bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The PreferenSort
Authors: Amit Adi , Sagiv Lilach
Published: December 2012

We present the PreferenSort, a career counseling instrument that derives counselees’ vocational interests from their preferences among occupational titles. The PreferenSort allows for a holistic decision process, while taking into account the full complexity of occupations and encouraging deliberation about one’s preferences and acceptable trade-offs. We describe three validation tests: (a) comparing the vocational interests derived by the PreferenSort to those accumulated using Holland’s Self-Directed Search (construct validity); (b) exploring the relations between the participants’ derived interests and their field of study (concurrent validity); and (c) the degree of improvement in the prediction of the participants’ field of study in the derived over the accumulated vocational interests (incremental validity). As hypothesized, by allowing for a holistic decision process, the PreferenSort explains the vocational interests of intuitive individuals better. These findings provide evidence that the PreferenSort is important as a supplementary counseling tool for individuals with an intuitive decision style—people who currently lack self-help counseling instruments.
Detrimental Relations of Maximization With Academic and Career Attitudes
Authors: Dahling Jason J. , Thompson Mindi N.
Published: December 2012

Maximization refers to a decision-making style that involves seeking the single best option when making a choice, which is generally dysfunctional because people are limited in their ability to rationally evaluate all options and identify the single best outcome. The vocational consequences of maximization are examined in two samples, college students and working adults. After controlling for trait perfectionistic striving, highly maximizing students reported lower satisfaction and perceived fit with their majors, higher academic turnover cognitions, and lower career decision self-efficacy (Study 1). Similarly, highly maximizing adults reported less satisfaction and perceived fit with their jobs, higher employment turnover cognitions, and less satisfaction with the progression of their careers (Study 2). In both studies, the relations of maximization and these outcomes were mediated by negative affect, pointing to feelings of regret and frustration as a mechanism that drives these negative appraisals. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.
Career Locus of Control and Career Success Among Chinese Employees
Authors: Guan Yanjun , Wang Zhen , Dong Zhilin , Liu Yukun , Yue Yumeng , Liu Haiyang , Zhang Yuqing , Zhou Wenxia , Liu Haihua
Published: December 2012

The current research aimed to develop a multidimensional measure of career locus of control (LOC) and examine its predictive validity on objective and subjective career success among Chinese employees. Items of career LOC were generated based on literature review of the significant predictors of career success, as well as the open-ended responses among Chinese employees ( N = 30). Principal component analysis (Study 1, N = 204) revealed that career LOC consists of three factors: internal factor, external factor, and chance factor, which was consistent with the framework proposed by Levenson (1974). Results of confirmatory factor analysis among another sample of Chinese employees (Study 2, N = 646) supported this three-factor structure. Predictive validity analysis showed that after controlling for the effects of demographic, organizational and industrial variables, internal career LOC was positively related to both objective and subjective career success; chance factor was negatively related to subjective career success, but not related to objective career success. Theoretical and practical implications of this research were discussed.
Heterogeneity or Homogeneity
Authors: Dennis Danielle V.
Published: December 2012

The confluence of No Child Left Behind and the National Reading Panel report on the five essential components of reading instruction forged a path for struggling adolescent readers that supports a narrow curriculum designed to address gaps in constrained skills. Adolescents from a large school district in the state of Tennessee who failed state assessments in reading ( N = 94) were assessed using measures of phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, orthography, vocabulary, and comprehension. Factor and cluster analysis of the assessment data revealed a heterogeneous population of students. Based on three factors (meaning, rate, and word knowledge), four clusters emerged representing varying abilities.
Rereading “A Pedagogy of Multiliteracies”
Authors: Leander Kevin , Boldt Gail
Published: December 2012

In this article, we explore our concern with the way youth identities and literacy research and practices are framed through a dominant conceptual paradigm in new literacy studies, namely, as articulated in the 1996 New London Group’s “A Pedagogy of Multiliteracies: Designing Social Futures.” More than any other text, “A Pedagogy of Multiliteracies” streams powerfully through doctoral programs, edited volumes, books, journal reviews, and calls for conference papers, as the central manifesto of the new literacies movement. In what follows, we draw heavily from the work of Deleuze and Guattari to take issue with the New London Group’s disciplined rationalization of youth engagement in literacies. We organize our critical exploration of “A Pedagogy of Multiliteracies” around Lee, a 10-year-old boy we follow through one day as he engages in reading and playing with text from Japanese manga. Our goal with this rereading is to reassert the sensations and movements of the body in the moment-by-moment unfolding or emergence of activity. This nonrepresentational approach describes literacy-related activity not as projected toward some textual end point but as living its life in the ongoing present, forming relations and connections across signs, objects, and bodies in often unexpected ways. Such activity is saturated with affect and emotion; it creates and is fed by an ongoing series of affective intensities that are different from the rational control of meanings and forms. It helps us to keep the distinction between description and prescription sharp and to begin imagining what else might be going on.
An Asset Management-Based Methodology for Integrating Guardrail Sensors Into an Existing Intelligent Transportation System
Authors: Sturtevant Matt D. , Grimaila Michael R. , Sitzabee William E.
Published: December 2012

In this article, we present an asset management-based methodology for the integration and deployment of guardrail sensors into an existing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The methodology employs a three phase approach that incorporates data modeling, spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and cost optimization to provide enhanced decision support when integrating guardrail sensing capabilities into an existing ITS. The utility of the proposed methodology is illustrated through an example integration of a guardrail sensor network in high collision segment of roadways in a metropolitan area of Montgomery, Ohio. The results demonstrate that the methodology provides an effective means for planning new sensor deployments by providing a structured approach to modeling the existing ITS, identifying optimal sensor placement, and analyzing cost and performance tradeoffs to yield the optimal solution for a given set of requirements.
Child and Family Characteristics Influencing Intervention Choices in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Patten Elena , Baranek Grace T. , Watson Linda R. , Schultz Beth
Published: December 2012

A myriad of treatment options are available for children with autism spectrum disorders, yet little is understood regarding characteristics of parents (e.g., education) and children (e.g., severity of autism symptoms) that influence types and numbers of therapies utilized. Interviews from 70 caregivers were analyzed to determine potential influences on utilization (e.g., start of first services, use of traditional services). Only three variables predicted utilization of specific therapies: severity of sensory processing problems was associated with earlier initiation of services in general, and higher maternal and paternal education were associated with the use of dietary and/or vitamin therapy as well as with the use of a greater number of services. None of the other variables studied had predictive value, although the influence of variables not examined in this study remains to be explored.
Why Me? Male Infertility and Responsibility in the Middle East
Authors: Inhorn Marcia C.
Published: December 2012

Men in the contemporary Middle East suffer from high rates of male infertility, and are generally willing to acknowledge their reproductive impairments. “Taking responsibility” for infertility means seeking a diagnosis, trying assisted reproductive technologies, and engaging in a retrospective process of etiological assessment. Infertile Middle Eastern men's etiological narratives reveal five perceived answers to the “why me?” question: heredity, illicit sex, war, stress, and pollution. Although only one of these factors --heredity --is routinely invoked in the biomedical literature on male infertility, at least three of the other factors may, in fact, be linked to men's infertility in the Middle East. To ameliorate these various factors would require many fundamental improvements in Middle Eastern social conditions, including the elimination of all forms of political violence and oppression. Furthermore, the Reproductive Health Initiative initiated in Cairo in 1994 has done little for the infertile men of the Middle East, as no direct health education programs or treatment services have been made widely available to them. Thus, Middle Eastern men must “take responsibility” for their infertility on their own, seeking out diagnoses, paying for private treatment, and acting as lay epidemiologists in their search for the root causes of their infertility. In the end, Middle Eastern men prove to be astute observers of the social conditions that have produced their reproductive life histories and embodied subjectivities.
Employers’ views of learning and training for an ageing workforce
Authors: Beck Vanessa
Published: December 2012

This article questions how employers view and evaluate the role of learning and training for older workers in light of the increasing number of older workers in the labour market. Learning and training opportunities could be utilised to respond to the ‘extending working lives’ agenda, but interviews with employers suggest that this is not being done. A small number of human resource professionals, managing directors and owners were interviewed to determine what learning opportunities were offered to their older workers and how these workers’ experience could be utilised better. Respondents implicitly accepted that there were few learning opportunities for older workers and suggested that they expected this group of workers to take on additional roles in making learning and experience available to younger colleagues. Dichotomies in employers’ views emerged in that they differentiated between groups of workers and their need for skills, experience and the ‘right’ attitudes.
Impact of Management Structure on Development Programs
Authors: Samad Nayyer , Nwankwo Sonny , Gbadamosi Ayantunji
Published: December 2012

This article examines the impact of management structure on the performance of population control program in Pakistan. Specifically, it explores the relationship between management structures and program outcomes in social marketing program (SMP) contexts. A combination of pattern matching and explanation building techniques for embedded case analysis was used and the data brought together in a reasoned form to provide an analysis and explanation of the focused topic. Management structures adopted for various SMPs for family planning were defined directly or indirectly by the funding agencies, and these, in turn, led to varying implementation difficulties. The Pakistani experience shows that donor agencies’ involvement in operational issues has little positive impact on the program outcome. Essentially, the findings afford program managers evidence-based insights in developing new structure and avoiding failed ones. It emphasizes that, in countries where more than one SMP are in operation, the stakeholders need to assess program components circumspectly to avoid duplication. Overall, the article provides strategic directions to stakeholders on how varying organizations handling social marketing projects could enhance operational effectiveness of the program. It emphasizes the need for improved coordination, devolution of responsibilities, alignment of organizational goals with the program goals, and effective involvement of local stakeholders in program planning.
Social Marketing in Greece
Authors: Polyzoidis Periklis
Published: December 2012

This article examines the degree of the application of social marketing in Greece, a country where the economic and social crisis has made the use of social marketing imperative. However, the Greek scientific community has not yet fully adopted the theory behind social marketing, and most contemporary campaigns ignore many of the parameters used in modern, effective social marketing. There are signs that social marketing is slowly but steadily expanding. The road ahead may be steep, but it is wide open.
The Science of Goal Setting
Authors: Hayden Daniel , Deng Fangzhou
Published: December 2012

Goal setting within social marketing campaigns is art and science. An analysis of Rare Pride conservation campaigns shows the quantitative, replicable relationship among the impact of these conservation campaigns with diffusion of innovation theory, and collective behavior theory that can guide marketers to set better goals. Rare is an environmental conservation organization that focuses on reducing community-based threats to biodiversity through a social marketing campaign called Pride. Pride campaigns work by removing barriers to change (whether they are technical, social, and political or something else) and inspiring people to make change happen. Based on the analysis of historical Pride campaign survey data, we found that the starting percentage of engagement has a great influence on the percentage change at the end of the campaign: The higher the initial adoption level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior change, the easier these measures are to improve. The result also suggests a difference in the potential of change with different audience segments: It is easiest to change influencer, then general public, and finally resource user who are the target of the social marketing campaign. In this article, we will analyze how to use diffusion of innovation and collective behavior theories to explain the impact of campaigns, as well as how to set more attainable goals. This article is consistent with similar research in the field of public health, which should help marketers set goals more tightly, allocate resources more effectively, and better manage donor expectations.
Children Intoxications
Authors: Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge , Magalhães Teresa
Published: December 2012

The curiosity and the natural tendency to explore the environment put young children at an increased risk of poisoning over older children and adults. Poisonings are a significant area of concern from 1 year of age and progressively contribute more to overall rates of morbidity and mortality until children reach adulthood. Particularly, the abuse of children by poisoning is also highly common with thousands of fatalities. A practical strategy is presented that aims to alert health, forensic, and law enforcement professionals to this problem and to demystify the preconception that it is a rare form of abuse or neglect. Compounds that are foreign to a living organism (xenobiotics) and those present within body (endobiotics), mainly involved in children intoxications and contextual examples related to exposure are also reviewed. Particular concern is given to concepts in the field of children poisoning. The described history and the clinical and toxicological evaluation are discussed, and harmonized protocols regarding correct procedures for sample collection to forensic toxicological analysis are proposed. Since children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of high doses of xenobiotics and endobiotics, special consideration on the preparation of the environment that surrounds children in order minimize all possible risks will be also considered.
Intimate Partner Violence Among Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Finneran Catherine , Stephenson Rob
Published: December 2012

This article presents results from a systematic review of the literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) among U.S. men who have sex with men (MSM). From 576 reviewed studies, a total of 28 met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The population characteristics of each study, definitions of IPV, prevalences of different forms of IPV, and statistically tested correlates of IPV are summarized for each study. The results indicate that all forms of IPV occur among MSM at rates similar to or higher than those documented among women, although data on perpetration rates of IPV are scant, and consensus as to IPV correlates among MSM is absent. This review also finds significant limitations in the reviewed literature, notably the lack of a standardized, validated definition of IPV among MSM; use of unspecific recall periods for IPV; a lack of attention to nonphysical, nonsexual forms of IPV; and near-universal use of cross-sectional, convenience samples of urban MSM. Researchers should develop and validate an MSM-specific definition of IPV, use more rigorous epidemiological methods to measure IPV and its effects, and clarify the mental and physical health outcomes associated with both receipt and perpetration of IPV.
Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs)
Authors: Greeson Megan R. , Campbell Rebecca
Published: December 2012

Historically, the response of the legal, medical, and mental health/advocacy systems to sexual assault has been inadequate and uncoordinated. To address this problem, communities have developed coordinated sexual assault response teams (SARTs) to address these problems. SARTs are community-level interventions that seek to build positive relationships and increase collaboration among sexual assault responders. SARTs hope to improve both the community response to sexual assault victims and the processing of sexual assault cases through the criminal justice system. This article has three aims: to summarize the historical development of SARTs in the United States, to review the empirical literature on SARTs’ effectiveness at improving multidisciplinary relationships, legal outcomes, and victims’ help-seeking experiences; and to review the empirical literature on the challenges SARTs face, which may hamper their effectiveness. Findings suggest that SARTs are a promising practice, but face many challenges; further methodologically rigorous research is needed to more fully understand these interventions. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.
Equipping Public Health Professionals for Youth Engagement
Authors: Sahay Tina Binita , Rempel Benjamin , Lodge Jennifer
Published: December 2012

There is strong evidence of the positive role that youth engagement programs and policies play in creating resiliency and producing positive outcomes among youth populations, such as delaying or avoiding the onset of risk-taking behaviors. Research also suggests that achieving positive outcomes ideally includes influence from the individual, the family, the school, the community, and the field of public health (available in A Research Report and Recommendations for Ontario Public Health Association). The authors conducted a comprehensive evaluation of a 2-year pilot project designed to increase the application of engagement and resiliency theory, knowledge, and skills among public health professionals engaging students from Grades 6, 7, and 8 (11- to 14-year-olds). Qualitative methods assessed public health satisfaction with training, resources, and networking activities, whereas quantitative methods assessed changes in capacity with respect to youth engagement knowledge, awareness, confidence, and skills. The findings have helped shed light on public health professional needs concerning capacity and confidence to undertake youth engagement work. Key lessons learned about making youth engagement possible and effective for public health professionals are presented.
Interactive Learning Activities for the Middle School Classroom to Promote Healthy Energy Balance and Decrease Diabetes Risk in the HEALTHY Primary Prevention Trial
Authors: Venditti Elizabeth M. , Giles Catherine , Firrell L. Suzanne , Zeveloff Abigail D. , Hirst Kathryn , Marcus Marsha D.
Published: December 2012

The HEALTHY trial evaluated the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention program to reduce risk for type 2 diabetes in middle school students. The comprehensive intervention addressed nutrition, physical activity, and behavior in the context of a social marketing–based communications campaign to promote healthy energy balance. One element was a classroom-based program called FLASH (Fun Learning Activities for Student Health). Five FLASH modules were delivered, one per semester. Process evaluation data were collected from teachers at 21 schools and study staff at seven national sites via survey, interview, and in-class observation. Data from the first four modules were evaluated and showed that FLASH was delivered with high fidelity. Sessions that required peer interaction were rated as the most effective in engaging students and promoting knowledge. Study-provided material resources and on-site support were identified as key facilitators. Student misbehavior was viewed as the greatest barrier. Although the high level of support provided by the study is not likely to be replicated in school systems, those developing wellness policies, health curricula, and teacher training programs may benefit from using the evidence-supported, publicly available HEALTHY materials in their efforts to reduce diabetes risk factors in middle school youth.
Evaluating Social Media’s Capacity to Develop Engaged Audiences in Health Promotion Settings
Authors: Neiger Brad L. , Thackeray Rosemary , Burton Scott H. , Giraud-Carrier Christophe G. , Fagen Michael C.
Published: December 2012

Use of social media in health promotion and public health continues to grow in popularity, though most of what is reported in literature represents one-way messaging devoid of attributes associated with engagement, a core attribute, if not the central purpose, of social media. This article defines engagement, describes its value in maximizing the potential of social media in health promotion, proposes an evaluation hierarchy for social media engagement, and uses Twitter as a case study to illustrate how the hierarchy might function in practice. Partnership and participation are proposed as culminating outcomes for social media use in health promotion. As use of social media in health promotion moves toward this end, evaluation metrics that verify progress and inform subsequent strategies will become increasingly important.
Associations Between a Voluntary Restaurant Menu Designation Initiative and Patron Purchasing Behavior
Authors: Sosa Erica T. , Biediger-Friedman Lesli , Banda Martha
Published: December 2012

Background. Restaurant initiatives provide an efficient opportunity to impact large numbers of patrons. The purpose of this study is to measure patron purchasing behaviors during the ¡Por Vida! menu designation initiative. Method. This study used a cross-sectional design and survey data to assess 23 restaurants throughout Bexar County and 152 restaurant patrons. The Patron Awareness Questionnaire assessed if patrons noticed the logo; believed nutrition, cost, and taste were important in making purchasing decisions; and purchased a ¡Por Vida! item. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results. Most (93.4%) patrons considered taste very important when deciding what to eat. Cost was very important to 63.8% and nutrition was very important to 55.9% of the sample. The strongest predictors of purchasing a ¡Por Vida! item were the patrons’ ages being between 18 and 35 years (odds ratio = 1.474; confidence interval = 0.017, 0.812; p < .05) and if patrons saw the logo (odds ratio = 4.327; confidence interval = 1.696-11.036; p < .01). Discussion/Conclusion. Menu logo designation initiatives can potentially influence patron purchasing behaviors among a segment of the population when the logo is visible.
Getting More for Your Money
Authors: Ainsworth Dale , Diaz Heather , Schmidtlein Mathew C.
Published: December 2012

Most community health needs assessments (CHNAs) are unilateral in nature and fail to include a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, limiting them in their scope. Nonprofit hospitals are required to conduct CHNAs every 3 years to determine where community prevention dollars should be spent. In 2010, a CBPR CHNA approach was conducted with four hospital systems in Northern California. Merging concepts from organization development, the approach included (a) goal determination, (b) use of a guiding framework, (c) creation of a container in which to interact, (d) established feedback loops, and (e) intentional trust-building exercises. The approach was to build lasting relationships between hospital systems that would extend beyond the CHNA. Results using this approach revealed that members representing all four hospital systems (a) began to meet regularly after the CHNA was completed, (b) increased collaboration with other community organizations, (c) expanded their level of intraorganization partnerships, (d) enjoyed the process, (e) felt that their professional knowledge expanded, and (f) felt connected professionally and personally with other hospital representatives. As a result, other joint projects are underway. The results of this study indicate that using CBPR to design a CHNA can build sustained collaborative relationships between study participants that continue.
Combinatorial Auctions for Player Selection in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
Authors: Chakraborty Soumyakanti , Sen Anup K. , Bagchi Amitava
Published: December 2012

In 2008, the benefits of team formation by auction first became apparent in the field of professional cricket. The Indian Premier League organized sequential single-item auctions to allocate 77 cricketers to eight teams that participated in a Twenty20 cricket tournament. We argue in this article that the auction format used resulted in distortion of player valuations. We recommend a combinatorial auction scheme MRPF which enables bidders to exploit the complementary nature of the resources. A laboratory experiment undertaken to test the feasibility of MRPF indicated that it would result in a more efficient auction system.
Creating Justice
Authors: Johnson John M.
Published: December 2012

Reflecting on his five decades of passionate involvement in justice scholarship, teaching, and community action, a senior scholar offers some observations about the long path from Plato to Rawls, and how this relates to daily practice and political involvement. The Western justice tradition is very cerebral and rational, whereas real-world involvements are very emotional and ethically ambiguous. What does one need to know to be a conscious and ethical actor in the daily world of practical action and community politics? Is one’s intellectual the best guide? One’s emotions? What does justice mean?
A Behavioral Task Predicts Conversion to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zola Stuart M. , Manzanares C. M. , Clopton P. , Lah J. J. , Levey A. I.
Published: December 2012

Background/Rationale

: Currently, we cannot reliably differentiate individuals at risk of cognitive decline, for example, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), from those individuals who are not at risk.

Methods

: A total of 32 participants with MCI and 60 control (CON) participants were tested on an innovative, sensitive behavioral assay, the visual paired comparison (VPC) task using infrared eye tracking. The participants were followed for 3 years after testing.

Results

: Scores on the VPC task predicted, up to 3 years prior to a change in clinical diagnosis, those patients with MCI who would and who would not progress to AD and CON participants who would and would not progress to MCI.

Conclusions

: The present findings show that the VPC task can predict impending cognitive decline. To our knowledge, this is the first behavioral task that can identify CON participants who will develop MCI or patients with MCI who will develop AD within the next few years.
Video Feedback on Functional Task Performance Improves Self-awareness After Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Schmidt Julia , Fleming Jennifer , Ownsworth Tamara , Lannin Natasha A.
Published: December 2012

Background. Feedback is used in rehabilitation to improve self-awareness in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI), but there have been no comparisons of the different methods of providing feedback. Objective. To compare the effect of different methods of feedback on impaired self-awareness after TBI. Method. This was a randomized, assessor-blinded trial with concealed allocation. A total of 54 participants with TBI and impaired self-awareness (85% male) were recruited from inpatient and community rehabilitation settings. Participants performed a meal preparation task on 4 occasions and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 feedback intervention groups: video plus verbal feedback, verbal feedback, or experiential feedback. The primary outcome was improvement in online awareness measured by the number of errors made during task completion. Secondary outcomes included level of intellectual awareness, self-perception of rehabilitation, and emotional status. Results. Receiving video plus verbal feedback reduced the number of errors more than verbal feedback alone (mean difference = 19.7 errors; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.2-30.1) and experiential feedback alone (mean difference = 12.4 errors; 95% CI = 1.8-23.0). Conclusion. The results suggest that the video plus verbal feedback approach used in this study was effective in improving self-awareness in people with TBI. The results also provide evidence that improvement in self-awareness was not accompanied by deterioration in emotional status.
Facebook and Twitter in the Newsroom
Authors: Lysak Suzanne , Cremedas Michael , Wolf John
Published: December 2012

This article examines the role social media is playing in local television newsrooms. The authors used a web-based national survey of news managers at network affiliated stations to look at what forms of social media are being used in the newsroom, who is using it and how it is being applied. The results show stations are embracing social media as a means of connecting with news consumers and raising their newsrooms’ profile in the community, and are encouraging their news staff members to have an individual social media presence. Stations also report their news staff are using social media as a newsgathering tool, but the value and reliability of information gathered through this means is up for debate.
Ideology Trumps Meteorology
Authors: Wilson Kris M.
Published: December 2012

TV weathercasters are a potentially important source of climate change information: They are a widely trusted source; they have frequent access to large audiences; and most have discussed climate change as part of their duties. Previous research, however, has shown that a significant minority of TV weathercasters disagree with the consensus science. Using multivariate analyses, this article identifies political ideology (conservative) and gender (male), but not age or science training, as predictors for being unconvinced that global warming is occurring; only ideology (conservative) predicts being unconvinced of anthropogenic causes of global warming. Ideology is also the strongest predictor, and gender is a secondary predictor, of trust in sources of climate change information: Conservative weathercasters expressed less trust in all seven science-based sources that were examined. These findings suggest that efforts to improve the quality of climate change reporting among these high-profile specialists must address political and personal ideology in addition to increased science training.
BMI but Not Race Contributes to Vitamin D–Parathyroid Hormone Axis in Peripubertal Girls
Authors: Hanks Lynae J. , Ashraf Ambika , Alvarez Jessica A. , Beasley T. Mark , Fernandez Jose R. , Casazza Krista
Published: December 2012

Currently, there is widespread interest in establishing 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) level preventing a secondary elevation in parathyroid hormone (PTH). The aim of this study was to identify the 25OHD nadir resulting in a rise of PTH and to determine if this inflection point is weight- or race-specific during growth and development in peripubertal girls. A total of 104 normal (n = 61) and overweight (n = 43) African American (AA) and European American (EA) girls, 5 to 14 years of age, were included. Though AAs had lower 25OHD levels, there was no difference in PTH compared with EAs. A 25OHD concentration of 27.2 ng/mL ( P < .01) was indicated to increase PTH in normal-weight girls, although a statistically significant level was not established in overweight girls. No race difference in inflection point was observed. These data suggest a potential influence of weight status on the 25OHD-PTH inflection point in peripubertal girls. Accordingly, on determination of 25OHD level reflecting optimal health, consideration of weight status appears to be important during this critical period of growth and development.
The Rise and Fall of Self-Control
Authors: van Koningsbruggen Guido M. , Stroebe Wolfgang , Aarts Henk
Published: December 2012

Environmental cues of temptation generally frustrate people’s long-term goal attainment. However, recent research suggests that temptation cues promote, rather than hamper long-term goal congruent effects in successful self-regulators. While previous work has started to shed light on the cognitive features of this rise and fall of self-control, the present research aims to significantly advance this study by exploring important implications for actual behavior in the domain of dieting. In combining a temptation cue exposure procedure with a concurrent schedules task, results of two studies demonstrated that tempting food cues increased unsuccessful, but not successful dieters’ effortful behavior toward high-calorie food. In contrast, tempting food cues increased successful dieters’ efforts toward low-calorie food, but did not affect unsuccessful dieters. The findings suggest that the behavior of both unsuccessful and successful dieters in response to tempting food cues is goal-directed rather than impulsive.
Kinetic and equilibrium studies of fluoride sorption onto surfactant-modified smectites
Authors: Gamoudi S. , Frini-Srasra N. , Srasra E.
Published: December 2012

The use of organoclays as adsorbents in the remediation of polluted water has been the subject of many recent studies. In the present work, a Tunisian smectite modified with two cationic surfactants was used as an adsorbent to examine the adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamic parameters of fluoride ions from aqueous solution. Various pH values, initial concentrations and temperatures have been tested. Two simplified kinetic models, first-order and pseudo-second-order, were used to predict the adsorption rate constants. It was found that the adsorption kinetics of fluoride onto modified smectites at different operating conditions can best be described by the pseudo-second-order model. Adsorption isotherms and equilibrium adsorption capacities were determined by the fitting of the experimental data to well known isotherm models including those of Langmuir and Freundlich. The results showed that the Langmuir model appears to fit the adsorption better than the Freundlich adsorption model for the adsorption of fluoride ions onto modified smectites. The equilibrium constants were used to calculate thermodynamic parameters, such as the change of free energy, enthalpy and entropy. Results of this study demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of organoclays for the removal of fluoride ions from aqueous solution.
Reaction of bentonites with pyrite concentrate after wetting and drying cycles at 80°C: relevance to radioactive waste (Radwaste) storage
Authors: Osacky M. , Šucha V. , Miglierini M. , Madejová J.
Published: December 2012

The mineral stability of two bentonites was studied in the presence of pyrite concentrate to simulate the possible reactions between the bentonite barrier used in a high-level nuclear waste (HLW) repository and host rock containing up to 5 wt.% of admixed pyrite. Smectite was the only bentonite mineral affected by pyrite treatment under the experimental conditions used. Bentonites reacted differently with pyrite due to the different nature of the smectites. The distinct crystal chemistry of the smectites controlled by the composition of the parent rocks influenced the smectite surface properties (cation exchange capacity and layer charge distribution) which resulted in a different response of the bentonites to pyrite treatment. A partial transformation of the original smectites into H-smectites represented the initial stage of smectite destabilization on acid attack. Rising non-equivalent isomorphous substitution in the octahedral sheets of the smectites enhanced smectite reactivity and thus the reaction between bentonite and pyrite, causing lower stability of the bentonite containing high-charge smectite.
Evolution with depth from detrital to authigenic smectites in sediments from AND-2A drill core (McMurdo Sound, Antarctica)
Authors: Iacoviello F. , Giorgetti G. , Nieto F. , Memmi I. T.
Published: December 2012

We have examined the nature and origin of smectites in glaciomarine sediments of the AND-2A drill core (McMurdo Sound, Antarctica) by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses on the clay fraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations and SEM-EDS microanalyses on smectite particles. Relying on the smectite variation throughout the drill core it was possible to split the sequence into three units. Smectites throughout the core are either detrital or authigenic. Detrital smectites are close to montmorillonite-beidellite in composition while newly-formed smectites frequently have higher Fe-Mg contents and intermediate compositions between the saponite and nontronite field, with lower amounts in the montmorillonite-beidellite field. In the upper sedimentary sections (Unit I, and Unit II, 36-440 mbsf, 0.7-16.5 Ma) smectites are interpreted to be predominantly detrital, whereas in the lower portion of the core (Unit III, 440-1123.20 mbsf, 16.5-20.2 Ma) authigenic smectites are the most common feature. The predominance of mica, the abundance of chlorite, and the nature of smectites in the upper units indicate physical weathering under cold and dry climate, and a dominant provenance for the clay minerals from the Transantarctic Mountains. Smectites in the lower unit are considered mostly authigenic and they are most likely to be the result of early diagenetic processes, being formed from the alteration of volcanic material (glass, pyroxenes and feldspars) and/or through precipitation from fluids of a possible hydrothermal origin. Our survey attests to the importance of discriminating between a detrital and authigenic nature of smectites as the occurrence of authigenic clay minerals in ancient sedimentary successions might lead to incorrect palaeoclimatic interpretations, since they can be affected by diagenetic processes, thus obliterating the climatic signal.
Mineralogical and physico-chemical characterizations of clay from Keur Saër (Senegal)
Authors: Mbaye A. , Diop C. A. K. , Rhouta B. , Brendle J. M. , Senocq F. , Maury F. , Diallo D. P.
Published: December 2012

There is interest in exploiting and developing natural resources, particularly deposits of natural clays. Senegal has several clay mineral deposits for which chemical and mineralogical compositions have been little studied. Some of these natural materials are nowadays used in pottery and ceramics. To extend applications, a better basic knowledge is required and, for this objective, the raw clay and separated <2 μm clay fraction from Keur Saër (Senegal) were subjected to chemical and mineralogical studies. Several techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG-DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, cation exchange capacity (CEC) measurements and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have been used to characterize the material. It was found that the raw clay and the separated clay fraction consist of a mineral mixture in which kaolinite is the main component.29Si and27Al MAS-NMR spectra show the presence of silicon atoms linked to three other silicon atoms via an oxygen atom and six coordinated Al atoms. Significant increases in the specific surface area and cation exchange capacity were observed on purification, reaching a maximum of about 73.2 m2g–1and 9.5 meq/100 g for the separated fine clay fraction while the values for the raw material were around 28.9 m2g–1and 7.3 meq/100 g.
Influence of particle size on the paramagnetic components of kaolins from different origins
Authors: Worasith N. , Goodman B. A.
Published: December 2012

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of different particle size fractions of four kaolins from diverse sources in North America, Europe and Asia have been investigated in order to characterize their paramagnetic properties and heterogeneity. There were major differences in the sources of the EPR signals from transition metals; V and Mn were structural, Fe was both structural and as associated oxides, and Cu was in the form of an adsorbed ion. The radiation-induced free radical signals commonly known as the A- and B-centres were observed in three of the deposits; however, in addition to the previously reported27Al hyperfine structure associated with the B-centre, we also observed much smaller27Al hyperfine structure on the g┴ feature of the A-centre. The other kaolin sample produced four free radical signals that have not previously been reported in kaolins. Each had substantial1H hyperfine splitting; three are interpreted as corresponding to defect centres associated with Si-OH groups, and the other to a Si hole surrounded by protonated O atoms. The EPR spectra changed progressively with particle size, and measurements on the Asian specimens after grinding showed major differences in the Fe3+signals from the same particle size fractions separated from the natural samples, thus supporting previous reports that grinding results in major structural changes in the minerals.
Ultrasound assessment of lower limb muscle mass in response to resistance training in COPD
Authors: Menon Manoj K , Houchen Linzy , Harrison Samantha , Singh Sally J , Morgan Michael D , Steiner Michael C
Published: December 2012

Background

Quantifying the improvements in lower limb or quadriceps muscle mass following resistance training (RT), is an important outcome measure in COPD. Ultrasound is a portable, radiation free imaging technique that can measure the size of superficial muscles belonging to the quadriceps group such as the rectus femoris, but has not been previously used in COPD patients following RT. We compared the responsiveness of ultrasound derived measures of quadriceps mass against dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), in patients with COPD and healthy controls following a programme of high intensity knee extensor RT.

Methods

Portable ultrasound was used to assess the size of the dominant quadriceps in 45 COPD patients and 19 healthy controls-before, during, and after 8 weeks of bilateral high intensity isokinetic knee extensor RT. Scanning was performed at the mid-thigh region, and 2 indices of quadriceps mass were measured-rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RFcsa) and quadriceps muscle thickness (Qt). Thigh lean mass (Tdexa) was determined by DEXA.

Results

Training resulted in a significant increase in Tdexa, RFcsa and Qt in COPD patients [5.7%, 21.8%, 12.1% respectively] and healthy controls [5.4%, 19.5%, 10.9 respectively]. The effect size for the changes in RFcsa (COPD= 0.77; Healthy=0.83) and Qt (COPD=0.36; Healthy=0.78) were greater than the changes in Tdexa (COPD=0.19; Healthy=0.26) following RT.

Conclusions

Serial ultrasound measurements of the quadriceps can detect changes in muscle mass in response to RT in COPD. The technique has good reproducibility, and may be more sensitive to changes in muscle mass when compared to DEXA.

Trial registration

http://www.controlled-trials.com (Identifier: ISRCTN22764439)
Autophosphorylation of serine 608 in the p85 regulatory subunit of wild type or cancer-associated mutants of phosphoinositide 3-kinase does not affect its lipid kinase activity
Authors: Layton Meredith J , Saad Mirette , Church Nicole L , Pearson Richard B , Mitchell Christina A , Phillips Wayne A
Published: December 2012

Background

The α-isoform of the Type 1A Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Kα) has protein kinase activity as well as phosphoinositide lipid kinase activity. The best described substrate for its protein kinase activity is its regulatory subunit, p85α, which becomes phosphorylated on Serine 608. Phosphorylation of Serine 608 has been reported to down-regulate its lipid kinase activity.

Results

We have assessed whether oncogenic mutants of PI3Kα, which have up-regulated lipid kinase activity, have altered levels of Serine 608 phosphorylation compared to wild type PI3Kα, and whether differential phosphorylation of Serine 608 contributes to increased activity of oncogenic forms of PI3Kα with point mutations in the helical or the kinase domains. Despite markedly increased lipid kinase activity, protein kinase activity was not altered in oncogenic compared to wild type forms of PI3Kα. By manipulating levels of phosphorylation of Serine 608 in vitro, we found no evidence that the protein kinase activity of PI3Kα affects its phosphoinositide lipid kinase activity in either wild-type or oncogenic mutants of PI3Kα.

Conclusions

Phosphorylation of p85α S608 is not a significant regulator of wild-type or oncogenic PI3Kα lipid kinase activity.