bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Carbon Nanotube Size on Compressive Strengths of Nanotube Reinforced Cementitious Composites
Authors: Manzur Tanvir , Yazdani Nur , Emon Md. Abul Bashar
Published: July 2014

Application of nanoscale science to construction material has already begun. In recent times, various nanofibers have raised the interest of researchers due to their exceptional mechanical properties and high potential to be used as reinforcement within cement matrix. Carbon nanotube (CNT) is one of the most important areas of research in the field of nanotechnology. The size and exceptional mechanical properties of CNT show their high potential to be used to produce high performance next generation cementitious composites. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of size of CNTs on compressive strengths of CNT reinforced cement composites. Seven different sizes of multiwalled nanotubes (MWNTs) were used to produce MWNT-cement composites. A trend was observed regarding the effect of nanotube size on compressive strength of composites in most cases. MWNT with outside diameter (OD) of 20 nm or less exhibited relatively better performance. Smaller MWNT can be distributed at much finer scale and consequently filling the nanopore space within the cement matrix more efficiently. This in turn resulted in stronger composites.
Thermodynamic Analysis and Optimization of a High Temperature Triple Absorption Heat Transformer
Authors: Khamooshi Mehrdad , Parham Kiyan , Yari Mortaza , Egelioglu Fuat , Salati Hana , Babadi Saeed
Published: July 2014

First law of thermodynamics has been used to analyze and optimize inclusively the performance of a triple absorption heat transformer operating with LiBr/H2O as the working pair. A thermodynamic model was developed in EES (engineering equation solver) to estimate the performance of the system in terms of the most essential parameters. The assumed parameters are the temperature of the main components, weak and strong solutions, economizers’ efficiencies, and bypass ratios. The whole cycle is optimized by EES software from the viewpoint of maximizing the COP via applying the direct search method. The optimization results showed that the COP of 0.2491 is reachable by the proposed cycle.
Hypoxia Provokes Base Excision Repair Changes and a Repair-Deficient, Mutator Phenotype in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Chan Norman , Ali Mohsin , McCallum Gordon P. , Kumareswaran Ramya , Koritzinsky Marianne , Wouters Bradly G. , Wells Peter G. , Gallinger Steven , Bristow Robert G.
Published: July 2014

Regions of acute and chronic hypoxia exist within solid tumors and can lead to increased rates of mutagenesis and/or altered DNA damage and repair protein expression. Base excision repair (BER) is responsible for resolving small, non–helix-distorting lesions from the genome that potentially cause mutations by mispairing or promoting DNA breaks during replication. Germline and somatic mutations in BER genes, such as MutY Homolog (MUTYH/MYH) and DNA-directed polymerase (POLB), are associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, very little is known about the expression and function of BER proteins under hypoxic stress. Using conditions of chronic hypoxia, decreased expression of BER proteins was observed because of a mechanism involving suppressed BER protein synthesis in multiple colorectal cancer cell lines. Functional BER was impaired as determined by MYH- and 8-oxoguanine (OGG1)–specific glycosylase assays. A formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg) Comet assay revealed elevated residual DNA base damage in hypoxic cells 24 hours after H2O2 treatment as compared with normoxic controls. Similarly, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis demonstrated that 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine lesions were elevated in hypoxic cells 3 and 24 hours after potassium bromate (KBrO3) treatment when compared with aerobic cells. Correspondingly, decreased clonogenic survival was observed following exposure to the DNA base damaging agents H2O2 and MMS, but not to the microtubule interfering agent paclitaxel. Thus, a persistent downregulation of BER components by the microenvironment modifies and facilitates a mutator phenotype, driving genetic instability and cancer progression.

Implications: Aberrant BER is a contributing factor for the observed genetic instability in hypoxic tumor cells. Mol Cancer Res; 12(10); 1407–15. ©2014 AACR.
A Novel Mutation (c.2735_2736delTC) in the Androgen Receptor Gene in 46,XY Females with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome in an Egyptian Family
Authors: Mazen Inas , Soliman Hala , El-Gammal Mona , Torky Ahmed , Mekkawy Mona , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed S. , Essawi Mona
Published: July 2014

Background: Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) results from resistance of the target tissues to the effect of the androgenic hormones producing a phenotype with varying degrees of feminization ranging from male infertility to completely normal female external genitalia. Androgen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor that interacts with the androgenic steroids that act as ligands activating the AR, and via different cellular mechanisms, the activated AR binds to the DNA of target tissues to induce the desired biological changes. To date, more than 800 different mutations in the AR gene have been identified in patients with AIS and the majority of these mutations are localized in the ligand-binding domain. Methods: Here we describe an Egyptian family with 7 affected 46,XY females with complete androgen insensitivity. Results: Mutational analysis of the AR gene revealed a novel frameshift mutation in exon 8 of the gene c.2735_2736delTC. Conclusion: This study extends the number of AR gene mutations identified so far. Further, it confirms that AR gene mutations are the most frequent cause of 46,XY disorder of sexual development, with higher frequency in the complete phenotype.
Percutaneous-Based Management of Staghorn Calculi in Solitary Kidney: Combined Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy versus Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery
Authors: Zhong Wen , Zhao Zhijian , Wang Liang , Swami Sunil , Zeng Guohua
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) are well-established techniques with little morbidity. The combined use of standard PCNL and the mini-PCNL or the RIRS technique was evaluated and compared to investigate their own role in the management of staghorn calculi in solitary kidney. Materials and Methods: 23 patients received combined standard PCNL and mini-PCNL (group 1), and 22 patients received combined standard PCNL and RIRS (group 2). The treatment results and complications were evaluated and compared. Results: The mean operation time was 128.8 ± 9.1 min in group 1 and 109.8 ± 10.7 min in group 2 (p < 0.001). The decrease in hemoglobin level in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2 (3.5 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.5 g/dl, p < 0.001). The final stone-free rate was significantly higher (p = 0.038) in group 2 (90.9%) than in group 1 (65.2%). Conclusions: Combined standard PCNL and RIRS technique can extract the majority of staghorn calculi quickly by PCNL with EMS Lithoclast, and RIRS used simultaneously can reduce the need for multiple tracts and therefore reduce blood loss and potential morbidity related to multiple tracts, shorten the operation time and achieve a high stone-free rate.
Genetic Association Study of Angiotensin II Receptor Types 1 (A168G) and 2 (T1247G and A5235G) Polymorphisms in Breast Carcinoma among Brazilian Women
Authors: Wolgien Maria del Carmen Garcia Molina , da Silva Ismael Dale Cotrim Guerreiro , Nazário Afonso Celso Pinto , Nakaie Clovis Riuche , Correa-Noronha Silvana Aparecida Alves , de Noronha Samuel Marcos Ribeiro , Facina Gil
Published: July 2014

Background: Many types of cancer are associated with polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system. Our aim was to assess possible association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the angiotensin II receptor types 1 (A168G), and 2 (T1247G and A5235G) with breast cancer. Patients and Methods: 242 participating subjects were genotyped and allocated to case or control groups. Results: Genotype distribution (in %) was: for AGTR1 (A168G): AA, AG, GG = 61, 30, 09 for cases, and 69, 25, 06 for controls (p = 0.55); for AGTR2 (T1247G): TT, TG, GG = 84, 12, 04 for cases, and 81, 17, 02 for controls (p = 0.45); for AGTR2 (A5235G): AA, AG, GG = 32, 67, 01 for cases, and 53, 28, 19 for controls (p < 0.0001). Women carrying genotypes AA/AG in the intronic region of angiotensin II type 2 receptor had an 11-fold higher risk of breast cancer than GG carriers. Conclusions: Many types of cancer have been associated with polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system. For SNP A5235G, the GG genotype seems to be protective against breast cancer. The other 2 SNPs showed no association. However, SNPs T1247G and A5235G were associated with at least 1 clinical variable, with G being a predictor of better outcome. The use of SNPs A5235G and T1247G (the latter to a lesser degree) as genetic markers should be considered.
The Nightmare of Indeterminate Follicular Proliferations: When Liquid-Based Cytology and Ancillary Techniques are not a Moon Landing but a Realistic Plan
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Fadda Guido , Schmitt Fernando
Published: July 2014

Objective: Thyroid nodules are a common finding in the general population, including both nonneoplastic and neoplastic entities. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the first tool for evaluating thyroid nodules. In spite of its high diagnostic accuracy, 25% of nodules result in the category of follicular neoplasms (FN), with varying risk of malignancy and different management strategies. Study Design: The use of ancillary techniques is reshaping the practice of FNAC. These tools can significantly empower the morphological diagnosis and prognosis of thyroid nodules, allowing a more accurate prediction of the nature of the lesion. Several studies have underlined the role of single or multiple testing for the category of FN as strong indicators of cancer. Every cytological preparation can be used for the application of ancillary techniques but the introduction of liquid-based cytology (LBC) might facilitate the application. Results: Our experience involving an immunocytochemical panel made up of HBME-1 and galectin-3 pointed to an 81% overall diagnostic accuracy in discriminating between low and high risk of malignancy in FN. Conclusions: The application of these techniques on LBC represents an adjunct to the morphological evaluation of FN. They represent a critical and challenging, but also a feasible, tool in the preoperative diagnoses, allowing specific prognostic and predictive details regardless of the cytological preparation.
Coeliac Disease - New Pathophysiological Findings and Their Implications for Therapy
Authors: Stein Jürgen , Schuppan Detlef
Published: July 2014

Coeliac disease (CD) is one of the most common diseases worldwide, resulting from a combination of environmental (gluten) and genetic (human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA genes) factors. Depending on the geographical location, the prevalence of CD has been estimated to approximate 0.5-1%. The only treatment currently available for CD is a gluten-free diet (GFD) excluding gluten-containing cereals such as wheat, rye, and barley, and other foodstuffs with natural or added gluten. However, adherence rates and patient acceptance are often poor. Moreover, even in fully adherent patients, the diet may fail to induce clinical or histological improvement. Hence, it is unsurprising that studies show CD patients to be highly interested in non-dietary alternatives. The following review focuses on current pathophysiological concepts of CD, spotlighting those pathways which may serve as new possible, non-dietary therapeutic targets in the treatment of CD.
A Novel Insertion Mutation on Exon 20 of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, Conferring Resistance to Erlotinib
Authors: Khan Nawazish A. , Mirshahidi Saied , Mirshahidi Hamid R.
Published: July 2014

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein tyrosine kinase receptor. The small-molecule tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors (TKIs) are in clinical use to treat non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations. Variable tumor responses to erlotinib and gefitinib have been observed. The response to these TKIs varies by the type of EGFR mutations found in the tumor. The deletion on exon 19 and the L858R substitution on exon 21 constitute the most frequent mutations and are known to show good response to TKIs. However, mutations on exon 20 are less common and seem to respond poorly to TKIs. In clinical settings, the reported response of exon 20 mutations to reversible TKIs (both gefitinib and erlotinib) remains inconstant. The type of coexisting mutation seems to affect the response of these insertions to TKIs. We herein present a case of disease progression despite the use of erlotinib in a female patient who had a novel insertion mutation on exon 20. Our patient was a never-smoker and was identified to have a Pro772_His773insGlnCysPro mutation on exon 20. She had previously been treated with cisplatin and gemcitabine and then with carboplatin and pemetrexed. She was treated with erlotinib upon intolerance to second-line chemotherapy and did not respond. Our patient had a novel insertion mutation on exon 20, which was found to be resistant to erlotinib.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Alcohol Intake on the Risk of Urolithiasis Including Dose-Response Relationship
Authors: Wang Xiao , Xu Xin , Wu Jian , Zhu Yi , Lin Yiwei , Zheng Xiangyi , Xie Liping
Published: July 2014

Objective: We conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the correlation between alcohol consumption and the risk of urolithiasis by summarizing the results of published case-control and cohort studies and the potential dose-response association. Methods: A systematic literature search of articles up to February 2014 was conducted via PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, and the references of the retrieved articles. Fixed- or random-effect models were used to summarize the estimates of odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the highest versus the lowest consumption of alcohol. A dose-response meta-analysis was also conducted. Results: The pooled OR estimates indicated that alcohol consumption was associated with a decreased risk of urolithiasis (OR = 0.683, 95% CI 0.577-0.808). In addition, the dose-response meta-analysis indicated that the rate of urolithiasis decreased by 10% for a 10 g/day increase in alcohol intake (OR = 0.898, 95% CI 0.851-0.948). No evidence of publication bias was found by Begg's or Egger's test (p = 0.130, p = 0.130, respectively). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis indicated that alcohol intake is associated with a decreased risk of urolithiasis.
Successful Chemoradiotherapy for Undifferentiated Malignant Neoplasm Arising from the Left Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Kumagai Hozumi , Nio Kenta , Okumura Yuta , Komoda Masato , Shirakawa Tsuyoshi , Kusaba Hitoshi , Yasuda Shioto , Odashiro Keita , Arita Shuji , Ariyama Hiroshi , Yamada Yuichi , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Oda Yoshinao , Nakamura Katsumasa , Akashi Koichi , Baba Eishi
Published: July 2014

Undifferentiated malignant neoplasms, which occur primarily in the pulmonary artery, are extremely rare and associated with poor outcomes as there is no effective therapy. A 67-year-old woman visited our hospital with complaints of dry cough and dyspnea on exertion. A contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography revealed an intravascular tumor obstructing the left pulmonary artery and a pedunculated lesion extending to the main and right pulmonary artery. Multiple metastases in the lung, bones and bilateral adrenal glands were identified by fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. A small sample was obtained by catheter aspiration biopsy of the intravascular tumor, and examination revealed undifferentiated small atypical cells. The tumor was diagnosed as an undifferentiated neoplasm arising from the pulmonary artery based on immunohistochemical findings, including the absence of expressions of organ-specific markers. Systemic chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin) and concurrent radiation were performed as treatment for the primary tumor. Marked shrinkage of the intravascular tumor was achieved, and no serious adverse events were observed during therapy. Chemotherapy was continued for 5 months, but the patient died because of tumor progression 9 months after the initial diagnosis. Chemoradiotherapy has efficacy against undifferentiated neoplasm of the pulmonary artery.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in EGFR-Mutated Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Lung A Case Report
Authors: Aroldi Francesca , Bertocchi Paola , Meriggi Fausto , Abeni Chiara , Ogliosi Chiara , Rota Luigina , Zambelli Claudia , Bnà Claudio , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: July 2014

Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung is a high-grade carcinoma belonging to the neuroendocrine tumors of the lung and is different from typical lung large-cell carcinoma. It represents about 3% of all pulmonary malignancies and is characterized by neuroendocrine cytologic features. The treatment usually is platinum-based chemotherapy, however the outcome remains poor. Therefore new therapeutic options are needed. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have demonstrated greater efficacy and better tolerability than standard chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. EGFR gene mutations were also rarely identified in LCNEC. We report a patient with lung LCNEC activating EGFR mutations who showed an impressive response to gefitinib.
Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor Presenting with Diffuse Leptomeningeal Involvement in a 55-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report and Brief Summary of Current Diagnostic Tests and Treatment
Authors: Kalidindi Navya , Torres Carlos H. , Michaud Jean , Zwicker Jocelyn Christine
Published: July 2014

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are typically present as masses in children and adolescents, but rarely in adults. Diagnoses, management strategies, and prognostication factors are not well established in adult cases of PNETs. We describe the case of a central nervous system PNET diagnosed in a 55-year-old woman presenting with a sudden onset of symptoms consisting of increased intracranial pressure and findings of diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement and a small medullary lesion seen on MRI. Amongst the small database of PNETs diagnosed in adults, our case report stands out as one of few cases describing a primarily leptomeningeal PNET diagnosed on biopsy. We also review the literature on PNETs presenting with diffuse leptomeningeal disease and the treatment of PNETs in the adult population.
Elevated levels of D-dimers increase the risk of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Castelnuovo Augusto Di , Agnoli Claudia , Curtis Amalia de , Giurdanella Maria Concetta , Sieri Sabina , Mattiello Amalia , Matullo Giuseppe , Panico Salvatore , Sacerdote Carlotta , Tumino Rosario , Vineis Paolo , Gaetano Giovanni de , Donati Maria Benedetta , Iacoviello Licia
Published: July 2014

Elevated D-dimer levels are reportedly associated with coronary artery disease. It was the study objective to investigate the association of baseline D-dimer levels with strokes that occurred in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Italy cohort. Using a nested case-cohort design, a centre-–stratified sample of 832 subjects (66 % women, age 35–71) was selected as subcohort and compared with 289 strokes in a mean follow-up of nine years. D-dimers were measured by an automated latex-enhanced immunoassay (HemosIL-IL). The multivariable hazard ratios were estimated by a Cox regression model using Prentice method. Individuals with elevated D-dimer levels had significantly higher risk of incident stroke. It was evident from the second quartile (D-dimers > 100 ng/ml) and persisted almost unchanged for higher D-dimers (hazard ratio [HR] 2.10, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–3.47; 2.42, 95 %CI: 1.44–4.09 and 2.10, 95 %CI: 1.27–3.48 for the second, third or fourth quartile compared with the lowest quartile, respectively). The association was independent of several confounders, including triglycerides and C-reactive protein. No differences were observed in men and women (P for interaction= 0.46), in hypertensive or non-hypertensive subjects (P for interaction= 0.88) or in subjects with low (< 1 mg/l) or elevated (≥ 1 mg/l) C-reactive protein (P for interaction=0.35). After stratification for stroke type, the hazard ratio for every standard deviation increase was statistically significant both for ischaemic (1.21; 95 %CI: 1.01 to 1.45) and haemorrhagic (1.24; 95 %CI: 1.00 to 1.65) strokes. In conclusion, our data provide clear evidence that elevated levels of D-dimers are potential risk factors not only for ischaemic but also for haemorrhagic strokes.
Complement depletion with humanised cobra venom factor: Efficacy in preclinical models of vascular diseases
Authors: Fritzinger David , Gorsuch Brian , Stahl Gregory , Vogel Carl-Wilhelm
Published: July 2014

The complement system is an intrinsic part of the immune system and has important functions in both innate and adaptive immunity. On the other hand, inadvertent or misdirected complement activation is also involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, contributing solely or significantly to tissue injury and disease development. Multiple approaches to develop pharmacological agents to inhibit complement are currently being pursued. We have developed a conceptually different approach of not inhibiting but depleting complement, based on the complement-depleting activities of cobra venom factor (CVF), a non-toxic cobra venom component with structural and functional homology to complement component C3. We developed a humanised version of CVF by creating human complement component C3 derivatives with complement-depleting activities of CVF (humanised CVF) as a promising therapeutic agent for diseases with complement pathogenesis. Here we review the beneficial therapeutic effect of humanised CVF in several murine models of vascular diseases such as reperfusion injury.
A arquitetura do Iluminismo: alguns aspectos da ideologia e da práxis
Authors: Pracchi Attilio , Hermes Maria Helena da Fonseca
Published: July 2014

Tradução de: Alice Coelho Sanches Corato e Maria Helena da Fonseca Hermes
Parâmetros de projeto (patterns) de Christopher Alexander traduzidos para o português
Authors: Battaus Danila Martins de Alencar
Published: July 2014

Parâmetros de projeto (patterns) de Christopher Alexander traduzidos para o português.
Semilugares
Authors: Silva Bianca M. Habib
Published: July 2014

O texto retoma as noções de Lugares e Não Lugares propostas por Augé e,valendo-se do termo adorniano Semicultura, especula uma possível leitura sobre seus reflexos na atual conformação das cidades e na produção de certos “tipos” de espaços. Os Semilugares são aqui entendidos como aqueles que tenderiam a constituir Lugares ou Não Lugares, porém se fundem criando hibridismos que resultam em novas formas espaciais, cujas essências se encontram na atração para o consumo. A lógica identitária dos Lugares foi substituída por uma lógica de mercado, e a falta de identidade dos Não Lugares foi preenchida por este mesmo elemento comum.
Los centros comerciales: el nuevo paradigma de desarrollo y consumo de la sociedad moderna
Authors: Molina Ignacio Hernández , Puentes Jennifer Hernández , Molina Rubén Hernández
Published: July 2014

Existem sociedades que em uma economia de mercados e seus consequentes processos de globalização da síndrome dos TLC (Tratados de Livre Comércio), de transferência de tecnologias e de conhecimentos, optaram por um modelo de mercados que, apesar da crise econômica mundial, e da forma como golpearam os EUA em países como a Colômbia, fiéis a esse paradigma econômico, seguem com o auge da construção desenfreada de Centros Comerciais. Especificamente, pretende-se desenvolver um raciocínio crítico e reflexivo sobre as dinâmicas sociais que estão causando a proliferação de shoppings em contextos históricos específicos como a sociedade colombiana.
Write on Demand: Editors, Authors, and the Labor of Literary Publishing in Prewar Japan
Authors: Kawana Sari
Published: July 2014

During the first half of the twentieth century, the role of the editor in Japanese literary publishing was defined and refined concurrently with the role of the author. As the professionalization of authorship proceeded, the role of the editor also became an independent function within the publishing industry. The new generation of editors that came of age in the late 1920s and 1930s in particular used their new-found independence to try to control the conditions of modern literary production and color the end products, literary works. For authors writing literature and for editors pushing them to produce on time, the tasks involved in publishing a book came to be considered distinct forms of labor. This article investigates the material conditions that were necessary for literary production and examines the ways in which authors and editors collaborated—negotiating conflict, confusion, and quirkiness—to produce many of the canonical works of modern Japanese literature.
Catalogue of the Ctenostylidae (Diptera, Schizophora) of the World
Authors: PEREIRA-COLAVITE A. , MELLO R. L.
Published: July 2014

A catalogue of Ctenostylidae of the world is presented comprising 14 described species in seven recognized genera. An unnamed species of Ctenostylum Macquart from Costa Rica is also listed. All valid and invalid names and synonyms are presented, totaling 33 names. All references known to us from the taxonomic and biological literature, including references for figures and plates are included. Condition and sex of the type material, type location and geographic distributions with new records for some species are also included. Lochmostylia lopesi Keiser and Tauroscypson andina Aczél have their distributional records enlarged to Paraná (Brazil) and Rondônia (Brazil) respectively. Tauroscypson andina is recorded from Brazil for the first time.
Training Undergraduate Students to Use Insight Skills
Authors: Hill Clara E. , Spangler Patricia T. , Chui Harold , Jackson John L.
Published: July 2014

We briefly review the literature on helping skills training. We then provide a rationale for the current series of studies, given methodological problems and a lack of focus on teaching insight skills in the previous literature. Next, we provide an overview of the rationale, methods, and analyses used in common across three studies conducted to teach insight skills (immediacy, challenges, and interpretation, respectively) to undergraduate students in helping skills courses.
Overthrowing the “Loyalty Norm”
Authors: Marcum Anthony S. , Brown Jonathan N.
Published: July 2014

This article examines two competing theories that link variation in the size of a winning coalition to its members’ incentives and ability to orchestrate coups d’état against authoritarian leaders. Selectorate theory’s “loyalty norm” focuses on the incumbent’s ability to buy support and the challenger’s inability to guarantee inclusion in a future coalition. It suggests that, in small-coalition systems, the probability of coup attempts and successes decreases as coalition size decreases. We develop an alternative theory of political accountability that focuses on a coalition’s capacity to coordinate sanctions against a leader. It generates a rival expectation—in small-coalition systems, the probability of coup attempts and successes increases as coalition size decreases. We evaluate these hypotheses through quantitative tests on coup attempts and successes during 1950 to 1999 and with an illustrative case study of the Saint-Sylvestre Coup in the Central African Republic. These analyses provide strong support for our theory of political accountability.
Scaling Theory of Mind Development in Indigenous- and Anglo-Australian Toddlers and Older Children
Authors: O’Reilly Jessica , Peterson Candida C.
Published: July 2014

We examined the growth of a theory of mind (ToM) in Indigenous Australian children who spoke Aboriginal English as their first language. We also pioneered the suitability of a five-step developmental scale of ToM understanding for 2-year-old toddlers from Indigenous- and Anglo-Australian cultural backgrounds. A total of 97 children aged 2 to 5 years took (a) a battery of false belief (FB) tests, (b) a developmental ToM Scale, and (c) a standard language ability test. Results showed that, contrary to earlier findings for Piagetian tasks, the Indigenous Australian children were not delayed in ToM understanding. Instead, at age 2, Indigenous toddlers significantly outperformed their Anglo peers and throughout the preschool years they scored just as highly on FB and all ToM Scale steps as Anglo-Australians their age, notwithstanding their statistically significant delays behind Anglo-Australians in standard English language skill (the language of testing). We also found, for the first time, that the five-step ToM Scale was both suitable for, and sensitive to individual differences in, children as young as age 2. These findings add to a growing body of research highlighting the importance of early family and cultural experiences for the growth of social cognition.
Fitting in or Sticking Together
Authors: Güngör Derya , Karasawa Mayumi , Boiger Michael , Dinçer Duygu , Mesquita Batja
Published: July 2014

In this research, we compare two forms of interdependent agency. Whereas all interdependent cultures emphasize interpersonal connectedness, we suggest that the nature of this connection may differ between face and honor cultures. In a large survey, with 163 Japanese and 172 Turkish students, we tested the idea that, consistent with the concern for face, Japanese interdependence emphasizes conformity; that is, fitting in, whereas, consistent with the concern for honor, Turkish interdependence stresses relatedness; that is, sticking together. The results confirmed these hypotheses: Japanese described their agency more in terms of conformity than Turks, whereas Turks described their agency more in terms of relatedness. Moreover, relational well-being was predicted by conformity in the Japanese group and by relatedness in the Turkish group. Autonomy was also important for both samples, and it predicted personal well-being. Results suggest that a multi-dimensional approach to interdependent agency is needed to distinguish meaningfully between different interdependent cultures.
Gentrification and revanchist urbanism in Taipei?
Authors: Jou Sue-Ching , Clark Eric , Chen Hsiao-Wei
Published: July 2014

As policy and theory travel, comparative urbanism becomes important to address questions concerning if and how gentrification and revanchist urbanism have ‘gone South’, or ‘gone East’. In recent decades, Taipei has experienced a shift in economic base, massive urban renewal, neoliberal reforms and associated social polarisation. In this paper we ask to what extent gentrification and revanchist urbanism are relevant concepts for understanding processes of urban restructuring in this East Asian developmental state capital city. The analysis relates national and urban politics to gentrification of the Yongkang, Qingtian, Wenzhou and Huaguang neighbourhoods in Daan District, Taipei. We investigate manifestations of Atkinson’s four analytical strands of revanchist urbanism in Taipei. We conclude that revanchist urbanism has, to a considerable extent, formed urban development in Taipei during the last quarter century, and that unless democratising forces tame the power of finance and property capital, effectively claiming the right to the city, urban improvements by progressive movements will be valorised by the architects of revanchist urbanism: finance and property capital.
Predicting Prosociality Among Urban Adolescents
Authors: Drinkard Allyson M.
Published: July 2014

Prosociality, conceptualized as a willingness to help, to be fair, and to be friendly to others, is essential to the maintenance of a civil society and has been linked with multiple measures of individual well-being. This study examines how individual, family, and neighborhood factors affect adolescents’ level of prosociality and tests for moderating influences in these relationships. Data for this study come from the 12-year-old cohort of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) study ( N = 723). Results show that being female and having the ability to rely on family, a teacher/coach, or an adult in the community predicts significantly higher levels of prosociality. In addition, I find that neighborhood collective efficacy moderates the relationship between gender and prosociality, serving as a protective factor in the development of prosociality for boys. The findings of this study are discussed in the context of a sociological view of positive youth development.
Enlarging the Strategy-as-Practice Research Agenda: Towards Taller and Flatter Ontologies
Authors: Seidl David , Whittington Richard
Published: July 2014

Taking perspectives from papers published previously in Organization Studies, we argue for progress in strategy-as-practice research through more effective linking of ‘local’ strategizing activity with ‘larger’ social phenomena. We introduce a range of theoretical approaches capable of incorporating larger-scale phenomena and countering what we term ‘micro-isolationism’, the tendency to explain local activities in their own terms. Organizing the theories according to how far they lean towards either tall or flat ontologies, we outline their respective strengths and weaknesses. Against this background, we develop three broad guidelines that can help protect against empirical micro-isolationism and thereby extend the scope of strategy-as-practice research.
The management of virtual teams and virtual meetings
Authors: White Martin
Published: July 2014

Most organizations now make use of virtual teams. Many of these virtual teams started out as physically co-located teams but with the need to reduce travel and related costs, audio and video technologies were introduced. However, the dynamics and management of virtual teams are different in almost every respect to co-located teams. The benefits and challenges of virtual teams are outlined, with particular reference to the effective management of language, cultural, time and location aspects of virtual teams and virtual meetings.
The Use of Written Exams in Police and Fire Departments
Authors: Riccucci Norma M. , Riccardelli Margaret
Published: July 2014

This exploratory analysis seeks to determine the extent to which written exams are required by law for police and firefighters across the United States and whether, in fact, they are being used. The continued use of written exams has served as a major obstacle to the attainment of social equity based on race in these uniformed services. The study also explores the use and importance of nonconventional testing methods (e.g., assessment centers). The study finds that while civil service laws in most jurisdictions do not require the use of written exams, police and fire departments continue to rely on them in hiring and/or promotion. It further shows that nonconventional methods are used in some capacity, but written exams either supplement these methods or are integrated into them.
Employment Status and Intimate Partner Violence Among Mexican Women
Authors: Terrazas-Carrillo Elizabeth C. , McWhirter Paula T.
Published: July 2014

Exploring risk factors and profiles of intimate partner violence in other countries provides information about whether existing theories of this phenomenon hold consistent in different cultural settings. This study will present results of a regression analysis involving domestic violence among Mexican women ( n = 83,159). Significant predictors of domestic violence among Mexican women included age, number of children in the household, income, education, self-esteem, family history of abuse, and controlling behavior of the husband. Women’s employment status was not a significant predictor when all variables were included in the model; however, when controlling behavior of the husband was withdrawn from the model, women’s employment status was a significant predictor of domestic violence toward women. Results from this research indicate that spousal controlling behavior may serve as a mediator of the predictive relationship between women’s employment status and domestic violence among Mexican women. Findings provide support for continued exploration of the factors that mediate experiences of domestic violence among women worldwide.
An Exploratory Study of the Process and Problems of 360-Degree Feedback in Select IT Companies
Authors: Mishra Geeta
Published: July 2014

Ever-increasing competitive markets, changing business dynamics, technological advancements and specialization have made the traditional supervisor–employee feedback largely obsolete. To better compete globally, organizations have started to move from traditional hierarchical structures to team-based, flattened structures. Rating sources both inside and outside the organization provide key information that can help companies to be more adaptive. The practice of gathering performance feedback from multiple sources i.e 360-degree feedbackhas evolved from an innovative technique to a must-have tool in the overall performance and human resource management strategy. This article aims to explore the implementation of 360-degree feedback mechanisms in select IT organizations. Also, the article aims to explore the problems and challenges faced by employees in the implementation of multisource feedback. The article also provides suggestions for the improvement of 360-degree feedback process in IT industry.
Dynamic and quasi-static modeling of planetary gear set considering carrier misalignment error and varying line of action along tooth width
Authors: Cao Zheng , Shao Yimin , Zuo Ming J , Liang Xihui
Published: July 2014

Misalignment error of gear pair will affect the load distribution along the tooth-width and have a great effect on dynamic characteristics. For the planetary gear set, it is complicated to model the misalignment error of carrier as, when this error is present, the planets and the carrier are tilted and contacts between sun–planet and ring–planet along tooth width are skewed. In this paper, a new lumped parameter model is set up to quasi-statically and dynamic analyze the planetary gear set with the position-dependent line of action due to the misalignment of the carrier. In the analytical model, each potential line of contact on the gear mesh is discretized into finite independent time-varying stiffness. External and internal gear stiffness is obtained through the potential energy method. The dynamic responses, load distribution along the tooth width, load sharing between planets, trajectories of sun gear are simulated and analyzed with carrier misalignment error in planetary gear set.
Sleep Deprivation and False Memories
Authors: Frenda Steven J. , Patihis Lawrence , Loftus Elizabeth F. , Lewis Holly C. , Fenn Kimberly M.
Published: July 2014

Many studies have investigated factors that affect susceptibility to false memories. However, few have investigated the role of sleep deprivation in the formation of false memories, despite overwhelming evidence that sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function. We examined the relationship between self-reported sleep duration and false memories and the effect of 24 hr of total sleep deprivation on susceptibility to false memories. We found that under certain conditions, sleep deprivation can increase the risk of developing false memories. Specifically, sleep deprivation increased false memories in a misinformation task when participants were sleep deprived during event encoding, but did not have a significant effect when the deprivation occurred after event encoding. These experiments are the first to investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on susceptibility to false memories, which can have dire consequences.
Measured time, perceived time: A gender bias
Authors: Carrasco Cristina , Domínguez Màrius
Published: July 2014

In recent decades, time-use diaries have emerged as useful tools for recording information on the amount of time that people devote to various activities. Debate remains, however, about whether there are significant differences between the results given by diaries and the results given by questionnaires regarding the share of unpaid labour in the household, in particular the differences between men and women. This paper is a contribution to that debate and widens the focus to consider another type of survey that contains questions that do not call for the measurement of time devoted to housework and caregiving, but rather explore people’s perceptions of the percentage of total housework that they perform.
Implementing an Evidence-Based Instructional Routine to Enhance Comprehension of Expository Text
Authors: Wexler Jade , Reed Deborah K. , Mitchell Marisa , Doyle Brie , Clancy Erin
Published: July 2014

To graduate from high school and become competitive in the workplace and other postsecondary endeavors, adolescents are required to meet rigorous standards, such as the Common Core State Standards. To meet such standards, teachers must teach students to read and make sense of increasingly complex content-area expository text. Secondary teachers, however, face several challenges that make it difficult to prepare students adequately to read and comprehend content-area text. In this article, a practical evidence-based reading strategy instructional routine to enhance adolescent students’ comprehension of expository text is presented.
Administrators as Advocates for Teacher Collaboration
Authors: Ketterlin-Geller Leanne R. , Baumer Patricia , Lichon Kathryn
Published: July 2014

This column contends that administrators are responsible for constructing a culture of collaboration in their schools and that ultimately, the facilitation of collaboration affects students’ academic achievement. Within the context of a leadership scenario, this article outlines the need for, function of, and logistical implementation of collaboration. Administrators can help teachers’ collaborative instructional design and delivery efforts by focusing on collective expertise development and dissemination, implementation strategies, and the development of assessment expertise. Four tools are included to assist in guiding and sustaining collaboration to support the academic success of students with disabilities.
The Effects of Active Constructive and Passive Corrective Leadership on Workplace Incivility and the Mediating Role of Fairness Perceptions
Authors: Lee Junghyun , Jensen Jaclyn M.
Published: July 2014

Given the high costs of workplace deviance to employees and organizations, the question of when and how leaders can reduce or prevent uncivil interpersonal interactions at work is important. In this regard, we sought to understand the implications of one of the most widely cited models of leadership, the Full Range Leadership model, on workplace incivility through the lens of active constructive and passive corrective leadership. Analyzing multi-source data collected from 239 employee–coworker dyads working in diverse organizations, we find that active constructive leadership is related to decreased incidence of workplace incivility through its positive impact on fairness perceptions, whereas passive corrective leadership is both directly and indirectly (through diminished fairness perceptions) related to workplace incivility. This study provides theoretical and practical implications regarding the strategic focus of organizational interventions related to leadership in an effort to reduce workplace incivility and the mechanism by which it operates.
“Dye in the Water”
Authors: Brander Robert W. , Drozdzewski Danielle , Dominey-Howes Dale
Published: July 2014

Many beaches are characterized by rip currents—strong, narrow flows that can quickly carry bathers offshore, often against their will. However, despite long-standing efforts at community education and awareness strategies, people continue to drown in rip currents at high rates. Here we describe a simple, but powerful visual-based risk communication approach involving imagery associated with releases of colored dye into rip currents that has been used as an outreach tool with success in Australia. This approach has the potential to transcend limitations of traditional education approaches and bring the rip current hazard to life for a largely unaware public.
Freedom technologists and the new protest movements
Authors: Postill John
Published: July 2014

In this article, I draw from anthropological fieldwork in Spain and secondary research on Tunisia and Iceland to explore the connection between Internet freedom activism and post-2008 protest movements. I introduce two new concepts: ‘freedom technologists’ and ‘protest formulas’. I use the term freedom technologists to refer to those social agents who combine technological and political skills to pursue greater Internet and democratic freedoms, which they regard as being inextricably entwined. Far from being techno-utopians or deluded ‘slacktivists’ (Morozov, 2013, Skoric, 2012), I argue that most freedom technologists are in fact techno-pragmatists, that is, people who take a very practical view of the limits and possibilities of new technologies for political change. I also differentiate among freedom technologists, singling out three main specialists for their strong contribution to the new movements, namely hackers/geeks, tech lawyers and online journalists. The second new coinage I develop is protest formulas. This term refers to the unique compound of societal forces and outcomes that characterizes each protest movement – as well as each phase or initiative within a movement. In this article, I track the influence of freedom technologists on emerging protest movements as they interact with other agents within these political compounds.
Why practice yoga? Practitioners’ motivations for adopting and maintaining yoga practice
Authors: Park Crystal L , Riley Kristen E , Bedesin Elena , Stewart V Michelle
Published: July 2014

We examined motives for adopting and maintaining yoga practice in a national survey of yoga practitioners (360 yoga students, 156 yoga teachers). Both students and teachers adopted yoga practice primarily for exercise and stress relief, but reported many other reasons, including flexibility, getting into shape, and depression/anxiety relief. Over 62 percent of students and 85 percent of teachers reported having changed their primary reason for practicing or discovering other reasons; for both, the top changed primary reason was spirituality. Findings suggest that most initiate yoga practice for exercise and stress relief, but for many, spirituality becomes their primary reason for maintaining practice.
A repertoire approach to cross-platform media use behavior
Authors: Kim Su Jung
Published: July 2014

Media users receive an overwhelmingly large supply of media content from multiple media, yet much research on media use examines the use of a single medium. This study investigates patterns of media use across multiple media platforms by taking a media repertoire approach. Using single-source data that merge television peoplemeter data and a survey on other media use of the same respondents, this study identifies five distinctive media repertoires (TV-Oriented Entertainment, Internet Only, News on Traditional Media, Tabloid Newspapers, and Cable TV Only). This study finds significant differences in user background characteristics, total news media use, political interest, and political knowledge among representative users of each media repertoire. Regression analyses on factor scores reveal that media repertoires are explained by individual and structural factors of media choice discussed in previous research. The implications for future research on media repertoires as news, information, and entertainment sources are discussed.