These patients appear to be different from their transplant‐naïve counterparts, and so may be the timing of dialysis therapy initiation. An increasing number of studies suggest that in transplant‐naïve patients, later dialysis initiation is associated with better outcomes. Very few data are available on timing of dialysis reinitiation in failed transplant recipients, and they suggest that an earlier return to dialysis therapy tended to be associated with worse survival, especially among healthier and younger patients and women. Failed transplant patients may also have unique issues such as continuation of immunosuppression versus withdrawal or the need for remnant allograft nephrectomy with regard to dialysis reinitiation. These patients may have a different predialysis preparation work‐up, worse blood pressure control, higher or lower serum phosphorus levels, lower serum bicarbonate concentration, and worse anemia management. The choice of dialysis modality may also represent an important question for these patients, even though there appears to be no difference in mortality between patients starting peritoneal versus hemodialysis. Finally, failed transplant patients returning to dialysis appear to have a higher mortality rate compared with transplant‐naïve incident dialysis patients, especially in the first several months of dialysis therapy. In this review, we will summarize the available data related to the timing of dialysis initiation and outcomes in failed kidney transplant patients after returning to dialysis.
A Spatio‐Temporal Graph Model for Marine Dune Dynamics Analysis and Representation
Authors: Thibaud Rémy , Del Mondo Géraldine , Garlan Thierry , Mascret Ariane , Carpentier Christophe 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDefining a model for the representation and the analysis of spatio‐temporal dynamics remains an open domain in geographical information sciences. In this article we investigate a spatio‐temporal graph‐based model dedicated to managing and extracting sets of geographical entities related in space and time. The approach is based on spatial and temporal local relations between neighboring entities during consecutive times. The model allows us to extract sets of connected entities distant in time and space over long periods and large spaces. FromGISconcepts and qualitative reasoning on space and time, we combine the graph model with a dedicated spatial database. It includes information on geometry and geomorphometric parameters, and on spatial and temporal relations. This allows us to extend classical measurements of spatial parameters, with comparisons of entities linked by complex relations in space and time. As a case study, we show how the model suggests an efficient representation of dunes dynamics on a nautical chart for safe navigation.
Epidemiology and risk factors for infections in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Sullivan L.R. , Sekeres M.A. , Shrestha N.K. , Maciejewski J.P. , Tiu R.V. , Butler R. , Mossad S.B. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractWe conducted a case–control study to describe the epidemiology and risk factors for infections requiring hospitalization in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Of 497 patients identified, 103 patients developed 201 episodes of infection. The probability of acquiring an infection 1 year from date of MDS diagnosis was 15% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12–18%). Patients developing infections had decreased survival compared to those who did not (P = 0.007). Significant risk factors for infection were higher risk MDS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.7–4.1, P < 0.0001), nadir absolute neutrophil count <500/mL (HR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2–2.7, P < 0.007), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.4–4.9, P < 0.003), history of other malignancy (HR 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3–3.1, P < 0.003), and autoimmune disease (HR 2.9, 95% CI = 1.4–6.0, P < 0.005). Age, nadir platelet count <20,000/mL, diabetes mellitus, and MDS treatment were not significant risk factors. Pneumonia was the most common infection, and bacteria the predominant pathogens.
Critical analysis of valganciclovir dosing and renal function on the development of cytomegalovirus infection in kidney transplantation
Authors: Posadas Salas M.A. , Taber D.J. , Chua E. , Pilch N. , Chavin K. , Thomas B. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most common and important opportunistic infections following kidney transplantation. It causes significant morbidity and mortality. Valganciclovir (VGCV) is the drug of choice for prophylaxis to prevent CMV infection.MethodsWe conducted a post‐hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial in 187 kidney transplant recipients to evaluate the impact of VGCV dosing and renal function on the development of CMV infection.Results and conclusionThe results demonstrate that the following variables were independent risk factors for the development of CMV infection: high‐risk CMV serostatus (donor positive/recipient negative; hazard ratio [HR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46–5.28, P = 0.002); anti‐thymocyte globulin induction therapy (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.08–4.07, P = 0.028); higher mean tacrolimus trough concentration (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.09–1.74, P = 0.007); creatinine clearance <60 mL/min (HR 3.4, 95% CI 1.64–6.85, P = 0.001); and body weight >80 kg (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.05–4.37, P = 0.037). VGCV dosing was appropriate for most patients, in those who did and did not develop CMV infection. These results strongly suggest that the currently recommended dose adjustments of VGCV dosing based on estimated renal function calculated using ideal body weight may underestimate the renal function of overweight patients and indirectly result in underexposure of overweight patients to VGCV. Based on these findings, further VGCV pharmacokinetic analyses are warranted in kidney transplant recipients with moderate‐to‐severe renal dysfunction.
Serum iron parameters in the early post‐transplant period and infection risk in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Fernández‐Ruiz M. , López‐Medrano F. , Andrés A. , Morales J.M. , Lumbreras C. , San‐Juan R. , Polanco N. , González E. , Aguado J.M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of iron metabolism on the risk of infectious complications has been demonstrated in various immunosuppressed populations. However, no previous studies have assessed this potential association in kidney transplant (KT) recipients.MethodsWe prospectively analyzed 228 patients undergoing KT at our institution from November 2008 to February 2011. Serum iron parameters (iron level, ferritin, total iron‐binding capacity, unsaturated iron‐binding capacity, transferrin, and transferrin saturation) were assessed within the first 2 weeks after transplantation (median interval, 3 days; interquartile [Q1–Q3] range, 1–6 days), and before the occurrence of the first infectious episode (median interval, 26 days; Q1–Q3 range, 11–76 days). Primary outcome was the occurrence of any episode of infection during the first year. Multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were estimated by Cox regression models.ResultsPatients with ferritin level ≥500 ng/mL had higher incidence rates (per 1000 transplant‐days) of overall infection (P = 0.017), bacterial infection (P = 0.002), and bloodstream infection (P = 0.011) during the first post‐transplant year. One‐year infection‐free survival rate was lower in these recipients (26% vs. 41%; P = 0.004). On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders, ferritin emerged as an independent predictor of overall infection (aHR [per unitary increment], 1.001; P = 0.006), and bacterial infection (aHR [per unitary increment], 1.001; P = 0.020).ConclusionMonitoring of serum iron parameters in the early post‐transplant period may be useful in predicting the occurrence of infection in KT recipients, although further studies should be carried out to confirm this preliminary finding.
Comparison of heparinized saline and 0.9% sodium chloride for maintaining peripheral intravenous catheter patency in dogs
Authors: Ueda Yu , Odunayo Adesola , Mann F.A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether heparinized saline would be more effective in maintaining the patency of peripheral IV catheters in dogs compared to 0.9% sodium chloride.DesignProspective blinded randomized study.SettingUniversity Veterinary Teaching Hospital.AnimalsThirty healthy purpose bred dogs, intended for use in the junior surgery laboratory, were utilized. The dogs were randomized into 1 of 3 groups, 2 treatment groups and a control group.InterventionsAn 18‐Ga cephalic catheter was placed in the cephalic vein of each dog. Each dog in the treatment group had their catheter flushed with either 10 IU/mL heparinized saline or 0.9% sodium chloride every 6 hours for 42 hours. The dogs in the control group did not have their catheters flushed until the end of the study period. Immediately prior to flushing catheters, each catheter was evaluated for patency by aspiration of blood and the catheter site was evaluated for phlebitis.Measurements and Main ResultsAll dogs in the heparinized saline and 0.9% sodium chloride group had catheters that flushed easily at each evaluation point. More dogs in the saline group had catheters from which blood could not be aspirated, but there was no significant difference between these groups. All dogs in the control group had catheters that flushed easily at the end of the assigned 6 hour interval except in 1 dog. Phlebitis was not detected in any dog.ConclusionsFlushes of 0.9% sodium chloride were found to be as effective as 10 IU/mL heparinized saline flushes in maintaining patency of 18‐Ga peripheral venous catheters in dogs for up to 42 hours. For peripheral catheters placed with the intention of performing serial blood draws, heparinized flushes may be warranted.
Prediction of Tire Ground Interaction Using FEA Truck Tire Models
Authors: Ali Rustam , El-Gindy Moustafa , Dhillon Ranvir , Mukesh Trivedi , Öijer Fredrik , Johansson Inge 
Published: September 2013

The advancement of computerized modeling has allowed for the creation of extensive pneumatic tire models. These models have been used to determine many tire properties and tire-road interaction parameters which are either prohibitively expensive or unavailable with physical models.
This paper focuses on the prediction of tire-ground interaction with emphasis on individual and combined effect of tire slip angle and camber angle at various operating parameters. The forces generated at tire contact such as rolling resistance, cornering force, aligning moment and overturning moment can be predicted and used to optimize the tire design parameters. In addition to above stated, the three-groove FEA truck tire model representing radial-ply tire of size 295/75R22.5 was used in vertical load deflection test to determine enveloping characteristics under various load conditions and inflation pressures.
Multiharmonic Analysis and Design of Shroud Friction Joints of Bladed Disks Subject to Microslip
Authors: Krack Malte , Herzog Anna , Panning-von Scheidt Lars , Wallaschek Jörg , Siewert Christian , Hartung Andreas 
Published: September 2013

Vibration reduction of turbine blades by means of friction damping in shroud joints is a well-established technology in the field of turbomachinery dynamics. Three-dimensional contact constraints in the shroud coupling can induce highly nonlinear dynamics in the bladed disk assembly. Moreover, large normal contact stresses, which are typical for this application, necessitate the consideration of microslip effects.
This study focuses on the accurate prediction of the forced response of tuned bladed disks subject to friction joints. In order to account for extended friction interfaces, the contact area is discretized into several contact points. Microslip behavior is explicitly enforced by a non-uniform normal pressure distribution. Local elastic properties of the contact area are accurately captured in the reduced order model of the structure by employing a component mode synthesis method. The steady-state forced response is efficiently computed using a Multi-Harmonic Balance ansatz. Thus, it is possible to study and explain the occurrence of internal resonances. Planar Coulomb friction and unilateral normal contact conditions are considered in terms of the Dynamic Lagrangian formulation. The normal preload of the shroud interface is varied in order to study the effect on vibration amplitude and resonance frequency.