bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Ambient Ultraviolet Radiation and Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Tran Bich , Jordan Susan J. , Lucas Robyn , Webb Penelope M. , Neale Rachel
Published: October 2012

Evidence is accumulating to suggest that higher exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is associated with decreased risk of internal cancers, but data for ovarian cancer are unclear. We aimed to examine the association between lifetime ambient UVR and ovarian cancer in a population-based-case–control study. The study included women aged 18 to 79 years with a new diagnosis of invasive (n = 1,215) or borderline (n = 285) epithelial ovarian cancer identified through a network of clinics and state cancer registries throughout Australia. Controls (n = 1,459), frequency matched to cases by age (5-year groups) and state of residence, were randomly selected from the National Electoral Roll. We asked participants to report where they had lived at different periods of their life and assigned an estimate of UVR using data from NASA's Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer database (1997–2003). We estimated the association between ambient UVR and risk of ovarian cancer using conditional logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders. Women in the highest third of average daily ambient UVR over their lifetime were at significantly lower risk of all epithelial ovarian cancers than those in the lowest third [OR, 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.56–0.88]. The inverse association was stronger for borderline tumors (0.47, 0.31–0.71) than invasive tumors (0.78, 0.61–1.00). The effect sizes for overall and borderline tumors were unchanged after adjusting for confounders, whereas the inverse association for invasive tumors was attenuated. These data suggest that exposure to ambient UVR may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 5(11); 1330–6. ©2012 AACR.
Paradoxical Gait at a Narrowed Entrance in a Patient with Hoehn-Yahr Stage III Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kataoka Hiroshi , Tanaka Noriyuki , Kiriyama Takao , Eura Nobuyuki , Horikawa Hirosei , Ikada Yoshito , Ueno Satoshi
Published: October 2012

Recently, we studied fallers and non-fallers with Hoehn-Yahr stage III Parkinson’s disease (PD) using a path that suddenly narrowed, which we originally designed and produced. A risk of future falls was suggested to be related to slow gait with freezing (SGF) elicited by a fear of falling before arrival at a narrowed entrance or while walking on a narrow path, as well as to the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part II score, associated with SGF. In the same study, we had faller patients walk on a path that narrowed in a straight-line fashion to determine whether SGF could be improved. In one patient, who showed a unique paradoxical gait, SGF resolved. We describe this patient in the hope that our experience will provide potential clues to effective ways to prevent future falls in patients with Hoehn-Yahr stage III PD. To prevent gait instability elicited by fear of falling in patients with Hoehn-Yahr stage III PD, it might be useful to remove narrowed entrances.
Therapy of Steroid-Resistant Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Manz Michael , Vavricka Stephan R. , Wanner Roger , Lakatos Peter L. , Rogler Gerhard , Frei Pascal , Safroneeva Ekaterina , Schoepfer Alain M.
Published: October 2012

Background and Aims: Although systemic corticosteroids are successfully administered for the induction of clinical response and remission in the majority of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presenting with a flare, a proportion of these patients demonstrate a primary nonresponse to steroids or in the case of an initial response, they develop a resistance or a steroid dependence. Long-term therapy with corticosteroids for treatment of IBD should be avoided, given the high frequency of adverse treatment effects. Knowledge about treatment strategies in case of steroid nonresponse is therefore highly relevant. Methods: A systematic literature research was performed using Medline and Embase to summarize the currently recommended treatment strategies for steroid-resistant IBD. Results: Treatment of steroid-resistant Crohn’s disease is based on the introduction of immunomodulators such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine or methotrexate, the anti-TNF drugs infliximab, adalimumab and certolizumab pegol. In the case of steroid resistance in ulcerative colitis, aminosalicylates, the above-mentioned immunomodulators, infliximab, adalimumab or calcineurin inhibitors such as ciclosporin or tacrolimus may be administered. Conclusion: This review summarizes the current evidence for treating steroid-resistant IBD.
Mucosal Healing with Anti-TNF Antibodies
Authors: Chevaux Jean-Baptiste , Vavricka Stephan R. , Rogler Gerhard , Lakatos Peter L. , Schoepfer Alain , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent
Published: October 2012

Nowadays, mucosal healing is regarded as a major end point in clinical trials and is increasingly used in clinical practice for the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The definition of mucosal healing varies across studies and validated endoscopic scoring indices are still lacking. The advent of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents has changed the way of treating inflammatory bowel disease and high rates of induction and maintenance of mucosal healing can be achieved with this drug class. Mucosal healing is desirable as it may change the natural course of the disease by decreasing surgery and hospitalization rates in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Treatment of Fibrostenotic and Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Schoepfer Alain M. , Safroneeva Ekaterina , Vavricka Stephan R. , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Mottet Christian
Published: October 2012

The majority of Crohn’s disease patients will develop a complicated disease course over time which is characterized by the occurrence of stricturing and penetrating disease. Penetrating disease comprises internal fistulas (e.g. enteroenteric) and perianal disease. A complicated disease course may be associated with considerable morbidity and professional and personal disabilities. Treatment options for fibrostenotic Crohn’s disease comprise endoscopic balloon dilation, stricturoplasties and surgical resection. Treatment of symptomatic perianal fistulizing disease is based on antibiotics, immunomodulators and anti-TNF drugs. Surgical measures include fistula drainage by means of setons, temporary ileostomy or a proctectomy. The presence of internal fistulas often necessitates surgical measures. A close collaboration between the gastroenterologist and the surgeon is mandatory to solve these interdisciplinary challenges.
Effects of Vertical Wind Shear on the Predictability of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Zhang Fuqing , Tao Dandan
Published: October 2012

Through cloud-resolving simulations, this study examines the effect of vertical wind shear and system-scale flow asymmetry on the predictability of tropical cyclone (TC) intensity during different stages of the TC life cycle. A series of ensemble experiments is performed with varying magnitudes of vertical wind shear, each initialized with an idealized weak TC-like vortex, with small-scale, small-amplitude random perturbations added to the initial conditions. It is found that the environmental shear can significantly affect the intrinsic predictability of tropical cyclones, especially during the formation and rapid intensification stage. The larger the vertical wind shear, the larger the uncertainty in the intensity forecast, primarily owing to the difference in the timing of rapid intensification.

In the presence of environmental shear, initial random noise may result in changes in the timing of rapid intensification by as much as 1–2 days through the randomness (and chaotic nature) of moist convection. Upscale error growth from differences in moist convection first alters the tilt amplitude and angle of the incipient tropical storms, which leads to significant differences in the timing of precession and vortex alignment. During the precession process, both the vertical tilt of the storm and the effective (local) vertical wind shear are considerably decreased after the tilt angle reaches 90° to the left of the environmental shear. The tropical cyclone intensifies immediately after the tilt and the effective local shear reach their minima. In some instances, small-scale, small-amplitude random noise may also limit the intensity predictability through altering the timing and strength of the eyewall replacement cycle.
Tidal, Riverine, and Wind Influences on the Circulation of a Macrotidal Estuary
Authors: Bolaños Rodolfo , Brown Jennifer M. , Amoudry Laurent O. , Souza Alejandro J.
Published: October 2012

The effect of tides, river, wind and Earth’s rotation on the three-dimensional circulation in the Dee, a macrotidal estuary, are investigated using a fine-resolution model. The interactions of the large tidal amplitude, currents, river, and wind-generated circulation require baroclinic and unsteady studies to properly understand the estuarine dynamics. Assessment of the model skill has been carried out by model–observation comparisons for salinity, which is the main control for density, surface elevation, current, and turbulence. Stationary nondimensional numbers were only partially able to characterize the dynamics in this (real) complex macrotidal estuary. At low water, tidal straining and constrained river flow cause stratification. Large spatial variability occurs in the current and residual patterns, with flood-dominated maximum values occurring within the tidal channels. The tides control residual circulation by modulating stratification through tidal straining and bathymetric constraint on river flow. Tide–stratification–river interaction causes an unsteady pattern of residual circulation and tidal pulses. River-induced pulses are enhanced near low tide–inducing density-driven circulation. Wind effects are concentrated near the surface, mainly occurring at high tide because of increased fetch. Even though Coriolis has, overall, a small contribution it produces tidal pulses modifying the current and salinity distribution.
A National Survey of Candidates
Authors: Katz Debra A. , Kaplan Marcia , Stromberg Sarah E.
Published: October 2012

A national survey of candidates was conducted to identify motivations for pursuing psychoanalytic training, obstacles that prevent progression or completion, and candidates’ ideas on how best to increase interest among potential trainees. In 2009–2010, 40 percent of candidates on the affiliate member e-mail list completed an anonymous web-based survey. Candidates strongly endorsed contact with a personal psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, or supervisor as the most important influence in discovering psychoanalysis and deciding to pursue training. They identified the total cost of analytic training as the greatest obstacle. This was followed by the cost of personal analysis, loss of income for low-fee cases, time away from family, and difficulty finding cases. To enhance training, local institutes should work to improve institute atmosphere and provide assistance with finding cases; national organizations should increase outreach activities and publicize psychoanalysis. Psychoanalytic institutes could recruit future candidates by working to increase personal contact with psychoanalysts, reducing the cost of training, improving institute atmosphere, assisting with case-finding, enhancing outreach activities, and widely publicizing psychoanalysis. Narrative comments from candidates and the implications of these findings regarding engagement of future trainees are discussed.
A Candidate’s Experience Doing Research During Training
Authors: Hadge Luke
Published: October 2012

A psychoanalytic candidate explores his experience of participating in a research project at his institute during his training. The candidate has been a member of Sabrina Cherry’s prospective study of psychoanalytic practice and professional development conducted at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. While much as been written about candidacy from numerous perspectives, there is little in the literature about how being engaged in research affects a candidate’s overall training experience. In particular, attention is paid to understanding the benefits, synergies, conflicts, and tensions in combining research with such aspects of analytic training as the training analysis, control cases, supervision, classes, and institute life. A parallel is drawn between the listening and interpretive skills learned in order to practice analysis and the method of textual analysis employed in the research project. The author believes that his research training and the impact of the specific research topic have enriched and deepened his analytic training, while at the same time revealing certain anxieties in integrating research with the development of his analytic skills and identity.
Cross-Cultural Evidence for Spatial Bias in Beliefs About the Severity of Environmental Problems
Authors: Schultz P. Wesley , Milfont Taciano L. , Chance Randie C. , Tronu Giuseppe , Luís Sílvia , Ando Kaori , Rasool Faiz , Roose Pamela Linera , Ogunbode Charles Adedayo , Castro Juana , Gouveia Valdiney V.
Published: October 2012

Prior research has shown a tendency for environmental problems to be rated as more severe at the global level than at the local level. The present article reports reanalyses of a large cross-cultural data set (Study 1: k = 22, N = 3,277) and new cross-cultural data (Study 2: k = 8, N = 1,131) examining the prevalence of this spatial bias in the rated severity of environmental problems along with analyses of individual and country-level predictors of this bias. Results from multilevel modeling analyses showed that spatial bias was greater for happier and younger individuals and for those from smaller communities. We interpret these results as evidence for self-serving and “place-serving” biases in which the bias tempers the severity of environmental problems in one’s local area. Considering the large cross-cultural evidence, we argue that spatial bias is a plausible candidate of a psychological universal identified by research in environmental psychology.
How top management team behavioural integration can impact employee work outcomes: Theory development and first empirical tests
Authors: Raes Anneloes ML , Bruch Heike , De Jong Simon B
Published: October 2012

This article explores whether a top management team’s (TMT) behavioural integration relates to the work outcomes of employees. We first discuss likely theoretical mechanisms for such a relationship by integrating the literature on top management team behavioural integration with the literature on organizational climate, productive energy and employee work outcomes. Subsequently, we test our hypotheses in a dataset containing the responses of 191 top management team members and 5048 employees from 63 organizations by using structural equation modelling. The results show that top management team behavioural integration is related positively to an organization’s productive energy, which in turn is related to employees’ increased job satisfaction and decreased turnover intentions. By providing first insights into the consequences of top management team behavioural integration for employees, this article opens a new avenue for scientific inquiry on the organizational impact of top management team behaviour.
Acute psychiatric inpatient care: A cross-cultural comparison between two hospitals in Germany and Japan
Authors: Moriwaki Kumi , Neuner Tanja , Hübner-Liebermann Bettina , Hausner Helmut , Wittmann Markus , Horiuchi Toshihiro , Watanabe Hiromi , Kato Hideyuki , Hirakawa Junich , Iwai Kazumasa
Published: October 2012

Background:

Intercultural differences influence acute inpatient psychiatric care systems.

Aims:

To evaluate characteristics of acute inpatient care in a German and a Japanese hospital.

Method:

Based on a sample of 465 admissions to the Psychiatric State Hospital Regensburg (BKR) and 91 admissions to the Hirakawa Hospital (HH) over a six-month period in 2008, data from the psychiatric basic documentation system (BADO) were analysed with regard to socio-demographic characteristics, treatment processes and outcome indicators.

Results:

Schizophrenia and related psychosis was the most common diagnosis in both hospitals. Cases at the BKR were admitted more quickly after onset of the present episode. Global Assessment of Psychosocial Functioning (GAF) ratings at admission were lower at the HH. Most admissions to both hospitals received psychopharmacological treatment, but more at the HH received psychotherapy. Length of stay was significantly longer at the HH (75 days) than at the BKR (28 days). Admissions to the HH were more improved with regard to GAF and clinical global impression (CGI).

Conclusions:

Acute admissions in Germany provide intensive care with short hospitalization as crisis intervention. For acute admissions in Japan, comprehensive care for severe mental illness precedes emergency admissions and achieves greater improvement with longer hospitalization.
The etiology of mental disorders: Public endorsement of traditional Chinese beliefs in Macau
Authors: Found Andrew , Duarte Carlos
Published: October 2012

Background:

Public beliefs concerning the causes of mental disorders are important in their effective treatment. The relative importance of public beliefs related to the etiology of mental disorders among Chinese populations and their relationship to other attitudes to mental disorders are poorly understood.

Aims:

To investigate the endorsement of beliefs related to the etiology of mental disorders in Macau, in particular, traditional Chinese beliefs, and to explore their relationship to general attitudes towards mental disorders.

Methods:

A survey of 361 members of the public measured attitudes towards 32 possible causes of mental disorders as well as contact with and social distance from individuals with a mental disorder.

Results:

The results indicated that traditional Chinese beliefs were ranked with relatively low importance compared with psychosocial causes. Traditional beliefs related to two underlying factors and were significantly higher in participants with lower education levels. There was a significant negative correlation between endorsement of traditional beliefs and contact with individuals with a mental disorder and a significant positive correlation between endorsement of traditional beliefs and desired social distance from individuals with a mental disorder.

Conclusion:

Factors underlying traditional Chinese beliefs concerning the causes of mental disorders are associated with more negative attitudes towards individuals with a mental disorder, with such beliefs more strongly endorsed by those with relatively lower education levels.
Optimal utilization of the terminal for bulk cargo unloading
Authors: Bugaric Ugljesa S , Petrovic Dusan B , Jeli Zorana V , Petrovic Dragan V
Published: October 2012

This paper analyses the capacity of a bulk cargo unloading river terminal, i.e. the existing terminal configuration with two unloading devices (operation without a help strategy and under a complete help strategy between unloading devices) and the predicted future terminal configuration with three unloading devices operating under a partial help strategy. The optimization procedure to determine unloading terminal optimal utilization, for each terminal configuration and operation strategy (existing and future situation) is also shown, due to the fact that ports (terminals) operation under an optimal capacity provides prompt accommodation of vessels with the minimum port waiting time and maximum use of berth facilities. For the purpose of a comprehensive analysis, three different river terminal simulation models have been developed due to the number of unloading devices and their operation strategy. Some of the obtained results have been applied and verified on the existing system.
The effect of partial replacement of carbon black (CB) with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on the properties of CB/HNT-filled natural rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Ismail Hanafi , Salleh Siti Zuliana , Ahmad Zulkifli
Published: October 2012

The effect of partial replacement of carbon black (CB) with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on the properties of natural rubber nanocomposites was investigated. Total hybrid fillers were kept constant at 40 parts per hundred rubber (phr) and were prepared using laboratory two-roll mill. Longer scorch and cure times were observed with the addition of more HNTs. The results also showed a decrement in tensile strength and tensile moduli besides causing an increment in swelling percentage. However, positive results were shown during elongation at break and fatigue life which indicates possible usefulness of HNTs in dynamic application of rubber products. Comparable thermal stability of nanocomposites with variable CB/HNTs ratios was shown in thermogravimetric analysis data.
The Relation Between Parental Racial Socialization and African Americans’ Racial Ideologies
Authors: French Sabine Elizabeth , Coleman Brett Russell
Published: October 2012

Racial ideology shapes how African Americans interpret the world and cope with race-related issues and events. A complex interaction of individual, family, and group experiences in one’s sociocultural and historical context is critical to the development of racial ideology. While parental racial socialization has been associated with racial identity, the more specific relationship between parental racial socialization and racial ideology is less understood. The present study examined the association of four dimensions of racial socialization messages reported by participants (cultural socialization, preparation for bias, promotion of mistrust, and egalitarian socialization) with four dimensions of racial ideology (assimilationist, humanist, oppressed minority, and nationalist) using hierarchical linear regression ( n = 89 African American college students). Participants’ endorsement of assimilationist and oppressed minority ideologies was not predicted by racial socialization messages. However, endorsement of humanist and nationalist ideologies was predicted by cultural and egalitarian socialization messages in opposing directions. Cultural socialization was associated with endorsement of higher nationalist and lower humanist ideology, whereas egalitarian socialization was associated with the endorsement of lower nationalist and higher humanist ideology.
Effectiveness of different exercises and stretching physiotherapy on pain and movement in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moyano F Revelles , Valenza MC , Martin L Martin , Caballero Y Castellote , Gonzalez-Jimenez E , Demet G Valenza
Published: October 2012

Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combined with exercise, classic stretching physiotherapy intervention, and educational intervention at improving patient function and pain in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Design:

Randomized, controlled, blind trial over four months.

Setting:

Urban population, Spain.

Participants:

Patients undergoing primary care for retropatellar pain.

Intervention:

Subjects were allocated on three different treatment options: a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and aerobic exercise group, a classic stretching group, and a control treatment were applied over four months under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Main outcome:

Knee Society Score, pain reported (Visual analogue scale) and knee range of motion. Assessments were completed at baseline and after four months.

Results:

74 patients were enrolled in the study and distributed between groups. Both the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and classic stretching group showed significant changes in all variables after four months intervention ( p < 0.001). The difference in mean Kujala knee score changes between groups (classic stretching group vs. proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group vs. control group) at four months was −24.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) −30.19, −17.90), p ≤ 0.001; vs. −39.03 (95% confidence interval (CI) −42.5, −35.5), p ≤ 0.001; vs. −0.238 (95% confidence interval (CI) −1.2, 0.726), p = 0.621, respectively.

Conclusions:

A proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation intervention protocol combined with aerobic exercise showed a better outcome than a classic stretching protocol after four months.
One infrastructure, many global visions: The commercialization and diversification of Argos, a satellite-based environmental surveillance system
Authors: Benson Etienne
Published: October 2012

Argos is a satellite-based data collection and location system that has been in operation since the late 1970s; it is the only such system to be dedicated solely to environmental applications. This paper shows how multiple and sometimes conflicting ways of envisioning and studying the global environment have been embodied in the Argos system. In particular, it shows how the system’s initial focus on meeting the needs of meteorologists and oceanographers made it difficult for wildlife biologists, who were interested in tracking the long-distance movements of animals, to use Argos tags. Physical environmental scientists’ vision of the global environment as a ‘volume of flows’ dictated their need for regular, precise, standardized sampling stations distributed in a grid across and above the Earth’s surface. Biologists interested in the interactions of individual animals and populations in a ‘web of life’, in contrast, demanded a flexible system of global access to the movements of individual bodies. Until the mid-1980s, the unit of the French space agency responsible for Argos resisted changes to the system that would have made it easier for biologists to deploy lightweight, low-reliability tags. It was only after the quasi-commercialization of the system in 1986 that it began to make significant concessions to the needs of biologists. The history of Argos suggests that individual infrastructures of environmental observation can host multiple and conflicting global environmental visions and that commercialization, at least within certain constraints, has provided opportunities for such visions to proliferate.
Safety and efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation of the occipital nerves for the management of chronic migraine: Results from a randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, controlled study
Authors: Silberstein Stephen D , Dodick David W , Saper Joel , Huh Billy , Slavin Konstantin V , Sharan Ashwini , Reed Ken , Narouze Samer , Mogilner Alon , Goldstein Jerome , Trentman Terrence , Vaisman Julien , Ordia Joseph , Weber Peter , Deer Timothy , Levy Robert , Diaz Roni L , Washburn Stephanie N , Mekhail Nagy
Published: October 2012

Background:

Chronic migraine (CM) is a debilitating neurological disorder with few treatment options. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) of the occipital nerves is a potentially promising therapy for CM patients.

Methods:

In this randomized, controlled multicenter study, patients diagnosed with CM were implanted with a neurostimulation device near the occipital nerves and randomized 2:1 to active ( n = 105) or sham ( n = 52) stimulation. The primary endpoint was a difference in the percentage of responders (defined as patients that achieved a ≥50% reduction in mean daily visual analog scale scores) in each group at 12 weeks.

Results:

There was not a significant difference in the percentage of responders in the Active compared with the Control group (95% lower confidence bound (LCB) of −0.06; p = 0.55). However, there was a significant difference in the percentage of patients that achieved a 30% reduction ( p = 0.01). Importantly, compared with sham-treated patients, there were also significant differences in reduction of number of headache days (Active Group = 6.1, baseline = 22.4; Control Group = 3.0, baseline = 20.1; p = 0.008), migraine-related disability ( p = 0.001) and direct reports of pain relief ( p = 0.001). The most common adverse event was persistent implant site pain.

Conclusion:

Although this study failed to meet its primary endpoint, this is the first large-scale study of PNS of the occipital nerves in CM patients that showed significant reductions in pain, headache days, and migraine-related disability. Additional controlled studies using endpoints that have recently been identified and accepted as clinically meaningful are warranted in this highly disabled patient population with a large unmet medical need. Trial registration: Clinical trials.gov (NCT00615342).
Adolescents’ Disciplinary Use of Evidence, Argumentative Strategies, and Organizational Structure in Writing About Historical Controversies
Authors: De La Paz Susan , Ferretti Ralph , Wissinger Daniel , Yee Laura , MacArthur Charles
Published: October 2012

This study considers how adolescents compose historical arguments, and it identifies theoretically grounded predictors of the quality of their essays. Using data from a larger study on the effects of a federally funded Teaching American History grant on student learning, we analyzed students’ written responses to document-based questions at the 8th grade ( n = 44) and the 11th ( n = 47). We report how students use evidence (a hallmark of historical thinking), how students structure their historical arguments, and what kinds of argumentative strategies they use when writing about historical controversies. In general, better writers cite more evidence in their arguments than weaker writers, and older students demonstrate how to situate evidence in ways that are consistent with the discipline. Both the structure of students’ arguments and their use of evidence were predictive of the overall quality of their essays. Finally, students’ use of argumentation strategies revealed patterns relevant to the historical topic and sources in question, as well as to differences related to writing skill. In our sample, better writers used strategies based on facts and evidence from the documents more so than weaker writers and demonstrated the capacity to contextualize and corroborate evidence in their arguments.
Adolescent Girls’ Experiences of Discrimination
Authors: Ayres Melanie M. , Leaper Campbell
Published: October 2012

The research examined (a) girls’ responses to personal experiences of gender and/or ethnic/racial discrimination, (b) social support from parents and friends following the discrimination, and (c) the relationship between girls’ reported coping strategies to the discrimination and their self-esteem. Participants were 74 adolescent girls ( M = 16.3 years) from diverse ethnic backgrounds in California. Each girl completed an online survey that included open-ended questions about a personal experience of discrimination and self-reported coping strategies, as well as a questionnaire measure of self-esteem. Results indicate that girls’ reported coping strategies were varied. Avoidance strategies such as ignoring the situation were most common, but many girls also reported use of approach strategies such as confronting the discrimination. Social support from family and friends was related to self-esteem. The study highlights ways in which family and friends may help or hinder girls as they cope with different kinds of discrimination.
Cul-de-sac kids
Authors: Hochschild Thomas R
Published: October 2012

Previous research indicates that adults who live on cul-de-sac streets are more likely to have positive experiences with neighbors than residents of other street types (Brown and Werner, 1985; Hochschild Jr, 2011; Mayo Jr, 1979; Willmott, 1963). The present research ascertains whether street design has an impact on children’s neighborhood experiences. The author interviewed 73 adults who live on cul-de-sacs and 37 adults who live on through-streets ( N = 110) to determine adults’ understandings of children’s neighborhood experiences. The data reveal three primary benefits for children raised on cul-de-sacs. First, because cul-de-sacs tend to be territorial streets, parents are more likely to let their children play outside unattended under the watchful eyes of neighbors. These neighbors provide a social safety net for cul-de-sac children and their friends. Second, because they are aware that they are likely being watched, cul-de-sac children are less likely to partake in deviant activities while on their street. The author refers to this internalized form of self-discipline as street panopticism. Third, the low traffic levels on cul-de-sacs create greater opportunity for uninterrupted play, thus drawing cul-de-sac kids outside for individual and group recreation. The author argues that cul-de-sacs, as well as other low-traffic streets, can enhance children’s neighborhood experiences and create more vibrant neighborhoods.
Novel hybrid acid–base membranes based on sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone), tetraethoxysilane and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane for fuel cell application
Authors: Ren Jiannan , Zhang Shuling , Wang Qinhong , Geng Zhi , Wang Guibin
Published: October 2012

Two kinds of novel hybrid membranes with and without (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (KH550) were produced using tetraethoxysilane dispersed in sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES) matrix by the sol–gel method. The obtained hybrid membranes (SPAES-K-SiO2 and SPAES–SiO2) possessed higher water uptake, proton conductivities and selectivity compared with the pristine SPAES membrane when the SiO2 content was 3 and 6 wt%, whereas the same properties of the obtained hybrid membranes decreased when the SiO2 content was 10 wt%. In addition, the acid–base interactions between SPAES and SiO2 could improve the dispersion of the inorganic particles (SiO2) in the SPAES matrix. As a result, SPAES–K–SiO2 hybrid membranes presented better methanol permeability and selectivity than SPAES–SiO2 hybrid membranes without the acid–base interactions.
Mass air flow control of common-rail diesel engines using an artificial neural network
Authors: Oh Byounggul , Lee Minkwang , Park Yeongseop , Won Jongseob , Sunwoo Myoungho
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a non-linear control system design for managing the mass flow rate in a common-rail direct-injection diesel engine. In diesel engines, exhaust gas recirculation systems are used to reduce the nitrogen oxide emissions. Since an exhaust gas recirculation system has highly non-linear characteristics and is coupled with a variable-geometry turbocharger, it requires a non-linear control system, which can substitute for an existing conventional lookup-table-based controller, in order to secure a control performance in the transient operating regime. In this project, the objective of the control system is to track the target mass air flow by adjusting the exhaust gas recirculation valve lift. In order to accomplish this objective, a non-linear control system is proposed that adopts a neural-network-based control scheme and an indirect adaptive control approach. The neural adaptive controller determines the position of the exhaust gas recirculation valve lift for tracking target values, based on measured values. An error back-propagation algorithm for online training of neural networks is employed. The proposed control system was validated with engine experiments under transient operating conditions. It was demonstrated from experimental results that the proposed control system shows an improved target-value-tracking performance, when compared with conventional mass air flow controllers.
Attitudes Toward Nonsmoking Policies and Tobacco Tax Increases
Authors: Dao Thi Minh An , Hoang Van Minh , Le Thi Huong , Kim Bao Giang , Le Thi Thanh Xuan , Pham Thi Quynh Nga , Hsia Jason
Published: October 2012

Following the 2009 update of the 2005 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Vietnam issued a new policy to ban smoking at workplaces and public places. This cross-sectional survey explored public attitudes toward this new regulation and provides evidence to inform future laws. Using stratified cluster sampling, 10 383 Vietnamese people older than 15 years were drawn from 11 142 selected households. Policies mandating “no smoking at workplaces” were supported by 88.7% of Vietnamese adults, whereas “no smoking in public places” and “increasing the tobacco tax” received less support. Educational level, knowledge of health effects, access to information on quitting and smoking health risks, smoking status, ethnicity, and region had significant associations with positive attitudes toward all 3 tobacco control policies. Adults belonging to the non-Kinh ethnic group, those who do not live in the Red river delta, people with lower educational levels, and current smokers should be targeted in tobacco control communication programs.
Transformational Teaching Experience of a Novice Teacher
Authors: Kumi-Yeboah Alex , James Waynne
Published: October 2012

This research investigates the transformational teaching experiences of a novice award-winning teacher. Data collection consisted primarily of interviews and observations. To support these methods, we utilized field notes and reflection journals to triangulate the data. To become a successful teacher, the teacher passed through transformational experiences of teaching challenges, preparation and organization skills, hard work and dedication, extracurricular activities, mentoring, and, most importantly, professional development
Parental Nurturance in the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample
Authors: Aronoff Joel
Published: October 2012

In recent years attachment theory has matured into a wide-ranging conceptual framework with sufficient power to explain important features of individual and social variability across societies. In the research reported here, the empirical work directed by attachment theory is used to expand existing codes to measure more fully those aspects of parent-child interaction that facilitate or retard the child’s development. This article presents the coding system and scores on parental nurturance for each of the societies of the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample (SCCS). Articles (in press) will present all the evidence on parental nurturance available in the standard bibliography as well as new research examining ways that parental nurturance may be incorporated into models integrating environmental, psychological, and social processes.
Quantitative Frame Analysis of How the Gene Concept Is Presented in Tabloid and Elite Newspapers
Authors: Carver Rebecca Bruu , Rødland Einar Andreas , Breivik Jarle
Published: October 2012

Tabloid and elite newspapers differ in journalistic style and address different socioeconomic segments of society. Few studies have systematically investigated how these differences influence science communication, and the issue of genetics is particularly relevant. In this study, we performed a quantitative frame analysis of genetic discourse in 12 national newspapers that address different audiences. We found that tabloid and elite newspapers use different frames when communicating the gene concept. The differences were related to the use of expert writers and choice of topics, and we discuss how framing of the gene concept is related to the newspapers’ editorial profiles.
Effects of an edge crack on the free vibration and lateral buckling of a cantilever laminated composite slender beam
Authors: Karaagac Celalettin , Ozturk Hasan , Sabuncu Mustafa
Published: October 2012

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of laminate scheme, crack ratio ( a/h) and crack position ( L1/L) on the free vibration and lateral buckling of a cantilever slender rectangular beam such as an airplane wing or a wind turbine blade with a single edge crack. The local flexibility approach is adopted to model the crack, based on linear fracture mechanics and the Castigliano theorem. The governing matrix equations for free vibration and buckling load are derived from the standard beam element and cracked beam element combined with the local flexibility concept. The results are obtained numerically using the finite element method, based on the energy approach and are given for crack ratios up to 0.5 at crack positions up to 0.9 ratio. Polynomial approximation for displacements gives results with reasonable accuracy.
Anxieties of an Ethnic Transition
Authors: Filindra Alexandra , Orr Marion
Published: October 2012

This study shows that both race and perceptions about one’s personal economic situation can play a role in how voters assess the likely future of the city under a racially other mayor. Using the historic transition of the Providence mayoralty to a Latino mayor as the context, and new survey data collected in September 2010, our research show that Latinos –the ethnic “winners” of the contest, are more likely to express positive expectations about the city under Mayor Taveras’. On the other hand, whites have a less positive outlook for the city. Both those who lost economically and those whose fortunes improved during the recession express more pessimistic expectations for the city. Our study also shows that blacks who have been affected by the downturn are more likely to have a less optimistic outlook of the city under Taveras’, an indication that intraminority competition is taking place in Providence among the city’s poor minorities.
Reevaluating the Effect of Tax and Expenditure Limitations
Authors: Sun Rui
Published: October 2012

This article evaluates the effect of tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) on municipal general own-source revenue in the United States. Using an instrumental variable approach, this study addresses the endogeneity problem of TELs that has been largely overlooked in previous research. Data are collected on 724 US cities with populations of at least 25,000 from 1970 to 2006. Results indicate that when the endogeneity of TELs is taken into account, TELs lead to considerable reductions in property taxes but substantial increases in sales taxes, income taxes, and user charges per capita. The increases in the latter forms of revenue not only offset the loss in property taxes but also generate a supplemental revenue effect, resulting in a net gain of total municipal general own-source revenue per capita. The study provides important policy implications and suggests that TELs may have unintended consequences and lead to bigger government.
Using complexity-consistent theory for evaluating complex systems
Authors: Westhorp Gill
Published: October 2012

This article draws on two recent traditions in evaluation methodology, one grounded in complexity theory and the other in a realist philosophy of science. Sometimes seen as incompatible, it is argued here that complexity theory and realist evaluation are ‘natural bedfellows’. Because of their similarities and differences, evaluators can usefully draw on both perspectives within the same evaluation. One way to do so is to draw on key concepts from each in the selection and use of substantive theory. The article introduces the concept of ‘complexity-consistent’ substantive theories and suggests that this is useful for the evaluation of policies and programs in complex adaptive systems. It demonstrates how substantive theories can be analysed in complexity terms, how multiple theories can be ‘layered’ to reflect multiple levels of systems, and how such theories can be used within evaluation design and analysis.
Metrolingual art: Multilingualism and heteroglossia
Authors: Jaworski Adam
Published: October 2012

Metrolingualism can be defined as the contemporary practice of creative uses, or mixing, of different linguistic codes in predominantly urban contexts, transcending established social, cultural, political and historical boundaries, identities and ideologies (Otsuiji & Pennycook, 2010). The present paper examines how this term can be applied to theorizing instances of contemporary text art that combine two or more languages, or that transform known linguistic codes into ‘fake’ or fantasy ones. The paper extends the scope of metrolingualism beyond multilingualism and includes a multimodal dimension, the mixing of genres, styles, accents, texts’ materiality, as well as their emplacement and pragmatic relevance. Finally, the paper suggests a reframing of metrolingualism as a manifestation of heteroglossia. International multimedia and performance artists whose work is analysed include Laurie Anderson, Xu Bing, Wenda Gu, Song Dong, Zhang Peili and Claire Fontaine.
‘How dead dead the dead are’: sensing the science of death
Authors: Horsley Philomena
Published: October 2012

This article focuses on two revelatory moments I experienced during hospital-based fieldwork. The first, involving a microscope, offered me a glimpse into the sensory intellectuality that attracts some doctors to the specialty of anatomical pathology. The second occurred as I gazed into an emptied human skull. This experience generated a gestalt-shift of insight into the capacity of pathologists to work with human remains. Both events opened a doorway to the sequestered science of death – the macroscopy and microscopy upon which anatomical pathology is built – and the enervating emotions that support the doctors who ‘mutilate’ the dead during autopsy.
Plastic islands and processual grounds: ethics, ontology, and the matter of decay
Authors: Jackson Mark
Published: October 2012

Hybrid geographies, ‘naturecultures’, and post-environmental arguments commonly caution against material essentialism, and typically eschew primordial grounds as foundations for ethics. Attenuating such claims, the following paper argues that, nevertheless, ethical grounds are functions of pre-human material givens. Further, the paper explores how we are temporally bound through these more-than-human processes and agencies. Decay is highlighted as one such ontological process that necessarily privileges itself as a matter of human and ethical concern. To argue this position, two island imaginaries are juxtaposed. By contrasting their materialities of plastic and humus, the paper proposes attending to a processual ground immanent to ethical concern. Desert islands, primordial materials of the immemorial (humus), are contrasted to a built island space proposed to be made from pelagic waste (plastic). The contrast reveals that some ontological processes are always already privileged by materialities temporally subtending specifically human spatio-temporal horizons. The argument invites contemporary hybrid geographies to attend to how spatial materialities are also agentially wrought by temporal processes that shape the emergent objects and trajectories of our thought. It concludes with the claim that an ethical basis lies in attuning to human immanence within more-than-human geo-capacities. Good to think with, islands can be performative materials for this ethical attunement.
The fats of life in diabetes
Authors: Wierzbicki Anthony S
Published: October 2012

Dyslipidaemia is a feature of diabetes and a risk factor for future cardiovascular disease (CVD) though the exact relationships for lipid fractions differ between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. CVD risk equivalence is a well established concept for easy prioritisation of treatment of patients with diabetes as a group but masks a wide range of CVD risk within the group depending on type of diabetes, its duration, the extent of microvascular disease and presence of other risk factors. The first line treatment for CVD risk in diabetes is the use of statins though reduction in non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may be a better indicator of efficacy of treatment than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The status of all second line therapies for dyslipidaemia in diabetes is unclear as though fibrates and niacin have monotherapy evidence, in general CVD trials to date do not show clear benefits of combination therapy. Multiple novel medications for dyslipidaemia are in development but all require specific investigations in patients with diabetes and also endpoint trials before they can be accepted into general use.