bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linguistic Isolation, Social Capital, and Immigrant Belonging
Authors: Nawyn Stephanie J. , Gjokaj Linda , Agbényiga DeBrenna LaFa , Grace Breanne
Published: January 2012

A wealth of evidence points to the positive outcomes experienced by immigrants who can speak the dominant language in a receiving country. But most scholarship treats language acquisition as a variable that affects labor market opportunities, whether conceptualized as human or social capital. We argue that analyzing language as a noneconomic resource that can flow through social networks is important not only for understanding immigrant integration, but also for gaining insight into the nature of social capital. Using qualitative data from recently resettled Burundian and Burmese refugees in Michigan, United States, we explore the experiences resulting from linguistic isolation at the household and community level, demonstrating how linguistically isolated refugees experience language as noneconomic social capital, in that language provides access to necessary information and constitutes an act of social power. Our research suggests that the linguistic resources of communities (both immigrant and receiving communities) are a key component of immigrant integration. Our study also points to the importance of thinking about language as a form of social capital that provides social power in addition to economic opportunities.
Capitalism Expands but the Discourse is Radicalized: Whither ‘21st Century Venezuelan Socialism’?
Authors: Giri Saroj
Published: January 2012

‘Protagonistic democracy’, ‘initiative from below’, or ‘autonomous agency’ is presented by critical left supporters of Venezuelan socialism as counter-balancing Chavez’s statist top-down tendencies. Why should it only counter-balance and not go beyond Chavismo and any reified state power? This has to do with presenting it, often unwittingly, as an undifferentiated bloc, albeit internally highly democratic and empowering. What therefore needs to be highlighted is internal contradiction and differentiation within protagonistic democracy, so that what Marx in the Communist Manifesto once called ‘a line of march’ of the movement as a whole is emphasized – something overlooked by scholars like Michael Lebowitz. Without a ‘line of march’, the most radical democratic practices can get boxed into a ‘bloc’ fighting a reified, externalized enemy. ‘Class struggle’ gets reduced to a populist fight against ‘alien elements’, ‘conspiratorial foreign oligarchs’ and so on – is this not the experience of ‘21st century humanist socialism’ so far?
How Epistemology Matters: Five Reflexive Critiques of Public Sociology
Authors: Powell Christopher
Published: January 2012

This article analyses Michael Burawoy’s vision of public sociology in light of five distinct ‘epistemic strategies’, each of which generates substantially different expectations regarding the challenges and opportunities facing public sociologists. The five epistemic strategies range along a spectrum from methodological individualism at one end to holism at the other. Between these two poles, considerations of the social relativity of scientific knowledge arise. Constructionist theories highlight the performative dilemma entailed when science reveals itself to be one narrative among others. Hierarchical theories such as Marxism suggest that public sociology is torn by the irreconcilable contradiction between hegemony and counter-hegemony. Heterarchical theories address both of these two problems together. Heterarchy suggests that science’s claim to universality may interfere with public sociology’s social-transformative aspirations. However, the dynamic complexity of ‘public’ social struggles generates opportunities to rethink the place of difference in the production of scientific knowledge.
The UK Coalition government: Constructing public service reform narratives
Authors: Painter Chris
Published: January 2012

Narrative stories offer insight into political agency and constructed reality. They are also part of the armoury for maintaining political ascendancy. The UK Cameron–Clegg Coalition government’s public service reform narrative juxtaposed its open, transparent and decentralized approach with the top-down configuration of institutional power attributed to New Labour. The more complex reality of public service reform is exemplified particularly from the criminal justice arena. From a structuralist perspective, the Coalition’s reform trajectory has been related to emergent realities of networked governance. But here too more ambiguous influences were at work with reform again proving more problematic than anticipated.
Modeling cutting edge geometry for plane and curved needle tips
Authors: Moore Jason Z , Zhang Qinhe , McGill Carl S , Zheng Haojun , McLaughlin Patrick W , Shih Albert J
Published: January 2012

Hollow needles are commonly used in many areas of medicine, yet there has been limited research on needle tip geometry. A better understanding of needle tip geometry can lead to the creation of an optimized needle tip geometry design which would greatly benefit the procedure of biopsy, where a needle is used to cut and remove tissue from the body. The present research develops mathematical models to calculate the inclination and rake angle along the cutting edges of needle tips generated by curved surfaces. The parameters of needle insertion length and inner needle tip surface area are also examined. Needle insertion force is predicted based on needle geometry and calculated for curved and flat plane tip needles. A concave needle produced lower cutting forces than the convex and bias bevel needles. It is found that utilizing curved surface needle tip geometry, as opposed to flat plane geometry, allows for greater control in varying rake and inclination angles on the needle. This greater flexibility allows for more control in designing an optimized needle tip.
A multi-sensor fusion model based on artificial neural network to predict tool wear during hard turning
Authors: Paul P Sam , Varadarajan AS
Published: January 2012

Factors like cutting force, cutting temperature, acoustic emission signals and vibration signals can be effectively used to predict tool wear. Even though each of these factors can be used individually to predict tool wear, a more accurate prediction will be possible if these factors are considered collectively since each of these factors predicts tool wear in its own characteristic fashion. For example, high cutting temperature is an index of flank wear and crater wear, whereas variation in cutting force indicates the fracture type of tool failure more effectively. Hence a better prediction of tool wear is possible by considering the indices of tool wear collectively rather than individually. In the present work, an attempt was made to fuse cutting force, cutting temperature and displacement of tool vibration, along with cutting velocity, feed and depth of cut, to predict tool wear during turning of AISI 4340 steel having a hardness of 46 HRC using a multicoated hard metal insert with a sculptured rake face. A regression model and an artificial neural network model were developed to fuse the cutting force, cutting temperature and displacement of tool vibration signals to predict tool flank wear. The fusion model based on the artificial neural network was found to be superior to the regression model in its ability to predict tool wear.
Three-dimensional immersive mixed-reality interface for structural design
Authors: Prieto Pablo A , Soto Francisco D , Zúñiga Marcos D , Qin Sheng-Feng , Wright David K
Published: January 2012

A novel three-dimensional interface using immersive augmented reality to perform real-time visual analysis of structural models is presented. The interface integrates and builds on the functionalities of two commercial tools: ‘Leonar3Do’, for visual inspection in a fully three-dimensional immersive environment and ‘SAP 2000’, for structural analysis and simulation. The resulting interface allows the user to visualize the structural design model in three-dimensions, apply forces/loads directly with a three-dimensional physical pointer to indicate their magnitudes and directions and meanwhile observe the behavior of the structure under this action in fully perceived three-dimension. It integrates traditional structural analysis software, three-dimensional viewing and immersive virtual reality environment. The interface facilitates understanding of the different interactions between the structural components, detection of possible structural design weaknesses and improvement of the structural model in order to quickly develop better virtual prototypes.
Framework of a representation model for modular product development
Authors: Kong Fan B , Ming Xin G , Wang Lei , Wang Xing H , Wang Peng P
Published: January 2012

Partitioning, development, fabrication, and management of construction blocks of modular products still heavily rely on manual labor of sophisticated designers because existing representation models seldom have automatic capability of product data processing for modular product development. To cope with this challenge, a framework for building an efficient representation model for modular product development has been developed. First, the framework redefines some very important concepts in order to make them clear and accurate. Second, the framework proposes a generic structure for modular products, which comes from the analysis and synthesis of real cases of modular product development in industry. Third, concept formalization is brought forward to facilitate manufacturers to establish responding ontology while the development process for modular product development ontology is provided as a simple reference for manufacturers to build their own modular product development ontology. Last, the analysis shows that the proposed approach is feasible, and may assist manufacturers to establish modular product development ontology for automation in modular product development.
Shrinkage-based die design for drying ceramic parts
Authors: Stathatos Emmanuel , Vosniakos George-Christopher , Giannakakis Titos , Pantelis Dimitrios
Published: January 2012

Drying of ceramic parts with complex geometry has been studied with emphasis on the effects of shrinkage on their final dimensions. The first step was to understand the processes governing moisture loss from a porous medium through experimental measurements yielding the coefficient of moisture expansion. As a result, non-homogeneous dimensional changes (shrinkage) occur in three-dimensional artefacts with varying cross-section. The moisture diffusion problem governed by Fick’s laws was solved numerically by analogy to the heat conduction problem. To this end the correspondence was established between physical parameters, variables and boundary conditions of heat flow and diffusion, characteristically the coefficient of moisture expansion being analogous to the coefficient of thermal expansion. The numerical model established and solved using finite element analysis predicted moisture distribution inside the part as well as the resulting change in its shape. Validation of numerical predictions was first ensured in two dimensions by modelling a simple slab and comparing with experimental measurements. Validation for a fully three-dimensional shape required use of the well-established iterative closest point algorithm for surface point matching and subsequently the creation of an error map. The reverse of this numerical model was used to predict the appropriate die geometry starting with the shape of the desired part by taking into account the variable drying shrinkage allowance, and the relevant steps are outlined.
Design and testing of a series hybrid vehicle with an ultracapacitor energy buffer
Authors: Ganley Jason C
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the propulsion modeling, systems design, and conversion of a General Motors EV1 electric vehicle into a series hybrid. The vehicle is refitted with a gasoline engine generator set and ultracapacitor-only electrical storage system. A detailed propulsion model was developed using the vehicular physical and electrical properties and the desired control characteristics. This model was refined through experimental road trials and generator set testing with electronic loads to determine the fuel consumption at various power levels, thereby predicting the vehicle fuel economy. The series hybrid design allows an excellent fuel economy to be attained for a variety of driving schedules, and ultracapacitors are shown to be an effective standalone electrical storage medium for hybrid vehicles designed to maximize the fuel economy rather than for the electric-only driving range.
Rethinking Playing Research
Authors: Karppi Tero , Sotamaa Olli
Published: January 2012

Playing games has a crucial methodological role within the study of games. At the same time, detailed overviews of how academic playing is conducted are difficult to find. In this article, the authors begin with Espen Aarseth’s outline of playing research and offer some updates to it in order to build a more context-aware approach. To exemplify the elaborated methodology, the authors apply it to the rhythm game DJ HERO. They emphasize in this article that a game not only creates a world of its own, but also is in many ways connected to the traditions directed by real-world culture and economics. Thus, playing research needs to go beyond the limits of gameworld and normative gameplay, and move toward a concept or assemblage of play that takes into account games as singular and multifaceted technocultural entities.
Development and Validation of the Calling and Vocation Questionnaire (CVQ) and Brief Calling Scale (BCS)
Authors: Dik Bryan J. , Eldridge Brandy M. , Steger Michael F. , Duffy Ryan D.
Published: January 2012

Research on work as a calling is limited by measurement concerns. In response, the authors introduce the multidimensional Calling and Vocation Questionnaire (CVQ) and the Brief Calling scale (BCS), instruments assessing presence of, and search for, a calling. Study 1 describes CVQ development using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in a cross-validated split-sample approach with 456 undergraduates. The CVQ contained six reliable subscales that form CVQ-Presence and CVQ-Search scores, which demonstrated moderate 1-month test–retest reliability, good fit to a six-factor structure, and initial support for construct validity. Study 2 reports a multitrait–multimethod analysis with 134 undergraduates and 365 informants. Self-reported CVQ and BCS scores moderately to strongly correlated with informant reports and scores for both instruments correlated in hypothesized directions with work hope, prosocial work motivation, life meaning, and the search for meaning. CVQ and BCS scores provide psychometrically sound measures of calling, with the CVQ offering the potential for more fine-grained, multidimensional analyses.
Long-Term Environmental Policy
Authors: Sprinz Detlef F.
Published: January 2012

Long-term policy issues are a particularly vexing class of environmental policy issues which merit increasing attention due to the long-time horizons involved, the incongruity with political cycles, and the challenges for collective action. Following the definition of long-term environmental policy challenges, I pose three questions as challenges for future research, namely 1. Are present democracies well suited to cope with long-term policy challenges? 2. Are top-down or bottom-up solutions to long-term environmental policy challenges advisable? 3. Will mitigation and adaptation of environmental challenges suffice? In concluding, the contribution raises the issue of credible commitment for long-term policy issues and potential design options.
Capacity Building to Deal With Climate Challenges Today and in the Future
Authors: Sterner Thomas , Damon Maria , Köhlin Gunnar , Visser Martine
Published: January 2012

Climate change represents a serious threat to the economic growth potential in low income countries. Instead of investing in growth, they may be drawn into strife and conflict. Climate change and the global politics to deal with it, could however also present a number of interesting opportunities for developing countries. Such opportunities may arise in sustainable forestry, new forms of solar, wind or bioenergy and related industries, agriculture or in the programs for abatement and mitigation that are likely to be created. It is an important priority for low-income countries to develop local knowledge and understanding concerning climate change in order to better prepare for both the costs and challenges posed by climate change, as well as to defend their national interests and participate in international negotiations. Creating academic capacity is however a long and painstaking process. We discuss a number of existing initiatives but conclude that more is needed, particularly at the higher level of PhD studies.
Latin America and the Winding Road to Rio+20
Authors: Onestini Maria
Published: January 2012

When the world returns to South America, after twenty years, in order to debate global environmental issues in the Rio+20 event, a new panorama in terms of policy and debate on sustainable development is present in the Latin American region. The region has moved towards more sustainable development patterns in many respects in the last few decades, yet enormous gaps remain in the quest to promote and attain an economic and social development that is more equitable and more environmentally grounded. The international field has also changed over the last two decades, and the overlaps between various environment and development concerns have moved from the background of international policy to a more front row seat. Yet, the international debate is quite different, shifting from a development discourse to a so called green economy that appears to leave social development concerns aside as they relate to the environment and the economy.
Rio +20
Authors: Schreurs Miranda A.
Published: January 2012

In the twenty years since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, our scientific understanding of climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification have improved, but international political efforts to stem the rise in greenhouse gas emissions, slow the rates of biodiversity loss and desertification, and promote sustainable development have met with only limited success. Given the snails pace at which the international negotiations are moving forward (especially in the case of climate change), what other potentials are available? Parallel to international diplomatic efforts, other steps must be taken to meet these pressing global needs.
Implementation of AF-CBT by Community Practitioners Serving Child Welfare and Mental Health
Authors: Kolko David J. , Baumann Barbara L. , Herschell Amy D. , Hart Jonathan A. , Holden Elizabeth A. , Wisniewski Stephen R.
Published: January 2012

The Partnerships for Families project is a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the implementation of Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT), an evidence-based treatment for family conflict, coercion, and aggression, including child physical abuse. To evaluate the effectiveness of a training program in this model, 182 community practitioners from 10 agencies were randomized to receive AF-CBT training ( n = 90) using a learning community model (workshops, consultation visits) or Training as Usual (TAU; n = 92) which provided trainings per agency routine. Practitioners completed self-report measures at four time points (0, 6, 12, and 18 months following baseline). Of those assigned to AF-CBT, 89% participated in at least one training activity and 68% met a “training completion” definition. A total of 80 (44%) practitioners were still active clinicians in the study by 18-month assessment in that they had not met our staff turnover or study withdrawal criteria. Using an intent-to-train design, hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed significantly greater initial improvements for those in the AF-CBT training condition (vs. TAU condition) in CBT-related knowledge and use of AF-CBT teaching processes, abuse-specific skills, and general psychological skills. In addition, practitioners in both groups reported significantly more negative perceptions of organizational climate through the intervention phase. These significant, albeit modest, findings are discussed in the context of treatment training, research, and work force issues as they relate to the diverse backgrounds, settings, and populations served by community practitioners.
Incidence and management of arthralgias in breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors in an outpatient oncology clinic
Authors: Menas Pamela , Merkel Douglas , Hui Wendy , Lawton Jessica , Harper Abigail , Carro George
Published: January 2012

Purpose:

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are routinely used as first-line adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive tumors. The current recommended length of treatment with an AI is 5 years. Arthralgias have been frequently cited as the primary reason for discontinuation of AI therapy. Various treatment strategies are proposed in literature, but a standardized treatment algorithm has not been established. The initial purpose of this study was to describe the incidence and management of AI-induced arthralgias in patients treated at Kellogg Cancer Center (KCC). Further evaluation led to the development and the implementation of a treatment algorithm and electronic medical record (EMR) documentation tools.

Methods:

The retrospective chart review included 206 adult patients with hormone receptor positive breast cancer who were receiving adjuvant therapy with an AI. A multidisciplinary treatment team consisting of pharmacists, collaborative practice nurses, and physicians met to develop a standardized treatment algorithm and corresponding EMR documentation tool. The treatment algorithm and documentation tool were developed after the study to better monitor and proactively treat patients with AI-induced arthralgias.

Results/conclusions:

The overall incidence of arthralgias at KCC was 48% ( n = 98/206). Of these patients, 32% were documented as having arthralgias within the first 6 months of therapy initiation. Patients who reported AI-induced arthralgias were younger than patients who did not report AI-induced arthralgias (61 vs. 65 years, p = 0.002). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of arthralgias in patients with a history of chemotherapy (including taxane therapy) compared to those who did not receive chemotherapy ( p = 0.352). Of patients presenting with AI-induced arthralgias, 41% did not have physician-managed treatment documented in the EMR. A standardized treatment algorithm and electronic chart documentation tools were then developed by the multidisciplinary team.
Bacterial Colonization of the Skin Following Aseptic Preoperative Preparation and Impact of the Use of Plastic Adhesive Drapes
Authors: Falk-Brynhildsen Karin , Friberg Örjan , Söderquist Bo , Nilsson Ulrica G.
Published: January 2012

Surgical site contamination, for example, with coagulase-negative staphylococci, probably derives from both the patient’s own skin flora and those of the surgical team. Despite preoperative antiseptic preparation with chlorhexidine solution, complete sterilization of the skin is not possible and gradual recolonization will occur. Plastic adhesive drape is an established method used to prevent direct wound contamination from adjacent skin. In this study, the time to skin recolonization after antiseptic preparation was measured and the impact of using plastic adhesive drape on this recolonization was evaluated. Repeated bacterial sampling using three different methods over 6 hr was conducted after antiseptic preparation in 10 volunteers. Recolonization of skin was observed after 30 min with plastic drape and after 60 min without plastic drape; there were significantly more positive cultures with the plastic drape than without (31% vs. 7.5%, respectively, p < .001). Sampling with a rayon swab was the most sensitive sampling method. In conclusion, covering the skin with a plastic adhesive drape seems to hasten recolonization of the skin after antiseptic preparation. However, clinical trials to confirm this finding are warranted.
A fracture mechanics interpretation of rolling bearing fatigue
Authors: Lewis MWJ , Tomkins B
Published: January 2012

In fatigue assessment of structures and components, it is now commonplace to use a defect-tolerant approach to account for the inevitable presence of surface and internal flaws, both detectable and undetectable. This approach has been applied to rolling bearings in an attempt to present contact stress limits as a function of defect size below which fatigue failure would not be expected. In essence, it is an extension to the existing rating life methods developed by Ioannides and Harris that incorporate a fatigue limit stress in the estimation of bearing life, a concept similar to that of the endurance limit in structural fatigue. Such a fracture mechanics approach to sub-surface initiated fatigue in rolling bearing steels containing non-metallic inclusions, based upon the work of Murakami, has led to an allowable contact stress limit as a function of maximum inclusion size (as estimated by extreme value analysis). An alternative, less conservative fracture mechanics based stress limit is the prevention of propagation of cracks formed on inclusions (termed ‘butterflies’) by shear (Mode II) loading. The approach has been developed by examination of butterflies formed in service in rolling element bearings manufactured in bainitic steel with maximum inclusion sizes in excess of 100 µm. The observed lack of micro-crack formation on inclusions and non-propagation of butterflies support the concept of a fatigue endurance limit that is related to the cleanliness of the bearing steel.
Classification of the destination attributes in the content of competitiveness (by revised importance-performance analysis)
Authors: Caber Meltem , Albayrak Tahir , Matzler Kurt
Published: January 2012

High quality services and customer satisfaction are important determinants of destination competitiveness. For effectively and efficiently managing service quality and providing customer satisfaction, managers need to know how important satisfaction drivers are, and how their performance is perceived by the customers. Importance-performance analysis (IPA), in this context, is a convenient analytical technique that guides manager’s decisions. In this article, it is argued that a revised IPA using an isoline of importance and performance instead of the traditional quadrant analysis yields better results and increases the diagnostic value of IPA. This article shows empirically that market segments differ significantly within these two dimensions of the analysis, and so it is suggested that IPA should be conducted on a segment rather than an aggregate level. The empirical basis of the article is formed by a sample of 821 customers in a Turkish destination. By utilising IPA technique, determinant attributes of the competitiveness for subject destination could be identified for four market segments.
Repeat visits and intentions to revisit a sporting event and its nearby destinations
Authors: Osti Linda , Disegna Marta , Brida Juan Gabriel
Published: January 2012

This article investigates the effect that loyalty and tourist satisfaction with a sporting event have on visitors’ behavioural intention not only to revisit and recommend the event but also to revisit and recommend its nearby tourist destinations. The quantitative analysis is based on 343 self-administered questionnaires collected among the visitors of the Biathlon World Cup 2009 in South Tyrol, Northern Italy. The satisfaction variables were reduced to three factors: Services, Price, and Accessibility. Through the computation of numerous Logit models, this study shows that there is a positive relationship between the three satisfaction factors and the behavioural intention to revisit and recommend the event and its nearby tourist destinations to friends and relatives. Furthermore, loyalty to the event is strongly and positively related with the intention to revisit the event in the near future but not to revisit the destination or to recommend it to friends and relatives.
Service design: Suggesting a qualitative multistep approach for analyzing and examining theme park experiences
Authors: Trischler Jakob , Zehrer Anita
Published: January 2012

This article proposes and applies a multistep qualitative approach for evaluating service experiences, adapted from the emerging field of service design, in a theme park. It is argued that service design offers effective methods for analyzing and developing complex service experiences. By applying ‘persona’, ‘observation’, ‘guided interviews’, and ‘visualization’ methods to a theme park at the Gold Coast, Australia, it is found that the multistep approach delivers comprehensive insights into customer experiences and identifies critical incidents that take place during the service experience. As such, this study suggests a new method of how to analyze and evaluate service experiences.
Developing a new DMO marketing evaluation framework
Authors: Morgan Nigel , Hastings Ella , Pritchard Annette
Published: January 2012

Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) are under increasing pressure to demonstrate cost-effectiveness and evidence the additional value which accrues from their marketing interventions. This article reviews traditional destination marketing key performance indicators (KPIs) and suggests they largely evaluate what can be measured not what should be measured. It is argued that these KPIs are particularly unsuited for assessing the impact of DMO digital platforms and provide little strategic direction for brand development in today’s disintermediated marketing environment. The article analyses the process by which one DMO (Visit Wales) responded by developing new KPIs within a marketing evaluation framework and discusses the pilot year of their operation. The outcome of collaboration between tourism’s academic and industry knowledge communities, the article thus transforms organisationally held knowledge into publicly available explicit knowledge, which has the potential to inform sectoral innovation and increase competitiveness.
An overview of pelvic ring disruption
Authors: Garlapati Anand K , Ashwood Neil
Published: January 2012

Pelvic ring disruption after trauma is uncommon, occurring in 20–37/100,000 people in the general population. However, in high velocity poly trauma up to 20% of cases have this injury contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. The management of pelvic and acetabular trauma has become a subspecialty within the orthopaedic trauma care. The injury patterns are now better understood, there is agreement on a classification system and operative stabilisation has become a viable treatment option.
Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level as a marker of fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Purnak Tugrul , Beyazit Yavuz , Oztas Erkin , Yesil Yusuf , Efe Cumali , Torun Serkan , Celik Tugrul , Tenlik Ilyas , Kurt Mevlut , Ozaslan Ersan
Published: January 2012

Background and aims: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health problem and affects nearly 350 million people worldwide. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the role of circulating angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the context of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone in newly diagnosed chronic hepatitis B infection. Moreover the association between liver fibrosis and serum ACE levels was also investigated.

Materials and methods: The study was performed on 50 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients (24 males, 26 females; median age 39.4 years, range 18–63) and 20 healthy controls. The clinical features of CHB patients including demographics, laboratory and liver biopsy findings were summarized. Serum ACE levels were measured by using commercially available kits.

Results: Serum median ACE levels were 48.4 (14–83) U/L and 26.2 (12–48) U/L for the CHB patients and controls, respectively. Serum ACE levels were significantly higher in patients with CHB compared with the control group ( p<0.001). Twenty-two patients (44%) had advanced liver fibrosis (Ishak score >2) and 28 patients (56%) had mild liver fibrosis (Ishak score ≤ 2). Mean serum levels of ACE were significantly higher among patients with advanced fibrosis as compared with those without advanced fibrosis (60.3±14.2 U/L vs. 39.0±10.5 U/L, p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that the optimum ACE level cut-off point for advanced fibrosis was 52.5 U/L (sensitivity: 81.8%, specificity: 82.1%, PPV 78.3%, NPV 85.2%, accuracy 82%, AUC: 0.890).

Conclusions: Our study showed that elevated circulating ACE levels are commonly observed in CHB patients. This finding was more prominent in patients with advanced fibrosis in liver. When evaluating a patient along with other parameters, the inclusion of ACE levels in the evaluation of CHB patients may grant additional prognostic information.
Judith Shklar, Bernard Williams and political realism
Authors: Forrester Katrina
Published: January 2012

In light of recent interest among political theorists in the idea of political realism, Judith Shklar’s liberalism of fear has come to be associated with anti-Rawlsian thought. This paper seeks to show that, on the contrary, Shklar’s specific formulation of political realism, unlike more recent variations, was not motivated by a critique of Rawls. This paper will address three concerns: first, it will show what exactly Shklar’s initial realism was responding to; second, it will consider the implications of this realism for thinking about liberal democracies; third, it will attempt, briefly, in light of this, to make sense of her relationship with Rawls and, in turn, through a comparison with Bernard Williams’s thought, her relationship to anti-Rawlsian political realism.
Tragedies of non-ideal theory
Authors: Jubb Robert
Published: January 2012

This paper has three aims. First, it argues that the present use of ‘ideal theory’ is unhelpful, and that an earlier and apparently more natural use focusing on perfection would be preferable. Second, it has tried to show that revision of the use of the term would better expose two distinctive normative issues, and illustrated that claim by showing how some contributors to debates about ideal theory have gone wrong partly through not distinguishing them. Third, in exposing those two distinct normative issues, it has revealed a particular way in which ideal theory even under the more specific, revisionary definition will often be central to working out what to do in non-ideal circumstances. By clarifying the terms on which debates over ideal and non-ideal theory should take place, and highlighting the particular problems each deals with, it tries to clear the ground for turning to the actual problem, which is what to do in our non-ideal and often tragic circumstances.
Numerical prediction of slamming loads
Authors: Seng Sopheak , Jensen Jørgen J , Pedersen Preben T
Published: January 2012

It is important to include the contribution of the slamming-induced response in the structural design of large vessels with a significant bow flare. At the same time it is a challenge to develop rational tools to determine the slamming-induced loads and the prediction of their occurrence. Today it is normal practice to apply a standard sea-keeping procedure to determine the relative velocity distribution between the water surface and the hull and then to estimate the bottom slamming loads and the bow-flare slamming loads based on two-dimensional formulations similarly to water-entry problems. The pressure distribution as well as the total force is then determined by integration over a pseudo-three-dimensional presentation of the hull geometry.

In this paper the evaluation of the slamming load is taken one step further by performing direct three-dimensional, fully non-linear numerical calculations in a realistic wave environment.

Both the global and the local slamming loads are assessed numerically using a finite-volume formulation with the free surface captured by a volume-of-fluid technique. This numerical procedure is justified by comprehensive validation studies where numerically evaluated slamming pressures are compared with experimentally measured results.

To obtain an insight into the three-dimensional flow effects the next step is to apply the validated numerical procedure to evaluate and compare the accuracy and performance of the traditionally used two-dimensional formulations by a comparison with three-dimensional numerical formulations for a fine-form Panamax container ship bow hitting a flat water surface at a constant trim angle.

Finally, the slamming evaluation is carried out on the basis of a three-dimensional case study of the same container ship sailing in a head sea at half the service speed in a critical wave episode which is defined conditional on a given extreme response level of the hull girder bending moment.
The association between insulin and low-density lipoprotein receptors
Authors: Ramakrishnan Gopalakrishnan , Arjuman Albina , Suneja Shilpa , Das Chandana , Chandra Nimai C
Published: January 2012

The insulin receptor (IR) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) maintain glucose and lipid metabolism, respectively. Diabetes is associated with increased blood glucose, dyslipidaemia and increased risk of atherosclerosis. We hypothesise that interactions between IR and LDLR play a role in the atherosclerotic process in subjects with diabetes. Therefore, in this work we studied potential interactions between these two receptors. Our data show an intracellular and surface membrane-bound co-association of IR and LDLR. The co-association makes LDLR functionally poor in clearing extra-cellular LDL particles. A short 10 min exposure of cells to insulin disrupts the association between the two receptors and generates LDLR with higher LDL clearing activity without any change in protein expression. This co-association of LDLR with IR and their dissociation by insulin may be an important part of the regulatory mechanism of the normal physiological receptor function in a biological system. Modulation of receptor co-association is potentially a therapeutic target to reduce cardiovascular risk, and further studies are needed to investigate this possibility.
Body mass index and waist circumference associate to a comparable degree with insulin resistance and related metabolic abnormalities in South Asian women and men
Authors: Abbasi Fahim , Malhotra Donna , Mathur Ashish , Reaven Gerald M , Molina César R
Published: January 2012

Aim:

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) associate to a comparable degree with insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk factors in South Asians.

Methods:

We measured blood pressure and fasting glucose, insulin, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and fibrinogen and calculated the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in a community-based sample of 923 nondiabetic South Asians.

Results:

BMI and WC were highly correlated in both genders ( r = 0.82 and 0.87). The relationship between BMI and values of blood pressure, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, triglyceride, HDL-C, hs-CRP, and fibrinogen was comparable to that between WC and these variables. Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR correlated most strongly with BMI ( r = 0.49 to 0.56) and WC ( r = 0.52 to 0.59).

Conclusion:

These results show that BMI and WC associate to a comparable degree with estimates of insulin resistance and related metabolic abnormalities in South Asians.
Penalizing the Party
Authors: Konisky David M. , Richardson Lilliard E.
Published: January 2012

Many political pundits characterized the 2010 election as a referendum on President Obama’s health care reform law. The political science literature on issue voting, however, does not consistently demonstrate that these types of policy evaluations are central to citizens’ vote choices. Moreover, existing theories suggest different predictions about how the health care reform issue would affect elections across different levels of government. Studying data from the 2010 Cooperative Congressional Election Study (CCES), the analysis indicates that those opposed to health care reform were less likely to vote for Democratic candidates in the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate, state gubernatorial, and state attorneys general contests, controlling for partisan affiliation, political ideology, perceptions of the economy, and evaluations of other salient policy issues. These findings suggest that, across the board, Democrats were penalized for their support of health care reform, and more generally provide evidence of the role of noneconomic issue voting in U.S. elections.
Animating Joyce: Tim Booth’s Ulys
Authors: Walsh Thomas
Published: January 2012

According to Paul Wells, the lengthy and intimate relationship of the animation auteur to the animated text is similar to the writing process, and the animated form’s sense of its own artifice highlights the transformative aspects of adapting literary sources for the cinema. It is this expression of interiority, translation and textual process that makes the animated film a perfect vehicle for an adaptation of James Joyce’s Ulysses (1922), which utilizes multiple narrators to construct and deconstruct representations of urban, Dublin society in the early 20th century. It is the purpose of this article to consider Tim Booth’s animated short Ulys (1998), which is in part a commentary on Joyce’s writing authorship, and also an adaptation of Joyce’s novel. The author considers Booth’s use of animation to recover the ‘image-schemas’ that underpin Ulysses, and the ‘small spatial stories’ that inform human cognition of both the literary and animated text.
Investigation of bacterial resistance to the immune system response: Cepacian depolymerisation by reactive oxygen species
Authors: Cuzzi Bruno , Cescutti Paola , Furlanis Linda , Lagatolla Cristina , Sturiale Luisa , Garozzo Domenico , Rizzo Roberto
Published: January 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are part of the weapons used by the immune system to kill and degrade infecting microorganisms. Bacteria can produce macromolecules, such as polysaccharides, that are able to scavenge ROS. Species belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex are involved in serious lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients and produce a characteristic polysaccharide, cepacian. The interaction between ROS and bacterial polysaccharides was first investigated by killing experiments, where bacteria cells were incubated with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) with and without prior incubation with cepacian. The results showed that the polysaccharide had a protective effect towards bacterial cells. Cepacian was then treated with different concentrations of NaClO and the course of reactions was followed by means of capillary viscometry. The degradation products were characterised by size-exclusion chromatography, NMR and mass spectrometry. The results showed that hypochlorite depolymerised cepacian, removed side chains and O-acetyl groups, but did not cleave the glycosidic bond between glucuronic acid and rhamnose. The structure of some oligomers produced by NaClO oxidation is reported.
A Review and Proposed Treatment Approach for the Young Athlete at High Risk for the Female Athlete Triad
Authors: Cover Kimberly , Hanna Maria , Barnes Megan Ross
Published: January 2012

As sports medicine and health care professionals we have a responsibility to promote health and well-being in all the athletes we treat. The child or adolescent athlete who struggles with one or more aspects of the female athlete triad (Triad) may be at particular risk. This condition occurs on a spectrum and includes three interrelated components: energy availability, menstrual regularity and bone density. The domains of healthy nutrition, exercise and well-being form a cohesive foundation for skill development and may prevent development of the Triad interrelated aspects. By developing specific skills in each area, a younger athlete can earn a “safety badge” for safe sports participation which supports resilience and balance. Specific guidelines and expectations for the athlete in these three areas are outlined and can improve communication and treatment outcomes. Helping the athlete and family understand the importance of skill acquisition in these areas will promote treatment cohesion. Prevention through education of health care providers, the athletic community and parents is the key to success. The younger athlete should be evaluated for signs of the Triad during pre-participation physicals, yearly exams or any time one of the Triad interrelated aspects is present.
Onomastics Among Hispanic Migrants in South Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Ragone Agnes C M
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis paper analyzes onomastic choices and their possible reasons in the migrant Hispanic population in Pennsylvania. The investigation considers the double Hispanic surname system and first-name choices: Spanish ver- sus English, as well as creative first names. The data were initially collected from the Chambersburg, PA, school district. Interviews with the migrants allowed determining some of the reasons for the choices. In addition, the data from two counties were then analyzed to confirm the trends observed in the smaller pool. The analysis finds that the onomastic choices in this population show a tendency towards keeping the standards of the culture of origin for first names, with some accommodation to American culture, and a tendency to adopt American standards with surnames.
The Uncanny Unnamable in Doris Lessing’s The Fifth Child and Ben, in the World
Authors: Vinne Christine De
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn The Fifth Child and Ben, in the World, Nobel Laureate Doris Lessing creates a character whose naming attempts to socialize the unsocializable. In the first novel, Harriet and David Lovatt raise four edenic children, until the birth of Ben, their atavistic son. Exiled, Ben reappears as the sequel’s title character, a monstrous throwback searching the globe for home. Among a multitude of biblical and traditional given names, a surname that requires the family to ‘love it,’ and a world of modern and ancient place names, Lessing’s onomastic choices underscore her themes of identity and belonging.
A Look Back at the American Name Society
Authors: Names: A Journal of Onomastics
Published: January 2012

AbstractA Look Back at the American Name Society is an occasional section of influ- ential articles from this journal. George R. Stewart’s essay on place names provides a classificatory scheme, which includes: (1) descriptive names, (2) possessive names (3) incident names, (4) commemorative names, (5) euphemistic names, (6) manufactured names, (7) shift names, (8) folk etymological names, and (9) mistake names.
The Stuff of Which Names are Made: A Look at the Colorful and Eclectic Namecraft of Lord Dunsany
Authors: Robinson Christopher L
Published: January 2012

AbstractLord Dunsany’s prolific namecraft provides a rich field for study, but poses difficulties for traditional approaches to names in literature, which typically seek out the hidden meanings or symbolisms of isolated names. An alterna- tive approach is to look for trends in the forms and substances of the author’s inventions as a whole. To this end, Émile Souriau’s threefold typology of neologisms proves useful. In the first category, Dunsany camou- flages pre-existing vocables of diverse origins. In the second, he employs anglicized versions of forms identified with foreign languages and nomen- clatures, though he does not introduce actual foreign sounds. In the third, he constructs names from morphological building blocks. Whether English or foreign, Dunsany divests his source materials of their original referents, yet retains traces of their idiomatic provenance. Colorful and eclectic, his inventions resonate within a mythopoetic encyclopedia of diverse literary, historical, and cultural traditions.