bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional tactile symbols produced by 3D Printing: Improving the process of memorizing a tactile map key
Authors: Gual Jaume , Puyuelo Marina , Lloveras Joaquim
Published: August 2014

The aim of this article is to determine whether the process of memorizing a tactile map key, or legend, can be improved by including three-dimensional (3D) symbols produced by means of 3D Printing. The method used in this study involved asking a group of 20 volunteers with different profiles to memorize eight tactile symbols from two keys, each of which had different characteristics: Key 2 included 3D tactile symbols and Key 1 had only two-dimensional (2D) tactile symbols. Results show statistically significant differences between the two keys. Use of Key 2 yielded a 48.72% reduction in the number of errors compared to Key 1 ( N = 20, p-value = .014). These data show that combining 3D with flat relief symbols (2D) improves the process of memorizing a tactile key because the 3D attributes can be distinguished from the 2D features by touch. For practitioners, this article provides data about the possibilities of 3D Printing applied to tactile maps, keys, and symbols.
Self-concept and vision impairment: A review
Authors: Datta Poulomee
Published: August 2014

Positive self-concept has been identified as the means of facilitating desirable outcomes for all individuals. However, a growing body of research substantiates that adolescents are inclined to the development of a negative self-concept and adolescence is described as a phase of turbulence at its peak. When this convoluted stage is combined with a disability, the child is in a state of complete impediment and likely to develop a very poor self-concept. In the light of this, this review selects a type of disability, ‘vision impairment’ and extensively critiques the self-concept research studies in participants with vision impairment to date.
The incidence of secondary vertebral fracture of vertebral augmentation techniques versus conservative treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Dawei , Meng Bin , Gan Minfeng , Niu Junjie , Li Shiyan , Chen Hao , Yuan Chenxi , Yang Huilin
Published: August 2014

Background

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) are minimally invasive and effective vertebral augmentation techniques for managing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Recent meta-analyses have compared the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques or conservative treatment; however, the inclusions were not thorough and rigorous enough, and the effects of each technique on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures remain unclear.

Purpose

To perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies with more rigorous inclusion criteria on the effects of vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for OVCF on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures.

Material and Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SpringerLink, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database were searched for relevant original articles comparing the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for patients with OVCFs. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were identified. The methodological qualities of the studies were evaluated, relevant data were extracted and recorded, and an appropriate meta-analysis was conducted.

Results

A total of 13 articles were included. The pooled results from included studies showed no statistically significant differences in the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment. Subgroup analysis comparing different study designs, durations of symptoms, follow-up times, races of patients, and techniques were conducted, and no significant differences in the incidence of secondary fractures were identified ( P > 0.05). No obvious publication bias was detected by either Begg’s test ( P = 0.360 > 0.05) or Egger’s test ( P = 0.373 > 0.05).

Conclusion

Despite current thinking in the field that vertebral augmentation procedures may increase the incidence of secondary fractures, we found no differences in the incidence of secondary fractures between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for patients with OVCFs.
CT chest and gantry rotation time: does the rotation time influence image quality?
Authors: Beeres Martin , Wichmann Julian L , Paul Jijo , Mbalisike Emmanuel , Elsabaie Mohamed , Vogl Thomas J , Nour-Eldin Nour-Eldin A
Published: August 2014

Background

Computed tomography (CT) gantry rotation time is one factor influencing image quality. Until now, there has been no report investigating the influence of gantry rotation time on chest CT image quality.

Purpose

To investigate the influence of faster gantry rotation time on image quality and subjective and objective image parameters in chest CT imaging.

Material and Methods

Chest CT scans from 160 patients were examined in this study. All scans were performed using a single-source mode (collimation, 128 × 0.6 mm; pitch, 1.2) on a dual-source CT scanner. Only gantry rotation time was modified, while other CT parameters were kept stable for each scan (120 kV/110 reference mAs). Patients were divided into four groups based on rotation time: group 1, 1 s/ rotation (rot); group 2, 0.5 s/rot; group 3, 0.33 s/rot; group 4, 0.28 s/rot. Two blinded radiologists subjectively compared CT image quality, noise, and artifacts, as well as radiation exposure, from all groups. For objective comparison, all image datasets were analyzed by a radiologist with 5 years of experience concerning objective measurements as well as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Results

We found that faster gantry rotation times (0.28 s/rot and 0.33 s/rot) resulted in more streak artifacts, image noise, and decreased image quality. However, there was no significant difference in radiation exposure between faster and slower rotation times ( P > 0.7).

Conclusion

Faster CT gantry rotation reduces scan time and motion artifacts. However, accelerating rotation time increases image noise and streak artifacts. Therefore, a slower CT gantry rotation speed is still recommended for higher image quality in some cases.
Supreme Court Outcomes in Criminal Justice Cases (1994-2012 Terms)
Authors: Buckler Kevin G.
Published: August 2014

This study examines the role of status differential between the involved parties and amici curiae participation in explaining variation in U.S. Supreme Court criminal justice decisions that favor the government interest over the interest of the other party (1994-2012 terms). The study finds status differential between the involved parties to be a significant predictor of outcome. Repeat player effects were found for special interests that file in support of the government entity (U.S. Solicitor General and Criminal Justice Legal Foundation), but not for special interests who file for the other party (the American Civil Liberties Union and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers). The study found that greater levels of aggregate amici curiae participation (all interest group activity) in the direction of the other party significantly reduce the likelihood of a case outcome that favors the government. Implications are discussed.
Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of lipodystrophy in HIV-positive patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Eichler K , Bickel TM , Klauke S , Eisen J , Vogl TJ , Zangos S
Published: August 2014

We evaluated retrospectively an automated method for the separate detection of subcutaneous and visceral fat in the abdominal region by magnetic resonance studies in HIV-positive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. The patients were divided into four different groups: lipoatrophy, lipohypertrophy, mixed and the control group. The use of software for the automated detection of abdominal compartment visceral adipose tissue (VAT), total adipose tissue (TAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was compared to manual evaluation methods (fuzzy C-mean). The results of ROC analysis showed that the parameters, particularly the VAT, are better than the VAT/TAT and at identifying patients with the symptoms of abdominal fat accumulation. A sensitivity of 80.3% and a specificity of 79.5% resulted from a threshold VAT value of >87 cm2. Moreover, the manual evaluation method was shown to provide greater values for VAT and the VAT/TAT ratio than those given by the automated method. In the present study, a rapid MRI protocol for the detection and assessment of the course of lipodystrophy was presented and tested on a group of patients with signs of HALS, as well as on an antiretroviral naïve control group.
Access to post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure for men who have sex with men in an Irish healthcare setting
Authors: McFaul K , Rowley D , O’Reilly A , Clarke S
Published: August 2014

Men who have sex with men experience disproportionate rates of HIV acquisition. Post-exposure prophylaxis following unprotected sexual exposure reduces HIV transmission. Our aim was to assess access to post-exposure prophylaxis for men who have sex with men in Irish emergency departments. We contacted all national 24-hour adult emergency departments describing two scenarios; a seronegative man who has sex with men receiving unprotected insertive anal intercourse from a seropositive partner and secondly a woman sustaining a needle-stick injury from an unknown source. We recorded and compared responses regarding post-exposure prophylaxis advice in each situation. High proportions of emergency departments offered post-exposure prophylaxis for both situations despite minimal evidence to support use in needle-stick injury. Men who have sex with men were less likely to be asked to attend emergency departments for post-exposure prophylaxis administration than a person experiencing needle-stick injury. Men who have sex with men were less likely to be offered baseline serological testing for blood borne infections. Men who have sex with men were as likely as needle-stick injury to receive advice from healthcare workers in emergency departments and consultation durations were similar. This study identifies a need to educate healthcare workers in emergency departments on appropriate use of post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure for men who have sex with men. Health care workers must appreciate the importance of post-exposure prophylaxis presentations as opportunities for intervention and HIV screening.
Carbon accumulation rates in two poor fens with different water regimes: Influence of anthropogenic impact and environmental change
Authors: Fiałkiewicz-Kozieł Barbara , Smieja-Król Beata , Piotrowska Natalia , Sikorski Jarosław , Gałka Mariusz
Published: August 2014

Fens are underestimated carbon sinks. Knowledge about their role in the sequestration of CO2 in the past is limited. The research reported here focused on identifying long-term carbon accumulation rates (CARs) in a drained fen (Bagno Bruch) and a waterlogged fen (Bagno Mikołeska) in southern Poland. On the basis of 210Pb and AMS 14C dates and age–depth modeling, 7000- and 2000-year records of changes in bulk composition and carbon and sulfur content are presented and discussed. Strong human impact is detected, especially in Bagno Bruch. However, minor climatic signals linked to the ‘Little Ice Age’ and to the influence of wind-blown sands are also evident. The sand may have influenced the plant composition, peat accumulation rates (PARs), and CARs, in addition to the bulk composition at Bagno Mikołeska. The mean value of the CAR in the youngest peat layers spanning the last 200 years is generally lower in two cores from Bagno Bruch ( c. 85 and 86 g/m2/yr) than in two cores from Bagno Mikołeska ( c. 140 and 142 g/m2/yr). The fens are characterized by higher CARs compared with boreal peatlands. The reproducibility of the CAR values is the most promising result, suggesting the low mobility of 210Pb and the reliability of this method in assessing the chronology of fens.
Diurnal changes in the perception of emotions in music: Does the time of day matter?
Authors: Brabant Olivier , Toiviainen Petri
Published: August 2014

According to the Hindustani music tradition, the ability of a song to induce certain emotions depends on the time of day: playing a song at the right time is said to maximise its emotional effect. The present exploratory study investigated this claim by combining findings in chronobiology, mood research and music perception. It has already been established that some aspects of our mood fluctuations follow a cyclical pattern. Besides, it is a known fact that our current mood influences our perception and assessment of emotions. However, these elements have never been linked together in a study examining the effect of mood cyclicity on perceived emotions in music. To test the hypothesis of a link between the two, Western film music excerpts were played to 36 participants at two different times (9 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Their task was to rate the perceived emotional content of each clip. The results showed that sad and tender clips were rated higher on sadness and tenderness in the morning compared to the afternoon. Furthermore, the more tired the participants were in the afternoon, the higher was their perception of fear in angry and fearful music. Although the reported effect sizes were small, these findings could have important implications for ethnomusicologists, emotion researchers and music therapists.
Der Gold-MSI: Replikation und Validierung eines Fragebogeninstrumentes zur Messung Musikalischer Erfahrenheit anhand einer deutschen Stichprobe
Authors: Schaal Nora K. , Bauer Anna-Katharina R. , Müllensiefen Daniel
Published: August 2014

The present study introduces the German version of the Gold-MSI inventory, a tool for evaluating self-reported musical abilities and musical expertise. The Gold-MSI is based around the multidimensional construct of Musical Sophistication and builds on the idea that musical expertise cannot only be developed through musical training on an instrument but also through active engagement with music in its many facets. The questionnaire was developed with a very large English sample (Müllensiefen et al., 2014) and comprises musical expertise with five factors as well as the general factor Musical Sophistication. The English Gold-MSI questionnaire was translated into German and evaluated with a German sample ( N = 641). Using confirmative factor analysis the underlying factor structure was confirmed. Furthermore, the results show high reliabilities of the five sub-factors as well as the general factor Musical Sophistication (Cronbach’s alpha between .72 and .91.). Additionally, relationships between variables of the socio-economic status and the sub-factors of the Gold-MSI of the German sample are investigated using a structural equation model. The statistical model reveals positive relationships between income and professional status on the one hand and musical training, perceptual abilities and emotional engagement with music on the other hand. The inventory is freely available and is designed to contribute to the refined investigation of musical sophistication and expertise in German speaking countries.
Pain Is a Social Construction Until It Hurts
Authors: Esposito Jennifer
Published: August 2014

This is a narrative about embodiment, difference, and, most of all, pain. What happens when the body is broken and pain becomes the center of one’s daily life? How does one learn to accept disability? Written at the intersection of arts-based inquiry and autoethnography, I utilize poetry to communicate the transformation of my mind and body after a car accident forced me to reevaluate how I understood embodiment.
“You’re in That Realm of Unpredictability”
Authors: Towns Alison J. , Terry Gareth
Published: August 2014

This study reports on discourse analysis of transcripts from focus group discussions held with 28 “ordinary” men about domestic violence. Two broad “mateship” themes emerged: (a) a strong “mateship” discourse that produced public/private boundaries around discussions about intimate heterosexual relationships. Policed by the threat of violence, these boundaries prevented some men from challenging men about their violence. (b) “Loyalty to mates” discourses constituted attention to men’s violence against women as threatening the moral integrity of all men. Finally, some men positioned themselves against men’s domestic violence, distinguishing their masculinity from men who abuse women. Implications for prevention campaigns are discussed.
Multiphase circular inhomogeneities in isotropic laminated plates
Authors: Wang Xu , Xu Yang
Published: August 2014

This work is concerned with a circular inhomogeneity bonded to an infinite matrix though N concentric circular interphase layers within the context of Kirchhoff theory for isotropic laminated plates. An elegant and effective procedure is proposed to obtain the stress resultant fields within the internal inhomogeneity and the surrounding matrix under thermomechanical loadings. The boundary value problem is finally reduced to two coupled linear algebraic equations and four coupled linear algebraic equations that determine the six real coefficients of the stress resultant field in the inhomogeneity. In particular, the average stress resultants within the inhomogeneity can be directly determined from these six real coefficients. The other six unknown real coefficients, which control the stress resultant field in the surrounding matrix, can then be simply obtained. The effect of the N interphase layers on the stress resultant field is demonstrated by their influence on these 12 real coefficients. The obtained solution is further applied to the design of neutral and harmonic circular elastic inhomogeneities with a single interphase layer.
Public Transportation and Contracting Out
Authors: Smirnova Olga V. , Leland Suzanne M.
Published: August 2014

Contracting is often discussed as a cutback mechanism for public managers. The empirical evidence indicates that there are little savings in contracting out due to transaction costs. Public transit agencies exhibit path-dependent behavior; there are tangible conversion costs that may preclude changing the provision of services. As such, public managers should consider the provision of services very carefully as it may set an agency on a long-term trajectory that will be difficult to change due to both conversion and transaction costs.
Building ‘Critical Performativity Engines’ for deprived communities: The construction of popular cooperative incubators in Brazil
Authors: Leca Bernard , Gond Jean-Pascal , Barin Cruz Luciano
Published: August 2014

Although worker cooperatives offer an organizational model that critical management scholars could adopt to demonstrate the utility of their normative ideals, little is known about how academia can contribute to the creation of worker cooperatives. Building on the concept of performativity and the case of the Technological Incubators for Popular Cooperatives in Brazil, we provide an account of constructing incubators for worker cooperatives across multiple universities. Our study uncovers the challenges that scholars face in performing the model of worker cooperatives by cognitively embedding actors within both economic and cooperative principles through teaching. Our results clarify the role of feedback loops, knowledge circulation, and the building of ‘chains of translation’ in the concrete manufacturing of worker cooperatives, and we show how universities can help develop a multilevel, flexible, and complex support network that enhances the performativity of the worker cooperative model. We advance the concept of a ‘critical performativity engine’ to describe the process whereby the first method for incubating cooperatives was developed and then translated across settings.
Surviving the crisis: Worker cooperatives in Romania
Authors: Lambru Mihaela , Petrescu Claudia
Published: August 2014

The aim of this article is to provide structured information on the profile, trends, and challenges of worker cooperatives in Romania. Its main purpose is to help refine the current explanatory framework for worker cooperatives in post-communist countries in the light of empirical evidence drawn from research conducted in Romania. Building on the literature and empirical research, it identifies and highlights some of the present issues and challenges facing Romanian worker cooperatives. Our analysis has shown that many of the elements that are considered key to the successful development of worker cooperatives on the basis of international good practice are missing in Romania. While some enabling elements are impossible to replicate, there are others that might be improved and could help worker cooperatives develop further: a shift away from policies that discriminate against cooperatives in terms of access to credits and the development of governmental programs that could open the public market more to these entities; a better organization of type II cooperatives and of the services they offer to their members; better public image and communication strategies, and greater investment to enhance the advocacy skills of these organizations.
Worker cooperatives as an organizational alternative: Challenges, achievements and promise in business governance and ownership
Authors: Cheney George , Santa Cruz Iñaki , Peredo Ana Maria , Nazareno Elías
Published: August 2014

This special issue of Organization treats cooperatives as alternative forms of business and organization, focusing on worker-owned-and-governed forms. In reviewing extant research and considering the seven articles in this special issue, we treat five main challenges that workers’ cooperatives face: (1) the organizational resources, structures, and dynamics allowing for social as well as economic resilience for worker cooperatives; (2) the complex types and roles of leadership in worker cooperatives and related organizational forms; (3) the capacity of and obstacles to the reinvention of democracy within cooperatives; (4) the relationships between cooperatives and organized labor, the state, the community, and the larger financial system; and (5) the pursuit of cooperative values and policies within international market and environmental contexts. The examination of these challenges in relation to the worker cooperatives specifically can inform new projects in employee ownership and governance as well as perhaps assist with democratic organizational transformations in other firms and sectors.
A rare case of hyponatremia from a hypothalamic lesion in a patient with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sabatino Joseph J , Werner J Kent , Newsome Scott D
Published: August 2014

The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) can occur from a variety of neurologic and systemic processes; however, it has rarely been seen in multiple sclerosis (MS). We report a case of SIADH in a patient with MS and compare it with previously reported English-only cases. A 32-year-old woman experienced generalized fatigue followed by confusion and was found to have profound hyponatremia. Her work-up demonstrated SIADH secondary to a discrete enhancing hypothalamic lesion. Despite the seldom occurrence of SIADH in MS, hypothalamic lesions are more common than appreciated and should be considered in patients presenting with hyponatremia or endocrinopathy symptoms.
Persistent traces, potential memories
Authors: Hand Martin
Published: August 2014

This article examines how the capacities of smartphones to reshape memory practices are enacted and negotiated in personal life. It is argued that digital devices and networked media facilitate a vast production and circulation of persistent digital traces that are potential memories. An approach that privileges sociotechnical practices is used to empirically examine the roles of digital devices, software, and social media in reconfiguring personal memory. In-depth interviews with 30 individuals aged between 20 and 30 are used to examine the details of reflexive and routine modes of forgetting and remembering related to the prevalence of devices and the digital traces produced in quotidian use. The increasingly visual life of data of many kinds promotes a ‘continuously networked present’ (Hoskins, 2012), but this is highly differentiated and actively negotiated in complex ways that both reproduce and reconfigure established memory practices.
Opinion leaders as intermediaries in audience building for independent films in the Internet age
Authors: Meißner Nico
Published: August 2014

How are contemporary film-makers building audiences independently from distributors or sales agents? This article uses two case studies, Tenner Films and The Hunt for Gollum, to argue that opinion leaders are intermediaries who play a vital role in do-it-yourself audience building for independent films in today’s Internet age. The article concludes that (1) the Internet has increased the number of potential and accessible opinion leaders, (2) online opinion leaders have potentially bigger audiences than their offline counterparts, (3) new opinion leaders have emerged, (4) opinion leaders act as multipliers and (5) non-experts can be opinion leaders too. (6) The Internet allows cultural producers to reach different opinion leaders through a single medium and while (7) different opinion leaders come with different audience sizes, (8) they all continue to function as taste guides. Finally, (9) the Internet makes it easier for independent film-makers to nurture personal audiences and therefore, partially replace opinion leaders by becoming opinion leaders themselves.
The roles of employers in the regional settlement of recently arrived migrants and refugees
Authors: Boese Martina
Published: August 2014

This article identifies and analyses different roles played by employers of recently arrived migrants and refugees in regional locations. Based on a study of regional settlement in Victoria, Australia, it highlights the scope for employer influences on regional settlement through attracting migrants and refugees to regional locations; the informal provision of settlement support; the role of cultural ambassadors and hosts; the role of determinants of current and future residency; and the role of perpetrators of discrimination and exploitation. The often combined exercise of these complex and partly contradictory roles of employers is examined in the context of the regulation of regional settlement and the provision of government-funded settlement assistance. The analysis shows that these structural factors enable the position of employers as current or future sponsors of migrant workers and as principal providers of settlement support in regional and rural locations, which needs to be considered in future analyses of regional settlement.
Wage competition and the special-obligations challenge to more open borders
Authors: Abizadeh Arash , Pandey Manish , Abizadeh Sohrab
Published: August 2014

According to the special-obligations challenge to the justice argument for more open borders, immigration restrictions to wealthier polities are justified because of special obligations owed to disadvantaged compatriots negatively impacted by the immigration of low-skilled foreign workers. We refute the special-obligations challenge by refuting its empirical premise and draw out the normative implications of the empirical evidence for border policies. We show that immigration to wealthier polities has negligible impact on domestic wages and that only previous cohorts of immigrants are adversely affected. The special-obligations challenge therefore succeeds only if special obligations owed to previous immigrants justify closing borders to further immigration; we argue that they do not.
Integrating Community Health Workers Into a Patient-Centered Medical Home to Support Disease Self-Management Among Vietnamese Americans
Authors: Wennerstrom Ashley , Bui Tap , Harden-Barrios Jewel , Price-Haywood Eboni G.
Published: August 2014

There is evidence that patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) and community health workers (CHWs) improve chronic disease management. There are few models for integrating CHWs into PCMHs in order to enhance disease self-management support among diverse populations. In this article, we describe how a community-based nonprofit agency, a PCMH, and academic partners collaborated to develop and implement the Patient Resource and Education Program (PREP). We employed CHWs as PCMH care team members to provide health education and support to Vietnamese American patients with uncontrolled diabetes and/or hypertension. We began by conducting focus groups to assess patient knowledge, desire for support, and availability of community resources. Based on findings, we developed PREP with CHW guidance on cultural tailoring of educational materials and methods. CHWs received training in core competencies related to self-management support principles and conducted the 4-month intervention for PCMH patients. Throughout the program, we conducted process evaluation through structured team meetings and patient satisfaction surveys. We describe successes and challenges associated with PREP delivery including patient recruitment, structuring/documenting visits, and establishing effective care team integration, work flow, and communication. Strategies for mitigating these issues are presented, and we make recommendations for other PCMHs seeking to integrate CHWs into care teams.
Student Preparation for Professional Practice in Early Intervention
Authors: Francois Jennifer R. , Coufal Kathy L. , Subramanian Anu
Published: August 2014

The preparation of students for professional practice in the field of early intervention has changed as a result of mandates through Part C, Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The purpose of this survey research was to describe the knowledge and skill areas, specific to early intervention, included in pre-professional curricula and clinical practice education of future speech-language pathologists (SLPs). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association/Council on Academic Accreditation accredited programs were invited to participate in the online survey. Of the 248 initial requests for information, 109 surveys were completed. Results revealed limited exposure for students to curricular content and clinical practica that focused on the knowledge and skills necessary for professionals working in Part C IDEA settings. Programs indicated that barriers to the inclusion of such content and clinical practice experiences included funding, access to faculty and staff, and limited practice settings. Implications and future directions are discussed.
The Effect of Reading Duration on the Reliability and Validity of Middle School Students’ ORF Performance
Authors: Barth Amy E. , Stuebing Karla K. , Fletcher Jack M. , Denton Carolyn A. , Vaughn Sharon , Francis David
Published: August 2014

We evaluated the technical adequacy of oral reading fluency (ORF) probes in which 1,472 middle school students with and without reading difficulties read fluency probes for 60 s versus reading the full passage. Results suggested that the reliability of 60-s probes ( rs ≥ .75) was not substantively different than full passage probes ( rs ≥ .77) among struggling readers and typically developing readers in Grades 6 to 8. The correlation of 60-s and the full passage probes with norm-referenced measures of ORF ranged from .32 to .83, and the correlation with norm-referenced measures of reading comprehension ranged from .32 to .54, indicating that both measures were moderately valid and adequate for use among middle school students. Last, full passage probes with sensitivity rates ranging from .40 to .45 were only slightly more sensitive for identifying at-risk readers than 60-s probes, with sensitivity rates ranging from .36 to .40, suggesting that the full passage probes identified a slightly higher percentage of at-risk students with reading difficulties.
Response 3: The logics of security: A comment on Valverde
Authors: Nelken David
Published: August 2014

This reply to Valverde seeks to examine what she means by speaking of the logics of security. After critiquing the elements she uses to characterize such projects it then applies her approach to the examples of fighting cybercrime and creating global social indicators.
Non-destructive characterisation of N/Al level in P91 steels using electromagnetic sensors
Authors: Liu J. , Strangwood M. , Davis C. L. , Parker J.
Published: August 2014

P91 steels with different N/Al ratios short term tempered or long term aged at a series of temperatures have been characterised using a multifrequency electromagnetic sensor. It was found that the low frequency inductance value is sensitive to the intralath MX precipitates that determine the mean free path for domain wall motion and hence the initial relative permeability of the steels. The electromagnetic sensor is capable of separating P91 steels with low N/Al ratio in the service entry or early service state. In contrast, the hardness measurements were found to be insensitive to the N/Al ratio for the short term tempered samples.
A nonsense mutation in IKBKB causes combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Mousallem Talal , Yang Jialong , Urban Thomas J. , Wang Hongxia , Adeli Mehdi , Parrott Roberta E. , Roberts Joseph L. , Goldstein David B. , Buckley Rebecca H. , Zhong Xiao-Ping
Published: August 2014

Key Points

A nonsense mutation in IKBKB caused the absence of IKKβ and a lack of T- and B-cell activation through their antigen receptors. IKKβ is not necessary for development of T or B lymphocytes but is important for their activation and for the development/function of NK cells.
Relating gene expression evolution with CpG content changes
Authors: Yang Huan , Li Dawei , Cheng Chao
Published: August 2014

Background

Previous studies have shown that CpG dinucleotides are enriched in a subset of promoters and the CpG content of promoters is positively correlated with gene expression levels. But the relationship between divergence of CpG content and gene expression evolution has not been investigated. Here we calculate the normalized CpG (nCpG) content in DNA regions around transcription start site (TSS) and transcription terminal site (TTS) of genes in nine organisms, and relate them with expression levels measured by RNA-seq.

Results

The nCpG content of TSS shows a bimodal distribution in all organisms except platypus, whereas the nCpG content of TTS only has a single peak. When the nCpG contents are compared between different organisms, we observe a different evolution pattern between TSS and TTS: compared with TTS, TSS exhibits a faster divergence rate between closely related species but are more conserved between distant species. More importantly, we demonstrate the link between gene expression evolution and nCpG content changes: up-/down- regulation of genes in an organism is accompanied by the nCpG content increase/decrease in their TSS and TTS proximal regions.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that gene expression changes between different organisms are correlated with the alterations in normalized CpG contents of promoters. Our analyses provide evidences for the impact of nCpG content on gene expression evolution.
The operational matrix formulation of the Jacobi tau approximation for space fractional diffusion equation
Authors: Doha Eid H , Bhrawy Ali H , Baleanu Dumitru , Ezz-Eldien Samer S
Published: August 2014

In this article, an accurate and efficient numerical method is presented for solving the space-fractional order diffusion equation (SFDE). Jacobi polynomials are used to approximate the solution of the equation as a base of the tau spectral method which is based on the Jacobi operational matrices of fractional derivative and integration. The main advantage of this method is based upon reducing the nonlinear partial differential equation into a system of algebraic equations in the expansion coefficient of the solution. In order to test the accuracy and efficiency of our method, the solutions of the examples presented are introduced in the form of tables to make a comparison with those obtained by other methods and with the exact solutions easy.
Reliable estimates in the anisotropic heat conduction problems
Authors: Banichuk Nikolay , Ivanova Svetlana , Neittaamäki Pekka , Tuovinen Tero
Published: August 2014

The heat conduction problems for anisotropic bodies are studied taking into account the uncertainties in the material orientation. The best estimations of the upper and lower bounds of the considered energy dissipation functional are based on developing new approach consisting in solution of some optimization problems and finding the extremal internal material structures, which realize minimal and maximal dissipation. The motivation of this study comes from paper making processes, and more precisely, drying process, which consumes about 50% of the energy fed into the paper machine. The understanding of the effect of uncertainties in the process arises from structural properties of paper will provide the possibility to optimize the drying system.
NK cells kill mycobacteria directly by releasing perforin and granulysin
Authors: Lu Chia-Chen , Wu Ting-Shu , Hsu Ya-Jing , Chang Chih-Jung , Lin Chuan-Sheng , Chia Ju-Hsin , Wu Tsu-Lan , Huang Tsung-Teng , Martel Jan , Ojcius David M , Young John D , Lai Hsin-Chih
Published: August 2014

Although the mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic effect of NK cells on tumor cells and intracellular bacteria have been studied extensively, it remains unclear how these cells kill extracellular bacterial pathogens. In this study, we examine how human NK cells kill Mycobacterium kansasii and M.tb. The underlying mechanism is contact dependent and requires two cytolytic proteins: perforin and granulysin. Mycobacteria induce enhanced expression of the cytolytic proteins via activation of the NKG2D/NCR cell-surface receptors and intracellular signaling pathways involving ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPKs. These results suggest that NK cells use similar cellular mechanisms to kill both bacterial pathogens and target host cells. This report reveals a novel role for NK cells, perforin, and granulysin in killing mycobacteria and highlights a potential alternative defense mechanism that the immune system can use against mycobacterial infection.
Advanced Analysis of Prestressed Hollow Core Concrete Slabs Exposed to Different Fires
Authors: Ellobody Ehab
Published: August 2014

This paper discusses the nonlinear structural analysis of full-scale prestressed hollow core one-way spanning concrete slabs in fire conditions. The slabs were simply-supported and reinforced with 9.3 mm nominal diameter seven-wire mono-strand tendons. Nonlinear 3-D finite element models for the analysis of prestressed hollow core concrete slabs at elevated temperatures were developed. The finite element models were based on a nonlinear finite element modelling approach adopted by the author over the last eight years for the analysis of different structures under fire conditions. The mechanical and thermal material nonlinearities of the concrete and prestressing tendons have been carefully inserted into the model. The interface between the tendon and surrounding concrete was also modelled, allowing the tendon to retain its profile shape during the deformation of the prestressed hollow core slab. In addition, gap elements were used to model the thermal behaviour of the hollow cores, which ensures, for the first time, correct temperature distributions in the regions surrounding the cores. The temperature distribution throughout the prestressed hollow core concrete slab, time-deflection behaviour, time-longitudinal expansion and failure modes of the slabs were predicted by the model and verified against test data. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects on the global structural behaviour due to the change in the prestressed hollow core slab geometries, hollow core shapes, load ratios during fire and different fire curves. It was shown that the failure of the prestressed hollow core concrete slabs investigated in this study was due to tensile splitting with longitudinal cracks along the slab directly above and inline with the tendons developed between 15–25 minutes from the start of heating. It was also shown that no shear failure was observed. The fire resistances of the prestressed hollow core concrete slabs obtained from the finite element analyses were compared with the design values obtained from the British Standards (BS) and European Code (EC) for concrete structures at elevated temperatures. The comparisons have shown that the BS were generally conservative for the prestressed hollow core concrete slabs investigated in the parametric study, except for the slabs heated using the standard fire curve under a higher load ratio of 0.7, while the EC predictions were conservative for all the slabs investigated in this study.
Probability Analysis of Corrosion Process of Corroded RC Flexural Member in Marine Environment
Authors: Feng Yun-Fen , Gong Jin-Xin , Yang Xiao-Yan
Published: August 2014

The main cause of deterioration in reinforced concrete (RC) structures is related to reinforcing steel corrosion, therefore, the calculation of steel corrosion loss should be evaluated in detail. The corrosion initiation time and concrete cracking time are random variables due to the various uncertainties in reinforcement corrosion process. Thus, RC structural member at a specific observation time of design period may be in three different states, namely no corrosion, ongoing corrosion but no cover concrete cracking, concrete cover cracking. Accordingly, a probabilistic model for corrosion loss of steel cross-section was developed in three critical phases. For illustrative purpose, statistic analysis of the percentage of corrosion was conducted using Monte Carlo simulation for a simply supported RC flexural member, in which the occurrence probabilities of above three different states at an observation time were determined. The statistical results showed that percentage of corrosion can be described by a double-peak probability distribution; the occurrence probabilities of no corrosion and no concrete cracking decrease with time; the reliability of RC flexural element in marine environment significantly decreases with time due to reinforcement corrosion.
Seismic Performance Upgrading for Underground Structures by Introducing Shear Panel Dampers
Authors: Chen Zhi-Yi , Chen Wei , Bian Guo-Qiang
Published: August 2014

A new method of upgrading seismic performance for underground structures is proposed in this paper. Both single-story and double-story underground subway stations are studied. Using the famous single-story Daikai Station model, by which the reliability of the numerical model is verified, seismic efficiency of Shear Panel Damper (SPD) in underground structures is proven. Then, in order to design appropriate and efficient SPDs for underground structures, strength ratio, one of the design parameters, is employed to investigate the seismic performance of structures. The recommended optimum range of strength ratio is given. Afterwards, typical double-story three-span stations with different SPDs layout forms are analyzed to figure out the optimal placement of SPDs. And some interesting conclusions are obtained, which may provide a convenient way to design SPDs in multi-story underground structures.
Effects of Test Parameters on Fracture and Fatigue Characteristics of a SE(T) Steel Specimen
Authors: Nemati Navid , Metrovich Brian , Nanni Antonio
Published: August 2014

The understanding of crack behavior under fatigue remains a critical issue in addressing the performance of bridge structures. In this study, effects of test parameters on the stress intensity factor ( K) of a modified single edge notched tension [SE(T)] steel specimen with a through width notch was experimentally, analytically and numerically investigated. Equations were developed to include the effects of fix boundary condition on K and crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) of the crack. Effects of axial and angular misalignments on K along the crack length were examined and a progressively decreasing influence on K was observed when the crack size increased. Two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method (FEM) was used to evaluate the effect of the two end bounding conditions on K value of non-uniform crack fronts. Influence of ungripped length of the specimen on K was evaluated and showed to be more substantial for short specimens. Finally, a framework was proposed to map the crack front evolution through high cycle fatigue tests for a modified SE(T) specimen with initial crack inclination.
Flexural behaviour of hybrid fibre (steel fiber and silica fume) reinforced self compacting composite concrete members
Authors: Arivalagan S.
Published: August 2014

The present day world is witnessing the construction of very challenging and difficult civil engineering structures. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) offers several economic and technical benefits; the use of steel fiber extends its possibilities. Steel fiber acts as a bridge to retard their cracks propagation, and improve several characteristics and properties of the concrete. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this investigation to study the Flexural Behaviour of Steel Fiber Reinforced self compacting concrete incorporating silica fume in the structural elements. The self compacting concrete mixtures have a coarse aggregate replacement of 25% and 35% by weight of silica fume. Totally eight mixers are investigated in which cement content, water content, dosage of superplasticers were all constant. Slump flow time and diameter, J-Ring, V-funnel, and L-Box were performed to assess the fresh properties of the concrete. The variable in this study was percentage of volume fraction (1.0, 1.5) of steel fiber. Finally, five beams were to be casted for study, out of which one was made with conventional concrete, one with SCC (25% silica fume) and other were with SCC (25% silica fume + 1% of steel fiber, 25% silica fume + 1.5% of steel fiber) one with SCC (35% silica fume), and other were SCC (35% Silica fume + 1% of steel fiber, 35% Silica fume + 1.5% of steel fiber). Compressive strength, flexural strength of the concrete was determined for hardened concrete for 7 and 28 days. This investigation is also done to determine the increase the compressive strength by addition of silica fume by varying the percentage.
Calculation of the stress concentration factor in the welded tube junction subjected to combined loadings
Authors: Fouathia A. , Mekroud A. , Bellagh K.
Published: August 2014

Fatigue failure caused by stress concentrations in tubular welded joints is observed in off shore platforms subjected to cyclic loading in corrosive marine environments. In some junctions, the stress concentration can induce a stress thirty times the nominal stress, and increase the risk of fatigue failure in tubular joints. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately assess the intensity of the stress concentrations to effectively deal with the problem of fatigue damage and lead to reliable tubular joints. This work aims to study the stress distribution and location of the "hot" spots in a Twelded tubular structure subjected to a combined loading of tension and bending (in-plane bending, out of plane bending and traction) to better simulate the actual loading.