bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Interstitial Nephritis and Membranous Nephropathy in the Context of IgG4-Related Disease
Authors: Stylianou Kostas , Maragkaki Eleftheria , Tzanakakis Michael , Stratakis Stavros , Gakiopoulou Hariklia , Daphnis Eugene
Published: December 2014

We present the case of a patient with IgG4-related disease, which manifested in an asynchronous manner as vitiligo, cholecystitis, sialadenitis, lymphadenopathy, facial palsy and kidney dysfunction. The patient underwent a renal biopsy, and a presumptive diagnosis of lupus nephritis was made due to compatible clinical and immunological findings. The biopsy revealed IgG4-related kidney disease with severe interstitial nephritis and membranous nephropathy. Corticosteroids treatment restored all disease manifestations. We bring this case to the attention of the nephrologists because of the protean, asynchronous, multisystemic nature of the disease that necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, a low threshold for kidney biopsy and a high index of suspicion for making the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Arrhythmia Burden in Elderly Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis as Determined by Continuous Electrocardiographic Recording
Authors: Urena Marina , Hayek Salim , Cheema Asim N. , Serra Vicenç , Amat-Santos Ignacio J. , Nombela-Franco Luis , Ribeiro Henrique B. , Allende Ricardo , Paradis Jean-Michel , Dumont Eric , Thourani Vinod H. , Babaliaros Vasilis , Francisco Pascual Jaume , Cortés Carlos , del Blanco Bruno García , Philippon François , Lerakis Stamatios , Rodés-Cabau Josep
Published: December 2014

Background—

This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of previously undiagnosed arrhythmias in candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to determine the impact on therapy changes and arrhythmic events after the procedure.

Methods and Results—

A total of 435 candidates for TAVR underwent 24-hour continuous ECG monitoring the day before the procedure. Newly diagnosed arrhythmias were observed in 70 patients (16.1%) before TAVR: paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial tachycardia (AT) in 28, advanced atrioventricular block or severe bradycardia in 24, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in 26, and intermittent left bundle-branch block in 3 patients. All arrhythmic events but one were asymptomatic and led to a therapy change in 43% of patients. In patients without known AF/AT, the occurrence of AF/AT during 24-hour ECG recording was associated with a higher rate of 30-day cerebrovascular events (7.1% versus 0.4%;
P
=0.030). Among the 53 patients with new-onset AF/AT after TAVR, 30.2% had newly diagnosed paroxysmal AF/AT before the procedure. In patients who needed permanent pacemaker implantation after the procedure (n=35), 31.4% had newly diagnosed advanced atrioventricular block or severe bradycardia before TAVR. New-onset persistent left bundle-branch block after TAVR occurred in 37 patients, 8.1% of whom had intermittent left bundle-branch block before the procedure.

Conclusions—

Newly diagnosed arrhythmias were observed in approximately a fifth of TAVR candidates, led to a higher rate of cerebrovascular events, and accounted for a third of arrhythmic events after the procedure. This high arrhythmia burden highlights the importance of an early diagnosis of arrhythmic events in such patients to implement the appropriate therapeutic measures earlier.
Cortical Microinfarcts Detected In Vivo on 3 Tesla MRI
Authors: van Dalen Jan Willem , Scuric Eva E.M. , van Veluw Susanne J. , Caan Matthan W.A. , Nederveen Aart J. , Biessels Geert Jan , van Gool Willem A. , Richard Edo
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

Cortical microinfarcts (CMIs) are a common postmortem finding associated with vascular risk factors, cognitive decline, and dementia. Recently, CMIs identified in vivo on 7 Tesla MRI also proved retraceable on 3 Tesla MRI.

Methods—

We evaluated CMIs on 3 Tesla MRI in a population-based cohort of 194 nondemented older people (72–80 years) with systolic hypertension. Using a case–control design, participants with and without CMIs were compared on age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and white matter hyperintensity volume.

Results—

We identified 23 CMIs in 12 participants (6%). CMIs were associated with older age, higher diastolic blood pressure, and a history of recent stroke. There was a trend for a higher white matter hyperintensity volume in participants with CMIs.

Conclusions—

We found an association of CMIs with clinical parameters, including age and cardiovascular risk factors. Although the prevalence of CMIs is relatively low, our results suggest that the study of CMIs in larger clinical studies is possible using 3 Tesla MRI. This opens the possibility of large-scale prospective investigation of the clinical relevance of CMIs in older people.
Kurz, a Journey into Capitalism’s Heart of Darkness
Authors: Jappe Anselm
Published: December 2014

The late Robert Kurz was one of the principal theorists of ‘the critique of value’ in Germany. This paper uses the recent release of a collection of his essays in French translation and his posthumously published Geld ohne Wert [Money without Value] (2012) as a starting point for a discussion of the critical project that Kurz undertook over a period of 25 years. Kurz was exemplary in returning to the most radical insights of Marx, even when these went against some of the other ideas of the master. He was an ardent proponent of a crisis theory of capitalism: that the categories of the capitalist mode of production have reached their ‘historical limit’ as society no longer produces enough value. On this basis Kurz argued that none of the proposals for dealing with this crisis within the framework of capitalism are feasible. Kurz demonstrated that the basic categories of the capitalist mode of production, such as money, are not universal but that they developed at the same time, towards the end of the Middle Ages, with the invention of firearms and the states’ need for money that this fuelled. In Geld ohne Wert, Kurz asserts that money in pre-capitalist societies was not a bearer of value but a representation of social ties. He wonders whether, with the current crisis, we are seeing a return to a form of money without value, but now within the framework of a social sacrifice to the fetishistic form of mediation. The paper concludes by suggesting that Kurz has not yet reached a wider public outside Germany because for many his ideas still prove too radical to face.
Reassessing the Nazi War Economy and the Origins of the Second World War
Authors: Anievas Alexander
Published: December 2014

Adam Tooze’sThe Wages of Destructionhas received a fair amount of scholarly attention since its publication in 2006, particularly among historians. What has received much less attention, however, are the many theoretical insights to be gleaned from Tooze’s history of the inner-workings of the Nazi war economy in the lead-up to the Second World War. This is particularly true of the numerous theoretical subjects and themes covered by Tooze of direct relevance to Marxist theories and understandings of Nazism. From his analysis of the relationship between Nazi economic policies and Hitler’s geopolitical objectives to the relations between capital and state to the specificities of Nazism as a distinct ideological and cultural apparatus to the role of the Nazi regime in triggering the 1939 cataclysm – in all these ways, Tooze’s work speaks to a number of core issues at the heart of Marxist debates on Nazism, fascism, and the causes of the Second World War. This introduction outlines a number of these themes and more in Tooze’s work, contextualising them within extant Marxist debates on Nazism, before then going on to highlight some of the main arguments and criticisms advanced in the symposium.
Wages of Destruction?
Authors: Roth Karl Heinz
Published: December 2014

Seven years ago, Adam Tooze’s comprehensive study of the Nazi economy found a vast and predominantly favourable resonance in the media and the historiographical community of the anglophone and German-speaking worlds. There are indeed many merits to Tooze’s study that deserve to be emphasised. But there are also some astonishing deficiencies and shortcomings. The gravest is Tooze’s failure to offer any argument whatsoever regarding the widening rift between the corporate business community and the cadres of the political-military institutions. The growing distance between the two precedes the terminal stage of the Nazi dictatorship, which began in the last quarter of 1943. If Tooze had addressed the well-established facts on this issue, he would likely not have been able to conclude on such an affirmative note and insist on the transatlantic happy end that supposedly put paid to the German elites’ adventures between 1931 and 1948.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the Polar Regions
Authors: Oanta Gabriela A.
Published: December 2014

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (itlos) was created by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (unclos) as a mechanism for the settlement of disputes that may arise in relation to the interpretation or application of the provisions of the Convention or of an international agreement regarding the purposes of the Convention. So far, no claim regarding the polar regions as a whole has been brought before the itlos. However, in certain aspects these regions have been present in the activity of the itlos. This article is divided into two main parts. The first part presents an analysis of the present and future activities of the itlos regarding the Arctic. In the second part, the issues referring to the Antarctic lato senso brought to the itlos will be examined. So far, the Antarctic has received greater attention from the itlos than the Arctic.
Stemodia diplohyptoides (Plantaginaceae, Gratiolae): a new diploid species from South America
Authors: Sosa Maria Mercedes , Dematteis Massimiliano
Published: December 2014

Stemodia diplohyptoides (Plantaginaceae), a new species from Gratiolae tribe is described and illustrated. This taxon is found in northeastern Argentina, at the edge of the Parana River that surrounds the north and center of Misiones province (Argentina). It is a diploid that has been traditionally treated under Stemodia hyptoides, which is here re-circumscribed to include only autopolyploid plants (tetraploid and hexaploid). The diploid specimens may be distinguished from the polyploid S. hyptoides by several morphological features such as shape, pubescence and margin of the leaves, corolla length and corolla tube pubescence. In addition, scanning electron microphotographs of seeds, chromosomes numbers, a distribution map and a key to distinguish the related species are also provided. On the basis of morphological, cytological and geographical data, some evolutionary considerations are inferred.
Afroleius floridus (Mahunka, 1985) comb. nov. and three new Afroleius Mahunka, 1984 species (Acari: Oribatida: Mycobatidae) from South Africa
Authors: COETZEE LOUISE
Published: December 2014

Three new species of the genus Afroleius Mahunka, 1984 are described: A. amieae sp. nov. with round notogastral foveae and long rostral and lamellar setae, A. inae sp. nov. with long lamellae and rostral and lamellar setae of similar length, and A. valerieae sp. nov. with ventrally directed bothridium and octotaxic system consisting of porose areas. Magyaria florida Mahunka, 1985 is recombined in the genus Afroleius as A. floridus comb. nov. Juvenile instars of A. floridus comb. nov. are described.
Two new species of the feather mite genus Analloptes (Trouessart, 1885) Acariformes: Astigmata: Xolalgidae) from passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) in Brazil
Authors: MIRONOV SERGEY , HERNANDES FABIO AKASHI
Published: December 2014

Two new feather mite species of the genus Analloptes Trouessart, 1885 (Acariformes: Xolalgidae) are described from suboscine passerines (Passeriformes) in Brazil: Analloptes giganteus sp. n. from Conopophaga lineata (Wied) (Conopophagidae) and A. cnemotricci sp. n. from Cnemotriccus fuscatus (Wied) (Tyrannidae). These are the first Analloptes species described from passerine hosts. Within the genus Analloptes, the two described species constitute a distinct species group characterized by the presence of setae ve and c1 in both sexes and by having the paragenital apodeme free from coxal structures in males.
Scaling Behaviors of Global Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Luo Ming , Leung Yee , Zhou Yu , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2014

Temporal scaling properties of the monthly sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) in global ocean basins are examined by the power spectrum and detrended fluctuation analysis methods. Analysis results show that scaling behaviors of the SSTA in most ocean basins (e.g., global average, South Pacific, eastern and western tropical Pacific, tropical Indian Ocean, and tropical Atlantic) are separated into two distinct regimes by a common crossover time scale of 52 months (i.e., 4.3 yr). It is suggested that this crossover is modulated by the El Niño/La Niña–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), indicating different scaling properties at different time scales. The SSTA time series is nonstationary and antipersistent at the small scale (i.e., crossover). It is, however, stationary and long range correlated at the large scale (i.e., crossover). For both time scales, scaling behaviors of SSTA are heterogeneously distributed over the ocean, and the fluctuation of SSTA intensifies with decreasing latitude. Stronger fluctuation appears over the tropical regions (e.g., central-eastern tropical Pacific, tropical Atlantic, tropical Indian Ocean, and South China Sea), which are directly or indirectly linked to ENSO. Weaker fluctuation and stronger persistence are found in mid- and high-latitude areas, coinciding with the “reemergence” areas.
National Survey of Providers Treating Patients With Metabolic Disorders Identified by Newborn Screening Demonstrates Challenges Faced by Clinical Care Systems
Authors: McClain Monica R. , McGrath Robert J. , Stransky Michelle L. , Benkendorf Judith L.
Published: December 2014

Objectives. To evaluate care processes for infants who are identified by newborn screening (NBS) and diagnosed with metabolic disorders during their first year of life. Methods. A survey instrument was used to assess the scope and intensity of services needed to provide quality health care for patients from birth to 1 year of age who have a metabolic disorder identified by NBS. Significance testing was not performed; descriptive analyses are reported. Results. Providers spend significant amounts of time on activities that are not direct patient care. The most challenging aspect of their work was the lack of reimbursement for care. Conclusion. Provision of genetics services for patients with a metabolic disorder is time and labor intensive, and insurance coverage and reimbursement for these services remain inadequate. Health care payment and/or system reform is necessary to provide optimal care to patients with metabolic disorders identified by NBS.
Clinical Recognition and Management of an Atypical Dacryoadenitis
Authors: Sayani Amar , Smith Daniel E.
Published: December 2014

Dacryoadenitis, a condition defined as inflammation of the lacrimal gland, has many etiologies; rarely is it associated with a lacrimal gland abscess. In this article, a 7-year-old African American boy was diagnosed with a lacrimal gland abscess secondary to oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA). The incidence of conditions arising from ORSA, a term used interchangeably with methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA), is reportedly on the rise in our population over the past decade. Recognition of atypical pathogens, initiation of timely appropriate-spectrum pharmaceuticals, and conservative follow-up are imperative in treating and preventing potentially vision-threatening sequelae of dacryoadenitis.
LOL Teacher! Using Humor to Enhance Student Learning
Authors: Terrell Shelly
Published: December 2014

Laughing with students can help them connect with teachers and the content on a deeper level. This article includes four strategies teachers can use to incorporate humor into their teaching.
Is “Getting Gritty” the Answer?
Authors: Barile Nancy
Published: December 2014

While grit can often be a deciding factor in students’ success, the author discusses whether it can help students overcome every challenge that comes their way.
Teaching the Soft Skills: Three Students Break it Down
Authors: Merz Sandy
Published: December 2014

Teaching soft skills is a task that might seem overwhelming to new teachers, but this article offers practical advice from students about how to incorporate the lessons into the classroom.
#MoreThanEdChats
Authors: Mieliwocki Rebecca
Published: December 2014

Twitter is an often-overlooked professional learning resource for teachers. This article discusses three advantages of using Twitter, offers tips for getting started, and provides lists of educators, blogs, and organizations to follow.
Beginning Teachers as Leaders
Authors: Watson Cristie
Published: December 2014

New teachers have often been asked to take on tasks left unclaimed by their more experienced colleagues. However, a shift has developed within the last decade in which the opinions of new teachers have become more valued. This has opened up opportunities to them that had traditionally been left to more experienced teachers or even administrators, such as weighing in on scheduling or hiring decisions. The article explores ways that new teachers can become leaders among their colleagues.
A summary of benchmark examples to assess the performance of quasi-static delamination propagation prediction capabilities in finite element codes
Authors: Krueger Ronald
Published: December 2014

The development and application of benchmark examples for the assessment of quasi-static delamination propagation capabilities is demonstrated. The methodology proposed, based on fracture mechanics, is used to develop benchmarks for the double cantilever beam, end-notched flexure, single leg bending as well as mixed-mode bending specimens for 20%, 50% and 80% mode II. The methodology proposed for the development of quasi-static benchmark results is discussed in detail, and will be presented using the double cantilever beam specimen as an example. The practical application of the benchmarks generated is illustrated by using the double cantilever beam and mixed-mode bending (50% mode II) benchmarks to assess the automated procedure implemented in Abaqus/Standard®. This assessment proved to be valuable by highlighting the issues (e.g. overshooting, saw-tooth behavior, non-convergence) associated with choosing the input parameters unique to the Virtual Crack Closure Technique implementation in Abaqus/Standard®. Additional studies should include the assessment of the propagation capabilities in more complex specimens and on a structural level.
Stabilization of discrete-time linear systems with quantization and arbitrary packet losses
Authors: Ji Mingming , Cai Yunze , Zhang Weidong
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we mainly focus on the stabilization problem of discrete-time linear systems with both quantized input feedback and arbitrary packet losses. The coarsest quantization strategy is analyzed in detail to guarantee the asymptotic stability of the system. If the coarsest quantizer is logarithmic, the necessary and sufficient conditions to asymptotically stabilize such system are converted into some algebraic Riccati equations and then into some LMIs. Then the infimum of the quantization density for the logarithmic quantizer over all packet loss dependent Lyapunov functions is obtained according to these LMIs. In addition, we also prove that the sector bound approach for the logarithmic quantizer is still valid for the system with arbitrary packet losses. The problem of asymptotic stability can be converted into a robust control problem with sector bound uncertainties. The robust stability of the uncertain system is formulated into some LMIs. Finally, an example is given to show the effectiveness of the results obtained in this paper.
Selection, optimization, and compensation
Authors: Geldhof G. John , Gestsdottir Steinunn , Stefansson Kristjan , Johnson Sara K. , Bowers Edmond P. , Lerner Richard M.
Published: December 2014

Intentional self-regulation (ISR) undergoes significant development across the life span. However, our understanding of ISR’s development and function remains incomplete, in part because the field’s conceptualization and measurement of ISR vary greatly. A key sample case involves how Baltes and colleagues’ Selection, Optimization, and Compensation (SOC) model of ISR, which was developed with adult populations, may be applied to understand and measure adolescent self-regulation. The tripartite structure of SOC identified in older populations has not been replicated in adolescent samples. This difference may be due to measurement issues. In this article, we addressed whether using a Likert-type format instead of a forced-choice format of the SOC Questionnaire resulted in a tripartite factor structure when used with an adolescent population. Using data from 578 late adolescents who participated in the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (70.80% female), we showed that the two versions of the measure produced a similar factor structure and were similar in terms of reliability and validity, although the traditional forced-choice version provided data with slightly lower criterion validity. We therefore conclude that both types of the measure are acceptable, but the choice of measure may depend on the sample in question and the analytical approach planned for the findings. We discuss the implications of our findings for future research.
Dating Violence Victimization Among High School Students in Minnesota
Authors: Earnest Alicia A. , Brady Sonya S.
Published: December 2014

The present study examines whether being a victim of violence by an adult in the household, witnessing intra-familial physical violence, and feeling unsafe at school are associated with physical dating violence victimization. It also examines whether extracurricular activity involvement and perceived care by parents, teachers, and friends attenuate those relationships, consistent with a stress-buffering model. Participants were 75,590 ninth-and twelfth-grade students (51% female, 77% White, 24% receiving free/reduced price lunch) who completed the 2010 Minnesota Student Survey. Overall, 8.5% of students reported being victims of dating violence. Significant differences were found by gender, grade, ethnicity, and free/reduced price lunch status. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that being a victim of violence by an adult in the household, witnessing intra-familial physical violence, feeling unsafe at school, and low perceived care by parents were strongly associated with dating violence victimization. Associations of moderate strength were found for low perceived care by teachers and friends. Little to no extracurricular activity involvement was weakly associated with dating violence victimization. Attenuating effects of perceived care and extracurricular activity involvement on associations between risk factors (victimization by a family adult, witnessing intra-familial violence, feeling unsafe at school) and dating violence victimization were smaller in magnitude than main effects. Findings are thus more consistent with an additive model of risk and protective factors in relation to dating violence victimization than a stress-buffering model. Health promotion efforts should attempt to minimize family violence exposure, create safer school environments, and encourage parental involvement and support.
Density characteristics of laser-sintered three-dimensional printing parts investigated by using an integrated finite element analysis–based evolutionary algorithm approach
Authors: Vijayaraghavan V , Garg A , Wong CH , Tai K , Regalla Srinivasa Prakash , Tsai MC
Published: December 2014

An integrated finite element analysis–evolutionary algorithm simulation approach is proposed in this work to model the density characteristics of the three-dimensional printing, specifically for selective laser sintering process. The approach consists of modeling sintering phenomenon by finite element analysis simulation, which is further fed into an evolutionary algorithm cluster comprising genetic programming. The integrated approach is useful to model the functional relationship of density characteristic of selective laser sintering–fabricated components with respect to laser power, scan velocity and scan spacing. Performance of the proposed model is evaluated against the actual results obtained from the literature. We find that our proposed finite element analysis–evolutionary algorithm model is able to model the selective laser sintering process very well, which can be used to complement the analytically and experimentally obtained results. For the validation of the robustness of the model, we also conducted sensitivity and parametric analyses and investigated the specific influence, and variation, of each of the input process parameters on the density of the selective laser sintering–fabricated component. It was found that scan spacing has the least influence, whereas scan velocity has the highest influence on the density of the selective laser sintering–fabricated component. Non-linear relationships unveiled between the process parameters highlight the capability of the model in simulating the density characteristic of the complex selective laser sintering process in uncertain input conditions.
A new closed-form solution to inverse static force analysis of a spatial three-spring system
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liao Qizheng , Su Hai-Jun , Wei Shimin
Published: December 2014

In this paper, a new closed-form solution to the inverse static force analysis of a spatial three-spring system is presented. The system is formed by three springs each of which connects the ground at one end and joins a common point at the other. When a known force is applied to the common point of the system, the goal of inverse static analysis is to determine all the equilibrium configurations. A system of three polynomial equations in three variables is derived based on the geometric constraint and static force balancing. A 20 by 20 Dixon resultant matrices firstly derived from these three polynomials and then reduced to an 18 by 18 matrix. A 46th-degree univariate polynomial equation is yielded from the above 18 by 18 matrix. By further analysis, we found that 24 roots were degenerated and only the remaining 22 roots are the ones for the three-spring system. The result agrees with previous results. At last, two numerical examples are given to verify the elimination procedure. The presented algebraic elimination solution reveals some intrinsic geometry nature of this challenging problem.
An automatically reconfigurable software-based safety system for rear-steering multi-unit vehicles
Authors: Roebuck Richard L , Odhams Andrew MC , Cebon David
Published: December 2014

In order to introduce longer heavy vehicles with multiple articulation joints between vehicle units into the UK and other European countries, it is likely that rear steering of the vehicle units will be required to allow sufficient manoeuvrability. This has safety implications. This paper details the development of a modular and automatically reconfigurable safety system, appropriate to this safety-critical application. Details of the specification for the system, the state-chart basis for the system, the issues relating to coding within a safety system, the software and hardware interaction and the implications on the design are covered. Practical implementation of the system on the Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium’s reconfigurable long combination vehicle is outlined, and the initial test results of the system’s low-speed and high-speed steering functions and fault tolerance are presented.
X-ray pulsar-based navigation system/Sun measurement integrated navigation method for deep space explorer
Authors: Wang Yidi , Zheng Wei , Sun Shouming
Published: December 2014

In order to enhance the autonomy and survivability of deep space explorers, an X-ray pulsar-based navigation system (XNAV)/Sun measurement integrated navigation system is proposed. In this method, the directional measurement of the line-of-sight of Sun, the Doppler radical velocity measurement, and the measurement from an X-ray pulsar are fused for navigation. A square-root unscented kinematic and static filter (SUKSF) is derived to optimally fuse the three types of measurements. SUKSF utilizes the unscented formation to reduce the impact of linearization error, and uses the square-root technique to enhance the computational stability. Compared with the federated filter, SUKSF can provide a globally optimal estimation result with less computation cost. Some simulations are performed to verify the proposed integrated navigation system, and the results have illustrated that the proposed method outperforms the navigation method employing only Sun measurement as well as XNAV.
Self-control and normativity: Theories in social psychology revisited
Authors: Horstkötter Dorothee
Published: December 2014

The exercise of self-control is of great significance in people’s daily lives and in the organization of social institutions. The reasonableness of the self-control concept, however, has been challenged by recent developments in cognitive, behavioral, and neurosciences that identify human behavior as a result of complex automatic processes generated by people’s environments. Collating more data on self-control and developing new theoretical approaches is crucial to meeting this challenge. Still, this article argues that a conceptual analysis of the meaning of self-control is also needed. Reflecting on recent work in philosophy, it discusses how self-controlled behavior is characterized not only by distinct causal mechanisms, but also by fundamental normative evaluations. Four conceptualizations of self-control will be presented to highlight why the corresponding self-control failures are essentially also normative failures. Furthermore, it discusses how the normativity of self-controlled behavior can contribute to further theorizing in social psychology.
Disability in Multicultural Theory
Authors: Anastasiou Dimitris , Kauffman James M. , Michail Domna
Published: December 2014

Multicultural theorists in education tend to treat disability as part of cultural diversity and apply a minority group model to disability rights. We critically examine the fundamental presuppositions and social justice issues behind this assimilation of disability into a multicultural frame of reference. The implications of the neutralization of disability are discussed. Reasons for reconciling different views of special education and multicultural education to better achieve social justice are detailed. Policy implications of noting the differences between people with disabilities and minority groups are suggested.
Modelling, simulation and characterization of a linear shape memory actuator with compliant bow-like architecture
Authors: Mammano Giovanni Scirè , Dragoni Eugenio
Published: December 2014

The design of shape memory alloy actuators typically compromises between force and stroke, the two properties being inversely proportional to one another for any given shape memory alloy element. This article presents a bow-like compliant actuator aimed at improving the specific performance of shape memory wires on both accounts. Conceptually, the actuator is formed by two straight elastic beams mutually hinged at the ends with a pre-stretched shape memory alloy wire in between. Heating of the alloy shortens the wire, which in turn makes the beams to buckle outwards in a symmetric double-arched configuration. The transverse displacement of the beams amplifies the contraction of the wire while producing a favourable output force. This article develops a simple, though accurate, analytical model of the actuator upon which a step-by-step design procedure is built. The theoretical findings are compared with the outcome of a finite element simulation for a case study and with the test data gathered from a physical prototype actuator.
Enhancing Coping and Supporting Protective Factors After a Disaster
Authors: Powell Tara , Thompson Sanna J.
Published: December 2014

Objective:

This article presents the Journey of Hope (JoH), a school-based intervention for children who have experienced a collective trauma such as a natural disaster. Through the use of group work, the JoH focuses on building coping skills and enhancing protective factors to help children recover.

Method:

This quasi-experimental research included 102 children impacted by tornadoes in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 2011.

Results:

Through an hierarchical linear model analysis with ( n = 48) from the JoH group and ( n = 54) from a wait-list control group, the outcomes indicate that after participation in the JoH youth had increased coping skills, F(100) = 5.270, p < .05, and prosocial behaviors, F(95) = 4.286, p < .05. This is the first quasi-experimental design to be conducted on the JoH; findings provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of this broad-based postdisaster intervention.

Conclusion:

Future replication studies with larger samples in other societies impacted by a natural disaster are needed to further evaluate the JoH’s impact in enhancing coping and building resilience.
Influence of multi-transverse crack on cantilever shaft
Authors: Nanda Jajneswar , Das LD , Das Sandeep , Das Harish Chandra
Published: December 2014

Analysis of transversely loaded cantilever shaft having multiple cracks is investigated in this paper. The behavior of cracks locations and sizes on vibration parameters is presented taking the advantage of reduction in stiffness of shaft from fracture mechanics. The shaft is subjected to static axial and bending load for given angle of twist along its longitudinal direction. Using the principle strain energy release rate and stress intensity factor (for plain stress and strain condition), the natural frequencies with their mode shapes at different crack locations with its depths are evaluated. The result obtained from theoretical method has been verified with the advantage of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) using the modal parameter of cracked shaft. The vibration parameters such as first three non-dimensional natural frequencies with their mode shapes at different locations and depths are supplied to ANFIS to optimize the results. The crack location and size predicted from ANFIS model are verified with the theoretical data with acceptable error. The surface plot, residual error, and probability plot obtained from ANFIS are showing the effectiveness of theoretical method. Research work has been extended to set up an experimental model to strengthen both theoretical and ANFIS work.The paper basically focused on error percentage obtained from the theoretical result with ANFIS and experimental work. It is found that the error percentage in ANFIS and experimental analysis are ±2% and ±7.33% respectively with respect to theoretical analysis. The present method is simple and can be easily extended to complex structure with different orientation of multiple cracks for any structural analysis.
Executive Power and Judicial Deference
Authors: Johnson Gbemende
Published: December 2014

Judicial intervention is often required to define the boundaries of executive power. Although many separation of powers analyses examine the interaction of courts and legislatures, few examine how the design of executive and judicial institutions affect judicial decision making in cases involving challenges to executive power in the U.S. context. I argue that the degree of judicial institutional vulnerability to executive retaliation will have a significant impact on judicial making. Using an original dataset of cases involving executive power challenges in the American states between 1980 and 2010, I find that courts are more likely to uphold executive power in environments where the threat of institutional retaliation from the executive is high. The results of this analysis indicate that the strength of judicial checks against executive power depends on broader relations of institutional authority, not just on constitutional doctrine or culture.
Conflict adaptation and congruency sequence effects to social–emotional stimuli in individuals with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Worsham Whitney , Gray Whitney E , Larson Michael J , South Mikle
Published: December 2014

Background:

The modification of performance following conflict can be measured using conflict adaptation tasks thought to measure the change in the allocation of cognitive resources in order to reduce conflict interference and improve performance. While previous studies have suggested atypical processing during nonsocial cognitive control tasks, conflict adaptation (i.e. congruency sequence effects) for social–emotional stimuli have not been previously studied in autism spectrum disorder.

Methods:

A total of 32 participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and 27 typically developing matched controls completed an emotional Stroop conflict task that required the classification of facial affect while simultaneously ignoring an overlaid affective word.

Results:

Both groups showed behavioral evidence for emotional conflict adaptation based on response times and accuracy rates. However, the autism spectrum disorder group demonstrated a speed-accuracy trade-off manifested through significantly faster response times and decreased accuracy rates on trials containing conflict between the emotional face and the overlaid emotional word.

Conclusion:

Reduced selective attention toward socially relevant information may bias individuals with autism spectrum disorder toward more rapid processing and decision making even when conflict is present. Nonetheless, the loss of important information from the social stimuli reduces decision-making accuracy, negatively affecting the ability to adapt both cognitively and emotionally when conflict arises.
Study the multi self-cleaning characteristics of ZnO nanorods functionalized polyester fabric
Authors: Ashraf Munir , Champagne Philippe , Campagne Christine , Perwuelz Anne , Dumont Frédéric , Leriche Anne
Published: December 2014

The conditions to make nanorods functionalized fabric superhydrophobic have been optimized to obtain three kinds of self-cleaning characteristics such as physical, chemical, and biological. Physical self-cleaning is the lotus effect which is characterized by measuring both water contact and sliding angles. Chemical self-cleaning is the degradation of color stains and solutions due to photocatalytic effect of ZnO when exposed to ultraviolet. Biological self-cleaning refers to the antibacterial activity of functionalized fabric which is characterized by using a Gram-negative bacterium ( Escherichia coli) and a Gram-positive bacterium ( Staphyloccocus aureus) by both qualitative and quantitative methods using NF ISO 20743:2009 transfer method. The chemical and biological self-cleanings are studied on nanorods functionalized fabric before and after hydrophobization.
Juvenile Evening Reporting Centers
Authors: Garland Brett , Moore Sara , Stohr Mary K. , Kyle Michael
Published: December 2014

Placing youth in detention centers has the potential to generate negative educational and behavioral consequences. Recognizing this problem, scholars and juvenile justice policy makers and practitioners have searched for viable alternatives during the past two decades. One alternative promoted by the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative is the evening reporting center (ERC). Although promoted as a promising practice, little is known about the ERC’s operational design and effectiveness. This research note explores the ERC through site visits at seven locations across the United States. Data from the site visits are integrated with evidence-based literature to provide suggestions for examining the need for the ERC, creating a model design, and evaluating the program.
Treatment of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures
Authors: Baslet Gaston , Dworetzky Barbara , Perez David L. , Oser Megan
Published: December 2014

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) were first described in the medical literature in the 19th century, as seizure-like attacks not related to an identified central nervous system lesion, and are currently classified as a conversion disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). While a universally accepted and unifying etiological model does not yet exist, several risk factors have been identified. Management of PNES should be based on interdisciplinary collaboration, targeting modifiable risk factors. The first treatment phase in PNES is patient engagement, which is challenging given the demonstrated low rates of treatment retention. Acute interventions constitute the next phase in treatment, and most research studies focus on short-term evidence-based interventions. Randomized controlled pilot trials support cognitive–behavioral therapy. Other psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions have been less well-studied using controlled and uncontrolled trials. Within the discussion of acute interventions, we present a preliminary evaluation for feasibility of a mindfulness-based psychotherapy protocol in a very small sample of PNES patients. We demonstrated in 6 subjects that this intervention is feasible in real-life clinical scenarios and warrants further investigation in larger scale studies. The final treatment phase is long-term follow-up. Long-term outcome studies in PNES show that a significant proportion of patients remains symptomatic and experiences continued impairments in quality of life and functionality. We believe that PNES should be understood as a disease that requires different types of intervention during the various phases of treatment.
Heightened inflammation in severe malaria is associated with decreased IL-10 expression levels and neutrophils
Authors: Mahanta Anusree , Kar Santosh K , Kakati Sanjeeb , Baruah Shashi
Published: December 2014

Dysregulation of the cytokine network in severe malaria owing to variations in factors like parasite load, strains and host factors is well documented but the key cytokines that are dysregulated remain poorly elucidated. Longitudinal changes in cytokine levels in an individual with parasitemia and disease resolution is likely to identify the key cytokines. We have analyzed the mRNA expression of cytokines over a 7-d period in severe (SM) and uncomplicated (UM) Plasmodium falciparum malaria. We found up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ and TGF-β in SM, with decreased expression of IL-10 on d 0. Further, we observed a negative correlation of IL-10 expression with parasitemia and pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting IL-10 to be the key cytokine in tilting the balance to an inflammatory response. Longitudinal analysis revealed that the key cytokines associated with disease were TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-12α, RANTES and TGF-β, while TNF-α, IL-10 and TGF-β discriminated between SM and UM. A higher neutrophil count in SM and its positive association with parasite density and IL-1β and IL-8 provides support for neutrophils in inflammation in malaria. Our findings suggest subversion of anti-inflammatory response in SM by parasite factors towards an exaggerated pro-inflammatory response with involvement of neutrophils, the classical inflammatory cells.
Factors Affecting Customer Satisfaction in Responses to Negative Online Hotel Reviews
Authors: Min Hyounae , Lim Yumi , Magnini Vincent P.
Published: December 2014

An analysis of three types of responses to negative hotel reviews finds that the response generally should follow the same principles as answering a customer complaint in person. Based on a series of hypothetical responses to a negative review, this study finds that inserting an empathy statement in response to the negative review improved the ratings of the response among a sample of university students. Likewise, this group of 176 potential customers rated the response more favorably when the response included a paraphrase of the complaint, thus making the response more personal and less generic. Interestingly, contrary to popular belief, our results indicate that the speed with which the hotel responds to an online complaint did not influence the survey participants’ rating of the response. The theoretical implications of these findings are that the online response should include same theoretical anchorings based on interactional justice and active listening that apply to face-to-face customer complaints. The major difference between an in-person complaint and an online review is that, in the review, the guest is not on premises waiting for a response, which changes the importance of the timing of a response and alters the perception of procedural justice, which supports the idea of a prompt response. This study further implies that hotel managers should include empathy or paraphrasing statements in their responses to online reviews.
Reason, science and religion—Gleanings from the colonial past
Authors: Kumar Deepak
Published: December 2014

Modern science arrived from the West in tandem with colonialism. The article examines the complex ways in which the challenge it posed to the traditional modes of thought was met. It provoked both revivalist claims of achievements of the past and efforts to synthesise science with religion.
Book Review: NATAŠA MIŠKOVIĆ, HARALD FISCHER-TINÉ AND NABDA BOŠKOVSKA (eds), The Non-Aligned Movement and the Cold War
Authors: Moosvi Shireen
Published: December 2014

NATAŠA MIŠKOVIĆ, HARALD FISCHER-TINÉ AND NABDA BOŠKOVSKA (eds), The Non-Aligned Movement and the Cold War (London and New York: Routledge), 2014, pp. 232, hard-bound. Price not stated.
Alternate control systems
Authors: Feng Yuming , Li Chuandong , Huang Tingwen , Zhao Weijing
Published: December 2014

The exponential stability of a class of nonlinear systems by means of alternate control is studied. An exponential stability criterion is given in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities. Numerical simulations are presented to verify the correction of the obtained results.