bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Talking while Chewing: Speaker Response to Natural Perturbation of Speech
Authors: Mayer Connor , Gick Bryan
Published: December 2012

This study looks at how the conflicting goals of chewing and speech production are reconciled by examining the acoustic and articulatory output of talking while chewing. We consider chewing to be a type of perturbation with regard to speech production, but with some important differences. Ultrasound and acoustic measurements were made while participants chewed gum and produced various utterances containing the sounds /s/, /ʃ/, and /r/. Results show a great deal of individual variation in articulation and acoustics between speakers, but consistent productions and maintenance of relative acoustic distances within speakers. Although chewing interfered with speech production, and this interference manifested itself in a variety of ways across speakers, the objectives of speech production were indirectly achieved within the constraints and variability introduced by individual chewing strategies.
Prenatal Detection and Consequences of Fetal Macrosomia
Authors: Bamberg Christian , Hinkson Larry , Henrich Wolfgang
Published: December 2012

Macrosomia is diagnosed when excessive intrauterine fetal growth occurs and the birth weight surpasses an established limit. The causes and risk factors for fetal macrosomia are diverse. Pregnancies with fetal macrosomia are considered high risk and require intensive antenatal care. Prenatal ultrasound appears to be the best method for performing weight estimates before birth, as the correct birth weight is often underestimated when using biometric formulae to determine the fetal weight. Three-dimensional volume sonography has been shown to improve estimates of fetal weight by including limbs volumes. The recent Hart formula has been specifically developed for fetal macrosomia estimation and appears to improve accuracy. Delivery of a macrosomic baby is also high risk and should be performed in tertiary centres with experienced obstetricians.
Endorectal Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration: A Useful Diagnostic Tool for Perirectal and Intraluminal Lesions
Authors: Maleki Zahra , Erozan Yener , Geddes Susan , Li Qing Kay
Published: December 2012

Objectives: Endorectal endoscopic ultrasound (ERUS) allows highly detailed assessment of the rectal wall layers and visualization of the extraluminal structures. Herein, we study the utility of ERUS fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to evaluate perirectal lesions. Study Design: Forty-nine ERUS-FNAs were retrieved from the cytopathology archives of The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The cytology slides, corresponding histology, immunohistochemistry when available, and clinical data were reviewed. Results: The aspirated material showed malignant (n = 24), benign (n = 19), atypical (n = 3), carcinoid tumor (n = 1), and nondiagnostic conditions (n = 2). The past medical history of 36 cases was significant for carcinomas. The primary site of the tumors included colorectal, urinary bladder, prostate, pancreas, gallbladder, ovary, and female lower genital tract. Statistical analysis for endoscopic ultrasonography FNA showed 87% sensitivity, 100% specificity, diagnostic accuracy of 90%, and a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 77%. Conclusion: ERUS-FNA can be utilized for: (1) accurate staging of colorectal adenocarcinomas by evaluation of nodal metastasis, depth of transmural tumor invasion and local tumor spread to perirectal fat, (2) prevention of aggressive surgical intervention in benign conditions, (3) providing diagnostic material for ancillary studies, and (4) evaluation of perirectal lesions with a more accurate method by combining imaging and histology.
Weakening of Intervocalic /s/ in the Nijmegen Corpus of Casual Spanish
Authors: Torreira Francisco , Ernestus Mirjam
Published: December 2012

This study describes the weakening of intervocalic /s/ in the Nijmegen Corpus of Casual Spanish and investigates the role of several potential conditioning factors, including morphological, lexical and probabilistic variables. Three acoustic parameters were examined: voicing, the difference in high-band (4–8 kHz) intensity between /s/ and the following vowel, and the duration of the dip in low-band (0–1.5 kHz) intensity in /s/. Over a third of the /s/ consonants exhibited uninterrupted voicing. All three parameters were highly sensitive to speech rate and, less consistently, to prosodic factors such as word position and stress. We also found that /s/ suffixes in redundant morphosyntactic contexts were more prone to weakening than other word-final /s/ segments. Several high-frequency words were particularly prone to weakening, but no general probabilistic effects were observed for factors claimed to favor reduction such as word frequency, contextual predictability or grammatical class. These findings demonstrate the complex variability characteristic of reduction phenomena in spontaneous speech.
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Could Be Efficacious in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction after Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Lu , Qian Shengqiang , Liu Liangren , Pu Chunxiao , Yuan Haichao , Han Ping , Wei Qiang
Published: December 2012

Objective: This systematic review was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) after radiotherapy for prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs). All relevant studies on the outcomes and complications of PDE5i in the treatment of ED after radiotherapy for PCa were assessed. The outcomes and complications analyzed for this study included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, Global Efficacy Questions (GEQs), Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) diary and side effects. The Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager software (RevMan 5.1.4) was used for statistical analysis of the outcomes and complications. Results: A total of 4 RCTs were identified from the search strategy. Compared with placebo, the trials indicated that PDE5i significantly improved the IIEF scores, with the exception of two questions (questions 6 and 13), and statistically significantly more positive answers for the GEQs and SEP diary were acquired in intervention groups. Furthermore, almost all the side effects in both groups were mild or moderate, transient and well tolerated. Except for headache, flushing and dyspepsia, all other adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: The systematic review suggested significant advantages in the efficacy and safety of PDE5i in the treatment of ED after radiotherapy for PCa. PDE5i should be considered as the first choice for the treatment of PCa patients with ED after radiotherapy.
Influence of Eruption Stage and Biofilm Accumulation on Occlusal Caries in Permanent Molars: A Generalized Estimating Equations Logistic Approach
Authors: Zenkner J.E.A. , Alves L.S. , de Oliveira R.S. , Bica R.H. , Wagner M.B. , Maltz M.
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to estimate the independent effects of biofilm accumulation and eruption stage on the occurrence of active caries lesions on occlusal surfaces of permanent molars. The sample consisted of 298 schoolchildren (6–15 years) who were examined by a calibrated examiner at a dental unit, using artificial light, a dental mirror and a WHO probe. The occurrence of visible biofilm on occlusal surfaces and the eruption stage of each permanent molar were recorded. After professional prophylaxis and air drying, the occlusal surfaces were classified as sound, caries-inactive or caries-active. To evaluate the association of eruption stage and biofilm accumulation with active caries lesions, a logistic regression model was used. Since data were clustered, odds ratios were obtained using generalized estimating equations with a logistic link function. 1,779 permanent molars were examined. All eruption stages were associated with active caries lesions. After adjustment for biofilm accumulation and type of molar, molars with occlusal surfaces partially exposed to the oral cavity were 63.6 times more susceptible to caries activity than molars with full occlusion (95% CI = 22.0–183.7). After adjustment for eruption stage and type of molar, teeth with a high degree of biofilm accumulation were 14.5 times more susceptible to caries activity than those without visible biofilm accumulation (95% CI = 6.5–32.4). No association between active caries and hardly detectable biofilm was found in this population. The present study found that the eruption stage of permanent molars is strongly associated with active caries lesions, adjusted for biofilm accumulation and type of molar.
Dialectal Differences in Spanish Voiced Obstruent Allophony: Costa Rican versus Iberian Spanish
Authors: Carrasco Patricio , Hualde José I. , Simonet Miquel
Published: December 2012

The Spanish voiced obstruents /b d g/ are traditionally described as having each two allophones: stop and fricative (approximant) in complementary distribution. Several researchers have noted that some Central American and Highland Colombian varieties deviate from the general allophonic distribution in showing a preference for stop realizations in all contexts, except for the intervocalic position. In this paper we report on a large-scale acoustic investigation of /b d g/ in postconsonantal (after a liquid, sibilant or glide) and postvocalic (after /a/) contexts in Costa Rica Spanish, establishing a comparison with the variety of Madrid, Spain, which we take as representative of a variety with the general pattern of allophony. Our study, based on a continuous measurement of intensity, confirms previous descriptions in that Costa Rica Spanish does indeed show a different pattern of allophony from that found in the Madrid variety. The analysis shows that in Costa Rica Spanish postconsonantal realizations of /b/ and /d/ are very different from postvocalic ones, with a clear separation in the degree of constriction between these two contexts. In Madrid, on the other hand, we find a continuum of constriction degrees, depending on the nature of the specific preceding segment, and without a clear separation between postvocalic and postconsonantal realizations. The question that naturally arises is that of the historical connection between these two patterns of allophony, for which we offer some speculation, based in historical parallels and comparison with other varieties.
p40: A p63 Isoform Useful for Lung Cancer Diagnosis – A Review of the Physiological and Pathological Role of p63
Authors: Nobre Ana Rita , Albergaria André , Schmitt Fernando
Published: December 2012

At present, p63, TTF-1, and Napsin-A are the main immunochemical markers used to distinguish squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). However, studies using antibodies against p63 have demonstrated false-positive results with positivity in some ADC. In contrast, the expression of one of the p63 isoforms (ΔNp63), detected by the antibody p40, is highly specific for SCC. Since most cases of lung cancer are diagnosed in small specimens (cytology/biopsies) and saving material for molecular analysis is mandatory, we recommended the use of p40 (in adjunct with TTF-1 and/or Napsin-A) as the best approach to discriminate SCC and lung ADC. In this paper, we review the physiological and pathological role of p63 isoforms as well as their use as diagnostic markers in lung SCC.
Mean Platelet Volume Is Increased in Infective Endocarditis and Decreases after Treatment
Authors: Icli Atilla , Tayyar Senol , Varol Ercan , Aksoy Fatih , Arslan Akif , Ersoy Ibrahim , Akcay Selahaddin
Published: December 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the mean platelet volume (MPV), an indicator of platelet activation in patients with infective endocarditis. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-nine patients with infective endocarditis and 29 healthy subjects were studied. Plasma MPV values in patients and control subjects were measured on admission and after 2 weeks of specific treatment of infective endocarditis. Results: The MPV was significantly higher among patients with infective endocarditis when compared with the control group (9.86 ± 1.1 vs. 8.0 ± 1.0 fl, respectively; p < 0.01). The MPV values of patients with infective endocarditis decreased significantly after treatment from 9.86 ± 1.1 to 7.86 ± 1.0 fl (p < 0.01). Total platelet counts increased significantly after treatment from 193.4 ± 96.5 × 109 to 243.7 ± 92.4 × 109 (p = 0.04). Conclusion: MPV values were higher in patients with infective endocarditis and decreased significantly after treatment. Elevated MPV values indicate that patients with infective endocarditis have increased platelet activation and infective endocarditis treatment decreases this platelet activation by decreasing MPV.
Bayesian Modeling of Pretransplant Variables Accurately Predicts Kidney Graft Survival
Authors: Brown Trevor S. , Elster Eric A. , Stevens Kristin , Graybill J. Christopher , Gillern Suzanne , Phinney Samuel , Salifu Moro O. , Jindal Rahul M.
Published: December 2012

Introduction: Machine learning can enable the development of predictive models that incorporate multiple variables for a systems approach to organ allocation. We explored the principle of Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) to determine whether a predictive model of graft survival can be derived using pretransplant variables. Our hypothesis was that pretransplant donor and recipient variables, when considered together as a network, add incremental value to the classification of graft survival. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 5,144 randomly selected patients (age ≥18, deceased donor kidney only, first-time recipients) from the United States Renal Data System database between 2000 and 2001. Using this dataset, we developed a machine-learned BBN that functions as a pretransplant organ-matching tool. Results: A network of 48 clinical variables was constructed and externally validated using an additional 2,204 patients of matching demographic characteristics. This model was able to predict graft failure within the first year or within 3 years (sensitivity 40%; specificity 80%; area under the curve, AUC, 0.63). Recipient BMI, gender, race, and donor age were amongst the pretransplant variables with strongest association to outcome. A 10-fold internal cross-validation showed similar results for 1-year (sensitivity 24%; specificity 80%; AUC 0.59) and 3-year (sensitivity 31%; specificity 80%; AUC 0.60) graft failure. Conclusion: We found recipient BMI, gender, race, and donor age to be influential predictors of outcome, while wait time and human leukocyte antigen matching were much less associated with outcome. BBN enabled us to examine variables from a large database to develop a robust predictive model.
Prospective Comparison of Valve Regurgitation Quantitation by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Cawley Peter J. , Hamilton-Craig Christian , Owens David S. , Krieger Eric V. , Strugnell Wendy E. , Mitsumori Lee , D’Jang Caryn L. , Schwaegler Rebecca G. , Nguyen Khanh Q. , Nguyen Bianca , Maki Jeffrey H. , Otto Catherine M.
Published: December 2012

Background—

Both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging allow quantification of chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) and mitral regurgitation (MR). We hypothesized that CMR measurement of regurgitant volume (RVol) is more reproducible than TTE.

Methods and Results—

TTE and CMR performed on the same day in 57 prospectively enrolled adults (31 with AR, 26 with MR) were measured by 2 independent physicians. TTE RVol
AR
was calculated as Doppler left ventricular outflow minus inflow stroke volume. RVol
MR
was calculated by both the proximal isovelocity surface area method and Doppler volume flow at 2 sites. CMR RVol
AR
was calculated by phase-contrast velocity mapping at the aortic sinuses and RVol
MR
as total left ventricular minus forward stroke volume. Intraobserver and interobserver variabilities were similar. For AR, the Bland–Altman mean interobserver difference in RVol was −0.7 mL (95% confidence interval [CI], −5 to 4) for CMR and −9 mL (95% CI, −53 to −36) for TTE. The Pearson correlation was higher (
P
=0.001) between CMR (0.99) than TTE readers (0.89). For MR, the Bland–Altman mean difference in RVol between observers was −4 mL (95% CI, −21 to 13) for CMR compared with 0.7 mL (95% CI, −30 to 32) for the proximal isovelocity surface area and −10 mL (95% CI, −76 to 56) for TTE volume flow at 2 sites. Correlation was similar for CMR (0.94) versus TTE readers (0.90 for the proximal isovelocity surface area).

Conclusions—

Compared with TTE, CMR has lower intraobserver and interobserver variabilities for RVol
AR
, suggesting CMR may be superior for serial measurements. Although RVol
MR
is similar by TTE and CMR, variability in measured RVol by both approaches suggests that caution is needed in clinical practice.
Detection and Grading of Coronary Allograft Vasculopathy in Children With Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Coronary Vessel Wall
Authors: Hussain Tarique , Fenton Matthew , Peel Sarah A. , Wiethoff Andrea J. , Taylor Andrew , Muthurangu Vivek , Razavi Reza , Botnar Rene M. , Burch Michael , Greil Gerald F.
Published: December 2012

Background—

Coronary allograft vasculopathy is the leading cause of late death after heart transplantation in children. It is poorly detected by conventional angiography. Intravascular ultrasound is invasive and costly. This study shows that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of the coronary vessel wall can detect and grade coronary allograft vasculopathy.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-four children (10 male; age range, 9–17 years) underwent coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound, and MRI. Maximal intimal thickness and mean intimal index were recorded. MRI included coronary magnetic resonance angiogram and LGE vessel wall imaging with 1.5 T (n=12) and 3.0 T (n=12). Ten healthy control subjects also underwent LGE MRI. Mean time posttransplantation was 5.5 years (range, 0.25–14 years). Seven patients had Stanford grade IV coronary allograft vasculopathy on intravascular ultrasound, 3 of whom had angiographic disease. Maximal intimal thickness and mean intimal index were 0.73±0.50 mm and 20.9±10.6%, respectively. On MRI, mean diameter of enhancement of vessel wall was 6.57±4.91 mm, and mean enhancement index (indexed to vessel lumen size) was 1.10±1.72. The control group showed little or no LGE. Correlation of LGE with maximal intimal thickness using the Pearson coefficient was 0.80 (
P
<0.001) and with mean intimal index was 0.92 (
P
<0.001). An MRI diameter >7.5 mm gave 86% sensitivity and 93% specificity.

Conclusions—

LGE scores correlate well with traditional intravascular ultrasound measures. These promising early results encourage larger-scale clinical studies to investigate whether LGE MRI will allow closer follow-up and better prevention of coronary allograft vasculopathy in children.
A Simple Framework for the Dynamic Response of Cirrus Clouds to Local Diabatic Radiative Heating
Authors: Schmidt Clinton T. , Garrett Timothy J.
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a simple analytical framework for the dynamic response of cirrus to a local radiative flux convergence, expressible in terms of three independent modes of cloud evolution. Horizontally narrow and tenuous clouds within a stable environment adjust to radiative heating by ascending gradually across isentropes while spreading sufficiently fast that isentropic surfaces stay nearly flat. Alternatively, optically dense clouds experience very concentrated heating, and if they are also very broad, they develop a convecting mixed layer. Along-isentropic spreading still occurs, but in the form of turbulent density currents rather than laminar flows. A third adjustment mode relates to evaporation, which erodes cloudy air as it lofts, regardless of its optical density. The dominant mode is determined from two dimensionless numbers, whose predictive power is shown in comparisons with high-resolution numerical cloud simulations. The power and simplicity of the approach hints that fast, subgrid-scale radiative–dynamic atmospheric interactions might be efficiently parameterized within slower, coarse-grid climate models.
Genesis of the South Asian High and Its Impact on the Asian Summer Monsoon Onset
Authors: Liu Boqi , Wu Guoxiong , Mao Jiangyu , He Jinhai
Published: December 2012

The formation of the South Asian high (SAH) in spring and its impacts on the Asian summer monsoon onset are studied using daily 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) data together with a climate-mean composite technique and potential vorticity–diabatic heating (PV–Q) analysis. Results demonstrate that, about 2 weeks before the Asian summer monsoon onset, a burst of convection over the southern Philippines produces a negative vorticity source to its north. The SAH in the upper troposphere over the South China Sea is then generated as an atmospheric response to this negative vorticity forcing with the streamline field manifesting a Gill-type pattern. Afterward, the persistent rainfall over the northern Indochinese peninsula causes the SAH to move westward toward the peninsula. Consequently, a trumpet-shaped flow field is formed to its southwest, resulting in divergence pumping and atmospheric ascent just over the southeastern Bay of Bengal (BOB).

Near the surface, as a surface anticyclone is formed over the northern BOB, an SST warm pool is generated in the central–eastern BOB. This, together with SAH pumping, triggers the formation of a monsoon onset vortex (MOV) with strong surface southwesterly developed over the BOB. Enhanced air–sea interaction promotes the further development and northward migration of the MOV. Consequently, the wintertime zonal-orientated subtropical anticyclone belt in the lower troposphere splits, abundant water vapor is transported directly from the BOB to the subtropical continent, and heavy rainfall ensues; the atmospheric circulation changes from winter to summer conditions over the BOB and Asian summer monsoon onset occurs.
Investigating Variability of Outgoing Longwave Radiation over Peninsular Malaysia Using Wavelet Transform
Authors: Lim E. S. , Das Uma , Pan C. J. , Abdullah K. , Wong C. J.
Published: December 2012

The present study analyzes and quantifies the spatial–temporal variability of outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) over peninsular Malaysia using the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) from 2003 to 2010. The goal is to understand the long-term variability of OLR over Malaysia in terms of time–frequency variations in relation to the monsoon period and other weather phenomena. The study regions selected were the west coast, east coast, and southern part of peninsular Malaysia. The OLR variation characteristics in time and space derived from wavelet transform were found to be distinctly different in these three regions. In these three regions, OLR showed significant periodicities dominated by the annual cycle, followed by a semiannual cycle. The west coast of peninsular Malaysia has a lower annual component compared to the other regions because of the rain-sheltering effect by the mountain range that blocked the heavy rainfall from northeast monsoon winds. Besides that, the results show that the wet and dry spells coincide with local monsoon and intermonsoon periods. Meanwhile, the results also revealed that the semiannual variation is statistically significant during 2004–06. The strong semiannual variation is coincident with several droughts that resulted from the strong El Niño events in 2004–06. In addition, the phase plot of wavelet coefficients shows that the variations at various scales are in phase, which coincided with the sudden variations of OLR, indicating heavy flood occurrences in the southern part of peninsular Malaysia. The results show that CWT is a powerful tool for analysis of phenomena involving multiscale interactions that exhibit localization in both time and frequency.
Effects of Stochastic Ice Strength Perturbation on Arctic Finite Element Sea Ice Modeling
Authors: Juricke Stephan , Lemke Peter , Timmermann Ralph , Rackow Thomas
Published: December 2012

The ice strength parameter P* is a key parameter in dynamic/thermodynamic sea ice models that cannot be measured directly. Stochastically perturbing P* in the Finite Element Sea Ice–Ocean Model (FESOM) of the Alfred Wegener Institute aims at investigating the effect of uncertainty pertaining to this parameterization. Three different approaches using symmetric perturbations have been applied: 1) reassignment of uncorrelated noise fields to perturb P* at every grid point, 2) a Markov chain time correlation, and 3) a Markov chain time correlation with some spatial correlation between nodes. Despite symmetric perturbations, results show an increase of Arctic sea ice volume and a decrease of Arctic sea ice area for all three approaches. In particular, the introduction of spatial correlation leads to a substantial increase in sea ice volume and mean thickness. The strongest response can be seen for multiyear ice north of the Greenland coast. An ensemble of eight perturbed simulations generates a spread in the multiyear ice comparable to the interannual variability of the model. Results cannot be reproduced by a simple constant global modification of P*.
Hydrological Climate Change Impact Analysis for the Figeh Spring near Damascus, Syria
Authors: Smiatek Gerhard , Kaspar Severin , Kunstmann Harald
Published: December 2012

A set of downscaled climate change data from transient experiments with regional climate models has been used to access the future climate change signal in the area of the Figeh spring system in Syria and its potential effects on future water availability. The data ensemble at a spatial resolution of 0.25° has been investigated for the period 1961–90 for present-day climate and the periods 2021–50 and 2070–99 for future climate. The focus is on changes to annual, seasonal, and monthly surface air temperature and precipitation. For the first time, the Figeh spring discharge has been assessed with a hydrological runoff model based on an artificial neural network (ANN) approach. The ANN model was formulated and validated for the years 1987–2007, applying daily meteorological driving data. The investigations show that water supply from the spring might face serious problems under changed climate conditions. An expected, a precipitation decrease of about −11% in winter and −8% in spring, together with increased temperatures of up to +1.6°C and a significant decrease in snow mass, can substantially limit the water recharge potential already in the near future until 2050. In the period 2070–99, the annual precipitation amount is simulated to decrease by −22% and the annual mean temperature to increase by +4°C, relative to the 1961–90 mean. The ensemble mean of the relative change in mean discharge reveals a decrease during the peak flow from March to May, with values up to −20% in 2021–50 and almost −50% in the period 2069–98, both related to the 1961–90 mean.
The Operational Implementation of a Great Lakes Wave Forecasting System at NOAA/NCEP*
Authors: Alves Jose-Henrique G. M. , Chawla Arun , Tolman Hendrik L. , Schwab David , Lang Gregory , Mann Greg
Published: December 2012

The development of a Great Lakes wave forecasting system at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) is described. The system is an implementation of the WAVEWATCH III model, forced with atmospheric data from NCEP’s regional Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model [the North American Mesoscale Model (NAM)] and the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD). Reviews are made of previous Great Lakes wave modeling efforts. The development history of NCEP’s Great Lakes wave forecasting system is presented. A performance assessment is made of model wind speeds, as well as wave heights and periods, relative to National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) measurements. Performance comparisons are made relative to NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) wave prediction system. Results show that 1- and 2-day forecasts from NCEP have good skill in predicting wave heights and periods. NCEP’s system provides a better representation of measured wave periods, relative to the GLERL model in most conditions. Wave heights during storms, however, are consistently underestimated by NCEP’s current operational system, whereas the GLERL model provides close agreement with observations. Research efforts to develop new wave-growth parameterizations and overcome this limitation have led to upgrades to the WAVEWATCH III model, scheduled to become operational at NCEP in 2013. Results are presented from numerical experiments made with the new wave-model physics, showing significant improvements to the skill of NCEP’s Great Lakes wave forecasting system in predicting storm wave heights.
The State of Precarious Work in China
Authors: Zhou Ying
Published: December 2012

Precarious work, which is characterized by the uncertainty and unpredictability of employment, can found in the labor market of most industrialized countries. Although precarious work was relatively rare in China until the 1980s, it has experienced rapid growth over the past two decades. The factors underlying the diffusion of precarious work are varied and interrelated, notably reflecting the impact of changes in the structure of industry, occupations, urbanization, state policies, and labor market institutions, as well as employers’ manpower strategies. Although the spread of precarious work is sometimes advocated as an effective means of generating employment and increasing labor market flexibility, substantial evidence shows that such work is plagued by a series of problems, including low pay, low skill, high work intensity, poor working conditions, and lack of employment protection. This article reviews research on the trends and quality of precarious work in China in the past two decades and offers insights for policy makers with respect to the ways to integrate precarious workers into the primary labor market.
Stress and displacement fields in tensile tests of multidirectional laminates with flexible clamped ends
Authors: Mujika Faustino
Published: December 2012

The tensile test of a multidirectional laminate of strip geometry is analysed assuming that the clamping system imposes elastic restrictions to the rotations at both ends. The problem has five redundant unknowns that are determined by applying Engesser’s second theorem. Thus, the stress field can be obtained including clamping effects. The displacement field is determined by applying Engesser’s first theorem in conjunction with the unit load method. Hygrothermal effects are also included in the analysis. A method for determining the end compliances based on longitudinal strain and out-of-plane displacement measurements is proposed. Experiments are simulated by numerical results corresponding to AS4/3501-6 carbon/epoxy composite. Finally, two examples concerning multidirectional laminates with general coupling are analysed.
Factor Structure of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Authors: Supple Andrew J. , Su Jinni , Plunkett Scott W. , Peterson Gary W. , Bush Kevin R.
Published: December 2012

This study evaluated the factor structure of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) with a diverse sample of 1,248 European American, Latino, Armenian, and Iranian adolescents. Adolescents completed the 10-item RSES during school as part of a larger study on parental influences and academic outcomes. Findings suggested that method effects in the RSES are more strongly associated with negatively worded items across three diverse groups but also more pronounced among ethnic minority adolescents. Findings also suggested that accounting for method effects is necessary to avoid biased conclusions regarding cultural differences in self-esteem and how predictors are related to the RSES. Moreover, the two RSES factors (positive self-esteem and negative self-esteem) were differentially predicted by parenting behaviors and academic motivation. Substantive and methodological implications of these findings for cross-cultural research on adolescent self-esteem are discussed.
The Interaction Between Group Processes and Personal Professional Trajectories in a Professional Development Community for Teacher Educators
Authors: Hadar Linor L. , Brody David L.
Published: December 2012

This study explores the interaction between transformative processes in which a group of teacher educators became a professional development community (PDC) and the individual progress of these instructors through the professional development course on the topic of thinking education. Twelve teacher educators who participated in one of three yearlong programs were each interviewed three times. Other data sources include reflective writing of the participants, field notes, and recordings of the PDC meetings. Findings show that both breaking of isolation in the group and talk about student learning were essential in promoting individual progression toward change that entailed developing awareness of the possibility of infusing thinking into college-level teaching and the development of dispositions to do so in their courses. Factors that enhanced and hindered dispositional change are explicated in the findings and discussion.
Making Connections in Practice
Authors: Aguirre Julia M. , Turner Erin E. , Bartell Tonya Gau , Kalinec-Craig Crystal , Foote Mary Q. , Roth McDuffie Amy , Drake Corey
Published: December 2012

This study examines the ways prospective elementary teachers (PSTs) made connections to children’s mathematical thinking and children’s community funds of knowledge in mathematics lesson plans. We analyzed the work of 70 PSTs from across three university sites associated with an instructional module for elementary mathematics methods courses that asks PSTs to visit community settings and develop problem solving mathematics lessons that connect to mathematical practices in these settings (Community Mathematics Exploration Module). Using analytic induction, we identified three distinct levels of connections to children’s mathematical thinking and their community funds of knowledge evidenced in PSTs’ work (emergent, transitional, and meaningful). Findings describe how these connections reflected different points on a learning trajectory. This study has implications for understanding how PSTs begin to connect to children’s mathematical funds of knowledge in their teaching, a practice shown to be effective for teaching diverse groups of children.
Parameter optimization of simulation models for material supply in an emergent disaster based on support vector machine
Authors: Cao Qi , He Zhong-shi
Published: December 2012

Modeling material supply in emergent disasters has become an effective means to foster emergency relief, for which Agent-DEVS (discrete event system specification) model parameter optimization is important. Based on fundamental support vector machine (SVM) principles, a parameter optimization flow for an Agent-DEVS model is put forward, and a parameter optimization model for the supply task parameter in simulation models for material supply in an emergent disaster is established. Some key techniques, including data extraction and preprocessing, kernel function selection and SVM model parameter preferences, are analyzed, and the comparison with the back-propagation neural network is examined. A simulation test shows that SVM has strong learning and fitting capabilities and weak dependence on samples. It enhances the dynamics of Agent-DEVS models. The self-learning ability significantly improves model intelligence and the optimized parameters provide models with more elaborate descriptive abilities.
Adolescents’ Perceived Control in the Sociopolitical Domain
Authors: Christens Brian D. , Peterson N. Andrew , Reid Robert J. , Garcia-Reid Pauline
Published: December 2012

Sociopolitical control (SPC) has been identified as a critical component of empowerment, resilience and civic development among young people. Sociopolitical control has been assessed according to a two dimensional model: (1) leadership competence and (2) policy control. Very little is known, however, about heterogeneity of perceptions of SPC, how this heterogeneity is distributed across subpopulations, and how it may affect relationships between SPC and other variables. This study used a person-centered approach, latent class cluster analysis, to test items on a SPC scale for youth. Participants were high school students ( n = 334) in the Northeastern United States. Four distinct groups of participants emerged: those with (1) exceptional SPC, (2) elevated SPC, (3) limited SPC, and (4) diminished policy control. Group differences were observed on a set of relevant variables including perceived school importance, tobacco use, bullying behaviors, and sense of community. Implications are discussed for policy, practice and future research.
Can Tourists Experience Emotional Solidarity with Residents? Testing Durkheim’s Model from a New Perspective
Authors: Woosnam Kyle M. , Aleshinloye Kayode Dare
Published: December 2012

In the context of resident and tourist relationships in a destination, perspectives of the former are rarely considered. This is likely a function of the continued attention paid to studies focusing on the former in addressing sociocultural impacts of tourism. This work examines the relationship as perceived by tourists, utilizing the theoretical framework of emotional solidarity. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of the four constructs (i.e., shared beliefs, shared behavior, interaction, and emotional solidarity) within Durkheim’s model. This works shows continued support for the framework with each of the antecedent constructs significantly predicting emotional solidarity, explaining approximately 55% of the variance in the construct. Implications and limitations of the work along with future research opportunities are discussed.
Evidence for a South Korean Model of Ecotourism
Authors: Lee Young-Sook , Lawton Laura J. , Weaver David B.
Published: December 2012

Critical Discourse Analysis of 206 South Korean peer-reviewed academic journal publications and interviews with managers and volunteers of ecotourism sites extracted from these articles indicate the existence of a distinct, endogenously informed South Korean construct of ecotourism. With regard to the three core criteria of ecotourism, “nature-based” attractions reflect a unity of human and physical environment, profoundly influenced by Confucian, Zen Buddhist, and Taoist philosophy where everything in the universe is one interrelated entity. Secondly, the “education” construct reflects the Confucian concept of self-cultivation for worldly development. Finally, “sustainability” is the Confucian idea of creative transformation for harmony. The South Korean construct of nature is the underlying central principle for all three criteria, leading to important theoretical and managerial implications.
Chicago, the South Side Planning Board, and the Search for (Further) Order
Authors: Carriere Michael
Published: December 2012

This essay uses the history of the South Side Planning Board (SSPB)—an organization committed to battling urban blight in Chicago—to show how urban renewal backers used the concepts of social organization and disorganization to speak to the perceived blight that marred the city’s African American neighborhoods, to bolster the legitimacy of large-scale urban renewal programs meant to address such conditions, and to inform the architectural and planning vision undergirding these programs. However, the SSPB and its allies stripped these ideas of any nuance, drawing from earlier sociological understandings of urban disorganization to posit that individual behavior, rather than structural realities, created disordered cities.
Beyond green niches? Growth strategies of environmentally-motivated social enterprises
Authors: Vickers Ian , Lyon Fergus
Published: December 2012

The article examines the strategies by which environmentally-motivated social enterprises seek to scale up their positive impacts, drawing on a theoretical understanding of the role of entrepreneurial agency in transitions to a more sustainable economy and society. Case study evidence is used to explore different forms of enterprise growth, contributions to economic, environmental and social value, and the capabilities involved in their realisation. A typology of three distinct approaches or modes is introduced to help explain orientations and strategies that reflect both conventional conceptions of growth and alternative ways of growing social and environmental value. The role of values, capabilities and relational learning in shaping strategies and addressing the tensions and challenges encountered within each category is highlighted.
Comparative Study on the Pathogenesis of the Generated 9a5b Newcastle Disease Virus Mutant Isolate Between Chickens and Waterfowl
Authors: Anis Z. , Morita T. , Azuma K. , Ito H. , Ito T. , Shimada A.
Published: December 2012

Lentogenic Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs), circulating among waterfowl, have the potential to become highly pathogenic by replication in chickens. The pathological studies that compare NDV infections in chickens and waterfowl are rare. The virulent 9a5b mutant NDV isolate was generated by passaging the lentogenic Goose/Alaska/415/91 NDV isolate in chickens. The pathogenesis of the virulent 9a5b mutant isolate is unknown in both chickens and waterfowl. In this study, the virulent 9a5b mutant NDV isolate was inoculated intranasally in 32-day-old specific pathogen-free white Leghorn chickens and Japanese commercial ducks. Unlike ducks, which remained clinically normal throughout the study, chickens had depression, gasping, oral discharges, and greenish-white soft feces. Gross and histologic lesion patterns as well as viral replication supported the differing clinical outcome. Ducks had slight inflammation mainly in respiratory and digestive tracts, whereas slight nonpurulent encephalitis, necrotizing pancreatitis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and mild inflammation in respiratory and digestive tracts were detected in chickens. In agreement, interferon-beta (IFN-β)–immunopositive signals were more intense in lung tissue of ducks than that of chickens, and NDV replications were detected intensively in chicken tissues. These results suggest that the 9a5b mutant NDV isolate is more virulent in chickens, and slight histological lesions were induced in ducks even with virulent NDVs.
The Impact of Ethnoracial Appearance on Substance Use in Mexican Heritage Adolescents in the Southwest United States
Authors: Ayers Stephanie L. , Kulis Stephen , Marsiglia Flavio F.
Published: December 2012

Latinos are a multiracial ethnic group, and as such, within-group differences in ethnoracial appearance deserve to be studied and understood within the racialized American context and in connection to specific health and mental health outcomes. This article presents the findings of a study conducted with middle school Mexican heritage students ( n = 1,150) in Phoenix, Arizona, and tested how non-White majority ethnoracial appearance predicted adolescent substance use, and whether the relationship differed by generation status and strength of ethnic identity. Logistic regression results revealed that generation status and ethnic identity moderate the relationship between ethnoracial appearance and substance use among Mexican heritage youth. The odds of using substances were significantly higher for third-generation adolescents who reported a less European appearance, but significantly lower for second-generation youth who were more indigenous in appearance. These findings indicate that a stronger indigenous ethnic appearance can be both a protective and risk factor for substance use for adolescents. Implications are discussed in terms of incorporating ethnoracial appearance content in prevention interventions for Mexican heritage and other Latino adolescents.
Introduction to the Special Series
Authors: Maggin Daniel M. , Chafouleas Sandra M.
Published: December 2012

This special series addresses issues and advances in the synthesis of single-case research. In this introduction, we provide an overview of the conceptual and procedural challenges associated with evaluating and aggregating findings drawn from single-case research. Key issues relating to the development of reliable and objective procedures for synthesizing single-case data are reviewed and situated within the context of the nomothetic and idiographic research paradigms. The potential for syntheses of single-case research to augment more traditional approaches for informing the development of evidence-based practices in special education is then reviewed. We conclude with a brief overview of the articles contained in this special series and provide a summary of the collective contributions for moving toward a widely accepted framework for synthesizing single-case research findings.
A Commentary
Authors: Wolery Mark
Published: December 2012

The What Works Clearinghouse document on single-case experimental designs is critiqued. Three criticisms are offered. First, between-group experimental concepts and terminology unfortunately seeped into the description of single-case experimental designs; examples and potential negative effects are identified. Second, the document contains a number of critical omissions; four of these are noted. Third, the document contains some “errors” or misconceptions; examples are provided. Despite these criticisms, the document is generally accurate and may become quite useful for individuals reviewing single-case studies when they conduct synthesis of research literature.
Challenges to Change
Authors: Barnett Pamela , Gunersel Adalet Baris
Published: December 2012

In implementing a university-wide programmatic innovation to prepare graduate students to become more effective instructors in their future careers as university educators, a faculty development center encountered various types of resistance, ranging from the structural to the cognitive to the affective. Elaborating upon models of organizational change, we discuss principles and strategies that we applied to address concerns, enlist support, and catalyze a significant structural change. Although the strategies are specific to our program, the lessons learned can be used by anyone trying to bring institutional changes to postsecondary education.
Path-following control for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles based on a virtual target
Authors: Zhang JM , Li Q , Cheng N , Liang B
Published: December 2012

The main contribution of this article is the proposal of a path-following method for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. This path-following method employs the multi-loop framework that consists of an outer guidance loop and an inner control loop. The guidance loop relies on the idea of tracking a virtual target. The virtual target is assumed to travel along the defined path and its speed is explicitly specified. This guidance law guarantees the asymptotic convergence to the desired path and can anticipate the transition of the flight path in advance, which reduces the command for the inner control loop. In the inner control loop, the flight control law based on dynamic surface control is derived to overcome the ‘explosion of complexity’ problem in the backstepping design. The numerical simulation result illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.