bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are qualitative and quantitative sleep problems associated with delinquency when controlling for psychopathic features and parental supervision?
Authors: Backman Heidi , Laajasalo Taina , Saukkonen Suvi , Salmi Venla , Kivivuori Janne , Aronen Eeva T. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study was to explore the relationship between sleep, including both qualitative and quantitative aspects, and delinquent behaviour while controlling for psychopathic features of adolescents and parental supervision at bedtime. We analysed data from a nationally representative sample of 4855 Finnish adolescents (mean age 15.3 years, 51% females). Sleep problems, hours of sleep and delinquency were evaluated via self‐report. Psychopathic features were measured with the Antisocial Process Screening Device – Self‐Report. In negative binomial regressions, gender and sleep‐related variables acted as predictors for both property and violent crime after controlling for psychopathic features and parental supervision at bedtime. The results suggest that both sleep problems (at least three times per week, at least for a year) and an insufficient amount of sleep (less than 7 h) are associated with property crime and violent behaviour, and the relationship is not explained by gender, degree of parental supervision at bedtime or co‐occurring psychopathic features. These results suggest that sleep difficulties and insufficient amount of sleep are associated with delinquent behaviour in adolescents. The significance of addressing sleep‐related problems, both qualitative and quantitative, among adolescents is thus highlighted. Implications for a prevention technique of delinquent behaviour are discussed.
Ethno‐Regional Favouritism in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ahlerup Pelle , Isaksson Ann‐Sofie 
Published: April 2015

SummaryStudies of political favouritism in Africa often treat ethnic and regional favouritism as interchangeable concepts. The present paper distinguishes between the two and investigates their relative influence in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Focusing on whether individuals perceive their ethnic group to be unfairly treated by government, we assess the importance of being a co‐ethnic of the country president, of living in the president's region of origin and of the regional share of president co‐ethnics. Empirical findings drawing on detailed individual level survey data covering more than 19 000 respondents across 15 African countries suggest that ethnic and regional favouritism are not the same, but rather have independent effects.
The association between the serum levels of uric acid and alanine aminotransferase in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Zelber‐Sagi Shira , Ben‐Assuli Ofir , Rabinowich Liane , Goldstein Alex , Magid Avi , Shalev Varda , Shibolet Oren , Chodick Gabriel 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsElevated serum uric acid levels reflect and also cause both oxidative stress and insulin resistance and are frequently observed in patients with the metabolic syndrome. A strong association exists between the metabolic syndrome and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, we aimed to test the association between uric acid and elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as a surrogate for NAFLD, using real‐world data.MethodsData used for the cross‐sectional study were obtained from Maccabi Healthcare System, a 2‐million member health maintenance organization in Israel. The population consisted of individuals aged 20–60 years who underwent blood tests for ALT and uric acid between 1997 and 2012. Individuals with secondary liver disease, celiac, and inflammatory bowel‐disease were excluded. Subgroup analysis was performed in subjects who were given the diagnosis of fatty liver in their medical records (n = 2628).ResultsThe study population included 82 608 people (32.5% men, mean age 43.91 ± 10.15 years). There was a significant positive dose‐response association between serum uric acid levels and the rate of elevated serum ALT (P for trend <0.001). In multivariable model, controlling for potential confounders, the association between uric acid and elevated ALT persisted (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.93–2.29, for the fourth quartile vs. the first). This association was maintained in all categories of gender and BMI. Similar results were observed among patients diagnosed with fatty liver (OR = 1.77, 1.22–2.57).ConclusionsSerum uric acid is independently associated with elevated ALT, as a surrogate for NAFLD, and thus may serve as a serum marker for liver damage and should be further investigated as a risk factor for NAFLD.
Pediatric Periorificial Dermatitis: Clinical Course and Treatment Outcomes in 222 Patients
Authors: Goel Nikita S. , Burkhart Craig N. , Morrell Dean S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundPeriorificial dermatitis (POD) is a rosacea‐like papulopustular facial eruption most commonly reported in young adult women. Although POD has been reported in children as young as 6 months of age, there are limited data on the diagnosis and management of POD in pediatric cases.MethodsAll children diagnosed with POD at the Dermatology Clinic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill between June 2002 and March 2014 were included in the current study. Information related to demographics, associated risk factors, treatment prescribed, adverse effects, and response to treatment were obtained from a retrospective analysis of medical records.ResultsOf the 222 children identified, 55.4% were female, 62.2% Caucasian, and the average age at presentation to the clinic was 6.6 years. Although the etiology of POD remains uncertain, 29.3% reported a past medical history of atopic dermatitis, 14.9% reported a history of asthma and 58.1% reported a history of steroid use prior to POD onset. Fifty‐nine percent were seen at a clinic visit for follow‐up at an average of 3.8 months. Treatment often involved combining oral azithromycin with topical metronidazole or sodium sulfacetamide lotion. Of the patients with documented follow‐up, 71.8% experienced complete resolution of POD. Recurrence of POD occurred in children dependent on inhaled steroids or nebulizers. Adverse effects were minimally noted, but included pigmentary changes (1.8%), worsening of symptoms (1.8%), gastrointestinal upset (0.9%), irritant dermatitis (0.9%), and xerosis (0.5%).ConclusionThis study discusses the clinical diagnosis and management of POD in pediatric cases.
Idiopathic Facial Aseptic Granuloma: Review of an Evolving Clinical Entity
Authors: Zitelli Kristine B. , Sheil Amy T. , Fleck Robert , Schwentker Ann , Lucky Anne W. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIdiopathic facial aseptic granuloma (IFAG), originally termed pyodermite froide du visage, describes a generally asymptomatic facial nodule presenting in childhood with clinical resemblance to pyoderma or cystic, granulomatous, or vascular lesions. Clinical understanding is constantly evolving, with recent observations indicating that IFAG may represent a subtype of childhood rosacea. We present a case of IFAG associated with eyelid chalazions in a 19‐month‐old boy. Although his clinical course paralleled previously reported IFAG cases, we observed a unique ultrasound variation during initial diagnostic examination. Further delineation of clinical, imaging, and histologic properties of IFAG may reveal insights into etiologic associations and ideal management.
Pediatric Cutaneous Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infections in Singapore
Authors: Ng Shanna Shan‐Yi , Tay Yong‐Kwang , Koh Mark Jean‐Aan , Thoon Koh‐Cheng , Sng Li‐Hwei 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundNontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections are rare in children, with limited published studies. The course of the disease can be variable and there are no accepted treatment guidelines for the management of NTM infections in children.ObjectiveTo review a cohort of pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary pediatric hospital in Singapore for cutaneous NTM infections.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all children admitted to KK Women's and Children's Hospital with cutaneous NTM infections from 2002 to 2012.ResultsSixty‐seven patients with positive NTM cultures from various body sites were identified. Eight of the 67 patients (11.9%) presented with cutaneous NTM without evidence of systemic involvement. The mean age at diagnosis for these eight patients was 10 years (range 5–21 yrs). Mycobacterium abscessus was the most common NTM isolated (five patients), followed by Mycobacterium hemophilium (two patients) and Mycobacterium kansasii (one patient). Most patients presented with isolated skin abscesses. Two patients were immunocompromised. Six patients required multidrug antibiotic treatment for a median duration of 5.5 months (range 3–17 mos). The median follow‐up duration was 8.5 months (range 2 wks–29 mos).ConclusionAlthough the incidence of cutaneous NTM is rare, the diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with chronic wounds. Most patients require treatment with multidrug antibiotic therapy, although uncomplicated abscesses can be treated with surgical incision and drainage alone.
CHILD Syndrome: Successful Treatment of Skin Lesions with Topical Simvastatin/Cholesterol Ointment—A Case Report
Authors: Alexopoulos Alexios , Kakourou Talia 
Published: April 2015

AbstractCHILD syndrome is a rare X‐linked dominant condition that presents with congenital hemidysplasia, Ichthyosiform erythroderma, and limb defects in affected patients. We report the case of a 10‐year‐old girl treated with topical simvastatin and cholesterol ointment, after which her skin lesions significantly improved within the first 30 days of treatment.
Supra‐therapeutic tacrolimus concentrations associated with concomitant nicardipine in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Hurst Amanda L. , Clark Natalie , Carpenter Todd C. , Sundaram Shikha S. , Reiter Pamela D. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTacrolimus is prescribed to prevent allograft rejection in pediatric liver transplant recipients; however, its metabolism through the cytochrome P‐450 enzyme system presents a multitude of challenges in regard to drug interactions. Here, we describe four children (ages 1.4–8.7 yr) who acutely developed supra‐therapeutic serum tacrolimus trough concentrations, despite standard dosing, while on concomitant nicardipine therapy following liver transplantation. Even though tacrolimus regimens were altered (dosage reductions and held doses), serum tacrolimus concentrations remained elevated. Resolution of high tacrolimus concentrations was achieved only after the discontinuation of nicardipine. Following the termination of nicardipine, all children eventually required dosage increases in their tacrolimus regimens to re‐achieve target serum concentrations. We conclude that concomitant use of tacrolimus and nicardipine can result in high tacrolimus concentrations due to the inhibition of cytochrome p450 enzymes responsible for the metabolism of tacrolimus. We encourage clinicians to consider alternative antihypertensive options in children on tacrolimus therapy. If nicardipine therapy is necessary, we recommend a 50% reduction in tacrolimus dose and daily serum concentration monitoring.
The Ethics of Human Enhancement
Authors: Giubilini Alberto , Sanyal Sagar 
Published: April 2015

AbstractEthical debate surrounding human enhancement, especially by biotechnological means, has burgeoned since the turn of the century. Issues discussed include whether specific types of enhancement are permissible or even obligatory, whether they are likely to produce a net good for individuals and for society, and whether there is something intrinsically wrong in playing God with human nature. We characterize the main camps on the issue, identifying three main positions: permissive, restrictive and conservative positions. We present the major sub‐debates and lines of argument from each camp. The review also gives a flavor of the general approach of key writers in the literature such as Julian Savulescu, Nick Bostrom, Michael Sandel, and Leon Kass.
“Indian Arrivistes and Cyber Coolies: Reflections on Global Outsourcing and the Middle Class”
Authors: Nadeem Shehzad 
Published: April 2015

AbstractGlobalization, we used to think, meant the movement of manufacturing jobs to the developing world. It brought work to regions that needed it, while dislocating the lives of the working classes in the richer countries. That was until it moved into the information technology and service sectors at the turn of the century. This article examines the globalization of white‐collar service work, with a view to its impact on emerging economies like India. The bulk of evidence suggests that while offshore outsourcing benefits the middle class in receiving countries, it does not appreciably expand it. Nor does it reliably produce upward mobility or recognizable career paths or even significant upskilling – most of the work being outsourced is rote and standardized. It produces decent jobs in holding patterns. And there are more and more of them as corporations look to continue cutting costs. Rather than authors of their own destinies, corporations have made of countries in the global south their willing and faithful scribes. I first provide a bird's eye view of what is happening and then look more closely at discoveries on the ground.
The Changing Practices and Meanings of Grandparenthood. Reflections on the Demographical Trends and Changing Representations of Ageing
Authors: Hasmanová Marhánková Jaroslava 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDeep demographical shifts in western societies are significantly influencing the patterns of family life including the various forms of solidarity between generations. At the same time, we are facing significant changes in the social representation of ageing, which also influence the ways in which the roles of seniors in society are perceived and how the meaning of old age is constructed. The paper highlights the significance of these changes for the possible (re)definition of grandparenthood. It discusses the ways in which these demographical changes, the current heterogeneity of family life, and changing representations of ageing can affect the practices and meanings of grandparenthood. Simultaneously, it points out the need to analyse grandparenthood as a role which is strongly gendered.
Posaconazole liquid suspension in solid organ transplant recipients previously treated with voriconazole
Authors: Shoham S. , Ostrander D. , Marr K. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundPosaconazole (PCZ) has become an attractive alternative to voriconazole (VCZ) in transplant recipients with suspected or proven invasive filamentous fungal infections, causing fewer drug interactions. Here, we describe our experience with PCZ after VCZ in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.MethodsVCZ was replaced by PCZ liquid solution in 19 SOT recipients (15 lung, 2 kidney, 1 liver, and 1 heart/lung) with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (12/19; 63.2%), possible invasive pulmonary fungal infection (2/19; 10.5%), prophylaxis (2/19; 10.5%), or pulmonary scedosporiosis, mucormycosis, and mixed fungal species (1 each). Rationales for switch were suspected adverse reactions to VCZ (17/19; 89.4%) and desire to broaden spectrum of coverage to include agents of mucormycosis (3/19; 15.8%).ResultsPCZ was well tolerated in all patients. In those patients with baseline liver enzyme abnormalities, a median change occurred in concentrations of alanine transaminase (−20 IU/L), aspartate aminotransferase (−17.5 IU/L), and alkaline phosphatase (−61.5 IU/L). Clinical success (resolution, stabilization, or prevention of infection) was achieved in 16/19 (84%) people.ConclusionPCZ appears to have a reasonable safety and tolerability profile and may be an effective alternative in SOT patients who require an agent with anti‐mold activity, but are unable to tolerate VCZ.
Extent of sewage pollution in coastal environment of Mumbai, India: an object‐based image analysis
Authors: Vijay Ritesh , Kushwaha Vikash K. , Pandey Neha , Nandy Tapas , Wate S. R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe coastal water quality of Mumbai is deteriorating by receiving partially treated effluent from wastewater treatment facilities, sewage discharges from ocean outfalls and discharges from point and non‐point sources in the creek and coast. A novel approach of object‐based image analysis has been used in this research study to assess the extent of sewage pollution in the coastal environment of Mumbai. For this, Indian Remote Sensing P6 Linear Imaging Self Scanning IV image was used for multiresolution segmentation and rule‐based image classification as per normalised difference water index and normalised difference turbidity index. Water quality regions as per classification were strongly correlated with observed water quality parameters. Based on classified regions and water quality parameters, extent of sewage pollution in the coast was ranked from high to least polluted. The approach developed in this methodology should be tested in similarly polluted waters to ascertain its adaptability for assessing the spatial extent of sewage pollution.
Measured and simulated flow downstream of the submerged sluice gate
Authors: Demirel Ender 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this study, turbulent flow downstream of the submerged sluice gate was investigated experimentally and numerically. Experimental studies were conducted in a laboratory flume to measure the flow velocities and turbulence characteristics. Three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was performed to investigate the flow structure downstream of the sluice gate. It is found that the flow downstream of the submerged sluice gate is highly three‐dimensional and unsteady in nature because of the interaction of mean flow and recirculation flow. The three‐dimensional simulation results indicate that the interacted flow triggers the formation of two corner vortices. Secondary velocities associated with the free surface vortices are found to be about 6% of the mean jet velocity at the inlet, which is significant for the river bank erosion. Vortex induced free surface fluctuations were also observed in the vicinity of the submerged gate.
Development of chloroplast DNA markers in Japanese Imperata cylindrica
Authors: Nomura Y , Shimono Y , Tominaga T 
Published: April 2015

SummaryImperata cylindrica (cogongrass) is one of the most invasive grass weeds found worldwide. In Japan, this grass grows as three climate types: cool temperate (CT), common (CM) and subtropical (ST). An early flowering (E) type has been also reported. Among them, the CM type is large and most invasive. Recent global warming may cause the extension of distribution of the CM type to northern parts of Japan and may allow hybrids to form between the CM and CT or E types. The hybrids sometimes show heterosis and this leads to new weed problems. Distinguishing between the hybrids and parents on a morphological basis is difficult. We investigated polymorphisms of eight cpDNAs to enable distinction between the ecotypes and the hybrids. Fourteen haplotypes were detected in 33 Japanese clones, based on variations in eight cpDNA regions. Based on three substitutions in the psbA–matK spacer, the ORF170 intron1, the trnL(UAA) intron–trnF(GAA) spacer and indels in the trnL(UAA) intron–trnF(GAA) spacer, the haplotypes were clustered into three phylogenetic groups: I, IIa and IIb, which corresponded with the CM and ST, E and CT types, respectively. The polymorphism in the cpDNA therefore enables us to distinguish among the ecotypes and is useful for prediction of the range expansion of the CM type.
On the Relationship between Mean Monsoon Precipitation and Low Pressure Systems in Climate Model Simulations
Authors: Praveen V. , Sandeep S. , Ajayamohan R. S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe north-northwest-propagating low pressure systems (LPS) are an important component of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM). The objective detection and tracking of LPS in reanalysis products and climate model simulations are challenging because of the weak structure of the LPS compared to tropical cyclones. Therefore, the skill of reanalyses and climate models in simulating the monsoon LPS is unknown. A robust method is presented here to objectively identify and track LPS, which mimics the conventional identification and tracking algorithm based on detecting closed isobars on surface pressure charts. The new LPS tracking technique allows a fair comparison between the observed and simulated LPS. The analysis based on the new tracking algorithm shows that the reanalyses from ERA-Interim and MERRA were able to reproduce the observed climatology and interannual variability of the monsoon LPS with a fair degree of accuracy. Further, the newly developed LPS detection and tracking algorithm is also applied to the climate model simulations of phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The CMIP5 models show considerable spread in terms of their skill in LPS simulation. About 60% of the observed total summer monsoon precipitation over east-central India is found to be associated with LPS activities, while in model simulations this ratio varies between 5% and 60%. Those models that simulate synoptic activity realistically are found to have better skill in simulating seasonal mean monsoon precipitation. The model-to-model variability in the simulated synoptic activity is found to be linked to the intermodel spread in zonal wind shear over the Indian region, which is further linked to inadequate representation of the tropical easterly jet in climate models. These findings elucidate the mechanisms behind the model simulation of ISM precipitation, synoptic activity, and their interdependence.
On the Predictability of the Winter Euro-Atlantic Climate: Lagged Influence of Autumn Arctic Sea Ice
Authors: García-Serrano J. , Frankignoul C. , Gastineau G. , de la Cámara A. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Satellite-derived sea ice concentration (SIC) and reanalyzed atmospheric data are used to explore the predictability of the winter Euro-Atlantic climate resulting from autumn SIC variability over the Barents–Kara Seas region (SIC/BK). The period of study is 1979/80–2012/13. Maximum covariance analyses show that the leading predictand is indistinguishable from the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The leading covariability mode between September SIC/BK and winter North Atlantic–European sea level pressure (SLP) is not significant, indicating that no empirical prediction skill can be achieved. The leading covariability mode with either October or November SIC/BK is moderately significant (significance levels &lt;10%), and both predictor fields yield a cross-validated NAO correlation of 0.3, suggesting some empirical prediction skill of the winter NAO index, with sea ice reduction in the Barents–Kara Seas being accompanied by a negative NAO phase in winter. However, only November SIC/BK provides significant cross-validated skill of winter SLP, surface air temperature, and precipitation anomalies over the Euro-Atlantic sector, namely in southwestern Europe. Statistical analysis suggests that November SIC/BK anomalies are associated with a Rossby wave train–like anomaly across Eurasia that affects vertical wave activity modulating the stratospheric vortex strength, which is then followed by downward propagation of anomalies that impact transient-eddy activity in the upper troposphere, helping to settle and maintain the NAO-like pattern at surface. This stratospheric pathway is not detected when using October SIC/BK anomalies. Hence, only November SIC/BK, with a one-month lead time, could be considered as a potential source of regional predictability.