bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Effects of Commercially Available and Custom-Made Video Prompting for Teaching Cooking Skills to High School Students With Autism
Authors: Mechling Linda C. , Ayres Kevin M. , Foster Ashley L. , Bryant Kathryn J.
Published: July 2013

The study compared the effects of using commercially available and custom-made video prompts on the completion of cooking recipes by four high school age males with a diagnosis of autism. An adapted alternating treatments design with continuous baseline, comparison, final treatment, and best treatment condition was used to compare the two procedures. Gains were made by each participant when using both video procedures. However, results indicate that all students performed more steps independently correct when completing recipes with the custom-made video prompts during the comparison condition. During the best treatment condition, recipes initially prepared using the commercially available video prompts in the comparison condition were performed at criterion levels when completed with the custom-made videos prompts. Implications for use and development of commercial and customized video products with attention to the salient features of video prompts are presented.
The Effects of Land Development on Municipal Finance
Authors: Paulsen Kurt
Published: July 2013

This review presents a conceptual model to understand and trace the effects of land development on municipal expenditures and revenues. It includes discussion of the how local voters determine levels of expenditures and levels of service subject to external constraints. It also discusses the production function of local public services. This review and model can serve as a basis for evaluating fiscal projections for land development proposals. It finds that direct fiscal impacts measured in most fiscal impact analysis techniques are only a subset of the types of impacts that would likely be expected to result from land development within a community.
Flammable and mechanical effects of silica on intumescent flame retardant/ethylene–octene copolymer/polypropylene composites
Authors: Wu Zheng-Huan , Qu Jin-Ping , Zhao Yong-Qing , Tang Hai-Long , Wen Jin-Song
Published: July 2013

The flammable and the mechanical effects of silica (SiO2) on the halogen-free, flame-retarded ethylene–octene copolymer (POE)/polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated. Through the thermal stability analysis and the combustion test, it was found that the SiO2 had a synergistic effect on the intumescent flame retardant (IFR), especially when the SiO2 content was 3 wt%. According to the results of mechanical properties, the tensile strength of composites increased with the rising SiO2 content and most of the impact strength is retained. The fracture morphology showed the state of SiO2/IFR particles in the POE/PP blends, which reflected that with the increasing SiO2 content and the decreasing IFR content, the aggregates became less compact and the size of aggregates became smaller.
An Interpersonal Relationship Framework for Virtual Community Participation Psychology
Authors: Li Honglei , Lee Kun Chang
Published: July 2013

Understanding virtual community (hereinafter as VC) participation is of importance to VC organizers as well as VC researchers. Although VC participation has been explored from diverse perspectives, few studies can offer a comprehensive theoretical framework to explain why people participate in VCs. This article contributes to VC research by proposing and empirically validating an exploratory theoretical framework from the interpersonal relationship perspective using two interpersonal relationship theories—the Triandis interpersonal behavior model from social psychological angle and fundamental interpersonal relationship orientation from communicational angle to explain two types of VC participation—behavior to obtain information and behavior to give information. Data were collected in three representative VCs. Data analysis results showed that the two interpersonal relationship theories are effective in explaining VC participation. This article contributes to the existing body of knowledge on VCs by providing an integrative interpersonal relationship framework to explain VC participation, that is, members participate in VCs to satisfy their interpersonal relationship needs at three levels—inclusion, control, and affect through the dynamic interpersonal process expressed as covert to overt psychological process.
Customer abuse to service workers: an analysis of its social creation within the service economy
Authors: Korczynski Marek , Evans Claire
Published: July 2013

Evidence from a range of sources suggests that customer abuse to service workers is a significant phenomenon. This article argues that a large part of customer abuse is endogenously created within the fabric of the service economy. Thirty book-length ethnographies were coded for relevant data and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis was undertaken. The findings show that frequent customer abuse is associated with a configuration of the promotion of customer sovereignty (at organizational, sectoral and national levels), the weak position of labour, the higher social status position of customers vis-à-vis workers and the structuring of service interactions as encounters.
On the prediction of monocyte deposition in abdominal aortic aneurysms using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Hardman David , Doyle Barry J , Semple Scott IK , Richards Jennifer MJ , Newby David E , Easson William J , Hoskins Peter R
Published: July 2013

In abdominal aortic aneurysm disease, the aortic wall is exposed to intense biological activity involving inflammation and matrix metalloproteinase–mediated degradation of the extracellular matrix. These processes are orchestrated by monocytes and rather than affecting the aorta uniformly, damage and weaken focal areas of the wall leaving it vulnerable to rupture. This study attempts to model numerically the deposition of monocytes using large eddy simulation, discrete phase modelling and near-wall particle residence time. The model was first applied to idealised aneurysms and then to three patient-specific lumen geometries using three-component inlet velocities derived from phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. The use of a novel, variable wall shear stress-limiter based on previous experimental data significantly improved the results. Simulations identified a critical diameter (1.8 times the inlet diameter) beyond which significant monocyte deposition is expected to occur. Monocyte adhesion occurred proximally in smaller abdominal aortic aneurysms and distally as the sac expands. The near-wall particle residence time observed in each of the patient-specific models was markedly different. Discrete hotspots of monocyte residence time were detected, suggesting that the monocyte infiltration responsible for the breakdown of the abdominal aortic aneurysm wall occurs heterogeneously. Peak monocyte residence time was found to increase with aneurysm sac size. Further work addressing certain limitations is needed in a larger cohort to determine clinical significance.
A multidirectional fracture stiffness model to determine the principal stiffness properties of a healing human tibia
Authors: Ogrodnik Peter J , Thomas Peter BM , Moorcroft Christopher I , Mohammed Khaja N
Published: July 2013

A model for the stiffness of a fractured human tibia has been developed. The model is based on Mohr’s circle of inertia and relies on tibial fracture stiffness being measured in a number of planes. Using in vitro data, it has been shown that this model can be used to identify the principal stiffness values and their associated planes. It has also been shown that only 4/5 independent measurements are required to generate good correlation between experimental data and fitted data. Initial in vivo experiments show that this model transfers from the laboratory to clinical practice. The model illustrated that the maximum plane for a complete tibia is about 12°–14° relative to anterior–posterior, which correlates with previous publications. It is postulated that the model can be used for further in vitro studies to confirm the most common angle of the minimum stiffness plane. The knowledge of this angle may help orthopaedic surgeons to better assess fracture stiffness and may be the starting point for further discussion about the current minimum value of 15 N m/°.
Effect of head contact on the rim of the cup on the offset loading and torque in hip joint replacement
Authors: Liu Feng , Williams Sophie , Jin Zhongmin , Fisher John
Published: July 2013

Head contact on the rim of the cup causes stress concentration and consequently increased wear. The head contact on the rim of the cup may in addition cause an offset load and torque on the cup. The head–rim contact resulting from microseparation or subluxation has been investigated. An analytical model has been developed to calculate the offset loading and resultant torque on the cup as a function of the translational displacement of the head under simplified loading condition of the hip joint at heel strike during a walking cycle. The magnitude of the torque on the cup was found to increase with the increasing translational displacement, larger diameter heads, eccentric cups, and the coefficient of friction of the contact. The effects of cup inclination, cup rim radius, and cup coverage angle on the magnitude of the torque were found to be relatively small with a maximum variation in the torque magnitude being lower than 20%. This study has shown an increased torque due to the head loading on the rim of the cup, and this may contribute to the incidence of cup loosening. Particularly, metal-on-metal hip joints with larger head diameters may produce the highest offset loading torque.
Poor specific antibody response immunodeficiency (dysgammaglobulinemia) predates systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hamzi H Al , Shaikh A Al , Arnaout RK
Published: July 2013

Poor specific antibody response is a well-known primary immunodeficiency that is related to hypogammaglobulinemia or common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The co-existence of CVID or hypogammaglobulinemia and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been rarely described. In all reported cases, the diagnosis of SLE antedates CVID.

We report a 15-year-old Saudi girl who was diagnosed with poor specific antibody response at age 6 years in the form of poor or no antibody response and dysgammaglobulinemia. She developed SLE with musculoskeletal and hematological manifestations, positive antinuclear antibody and high anti-dsDNA nine years later. She was treated with rituximab with good response.
Painless ascites and elevated CA125: initial presentation of lupus-associated protein-losing enteropathy
Authors: Ong CS , Cheah TE , Jasmin R , Yahya F , Sockalingam S , Ng CT
Published: July 2013

Lupus associated protein loosing enteropathy (LUPLE) is a rare gastrointestinal manifestation of SLE. We presented a case of painless ascites from serve hypoalbuminaemia secondary to LUPLE. The patient responded to a course of intravenous cyclophosphamide. The remission was maintained by azathioprine and low dose prednisolone.
General Music and the Common Core
Authors: Berger Cardany Audrey
Published: July 2013

The Common Core Standards and the wide-spread state adoption have implications for music teachers. Alignment with English language arts Common Core Standards is discussed, with examples provided for elementary general music experiences. The author notes the challenge of retaining focus on the music domain while meeting the expectations of the latest trend in education reform—college and career readiness.
Immunohistochemical Studies of Metastatic Germ-Cell Tumors in Retroperitoneal Dissection Specimens
Authors: Bai Shuting , Wei Shi , Pasha Theresa L. , Yao Yuan , Tomaszewski John E. , Bing Zhanyong
Published: July 2013

Germ-cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common malignancies in adolescent and young men. These tumors are highly treatable, even at an advanced stage; therefore, accurate diagnosis is imperative. In this study, we evaluated immunohistochemical stains for SALL4, NANOG, glypican-3 (GPC3), D2-40, and CD30 with adequate control in retroperitoneal dissection specimens under the same laboratory conditions. The study groups included 31 cases of metastatic testicular GCTs with the following components: 11 seminomas, 14 embryonal carcinoma (ECs), 12 yolk sac tumor (YSTs), 8 teratomas, 10 cases of metastatic melanomas, 14 cases of malignant lymphomas, and 11 cases of metastatic, poorly differentiated carcinoma. SALL4 showed diffuse nuclear labeling for all seminomas, ECs, and YSTs. NANOG showed diffuse nuclear positivity in all seminomas and ECs. Metastatic carcinomas, melanomas, and malignant lymphomas were negative for these 2 markers. Gypican-3, D2-40, and CD30 showed sensitive staining for YSTs, seminomas, and ECs, respectively. In conclusion, SALL4 and NANOG are sensitive and specific markers for GCTs. GPC3, D2-40, and CD30 are sensitive but not specific for individual components of GCTs and may be useful in aiding in the differential diagnosis for the individual component of GCTs when the identity of GCT is established.
Who Wants to Be an Entrepreneur? The Relationship Between Vocational Interests and Individual Differences in Entrepreneurship
Authors: Almeida Patricia I. L. , Ahmetoglu Gorkan , Chamorro-Premuzic Tomas
Published: July 2013

The current study examines the relationship between individual differences in entrepreneurship and vocational interests in a sample of 565 adults. Specifically, it investigates associations between vocational interests (as assessed by Holland’s realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional model), entrepreneurial potential (as assessed by measure of entrepreneurial tendencies and abilities [META]), and entrepreneurial activity, both within and outside organizations. Results reveal predictable associations between Holland’s taxonomy of vocational interests and entrepreneurial outcomes. Incremental validity tests show that Holland’s vocational interests predict entrepreneurial activity even when entrepreneurial potential and demographic variables are taken into account. Furthermore, structural equation modeling indicates that META is the strongest and most consistent predictor of entrepreneurial activity. Practical and theoretical implications for vocational guidance and career assessment are considered.
Job Satisfaction Among Turkish Teachers
Authors: Buyukgoze-Kavas Aysenur , Duffy Ryan D. , Güneri Oya Yerin , Autin Kelsey L.
Published: July 2013

This study aimed to examine how variables from a social cognitive model of job satisfaction—goal progress, self-efficacy, perceived organizational support, and positive affect—predicted the job satisfaction of Turkish teachers. Additionally, the study investigated the extent to which these relations differed according to school level. Study participants comprised 500 teachers (73% women and 27% men) employed by state schools at various levels in Ankara, Turkey, with an average of 19 years of teaching experience. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed teacher job satisfaction to be significantly and positively predicted by perceived organizational support, goal progress, and positive affect. There was also a significant interaction between school type and goal progress and a significant interaction between school type and perceived organizational support. For elementary school teachers, perceived organizational support was more highly related to satisfaction than for high school teachers and especially secondary school teachers. For secondary school teachers, goal progress was more highly related to job satisfaction than for high school teachers, and especially elementary teachers. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Executive Functioning in Children and Adolescents With Symptoms of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and ADHD
Authors: Araujo Jiménez Eva Angelina , Jané Ballabriga María Claustre , Bonillo Martin Albert , Arrufat Francisco Javier , Serra Giacobo Rodrigo
Published: July 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to observe whether the independent presence of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) directly impacts on the Executive Function (EF), and to determine whether there are deficits in EF that are unique to ADHD predominantly inattentive (ADHD-I) or SCT. Method: Seventy-six participants aged 6 to 17 years and their parents were assessed using a diagnostic interview, an instrument that assesses the EF, and another instrument that assesses the SCT. Two hierarchical linear regression models were performed. The first one analyzed the independent relationship between SCT and EF, and the second model added the symptomatology of ADHD-I. Results: The SCT has a statistically significant direct relation on the EF deficits and remains in the second model even with the inclusion of the ADHD-I. Conclusion: The SCT and ADHD-I symptoms independently promote executive deficits. Children with ADHD-I symptoms showed deficits in most areas of the EF. Deficits in inhibition and initiative are unique to inattention.
Ad Valorem versus Unit Taxes in Oligopoly and Endogenous Market Conduct
Authors: Vetter Henrik
Published: July 2013

In oligopoly, comparison of the tax pass-through favors the use of ad valorem taxes compared to unit taxes. We argue that, in addition to differences in tax pass-through, the two taxes have a dissimilar effect on firms’ strategic interaction. The anticompetitive effects of the two taxes favor unit taxes over ad valorem taxes. We show both when there is a preference for unit taxation and when it is likely that the conventional preference for ad valorem taxation is upheld.
Understanding the Results of Multiple Linear Regression
Authors: Nimon Kim F. , Oswald Frederick L.
Published: July 2013

Multiple linear regression (MLR) remains a mainstay analysis in organizational research, yet intercorrelations between predictors (multicollinearity) undermine the interpretation of MLR weights in terms of predictor contributions to the criterion. Alternative indices include validity coefficients, structure coefficients, product measures, relative weights, all-possible-subsets regression, dominance weights, and commonality coefficients. This article reviews these indices, and uniquely, it offers freely available software that (a) computes and compares all of these indices with one another, (b) computes associated bootstrapped confidence intervals, and (c) does so for any number of predictors so long as the correlation matrix is positive definite. Other available software is limited in all of these respects. We invite researchers to use this software to increase their insights when applying MLR to a data set. Avenues for future research and application are discussed.
Evaluation of McDonald MRI criteria for dissemination in space in Korean patients with clinically isolated syndromes
Authors: Huh So-Young , Kim Su-Hyun , Kim Woojun , Lee Sang-Hyun , Park Min Su , Ahn Suk-Won , Kim Byung-Jo , Cho Joong-Yang , Kim Ho Jin
Published: July 2013

We investigated the validity of the 2005 and 2010 McDonald magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria for dissemination in space (DIS) to predict the conversion of clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) in 94 Korean patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values of the 2005, 2010 McDonald DIS criteria were comparable to those observed in the Caucasian population. This finding suggests that after careful exclusion of alternative explanations, particularly neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD), both the 2005 and 2010 McDonald DIS criteria are also useful to predict conversion to CDMS in Korean patients with CIS.
Neuromyelitis optica and pregnancy during therapeutic B cell depletion: infant exposure to anti-AQP4 antibody and prevention of rebound relapses with low-dose rituximab postpartum
Authors: Ringelstein M , Harmel J , Distelmaier F , Ingwersen J , Menge T , Hellwig K , Kieseier B , Mayatepek E , Hartung H-P , Kuempfel T , Aktas O
Published: July 2013

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) predominantly affects women, some in childbearing age, and requires early therapeutic intervention to prevent disabling relapses. We report an anti-AQP4 antibody-seropositive patient who became pregnant seven months after low-dose (100 mg) rituximab application. Pregnancy showed no complications, and low-dose rituximab restarted two days after delivery resulted in neurological stability for 24 months. Remarkably, her otherwise healthy newborn presented with anti-AQP4 antibody and reduced B lymphocyte counts in umbilical cord blood, which normalized three months later. Confirming and extending previous reports, our case suggests that low-dose rituximab might be compatible with pregnancy and prevent rebound NMO disease activity postpartum.
Reverse causality behind the association between reproductive history and MS
Authors: Hedström AK , Hillert J , Olsson T , Alfredsson L
Published: July 2013

Background:

Possible associations between childbearing patterns and multiple sclerosis (MS) risk have been studied for a long time, with conflicting results. We aimed to investigate the influence of reproductive history on MS risk.

Methods:

Using a Swedish population-based case-control study involving incident cases of MS (1798 cases, 3907 controls), we calculated odds ratios (OR) for MS comparing parents with childless subjects together with 95% confidence intervals (CI) employing logistic regression.

Results:

Overall, there was an association between having children and reduced MS risk among both sexes. Subjects who had become parents within five years prior to the index year had a substantially reduced risk of developing MS (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5–0.8 for women, and OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.6 for men). No association between having children and MS risk was observed when more than 10 years had passed since the birth of the last child. We found no association between increasing offspring number and MS risk.

Conclusions:

The observed association between reproductive history and MS risk is restricted to a limited time period preceding the index year, with similar findings in both sexes, which contradicts biologic impact of pregnancy on MS risk and argues in favor of reverse causality, i.e. that fecundity is affected by yet-undiagnosed MS.
Tumor necrosis factor is elevated in progressive multiple sclerosis and causes excitotoxic neurodegeneration
Authors: Rossi Silvia , Motta Caterina , Studer Valeria , Barbieri Francesca , Buttari Fabio , Bergami Alessandra , Sancesario Giulia , Bernardini Sergio , De Angelis Gottardo , Martino Gianvito , Furlan Roberto , Centonze Diego
Published: July 2013

Background:

Chronic inflammation leads to gray matter damage in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), but the mechanism linking inflammation and neurodegeneration is unclear.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to investigate the synaptic mechanism of inflammatory neurodegeneration in progressive forms of MS.

Methods:

Cytokine and neurofilament-light were determined in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients. In vitro electrophysiology and cell swelling experiments were performed to measure the effects of inflammatory cytokines in the CSF of MS patients on synaptic transmission and neuronal integrity.

Results:

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) was higher in CSF of progressive MS subjects, and caused excitotoxic neuronal death in vitro. In murine brain slices incubated in the presence of CSF from progressive MS, in fact, we observed increased spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and glutamate-mediated neuronal swelling through a mechanism dependent on enhanced TNF signaling. We also suggested a pathogenic role of B cells in TNF CSF increase, exacerbation of glutamatergic transmission and neuronal damage, since CNS depletion of B cells with intrathecal rituximab caused a dramatic reduction of TNF levels, of TNF-induced sEPSC alterations, and of neurofilament CSF concentrations in a patient with progressive MS.

Conclusion:

Our results point to TNF as a primary neurotoxic molecule in progressive forms of MS.
First use of alemtuzumab in Balo’s concentric sclerosis: a case report
Authors: Brown JWL , Coles AJ , Jones JL
Published: July 2013

Balo’s concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. The humanised monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab has shown efficacy in another demyelinating disorder, relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. We aimed to explore its efficacy in treatment-refractory BCS. A 52-year-old male with radiologically confirmed progressive BCS resistant to steroids, plasmapharesis and cyclophosphamide was administered a standard protocol of alemtuzumab. Treatment failed to slow his decline; he died 6 months after administration. Why alemtuzumab induced no clinical or radiological impact may be multifactorial. We review the evidence directing BCS therapy and propose the next steps for exploring this potentially fatal condition.
Combining HLA-DR risk alleles and anti-Epstein-Barr virus antibody profiles to stratify multiple sclerosis risk
Authors: Strautins K , Tschochner M , James I , Choo L , Dunn DS , Pedrini M , Kermode A , Carroll W , Nolan D
Published: July 2013

Background:

Risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS) include human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific antibody responses, including an epitope within EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) that is of recent interest.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to assess case-control associations between MS risk and anti-EBV antibody levels as well as HLA-DR profiles, gender and age in a population-based cohort.

Methods:

Serological responses to EBV were measured in 426 MS patients and 186 healthy controls. HLA-DR typing was performed using sequence-based methods.

Results:

MS patients had significantly higher levels of antibodies against epitope-specific and polyspecific EBNA-1 and viral capsid antigen (VCA), compared with controls (all p < 10−15). In regression analyses, anti-EBNA-1 and anti-VCA antibody levels, protective HLA-DR*04/07/09 alleles and gender (all p < 0.003) contributed independently to a model that classified cases and controls with an odds ratio > 20 (sensitivity 92%, specificity 64%). Notably, the strong influence of high-risk HLA-DR alleles was abrogated after inclusion of EBV serology results.

Conclusions:

The ability to discriminate MS cases and controls can be substantially enhanced by including anti-EBV serology as well as HLA-DR risk profiles. These findings support the relevance of EBV-specific immunity in MS pathogenesis, and implicate both HLA-dependent and HLA-independent immune responses against EBNA-1 as prominent disease risk factors.
The public, the private and the intimate in doctor–patient communication: Admission interviews at an outpatient mental health care service
Authors: Bonnin Juan Eduardo
Published: July 2013

This article analyzes doctor–patient communication at admission interviews in an outpatient mental health care service at a public hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina. These interviews are the first contact between professionals and patients, and they result in the admission or rejection of the latter into the medical institution. In particular, we observe how context, understood as a sociocognitive and scalar concept, is reshaped with gaze direction and agenda-setting through interaction, resulting in three hierarchical spaces which can be represented as degrees in a scale: the public, the private, and the intimate level. This description will allow us to understand a series of communicative difficulties that may result from scale maladjustments, in which professionals interact with patients at different levels and therefore cannot give adequate feedback to satisfy mental health care needs.
Gait analysis system for spinal cord-injured subjects assisted by active orthoses and crutches
Authors: Lugrís Urbano , Carlín Jairo , Luaces Alberto , Cuadrado Javier
Published: July 2013

The inverse dynamics of human gait from motion capture data is an already mature discipline. The present work addresses the problems that arise when assistive devices such as crutches and active orthoses are added to the analysis. The objective is to provide an analysis tool for the gait of spinal cord-injured subjects, since these patients always require the help of assistive devices to walk. A gait analysis system for subjects walking with the aid of crutches and active knee–ankle–foot orthoses is presented. The assistive devices are introduced both at the experimental and computational levels. The required sensors and actuators are incorporated to the system, and the measurements are used to solve the inverse dynamics problem in order to calculate the joint motor torques produced by the subject during gait. Such analysis can be greatly helpful for comparing the performance of passive and active orthoses, evaluating and improving the controllers in the latter, monitoring the adaptation of the patients to the orthoses and their rehabilitation level, and improving the understanding of the interaction between active orthoses and the muscular system.
Media construction of a school shooting as a social problem
Authors: Wondemaghen Meron
Published: July 2013

The Monash University shooting which occurred in 2002, in Melbourne Australia, is analysed using claims-making theory and the four-stage natural history model of social problems. As Spector and Kitsuse argue, social problems ‘are what people think they are’ rather than objective problems. This incident – a shooting of two classmates by a mentally ill offender who suffered from persecutory delusions – was framed as a gun problem rather than a socially or psychologically related crime. In doing so, journalists made claims or emphasised the claims of selected voices in order to promote a specific social problem over others and, in turn, reinforce political arguments for tougher gun laws and policy measures. The implication with this type of coverage is that it results in not addressing appropriately the real causes of the problem; in this case violence as a coping mechanism by a mentally ill offender. This study offers a useful model to study media reporting of a claimed social problem and its influence in the policy process, decision and development.
Understanding situated survey refusal: applying sensemaking and sensegiving to ethnostatistics
Authors: Stephens Keri K , Heller Abigail , Chan Anna Y.
Published: July 2013

This study develops a behind-the-scenes understanding of the people and organizations that are depended upon to provide survey data. A data collection event— in this study, a pilot coverage measurement survey conducted after the United States 2010 Census—provides an ideal environment to gauge respondents’ reactions to the survey process. Relying on the conceptual guidance of script formation, these reactions are studied using a focus group and interviews with staff. Using a combination of constant comparative method and ethnographic theme analysis the results generated a grounded theory of situated refusal that identifies specific scripts that respondents used when completing a self-administered survey. The findings describe the role of sensegiving and sensemaking in the fluid decision-making context of survey participation. The major themes for sensemaking include time, redundancy, and education, while the themes for sensegiving are organizational messages and organizational relationships. In addition to this contribution to qualitative and survey research, this study also provides a cognitive perspective on the current understanding of ethnostatistics—the qualitative study of quantitative processes.
‘Emergent reconstruction’ in grounded theory: learning from team-based interview research
Authors: Conlon Catherine , Carney Gemma , Timonen Virpi , Scharf Thomas
Published: July 2013

Constructivist grounded theory (CGT) methods render an interpretive portrayal, a construction of reality, strengthened when the process of construction is acknowledged. An Irish team study uses CGT to explore intergenerational solidarity at individual, familial and societal levels, and their interface. The study data comprise interviews with 100 people from diverse socio-economic and age groups. The article contributes insights on applying CGT in team-based interview research on a topic with such breadth of scope. This contrasts with the more usual focused inquiry with a defined population. Adapting the method’s guidelines to the specific inquiry involved challenges in: framing the topic conceptually; situating research participants in contrasting social contexts to provide interpretive depth; and generating interview data with which to construct theory. We argue that interrogating the very premise of the inquiry allowed for emergent reconstruction, a goal at the heart of the method.
Beyond the city of developing countries. The new urban order of the ‘emerging city’
Authors: Balbo Marcello
Published: July 2013

Under the impetus of globalization, the city of emerging economies is experiencing profound changes that are affecting its social and spatial structure. However, this new scenario seems to have had little impact on critical thinking and related urban policies. This text looks at a number of issues urban research needs to address as a result of the trends many such cities are experiencing and the consequent shift from the social and spatial polarization of the past to a more composite pattern. The article aims to help bridge the gap that still exists between urban studies on the emerging city and planning theory.
Examining Marital Violence in India
Authors: Bhat Meghna , Ullman Sarah E.
Published: July 2013

Marital violence has been recognized globally as a grave public health concern with devastating consequences affecting the physical, reproductive, sexual and psychological health of women. This article is a narrative review about marital violence in India, an understudied subtype of domestic violence. We include both theoretical and empirical studies of legal definitions, incidence and prevalence, correlates of marital violence and the consequences of such violence on survivors ( N = 18). In addition to examining the sociocultural context and correlates of marital violence in India, we discuss the implications of current knowledge and recommendations for reducing and responding to marital violence.
Erasure of the Credible Subject
Authors: Birk Lara B.
Published: July 2013

In this autoethnography, I provide a firsthand account of living with severe chronic pain in an effort to begin to fill an absence in the scholarly literature. I intend to demonstrate how the performative nature of pain and the way in which people in pain are treated can contribute to the slow and steady erasure of their credibility and sense of effectiveness in the wider world. In this way, I underscore the “public issues” inherent in the chronic pain experience, something that is traditionally seen as the most private of “personal troubles.” I conclude that qualitative health research would benefit if more “insiders” were to give expression to some of the devastating social effects of living with chronic pain. Pain sufferers need a common language through which they can begin to resist shame, reclaim a sense of agency, and raise their voices as part of an empowered collective.
The Responsibilities of Communication Scholars
Authors: Chen Shihua
Published: July 2013

Communication scholars hold special knowledge and occupy positions of power. This article examines the question of whether communication scholars have particular responsibilities to assist in the propagation of truth, enhance the debate on ideas, provide insight into the universe of media technology, and engage in public citizenship. Drawing on philosophical and political economy texts, the author brings the political economy tradition into Denzin’s “critical pedagogy” project. Political economy’s challenge is to expand its contribution to educational reform and deepen its commitment beyond class to race, gender, and ethnicity.
Initial Evidence for the Reliability and Validity of the Student Risk Screening Scale With Elementary Age English Learners
Authors: Lane Kathleen Lynne , Richards-Tutor Catherine , Oakes Wendy Peia , Connor Kristin
Published: July 2013

We report findings of a validation study exploring the Student Risk Screening Scale (SRSS; Drummond, 1994) for use with English learners (ELs) attending a large suburban elementary school. First, we explored the reliability of the SRSS by examining internal consistency, with results indicating adequate internal consistency (.83). Second, we examined and established a convergent validity of the SRSS scores with the social skills improvement system–performance screening guide (SSiS-PSG; Gresham & Elliott, 2007) and the systematic screening for behavior disorders (SSBD; Walker & Severson, 1992). Results indicated that SRSS scores were negatively correlated with SSiS-PSG scores, thereby suggesting that an increased behavioral risk is associated with decreases in teacher-reported reading performance, math performance, motivation to learn, and prosocial behaviors. In addition, the results yielded additional evidence of convergent validity with SSBD and SRSS scores. SRSS scores improved the chance estimates of predicting the internalizing behaviors of ELs (area under the curve [AUC] = .72) and externalizing behaviors of ELs (AUC = .98) as measured by the SSBD. Third, we examined the relation between SRSS scores and academic performance as measured by dynamic indicators of basic early literacy skills Next (Good & Kaminski, 2011), which suggested an inverse relation ( r = −.41). Fourth, we examined the teachers’ perceptions of the screening tool.
Surface changes and polymyxin interactions with a resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Velkov Tony , Deris Zakuan Z , Huang Johnny X , Azad Mohammad AK , Butler Mark , Sivanesan Sivashangarie , Kaminskas Lisa M , Dong Yao-Da , Boyd Ben , Baker Mark A , Cooper Matthew A , Nation Roger L , Li Jian
Published: July 2013

This study examines the interaction of polymyxin B and colistin with the surface and outer membrane components of a susceptible and resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The interaction between polymyxins and bacterial membrane and isolated LPS from paired wild type and polymyxin-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae were examined with N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine (NPN) uptake, fluorometric binding and thermal shift assays, lysozyme and deoxycholate sensitivity assays, and by 1H NMR. LPS from the polymyxin-resistant strain displayed a reduced binding affinity for polymyxins B and colistin in comparison with the wild type LPS. The outer membrane NPN permeability of the resistant strain was greater compared with the susceptible strain. Polymyxin exposure enhanced the permeability of the outer membrane of the wild type strain to lysozyme and deoxycholate, whereas polymyxin concentrations up to 32 mg/ml failed to permeabilize the outer membrane of the resistant strain. Zeta potential measurements revealed that mid-logarithmic phase wild type cells exhibited a greater negative charge than the mid-logarithmic phase-resistant cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that the resistant derivative of K. pneumoniae can block the electrostatically driven first stage of polymyxin action, which thereby renders the hydrophobically driven second tier of polymyxin action on the outer membrane inconsequential.
New Global Flows of Capital in Media Industries after the 2008 Financial Crisis
Authors: Figueiras Rita , Ribeiro Nelson
Published: July 2013

The article discusses the negative consequences of globalization in the new international arena that arose following the Great Recession of 2008 that enabled emerging economies such as China, Russia, and Angola to take center stage, reconfiguring power relations between Western and non-Western countries. As new global flows of capital in media industries have been emerging, it is relevant to consider how investors from autocratic political regimes with illiberal views on the media articulate with Western culture’s founding prerogatives of media and journalism. To do this, we singled out the Angola–Portugal relationship. Results show that the clientelistic dynamics in Portugal’s media system, enhanced by the economic crisis, facilitate the entrance of the Angolan capital, which, in turn, may perpetuate clientelism and drive the reversal of media democracy in the country.
Impact of the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs Cohort Study on Abacavir Prescription among Treatment-Naive, HIV-Infected Patients in Canada
Authors: Antoniou Tony , Gillis Jennifer , Loutfy Mona R. , Cooper Curtis , Hogg Robert S. , Klein Marina B. , Machouf Nima , Montaner Julio S. G. , Rourke Sean B. , Tsoukas Chris , Raboud Janet M. ,   Canadian Observational Cohort (CANOC) collaboration
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To evaluate the trends in abacavir (ABC) prescription among antiretroviral (ARV) medication-naive individuals following the presentation of the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (DAD) cohort study.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of ARV medication-naive individuals in the Canadian Observational Cohort (CANOC).

Results:

Between January 1, 2000, and February 28, 2010, a total of 7280 ARV medication-naive patients were included in CANOC. We observed a significant change in the proportion of new ABC prescriptions immediately following the release of DAD (−11%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −20% to −2.4%) and in the months following the presentation of these data (−0.66% per month; 95% CI: −1.2% to −0.073%). A post-DAD presentation decrease in the odds of being prescribed ABC versus tenofovir (TDF) was observed (adjusted odds ratio, 0.72 per year, 95% CI: 0.54-0.97).

Conclusions:

Presentation of the DAD was associated with a significant decrease in ABC use among ARV medication-naive, HIV-positive patients initiating therapy.
Experimental and theoretical evidence of zinc structurally bound in vermiculite from naturally metal-enriched soils
Authors: Fernández-Caliani J. C. , Timón V. , Rivera M. B. , Giráldez I. , Pérez-Ló pez R.
Published: July 2013

This paper provides evidence of appreciable amounts of Zn (up to 0.52 a.p.f.u.) residing in the crystal structure of trioctahedral vermiculite; the results were obtained by a combination of experimental methods (X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, electron microprobe analysis and selective chemical extractions) and theoretical studies based on density functional theory (DFT). Vermiculite occurs in size fractions ranging from 10 to 40 μm of near-neutral soils naturally enriched in Zn (up to 8110 mg kg–1) due to the weathering of carbonate-hosted Zn-Pb deposits in SW Spain. Zinc was partitioned among the various pedogenic phases during soil formation, but the larger part (>80%) was concentrated in the residual silicate fraction. The soil exchangeable Zn pool was found to be virtually negligible. The DFT calculations support the hypothesis that the role of vermiculite is an effective sink for geogenic Zn; this is consistent, in terms of energetic stability, with the assumption that most Zn is structurally bound in octahedral sheets rather than in the interlayer exchange sites. The findings conclusively indicate that the potential mobility of Zn should remain low under the present soil conditions.
A review of microbial redox interactions with structural Fe in clay minerals
Authors: Pentráková L. , Su K. , Pentrák M. , Stucki J. W.
Published: July 2013

Virtually all 2:1 clay minerals contain some Fe in their crystal structure, which may undergo redox reaction with surrounding redox-active species causing potentially significant changes in the chemical and physical properties of the clay mineral and its surrounding matrix. This phenomenon was originally of interest mostly as a laboratory experiment using strong inorganic reduction agents, but the discovery that the structural Fe could be reduced by microorganisms in natural soils and sediments opened the way for this to become a practical method for altering the chemical and physical properties of soils and sedimentsin situ. The purpose of this report was to review the body of literature that has been published since the inception of this field of inquiry and to complement, update, and complete three other reviews that have been published during the intervening years. Studies of microbial reduction of structural Fe in smectites have revealed the extent of reduction, effects on chemical and physical properties, reversibility (or lack thereof) of microbial reduction, stoichiometry, possible reaction mechanism, and types of organisms involved. Some organisms are also capable of oxidizing structural Fe, such as in biotite or reduced smectite, while one appears to be able to do both. Illitic layers resist reduction by microorganisms, but this can be partially overcome by the presence of an electron shuttle compound such as anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate, which also enhances the extent of reduction in smectites. Microorganisms may be employed as an in situ reducing agent to drive redox cycles for structural Fe in constituent clay minerals of soils and sediments, which in turn can serve as an abiotic source for redox-mediated remediation of environmental contaminants.
REACTIN: Regulatory activity inference of transcription factors underlying human diseases with application to breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Mingzhu , Liu Chun-Chi , Cheng Chao
Published: July 2013

Background

Genetic alterations of transcription factors (TFs) have been implicated in the tumorigenesis of cancers. In many cancers, alteration of TFs results in aberrant activity of them without changing their gene expression level. Gene expression data from microarray or RNA-seq experiments can capture the expression change of genes, however, it is still challenge to reveal the activity change of TFs.

Results

Here we propose a method, called REACTIN (REgulatory ACTivity INference), which integrates TF binding data with gene expression data to identify TFs with significantly differential activity between disease and normal samples. REACTIN successfully detect differential activity of estrogen receptor (ER) between ER+ and ER- samples in 10 breast cancer datasets. When applied to compare tumor and normal breast samples, it reveals TFs that are critical for carcinogenesis of breast cancer. Moreover, Reaction can be utilized to identify transcriptional programs that are predictive to patient survival time of breast cancer patients.

Conclusions

REACTIN provides a useful tool to investigate regulatory programs underlying a biological process providing the related case and control gene expression data. Considering the enormous amount of cancer gene expression data and the increasingly accumulating ChIP-seq data, we expect wide application of REACTIN for revealing the regulatory mechanisms of various diseases.