bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Integrated Procedure to Determine a Reference Station Network for Evaluating and Adjusting Urban Bias in Surface Air Temperature Data
Authors: Ren Guoyu , Li Jiao , Ren Yuyu , Chu Ziying , Zhang Aiying , Zhou Yaqing , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yuan , Bian Tao
Published: March 2015

Trends in surface air temperature (SAT) are a critical indicator for climate change at varied spatial scales. Because of urbanization effects, however, the current SAT records of many urban stations can hardly meet the demands of the studies. Evaluation and adjustment of the urbanization effects on the SAT trends are needed, which requires an objective selection of reference (rural) stations. Based on the station history information from all meteorological stations with long-term records in mainland China, an integrated procedure for determining the reference SAT stations has been developed and is applied in forming a network of reference SAT stations. Historical data from the network are used to assess the urbanization effects on the long-term SAT trends of the stations of the national Reference Climate Network and Basic Meteorological Network (RCN+BMN or national stations), which had been used most frequently in studies of regional climate change throughout the country. This paper describes in detail the integrated procedure and the assessment results of urbanization effects on the SAT trends of the national stations applying the data from the reference station network determined using the procedure. The results showed a highly significant urbanization effect of 0.074°C (10 yr)−1 and urbanization contribution of 24.9% for the national stations of mainland China during the time period 1961–2004, which compared well to results that were reported in previous studies by the authors using the predecessor of the present reference network and the reference stations selected but when applying other methods. The authors are thus confident that the SAT data from the updated China reference station network as reported in this paper best represented the baseline SAT trends nationwide and could be used for evaluating and adjusting the urban biases in the historical data series of the SAT from different observational networks.
Observed Trends in Canada’s Climate and Influence of Low-Frequency Variability Modes
Authors: Vincent L. A. , Zhang X. , Brown R. D. , Feng Y. , Mekis E. , Milewska E. J. , Wan H. , Wang X. L.
Published: March 2015

Trends in Canada’s climate are analyzed using recently updated data to provide a comprehensive view of climate variability and long-term changes over the period of instrumental record. Trends in surface air temperature, precipitation, snow cover, and streamflow indices are examined along with the potential impact of low-frequency variability related to large-scale atmospheric and oceanic oscillations on these trends. The results show that temperature has increased significantly in most regions of Canada over the period 1948–2012, with the largest warming occurring in winter and spring. Precipitation has also increased, especially in the north. Changes in other climate and hydroclimatic variables, including a decrease in the amount of precipitation falling as snow in the south, fewer days with snow cover, an earlier start of the spring high-flow season, and an increase in April streamflow, are consistent with the observed warming and precipitation trends. For the period 1900–2012, there are sufficient temperature and precipitation data for trend analysis for southern Canada (south of 60°N) only. During this period, temperature has increased significantly across the region, precipitation has increased, and the amount of precipitation falling as snow has decreased in many areas south of 55°N. The results also show that modes of low-frequency variability modulate the spatial distribution and strength of the trends; however, they alone cannot explain the observed long-term trends in these climate variables.
Seasonal-to-Interannual Time-Scale Dynamics of the Equatorial Undercurrent in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Chen Gengxin , Han Weiqing , Li Yuanlong , Wang Dongxiao , McPhaden Michael J.
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates the structure and dynamics of the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) of the Indian Ocean by analyzing in situ observations and reanalysis data and performing ocean model experiments using an ocean general circulation model and a linear continuously stratified ocean model. The results show that the EUC regularly occurs in each boreal winter and spring, particularly during February and April, consistent with existing studies. The EUC generally has a core depth near the 20°C isotherm and can be present across the equatorial basin. The EUC reappears during summer–fall of most years, with core depth located at different longitudes and depths. In the western basin, the EUC results primarily from equatorial Kelvin and Rossby waves directly forced by equatorial easterly winds. In the central and eastern basin, however, reflected Rossby waves from the eastern boundary play a crucial role. While the first two baroclinic modes make the largest contribution, intermediate modes 3–8 are also important. The summer–fall EUC tends to occur in the western basin but exhibits obvious interannual variability in the eastern basin. During positive Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) years, the eastern basin EUC results largely from Rossby waves reflected from the eastern boundary, with directly forced Kelvin and Rossby waves also having significant contributions. However, the eastern basin EUC disappears during negative IOD and normal years because westerly wind anomalies force a westward pressure gradient force and thus westward subsurface current, which cancels the eastward subsurface flow induced by eastern boundary–reflected Rossby waves. Interannual variability of zonal equatorial wind that drives the EUC variability is dominated by the zonal sea surface temperature (SST) gradients associated with IOD and is much less influenced by equatorial wind associated with Indian monsoon rainfall strength.
Icebergs and Sea Ice Detected with Inverted Echo Sounders
Authors: Andres M. , Silvano A. , Straneo F. , Watts D. R.
Published: March 2015

A 1-yr experiment using a pressure-sensor-equipped inverted echo sounder (PIES) was conducted in Sermilik Fjord in southeastern Greenland (66°N, 38°E) from August 2011 to September 2012. Based on these high-latitude data, the interpretation of PIESs’ acoustic travel-time records from regions that are periodically ice covered were refined. In addition, new methods using PIESs for detecting icebergs and sea ice and for estimating iceberg drafts and drift speeds were developed and tested. During winter months, the PIES in Sermilik Fjord logged about 300 iceberg detections and recorded a 2-week period in early March of land-fast ice cover over the instrument site, consistent with satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. The deepest icebergs in the fjord were found to have keel depths greater than approximately 350 m. Average and maximum iceberg speeds were approximately 0.2 and 0.5 m s−1, respectively. The maximum tidal range at the site was ±1.8 m and during neap tides the range was ±0.3 m, as shown by the PIES’s pressure record.
Gene Expression Profiles of the Cochlea and Vestibular Endorgans
Authors: Nishio Shin-ya , Hattori Mitsuru , Moteki Hideaki , Tsukada Keita , Miyagawa Maiko , Naito Takehiko , Yoshimura Hidekane , Iwasa Yoh-ichiro , Mori Kentaro , Shima Yutaka , Sakuma Naoko , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

We sought to elucidate the gene expression profiles of the causative genes as well as the localization of the encoded proteins involved in hereditary hearing loss.

Methods:

Relevant articles (as of September 2014) were searched in PubMed databases, and the gene symbols of the genes reported to be associated with deafness were located on the Hereditary Hearing Loss Homepage using localization, expression, and distribution as keywords.

Results:

Our review of the literature allowed us to systematize the gene expression profiles for genetic deafness in the inner ear, clarifying the unique functions and specific expression patterns of these genes in the cochlea and vestibular endorgans.

Conclusions:

The coordinated actions of various encoded molecules are essential for the normal development and maintenance of auditory and vestibular function.
Association of irisin concentrations with the presence of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy
Authors: Hu Wenchao , Wang Rui , Li Jun , Zhang Jie , Wang Wenhui
Published: March 2015

Objective

Irisin, a recently identified myokine, is involved in the protection of mice against obesity and diabetes. This study aims to determine the serum and vitreous concentrations of irisin in patients with diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

A total of 178 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as 22 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without diabetic retinopathy and 35 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy were enrolled in this study.

Results

Serum irisin concentrations were significantly elevated in the control group compared with those in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Furthermore, type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with macroalbuminuria exhibited significantly lower serum irisin concentrations than the controls and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria. Simple regression analysis showed that the serum irisin concentrations in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were negatively correlated with age, fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and positively correlated with creatinine clearance and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers treatment. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients showed significantly decreased serum and vitreous irisin concentrations compared with the control group and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, decreased serum and vitreous irisin concentrations were found in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without diabetic retinopathy than those in the controls.

Conclusion

Irisin concentrations are associated with the presence of diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy.
Grounds for engagement: Dissonances and overlaps at the intersection of contemporary civilizations analysis and postcolonial sociology
Authors: Smith Jeremy CA
Published: March 2015

This article elucidates grounds for engagement between two fields of the social sciences engaged in critique of Eurocentrism: contemporary civilizations analysis and postcolonial sociology. Between the two fields there are both evident dissonances and points of potential dialogue and engagement. The article identifies three areas of high contention: divergent perceptions of essentialism, commitments to transformative politics and evaluations of the paradigm of multiple modernities. Despite extensive theoretical and normative differences, a notional intersection of the two fields is outlined in the form of three conceptual and methodological shifts. The first is a displacement of ideal typology. The second move is the most original. ‘Intercivilizational encounters’ and ‘intracivilizational encounters’ are re-cast as ‘intercivilizational engagement’. The goal is the demarcation of a discrete position based on a strong version of interaction that goes further than the notion of intercivilizational encounters recently re-developed in civilizational analysis. To illustrate potential grounds for engagement on this point, the article reviews the historiography of ‘connected histories’ and the insights of relational historians. Finally, the article urges for a nuanced definition of ‘region’ and deeper appreciation of the multiplicity of regionalisms as a meeting point for both fields of critique of Eurocentrism.
Understanding the work passion–performance relationship: The mediating role of organizational identification and moderating role of fit at work
Authors: Astakhova Marina N , Porter Gayle
Published: March 2015

Despite a burgeoning of research that examines work passion, the relationships between harmonious and obsessive work passion and job performance have received insufficient attention. Using data from 233 employee–supervisor dyads from multiple organizations in Russia, this study examines the mediating role of organizational identification and the moderating roles of three different types of fit perceptions on this relationship. Results indicate that organizational identification mediates the effect of harmonious work passion – but not obsessive work passion – on performance. Only two types of fit perceptions – person–organization and demands–abilities – were found to moderate the relationship between work passion and performance. Finally, the results showed that person–organization fit perceptions moderate the indirect effect (through organizational identification) of both types of work passion on performance, whereas needs–supplies fit perceptions only moderate the indirect effect of harmonious work passion on performance. This study contributes to the work passion and fit literatures by empirically addressing the complex relationship between work passion, fit, organization identification and job performance.
A Five-Year Assessment of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Geyman John P.
Published: March 2015

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010 as the signature domestic achievement of the Obama presidency. It was intended to contain costs and achieve near-universal access to affordable health care of improved quality. Now, five years later, it is time to assess its track record. This article compares the goals and claims of the ACA with its actual experience in the areas of access, costs, affordability, and quality of care. Based on the evidence, one has to conclude that containment of health care costs is nowhere in sight, that more than 37 million Americans will still be uninsured when the ACA is fully implemented in 2019, that many more millions will be underinsured, and that profiteering will still dominate the culture of U.S. health care. More fundamental reform will be needed. The country still needs to confront the challenge that our for-profit health insurance industry, together with enormous bureaucratic waste and widespread investor ownership throughout our market-based system, are themselves barriers to health care reform. Here we consider the lessons we can take away from the ACA’s first five years and lay out the economic, social/political, and moral arguments for replacing it with single-payer national health insurance.
International Recruitment of Health Workers
Authors: Lozano Mariona , Meardi Guglielmo , Martín-Artiles Antonio
Published: March 2015

Immigration as a solution to staff and skill shortages in the health system is increasingly on the agenda in the European Union. This article highlights the related social and policy dilemmas by comparing a new destination country with an old destination country: Spain and the United Kingdom. After describing the challenges met by the United Kingdom, we ask how well-prepared Spain is to face the same issues. In particular, attention is paid to the occupational mobility of health workers after entry and to how immigration as a staffing solution poses new political and social challenges. Through a review of background information regarding the immigration of health workers in the two countries and the preliminary analysis of 15 exploratory interviews, we aim to identify the primary trends and key concerns for future analysis. Although our interviews only allow us to draw tentative conclusions, they do highlight emerging issues to be explored in the near future. Our conclusions show that many of the problems traditionally encountered in the United Kingdom are now emerging in Spain, suggesting scope for further collaboration among government, employers, and other stakeholders across the European Union.
The formation mechanism and interface structure characterization of in situ AlN/Al composites
Authors: Chen Cheng , Cui Chunxiang , Zhao Lichen , Liu Shuiqing , Liu Shuangjin
Published: March 2015

The fabrication of AlN/Al composites through nitrogen-bearing gas (NH3) bubbling method into Al melts or Al–Mg melts was once experimentally and analytically studied. The experimental results show that Mg addition greatly enhanced the nitridation rate and volume fraction of AlN. However, a detailed characterization of these changes is still incomplete. This paper presents results of an extensive experimental study and theoretical analysis carried out to investigate the profound effect of the formation of AlN with Mg addition. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to characterize the microstructure. The edge-to-edge matching crystallographic model which applied to the three common crystal structures (body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic, and hexagonal close packed) was used to analyze and investigate this notable phenomenon. The calculation and analysis of theoretical model manifested that AlN is formed by the direct interfacing of pure Al or Al–Mg and NH3 with active nitrogen, instead of forming into the precursor Mg3N2 first and then the precursor transformed to AlN.
Sequencing the Peace
Authors: Joshi Madhav , Melander Erik , Quinn Jason Michael
Published: March 2015

Once a set of civil war actors reach a final peace agreement, a number of different implementation sequences are possible as the negotiated provisions are put into practice. We focus on a key but threatening stepping stone in the post-accord period—the holding of the first post-accord election—which has the capacity to be a stabilizing or destabilizing force. We identify effective accommodation provisions that civil war actors can negotiate and implement before the first post-accord election to reduce the chances of renewed violence. Utilizing new longitudinal data on the implementation of comprehensive peace agreements between 1989 and 2012 and a series of survival models, we find that if the first post-accord election is preceded by the implementation of accommodation measures, elections can have a peace-promoting effect. However, in the absence of preelection accommodation measures, elections are much more likely to be followed by peace failure.
Imagined Community of Education: Voices From Refugees and Immigrants
Authors: He Ye , Bettez Silvia Cristina , Levin Barbara B.
Published: March 2015

To challenge deficit thinking concerning immigrants and refugees in urban schools, we engaged members of local immigrant and refugee communities from China, Mexico, Liberia, and Sudan in focus group discussions about their prior educational experiences, their hopes and aspirations for education, and the supports and challenges they encountered in their perceived reality of PK-12 education in the United States. In an effort to promote asset-based approaches, we employed Yosso’s framework in our analysis to highlight the community cultural wealth and to describe the process of creating an “imagined community” of education shared among our participants.
Mapping a Space for a Rhetorical-Cultural Analysis
Authors: Dorpenyo Isidore Kafui
Published: March 2015

This article analyzes a proposal submitted to a funding unit in Michigan Technological University by a PhD Forestry student. A rhetorical-cultural approach of the text provides evidence to argue that scientific writing is rooted in a cultural practice that valorizes certain kinds of thought, practices, rituals, and symbols; that a scientist’s work is grounded and shaped by an ideological paradigm; hence, scientific texts have material existence. We find out that science writing is kairotic, selective, and persuasive. The results of the analysis provide enough insights for technical communicators to think about the role that institutions and disciplines play in knowledge production. Thus, technical communicators will not only think about rhetorical moves when they are composing, they will also think about the articulations between contexts and ideological practices and how they shape the identity of writers and communicators.
Deconstructing Searle’s Making the Social World
Authors: Hindriks Frank
Published: March 2015

Hindriks argued that Searle’s theory of institutions suffers from a number of problems pertaining to the notions of constitutive rule, status function, Status Function Declaration, deontic power, and human right. Lobo argues that these criticisms are not sufficiently charitable. In response, it is argued here that the problems that were identified earlier are sufficiently severe to call for substantial revisions of the theory.
Foucault on parrhesia
Authors: Dyrberg Torben Bech
Published: March 2015

Foucault’s discussions of parrhesia provide fertile ground for raising a number of classical and pertinent issues in political theory related to critique, citizenship, and political authority. Foucault situates parrhesia in his analytical grid of power/knowledge/ethics, which maps political participation and experience, and he looks at how those who pursue or contest political power articulate and integrate these three facets of politics, which might well pull in opposite directions. Power concerns the ability and the audacity to face up to important political tasks and to take action at the right time authoritatively and with resolve. Knowledge is vital for telling the truth from a partisan viewpoint and for making informed and balanced decisions. Ethics concerns the trustworthiness of those who either exercise or criticize political power and touches upon their dedication, sense of judgement, and personal integrity. The personal integrity of the citizen acting politically as well as his or her responsibility to the political community are among the main issues to be raised in relation to these themes. The same goes for the issues related to the nature of the political community, its institutional set-up and its culture, and whether it is authoritarian and marked by hierarchy and obedience or democratic and egalitarian. Thus, parrhesia captures some of the most vital dimensions of political life of how to exercise the political power of authority in a way that is both truthful and trustworthy. Foucault’s discussions of parrhesia shed light on the democratic challenges and possibilities related to political power as governmentality.
Between a Ball and a Harsh Place
Authors: Horton David
Published: March 2015

Objective:

This study examined to what extent differences exist in pre-college characteristics and academic performance between Black male student-athletes and their student-athlete peers.

Method:

Data provided by the Florida Department of Education’s PK-20 Education Data Warehouse (EDW) were analyzed as a function of group membership (gender and race), using descriptive analysis, cross-tabulations, and a one-way ANOVA. The sample included 513 cases, with White females comprising 36.3% of the sample, White males 24.3%, Black females 15.5%, and Black males 14.3%. Student-athletes’ academic performance was operationalized using four continuous variables (grade point average [GPA], course credit hours enrolled, course credit hours earned, and credit hours enrolled/earned ratio) and one dichotomous variable (degree completion).

Results:

Findings suggest that Black males earned 72% of the credit hours they attempted, which was less than all other examined groups. Within Black males, differences between socio-economic groups were also found. Individuals identified as high socio-economic status (SES) earned approximately 82% of credit hours enrolled, compared with those identified as low SES, which earned 67% of credit hours attempted. Between-group differences were also found when examining college readiness and percentage of degrees completed.

Contributions:

This study contributes to the extant literature on student-athletes at community and 2-year colleges by providing insight into the potential impact individual characteristics have on academic performance outcomes for Black male student-athletes. The author also provides thoughtful consideration concerning how institutions and policy changes can positively affect these outcomes.
Resolving Negative Affect and Restoring Meaning
Authors: Boyle Kaitlin M. , McKinzie Ashleigh E.
Published: March 2015

Unwanted sexual experiences are seldom acknowledged as “rape.” These are identity-threatening events that cause negative affect and cognitive confusion. According to affect control theory, such events produce deflection that is resolved through restorative acts, redefinition of behavior, or modification or redefinition of identities. Since deflection reduction is an underspecified aspect of the theory, we employ theories of power dependence to better understand these processes. Using a mixed method approach, we qualitatively analyze 115 narratives about unwanted sexual experiences, finding respondents framed events in ways that protect the other person or their own self-meanings. We use closed-ended survey data to simulate women’s experiences in Interact, affect control theory’s predictive software, to demonstrate how event reframings reduce deflection. Finally, we estimate regressions to predict how power dependence and other relational contexts influence responses to unwanted sexual experiences.
Generational Impact of Single-Parent Scholarships
Authors: Koh Eun , Stauss Kim , Coustaut Carmen , Forrest Caitlin
Published: March 2015

The study explored the experiences of 35 children of former Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund awardees through qualitative interviews. Particularly, the study sought to understand their experiences in single-parent households, before, during, and after their parents pursued a college degree as well as how they perceived the impact of the scholarships, especially in relation to their own educational attainment. From the qualitative interviews, three main areas were identified: the hardships of single-parent households, the challenges and possibilities of single parents’ higher education, and the generational impact of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund. For each area, themes and subthemes were identified along with their thick description. The findings of the study emphasize the significance of single parents’ educational and economic accomplishment in children’s education and quality of life even though they also note the challenges within single-parent households, especially during the parents’ college years. The implications of the findings are discussed.
By the Grace of God: Religiosity, Religious Self-Regulation, and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Renzetti Claire M. , DeWall C. Nathan , Messer Amy , Pond Richard
Published: March 2015

Although some researchers have argued that religiosity has a deterrent effect on criminal offending in general, and serves as a protective factor against men’s intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, others have obtained inconsistent or contradictory findings indicating that religiosity per se may be less important than other factors and may be protective only for some groups of men. The present study extends previous research by using measures that gauge multiple dimensions of religiosity to examine its effects on IPV perpetration among a national, community sample of adult men ( N = 260). Findings indicate that religiosity is functionally less important than religious self-regulation in reducing men’s likelihood of IPV perpetration, supporting previous research showing that the protective effects of religiosity may be limited to certain groups of men. Implications of the findings for future research are discussed.
Developmental Trajectories of Parental Knowledge During Early Adolescence and Their Psychosocial Predictors
Authors: Spaeth Michael , Weichold Karina , Silbereisen Rainer K.
Published: March 2015

Recent studies revealed that parental knowledge of the child’s activities and whereabouts moderately declines during adolescence. This study investigated whether (a) there exist trajectory classes that considerably deviate from this average trend and (b) whether early psychosocial factors distinguish the trajectory subgroups. Analyses were based on a German sample of school students ( N = 715) who provided annual self-reports from age 10 to 14 years. Growth mixture modeling revealed two same-sized trajectory groups of parental knowledge that both displayed a moderate decline and were only distinguishable by different levels. Membership in the lower level group was associated with a difficult temperament, poor family relationships, problems with peers, and male gender. Contrary to other studies, findings indicated that trajectory classes of parental knowledge which substantially deviate from the normative decline do not exist. Sample characteristics, the focus on early adolescence, and a thorough application of growth mixture specifications may explain our findings.
Who Takes Care of My Left-Behind Children? Migrant Mothers and Caregivers in Transnational Child Care
Authors: Peng Yinni , Wong Odalia M. H.
Published: March 2015

Our study investigates an understudied issue: care sharing and collaboration between migrant mothers and different caregivers of left-behind children in transnational childrearing. Using qualitative data obtained from 51 Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong, our study compares the problems and strategies of migrant mothers working with their left-behind husbands with those of migrant mothers working with female kin, especially grandmothers. It enriches the literature of transnational child care by demonstrating the complexity, diversity, and flexibility of migrant mothers’ cooperation with caregivers in the process of meeting left-behind children’s various needs.
Chipped stone crescents from America’s Far West
Authors: Jew Nicholas P , Ainis Amira F , Endzweig Pamela E , Erlandson Jon M , Skinner Craig , Sullivan Kelsey J
Published: March 2015

Chipped stone crescents, Terminal Pleistocene and Early Holocene artifacts from North America’s Far West, are often found in surficial contexts as isolated finds, with many currently residing in private or museum collections with limited provenience information. Such collections have the potential to reveal metric and morphological data, and contribute to our understanding of the distribution and material source locations for this unique artifact type. We describe 43 chipped stone crescentic artifacts from two collections curated at the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History. The Calvin Schmidt Collection contains crescents recovered from southeast Oregon and northwest Nevada, and the Alvord Basin Survey Collection contains crescents from southeast Oregon. We provide detailed descriptions, including material type and extensive metrical measurements, to define the shape and form of these crescentic artifacts. Seven obsidian crescents were quantitatively analyzed using x-ray fluorescence to identify their geological sources. We discuss general morphological characteristics of crescents in the region and compare the trace element signatures of the obsidian artifacts to known sources.
Dissonance in the studio: An exploration of tensions within the apprenticeship setting in higher education music
Authors: Burwell Kim
Published: March 2015

Studio-based learning in higher education music is held generally to be of central importance and highly effective. Although there are indirect reports of studio apprenticeships that have not proved effective, direct evidence that might support the deliberate investigation of “dissonant” studio practices remains rare. This article takes advantage of an opportunity presented within a broader project to explore the nested case study of a student who, exceptionally, reports that his teacher’s approach is not appropriate for him at his current stage of development. The implied dissonance within the studio is explored through the “rich transcription” of video evidence supported by questionnaire and interview data, highlighting issues of communication and flexibility. If the student’s private dissatisfaction can be considered in terms of dissonance within the studio, what might a dissonant studio lesson look like, and how might the dissonance present itself in the activity of teaching and learning?
Anthropometric indices and dietary intake
Authors: Agarwal Aditika , Chauhan Komal , Shinglot Kiran
Published: March 2015

Objective:

To assess the magnitude of elderly (aged 60–85 years) persons with cognitive impairment and its relation with their dietary and anthropometric status.

Methods:

Design: Cross-sectional study. The cognitive status of the subjects was screened using the Mini Mental Score Examination (MMSE). The binary logistic regression coefficients were ascertained for determining the association of predictors like MMSE score, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) with the age of the subjects. Setting: Government hospitals, Vadodara, India. Subjects: Geriatric subjects ( n = 50) aged 60–85 years.

Results:

The mean age of the elderly subjects was around 68 years old. The majority of subjects fell into the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) category, with Grade I obesity. We noted significant correlations ( p < 0.05; p < 0.01) with energy, protein, vitamin B12, WHR and BMI.

Conclusions:

Cognitive abnormalities doubly elevate with advancing age, with decreased intake of dietary nutrients. The cognitive assessment undertaken focused on this rampant under-diagnosed cognition. The burgeoning prodromal insidious stage of cognitive impairment demands rapid diagnosis for preserving mental health, or else severe deterioration takes over, leading to compromised mental abilities in the elderly.
Input processing at first exposure to a sign language
Authors: Ortega Gerardo , Morgan Gary
Published: March 2015

There is growing interest in learners’ cognitive capacities to process a second language (L2) at first exposure to the target language. Evidence suggests that L2 learners are capable of processing novel words by exploiting phonological information from their first language (L1). Hearing adult learners of a sign language, however, cannot fall back on their L1 to process novel signs because the modality differences between speech (aural–oral) and sign (visual-manual) do not allow for direct cross-linguistic influence. Sign language learners might use alternative strategies to process input expressed in the manual channel. Learners may rely on iconicity, the direct relationship between a sign and its referent. Evidence up to now has shown that iconicity facilitates learning in non-signers, but it is unclear whether it also facilitates sign production. In order to fill this gap, the present study investigated how iconicity influenced articulation of the phonological components of signs. In Study 1, hearing non-signers viewed a set of iconic and arbitrary signs along with their English translations and repeated the signs as accurately as possible immediately after. The results show that participants imitated iconic signs significantly less accurately than arbitrary signs. In Study 2, a second group of hearing non-signers imitated the same set of signs but without the accompanying English translations. The same lower accuracy for iconic signs was observed. We argue that learners rely on iconicity to process manual input because it brings familiarity to the target (sign) language. However, this reliance comes at a cost as it leads to a more superficial processing of the signs’ full phonetic form. The present findings add to our understanding of learners’ cognitive capacities at first exposure to a signed L2, and raises new theoretical questions in the field of second language acquisition.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children with heart disease and del22q11 syndrome: a review of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry
Authors: Prodhan P , Gossett JM , Rycus PT , Gupta P
Published: March 2015

The study objective was to evaluate outcomes among children with del22q11 (DiGeorge) syndrome supported on ECMO for heart disease. The ELSO registry database was queried to include all children <18 years undergoing heart surgery for either common atrio-ventricular canal, tetralogy of Fallot, truncus arteriosus or transposition of the great vessels and interrupted aortic arch and requiring ECMO, from 1998-2011. The outcomes evaluated included mortality, ECMO duration and length of hospital stay in patients with del22q11 syndrome and with no del22q11 syndrome. Eighty-eight ECMO runs occurred in children with del22q11 syndrome while 2694 ECMO runs occurred in children without del22q11 syndrome. For patients with heart defects receiving ECMO, del22q11 syndrome did not confer a significant mortality risk or an increased risk of infectious complications before or while on ECMO support. Neither the duration of ECMO nor mechanical ventilation prior to ECMO deployment were prolonged in patients with del22q11 syndrome compared to the controls.
A Descriptive Study of the Progression of the Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged Chinese Population
Authors: Strand Mark A. , Will Theresa , Gu Xiaoxue , Perry Judith
Published: March 2015

This longitudinal study investigated the prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in middle-aged (44–56 years) men and women in China. The presence of the components of the MetS was determined in a cohort of 643 persons born in 1956, 1960–1961, and 1964 in Shanxi Province China in 2008 and 2012. The rate of MetS in 2008 was 51.63% (95% CI [44.73, 58.48]) and 37.15% (95% CI [32.56, 41.92]) and in 2012 was 50.23% (95% CI [43.35, 57.10]) and 46.26% (95% CI [41.46, 51.11]) for men and women, respectively. Increased blood glucose and triglycerides and decreased high-density lipoprotein for women, and blood glucose and triglycerides for men were the components responsible for the development of MetS from 2008 to 2012. MetS develops differently between men and women. From age 44 to 56, the rate is unchanged among men and increasing among women.
Social Cognitive Maternal-Mediated Nutritional Correlates of Childhood Obesity
Authors: Knowlden Adam P. , Sharma Manoj
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the extent to which the maternal-facilitated, social cognitive theory constructs of environment, emotional coping, expectations, self-control, and self-efficacy predicted child fruit and vegetable consumption and sugar-free beverage intake. Instrumentation comprised three stages of data collection and analysis. Stage 1 included item generation, face and content validity by a panel of six experts, and readability by Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level tests. Stage 2 assessed stability of the theoretical constructs using the test–retest procedure with 30 participants. Structural equation modeling was used during Stage 3 to conduct confirmatory factor analysis and to establish predictive validity of the models. A total of 224 respondents participated in this study. Maternal-facilitated home environment and self-efficacy were significant predictors of child fruit and vegetable consumption while maternal-mediated home environment and emotional coping were significant predictors of child sugar-free beverage intake.
The Determinants of Public Administrators’ Participation in Policy Formulation
Authors: Roman Alexandru V.
Published: March 2015

There are few who would question that within their everyday discretionary choices and decision making, public servants can develop into consequential and dynamic actors in the policy process. Participation in policy formulation is a particularly meaningful stage within which administrators can make a noticeable impact in shaping public policy. Whether they do so or not often comes down to an individual choice. Yet, while there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence regarding public servants’ involvement in policy formulation, there is relatively less empirical research in the area. In particular, there is little known about the conditions under which some public administrators are more likely than others to seek to become involved in policy formulation. This study explores the effects that stakeholders’ expectations, self-expectations, administrative discretion, and tenure have on administrators’ predispositions to seek opportunities to participate in the formulation of public policy issues they find important.
Analyzing and revising synthesized controllers for robots with sensing and actuation errors
Authors: Johnson Benjamin , Kress-Gazit Hadas
Published: March 2015

The synthesis of verifiable robot controllers from a set of high-level task specifications provides a valuable tool for creating robot controllers for complex tasks. Such an approach can offer a number of advantages over more traditional programming methods, including the guarantee that the synthesized controller will satisfy all of its underlying specifications when operating with perfect sensing and actuation. This paper relaxes that assumption, and describes a method for probabilistically analyzing the behavior of a robot controller that is synthesized from a set of temporal logic specifications, when the robot operates with uncertainty in its sensing and actuation. The described approach creates a probabilistic model of the system and uses probabilistic model checking techniques to find the probability that it satisfies some set of specifications. In addition, the paper proposes a method which leverages that analysis to provide automated feedback to the user in the form of suggested revisions to the task specification or low-level components, in order to increase the probability that the robot successfully accomplishes its task.
Psycho-educational intervention increases reflective functioning in foster and adoptive parents
Authors: Bammens Anne-Sophie , Adkins Tina , Badger Julia
Published: March 2015

It is well established that looked after children are more likely to develop complex behavioural and emotional difficulties that can leave many carers struggling to help and understand the child. This can lead to the breakdown of placements whereby the lack of placement stability leaves the child even more vulnerable. The Family Minds (FM) psycho-educational and interactive programme is a newly developed intervention for groups of foster and adoptive parents. It lasts for nine hours and comprises elements of mentalisation-based family therapy, lectures, group exercises and homework, with the aim that parents will be able to better understand and support their fostered or adopted child through increased reflective functioning. In a study undertaken in Texas we evaluated whether there was a change in the parents’ reflective functioning (verbal mentalisation) pre- to post-FM training compared to a comparison group who experienced a ‘treatment as usual’ intervention comprising four hours of lecture information about trauma and attachment. Using five-minute speech samples pre- and post-training, we coded whether the capacity to think reflectively about oneself and one’s child altered in either training group. We found that, unlike the comparison group, parents in the FM group significantly increased their reflective functioning. This outcome was independent of several factors such as the age of the parent, age of the child and time as a carer. The only factor influencing the significant change was the training group in which the parent was placed. These findings suggest that this novel mentalisation-based psycho-educational training programme can successfully increase parents’ reflective functioning which, in turn, should enhance and strengthen the understanding and relationship between the foster/adoptive parent and the child and reduce negative outcomes.
A semi-analytic method for elastic/plastic shrink-fit analysis and design
Authors: Alexandrov Sergei , Lyamina Elena , Jeng Yeau-Ren
Published: March 2015

A semi-analytic method for elastic/plastic shrink-fit analysis and design is developed. In contrast to many available semi-analytic methods, it is assumed that the outer disc obeys the von Mises yield criterion and its associated flow rule. The inner component of the assembly is purely elastic. The complete solution consists of three principal steps. First, the elastic/plastic solution in the outer disc is outlined. The only output of this solution required for the next step is the circumferential strain at the inner radius. It is shown that this strain can be found without having the strain distribution in the plastic region of the disc. This significantly simplifies the design of shrink fits. Moreover, only two parameters related to the outer disc (Poisson’s ratio and the dimensionless inner radius) are involved in numerical part of the elastic/plastic solution in the outer disc. Second, the found circumferential strain at the inner radius is used in conjunction with an analytic solution in the inner component of the assembly to match the two solutions. Any conventional design criterion can be adopted at this stage to determine optimal conditions. The complete solution involves several independent parameters. However, this does not cause any difficulty for design since these parameters are involved in analytic expressions. The final step is only necessary if the distribution of strains in the plastic region of the outer disc should be found.
Secondary Trauma Among Caregivers Who Work With Mexican and Central American Refugees
Authors: Lusk Mark , Terrazas Sam
Published: March 2015

Thousands of refugees have fled Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador to escape violence, criminal victimization, and persecution as a result of the breakdown of public safety that has accompanied the rise of organized crime and drug-related violence. Many of these migrants have experienced torture, rape, abduction, forced labor, arson, and kidnapping. Caregivers and professionals who work with these refugees, including social workers, volunteers, attorneys, and advocates, have repeatedly witnessed severe trauma among refugees as the migrants recount horrific stories about their journeys. We conducted in-depth interviews with 31 individuals who have worked extensively and repeatedly with traumatized refugees. Participants completed the Secondary Traumatic Scale (STSS) and the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL)-Compassion Fatigue (CF) scale. While most participants reported signs and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress, many also demonstrated high levels of compassion satisfaction. In addition, most were involved in self-care. Hispanic participants reported that elements of their culture were protective.
Neuropsychological Impairment in School-Aged Children Born to Mothers With Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Bolaños Lourdes , Matute Esmeralda , Ramírez-Dueñas María de Lourdes , Zarabozo Daniel
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to determine whether school-aged children born to mothers with gestational diabetes show delays in their neuropsychological development. Several key neuropsychological characteristics of 32 children aged 7 to 9 years born to mothers with gestational diabetes were examined by comparing their performance on cognitive tasks to that of 28 children aged 8 to 10 years whose mothers had glucose levels within normal limits during pregnancy. The gestational diabetes group showed low performance on graphic, spatial, and bimanual skills and a higher presence of soft neurologic signs. Lower scores for general intellectual level and the working memory index were also evident. Our results suggest that gestational diabetes is associated with mild cognitive impairment.