bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma adrenomedullin level is related to a single nucleotide polymorphism in the adrenomedullin gene
Authors: Cheung Bernard M Y , Ong Kwok Leung , Tso Annette W K , Leung Raymond Y H , Cherny Stacey S , Sham Pak Chung , Lam Tai Hing , Lam Karen S L
Published: July 2011

Objective

Adrenomedullin (ADM) plays an important role in inflammation and is a marker of future cardiovascular events. We studied common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding ADM and their relationship with the plasma levels of ADM and other inflammatory markers.

Design and methods

Plasma ADM, interleukin 6 (IL6), fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 476 subjects from the population-based Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study-2. Four tag SNPs in ADM were genotyped.

Results

Plasma ADM level increased with decreasing plasma IL6 level (β=−0.116, P=0.014). Plasma ADM level was not related to plasma levels of CRP and fibrinogen, and other clinical characteristics, except age (P=0.049). The four SNPs, rs3814700, rs11042725, rs34354539, and rs4910118, had minor allele frequencies of 31.1, 28.7, 33.8, and 23.4% respectively. Carriers of the minor allele of rs4910118 had a mean plasma ADM level that was 10.5% (95% confidential interval: 2.5–17.8%) lower than the non-carriers (β=−0.115, P=0.011). Haplotype analysis revealed a similar significant association with plasma ADM (P=0.040). In multivariate analysis, the presence of the minor allele of rs4910118, but not plasma IL6, was independently associated with plasma ADM (P=0.010).

Conclusion

Plasma ADM correlates with plasma IL6 level, consistent with its role in inflammation. It is related to an SNP common in Chinese, independent of other covariates. ADM genotype should be included in future studies of cardiovascular risk prediction.
Imprinted genes and hypothalamic function
Authors: Ivanova Elena , Kelsey Gavin
Published: July 2011

Genomic imprinting is an important and enigmatic form of gene regulation in mammals in which one copy of a gene is silenced in a manner determined by its parental history. Imprinted genes range from those with constitutive monoallelic silencing to those, typically more remote from imprinting control regions, that display developmentally regulated, tissue-specific or partial monoallelic expression. This diversity may make these genes, and the processes they control, more or less sensitive to factors that modify or disrupt epigenetic marks. Imprinted genes have important functions in development and physiology, including major endocrine/neuroendocrine axes. Owing to is central role in coordinating growth, metabolism and reproduction, as well as evidence from genetic and knockout studies, the hypothalamus may be a focus for imprinted gene action. Are there unifying principles that explain why a gene should be imprinted? Conflict between parental genomes over limiting maternal resources, but also co-adaptation between mothers and offspring, have been invoked to explain the evolution of imprinting. Recent reports suggest there may be many more genes imprinted in the hypothalamus than hitherto expected, and it will be important for these new candidates to be validated and to determine whether they conform to current notions of how imprinting is regulated. In fully evaluating the role of imprinted genes in the hypothalamus, much work needs to be done to identify the specific neuronal populations in which particular genes are expressed, establish whether there are pathways in common and whether imprinted genes are involved in long-term programming of hypothalamic functions.
Alienation and Therapeutic Connection
Authors: Fourie Robert James , Murphy Máire
Published: July 2011

Humans connect when they communicate. Indeed, it is in this act of connecting that people regulate their relationships with others. However, this connectedness contrasts with the notion of being alienated in the face of impaired communication. For example, Van Riper and Erickson (1996) explained how the loss of communication could result in penalties, guilt, frustration, hostility and anxiety. The specific aims of the current qualitative, phenomenological study were to identify and document instances of alienation in three individuals with oncogenic communication and/or swallowing disorders. The results suggest that the participants were alienated inasmuch as they experienced fear in response to their life-threatening illnesses; loss of control, autonomy and choice in relation to communication and health goals; and depression, meaninglessness and loneliness, associated with perceived changes in identity and belonging. Clinical reflections are presented in light of the practice implications suggested by these findings.
The Negotiation of Footing and Participation Structure in a Social Group of Teens with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Bottema-Beutel Kristen
Published: July 2011

This study combines participant observation and discourse analytic methodologies to determine how an adolescent girl with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), referred to here as Sheila, negotiates shifts in footing and participation structure within a small group intervention. The intervention also includes two typically developing, adolescent peers. Video recordings of 11 hours of group session were transcribed and analyzed. Analysis shows that Sheila uses resources characteristic of ASD, namely repetition, to structure the mode in which she participates in social group activities. Repetition appears in both verbal and physical modalities, and serves to shift footing into or out of alignment with her peers depending on the context of the interaction. Through bodily imitation, Sheila reframes a game of charades into a joint performance, and is corroborated by her typical peers and the adult facilitator in doing so as they ratify her shaping of a new game.
Sibling Mediation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Abendroth Kathleen J.
Published: July 2011

This study describes mediational strategies used by two siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders during social contexts. Two playgroups, including one child with autism, one typically developing sibling, and a third friend were observed during multiple play interactions. Interactional data between the child with autism and the typically developing sibling were collected and analyzed using video analysis and participant observation within a qualitative paradigm. This report describes four mediational strategies that the typically developing siblings used with the child with autism during play, including exaggerated voices, following the lead of the child with autism, use of semantic schema, and context clarification. Despite the communicative impairments of children with autism, siblings can employ multiple strategies to successfully mediate social interactions.
The American Cancer Society and the American Health Care System
Authors: Brawley Otis W.
Published: July 2011

The U.S. health care system is in critical condition. Costs are rising to the point that the high price of health care is a threat to the U.S. economy. In 2010, health care was more than 17% of the gross domestic product, and if it continues to rise at current rates, health care will become more than 25% of the overall U.S. economy. This growth rate is not sustainable.

While U.S. per capita costs are the highest of any country worldwide, quality is varied. Indeed, American health care outcomes for cancer and other diseases are inferior to several European countries with far lower per capita costs.

The truth is many Americans cannot afford adequate health care, and health care is rationed in the U.S. While many do not get the health care they need, some are actually harmed by overconsumption of unnecessary health care. These Americans are treated outside of established guidelines and get unnecessary procedures and take unnecessary medications.

A substantial number of Americans are supportive of health care reform with the goal of getting needed, high-quality health care to those Americans who currently do not get it. The American Cancer Society is committed to using the established scientific methods of epidemiology to define the problems and identify possible solutions. We are committed proponents of the rational, evidence-based use of health care to avoid the wasteful and inefficient rationing of health care.
Patient Navigator Programs, Cancer Disparities, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Authors: Moy Beverly , Chabner Bruce A.
Published: July 2011

Patients in vulnerable population groups suffer disproportionately from cancer. The elimination of cancer disparities is critically important for lessening the burden of cancer. Patient navigator programs have been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Among its provisions relevant to disparities in cancer care, The Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act authorizes continued funding of patient navigator programs. However, given the current economic and political environment, this funding is in jeopardy. This article describes patient navigator programs and summarizes the elements of the health care law that are relevant to these programs. It is vital that the entire oncology community remain committed to leading efforts toward the improvement of cancer care among our most vulnerable patients.
The influence of intense fissuring on the mechanical behaviour of clays
Authors: VITONE C. , COTECCHIA F.
Published: July 2011

The paper discusses the geological history, intrinsic properties, structural features and mechanical behaviour of three differently fissured clays outcropping within the Apennine chain in southern Italy. Based on a large experimental database, the mechanical behaviour of the clays is investigated in the light of their different fissuring features, which have been distinguished and characterised by means of a new chart. The study assumed the soil to be a continuum, despite the different fissuring features of the clay fabric. Therefore laboratory tests were carried out on both natural and reconstituted clay samples, and the results were compared with those recognised in the literature to be typical of unfissured sensitive clays. Based on these comparisons, a behavioural framework is proposed for clays possessing certain fissure structures. The results of the analysis show that the mini- to mesostructure of clays of fissuring intensity I5–I6 can be modelled as part of the structure variable controlling the clay behaviour. Where the structure variable refers solely to the micro scale for unfissured homogeneous clays, for fissured clays I5–I6 it spans from the micro to the meso scale. As for the microstructure of unfissured clays, this micro- to mesostructure influences the soil response as an internal state variable in addition to specific volume in controlling the mechanical response. In particular, it appears that for clays of fissuring intensity I5–I6, structure is detrimental to strength, so that the material is even weaker than the reconstituted clay.
Multidimensional trade‐offs in species responses to disturbance: implications for diversity in a subtropical forest
Authors: Uriarte María , Clark James S. , Zimmerman Jess K. , Comita Liza S. , Forero-Montaña Jimena , Thompson Jill
Published: July 2011

Species employ diverse strategies to cope with natural disturbance, but the importance of these strategies for maintaining tree species diversity in forests has been debated. Mechanisms that have the potential to promote tree species coexistence in the context of repeated disturbance include life history trade‐offs in colonization and competitive ability or in species' ability to survive at low resource conditions and exploit the temporary resource‐rich conditions often generated in the wake of disturbance (successional niche). Quantifying these trade‐offs requires long‐term forest monitoring and modeling.

We developed a hierarchical Bayes model to investigate the strategies tree species employ to withstand and recover from hurricane disturbance and the life history trade‐offs that may facilitate species coexistence in forests subject to repeated hurricane disturbance. Unlike previous approaches, our model accommodates temporal variation in process error and observations from multiple sources. We parameterized the model using growth and mortality data from four censuses of a 16‐ha plot taken every five years (1990–2005), together with damage data collected after two hurricanes and annual seed production data (1992–2005).

Species' susceptibilities to hurricane damage as reflected by changes in diameter growth and fecundity immediately following a storm were weak, highly variable, and unpredictable using traditional life history groupings. The lower crowding conditions (e.g., high light) generated in the wake of storms, however, led to greater gains in growth and fecundity for pioneer and secondary‐forest species than for shade‐tolerant species, in accordance with expectation of life history. We found moderate trade‐offs between survival in high crowding conditions, a metric of competitive ability, and long‐distance colonization. We also uncovered a strong trade‐off between mean species fecundity in low crowding conditions, a metric of recovery potential, and competitive ability. Trade‐offs in competitive and colonization ability, in addition to successional niche processes, are likely to contribute to species persistence in these hurricane‐impacted forests. The strategies species employ to cope with hurricane damage depend on the degree to which species rely on sprouting, repair of adult damage, changes in demographic rates in response to enhanced resource availability after storms, or long‐distance dispersal as recovery mechanisms.
Public Policies, Women's Employment after Childbearing, and Child Well-Being
Authors: Washbrook Elizabeth , Ruhm Christopher J , Waldfogel Jane , Han Wen-Jui
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we consider three U.S. public policies that potentially influence the work decisions of mothers of infants—parental leave laws, exemptions from welfare work requirements, and child care subsidies for low-income families. We estimate the effects of these policies on the timing of work participation after birth, and on a range of outcomes in the subsequent four years, using a group difference-in-difference technique suitable for analysis of cross-sectional data. We find that the three policies affect early maternal work participation, but obtain no evidence of significant consequences for child well-being.
On Robust Testing and Modelling of Threshold-Type Non-Linearity in ASEAN Foreign Exchange Markets
Authors: Chan Wai-Sum , Hung King-Chi
Published: July 2011

There are many situations in which insurance companies operating in the Asian region encounter foreign exchange risk. This paper considers a stochastic threshold approach to modelling foreign exchange risks in some Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets. The class of self-exciting threshold autoregressive (SETAR) models is used. These models are able to capture the exchange rate band phenomenon that has been discussed in the monetary economics literature. Both ordinary least squares and robust modelling procedures are considered.
Precision of laboratory methods based on protein solubility in quality control of heat treated feedstuffs
Authors: Palic Dragan , Morey Liesl , Modika Kedibone , Kokic Bojana , Djuragic Olivera , Spasevski Nedeljka
Published: July 2011

Some of feedstuffs used as raw materials in feed industry contain
anti-nutritional factors that negatively influence their quality. One of
them is soybean, which is, prior to oil extraction, referred to as full-fat
soybean (FFSB). Anti-nutritional factors in raw FFSB can be destroyed by
moderate heating, but both over- and under heat processing limits the
availability of soybean amino acids. Among laboratory procedures that are
available for assessing the degree of FFSB heat treatment, two methods, i.e.
Protein dispersibility index (PDI) and protein solubility in potassium
hydroxide (PSKOH), are based on protein solubility, which was claimed to be
the most reliable indicator of the degree of FFSB heat treatment. This paper
presents the results of an inter-laboratory study conducted to establish
precision of the PDI and PSKOH methods by determining their reproducibility
limits. Five samples of FFSB were heat-treated at temperatures between 110
and 164 ?C and analyzed by six laboratories for PDI and PSKOH. Established
reproducibility limit for PDI method of 8.87 index units found in this study
appeared to be too wide, indicating a low precision of this method. PSKOH
method produced very good reproducibility limit of 8.56% and could be
recommended as a preferred method for FFSB quality control in feed
laboratories.
Using Staff-Student Reviews of Past Feedback to Increase the Impact of that Feedback on Current Assignments
Authors: O'Siochru Cathal
Published: July 2011

When used effectively, feedback can make a large and easily identifiable impact on learning, and yet there is often a widespread failure among psychology students to collect feedback on their assignments. This paper reports on a new approach to handling feedback, where feedback from second-year research projects was carried over to the following year and integrated into the teaching of the third-year dissertation project. The aim of this programme was for students to gain the maximum benefit from the feedback while at the same time restoring staff confidence in the feedback process. A questionnaire measured 74 undergraduate students' evaluations of the programme. The relationship between grades and feedback was also explored. The findings show that participation in a detailed review of feedback with the dissertation supervisor greatly increased the perceived impact of that feedback. However, the grade achieved on the assignment that generated the feedback had no significant effect on a student's level of engagement with their feedback. This paper also discusses some of the practical lessons learnt from this programme, such as addressing staff concerns regarding the impact of the programme on their workload.
Closing the Gap: An Exploration of First-Year Students' Expectations and Experiences of Learning
Authors: Williamson Morag , Laybourn Phyllis , Deane Janis , Tait Hilary
Published: July 2011

In line with Edinburgh Napier University's commitment to enhancing undergraduates' first-year experience (FYE), the aim of this qualitative research project was to examine the development of expectations, learning experiences and study attitudes of new psychology students over their first semester, with a view to informing the design of an intervention to support this transitional process. Support already existed in various forms, but departmental staff wished to establish a more targeted, consistent approach across programmes. Using an action research approach, data collected took the form of students' written reflections, elicited by means of open-ended questionnaires as part of normal induction activities at the start of both first and second semesters. Responses were obtained from two cohorts of first-year psychology students: the 2008–2009 cohort completed the Semester 2 questionnaire only, while the 2009–2010 cohort completed both Semester 1 and Semester 2 questionnaires. Responses were subjected to thematic analysis. Building on the common FYE theme of ‘mismatch’ between student and staff expectations, in this study the ‘psychological contract’ was applied as a theoretical framework for interpretation of findings. The Semester 1 questionnaire data showed realistic expectations but lacked in-depth reflection. The Semester 2 questionnaire responses on ‘experiences’ of the first semester showed a predominant concern with time- and self-management. However, evidence of good study habits, and metacognitive awareness of learning, were scarce, suggesting disparity between student and staff expectations. Interpretation of the data provided a rationale for a first-year intervention, implemented with the 2010–2011 cohort, aimed at ‘closing the gap’ by means of developing appropriate student psychological contracts.
Diversity in the Psychology Curriculum: The Development of a Toolkit to Audit, Monitor and Enhance Responsiveness to Diversity in an Inclusive Curriculum
Authors: Priest Helena , Hale Rebecca , Jacobs Gaby
Published: July 2011

The recent implementation of the UK Equality Act should guarantee that all students have equality of opportunity within higher education (HE), and that HE institutions are responsive towards diversity in its broadest sense. This report describes the development of a diversity toolkit for auditing and monitoring academic departments' responsiveness to diversity, with a particular focus on undergraduate psychology programmes. The toolkit was the culmination of a two-year action research project conducted within one school of psychology in the United Kingdom, which was partly funded by the Higher Education Academy Psychology Network Departmental Teaching Enhancement Scheme.
PowerPoint in the Psychology Classroom: Lessons from Multimedia Learning Research
Authors: Garner Joanna K. , Alley Michael
Published: July 2011

Teaching in higher education often involves giving a lecture that is accompanied by PowerPoint slides. It is common practice for slides to adhere closely to PowerPoint's defaults, but these and other similar designs violate principles of multimedia learning. In this article, the psychological theories that apply to slide comprehension processes are described, with an explanation as to how ‘common-practice’ slides do not incorporate recommendations that arise from them. The authors identify ways in which an alternative structure, called the Assertion-Evidence (A-E) slide structure, better embodies these principles. They present introductory steps for instructors who are interested in redesigning their slides. Figures are used to illustrate both common-practice and A-E slide structures.
Quantitative and kinetic profile of Wnt/β-catenin signaling components during human neural progenitor cell differentiation
Authors: Mazemondet Orianne , Hubner Rayk , Frahm Jana , Koczan Dirk , Bader Benjamin , Weiss Dieter , Uhrmacher Adelinde , Frech Moritz , Rolfs Arndt , Luo Jiankai
Published: July 2011

ReNcell VM is an immortalized human neural progenitor cell line with the ability to differentiate in vitro into astrocytes and neurons, in which the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is known to be involved. However, little is known about kinetic changes of this pathway in human neural progenitor cell differentiation. In the present study, we provide a quantitative profile of Wnt/β-catenin pathway dynamics showing its spatio-temporal regulation during ReNcell VM cell differentiation. We show first that T-cell factor dependent transcription can be activated by stabilized β-catenin. Furthermore, endogenous Wnt ligands, pathway receptors and signaling molecules are temporally controlled, demonstrating changes related to differentiation stages. During the first three hours of differentiation the signaling molecules LRP6, Dvl2 and β-catenin are spatio-temporally regulated between distinct cellular compartments. From 24 h onward, components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are strongly activated and regulated as shown by mRNA up-regulation of Wnt ligands (Wnt5a and Wnt7a), receptors including Frizzled-2, -3, -6, -7, and -9, and co-receptors, and target genes including Axin2. This detailed temporal profile of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a first step to understand, control and to orientate, in vitro, human neural progenitor cell differentiation.
Improving the Display of Correspondence Analysis Using Moon Plots
Authors: Bock Tim
Published: July 2011

Standard correspondence analysis plots are readily misinterpreted by research users. This paper presents a new plot, called the moon plot, which is less susceptible to misinterpretation. Row points are plotted in the traditional way. Column points are plotted equidistant from the origin, with their directions from the origin as in traditional correspondence analysis plots, and the information traditionally communicated by the distance of the points to the origin instead communicated by the size of the fonts of the labels.
A Survey of the Challenges and Pifalls of Cluster Analysis Application in Market Segmentation
Authors: Tuma Michael N. , Decker Reinhold , Scholz Sören W.
Published: July 2011

Market segmentation is a widely accepted concept in marketing research and planning. Although cluster analysis has been extensively applied to segment markets in the last 50 years, the ways in which the results were obtained have often been reported to be less than satisfactory by both practitioners (Yankelovich & Meer 2006) and academics (Dolnièar 2003). In order to provide guidance to those undertaking market segmentation, this study discusses the critical issues involved when using cluster analysis to segment markets, makes suggestions for best practices and potential improvements, and presents an empirical survey that seeks to provide an up-to-date assessment of cluster analysis application in market segmentation within a six-stage framework. Analyses of more than 200 journal articles published since 2000, in which cluster analysis was empirically used in a marketing research setting, indicate that many critical issues are still ignored rather than addressed adequately.
The Paradox of Accountability: Moving Away Can Bring you Closer: A Case Study of Community Policing in London
Authors: May John
Published: July 2011

Public service accountability is a large and complex topic. One important aspect of the accountability of a public service provider is that they should be aware of what matters to the recipients of their service. This paper uses the Metropolitan Police as a case study to explore some of the implications of this aspect of accountability. It concludes that sometimes having fewer data points leads to more comprehensive insight than having more.
Snap Judgement Polling: Street Interviews Enabled by New Technology
Authors: Anderson Katherine , Wright Malcolm , Wheeler Meagan
Published: July 2011

We took a promising new method of political polling – snap judgements of political candidates' facial appearance – from the lab to the real world with internet-enabled mobile phones. Using iPhones and online multimedia-rich surveys, we collected over 6000 snap judgements of political candidates' faces, providing proof of concept for a new method of candidate pre-testing and political polling. Consistent with prior research, we find that snap judgements by small samples (178) of politically naive respondents can accurately predict election outcomes. Further, we advance this method of research by testing design elements and providing practical details about the use of mobile technology to aid data collection.
Capturing Affective Experiences using the SMS Experience Sampling (SMS-ES) method
Authors: Andrews Lynda , Bennett Rebekah Russell , Drennan Judy
Published: July 2011

This paper reports the feasibility and methodological considerations of using the Short Message System Experience Sampling (SMS-ES) method, which is an experience sampling research method developed to assist researchers to collect repeat measures of consumers' affective experiences. The method combines SMS with web-based technology in a simple yet effective way. It is described using a practical implementation study that collected consumers' emotions in response to using mobile phones in everyday situations. The method is further evaluated in terms of the quality of data collected in the study, as well as against the methodological considerations for experience sampling studies. These two evaluations suggest that the SMS-ES method is both a valid and reliable approach for collecting consumers' affective experiences. Moreover, the method can be applied across a range of for-profit and not-for-profit contexts where researchers want to capture repeated measures of consumers' affective experiences occurring over a period of time. The benefits of the method are discussed, to assist researchers who wish to apply the SMS-ES method in their own research designs.
The Accuracy of Self-Reported Probabilities of Giving Recommendations
Authors: Romaniuk Jenni , Nguyen Cathy , East Robert
Published: July 2011

This paper shows that respondents are better at predicting when they won't give a recommendation than when they will. The main reason for inaccuracy was an over-reliance on past circumstances (past receiving or giving of recommendations) in making future predictions of their own behaviour. Therefore, self-report probabilities are best used as measures of the potential or desire to give a recommendation, rather than predictions of future behaviour. The translation of this potential to behaviour will depend largely on the external environment, which is outside the respondent's control. To improve the accuracy of aggregatelevel predictions of how many people will give recommendations, we suggest reducing the number of those with a high self-reported probability to around 30% of survey estimates.
Can Search Engine Advertising Help Access Rare Samples?
Authors: Nunan Daniel , Knox Simon
Published: July 2011

In the last decade, there has been an explosion in the use of online survey tools. Online data collection tools have lowered the cost of data collection and removed barriers to entry for carrying out research. While a number of questions have been raised about the general reliability of internet survey research, one specific use of the web for survey work has been in reaching niche populations that are difficult to access using traditional survey tools – so-called ‘rare samples’. In this paper, we present an approach to accessing such hard-to-reach populations using search engine pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. We carried out a study that makes uses of PPC advertising on search engines as an alternative means of developing a sample for a hard-to-reach group of health consumers. Based on a sample of 466 consumer responses, we discuss the effectiveness of this technique for reaching such rare populations.
Conceptualisation and Modelling of the Process behind Brand Association Transfer
Authors: Boisvert Jean
Published: July 2011

Although the concept of affect transfer has been addressed by many in the literature, the process underlying the transfer of brand associations from parent brands to their extensions is still unclear despite important theoretical and managerial implications. This paper proposes to conceptualise and model the empirical process underlying such transfer. The findings reveal that the capability of a parent brand to transfer specific brand associations to a line extension depends on an optimisation process where strong transfer occurs only when repeated measures of the same associations are not statistically distinct. Conversely, the transfer is limited when the statistical difference is either positive or negative in repeated measures. When the difference is positive, the extension appears to already ‘own’ the association in comparison to the parent brand and when negative the association is not compatible with the extension. The methodological and managerial implications of brand association transfer are discussed.
Students Mentoring Students in a Service-Learning Clinical Supervision Experience: An Educational Case Report
Authors: Lattanzi Jill Black , Campbell Sandra L. , Dole Robin L. , Palombaro Kerstin M.
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose

Service-learning projects present the opportunity to combine academic skill practice and peer mentorship with meaningful community service. Implicit learning outcomes include an enhanced understanding of social responsibility and professional development—concepts difficult to teach in the classroom. The purpose of this educational case report is to describe the development, application, and outcomes of a service-learning project designed to facilitate peer mentorship and the development of social responsibility.

Development of the Process

Widener University mandated that all programs offer student community service opportunities on Martin Luther King Day. In response, the physical therapy program developed a plan to clean and screen assistive and mobility devices and provide blood pressure screening at designated community sites.

Application of the Process

All faculty and all members of the first-year and third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) classes participated. The students and a faculty member traveled to designated community sites in teams. First-year students were able to practice newly acquired skills under the supervision and peer mentorship of third-year students.

Outcomes

Outcomes of the service-learning project were assessed through a tally of services rendered, measurement of curricular goal achievement, a survey of the community partners' satisfaction with the event, and consideration of both first-year and third-year DPT student reflection papers.

Discussion

The service-learning project was effective in meeting a community need, enhancing community partner relationships, fostering student understandings of social responsibility, and creating a valuable peer mentorship experience.
The Generalized Multilevel Facets Model for Longitudinal Data
Authors: Hung Lai-Fa , Wang Wen-Chung
Published: July 2011

In the human sciences, ability tests or psychological inventories are often repeatedly conducted to measure growth. Standard item response models do not take into account possible autocorrelation in longitudinal data. In this study, the authors propose an item response model to account for autocorrelation. The proposed three-level model consists of multiple facets (e.g., person, item, and rater facets) and slope parameters. Level 1 is an item response (within-occasion) model; Level 2 is a between-occasion and within-person model; and Level 3 is a between-person model. Parameters can be estimated using the computer software WinBUGS, which uses Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms. Through a series of simulations, it was found that the parameters in the proposed model can be recovered fairly well. Real data of job performance judged by raters at various time points were analyzed to illustrate the implications and application of the proposed model.
Specifications for Aggregate Frictional Qualities in Flexible Pavements
Authors: Schram Scott
Published: July 2011

Asphalt mixtures can be engineered to meet a pavement facility's surface friction demands. Researchers recommend laboratory testing on mixtures and aggregates to ensure desirable friction in the field. Some state highway agencies use this testing, and other agencies specify properties related to the aggregates. Aggregate structure, source, grain size, and chemistry have been shown to affect surface friction, yet these effects have been little validated in the field. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) classifies frictional qualities of aggregates on the basis of grain size, hardness, and abrasion. Mixtures are assigned one of three designations that specify the frictional class and amount needed to satisfy the facility's demands. A case study analyzed the effectiveness of the classification system and validated material specification limits for flexible Interstate pavements. A comprehensive review of mixture designs and friction measurements from the past 30 years showed that friction was highly sensitive to aggregate classification and could be improved with modifications to specification limits. A correlation between average ratio of wet-to-dry crashes and corresponding friction numbers was developed from more than 14,000 crash records. The developed model provided a desirable minimum friction level and was validated with a multimethod approach. The analysis showed the average ratio of wet-to-dry crashes remained constant when friction levels exceeded 38. Historically, this level was achieved when 30% or more of the coarse aggregate and 25% or more of the fine aggregate was a crushed quartzite, granite, or steel slag. Iowa DOT specifications for asphalt mixtures have been updated to reflect these findings.
Effect of Permeameter Size and Anisotropy on Measurements of Field Pavement Permeability
Authors: Harris Christopher , Wang Linbing , Druta Cristian , Tan Yiqiu , Zhou Guoqing , Zhu Tulong , Cooley L. Allen
Published: July 2011

The permeability of hot-mix asphalt is important to a pavement's durability. Measuring permeability along with density will give a better indication of a pavement's durability than will density alone. The presence of water in the pavement for extended periods is directly linked to early deterioration. A modified field permeameter was developed for study of the water–pavement contact area (permeameter size) and anisotropy effect on field permeability measurements. A reliable sealing system was created to be consistent but not detrimental to the pavement surface. The results of the study showed that larger water–pavement contact areas yielded increasing influence on vertical flow, which better represented the one-dimensional flow conditions prescribed by the falling head method using Darcy's law. Equations to calculate both vertical and horizontal permeability coefficients were developed with finite element (FE) simulations of the field tests as an axis-symmetric flow. Two permeability tests with two plate sizes were conducted with this approach to obtain both vertical and horizontal permeability coefficients. The FE simulations indicated that the nominal permeability calculation with one-dimensional assumptions was valid when the water–pavement contact area was large.
Laboratory Evaluation of Open-Graded Asphalt Mixes with Small Aggregates and Various Binders and Additives
Authors: Lu Qing , Harvey John T.
Published: July 2011

An ongoing research effort seeks to develop alternative asphalt surface mixes that will be quiet and durable without sacrificing safety. The effects of several common combinations of binder type and additive on noise reduction and durability of an open-graded asphalt mix with small aggregate size were investigated. Five binder types and two additives were selected for a 4.75-mm nominal maximum aggregate size gradation. A series of laboratory tests was conducted to evaluate their performance-related pavement surface properties. Results showed that the use of polymer-modified or rubberized binders instead of unmodified binder in the 4.75-mm open-graded mixture reduced permeability but increased acoustic absorption, with the mixture containing asphalt rubber binder showing the most acoustic absorption improvement. The use of asphalt rubber could also increase the mixture resistance to moisture damage, premature failure, raveling, and rutting. There were preliminary indications of friction improvement by replacement of conventional binder with asphalt rubber binder in the small-size-aggregate, open-graded asphalt mix.
Measuring the Effect of Moisture on Asphalt–Aggregate Bond with the Bitumen Bond Strength Test
Authors: Moraes Raquel , Velasquez Raul , Bahia Hussain U.
Published: July 2011

Understanding moisture damage mechanisms in asphalt pavements and evaluating the right combination of materials that are resistant to moisture damage are important. Moisture damage is the loss of strength or stiffness in asphalt mixtures caused by a combination of mechanical loading and moisture. Many test methods have been developed to evaluate loss of adhesion and cohesion in binders. However, a simple procedure to address moisture damage in the asphalt–aggregate interface is not available. The feasibility of the newly developed bitumen bond strength (BBS) test for moisture damage characterization was investigated. An experimental matrix that included various binders, modifications, and aggregates to account for the chemical and physical conditions in the aggregate–asphalt interface was completed. A statistical analysis was performed to verify reproducibility of the BBS test. The results indicated that the bond strength of asphalt–aggregate systems was highly dependent on modification and moisture exposure time. Polymers were found to improve the adhesion between asphalt and aggregate as well as the cohesion within the binder. Results from this study indicated that the BBS test was repeatable and reproducible. To further validate the effectiveness of the BBS test, a comparison of the BBS test results and the modified dynamic shear rheometer strain sweep test was conducted. The comparison showed that the BBS test could rank materials similarly to a more sophisticated and time-consuming test.
Traffic Engineering in a Hybrid Format
Authors: Pande Anurag , Grimes Joe
Published: July 2011

In the civil engineering curriculum at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, the 421 traffic engineering course in civil engineering (CE) is intended to provide students with details of driver behavior, traffic characteristics, and design considerations for addressing traffic problems. In fall 2008, this class was taught in traditional face-to-face lecture format. On the basis of student feedback and success in achieving learning outcomes, it was determined that the course should be more student centered and that there should be a two-way feedback mechanism between students and instructor throughout the quarter. The course was redesigned and taught in the new hybrid format during the fall 2009 and spring 2010 quarters. This paper discusses how lessons learned from hybrid redesign of courses in other fields can be applied to a traffic engineering course. The CE 421 hybrid format involved reduced face-to-face meeting time and included learner-centered, online activities. The material was front-loaded for the students through PowerPoint presentations with narrations so that they could come prepared for the face-to-face lectures. The online activities also included simulation and surveys, which demonstrated the variation in reaction time of drivers, and videos that demonstrated the level-of-service concept and a new type of traffic control for intersections. After these online demonstrations, students were asked to fill out a survey. The results from these surveys were then discussed in class to achieve the underlying learning outcomes. A set of questions is provided as guidance for instructors who may be considering a similar redesign of their transportation engineering courses.
Development of Knowledge Tables and Learning Outcomes for an Introductory Course in Transportation Engineering
Authors: Bill Andrea , Beyerlein Steven , Heaslip Kevin , Hurwitz David S. , Bernhardt Kristen L. Sanford , Kyte Michael , Young Rhonda K.
Published: July 2011

Many decisions about the content of an introductory transportation engineering course are complicated by a wide range of topics and skills to be presented in a limited amount of time. The information presented in this paper was compiled by a working group of educators who represented universities of varying sizes and geographic areas. This working group was charged with developing core concepts and associated knowledge tables for the introductory transportation course for the following core concept areas: traffic operations, transportation planning, geometric design, transportation finance, transportation economics, traffic safety, and transit and nonmotorized transport. Instructors can weave the knowledge tables together by explaining the ways of being of a transportation professional and the course learning outcomes. A key focus of the working group's efforts was to provide more guidance to instructors on core content versus optional content. The intent of the working group was not to dictate what exactly should be taught in a course. The group therefore created more content than could fit into a typical semester-long course so that instructors would have flexibility. Some content should be viewed as more critical to the transportation profession than other material, and the working group will prioritize it accordingly. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the work that has been completed and to get feedback from industry partners and other academic professionals about the curriculum. The efforts of the pilot studies over the next year will help determine the amount of time needed to cover the information in the knowledge tables.
Decrease in proven ventriculitis by reducing the frequency of cerebrospinal fluid sampling from extraventricular drains
Authors: Williams Teresa A. , Leslie Gavin D. , Dobb Geoffrey J. , Roberts Brigit , van Heerden Peter Vernon
Published: July 2011

Object

Ventriculitis associated with extraventricular drains (EVD) increases rates of morbidity and mortality as well as costs. Surveillance samples of CSF are taken routinely from EVD, but there is no consensus on the optimum frequency of sampling. The goal of this study was to assess whether the incidence of ventriculitis changed when CSF sampling frequency was reduced once every 3 days.

Methods

After receiving institutional ethics committee approval for their project, the authors compared a prospective sample of EVD-treated patients (admitted 2008–2009) and a historical comparison group (admitted 2005–2007) at two tertiary hospital ICUs. A broad definition of ventriculitis included suspected ventriculitis (that is, treated with antibiotics for ventriculitis) and proven ventriculitis (positive CSF culture). Adult ICU patients with no preexisting neurological infection were enrolled in the study. After staff was provided with an education package, sampling of CSF was changed from daily to once every 3 days. All other management of the EVD remained unchanged. More frequent sampling was permitted if clinically indicated during the third daily sampling phase.

Results

Two hundred seven patients were recruited during the daily sampling phase and 176 patients when sampling was reduced to once every 3 days. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was lower for the daily sampling group than for the every-3rd-day group (18.6 vs 20.3, respectively; p < 0.01), but there was no difference in mean age (47 and 45 years, respectively; p = 0.14), male or female sex (61% and 59%, respectively; p = 0.68), or median EVD duration in the ICU (4.9 and 5.8 days, respectively; p = 0.14). Most patients were admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage (42% in the daily group and 33% in the every-3rd-day group) or traumatic head injuries (29% and 36%, respectively). The incidence of ventriculitis decreased from 17% to 11% overall and for proven ventriculitis from 10% to 3% once sampling frequency was reduced. Sampling of CSF once every 3 days was independently associated with ventriculitis (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22–0.88, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Reducing the frequency of CSF sampling to once every 3 days was associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of ventriculitis. The authors suggest that CSF sampling should therefore be performed once every 3 days in the absence of clinical indicators of ventriculitis. Reducing frequency of CSF sampling from EVDs decreased proven ventriculitis.