bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eocene (Lutetian) Shark-Rich Coastal Paleoenvironments of the
Southern North Sea Basin in Europe: Biodiversity of the Marine Fürstenau Formation Including Early
White and Megatooth Sharks
Authors: Diedrich C. G.
Published: March 2012

The Fürstenau Formation (Lutetian, Paleogene, Eocene) is based on type sections near Fürstenau in Germany (central Europe) and is built of 22 meter thick marine glauconitic and strongly bioturbated sands, clays, and a vertebrate-rich conglomerate bed. The conglomerate layer from the Early Lutetian transgression reworked Lower Cretaceous, and Paleogene marine sediments. It is dominated by pebbles from the locally mountains which must have been transported by an ancient river in a delta fan. Marine reworked Lower Cretaceous and Paleogen pebbles/fossils, were derived from the underlying deposits of northern Germany (= southern pre North Sea basin). The benthic macrofauna is cold upwelling water influenced and non-tropical, and medium divers. The vertebrate fish fauna is extremely rich in shark teeth, with about 5,000 teeth per cubic meter of gravel. The most dominant forms are teeth from sand shark ancestors Striatolamia macrota, followed by white shark ancestors Carcharodon auriculatus. Even teeth from the magatooth shark ancestor Carcharocles sokolovi are present in a moderately diverse and condensed Paleogene fish fauna that also includes rays, chimaeras, and more then 80 different bony fish. Fragmentary turtle remains are present, and few terrestrial vertebrates and even marine mammals with phocids, sirenians and possibly whales.
A PMBGA to Optimize the Selection of Rules for Job Shop Scheduling Based on the Giffler‐Thompson Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wu Cheng
Published: March 2012

Most existing research on the job shop scheduling problem has been focused on the minimization of makespan (i.e., the completion time of the last job). However, in the fiercely competitive market nowadays, delivery punctuality is more important for maintaining a high service reputation. So in this paper, we aim at solving job shop scheduling problems with the total weighted tardiness objective. Several dispatching rules are adopted in the Giffler‐Thompson algorithm for constructing active schedules. It is noticeable that the rule selections for scheduling consecutive operations are not mutually independent but actually interrelated. Under such circumstances, a probabilistic model‐building genetic algorithm (PMBGA) is proposed to optimize the sequence of selected rules. First, we use Bayesian networks to model the distribution characteristics of high‐quality solutions in the population. Then, the new generation of individuals is produced by sampling the established Bayesian network. Finally, some elitist individuals are further improved by a special local search module based on parameter perturbation. The superiority of the proposed approach is verified by extensive computational experiments and comparisons.
Amyloid Beta and Tau Proteins as Therapeutic Targets for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment: Rethinking the Current Strategy
Authors: Mondragón-Rodríguez Siddhartha , Perry George , Zhu Xiongwei , Boehm Jannic
Published: March 2012

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is defined by the concurrence of accumulation of abnormal aggregates composed of two proteins: Amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau, and of cellular changes including neurite degeneration and loss of neurons and cognitive functions. Based on their strong association with disease, genetically and pathologically, it is not surprising that there has been a focus towards developing therapies against the aggregated structures. Unfortunately, current therapies have but mild benefit. With this in mind we will focus on the relationship of synaptic plasticity with Aβand tau protein and their role as potential targets for the development of therapeutic drugs. Finally, we will provide perspectives in developing a multifactorial strategy for AD treatment.
Comparing Statistical Models to Predict Dengue Fever Notifications
Authors: Earnest Arul , Tan Say Beng , Wilder-Smith Annelies , Machin David
Published: March 2012

Dengue fever (DF) is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world, and, in the absence of a vaccine, disease surveillance and mosquito vector eradication are important in controlling the spread of the disease. DF is primarily transmitted by the femaleAedes aegyptimosquito. We compared two statistical models that can be used in the surveillance and forecast of notifiable infectious diseases, namely, the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model and the Knorr-Held two-component (K-H) model. The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) was used to compare models. We developed the models using used data on DF notifications in Singapore from January 2001 till December 2006 and then validated the models with data from January 2007 till June 2008. The K-H model resulted in a slightly lower MAPE value of 17.21 as compared to the ARIMA model. We conclude that the models' performances are similar, but we found that the K-H model was relatively more difficult to fit in terms of the specification of the prior parameters and the relatively longer time taken to run the models.
Phase‐ and GVF‐Based Level Set Segmentation of Ultrasonic Breast Tumors
Authors: Gao Liang , Liu Xiaoyun , Chen Wufan
Published: March 2012

Automatically extracting breast tumor boundaries in ultrasound images is a difficult task due to the speckle noise, the low image contrast, the variance in shapes, and the local changes of image intensity. In this paper, an improved edge‐based active contour model in a variational level set formulation is proposed for semi‐automatically capturing ultrasonic breast tumor boundaries. First, we apply the phase asymmetry approach to enhance the edges, and then we define a new edge stopping function, which can increase the robustness to the intensity inhomogeneities. To extend the capture range of the method and provide good convergence to boundary concavities, we use the phase information to obtain an improved edge map, which can be used to calculate the gradient vector flow (GVF). Combining the edge stopping term and the improved GVF in the level set framework, the proposed method can robustly cope with noise, and it can extract the low contrast and/or concave boundaries well. Experiments on breast ultrasound images show that the proposed method outperforms the state‐of‐art methods.
Asymptotic Stability Results for NonlinearFractional Difference Equations
Authors: Chen Fulai , Liu Zhigang
Published: March 2012

We present some results for the asymptotic
stability of solutions for nonlinear fractional difference equations
involvingRiemann‐Liouville‐likedifference operator. The
results are obtained by using Krasnoselskii′s fixed point theorem
and discrete Arzela‐Ascoli′s theorem. Three examples are also
provided to illustrate our main results.
Loss of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Type II Receptor Increases Aggressive Tumor Behavior and Reduces Survival in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Malkoski Stephen P. , Haeger Sarah M. , Cleaver Timothy G. , Rodriguez Karen J. , Li Howard , Lu Shi-Long , Feser William J. , Barón Anna E. , Merrick Daniel , Lighthall Jessyka G. , Ijichi Hideaki , Franklin Wilbur , Wang Xiao-Jing
Published: March 2012

Purpose: Lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subtypes. This study was designed to determine whether reduced expression of TGFβ type II receptor (TGFβRII) promotes lung adenocarcinoma and SCC carcinogenesis.

Experimental Design: We examined TGFβRII expression at the protein and mRNA levels in human NSCLC samples and assessed the relationship between TGFβRII expression and clinicopathologic parameters. To determine whether sporadic TGFβRII deletion in airway epithelial cells induces NSCLC formation, we targeted TGFβRII deletion alone and in combination with oncogenic KrasG12D to murine airways using a keratin 5 (K5) promoter and inducible Cre recombinase.

Results: Reduced TGFβRII expression in human NSCLC is associated with male gender, smoking, SCC histology, reduced differentiation, increased tumor stage, increased nodal metastasis, and reduced survival. Homozygous or heterozygous TGFβRII deletion in mouse airway epithelia increases the size and number of KrasG12D-initiated adenocarcinoma and SCC. TGFβRII deletion increases proliferation, local inflammation, and TGFβ ligand elaboration; TGFβRII knockdown in airway epithelial cells increases migration and invasion.

Conclusions: Reduced TGFβRII expression in human NSCLC is associated with more aggressive tumor behavior and inflammation that is, at least partially, mediated by increased TGFβ1 expression. TGFβRII deletion in mouse airway epithelial cells promotes adenocarcinoma and SCC formation, indicating that TGFβRII loss plays a causal role in lung carcinogenesis. That TGFβRII shows haploid insufficiency suggests that a 50% TGFβRII protein reduction would negatively impact lung cancer prognosis. Clin Cancer Res; 18(8); 2173–83. ©2012 AACR.
Testosterone-Induced Prostate Growth Is Blocked by Co- and Preadministration of Norethisterone Enanthate in Castrated Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Wistuba Joachim , Nieschlag Eberhard , Semjonow Axel , Sandhowe-Klaverkamp Reinhild , Friderichs-Gromoll Stephanie , Zitzmann Michael , Simoni Manuela , Luetjens C. Marc
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Prostate size and function are regulated by testosterone. However, the progesterone receptor is expressed in the primate prostate. Progestins affect the prostate by endocrine suppression, but can also act directly. Examining the role of progestins, we studied the effects of norethisterone (NET) on testosterone undecanoate (TU)-induced prostate growth in castrated macaques. Materials and Methods: Two groups (n = 6 for each group) received TU every 9 weeks. Using a crossover setting, group I received norethisterone enanthate (NETE) 3 times at 3-week intervals, while group II received placebo. After 9 weeks, placebo was administered to group I, and group II received NETE. Results: In group II, the prostate grew under TU and placebo over the first period. In group I, coadministered with NETE, the increase was lower. After the crossover, prostates of animals previously treated with NETE did not increase to normal values under placebo. Prostates of animals treated with TU and placebo in the first period shrank following NETE administration after the crossover. The long half-life of NET can explain the lack of a TU effect on animals coadministered with NETE after the crossover. Conclusions: Pre- and coadministration of NET reduces testosterone-induced prostate growth with possible implications for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and hormonal male contraception.
Prevalence of Sleep Disturbances in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementing Disorders: A Multicenter Italian Clinical Cross-Sectional Study on 431 Patients
Authors: Guarnieri B. , Adorni F. , Musicco M. , Appollonio I. , Bonanni E. , Caffarra P. , Caltagirone C. , Cerroni G. , Concari L. , Cosentino F.I.I. , Ferrara S. , Fermi S. , Ferri R. , Gelosa G. , Lombardi G. , Mazzei D. , Mearelli S. , Morrone E. , Murri L. , Nobili F.M. , Passero S. , Perri R. , Rocchi R. , Sucapane P. , Tognoni G. , Zabberoni S. , Sorbi S.
Published: March 2012

Background/Aims: Sleep disturbances are common in the elderly and in persons with cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to describe frequency and characteristics of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep-disordered breathing, REM behavior disorder and restless legs syndrome in a large cohort of persons with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Methods: 431 consecutive patients were enrolled in 10 Italian neurological centers: 204 had Alzheimer’s disease, 138 mild cognitive impairment, 43 vascular dementia, 25 frontotemporal dementia and 21 Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease dementia. Sleep disorders were investigated with a battery of standardized questions and questionnaires. Results: Over 60% of persons had one or more sleep disturbances almost invariably associated one to another without any evident and specific pattern of co-occurrence. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease and those with mild cognitive impairment had the same frequency of any sleep disorder. Sleep-disordered breathing was more frequent in vascular dementia. REM behavior disorder was more represented in Lewy body or Parkinson’s disease dementia. Conclusion: A careful clinical evaluation of sleep disorders should be performed routinely in the clinical setting of persons with cognitive decline. Instrumental supports should be used only in selected patients.
‘Porcelain Kidney’: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wadhwa Surbhi , Bali Shitij , Wadhwa Pankaj
Published: March 2012

A rare case of pan-subepithelial dystrophic calcium deposition and bone marrow formation in hydronephrosis secondary to obstructive urolithiasis is reported and discussed. An elderly gentleman presented with accelerated hypertension, a nonfunctioning left kidney secondary to obstructive nephrolithiasis with additional pancalyceal calcification. His left retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy specimen revealed sterile hydronephrosis secondary to an impacted ureteropelvic junction stone and pan-subepithelial fibrocalcific lamellar deposition. Special stains confirmed end-stage renal disease with chronic pyelonephritis with subepithelial dystrophic calcium deposition and evidence of bone marrow formation.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 in Macular Oedema with Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Noma Hidetaka , Funatsu Hideharu , Mimura Tatsuya , Eguchi Shuichiro
Published: March 2012

Background: To evaluate the relationships among vitreous fluid levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the severity of macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: Twenty-five BRVO patients with macular oedema were enrolled. Vitreous fluid samples were obtained during vitreoretinal surgery to measure the levels of sVEGFR-2 and VEGF. Macular oedema was examined by optical coherence tomography. Results: The vitreous fluid levels of VEGF and sVEGFR-2 were significantly correlated with the severity of macular oedema (ρ = 0.54, p = 0.008 and ρ = 0.40, p = 0.047, respectively). The sVEGFR-2 × VEGF product was also significantly correlated with the severity of macular oedema (ρ = 0.62, p = 0.003). Conclusions: The severity of macular oedema was more closely associated with sVEGFR-2 × VEGF than sVEGFR-2 or VEGF alone, suggesting that macular oedema in BRVO patients may be influenced by both VEGF and sVEGFR-2.
Focal Brain Lesions to Critical Locations Cause Widespread Disruption of the Modular Organization of the Brain
Authors: Gratton Caterina , Nomura Emi M. , Pérez Fernando , D'Esposito Mark
Published: March 2012

Although it is generally assumed that brain damage predominantly affects only the function of the damaged region, here we show that focal damage to critical locations causes disruption of network organization throughout the brain. Using resting state fMRI, we assessed whole-brain network structure in patients with focal brain lesions. Only damage to those brain regions important for communication between subnetworks (e.g., “connectors”)—but not to those brain regions important for communication within sub-networks (e.g., “hubs”)—led to decreases in modularity, a measure of the integrity of network organization. Critically, this network dysfunction extended into the structurally intact hemisphere. Thus, focal brain damage can have a widespread, nonlocal impact on brain network organization when there is damage to regions important for the communication between networks. These findings fundamentally revise our understanding of the remote effects of focal brain damage and may explain numerous puzzling cases of functional deficits that are observed following brain injury.
Evaluation of WRF Mean and Extreme Precipitation over Spain: Present Climate (1970–99)
Authors: Argüeso Daniel , Hidalgo-Muñoz José Manuel , Gámiz-Fortis Sonia Raquel , Esteban-Parra María Jesús , Castro-Díez Yolanda
Published: March 2012

The ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) to simulate precipitation over Spain is evaluated from a climatological point of view. The complex topography and the large rainfall variability make the Iberian Peninsula a particularly interesting region and permit assessment of model performance under very demanding conditions.

Three high-resolution (10 km) simulations over the Iberian Peninsula have been completed spanning a 30-yr period (1970–99) and driven by different datasets: the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA-40) as “perfect boundary conditions” and two general circulation models (GCMs), the Max Planck Institute ECHAM5 model (ECHAM5/MPI) and the NCAR Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3). The daily precipitation observational grid Spain02 is employed to evaluate the model at varying time scales. Not only are the long-term means (annual, seasonal, and monthly) examined but also the high-order statistics (extreme events).

The WRF provides valuable information on precipitation at high resolution and enhances local spatial distribution due to orographic features. Although substantial errors are still observed in terms of monthly precipitation, especially during the spring, the model is largely able to capture the various precipitation regimes. The major benefits of using WRF are related to the spatial distribution of rainfall and the simulation of extreme events, two facets of climate that can be barely explored with GCMs.

This study shows that WRF can be a useful tool for generating high-resolution climate information for Spanish precipitation at spatial and temporal scales that are crucial for both the environment and human life.
Predicting the Snow-to-Liquid Ratio of Surface Precipitation Using a Bulk Microphysics Scheme
Authors: Milbrandt J. A. , Glazer A. , Jacob D.
Published: March 2012

Bulk microphysics parameterizations play an increasingly important role for quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) in operational numerical weather prediction (NWP). For wintertime, numerical prediction of snowfall amounts is done by applying an estimated snow-to-liquid ratio to the liquid-equivalent QPF from the NWP model. A method has been developed to use prognostic fields from a detailed bulk scheme to predict the instantaneous snow-to-liquid ratio of precipitating snow. By exploiting aspects of the parameterization of the large crystal/aggregate (snow) category, which allow for a prediction of the mean particle size and a corresponding realistic bulk density, combined with pristine ice and graupel fields, the total volume flux of ice-phase precipitation (excluding hail) is computed, independently from the computation of the total solid mass flux. Ultimately, the accumulated unmelted solid precipitation quantity is thus predicted without having to estimate the average snow-to-liquid ratio for a given event, as is typically done for wintertime QPF.

The new technique has been implemented into the two-moment version of the Milbrandt–Yau microphysics scheme, which was used in a high-resolution (2.5 and 1 km) NWP modeling system over the Vancouver–Whistler region of Canada in support of forecasting for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Experimental fields were produced including the instantaneous snow-to-liquid ratio and the snowfall accumulation predicted directly from the scheme using the new approach. Subjective evaluation indicates that the model can discriminate between low-density and high-density snow for instantaneous precipitation. Comparison of the predicted snow-to-liquid ratio to observed climatologies indicates that the scheme produces a realistic probability distribution.
Resident Confidence Addressing Social History
Authors: O’Toole Jennifer K. , Burkhardt Mary Carol , Solan Lauren G. , Vaughn Lisa , Klein Melissa D.
Published: March 2012

Background

Pediatric residency clinics caring for underserved populations are often staffed with varying levels of social and legal resources, though their effects on residents’ knowledge and practice have not been studied.

Aim

To examine the effects of clinic-based social and legal resources on resident knowledge and screening patterns for social determinants of health.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of residents from 3 continuity clinics with different social and legal resources was performed. Resident surveys assessing their knowledge and screening practices, and direct observation of social history taking was compared.

Results

Forty resident surveys revealed that those from clinics with more social and legal resources had greater confidence in their knowledge, screened more frequently, and spent more time taking social histories as assessed on direct observation.

Conclusions

Residents who practiced in continuity clinics with increased social and legal resources were more confident in their knowledge and screened for social determinants of health more frequently.
Caregivers’ Baseline Understanding and Expectations of Antibiotic Use for Their Children
Authors: Salazar Maria L. , English Thomas M. , Eiland Lea S.
Published: March 2012

Although there is evidence that oral antibiotic prescriptions for children have decreased since the 1990s, antibiotic resistance continues to be a problem. This study evaluated the caregivers’ understanding of antibiotic use for their children and identified demographic characteristics that may contribute to inappropriate antibiotic-seeking behavior. Caregivers were asked how often the child should receive antibiotics for common medical conditions and about factors to improve patient compliance. This study found that caregivers overexpected antibiotic use with upper respiratory infection, ear infection, and pneumonia. Caretakers with lower incomes and on Medicaid comprised the higher percentage of overusers. The most important factors to improve patient compliance were explanation of the name and indication for antibiotic use. This study showed that demographic variables play a role in caregivers’ expectations of antibiotic use. Effective communication of physicians with caregivers on antibiotic use can be an important strategy to improve patient compliance.
Driving, Steering, Leading, and Defending
Authors: Cassell Catherine , Lee Bill
Published: March 2012

The use of metaphors in understanding organizational change has become prominent in recent years, although most research focuses on the deductive application of metaphors, rather than on inductive explorations of metaphorical language-in-use. This article extends qualitative understandings of the experience of change agency through an inductive focus on the metaphorical language-in-use of change agents. Through case study data from the United Kingdom and New Zealand, the authors explore how a group of trade unionists involved in the development of a trade (labor) union–sponsored learning initiative draw on metaphorical language to talk about their experiences. Seven different metaphors are identified and the change agency roles implied by those metaphors are analyzed. In considering the similarities and differences between managerial and union change agency, the authors argue that although some metaphors such as journey and warfare might be widespread in the accounts of both types of change agents, attention to other metaphors that share entailments with these metaphors reveals agency roles unique to the union context. The advantages and disadvantages of this novel form of qualitative data analysis are evaluated.
Protecting the extremities of military personnel: fragment protective performance of one- and two-layer ensembles
Authors: Sakaguchi Sarah , Carr Debra , Horsfall Ian , Girvan Liz
Published: March 2012

In order to provide protection from fragmenting ballistic threats, combat body armour contains multiple layers of fabric. The garment covers the torso, but may provide (removable) protection to the upper arms, neck and groin. Such garments are thick, stiff, impede movement and increase the thermophysiological loading of the dismounted soldier. Examination of wound locations from recent conflicts has suggested it would be advantageous to provide protection to the extremities. Current modular systems can be expanded with strap-on coverings to the arms and legs, but this further exacerbates the mass, mobility and thermal problems already observed. Soldiers already wear coverings on their arms and legs in the form of a combat uniform, and the provision of a hierarchical protection system incorporated in the existing uniform has been discussed. Not all areas of the body would be protected to the same level. In the current work, the fragment protective capabilities of one or two layers of commercially available para-aramid woven fabric. Specifically, 1.1 g chisel-nosed fragment simulating projectile V50 data were obtained. The aim was to establish whether the incorporation of such one or two layers of para-aramid woven fabric into current combat clothing could provide a level of fragment protection with only a minimal associated increase in stiffness, mass and thermal resistance. Post-failure analysis was conducted to investigate inter-layer interaction and failure mechanisms. This work suggests that the use of one- and two-layer para-aramid woven fabric layers incorporated into clothing could offer some protection against wounding to the extremities from fragments.
Intelligent carbon fibre composite based on 3D-interlock woven reinforcement
Authors: Nauman Saad , Cristian Irina , Koncar Vladan
Published: March 2012

In this paper we describe the manufacturing and testing of an intelligent carbon fibre composite based on 3D-woven reinforcement. Piezoresistive fibrous sensors developed and optimized previously have been inserted into the carbon fibre reinforcement in the weft direction on a modified loom. These sensors were integrated at the top and bottom faces. Afterwards the reinforcement with embedded sensors was impregnated in epoxy resin using VARTM technology. The composite specimens thus obtained were tested for bending using the three-point bending test method. The results obtained show that the sensors allow simultaneous mapping of compression and traction at the top and bottom of the reinforcement when it undergoes bending. This is due to the fact that, unlike traditional strain gages, our sensors become integral part of the reinforcement and follow the tow architecture as dictated by the weaving process and interlacement pattern. Moreover, these sensors are compatible with the weaving process as they are flexible and sensitive enough to follow the deformation pattern of the reinforcement. Such sensors can be inserted inside various types of reinforcements during weaving in both warp and weft directions. Their location can be strategically chosen so as to form a network of sensors inside the reinforcement capable of following the deformation patterns of the reinforcement and mapping its stress–strain history.
Wear trial assessment of layer structure effects on vapor permeability and condensation in a cold weather clothing ensemble
Authors: Yoo Shinjung , Kim Eunae
Published: March 2012

A human physiological study was performed to verify the claim that the structure of a layer, without a change in the component materials, can reduce condensation in a multilayered cold weather clothing ensemble. Two five-layered clothing ensembles were constructed using different array types: an all-separated type and a combined type in which the final insulating layer was mechanically attached to a jacket without an air gap. The materials in the two arrays were identical and 100% polyester. The results showed that the combined type produced significantly less sweat (33.8%), displayed 31.3% improved vapor permeability, and had 25.0% lower sweat accumulation compared to the separated type ( p < 0.05). Following exercise, the all-separated type displayed up to a 74% greater cooling rate of skin temperature compared to the combined-type ensemble. There was a tendency to note a warmer, drier, and less clammy condition in the combined clothing ensemble by participants. The results were in good agreement with the simulator results, and suggest that an appropriate layer arrangement, in addition to material selection, should be considered for the design of novel functional clothing for cold conditions.
Rapid permanent setting of wool fabrics by conductive heat transfer
Authors: Millington Keith R
Published: March 2012

High levels (50–70%) of permanent set were obtained when wet pure wool fabric was heated rapidly to 110–130°C for up to 1 minute under conditions that limit the evaporation of water. If the final regain of the fabric after treatment was less than 34%, lower levels of permanent set were generally observed. If the initial regain was less than 34%, permanent set levels were invariably <20% and the specimens were usually damaged by scorching due to the low heat capacity and poor thermal conductivity of wool compared with water. This result precludes the use of a rapid chemical-free permanent setting process based on conductive heat transfer at the dry finishing stage. Under more severe conditions (higher temperatures or longer pressing times) significant shrinkage, yellowing and fabric damage due to supercontraction were observed. The high level of permanent set obtained in this study suggests that the performance of continuous crabbing machines could be improved by optimizing the treatment conditions without the need for chemical setting agents.
Social Memory and the DIDACHē
Authors: Williams Ritva H.
Published: March 2012

This article explores the DIDACHē as a written artifact of social memory documenting the socialization program of a particular network of Israelite Jesus people. Drawing on the work of sociologist Jeffrey Olick, I define more precisely his concepts of (a) memory genre as a mnemonic practice and/or image of the past that is available to a particular group at a specific moment in time, and (b) genre memory as the memory of previous commemorations; the ongoing discourse that occurs by means of particular memory genres. Using these concepts heuristically, I demonstrate that the DIDACHē functions to establish, reinforce, and maintain social identity among non-Israelite recruits by incorporating a specific Jesus group memory genre, the sayings of Jesus, into a more widely known Mediterranean memory genre, the two ways discourse. The DIDACHē’s integration of these two emerges as a distinctive genre memory differing significantly from other articulations of the two ways tradition because it is shaped both by the group’s socialization needs and by memory genres and genre memory associated with the Davidic kingdom, which provide the lens for this group’s understanding of Jesus and his purpose.
Explicit and Implicit Approach Motivation Interact to Predict Interpersonal Arrogance
Authors: Robinson Michael D. , Ode Scott , Palder Spencer L. , Fetterman Adam K.
Published: March 2012

Self-reports of approach motivation are unlikely to be sufficient in understanding the extent to which the individual reacts to appetitive cues in an approach-related manner. A novel implicit probe of approach tendencies was thus developed, one that assessed the extent to which positive affective (versus neutral) stimuli primed larger size estimates, as larger perceptual sizes co-occur with locomotion toward objects in the environment. In two studies (total N = 150), self-reports of approach motivation interacted with this implicit probe of approach motivation to predict individual differences in arrogance, a broad interpersonal dimension previously linked to narcissism, antisocial personality tendencies, and aggression. The results of the two studies were highly parallel in that self-reported levels of approach motivation predicted interpersonal arrogance in the particular context of high, but not low, levels of implicit approach motivation. Implications for understanding approach motivation, implicit probes of it, and problematic approach-related outcomes are discussed.
An exploration of the practice approach and its place in information science
Authors: Cox Andrew M.
Published: March 2012

A number of cognate disciplines, such as science and technology studies and media studies, appear to be turning to practice theories as a theoretical perspective. Using Schatzki’s work as a starting point, this conceptual paper explores the practice approach, and its actual and potential application to different fields in information science. The paper begins by discussing definitions of practice, and charting differences in how authors have emphasized different aspects within the theory, such as the body, materiality, routine and knowing. Examples drawn from a study of family photography illustrate the discussion. The paper also locates a familiar concept, communities of practice, in the wider development of the theory. It then evaluates the practice approach as a perspective. The last sections of the paper examine the ways in which the practice approach has begun to be used in the study of information behaviour. The paper concludes that recasting this field as the study of information in social practice – in other words, as about exploring how information activities are woven through social practices – could be a highly productive perspective.
Nursing Teamwork and Unit Size
Authors: Kalisch Beatrice J. , Russell Katherine , Lee Kyung Hee
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the team and unit size and level of nursing teamwork. The sample for the study was 2,265 direct care nursing providers from 53 units in four hospitals. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine if five variables to measure unit size (average daily census, number of registered nurses, number of nursing assistants [NAs], and number of total staff) correlated with teamwork overall and with five teamwork subscales (trust, team orientation, backup, shared mental model, and leadership). A significant negative correlation was found between nursing teamwork overall and the number of NAs, and average daily census. To optimize nursing unit teamwork, consideration needs to be given to strategies to reduce the size of nursing teams.
Sentinel Node Biopsy for Head and Neck Desmoplastic Melanoma
Authors: Eppsteiner Robert W. , Swick Brian L. , Milhem Mohammed M. , Hoffman Henry T. , Pagedar Nitin A.
Published: March 2012

Objectives

Determine the frequency of, the characteristics predictive of, and potential associated survival benefit from sentinel lymph node biopsy in a population of patients with desmoplastic melanoma of the head and neck.

Study Design

Analysis of a national database.

Setting

The 17‐registry Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Subjects and Methods

Using the SEER database, the authors identified patients diagnosed with cutaneous desmoplastic melanoma of the head and neck between 2003 and 2007. Nodal metastasis and impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy on survival were determined.

Results

The authors identified 467 cases of desmoplastic melanoma. Although most were locally advanced (median Breslow depth 3.5 mm), few had regional lymph node metastases (3.4%) or distant spread (3.2%) at the time of initial management. Of 165 patients who had sentinel lymph node biopsy, 5% had positive regional lymph nodes. Breslow depth, ulceration, age, and sex were not predictive of positive sentinel lymph node biopsy. Patients who had sentinel lymph node biopsy did not have different cause‐specific survival from those who did not undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Conclusion

Positive sentinel lymph node biopsies are rare in patients with desmoplastic melanoma of the head and neck. The low (5%) incidence of positive sentinel lymph node biopsy, coupled with the absence of identifiable survival benefit from its use, supports a more selective application of sentinel lymph node biopsy to this group of patients.
Cognitive–Affective Styles Associated With Position on War
Authors: Abe Jo Ann A.
Published: March 2012

This study examined cognitive–affective styles associated with position on the Iraq war by analyzing responses posted on an online discussion forum using a computerized text-analysis program (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count). Overall, the results were consistent with those obtained in narrative-coding studies. The pro-war group was associated with an external focus and a simplistic style of information processing. The anti-war group was associated with an internal focus and high levels of cognitive processing and negative emotion words. The “neither” group scored the highest on cognitive complexity and positive emotion words, and it was also the most balanced in terms of internal and external focus.
Willingness to Communicate in English Among Iranian Non–English Major University Students
Authors: Ghonsooly Behzad , Khajavy Gholam Hassan , Asadpour Seyyedeh Fatemeh
Published: March 2012

The purpose of the present study is to examine willingness to communicate in the second language (L2WTC) construct and its underlying variables among non–English major students in Iran. The study used WTC and socioeducational models for examining L2 communication and L2 learning. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and t test were used with a sample of 158 non–English major university students. An L2 communication model was also proposed and tested using structural equation modeling. The results showed that L2 self-confidence and attitudes toward international community were two predictors of L2WTC in Iranian context. The paths from motivation to L2WTC and openness to experience to L2 self confidence were not significant and thus were deleted. The model shows a good fit to the data, which indicates the potential for using the L2WTC construct for English as a foreign language context.
A psycholinguistic approach to oral language assessment
Authors: Van Moere Alistair
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a framework for incorporating the assessment of psycholinguistic constructs into spoken language proficiency testing. Although response time and automaticity of language processing are vital factors in language acquisition, as constructs they are rarely explicitly assessed in language tests. It is proposed that efficiency of processing, although it does not appear in most models of communicative language competence, might be viewed as a language competence in its own right. In contrast to communicative approaches to testing which evaluate mastery of complex language structures or domain-specific vocabulary, an approach which emphasizes efficiency of processing evaluates the speed and accuracy with which a learner processes familiar language, as this provides equally useful information about their L2 proficiency. In a study to demonstrate this, the speech of 147 test takers was evaluated as they performed on conceptually simple and straightforward performance tasks such as elicited imitation. It was found that sentence repetition and sentence building tasks reliably separated test takers according to proficiency in a way that accounts for the trade-off between fluency, accuracy and complexity. While these tasks would not be considered communicative, they are psycholinguistically valid and also link to good practice in classroom language learning activities.
Causes of gender DIF on an EFL language test: A multiple-data analysis over nine years
Authors: Pae Tae-Il
Published: March 2012

This study tracked gender differential item functioning (DIF) on the English subtest of the Korean College Scholastic Aptitude Test (KCSAT) over a nine-year period across three data points, using both the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) and item response theory likelihood ratio (IRT-LR) procedures. Further, the study identified two factors (i.e. reading strategy and perceived interest) that explained a portion of the variance in the magnitude of gender DIF via a series of multiple linear regression analyses. The results indicated (1) an interaction between item type and gender DIF and (2) a significant relationship between gender differences in the examinee’s perceived interest in test items and the magnitude of gender DIF. The study discusses the results based on previous DIF research and presents pedagogical implications and some avenues for further research.
All you need is trust? A critical review of the trust and entrepreneurship literature
Authors: Welter Friederike
Published: March 2012

This article critically reviews the literature pertaining to trust and entrepreneurship, highlighting the diversity and complexity of this construct. In addition, the interdependency of trust with context, as well as its dual nature in relation to control and as a sanctioning mechanism, is explored. Trust can be both a dispositional and a behavioural outcome; ‘genuine’ (personal) trust, sanctions and control coexist and co-evolve within and across different contexts. Trust influences entrepreneurship, not always positively, but entrepreneurial behaviour also has an impact on levels of personal and institutional trust. Future studies of trust and entrepreneurship need to acknowledge the bright and dark sides of trust, its duality and the different contexts in which it occurs. Ultimately, we need to develop a far more critical analysis of the importance and role of trust in the context of entrepreneurship.
Toxic effects of 50 Hz electromagnetic field on memory consolidation in male and female mice
Authors: Foroozandeh Elham , Derakhshan-Barjoei Pouya , Jadidi Mohsen
Published: March 2012

In this study, the effect of exposure to an 8 mT, 50 Hz extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) on memory consolidation of adult male and female mice was studied. For this purpose male and female mice were randomly distributed among six groups ( n = 10 in each group). Using passive avoidance task, despite its natural tendency, mouse learns to stay on a small platform to avoidant electric shock. Immediately after the learning session, laboratory animals in the experimental groups were placed in an 8 mT, 50 Hz sinusoidal EMF for 4 h. The second male and female groups were sham exposed (exposure device off) and the third groups were considered as the controls. Twenty-four hours after the learning session, the animals were placed on small platform again and step-down latency was measured as the memory consolidation index. Significant ( p < 0.05) decreases were determined among groups in memory function and results showed that exposure to an 8 mT, 50 Hz EMF for 4 h has devastating effects on memory consolidation in male and female mice.
Help Seeking: Perceived Risks for African American Women
Authors: Glass Lorri
Published: March 2012

This article presents the findings of a qualitative study that explored the help-seeking pathways of seven African American women following a nonsexual criminal victimization. The help-seeking narrative was reconstructed by conducting in-depth interviews with the women and their identified informal and formal providers of support. The findings revealed that the chosen help-seeking pathway was influenced by each woman’s appraisal of the perceived benefits and costs of seeking assistance. Implications for practice are discussed.
Learned Predictiveness Speeds Visual Processing
Authors: O’Brien Jennifer L. , Raymond Jane E.
Published: March 2012

When humans learn that the presence of a cue predicts the likelihood of an outcome, they can exploit this learned predictiveness, such that formation of subsequent associations between that cue and new outcomes is facilitated. Could such enhanced selection for association arise early enough to facilitate low-level visual processing? In a test of this possibility, adult volunteers first engaged in a value-learning task involving faces that were differentially predictive of monetary wins or losses. Later, in a simple recognition task, these faces were briefly presented for a variable duration and then masked. The critical presentation duration needed to produce criterion-level recognition was measured to index the visual processing speed for each learned face. Critical duration was significantly shorter for stimuli with high learned predictiveness than for stimuli with low learned predictiveness, regardless of whether they were associated with wins or losses. These results show that neural mechanisms involved in predicting future outcomes are able to modulate visual processing efficiency, probably via cortical feedback processes.
Financial Protection in Health Insurance Schemes: A Comparative Analysis of Mediclaim Policy and CHAT Scheme in India
Authors: Vellakkal Sukumar
Published: March 2012

This article analyzes the level of financial protection to low-income people during illness in ‘private health insurance’ and ‘people’s preferred health insurance’. In a hypothetical situation of being insured with both the pro-poor version of the ‘Mediclaim policy’ (private health insurance) and CHAT—‘Choosing Health Plans All-Together’—scheme (people’s preferred health insurance), this study analyzed the out-of-pocket-spending for health care incurred by persons per reported illness episodes in four select resource-poor locations in India. Three data sources were used: (a) household survey, (b) CHAT: a field-based experiment conducted in India to reveal people’s preference for health insurance benefits and (c) the specification of conditions of Mediclaim policy. The study found, first, that the Mediclaim policy covers a small proportion (8 per cent) of the total reported illness episodes but CHAT scheme covers a large proportion (90 per cent) of illness episodes and, second, that the Mediclaim policy reimburses 5 per cent of the total health expenditure but CHAT scheme reimburses 37 per cent. The study concludes that private health insurance provides lower level of financial protection compared to ‘people’s preferred health insurance’ and hence recommends that health insurance packages must be comprehensive and reflect community preference to make it attractive so that health insurance penetration can be increased.
Measuring the Customer-Perceived Service Quality in Health Care Organization: A Case Study
Authors: D’Souza Sunil C. , Sequeira A.H.
Published: March 2012

In today’s highly competitive environment, health care organizations are increasingly realizing the need to focus on service quality as a measure to improve their competitive position. While there has been a plethora of conceptual and empirical research regarding the many complexities involved in services marketing, few endeavours have been directed towards integrating the customer’s assessment into models to improve overall service quality. This article examines service quality through a case study of a health care organization in Mangalore, Karnataka, India with a tertiary health provision. The population consisted of patients aged 18–65 years and 45 patients were considered through a purposive sampling technique. The study basically started off using the grounded theory for patient of service quality and this exploration was enabled to formulate a hypothesis; to test the specific hypothesis, the descriptive approach was used. The grounded theory indentified service quality dimensions through open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The analysis was done for the assessment of overall service quality by ‘doctors’, ‘quality of care,’ ‘nursing quality of care’ and ‘operative quality of care’ and the proportion of statistically significant variance. The service quality in which operative quality of care yielded 79 per cent; doctor quality of care yielded 45.6 per cent; and nursing quality of care yielded 63.8 per cent of explanatory power.The results also indicated there is need to improve doctors’ care in the case of this organization. Service attributes related to this dimension requires management attention to improve the doctors’ care of quality. The article concludes by highlighting the dearth in services marketing research for service quality measurement through patient perspective in health care organizations.