bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measures of Total Energy Expenditure and Its Components Using the Doubly Labeled Water Method in Rehabilitating Burn Children
Authors: Prelack Kathy , Yu Yong Ming , Dylewski Maggie , Lydon Martha , Keaney Timothy J. , Sheridan Robert L.
Published: August 2015

Background: A persistent hypermetabolic state delays anabolism and growth in burned children. However, our own clinical experience has been that resting energy expenditure (REE) is not increased during the rehabilitative phase, suggesting other contributing factors. We measured total energy expenditure (TEE) and its components in rehabilitating pediatric burn patients to identify the basis for accelerated energy metabolism in this population. Materials and Methods: Children admitted with initial burns of 20% of their total body surface area (TBSA) or greater were enrolled into this prospective, descriptive study. TEE was measured using the doubly labeled water method over a 7‐day period. During that period, REE was measured on 2 days by indirect calorimetry. Activity energy expenditure (AEE) was assessed using a physical activity monitoring device for a 24‐hour period. TEE and REE were compared with sex‐specific, age‐matched, and weight‐matched norms using the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) standards. Results: Ten children with an average burn size of 53.7% ± 20% (range, 27%–82%) of TBSA completed this study. Their mean age and weight were 10.4 ± 5.5 years and 35.8 ± 16.4 kg, respectively. Daily TEE averaged 66 kcal/kg and was 1.08% of reference DRI. REE was 92% ± 25% of predicted basal metabolic rate, not exceeding 120% as a maximum value in any child. Conclusions: TEE and REE in rehabilitating burn children are comparable to reference standards. Increased REE was not typical in our population, but measures of AEE were commonly high.
When Two Become One
Authors: Soulsby Laura K. , Bennett Kate M.
Published: August 2015

We examine the psychosocial impact of marital status change, and the spontaneously emerging theme of identity. In-depth interviews were conducted with 82 cohabiting, married, widowed, and divorced British adults, focusing on changes in daily routine, social relationships, and social support. We draw attention to findings of interviews with men and women who entered a married ( n = 30) or cohabiting ( n = 8) relationship for the first time. The interviews provide an insight into the complex process of identity change in marriage and cohabitation. Participants described an identity shift from “I” to “we” which was associated with social and personal changes in how they understood themselves. Marriage and cohabitation were viewed as positive transitions facilitating personal growth. However, importantly, marriage, in particular, was also associated with a process of depersonalization which posed a challenge to private identity. We conclude with a discussion of the ways in which participants managed this identity conflict.
Supporting Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices Through Practice-Based Coaching
Authors: Snyder Patricia A. , Hemmeter Mary Louise , Fox Lise
Published: August 2015

In active implementation science frameworks, coaching has been described as an important competency “driver” to ensure evidence-based practices are implemented as intended. Empirical evidence also has identified coaching as a promising job-embedded professional development strategy to support implementation of quality teaching practices. The purpose of the present article is to describe a coaching framework designed to support early childhood practitioners to implement evidence-based teaching practices with fidelity. We explicate the key components of the coaching framework, provide theoretical and empirical rationales for each component, and describe how it was operationalized for use as a coaching protocol in several studies. The studies focused on supporting preschool teachers of young children with or at risk for disabilities to implement social-emotional, behavioral, and instructional teaching practices with fidelity. For this special issue, we offer recommendations for future research and considerations for wider scale application and situate each article in the context of coaching and the coaching framework described in this article.
Data-driven robotic sampling for marine ecosystem monitoring
Authors: Das Jnaneshwar , Py Frédéric , Harvey Julio B.J. , Ryan John P. , Gellene Alyssa , Graham Rishi , Caron David A. , Rajan Kanna , Sukhatme Gaurav S.
Published: August 2015

Robotic sampling is attractive in many field robotics applications that require persistent collection of physical samples for ex-situ analysis. Examples abound in the earth sciences in studies involving the collection of rock, soil, and water samples for laboratory analysis. In our test domain, marine ecosystem monitoring, detailed understanding of plankton ecology requires laboratory analysis of water samples, but predictions using physical and chemical properties measured in real-time by sensors aboard an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) can guide sample collection decisions. In this paper, we present a data-driven and opportunistic sampling strategy to minimize cumulative regret for batches of plankton samples acquired by an AUV over multiple surveys. Samples are labeled at the end of each survey, and used to update a probabilistic model that guides sampling during subsequent surveys. During a survey, the AUV makes irrevocable sample collection decisions online for a sequential stream of candidates, with no knowledge of the quality of future samples. In addition to extensive simulations using historical field data, we present results from a one-day field trial where beginning with a prior model learned from data collected and labeled in an earlier campaign, the AUV collected water samples with a high abundance of a pre-specified planktonic target. This is the first time such a field experiment has been carried out in its entirety in a data-driven fashion, in effect “closing the loop” on a significant and relevant ecosystem monitoring problem while allowing domain experts (marine ecologists) to specify the mission at a relatively high level.
Reframing Serial Murder Within Empirical Research
Authors: Gurian Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2015

Empirical research on serial murder is limited due to the lack of consensus on a definition, the continued use of primarily descriptive statistics, and linkage to popular culture depictions. These limitations also inhibit our understanding of these offenders and affect credibility in the field of research. Therefore, this comprehensive overview of a sample of 508 cases (738 total offenders, including partnered groups of two or more offenders) provides analyses of solo male, solo female, and partnered serial killers to elucidate statistical differences and similarities in offending and adjudication patterns among the three groups. This analysis of serial homicide offenders not only supports previous research on offending patterns present in the serial homicide literature but also reveals that empirically based analyses can enhance our understanding beyond traditional case studies and descriptive statistics. Further research based on these empirical analyses can aid in the development of more accurate classifications and definitions of serial murderers.
Contextualizing state-led gentrification: goals of governing actors in generating neighbourhood upgrading
Authors: Teernstra Annalies
Published: August 2015

This paper provides insight into the way in which state-led gentrification unfolded in three neighbourhoods in Amsterdam and The Hague. Although Dutch gentrification has been comparatively mild, state actors increasingly adopted gentrification as a policy tool. However, the Netherlands provides a particular context for state-led gentrification. First, the national government plays a key role, as regeneration policies increasingly promoted gentrification as an instrument for differentiating the housing stock and as necessary to prevent social problems and decline. These goals are adopted by local governments in neighbourhood regeneration. Second, housing associations are important stimulators of gentrification. They are hybrid organizations: although their task is providing affordable housing, they are also market-oriented actors who generate income from market activities. However, power inequalities between actors, different objectives and priorities of actors and different local contexts resulted in processes of negotiation and consequently, diverse regeneration strategies. Although interventions are moving into a neoliberal direction, governments and housing associations still form a strong buffer between market interventions and neighbourhood development.
Level of religiosity in residential neighborhoods: residents' perceptions versus reality
Authors: Fleishman Larisa , Gubman Yury
Published: August 2015

This paper aims to develop and test a valid and reliable methodology to explore residents' attitudes toward religious composition of their neighborhood, by integrating traditionally used survey data with administrative data, and collaborative Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The main research question is whether residents perceive changes in the religious composition of their neighborhood in relation to their personal religiosity. Focusing on the Jewish population, we compared residents' subjective assessment of changes in the religious composition of their neighborhood, obtained from Israel's 2009 Social Survey, with actual changes in the percentage of residents with differing degrees of religiosity. Using a specifically designed methodology, we found that the two groups on the extreme ends of the religious spectrum (ultraorthodox and nonreligious) are the keenest observers of changes in the religious composition within their neighborhoods. Subjective perception of the dynamics of neighborhood religious composition was found to be systematically associated with neighborhood satisfaction, individual traits, dwelling, and neighborhood characteristics. Using spatially dependent analysis, we also examined mutual relationships between the religious composition, both actual and perceived, of census tracts, based on distances between those geographic areas.
Intended rationality in exit decisions: The organizational field of rivals as a source of signal in segment exit decisions by Korean SI ventures, 2000–2006
Authors: Shin Dongyoub , Kim Sunhyuk , Jung Kiwon
Published: August 2015

This paper examines how the aggregated actions of rivals belonging to the same organizational field affect a firm’s exits from existing market segments. We argue that while a firm’s exit decisions are strongly influenced by the aggregated actions by other firms which may serve as an uncertainty-reducing signal, the focal firm’s strategic responses to signals from the organizational field of rivals are more complicated, informed, and rational, than is usually suggested. For instance, in its evaluation of signals about segment attractiveness based on the aggregated actions of rivals, the focal firm will give different weights to rivals’ actions according to the strength of competitive threat, will make refined inferences about the attractiveness of a segment based on the performances of rivals, and will give a greater weight to recent actions by rivals than to older ones. The results of our event history analysis of all segment exits by Korean SI ventures support all our hypotheses.
Biomechanical Comparison of Arthroscopic Repair Constructs for Radial Tears of the Meniscus
Authors: Branch Eric A. , Milchteim Charles , Aspey Bradley S. , Liu Wei , Saliman Justin D. , Anz Adam W.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Radial tears of the meniscus represent a challenging clinical scenario because benign neglect and partial meniscectomy have both been shown to have negative biomechanical and long-term clinical consequences.

Hypothesis:

Complex suture repair constructs have higher failure loads and stiffness values compared with simple constructs.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

After radial transection of human cadaveric menisci, simulated tears were repaired arthroscopically by use of 1 of 4 repair constructs: (1) 2 inside-out horizontal sutures, (2) 2 all-inside horizontal sutures, (3) an all-inside Mason-Allen construct consisting of 4 sutures, or (4) an all-inside construct consisting of a figure-of-8 suture plus 1 horizontal suture. Meniscus specimens were harvested and tested to failure on an Instron machine. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate for significance of maximal failure load and stiffness between groups.

Results:

The mean maximum failure loads were 64 ± 20 N (inside-out horizontal construct), 75 ± 16 N (all-inside horizontal construct), 86 ± 19 N (Mason-Allen construct), and 113 ± 22 N (figure-of-8 plus horizontal construct). Interconstruct comparison revealed a statistically significant difference between the figure-of-8 plus horizontal construct and all 3 remaining constructs ( P < .02) as well as the Mason-Allen construct when compared with the inside-out horizontal construct ( P < .01). Statistical significance was not found between the all-inside horizontal construct and the Mason-Allen construct or between the all-inside horizontal construct and the inside-out horizontal construct ( P = .2 and .7, respectively). Stiffness values were lower for the inside-out construct compared with the all-inside constructs ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Complex all-inside repair constructs had significantly higher failure loads than a conventional, simple inside-out suture repair construct for repair of radial meniscal tears. Stiffness values among the all-inside groups were greater than those for the inside-out group.

Clinical Relevance:

Arthroscopic techniques are presented to produce stronger radial meniscal tear repairs.
Effect of size and shape of joining insert on the strength of sandwich-structured laminate panels for wheeled vehicle’s body
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Ding Liang , Song Baoyu , Liu Yiqun , Zhao Pei , Xie Yajing , Gao Haibo
Published: August 2015

For automobile applications, sandwich-structured materials are used for thin components that are subjected to relatively small loadings. Other components are usually assembled onto the sandwich panels. In order to ensure adequate connection strength, joining inserts are added to the structures. The joining insert and honeycomb core are connected by adhesives and are used to connect the sandwich structure with the other components. In this work, tensile tests were performed on four different types of inserts for sandwich panels. The ultimate loads of inserts with different shapes and sizes are measured to determine the effect of the insert design on panel strength. The experimental results show that the regular hexagonal shaped has the most influence on the ultimate load.
Psychosocial Links Between Internet Use and Mental Health in Later Life: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence
Authors: Forsman Anna K. , Nordmyr Johanna
Published: August 2015

Research on the role of information and communication technology (ICT) use for active aging is limited. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the link between Internet use and mental health among older adults. The review was conducted based on searches in 9 electronic databases (2002-2014). A meta-synthesis approach was applied, examining quantitative (18) and qualitative (14) studies. The findings from the synthesis of quantitative statistical data indicate an overall positive association between Internet use and mental health and its psychosocial covariates in later life. The psychosocial links between Internet use and mental health identified from the qualitative data were (a) enhanced interpersonal interaction at individual level, (b) increased access to resources within the community, and (c) empowered social inclusion at society level.

The results highlight the multi-level psychosocial links between Internet use and mental health, which may be applied in initiatives targeting healthy aging in various settings.
APTES-modified nanosilica -- but neither APTES nor nanosilica -- inhibits endothelial cell growth via arrest of cell cycle at G1 phase
Authors: Niu Yiming , Chan Weng-I , Yu Na , Gan Jingjing , Dong Lei , Wang Chunming
Published: August 2015

The adverse effects of nanomaterials on the living system have attracted considerable attention in the past few years. Such effects may come from either the core nanomaterials or the chemical agents used to modify the nanomaterials – the latter being largely overlooked. In a free form, these modifying agents might have little impact on living cells; however, they may exhibit distinct biological effects when they assemble into a larger dimension. Here, we report that (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane – a small molecule compound ubiquitously employed to functionalise nanosilica surface – could decrease the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells when it was grafted onto the nanosilica surface. However, intriguingly, such effect was not found in 3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane itself, the unmodified silica nanoparticles or the 3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-modified microparticles. Change of surface charge was excluded as a cause and apoptosis was not observed. Nevertheless, the 3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-modified nanoparticles could exclusively arrest cell cycle at G1 phase. Our findings suggest that substances could gain ‘new’ functions at the nanoscale, which may not be found in their larger or smaller counterparts. Understanding of such effects will provide critical insights for better evaluation and thus safer use of nanomaterials, in particular those having been pre-modified with other agents.
Social Determinants of Married Women’s Attitudinal Acceptance of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Jesmin Syeda S.
Published: August 2015

Informed by the social determinants of health (SDH) framework, this study examined whether women’s attitudinal acceptance of intimate partner violence (IPV) varies according to material circumstances, such as characteristics of their communities. Data were obtained from the sixth Bangladesh Demographic Health Surveys (BDHS) of 2011, a cross-sectional and secondary population-based study that covers the entire population residing in noninstitutional dwelling units in Bangladesh. The sample included 16,480 married women living in 600 communities who were 15 to 49 years old. Results showed that community characteristics were significantly associated with married women’s attitudes toward IPV. The associations, however, were considerably more complicated than previously thought. Community poverty and wife beating justification were inversely related, such that regardless of their socioeconomic status (SES), living in poorer communities increased women’s likelihood of condemning IPV ( p < .001). Also, unexpectedly, as illiteracy increased in the community, women’s likelihood of viewing IPV as justified decreased ( p < .01). Living in communities with strong patriarchal norms was associated with greater tolerance for IPV ( p < .001). Use of the SDH framework in this study provided empirical evidence of the importance of social determinants in determining risk for attitudinal acceptance of IPV among women, which can be targeted for future research and intervention.
Perceptions of Dating Violence and Associated Correlates: A Study of College Young Adults
Authors: Dardis Christina M. , Edwards Katie M. , Kelley Erika L. , Gidycz Christine A.
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to better understand young adults’ perceptions of what behaviors constitute intimate partner violence (IPV) and the correlates of these perceptions using a comprehensive measure of IPV perceptions and behaviors. Participants were undergraduates (aged 18-25), including 357 women and 346 men ( N = 703) from the midwestern region of the United States, who completed surveys for course credit. Results demonstrated that young women and men on average reported that acts of physical, sexual, and psychological IPV were abusive. However, young women generally rated these behaviors as more abusive than young men, male-to-female (M-to-F) IPV was viewed as more abusive than female-to-male (F-to-M) IPV, and physical IPV was considered the most abusive form of IPV, followed by sexual IPV, which was rated as more abusive than psychological IPV. Furthermore, among men, a history of IPV perpetration and victimization generally predicted decreased perceptions that acts were abusive; however, among women, histories of IPV perpetration and victimization were generally unrelated to abuse perceptions. These data underscore the importance of the inclusion of psychoeducation about the seriousness of all forms of IPV in IPV prevention programming and the importance of situation-specific and targeted IPV prevention messages. Moreover, future research is needed to replicate and better understand the explanatory mechanisms underlying the relationships among a history of IPV, abuse perceptions, and gender.
Experimental investigation of the power draw of tumbling mills in wet grinding
Authors: Soleymani Moslem M , Fooladi Majid , Rezaeizadeh Masood
Published: August 2015

In comminution, mill power plays a major role from the economics standpoint and is a critical design criterion. It is influenced by a range of parameters such as media charge level (ball filling), slurry filling, slurry concentration and mill speed. In this work, the effects of these operating parameters were investigated using a pilot mill (1000 × 500 mm). To this end, a copper ore (−1000 µm) was used to prepare the slurry. The tests covered a range of slurry filling (U) from 0 to 1.7 with media charge between 12% and 36% of the mill volume and six different speeds between 60% and 85% of critical speed. A power analyser was utilized to measure mill power. Increase in mill speed and ball filling leads to a remarkable increase in the amount of the power. Preliminary results show that there is a definite trend between the power and the slurry filling U. Mill power draw is maximum at slurry concentration 60–70% and slurry filling 0.84. An empirical equation was given that fits the data reasonably well.
The end of the honeymoon: The increasing differentiation of (long-term) unemployment risks in Europe
Authors: Heidenreich Martin
Published: August 2015

This article discusses the changing social distribution of unemployment and long-term unemployment risks during the current financial and economic crisis. These risks are interpreted as the result of three different, overlapping forms of labour market segmentation: first, the institutionally stabilized polarization between labour market insiders and outsiders; second, the occupational dualization of high- and low-skilled employees and occupations; and third, the marginalization of disadvantaged social groups. On the basis of European Union-Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) data for 24 European countries (2005–2012), it can be shown that (long-term) unemployment risks increase especially for low-skilled persons and occupations, single parents, migrants and disabled persons. Women, older and permanently employed persons are relatively less affected by short-term unemployment but more affected by long-term unemployment. Hence, the current crisis strengthens the occupational and social dualization of labour markets, endangering the inclusiveness and long-term growth potential of the European economy and societies.
Fatigue life estimation in presence of ratcheting phenomenon for AISI 304LN stainless steel tested under uniaxial cyclic loading
Authors: Mishra Srimant Kumar , Dutta Krishna , Ray KK
Published: August 2015

This investigation aims to describe the experimental ratcheting life of AISI 304LN stainless steel with a proposed model. A series of stress-controlled low cycle fatigue experiments have been carried out at room temperature under uniaxial loading on the steel up to failure of specimens, under three sets of stress amplitude and mean stress values. Comparison of the theoretically predicted results with the experimental ones is found to be reasonably satisfactory in the fatigue life range of 102–105 cycles. Additionally the proposed stress-based model for predicting ratcheting fatigue life has been critically discussed with reference to some previous models.
Safe Zone for Medial Open-Wedge Supramalleolar Osteotomy of the Ankle
Authors: Nha Kyung Wook , Lee Soon Hyuck , Rhyu Im Joo , Kim Hak Jun , Song Jae Gwang , Han Jae Hwi , Yeo Eui Dong , Lee Young Koo
Published: August 2015

Background:

The purpose of this present study was to determine the incidence of lateral cortical fracture depending on the plane of osteotomy in medial open-wedge supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO) and to define a safe zone through which a medial open-wedge SMO could be performed with minimal risk of lateral cortical fracture.

Materials and Methods:

Matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaver lower leg specimens were obtained from 7 males and 3 females (average age = 63.9 [range 49–75] years). In group A, a safe zone-level medial open-wedge SMO (plane of osteotomy oriented to the proximal one-third of the intrasyndesmosis) was performed, and in group B, a higher-level medial open-wedge SMO (plane of osteotomy oriented to the suprasyndesmosis) was performed.

Results:

In group A, 7 of the 10 limbs had no lateral cortical fracture, and 3 had lateral cortical fracture, but all of the fractured limbs were stable during the medial open-wedge SMO procedure. In group B, 2 of 10 limbs had no lateral cortical fracture and 8 had lateral cortical fracture. Three of the 8 fractured limbs were stable, but 5 were unstable during the medial open-wedge SMO procedure. The incidence of lateral cortical fracture in group B was significantly higher compared to group A ( P = .04).

Conclusions:

According to the present findings, lateral cortical fracture was less likely to occur when open-wedge SMO was at the plane of the proximal one-third of the intrasyndesmosis, the so-called “safe zone,” than at the plane of the suprasyndesmosis.

Clinical Relevance:

A safe zone for medial open-wedge SMO to prevent lateral cortical fracture during the medial open-wedge SMO procedure was identified.
Validity of Sluggish Cognitive Tempo in South America: An Initial Examination Using Mother and Teacher Ratings of Chilean Children
Authors: Belmar Marta , Servera Mateu , Becker Stephen P. , Burns G. Leonard
Published: August 2015

Objective: To examine the validity of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) and ADHD–inattention (ADHD-IN) symptoms in children from Chile. Method: Mothers and teachers rated SCT, ADHD-IN, ADHD–hyperactivity/impulsivity (ADHD-HI), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), anxiety, depression, academic impairment, social impairment, and peer rejection (teachers only) in 652 Chilean children (55% boys) aged 6 to 14 years. Results: For both mother and teacher ratings, the eight SCT symptoms and nine ADHD-IN symptoms showed substantial loadings on their respective factors (convergent validity) along with loadings close to zero on the alternative factor (discriminant validity). ADHD-IN showed a uniquely stronger relationship than SCT with ADHD-HI and ODD whereas SCT showed a uniquely stronger relationship than ADHD-IN with anxiety and depression. Although ADHD-IN uniquely predicted academic impairment and social difficulties, SCT did not. Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence for the validity of SCT among children outside of North America or Western Europe.
Facial synkinesis as a first symptom of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tacconi Paolo , Peltz M Teresa , Lorefice Lorena , Marrosu M Giovanna , Marrosu Francesco
Published: August 2015

A 39-year-old woman was admitted to hospital because of a sensory hemisyndrome caused by a contrast-enhancing demyelinating lesion of the cervical cord. MRI, CSF examination and subsequent clinical and neuroradiological follow-up led to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The patient had noticed an involuntary contraction of a small muscle fascicle on the right side of the chin for a year. Electromyographic and video recordings confirmed the synkinesis between the orbicularis oculi and lower facial muscles, a finding distinct from the myokymic discharges reported in multiple sclerosis and more similar to the synkinesis associated with hemifacial spasm.
The effect of guided relaxation on cortisol and affect: Stress reactivity as a moderator
Authors: Unger Cynthia A , Busse David , Yim Ilona S
Published: August 2015

Stress-reduction interventions have been linked with enhanced well-being and health. This study examined affect and cortisol in 111 individuals randomly assigned to a single 35-minute guided relaxation or a stress management lecture control group. Positive affect increased more in the relaxation compared to the control group ( F = 6.62, p = .01). Dispositional stress reactivity had a moderating influence ( R2  = .248, p < .001), such that individuals high in stress reactivity showed highest increases in positive affect to the relaxation. Results indicate that a single guided relaxation intervention improves positive affect among individuals high in stress reactivity.
Gauging convergence on the ground: Code-switching in the community
Authors: Cacoullos Rena Torres , Travis Catherine E.
Published: August 2015

Is grammatical convergence between bilinguals’ two languages inevitable and does code-switching inherently promote it? Despite the burgeoning of bilingualism studies, this question—and even what should count as code-switching—remains contentious. Cumulative scientific advances will depend on attention to the social context in which bilingual phenomena arise, proper handling of spontaneous speech data, and consideration of the probabilistic constraints underlying occurrence rates of linguistic forms. We put forward this program of study as implemented in systematic quantitative analysis of linguistic structures in the New Mexico Spanish-English Bilingual (NMSEB) corpus. This unique compilation of bilingual speech by members of the Hispanic northern New Mexican community in the United States records both borrowing and—vitally—copious multi-word code-switching. Advancing the study of bilingualism is community-based data collection and accountable analysis of the linguistic conditioning of variation in both of the languages in contact as used by the bilinguals themselves, in comparison with appropriate benchmarks, again of both languages (monolingual, or earlier, varieties). The role of code-switching in convergence is evaluated through a novel on-line measure, comparisons based on the proximity of spontaneous use of the other language. Implementation of this test of proximate code-switching confirms a disjunction between bilinguals’ phonology, which is more labile, and morpho-syntax, which is stable. Variation is conditioned by intra-linguistic contextual features, the distribution of which, however, may shift under code-switching, shaping patterns in the bilingual community.
Low nourishment of B-vitamins is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress in newly diagnosed cardiac patients
Authors: Waly Mostafa I. , Ali Amanat , Al-Nassri Amira , Al-Mukhaini Mohamed , Valliatte John , Al-Farsi Yahya
Published: August 2015

We are currently witnessing a dramatic change in lifestyle and food choices that is accompanied with an increase in the rate of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although studies have reported an association of CVD with hyperhomocysteinemia-mediated oxidative stress, the biochemical basis is not known. This case–control study was aimed to evaluate the nutritional and biochemical status of B-vitamins in relation to hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress in newly diagnosed cardiac patients. The retrospective dietary intake of the study subjects (cases and controls) was estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and fasting blood samples were drawn to assess their serum levels of B-vitamins (folate, vitamins B6 and B12), homocysteine (HCY), and oxidative stress indices such as glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrites and nitrates (NN). It was observed that the cases had a lower dietary intake of B-vitamins as compared to their matched control subjects as well as to the corresponding recommended dietary allowances. Biochemical analysis of cases, as compared to controls, indicated depletion of GSH, impairment of TAC, and an elevation in the serum levels of HCY, MDA, and NN. These results suggest that lower status (dietary intake and serum levels) of B-vitamins is involved in the etiology of hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress, the typical risk factors for CVD.
Teaching Augmentative and Alternative Communication to Students with Severe Disabilities: A Review of Intervention Research 1997–2003
Authors: Snell Martha E. , Chen Lih-Yuan , Hoover Kathryn
Published: August 2015

This paper provides results of a descriptive analysis of peer-reviewed, single subject design, intervention research on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with severe disabilities, from birth to 21 years, published in English between 1997 and 2003. A database of 40 studies was found that met seven specified criteria. The descriptive analysis showed that a variety of antecedent, both adult and child directed, and consequent intervention components, typically used in combination, were effective in improving communication. Most research contexts were rated as less natural. Parents, teachers, and siblings or peers were infrequently involved in intervention. When problem behavior and communication were targeted, functional communication training (FCT) was the method of choice. Treatment integrity was infrequently measured. When measured, generalization and maintenance of treatment effects were good but were reported less than half of the time. Implications for interventionists and researchers are discussed.
Maternal Stress and Efficacy for Latina Mothers with Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care
Authors: Denney Maria K. , Okamoto Yukari , Singer George H. S. , Brenner Mary E. , Barkley Steven C.
Published: August 2015

This study examined the levels of maternal stress and efficacy for Spanish- and English-speaking Latina mothers whose infants were in neonatal intensive care. Thirty-two Latina mothers participated in the study. Significant group differences were found between Spanish- and English-speaking Latina mothers. More stress was experienced by Spanish- than English-speaking Latina mothers in communicating with NICU staff, in general and learning about infant caregiving tasks, in particular. Maternal efficacy was not related to stress experienced by these mothers in the NICU. Implications for early interventions and future directions for research are discussed for Latina mothers and their newborn infants with special needs.
Influences on Parent Perceptions of an Alternate Assessment for Students with Severe Cognitive Disabilities
Authors: Roach Andrew T.
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this investigation was to understand the variables that influence parents' perceptions of the Wisconsin Alternate Assessment (WAA). Parents and teachers of elementary and secondary students with severe cognitive disabilities (n = 77) from across Wisconsin participated. Teachers submitted case materials that included a copy of the students' WAA rating scale and current IEP; brief teacher and parent surveys regarding their perceptions of the WAA; and a curricular access questionnaire that documented which WAA items were part of the student's curriculum during the current or previous school year. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between predictor variables and parents' perceptions as reported on the teacher survey. The results indicated that student age and the percentage of academic-focused IEP goals each accounted for the small amount of the variation in parents' perceptions of the WAA. These results are discussed in the context of consequential evidence for the validity of the WAA.
Using a Participatory Action Research Approach to Create a Universally Designed Inclusive High School Science Course: A Case Study
Authors: Dymond Stacy K. , Renzaglia Adelle , Rosenstein Amy , Chun Eul Jung , Banks Ronald A. , Niswander Vicki , Gilson Christie L.
Published: August 2015

Case study methodology was used in combination with a participatory action research (PAR) approach to examine the process of redesigning one high school science course to incorporate the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and to promote access to the general curriculum. The participants included one general education teacher and two special education teachers. Two sections of the course were targeted for redesign. Each section included students with disabilities (mild, severe) and without disabilities. The redesign process involved changes to the course in the areas of curriculum, instructional delivery/organization of learning environments, student participation, materials, and assessment. Data were collected across one school year through documents, interviews, and focus groups and were analyzed qualitatively using a constant comparative method.
Aligning Instruction with Academic Content Standards: Finding the Link
Authors: Browder Diane M. , Spooner Fred , Wakeman Shawnee , Trela Katherine , Baker Joshua N.
Published: August 2015

For students to have full access to the general curriculum, they need the opportunity to learn academic content that links closely to the standards for their grade level. In this article, we synthesize what we have learned through our research on aligning instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities with state's academic content standards. In finding these links between state content standards and instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities, we have discovered that it is important to understand (a) the implications of current federal policy; (b) the evidence for academic learning by this population; (c) the nature of national and state standards; (d) the importance of starting with universal design and general education collaboration; and (e) the concept of alignment.
Metabolic status and resistin in chronic schizophrenia over a 2-year period with continuous atypical antipsychotics
Authors: Kawabe Kentaro , Ochi Shinichiro , Yoshino Yuta , Mori Yoko , Onuma Hiroshi , Osawa Haruhiko , Hosoda Yoshiki , Ueno Shu-ichi
Published: August 2015

Background:

Common adverse effects of atypical antipsychotic treatments for schizophrenia are weight gain and lipid metabolism abnormality. We aimed to identify the signs of metabolic problems with continuous atypical antipsychotic treatment for schizophrenia over a 2-year period.

Methods:

The participants were 68 schizophrenic patients (29 males, 39 females; ages 53.4 ± 13.5 years old). Changes in carbohydrate metabolism and changes in physical characteristics were studied over a 2-year period. In addition, functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in the transcriptional regulatory region of the resistin gene were examined.

Results:

We found no changes in the mental state of the participants over a 2-year period. Patients did show a significant decrease in total cholesterol and hemoglobin A1c levels, although physical changes such as body mass index and abdominal girth, were not observed. The amount of resistin may not be associated with mental states and physical parameters.

Conclusions:

We could not find physical factors related to metabolic changes of antipsychotics in this 2-year study. However, several psychological factors, such as health-related thoughts and behaviors, should be studied in the future.
Three metaphors for sustainability in the Anthropocene
Authors: Karlsson Rasmus
Published: August 2015

This paper presents three different metaphors for sustainability in the Anthropocene. The first metaphor is the widely used notion of an ‘ecological footprint’, which offers a snapshot of what sustainability would require today using existing technologies. The second metaphor is one of a rocket taking off. Unlike the static footprint metaphor, this metaphor allows for the possibility that achieving a long-term sustainable trajectory might require entering a temporary state of even higher levels of unsustainability. Finally a third metaphor is presented, in which human civilisation is likened to an airplane and modernity to a runway. This metaphor suggests that sustainability can be achieved either by (1) a take-off into a post-scarcity space-faring civilisation or (2) a deceleration into a small-scale economy based on norms of frugality and simplicity. The third metaphor highlights the risk that insufficient political commitment to either trajectory might lead to (3) a catastrophic ecological overshoot.
Stability of and Associations Between Social-Cognitive Determinants Over Time
Authors: Sassen Barbara , Kok Gerjo , Schepers Jan , Vanhees Luc
Published: August 2015

This study reports on the stability of social-cognitive determinants, and on associations between social-cognitive determinants to show insight in the theory of planned behavior (TPB). In all, 278 health professionals who encourage patients to become physically active completed online TPB-based surveys at baseline (Time 1 [T1]) and six months later (Time 2 [T2]). No intervention took place. No differences were found for all social-cognitive determinants measured at T1 compared with T2 (6 months later), except for intention ( t test = 5.18, p < .001). Structural equation modeling—χ2(5, N = 278) = 2.35, p = .80, root mean square error of approximation = 0.00—showed that behavior T1 and attitude T1 predicted intention T1 ( R2 = .57, p = <.001); that behavior T1 and barriers T1 predicted behavior T2 ( R2 = .38, p = <.001); and that behavior T2, intention T1, and attitude T1 predicted intention T2 ( R2 =.60, p = <.001). Intention T1 did not predict behavior T2. The model achieved a good fit with the data. Findings revealed that social-cognitive determinants remained stable over time, with intention being instable. Without intervention, the intention decreased, while the social-cognitive determinants (attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms) for intention and the corresponding behavior remained unchanged. For intervention development it seems important to value health professionals’ previous or past encouraging behavior (T1), this to change intention and behavior, or to initiate new behavior. Behavior T1 showed a predictive variable and predicted attitude T1, intention T1, barriers T1, and behavior T2. Barriers that obstruct health professionals’ encouraging behavior are encountered, and barriers influence attitudes T1 and the behavior T2 to encourage patients.
Relationship Between Socio-Demographic Features, Work-Related Conditions, and Level of Anxiety Among Turkish Primary Health Care Workers
Authors: Picakciefe Metin , Turgut Aynur , Igneci Emel , Cayli Fatih , Deveci Artuner
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among Turkish primary health care workers’ socio-demographic characteristics, working conditions, and anxiety. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 88 of 103 (85.4%) eligible health care workers from the city of Mugla participating. The participants’ average age was 31 years, 85.2% were university graduates, 30.7% were nurses, and 64.8% had been working between 11 and 20 years at the time of the study; 93.6% worked 8 hours each day or less. State anxiety scores for males ( p = .016), health care workers age 31 or older ( p = .035), nurse participants ( p = .043), and individuals who had worked 11 or more years ( p = .044) were significantly higher than the rest of the sample; however, trait anxiety scores for participants who did not work overtime and were not scheduled for shift work were significantly higher ( p = .033 and p = .004, respectively) than the rest of the sample. According to the logistic regression analysis, risk factors for anxiety included being male and older than 31 years.
Returning an Employee With Newly Diagnosed Tetraplegia to Work
Authors: Smith Letha
Published: August 2015

A 41-year-old male manufacturing engineer had a spinal cord injury after being thrown from the horse he was riding and landing on his neck. His injury was a C5 fracture with complete lower limb and trunk paralysis and partial upper limb paralysis. He was transported to the emergency department and eventually to rehabilitation. This article describes this employee’s return to work.
Neighborhood Integration and Connectivity Predict Cognitive Performance and Decline
Authors: Watts Amber , Ferdous Farhana , Diaz Moore Keith , Burns Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2015

Objective: Neighborhood characteristics may be important for promoting walking, but little research has focused on older adults, especially those with cognitive impairment. We evaluated the role of neighborhood characteristics on cognitive function and decline over a 2-year period adjusting for measures of walking. Method: In a study of 64 older adults with and without mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we evaluated neighborhood integration and connectivity using geographical information systems data and space syntax analysis. In multiple regression analyses, we used these characteristics to predict 2-year declines in factor analytically derived cognitive scores (attention, verbal memory, mental status) adjusting for age, sex, education, and self-reported walking. Results: Neighborhood integration and connectivity predicted cognitive performance at baseline, and changes in cognitive performance over 2 years. The relationships between neighborhood characteristics and cognitive performance were not fully explained by self-reported walking. Discussion: Clearer definitions of specific neighborhood characteristics associated with walkability are needed to better understand the mechanisms by which neighborhoods may impact cognitive outcomes. These results have implications for measuring neighborhood characteristics, design and maintenance of living spaces, and interventions to increase walking among older adults. We offer suggestions for future research measuring neighborhood characteristics and cognitive function.
Legitimizing Transformation without Calling it Change: Tajdīd, Iṣlāḥ, and Saudi Arabia’s Place in the Contemporary World
Authors: Foley Sean
Published: August 2015

For decades, many scholars have contended that Saudi Arabia is a fixed political system, where a conservative monarchy uses advanced technology, oil revenues, and religion to dominate the people. Such a system is often portrayed as inherently unstable, a seemingly never-ending series of collisions between an unchanging traditional political structure seeking to hold on to power at any cost and a dynamic modernity—a view encapsulated in a phrase expressed at virtually every public discussion of the Kingdom in the West: ‘you must admit that Saudi Arabia must change’. Ironically this phrase confirms what this article argues is a secret to the success of Saudi Arabia in the contemporary era: the ability to legitimize transformation without calling it change. No society is static, including Saudi Arabia. Throughout the Kingdom’s history, the defining social institutions have repeatedly utilized Tajdīd (Revival) and Iṣlāḥ (Reform) to respond to new technologies and the changing expectations of a diverse society. While Muslim scholars are most often entrusted to arbitrate this process, ordinary Saudis use this process to guide their actions in the various social spaces they encounter both at home and abroad. Critically, this process reflects the response of King Abdulaziz and the founders of the third Saudi state in the early twentieth century to the factors that had brought down previous Saudi states in the nineteenth century.