bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navitoclax (ABT-263) Reduces Bcl-xL–Mediated Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer Models
Authors: Wong Maureen , Tan Nguyen , Zha Jiping , Peale Franklin V. , Yue Peng , Fairbrother Wayne J. , Belmont Lisa D.
Published: February 2012

To examine the potential of combining Bcl-2 family inhibitors with chemotherapy in ovarian cancer, we evaluated a panel of 27 ovarian cancer cell lines for response to the combination of navitoclax (formerly ABT-263) and paclitaxel or gemcitabine. The majority of cell lines exhibited a greater than additive response to either combination, as determined by the Bliss independence model, and more than 50% of the ovarian cell lines exhibited strong synergy for the navitoclax/paclitaxel combination. To identify biomarkers for tumors likely to respond to this combination, we evaluated the protein levels of intrinsic apoptosis pathway components. Bcl-xL seems necessary, but not sufficient, for navitoclax/paclitaxel synergy in vitro, suggesting that exclusion of patients whose tumors have low or undetectable Bcl-xL would enrich for patients responsive to the combination. We evaluated Bcl-xL levels in ovarian cancer tumor tissue from 40 patients (20 taxane responsive and 20 with poor response to taxane) and found that patients with high Bcl-xL were less sensitive to taxane treatment (10 of 12) Bcl-xL positive patients, P = 0.014). These data support the use of navitoclax in combination with taxane-based therapy in ovarian cancer patients with high levels of Bcl-xL. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(4); 1026–35. ©2012 AACR.
MYC-Driven Tumorigenesis Is Inhibited by WRN Syndrome Gene Deficiency
Authors: Moser Russell , Toyoshima Masafumi , Robinson Kristin , Gurley Kay E. , Howie Heather L. , Davison Jerry , Morgan Martin , Kemp Christopher J. , Grandori Carla
Published: February 2012

MYC-induced DNA damage is exacerbated in WRN-deficient cells, leading to replication stress and accelerated cellular senescence. To determine whether WRN deficiency impairs MYC-driven tumor development, we used both xenograft and autochthonous tumor models. Conditional silencing of WRN expression in c-MYC overexpressing non–small cell lung cancer xenografts impaired both tumor establishment and tumor growth. This inhibitory effect of WRN knockdown was accompanied by increased DNA damage, decreased proliferation, and tumor necrosis. In the Eμ-Myc mouse model of B-cell lymphoma, a germline mutation in the helicase domain of Wrn (WrnΔhel/Δhel) resulted in a significant delay in emergence of lethal lymphomas, extending tumor-free survival by more than 30%. Analysis of preneoplastic B cells from Eμ-Myc Wrn mutant mice revealed increased DNA damage, elevation of senescence markers, and decreased proliferation in comparison with cells from age-matched Eμ-Myc mice. Immunohistochemical and global gene expression analysis of overt Eμ-Myc WrnΔhel/Δhel lymphomas showed a marked increase in expression of the CDK inhibitor, p16Ink4a, as well as elevation of TAp63, a known mediator of senescence. Collectively, these studies show that in the context of Myc-associated tumorigenesis, loss of Wrn amplifies the DNA damage response, both in preneoplastic and neoplastic tissue, engaging activation of tumor suppressor pathways. This leads to inhibition of tumor growth and prolonged tumor-free survival. Targeting WRN or its enzymatic function could prove to be an effective strategy in the treatment of MYC-associated cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 10(4); 535–45. ©2012 AACR.
EARS® (Evaluation of Auditory Responses to Speech): An Internationally Validated Assessment Tool for Children Provided with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Esser-Leyding Barbara , Anderson Ilona
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The use of cochlear implants in the rehabilitation of hearing-impaired patients is now widely established and offers great benefits for children. To evaluate these benefits, the Evaluation of Auditory Responses to Speech (EARS®) assessment tool was designed in 1995. The objectives of this study were to assess the auditory perceptual skills in a large paediatric population over time, as well as to provide standardised values. Methods: An international multicentre study was conducted in 35 clinics from 1996 to 2009. During this period, 765 children were assessed with the EARS in 10 test intervals: pre-operative, first fitting and then 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the first fitting and annually thereafter, up to a maximum period of 5 years. Results: The auditory skills improved significantly over time for all speech perception tests and questionnaires as well as between single test intervals: pre-operative to 6 months, 6 months to 1 year and 1 year to 2 years. Standardised values of the children stratified according to their age at implantation were calculated. Conclusions: The auditory perceptual skills significantly improved over time. The standardised values will help professionals set therapeutic goals and counsel parents accordingly.
Surveillance Study of Healthcare-Associated Infections in a Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit in Italy
Authors: Raffaldi Irene , Scolfaro Carlo , Pinon Michele , Garazzino Silvia , Dalmasso Paola , Calitri Carmelina , Peretta Paola , Ragazzi Paola , Gaglini Pier Paolo , Pretti Pier Federico , Vitale Pasquale , Conio Alessandra , Tovo Pier-Angelo
Published: February 2012

Background: This prospective surveillance study was designed to estimate the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and to analyze the risk factors for their development in a pediatric neurosurgical unit. Methods: The study was performed in an Italian teaching hospital from October 2008 through March 2010. All children (0–18 years) undergoing neurosurgery were included and monitored daily for the development of HAIs. Results: The study included 260 patients, with a mean age of 4.3 ± 4.7 years. Thirty-six HAIs were detected in 25 patients; catheter-related infections were the most frequent. Etiological identification was available in 22 cases; Gram-negative bacteria were the most commonly isolated pathogens. The incidence density was 11.0/1,000 patient days, and the incidence rate was 13.8/100 patients. The crude mortality was 0%. The risk of developing HAIs was related to the length of hospital stay, while the higher the age of the patients, the lower the risk of developing HAIs. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this survey is the first study to evaluate the overall incidence of HAIs and to explore the risk factors implicated in their development in neurosurgical pediatric patients. The most effective strategies to prevent these infections are reduction of the length of the hospital stay and improvement in device management.
Blockade of the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway in the Endothelium Prevents Insulin Resistance and Prolongs Life Spans
Authors: Hasegawa Yutaka , Saito Tokuo , Ogihara Takehide , Ishigaki Yasushi , Yamada Tetsuya , Imai Junta , Uno Kenji , Gao Junhong , Kaneko Keizo , Shimosawa Tatsuo , Asano Tomoichiro , Fujita Toshiro , Oka Yoshitomo , Katagiri Hideki
Published: February 2012

Background—

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling plays critical roles in physiological and pathological processes such as responses to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Methods and Results—

To examine the role of endothelial NF-κB signaling in vivo, we generated transgenic mice expressing dominant-negative IκB under the Tie2 promoter/enhancer (E-DNIκB mice). These mice exhibited functional inhibition of NF-κB signaling specifically in endothelial cells. Although E-DNIκB mice displayed no overt phenotypic changes when young and lean, they were protected from the development of insulin resistance associated with obesity, whether diet- or genetics-induced. Obesity-induced macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue and plasma oxidative stress markers were decreased and blood flow and mitochondrial content in muscle and active-phase locomotor activity were increased in E-DNIκB mice. In addition to inhibition of obesity-related metabolic deteriorations, blockade of endothelial NF-κB signaling prevented age-related insulin resistance and vascular senescence and, notably, prolonged life span. These antiaging phenotypes were also associated with decreased oxidative stress markers, increased muscle blood flow, enhanced active-phase locomotor activity, and aortic upregulation of mitochondrial sirtuin-related proteins.

Conclusions—

The endothelium plays important roles in obesity- and age-related disorders through intracellular NF-κB signaling, thereby ultimately affecting life span. Endothelial NF-κB signaling is a potential target for treating the metabolic syndrome and for antiaging strategies.
Silent Intralesional Microhemorrhage as a Risk Factor for Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Rupture
Authors: Guo Yi , Saunders Tara , Su Hua , Kim Helen , Akkoc Deniz , Saloner David A. , Hetts Steven W. , Hess Christopher , Lawton Michael T. , Bollen Andrew W. , Pourmohamad Tony , McCulloch Charles E. , Tihan Tarik , Young William L. , Cha Soonmee , Dowd Christopher F. , Fedoroff Anne , Gardner Elizabeth , Halbach Van V. , Higashida Randall T. , Jolivalt Philippe , Dispensa Brad , Shepherd Timothy , Zhao Yuanli
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—

We investigated whether brain arteriovenous malformation silent intralesional microhemorrhage, that is, asymptomatic bleeding in the nidal compartment, might serve as a marker for increased risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). We evaluated 2 markers to assess the occurrence of silent intralesional microhemorrhage: neuroradiological assessment of evidence of old hemorrhage—imaging evidence of bleeding before the outcome events–and hemosiderin positivity in hematoxylin and eosin-stained paraffin block sections.

Methods—

We identified cases from our brain arteriovenous malformation database with recorded neuroradiological data or available surgical paraffin blocks. Using 2 end points, index ICH or new ICH after diagnosis (censored at treatment, loss to follow-up, or death), we performed logistic or Cox regression to assess evidence of old hemorrhage and hemosiderin positivity adjusting for age, sex, deep-only venous drainage, maximal brain arteriovenous malformation size, deep location, and associated arterial aneurysms.

Results—

Evidence of old hemorrhage was present in 6.5% (n=975) of patients and highly predictive of index ICH (
P
<0.001; OR, 3.97; 95% CI, 2.1–7.5) adjusting for other risk factors. In a multivariable model (n=643), evidence of old hemorrhage was an independent predictor of new ICH (hazard ratio, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.35–9.23;
P
=0.010). Hemosiderin positivity was found in 36.2% (29.6% in unruptured; 47.8% in ruptured;
P
=0.04) and associated with index ICH in univariate (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.03–4.61;
P
=0.042; n=127) and multivariable models (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.11–12.00;
P
=0.034; n=79).

Conclusions—

The prevalence of silent intralesional microhemorrhage is high and there is evidence for an association with both index and subsequent ICH. Further development of means to detect silent intralesional microhemorrhage during brain arteriovenous malformation evaluation may present an opportunity to improve risk stratification, especially for unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations.
Luke 2:22, Leviticus 12, and Parturient Impurity
Authors: Thiessen Matthew
Published: February 2012

Abstract

In Luke 2:22 Luke attributes parturient impurity to both Mary and Jesus (and/or Joseph). Interpreters have often concluded that this verse demonstrates that Luke misunderstands the levitical legislation pertaining to childbirth impurity (Leviticus 12), which discusses only the impurity of the new mother. This article argues that, despite the apparent contradiction between Leviticus 12 and Luke 2, Luke has not misunderstood Jewish conceptions of impurity after birth. Not only is it possible to conclude that Leviticus 12 implicitly ascribes impurity to the newborn child, but some Second Temple Jewish writers, such as the authors of Jubilees and 4Q265, also believed that the newborn child suffered the same manner of impurity as the new mother. Luke’s gospel, therefore, demonstrates familiarity with contemporary Jewish purity beliefs and practices.
The Significance of the Distribution of Self-designations in Acts
Authors: Trebilco Paul
Published: February 2012

Abstract

An analysis of the distribution of self-designations in Acts reveals that Luke’s use of these self-designations is not random. Rather significant insight into Luke’s theology and into early Christian history can be gained by looking at the way these self-designations are distributed throughout Acts, when they are actually used, and whether they are used by Luke’s narrator or by actors in his story. The self-designations discussed here are ἀδελφοί, µαθηταί, ἐκκλησία, “the believers” and “the saints” or “the sanctified ones.”
Science, Occultism, and the Art of the Avant-Garde in the Early Twentieth Century
Authors: Bauduin Tessel M.
Published: February 2012

In the early twentieth century, scientific discoveries such as n-dimensionality, x-rays, and electromagnetism made their way into the discourse of Occultism, where they were subsequently reframed as the occult fourth dimension, clairvoyant x-ray vision, and thought vibration. As this article will show, modern artists such as the Early Abstract artists and the futurists, interested in Occultism as an avenue to a more spiritual art, integrated the by now ‘occultised’ ideas into their art and worldview.
Design of e-waste recycling programmes taking participant motivations into account: An exploratory study in the State of Mexico
Authors: Arroyo-López Pilar-Ester
Published: February 2012

The recycling of electronic products is an important alternative in terms of reducing the accumulation of e-waste, but it requires the support of the community to be successful. The aim of this study was to identify the profile and motivations of individuals who participated in a pioneering e-waste recycling event carried out in the metropolitan area of the capital of the State of Mexico—a state located in the centre of the country, around Mexico City—. The information gathered from a survey of 177 of the 202 participants established that their level of education, their general concern about environmental problems and their engagement in pro-environmental behaviours are higher than among non-participants. As for their motivations, it was concluded that the influence of friends and family, a strong sense of commitment to the community and the availability of permanent sites for the collection of electronic waste close to their home all significantly affect recycling behaviour.
Validación de una escala para medir restauración psicológica asociada a comportamientos sustentables
Authors: Corral-Verdugo Víctor , Tapia César , García Fernanda , Varela César , Cuen Adriana , Barrón Marisol
Published: February 2012

Partiendo de la idea de que las acciones sustentables pueden ser mantenidas por repercusiones psicológicas positivas, la idea central del presente estudio consistió en probar la hipótesis de que las personas obtienen restauración psicológica a partir de su conducta sustentable y que dicha restauración puede medirse mediante el auto-informe de los individuos. Se elaboró una escala para medir la percepción de posibles efectos restauradores de la práctica de acciones pro-ecológicas y pro-sociales. El instrumento, aplicado a ciento cuarenta habitantes de una ciudad mexicana, contenía 16 reactivos que medían, como sub-esca- las, las dimensiones de evasión, fascinación, extensión y compatibilidad, las que—de acuerdo con la teoría—identifican estados restauradores psicológicos. Se aplicaron también dos escalas adicionales, midiendo el auto-informe de conductas pro-ecológicas y altruistas. Las sub-escalas de restauración demostraron consistencia interna, confirmaron la estructura tetra-dimensional esperada, pero posibilitando la emergencia de un factor de orden superior (restauración psicológica asociada a prácticas sustentables). Lo anterior fue asumido como evidencia de validez convergente de constructo. Dado que este factor de segundo orden se correlacionó significativamente con las medidas de altruismo y conducta pro-ecológica, los resultados señalan también validez de criterio para el instrumento aquí probado. Se propone su utilización en estudios encaminados a probar las repercusiones psicológicas positivas de la sustentabilidad.
Relationship between Ural–Siberian Blocking and the East Asian Winter Monsoon in Relation to the Arctic Oscillation and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation
Authors: Cheung Ho Nam , Zhou Wen , Mok Hing Yim , Wu Man Chi
Published: February 2012

This study attempts to assess the possible linkage between Ural–Siberian blocking and the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM). During the boreal winter, the dominance of blocking thermally enhances cold advection downstream. The frequent occurrence of Ural–Siberian blocking potentially promotes a cold EAWM and vice versa. The seasonal blocking activity can be regarded as the combined effect of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Weakened (strengthened) meridional flow in the positive (negative) phase of the AO is unfavorable (favorable) for the formation of blocking highs. Because the AO shows a close relationship with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), its teleconnection with Ural–Siberian blocking may exist in the form of an eastward-propagating wave train. Be that as it may, the wave train signal across East Asia may be disturbed by the external effect of a strong ENSO event, which probably enhances (weakens) the westerlies near Siberia in its warm (cold) phase. Consequently, the blocking–EAWM relationship is stronger (weaker) when the AO and ENSO are in phase (out of phase). If both AO and ENSO attain the positive (negative) phase, the Siberian high tends to be weaker (stronger) and the temperature tends to be higher (lower) in East Asia, with less (more) Ural–Siberian blocking. On the other hand, if they are out of phase, they are not strongly linked to the intensity of the Siberian high, and the blocking activity over Ural–Siberia is unclear.
How Does the Sun’s Spectrum Vary?
Authors: Lean Judith L. , DeLand Matthew T.
Published: February 2012

Recent observations made by the Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SIM) on the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) spacecraft suggest that the Sun’s visible and infrared spectral irradiance increased from 2004 to 2008, even as the total solar irradiance measured simultaneously by SORCE’s Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM) decreased. At the same time, solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiance decreased 3–10 times more than expected from prior observations and model calculations of the known effects of sunspot and facular solar features. Analysis of the SIM spectral irradiance observations during the solar minimum epoch of 2008, when solar activity was essentially invariant, exposes trends in the SIM observations relative to both total solar irradiance and solar activity that are unlikely to be solar in origin. The authors suggest that the SIM’s radically different solar variability characterization is a consequence of undetected instrument sensitivity drifts, not true solar spectrum changes. It is thus doubtful that simulations of climate and atmospheric change using SIM measurements are indicative of real terrestrial behavior.
Comparison of Cloud Cover from All-Sky Imager and Meteorological Observer
Authors: Huo Juan , Lu Daren
Published: February 2012

Naked-eye observation of cloud cover has widely resisted automation. Replacement of human observation by instruments is an inexorable trend for the development of ground-based macroscopic cloud observation. In this paper, cloud covers from an all-sky imager (ASI) are compared with those from a meteorological observer (MO) through field experiments performed at three sites in China. The correlation coefficient between ASI and MO is 0.77 for all cases. The ASI cloud fractions have great agreement with MO for clear sky, overcast sky, and sky loaded with low- and middle-level clouds. About 78% of the ASI cases had deviations between ±1 tenth compared to MO cloud cover. High-level cloud (or aerosol) is the main reason causing this difference. It is partially due to MO, who takes aerosol as high, thin cloud. Another reason might be that ASI made a wrong estimation for high-level cloud (or aerosol) because of its detector and the cloud-determination algorithm. Distinguishing high, thin cloud from aerosol is a challenge, and is the main problem that needs to be resolved for future developments of ASI. A new, improved method is discussed at the end of this paper.
What drives political consumption in Europe? A multi-level analysis on individual characteristics, opportunity structures and globalization
Authors: Koos Sebastian
Published: February 2012

Political consumption is an individualized form of collective action that varies considerably across Europe. Citizens as consumers participate in boycotts and ‘positive’ buying of goods based on ethical, political and environmental considerations. Overcoming the individualistic bias of past research, the comparative analysis extends actor-centred explanations by focusing on political, cultural and economic opportunity structures and on globalization as contextual factors. Economic opportunities for political consumption are provided by national affluence, retailing structures and the supply of environmental and fair-labelled goods. Political and cultural opportunities are facilitated by ‘statist’ institutions, social movement organizations as well as trust and post-materialist culture. The impact of globalization is measured by international economic exchange. Logistic multi-level models on the first wave of the European Social Survey for 19 countries reveal that economic opportunity structures and political institutions best explain variations, while globalization does not affect citizens’ decisions to voice their interest in consumption. Finally, the effect of individual value orientations is increased by a low-cost context.
Mean Platelet Volume in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tekin Gulacan , Sivri Nasır , Tekin Yusuf Kenan , Topal Ergun , Erbay Ali Rıza , Yetkin Ertan
Published: February 2012

We assessed the clinical echocardiograhic, hematological, and biochemical parameters in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) and control individuals mainly focusing on the mean platelet volume (MPV) in terms of DCMP and left ventricle (LV) thrombus formation. Consecutive patients (n = 251) with DCMP and 266 patients without DCMP were studied. Mean platelet volume was significantly greater in patients with DCMP than in control patients ( P < .05 for all comparisons). Comparing DCMP patients with LV thrombus (19 patients, 8%) and without LV thrombus (232 patients, 92%) showed that the prevalence of smokers was significantly higher and ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients with LV thrombus. We have shown that patients with DCMP have significantly higher MPV suggesting more platelet activation and the MPV of patients with DCMP and LV thrombus is comparable to those of patients without LV thrombus.
Examining the Pipeline Into Educational Administration
Authors: DeAngelis Karen J. , O’Connor Nahoko Kawakyu
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Studies show that there are far greater numbers of individuals certified to be educational administrators than of positions requiring such certification. Yet concerns regarding shortages abound, in part because of widespread perceptions of a lack of interest by teachers and administrative certificate holders in administrative work. This study takes a close look at the pipeline into educational administration to determine whether decisions on the supply side, demand side, or both are responsible for the movement (or lack thereof) of individuals into administration. Research Design: This study employs survey and administrative data from 2002 to 2006 to track a sample of administrative certificate earners in Illinois through the pipeline into administrative positions. Using application and job offer information, the authors identify who applied for administrative jobs, received job offers, and accepted administrative positions and assess using logistic regression models factors associated with the decisions of prospective employees and employers in this labor market. Findings: Although a majority of respondents attempted to obtain administrative positions within 2 years of completing administrative certification, a substantially smaller percentage actually became administrators. This study reveals that approximately 30% of eligible respondents are lost at each stage—application, job offer, and job acceptance. Conclusions: Multiple factors contribute to the loss of prospective administrators from the pipeline into educational administration. The findings suggest that more job-specific training opportunities and greater support and encouragement throughout the transition process would stem some of the loss of prospective administrators.
Effect of modified clay on mechanical and morphological properties of ethylene octane copolymer–polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Sharma SK , Nema Ajay K , Nayak SK
Published: February 2012

Ethylene octane copolymer–polypropylene (PP) blend was optimized at 30 wt% of ethylene octane copolymer with PP and the same ratio was kept constant for preparing ethylene octane copolymer–PP nanocomposites (70/30). The nanocomposites were prepared with commercially modified organoclays (C20A and C30B) and laboratory-modified organoclays (OMMT-I and OMMT-II) in the ratio of 3, 5, and 7 wt%. The compatibilizer polypropylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PP- g-MA) was used to get the exfoliated nanocomposites in the ratio of 5, 10, and 15 wt% for C20A, C30B, OMMT-I, and OMMT-II nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results indicated the formation of well-exfoliated morphology at 5 wt% of organoclay and 5 wt% of PP- g-MA compatibilizer. The increase in tensile properties due to the reinforcing effect imparted by organoclays along with high aspect ratio of the clay pallets allowed a greater degree of stress transfer at the interface.
Characterization of composite materials damage under quasi-static three-point bending test using wavelet and fuzzy C-means clustering
Authors: Fotouhi Mohamad , Heidary Hossein , Ahmadi Mehdi , Pashmforoush Farzad
Published: February 2012

In this study, two types of specimens, woven [0, 90]s and unidirectional [0]s glass/epoxy composites, were studied. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring with wavelet-based signal processing technique and Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering method was used to detect the different fracture mechanisms during delamination in quasi-static three-point bending test. The three-point bending test simulates thrust force, the most effective factor in delamination, throughout the process of drilling without backup plate. The obtained AE signals were decomposed into various wavelet levels and classified using FCM. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observation was used to determine the different fracture mechanisms. The results show that the energy of AE signals has been concentrated in two significant components for both types of specimens, and the dependency percentage of damages in the two specimens is different.
A comprehensive analysis of cutting forces during routing of multilayer carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates
Authors: Zaghbani Imed , Chatelain Jean-François , Songmene Victor , Bérubé Sébastien , Atarsia Abdelatif
Published: February 2012

Analyzing cutting forces during detouring of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates at high cutting speeds is problematic as the recorded signal can be distorted due to resonance of the measuring system. In addition, excessive tool wear can render signal interpretation difficult. In the present study, a fully controlled experimental protocol is used to investigate the instantaneous cutting forces when milling carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates in a bid to avoid signal distortion and limit the tool wear effect. A polycrystalline diamond tool was selected for the experiments in order to limit the effect of tool wear on the recorded signals. The fiber orientation influences principally the cutting force amplitude, which varies nonlinearly with the feed. Based on this experimental data, a high-order mechanistic force model in terms of feed per tooth was proposed to predict the cutting forces. The tooth-to-tooth run-out was measured and included in the model, and the model was validated for different feeds, speeds, and number of plies. A good consistency between simulated and measured forces was observed. For the proposed model, the estimation error was approximately ±12.5%.
Flexural properties of sawdust-reinforced epoxy composites post-cured in microwaves
Authors: Ku H , Donald M , Cardona F , Trada M
Published: February 2012

Epoxy resin was filled with sawdust to optimize the flexural properties of the composite for structural applications. In order to reduce costs, it will be necessary to fill as much sawdust as possible subject to maintaining sufficient strength of the composites in civil and structural applications. This project varies the percentage by weight of the sawdust in the composites. The sawdust particles were sieved into three different sizes, which were <425 µm, 425–600 µm and 600–1180 µm, respectively. Palm oil was also added to the composites of epoxy resin and sawdust as a plasticizer to improve the flexibility of the composites. After casting the composites to the moulds, they were cured at ambient conditions for 24 h. They were then post-cured in a conventional oven or microwave irradiation and subjected to flexural tests. It was found that the best percentage of sawdust, with particle size of <425 µm, and of palm oil, by weight that can be added to epoxy resin to give an optimum flexural modulus and flexural strength, as well as cost was 15% and 5%, respectively. The contribution of the study was that if flexural modulus was the most important factor to be considered in the applications of the composites, sawdust is a suitable filler. However, if the most sought after properties were the flexural strength then sawdust is not a suitable filler.
Cooperation in Unlikely Settings
Authors: Kong Tat Yan
Published: February 2012

The existence of cooperative labor relations within leading firms in South Korea (hereafter Korea), amid unfavorable national-level economic and political institutions, merits study by comparative political economists. Late industrializing Korea lacks the conditions that sustain cooperative labor relations in other nonliberal capitalist countries like Germany and Japan. More relevant, therefore, are debates over the emergence and practice of “high performance work systems” (HPWS) in the unfavorable environments of advanced liberal and developing country capitalism. As a successful late industrializing country that combines both advanced and developing capitalism characteristics, Korea represents a useful testing ground for ideas about HPWS. This article will examine cooperation in four leading Korean firms and use the findings to advance key HPWS debates about the possibilities of participation and the conditions under which cooperation can emerge and be sustained.
Answer Formats in British Census and Survey Ethnicity Questions: Does Open Response Better Capture ‘Superdiversity’?
Authors: Aspinall Peter J
Published: February 2012

During a period of unprecedented ethnicity data collection in Britain, an almost universal characteristic of this practice has been the mandated use of the decennial census ethnicity classifications. In Canada and the USA a greater plurality of methods has included open response, now recommended for the 2020 US Census. As the ethnic diversity of Britain has increased, driven by immigration dynamics and population mixing leading to ‘superdiversity’, the census is no longer able to capture the new populations. The validity and utility of unprompted open response is examined in several ‘mixed race’ datasets. It is argued that open response can be a modus operandi for large-scale ethnicity data collection and that the lack of consistency in recording of such responses need not necessarily be viewed as a drawback. Open response offers substantial insights into the country’s superdiversity in a way that ethnicity categorization alone cannot.
The Roots of Domination: Beyond Bourdieu and Gramsci
Authors: Burawoy Michael
Published: February 2012

In this article I examine Bourdieu’s conception of symbolic domination as based on misrecognition and compare it with Gramsci’s notion of hegemony based on consent. Drawing on ethnographic research in workplaces in the USA and Hungary I show how both theories are flawed. Gramsci does not appreciate the importance of mystification as a foundation for stable hegemony in advanced capitalism while Bourdieu’s notion of misrecognition, based on the notion of habitus, is too deep to comprehend the fragility of state socialist regimes. Comparative analysis, I argue, calls for a concept of domination that is more contingent than Bourdieu’s symbolic domination, yet deeper than Gramsci’s hegemony.
Modernity and the Secularization Debate
Authors: Mouzelis Nicos
Published: February 2012

The article shows how the three basic socio-structural features of modernity (inclusion of a whole population into the national centre, top-down differentiation and widespread individualization) throw some light on the secularization–desecularization debate – as this is shaped by the writings of Bryan Wilson, Steve Bruce, David Martin and Charles Taylor.
“You’re Not Going to Call the Shots”
Authors: Lareau Annette , Muñoz Vanessa Lopes
Published: February 2012

Researchers and policy makers overwhelmingly stress the harmonious nature of parent involvement. Researchers have focused on individual forms of parent involvement, yet collective efforts of parents in parent-teacher organizations (PTOs) are a key dynamic in schools. Drawing on a case study of an elementary school in an upper-middle-class community, we show that very high levels of parent involvement led to many conflicts. There were three main sources of these routine conflicts. Parents and educators had different priorities—parents favored a warm, friendly, and nonbureaucratic environment while the principal favored an orderly, safe, and bureaucratic environment. There were battles over authority, particularly over the planning of events. And finally, the PTO was a volunteer organization with high levels of turnover, weak lines of communication, and minimal training. This case study suggests the need to reconceptualize our models of family involvement in schooling.
Multiaxis three-dimensional weaving for composites: A review
Authors: Bilisik Kadir
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study is to review three-dimensional (3D) fabrics and a critical review is especially provided on the development of multiaxis 3D woven preform structures and techniques. 3D preforms are classified based on various parameters depending on the fiber sets, fiber orientation and interlacements, and micro–meso unit cells and macro geometry. Biaxial and triaxial two-dimensional (2D) fabrics have been widely used as structural composite parts in various technical areas. However, they suffer delamination between their layers due to the lack of fibers. 3D woven fabrics have multiple layers and no delamination due to the presence of Z-fibers. However, the 3D woven fabrics have low in-plane properties. Multiaxis 3D knitted fabrics have no delamination and their in-plane properties are enhanced due to the ±bias yarn layers. However, they have limitations regarding multiple layering and layer sequences. Multiaxis 3D woven fabrics have multiple layers and no delamination due to Z-fibers and in-plane properties enhanced due to the ±bias yarn layers. Also, the layer sequence can be arranged based on end-use requirements. However, the multiaxis 3D weaving technique is at an early stage of development and needs to be fully automated. This will be a future technological challenge in the area of multiaxis 3D weaving.
Bigger Is Not Always Better: A Comparative Analysis of Cities and their Air Pollution Impact
Authors: Sarzynski Andrea
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates the pressure placed by cities on their environment with respect to urban air pollution. The analysis employs a spatially explicit global dataset of emissions to estimate urban emissions of four pollutants from a sample of 8038 cities world-wide in 2005. A cross-sectional regression analysis is then conducted to examine the association of urban air pollution with socioeconomic and geographical factors. The results confirm that urban pollution is associated primarily, but not exclusively, with demographics. The results suggest that urban pollution is likely to increase with population growth and that economic modernisation is unlikely to provide much relief from the pressures placed by coming population growth. The findings suggest that policy-makers must focus on reducing the emissions intensity of production activities within cities, especially from the energy sector, if they are to avoid rapid growth in urban air pollution in coming decades.
Reliability of Students' Self-Recorded Participation in Class Discussion
Authors: Krohn Katherine R. , Foster Lisa N. , McCleary Daniel F. , Aspiranti Kathleen B. , Nalls Meagan L. , Quillivan Colin C. , Taylor Cora M. , Williams Robert L.
Published: February 2012

The study determined whether students' self-recording of their class comments differed from observers' tallies of student comments and specifically whether students overreported their comments when credit was available for participation. In three sections (51-57 students per section) of an undergraduate educational psychology course, participants received a small amount of credit toward their grade for reporting up to two comments per class session in selected course units. Participants self-recorded their comments on a specially designed card on all days set aside for discussion in all units, including the noncredit units. Agreement between participant and observer records of individual participation proved high overall, and students did not overreport their comments under credit conditions.
Source Is Important When Developing a Social Norms Campaign to Combat Academic Dishonesty
Authors: Engler Jennifer N. , Landau Joshua D.
Published: February 2012

This study examined the effect of information source on students' estimates of academic dishonesty. Undergraduates read an estimate of the incidence of academic dishonesty. Half of the participants were told that the source was a professor’s study and the other half heard that the source was a student’s study. Participants then estimated the likelihood that they, their friends, and the average college student would plagiarize or cheat on tests. Results indicated that when the source of the statistic was a professor, students were more likely to provide estimates of cheating and plagiarism that more closely approximated the provided statistic. The authors discuss how these findings might be used to enhance social norms campaign efforts.
Instructor Perceptions of Plagiarism
Authors: Bennett Kymberley K. , Behrendt Linda S. , Boothby Jennifer L.
Published: February 2012

This study examined instructor views of what constitutes plagiarism. The authors collected questionnaire data from 158 participants recruited through three teaching-related electronic listservs. Results showed that most participants agreed that behaviors that claim credit for someone else’s work constituted plagiarism. Instructors differed in their perceptions of whether “recycling” one’s work was plagiarism. Exploratory analyses showed that being likely to “do nothing” in response to plagiarism was related to perceiving recycling as appropriate, whereas being likely to consult the appropriate university committee when faced with plagiarism was related to perceiving recycling as inappropriate. Thus, common ground is emerging in definitions of plagiarism, though instructors should discuss among themselves, and clarify to students, the appropriateness of recycling one’s work.
Does Effort Still Count?
Authors: Zinn Tracy E. , Magnotti John F. , Marchuk Kimberly , Schultz Bridget S. , Luther Andrew , Varfolomeeva Veronika
Published: February 2012

Previous research has examined differences between students and faculty regarding the weight of effort in assigning grades. Here, students and faculty responded to questions regarding the relative weight of performance and effort on final grades and what letter grades faculty should assign across different types of courses. The authors asked these questions in 2 scenarios: (a) high effort, poor performance (students worked hard but performed poorly) and (b) low effort, high performance (students performed well but did not work hard). Results showed that, as in previous research, students and faculty differed in how they would assign grades, and students gave more weight to effort than faculty did. Students responded differently in low- and high-effort conditions, whereas faculty remained consistent in their assessments.
Practice (Rather Than Graded) Quizzes, With Answers, May Increase Introductory Psychology Exam Performance
Authors: Wickline Virginia B. , Spektor Valeriya G.
Published: February 2012

The authors investigated whether practice (or graded) quizzes, with or without provision of correct answers, would be more beneficial for introductory psychology exam performance. In six sections ( N = 249) of an introductory psychology class, taught by the same professor, different approaches to quizzes were applied across sections to measure effect on exam performance. Findings showed that compared to other conditions, students performed significantly better on exams with practice rather than graded quizzes but only when correct answers to the quizzes were provided. It may be that practice quizzes help facilitate students' intrinsic motivation.
Promoting Higher Level Thinking in Psychology
Authors: Richmond Aaron S. , Hagan Lisa Kindelberger
Published: February 2012

The goal of this study was to investigate which common instructional methods (active vs. direct) best promote higher level thinking in a psychology course. Over a 5-week period, 71 undergraduates were taught psychology using both active learning and direct instruction. Pre- and post-course assessments were coded as either higher or lower level questions based on Krathwohl’s updated Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. Results indicated an interaction effect where higher level thinking was significantly higher in active learning than in direct instruction. In contrast, lower level thinking was not influenced by instructional method. Based on these results, if psychology professors are interested in promoting higher level learning, active learning instruction may be a valuable tool.
Retrieving Essential Material at the End of Lectures Improves Performance on Statistics Exams
Authors: Lyle Keith B. , Crawford Nicole A.
Published: February 2012

At the end of each lecture in a statistics for psychology course, students answered a small set of questions that required them to retrieve information from the same day’s lecture. These exercises constituted retrieval practice for lecture material subsequently tested on four exams throughout the course. This technique is called the PUREMEM (pronounced “pure mem”) procedure for Pure Memory or Practicing Unassisted Retrieval to Enhance Memory for Essential Material. Exam scores were significantly and substantially higher in a section of the course taught with the PUREMEM procedure than one taught without it. Students liked the procedure and believed it increased learning via several different mechanisms.
The Impact of a Psychology Learning Community on Academic Success, Retention, and Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Buch Kim , Spaulding Sue
Published: February 2012

Learning communities have become an integral part of the educational reform movement of the past two decades and have been heralded as a promising strategy for restructuring undergraduate education. This study used a matched control group design to examine the impact of participation in a psychology learning community (PLC) on a range of student success and involvement indicators. Results found that students across six cohorts of the PLC significantly outperformed non-PLC students on 1st-year grade point average and retention and on two measures of progression to degree, and were significantly more involved in the psychology major as measured by enrollment in undergraduate research and membership in Psi Chi. PLCs are discussed as an effective, cost-conscious, and flexible approach to curricular reform in psychology.
Interactive Learning in the Classroom
Authors: Elicker Joelle D. , McConnell Nicole L.
Published: February 2012

This study examined three methods of responding to in-class multiple-choice concept questions in an Introduction to Psychology course. Specifically, this study compared exam performance and student reactions using three methods of responding to concept questions: (a) a technology-based network system, (b) hand-held flashcards, and (c) hand raising. All students had positive reactions to the use of concept questions, but students using the technology-based system had the most positive reactions. However, type of response method was not related to exam performance.
Effectiveness of an Online Graduate Preparation Program
Authors: Brucato Brittany , Neimeyer Greg J.
Published: February 2012

The present study reports the results of a controlled examination of the effectiveness of an online graduate preparation program, the Virtual Advisor. The effects of the Virtual Advisor were compared to a website preparation group and a wait-list control group. Results indicated that, compared to the control group, students who utilized the Virtual Advisor showed increased levels of knowledge regarding graduate school preparation and higher levels of graduate preparation self-efficacy and career decision self-efficacy. The website preparation condition also demonstrated an impact on some of these variables, but these effects were generally less consistent or robust. The nature of these findings in relation to the literature on graduate preparation is discussed, and the limitations and implications are outlined.
Student and Faculty Perceptions of E-Feedback
Authors: McCabe Jennifer , Doerflinger Alicia , Fox Russell
Published: February 2012

This article presents student and faculty ratings of electronic editing (EE) functions (i.e., track changes, insert comments, highlighting) as used for e-feedback on written assignments. Students reported increased convenience, clarity of expectations, amount of feedback, and writing ability as well as substantial improvement in EE skills compared to paper-based methods. Also, ratings and use of e-feedback were positively correlated with final report grades. To further explore the role of e-feedback in psychology education, a survey indicated that faculty rated e-feedback as similar to paper-based methods for time and effort but potentially more beneficial for learning. In addition, faculty with more e-feedback experience reported higher educational value for EE skills. Advantages and disadvantages from the student and instructor perspectives are discussed.
Psychometric Characteristics of the Professor–Student Rapport Scale
Authors: Ryan Rebecca G. , Wilson Janie H. , Pugh James L.
Published: February 2012

In this study, the authors assessed the psychometric properties of the Professor–Student Rapport Scale, the first scale to measure professor–student rapport. The scale was found to have adequate test–retest and internal-consistency reliability. In addition to these findings, measures used to determine convergent validity included the Working Alliance Inventory, a social support scale, and a measure of verbal aggressiveness. The rapport scale was found to significantly correlate in the expected direction with these measures. Specifically, the rapport scale correlated positively with the Working Alliance Inventory and the social support scale and correlated negatively with the verbal aggressiveness scale. Applications are discussed in terms of using the scale to identify areas of improvement in teaching practices and the potential usefulness of the scale for predicting student outcomes.