bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Diffuse Panbronchiolitis Complicated by Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma Not Otherwise Specified
Authors: Feng Rui-e , Yu Chun-kai , Liu Hong-rui , Cui Quan-cai
Published: May 2011

We report a case of diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) complicated by peripheral T cell lymphoma not otherwise specified. A 40-year-old Chinese man presented with intermittent fever, cough and significant white sputum production for more than 9 years, in addition to dyspnea and chest congestion that worsened after exercise. A chest CT scan indicated diffuse centrilobular fine nodular opacities with a ‘tree-in-bud’ appearance in both lungs. An open-lung biopsy was performed, and DPB was diagnosed by histopathological analysis. Three months later, the patient’s pulmonary symptoms worsened. A chest CT of both lungs revealed multiple patchy opacities as well as enlargement of the hilar, mediastinal and multiple superficial lymph nodes. A whole-body bone scan revealed multiple osteolytic lesions located in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. A biopsy of the right supraclavicular lymph node was performed, and peripheral T cell lymphoma not otherwise specified was diagnosed histopathologically. Cases of DPB complicated by non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are a rare occurrence. To our knowledge, there is only one earlier report of such a case in the literature (in Japanese). However, the prevalence of DPB complicated by T cell tumors is relatively high, indicating a possible association in pathogenesis of T cell disorders and DPB.
Utility and Limitations of Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised for Detecting Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Komadina Natalie C. , Terpening Zoe , Huang Yue , Halliday Glenda M. , Naismith Sharon L. , Lewis Simon J.G.
Published: May 2011

Background/Aims: To evaluate the utility of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) as a screening tool for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD-MCI). Methods: PD patients underwent comprehensive neuropsychological and neurological evaluations and ACE-R assessment. Results: The ACE-R was superior to the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) in detecting PD-MCI, with a cutoff score of ≤93 offering a sensitivity of 61% and a specificity of 64%. The utility of the ACE-R in detecting PD-MCI is largely influenced by the fluency sub-domain score, and has optimal discriminability when utilized in patients with lower levels of education (≤12 years of formal schooling). Conclusion: The ACE-R must be used cautiously as a screening tool for PD-MCI, with results being most influenced by its fluency sub-domain score and patient education levels.
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Plasma Levels and Outcome after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Worthmann Hans , Kempf Tibor , Widera Christian , Tryc Anita B. , Goldbecker Annemarie , Ma Yue T. , Deb Milani , Tountopoulou Argyro , Lambrecht Jürgen , Heeren Meike , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Wollert Kai C. , Weissenborn Karin
Published: May 2011

Background: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a stress-responsive cytokine that is induced after experimental brain injury. We hypothesized that the circulating levels of GDF-15 are increased and associated with neurological outcome in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: Serial blood samples were obtained between 6 h and 7 days after symptom onset in 57 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (n = 51) or transient ischemic attack (n = 6). GDF-15 was measured by immunoradiometric assay. Neurological outcome using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 7 and 90 days was classified as favorable (mRS 0 or 1) or unfavorable (mRS >1). Results: Six hours after symptom onset, GDF-15 levels were abnormally high (>1,200 ng/l) in 68% of the patients. They declined by 8% over the course of 7 days (p < 0.001). GDF-15 levels were correlated with the circulating levels of the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 and the glial protein S100 calcium binding protein B, and with carotid intima-media thickness. Ischemic stroke patients with an mRS score >1 at 7 or 90 days had higher circulating levels of GDF-15 at all preceding sampling time points compared to patients with an mRS score of 0 or 1 (p ≤ 0.002). Similarly, in a logistic regression analysis, GDF-15 levels measured between 6 h and 7 days after symptom onset were associated with mRS at 7 and 90 days. Conclusions: These data show for the first time that the circulating levels of GDF-15 are elevated and associated with neurological outcome in patients with ischemic stroke.
Outcomes and Complications of 25-Gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Ozone Daisuke , Hirano Yoshio , Ueda Jiro , Yasukawa Tsutomu , Yoshida Munenori , Ogura Yuichiro
Published: May 2011

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of 25-gauge vitrectomy in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods: All patients underwent primary 25-gauge vitrectomy for simple vitreous hemorrhage (VH), fibrovascular proliferation (FVP), or tractional retinal detachment (TD), and were followed for more than 1 month. Final visual outcomes and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: 167 eyes (138 patients) were used in this study, 65 eyes (39%) with VH, 66 eyes (40%) with FVP, and 36 eyes (21%) with TD. Measured using the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), visual acuity (VA) significantly improved (p < 0.0001). Intraoperative iatrogenic retinal breaks developed in 19 eyes (11%). Concerning postoperative complications, VH in 36 eyes (22%), retinal detachment in 2 eyes (1%), and neovascular glaucoma 12 eyes (7%) were observed. No endophthalmitis developed. Conclusions: Twenty-five-gauge vitrectomy can successfully treat PDR. Clinical outcomes and complications are comparable to those of 20-gauge vitrectomy.
Making Forecasts Meaningful: Explanations of Problematic Predictions in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Pennesi Karen
Published: May 2011

This study illustrates the need to consider the multiple interpretations and experiences that influence how climate forecasts are evaluated in local contexts when assessing how useful forecasts can be for increasing the resilience of rural communities. Video clips of predictions made by scientific and traditional forecasters were shown in interviews and focus groups to elicit explanations for why the predictions are sometimes judged to be inaccurate, not useful, or inappropriately communicated by different sectors of the rural population in Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Results indicate that climate forecasts are not simply a decision-making tool that provides information in a one-way transfer from forecaster to user. The meanings and values of predictions are jointly created by both forecasters and their audiences. Predictions and the discussions that surround them are also an important part of expressing social identities and ideas about how the world works. Ineffective predictions are explained here in terms of religious beliefs, environmental change, forecaster identity, interactional context, and cultural practices.
The Mechanical and Psychological Effects of Electoral Systems
Authors: Blais André , Lachat Romain , Hino Airo , Doray-Demers Pascal
Published: May 2011

Having two votes for the same election or two simultaneous elections with different electoral systems provides a golden opportunity to ascertain the impact of the electoral system and to sort out the relative magnitude of mechanical and psychological effects on parties and voters. The authors propose a new methodology for estimating such effects and apply that methodology to 13 elections, 9 in Switzerland and 4 in Japan. The authors find mechanical effects to dominate in half of the elections examined, most particularly in the more recent Swiss elections. They discuss the implications of these findings.
The Dual Transformation of Social Protection and Human Capital
Authors: Fleckenstein Timo , Saunders Adam M. , Seeleib-Kaiser Martin
Published: May 2011

Britain and Germany have been experiencing significant changes in the nature of work and welfare since the 1990s. Although important differences have remained, there have been compelling indications of a dual transformation of welfare constituted not only by a far-reaching retrenchment in unemployment insurance but also by a remarkable expansion in family policy. These developments have their functional underpinnings in accelerating deindustrialization with a declining proportion of the male workforce with specific skills as well as in service sector growth and rising female labor market participation characterized by an increase in general skills. As the aggregate effect of economic fluctuations in industrial production has diminished over time, the relative incidence of work disruptions that have arisen from maternity and child-rearing has increased substantially. This dual transformation in welfare and employment patterns suggests that the process of deindustrialization has initiated significant path adjustments unanticipated in the existing comparative political economy literature.
Early intervention services in Turkey: Perspectives of south-eastern families
Authors: Bayhan Pinar , Sipal R. Firat
Published: May 2011

Research addressing the delivery of early intervention programmes offers guidelines that, when followed, presumably maximize the programmes’ intended benefits. In this study, the authors used a quasi-mixed, monostrand method to investigate how families of children with disabilities in south-east Turkey perceived the service delivery they were receiving. Organizing their perceptions under a framework related to the Turkish-law-mandated guidelines, the authors found that the provision of services in the region varied greatly from one professional team task to the next. Implications for the improvement of service delivery are discussed.
Free vibration analysis of laminated and sandwich plates using quadrilateral element based on an improved zig-zag theory
Authors: Xiaohui Ren , Wanji Chen
Published: May 2011

In this article, an improved zig-zag theory (ZIGT) is proposed for free vibration analysis of laminated composite plates. The proposed theory a priori satisfies the continuity conditions of transverse shear stresses at interfaces. Moreover, seven independent variables are only involved in displacement field. Compared to the early ZIGTs suffering from C1 requirement in their finite element implementation, the advantage of the proposed theory is that the first derivative of transverse displacement has been eliminated from the in-plane displacement fields. Thus, the C0 shape functions are only required during its finite element implementation. Due to its C0 continuity requirements and low computational costs, the proposed theory is adequate to implement in commercial finite element codes. Based on the proposed ZIGT, a C0 conforming quadrilateral element is developed for free vibration analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates. Numerical results show that the proposed element is able to accurately predict the natural frequencies of laminated composite plates and sandwich plates with soft core. However, the global higher-order theories as well as the first-order theory remarkably overestimate the natural frequencies of such structures.
Influence of surface treatments on structural and mechanical properties of bamboo fiber-reinforced poly(lactic acid) biocomposites
Authors: Ma Hongwei , Whan Joo Chang
Published: May 2011

Bamboo fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites were prepared using a film-stacking process. Bamboo fibers were treated using three different methods, i.e., direct silane coupling (DC), silane coupling after plasma (CAP) treatment, and silane coupling during UV irradiation (CDU), to improve the interfacial bonding strength between fibers and PLA. After surface treatment, the chemical group on the surface of bamboo fibers was analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The intensity of bands around 880–900 cm−1 increased strongly. These results suggested that the grafting of silane onto fibers was enhanced substantially. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the amorphous region of the CDU- and CAP-treated fibers increased. The interfacial shear strength between the fibers and the matrix also increased by 44.2%, 64.2%, and 87.4% by DC, CDU, and CAP treatment, respectively. In addition, the tensile strength of bamboo–PLA composites with DC-, CDU-, and CAP-treated fibers increased 43.0%, 61.1%, and 71.2%, respectively. Moreover, the predicted tensile modulus of the composites with CAP-treated fibers showed good agreement with the experimental one.
Synthesis and properties of modified rapeseed oil/montmorillonite nanocomposite fatliquoring agent
Authors: Lü Bin , Ma Jian-zhong , Gao Dang-ge , Hong Lei , Zhang Jing , Xu Qun-na
Published: May 2011

Modified rapeseed oil/montmorillonite (MRO/MMT) nanocomposite was prepared by using rapeseed oil, ethylene diamine, acrylic acid, and MMT. In order to compare MRO/MMT with MRO and a market product XQ-F3, they were applied in leather fatliquoring process, respectively. Sensory evaluation, physical and mechanical properties, and flame-retardant property of leather treated with different fatliquoring agents were measured. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that MRO could smoothly enter the interlayer of MMT. The emulsifying property of MRO/MMT was confirmed better than that of MRO. The application results also showed that MRO/MMT has good fatliquoring effect. Meanwhile, it can increase leather strength and improve leather flame-retardant performance.
Influence of preparation process on piezo-conductance effect of carbon fiber sulfoaluminate cement composite
Authors: Cheng Xin  , Wang Shoude  , Lu Lingchao  , Huang Shifeng
Published: May 2011

Carbon fiber sulfoaluminate cement composite was prepared by casting, extrusion, and pressing processes. Their fractional change in conductance and strain of all three kinds of the samples under uniaxial stress were investigated. And the fractional changes in conductance of all the samples under cycle stress were studied. The fractional changes in conductance of carbon fiber sulfoaluminate cement composite prepared by different preparation process were all sensitive to the stress change. This meant that carbon fiber sulfoaluminate cement composite could sense the loading stress on itself and had good piezo-conductance effects. Compared with casting process, the piezo-conductance effect of carbon fiber sulfoaluminate cement composite prepared by extrusion and pressing had good repeatability and stability. This was related to the interface structure improvement.
The Dark Side of Altruistic Third-Party Punishment
Authors: Leibbrandt Andreas , López-Pérez Raúl
Published: May 2011

This article experimentally studies punishment from unaffected third parties in ten different games. The authors show that third-party punishment exhibits several features that are arguably undesirable. First, third parties punish strongly a decider if she chooses a socially efficient or a Pareto efficient allocation and becomes the richest party as a result. Interestingly, this form of punishment is especially pronounced in women and more left-wing participants. Second, third parties punish strongly a decider if she chooses an equitable allocation and becomes the richest party as a result. Finally, third parties considerably punish passive parties who make no choice, especially if the latter are richer than the third party. Implications of these findings for social theory are discussed.
Decision Control and the Pursuit of Binding Conflict Management
Authors: Gent Stephen E. , Shannon Megan
Published: May 2011

International relations scholars have garnered a good deal of evidence indicating that binding arbitration and adjudication are highly effective means for brokering agreements and ending conflict. However, binding third-party conflict management is rarely pursued to resolve interstate disputes over contentious issues like territorial or maritime control. While states value the effectiveness of binding procedures, they are reluctant to give up the decision control necessary to submit to arbitration or adjudication. The authors identify three factors that influence the willingness of states to give up decision control: issue salience, availability of outside options, and history of negotiations. An analysis of attempts to settle territorial, maritime, and river claims reveals that disputants are less likely to use binding conflict management when they have a greater need to maintain decision control.
Thermal characteristics and physical properties of silk fabrics grafted with phosphorous flame retardant agents
Authors: Tsukada Masuhiro , Md. Majibur Rahman Khan  , Tanaka Tomoko , Morikawa Hideaki
Published: May 2011

The production of flame retardant silk fabrics is very challenging and there is limited technology available on fire retardant silk applications. In this study, two flame retardant monomers having phosphoric groups, phosmer M and phosmer CL, were applied onto silk fabrics by a graft copolymerization technique. The grafted silk fabrics showed a high level of flame retardancy as evaluated by Japanese Industrial Standard micro-burner test method. It was shown that grafting techniques using phosmer CL are more effective than those using phosmer M to enhance the flame retardant functional properties of the silk fabrics. The differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and thermomechanical analysis showed that the thermal stability of silk fibroin molecules was greatly enhanced by graft copolymerization with the used phosmers. The position of thermal decomposition for silk fabric shifted toward higher temperature after graft copolymerization with phosmer CL and M. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed evidence of the reaction between the used phosmers and silk. However, the surface morphology of silk fiber was very smooth and fine, and the tensile strength was not significantly affected regardless of the graft copolymerization with phosmer M and CL.
Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and High‐Sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein Lowering With Atorvastatin in Patients of South Asian Compared With European Origin: Insights From the Achieve Cholesterol Targets Fast With Atorvastatin Stratified Titration (ACTFAST) Study
Authors: Gupta Milan , Martineau Pierre , Tran Thang , Després Jean‐Pierre , Gaw Allan , de Teresa Eduardo , Farsang Csaba , Gensini Gian Franco , Leiter Lawrence A. , Blanco‐Colio Luis Miguel , Egido Jesús , Langer Anatoly ,   On behalf of the ACTFAST investigators
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of atorvastatin in patients of South Asian versus European origin who participated in the Achieve Cholesterol Targets Fast with Atorvastatin Stratified Titration (ACTFAST) study. ACTFAST was a 12‐week prospective, open‐label study in patients at high risk for atherosclerosis (European origin, n = 1978; South Asian origin, n = 64). Compared with patients of European origin, patients of South Asian origin were younger, were less likely to smoke, and had lower body mass index, systolic blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and triglycerides. Because significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between patient groups, case control propensity scores were used. In the unmatched analysis, South Asians had greater LDL‐C response to atorvastatin than patients of European origin. However, after propensity matching, atorvastatin lowered LDL‐C and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) to a similar degree in both groups, with no differences in safety profile. The authors observed no correlation between change in hs‐CRP and LDL‐C concentrations in either population. In conclusion, atorvastatin lowered both LDL‐C and hs‐CRP to a similar degree in patients of South Asian or European origin, suggesting usual starting doses of atorvastatin (with appropriate monitoring), rather than lower starting doses as has been advocated by some, may be used in patients of South Asian origin.
From Perception to Behavior
Authors: Jiang L. Crystal , Bazarova Natalya N. , Hancock Jeffrey T.
Published: May 2011

This study proposes and tests a novel theoretical mechanism to explain increased self-disclosure intimacy in text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) versus face-to-face (FtF) interactions. On the basis of joint effects of perception intensification processes in CMC and the disclosure reciprocity norm, the authors predict a perception-behavior intensification effect, according to which people perceive partners’ initial disclosures as more intimate in CMC than FtF and, consequently, reciprocate with more intimate disclosures of their own. An experiment compares disclosure reciprocity in text-based CMC and FtF conversations, in which participants interacted with a confederate who made either intimate or nonintimate disclosures across the two communication media. The utterances generated by the participants are coded for disclosure frequency and intimacy. Consistent with the proposed perception-behavior intensification effect, CMC participants perceive the confederate’s disclosures as more intimate, and, importantly, reciprocate with more intimate disclosures than FtF participants do.
Statistical Methods for Cost-Effectiveness Analyses That Use Data from Cluster Randomized Trials
Authors: Gomes Manuel , Grieve Richard , Nixon Richard , Edmunds W. J.
Published: May 2011

Introduction. The best data for cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of group-level interventions often come from cluster randomized trials (CRTs), where randomization is by cluster (e.g., the hospital attended), not by individual. Methods for these CEAs need to recognize both the correlation between costs and outcomes and that these data may be dependent on the cluster. General checklists and methodological guidance for critically appraising CEA ignore these issues. This article develops a new checklist and applies it in a systematic review of CEAs that use CRTs. Methods. The authors developed a checklist for CEAs that use CRTs, informed by a conceptual review of statistical methods. This checklist included criteria such as whether the analysis allowed for both clustering and the correlation between individuals’ costs and outcomes. The authors undertook a systematic literature review of full economic evaluations that used CRTs. The quality of studies was assessed with the new checklist and by the “Drummond checklist.” Results. The authors identified 62 papers that met the inclusion criteria. On average, studies satisfied 9 of the 10 criteria for the checklist but only 20% of criteria for the new checklist. More than 40% of studies adopted statistical methods that completely ignored clustering, and 75% disregarded any correlation between costs and outcomes. Only 4 studies employed appropriate statistical methods that allowed for both clustering and correlation. Conclusions. Most economic evaluations that use data from CRTs ignored clustering or correlation. Statistical methods that address these issues are available, and their use should be encouraged. The new checklist can supplement generic CEA guidelines and highlight where research practice can be improved.
Double-Bundle versus Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Suomalainen Piia , Moisala Anna-Stina , Paakkala Antti , Kannus Pekka , Järvelä Timo
Published: May 2011

Background

One aspect of the debate over the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament is whether it should be carried out with the single-bundle or double-bundle technique.

Hypothesis

The double-bundle technique results in fewer graft failures than the single-bundle technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

A total of 153 patients were prospectively randomized into 2 groups of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring autografts using aperture interference screw fixation: single-bundle technique (SB group, n = 78) and double-bundle technique (DB group, n = 75). The evaluation methods were clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometric measurement, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and the Lysholm knee scores, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation. All of the operations were performed by 1 experienced orthopaedic surgeon, and all clinical assessments were made by 2 blinded and independent examiners. A musculoskeletal radiologist blinded to the clinical data made the MRI interpretation.

Results

There were no differences between the study groups preoperatively. Ninety percent of patients (n = 138) were available at a minimum 2-year follow-up (range, 24-37 months). Eight patients (7 in the SB group and 1 in the DB group) had graft failure during the follow-up and had anterior cruciate ligament revision surgery ( P = .04). In addition, 7 patients (5 in the SB group and 2 in the DB group) had an invisible graft on the MRI assessment at the 2-year follow-up. Also, the anteromedial bundle was partially invisible in 2 patients and the posterolateral bundle in 9 patients. Together, the total number of failures and invisible grafts were significantly higher in the SB group (12 patients, 15%) than the DB group (3 patients, 4%) ( P = .024). No significant group differences were found in the knee scores or stability evaluations at the follow-up.

Conclusion

This 2-year randomized trial showed that the revision rate of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was significantly lower with the double-bundle technique than that with the single-bundle technique. However, additional years of follow-up are needed to reveal the long-term results.
Long-term Survivorship of Rotator Cuff Repairs Using Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis
Authors: Kluger Rainer , Bock Peter , Mittlböck Martina , Krampla Wolfgang , Engel Alfred
Published: May 2011

Background: Important differences in clinical outcomes likely exist between patients with healed and nonhealed rotator cuff repairs. The survival probability of rotator cuff repairs has not been published in a time-dependent manner up to now.

Hypotheses: Recurrent tears occur more frequently in the early postoperative period. Early failures of the repair are a prognostic factor for the long-term outcome.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: A series of 107 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopically assisted mini-open repair of the rotator cuff between 1998 and 2002 were evaluated in a prospective study. Of these, 95 patients finished the study after a maximum follow-up of 11 years. The evaluation included 1 postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan as well as multiple ultrasonographies and determinations of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant scores at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and then yearly with a median follow-up of 96 months.

Results: The overall failure rate was 33% (35 of 107). The survivorship analysis revealed that 74% of all failures occurred atraumatically in the first 3 months and 11% occurred between the third and the sixth month after the repair. The remaining reruptures (14%) happened 2 to 5 years postoperatively and were related to sports activities or direct trauma. The overall clinical results did not deteriorate over time. The parameters healed tendon, rerupture of less than 2 cm2, and rerupture of more than 2 cm2 at 6 months were predictors of the gender- and age-adjusted (normalized) Constant score at 84 months ( P < .0001).

Conclusion: The majority of recurrent tears occurred in the first 3 months after surgical repair. The parameters “recurrent tear” as well as “healed tendon” evaluated at 6 months postoperatively appear to be predictors for the clinical outcomes at 7 years. Efforts to improve healing during the initial 3 months have long-term implications for maintenance of cuff integrity and clinical outcomes.
Compensation in the Manufacturing Sector: Managerial Variable Pay and Benefits Schemes in an Indian Steel Company
Authors: Tomar Avantika
Published: May 2011

This article examines the use of variable pay and benefits in a large steel manufacturing company in India. This study finds that the use of contingent and performance-based bonuses has increased. The increase can be explained by the growing internationalization of product markets and the resulting increase in competition. This is a multinational company with a high percentage of foreign sales and with a strong orientation toward making itself an employer of choice. The trend is toward decentralization and flexibility in the remuneration system. This article also investigates the importance of restructuring that took place in the steel company during 2004 to 2005.
Doing Multiculturalism: An Interactionist Analysis of the Practices of a Multicultural Sorority
Authors: McCabe Janice
Published: May 2011

Despite the many references to multiculturalism in academic works and media accounts, we know little about what it is like in practice. Drawing on data from interviews, ethnographic observations, and archival materials from a multicultural sorority chapter, this article highlights three main ways its members do multiculturalism: (1) recognizing and valuing differences, (2) teaching and learning about differences, and (3) bridging differences via personal friendships and organizational alliances. Broad racial ideologies and the culture of the university and the Greek system, however, created the conditions under which sorority members do multiculturalism, including their focus on some differences (e.g., race, ethnicity, and sexual identity) and neglect of others (i.e., class and gender). While the multicultural sorority sought to lessen racial divisions on campus and their approach opposed colorblind ideology, they presented little challenge to the hegemony of the campus Greek system. This study has implications for understanding Greek Letter Organizations, multiculturalism as a collective practice, and how countering colorblind ideology can reproduce other inequality-legitimating ideologies.
Street Codes as Formula Stories: How Inmates Recount Violence
Authors: Brookman Fiona , Copes Heith , Hochstetler Andy
Published: May 2011

Recent developments in the study of narratives suggest that people can construct identity by referencing acculturated stories (i.e., formula stories) and often do so when explaining untoward behavior. Formula stories connect one’s personal identity with generally accepted subcultural identities and the narratives associated with them. In light of this, it becomes clear that cultural codes (e.g., the code of the streets) provide structured storylines. Using data from semistructured interviews with 118 violent inmates incarcerated in the United Kingdom, this study examines how they use the code of the street when describing specific violent events. The authors find that violent inmates portray themselves as respectable by situating their past violence within the prescripts of the code; however, the inmates’ narratives are not always consistent or drawn from singular formula stories. In fact, many participants offered various storylines and interpretations when describing violent events. We conclude that future theoretical development should aim to integrate perspectives focused on street codes, individual identity, and other acculturated factors and that understanding codes as narrative forms is essential.
Application of neural network and finite element for condition monitoring of structures
Authors: Parhi D R , Dash A K
Published: May 2011

This article analyses the dynamic behaviour of a beam structure containing multiple transverse cracks using neural network controller. The first three natural frequencies and mode shapes have been calculated using theoretical, finite-element, and experimental analysis for the cracked and un-cracked beam. Comparisons of the results among theoretical, finite-element, and experimental analysis have also been presented. The calculated vibration signatures were used to train the feed-forward multi-layered neural network controller with back-propagation technique for the prediction of cracks. Relative crack locations and relative crack depths are the output of the neural controller. Results obtained from the various analyses are validated using the developed experimental set-up. Results from neural controller have been presented for comparison with the output from theoretical, finite-element, and experimental analysis. From the evaluation of the performance of the neural network controller it is observed that the developed method can be used as a crack diagnostic tool in the domain of dynamically vibrating structures.
Challenges of digital preservation for cultural heritage institutions
Authors: Evens Tom , Hauttekeete Laurence
Published: May 2011

This article elaborates four major issues hampering the sustainability of digital preservation within cultural heritage institutions: digitization, metadata indexes, intellectual property rights management and business models. Using a case-study approach, the digitization of audiovisual collections within the performing arts institutions in Flanders (Belgium) will be scrutinized, providing an overview of the state-of-the-art preservation and access. The analysis shows that digital preservation policies in most organizations are underdeveloped and that archives suffer from deterioration and technological obsolescence.
Bioprospecting and Commercialisation of Biological Resources by Indigenous Communities in India
Authors: Torri Maria-Costanza
Published: May 2011

Traditional or indigenous science (IS) relates to both the science knowledge of long-resident, usually oral culture peoples, as well as the science knowledge of all peoples who as participants in culture are affected by the worldview and relativist interests of their home communities. Traditional science (TS) has been recognised only lately in Western science as a valuable source of products and treatments for health care. As a consequence, diverse components of IS have been appropriated under intellectual property rights (IPRs) by researchers and commercial enterprises, without any significant compensation to the knowledge’s creators or holders. This paper investigates whether novel forms of commercial uses of biodiversity and associated knowledge carried out by indigenous communities are possible. This understanding will be gained through the examination of the Indian Gram Mooligai Company Limited (GMCL), a community-based enterprise composed of women, which produces and commercialises phytomedicines using the local ethnomedicine knowledge. The paper aims to shows how an alternative representation of bioprospecting at the grassroots level can be an instrument to enhancing the local livelihoods of communities and promoting their empowerment and capacity building. The results show that positive outcomes of this innovative form of participative bioprospecting initiative are evident but that challenges remain.
Innovation within and between Traditions
Authors: Sujatha V.
Published: May 2011

This paper seeks to bring the study of Asian medical systems from cultural studies into the ambit of social studies of science. It examines issues pertaining to innovation in indigenous systems of medicine (ISM) in contemporary India, with specific reference to siddha medicine. Drawing upon Kuhn’s theory of growth of scientific knowledge, the paper argues that only innovations within an epistemic tradition contribute to its incremental growth. On the other hand, innovations that happen in the interstices of distinct epistemic models of the body, such as the case with the laboratory trials of indigenous medical formulae, are not likely to lead to cumulative growth of ISM, even if they contribute to the biotechnology sector. The argument is set out by foregrounding the career of different kinds of practitioners of siddha medicine, showing how innovation between scientific traditions becomes invisible because of the absence of institutional closure on the norms of discovery and verification in ISM.
Motor skills of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Lloyd Meghann , MacDonald Megan , Lord Catherine
Published: May 2011

With increased interest in the early diagnosis and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), more attention has been called to the motor skills of very young children with ASD. This study describes the gross and fine motor skills of a cross-sectional group of 162 children with ASD between the ages of 12 and 36 months, as well as a subset of 58 children followed longitudinally. Gross motor and fine motor age equivalent scores were obtained for all children. A ‘motor difference’ variable was calculated for each child’s gross and fine motor skills by taking the absolute difference of the children’s age equivalent motor score and their respective chronological age. In Study 1 (the cross-sectional analysis), ANCOVA (co-varied for nonverbal problem solving) revealed significant group differences in the gross motor and fine motor age difference variables. Post-hoc analysis revealed that gross motor and fine motor differences became significantly greater with each 6-month period of chronological age. In Study 2, 58 children were measured twice, an average of 12 months apart. Results indicate that the gross motor and fine motor difference scores significantly increased between the first and second measurements. The importance of addressing motor development in early intervention treatments is discussed.
‘I just don’t fit anywhere’: support experiences and future support needs of individuals with Asperger syndrome in middle adulthood
Authors: Griffith Gemma M. , Totsika Vasiliki , Nash Susie , Hastings Richard P.
Published: May 2011

The experiences of individuals in middle adulthood with Asperger syndrome have been the subject of little previous research, especially in terms of their experience of support services. In the present research, 11 adults with Asperger syndrome were interviewed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to interpret the interviews. Four themes emerged from the analysis: living with Asperger syndrome; employment issues; experiences with mainstream support; and future steps towards supporting adults with Asperger syndrome. The findings highlighted the anxiety, depression, and communication difficulties that people with Asperger syndrome may experience. Much of the available support is perceived as unsuitable for individuals with Asperger syndrome. All participants wanted to remain as independent as possible, and believed an individualized approach to support would be greatly beneficial. Recommendations are made for future practice to help support adults with Asperger syndrome.
Perception of mirror symmetry in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Falter Christine M. , Bailey Anthony J.
Published: May 2011

Gestalt grouping in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is selectively impaired for certain organization principles but for not others. Symmetry is a fundamental Gestalt principle characterizing many biological shapes. Sensitivity to symmetry was tested using the Picture Symmetry Test, which requires finding symmetry lines on pictures. Individuals with ASD showed decreased sensitivity to symmetry and a correlation of test performance with performance IQ. Decreased sensitivity for symmetry in ASD is discussed in relation to reduced visual experience of faces in early development.
‘The lady is a closet feminist!’ Discourses of backlash and postfeminism in British and American newspapers
Authors: Mendes Kaitlynn
Published: May 2011

This article examines news reports of the second-wave feminist movement during its most active political period (1968–82) in British and American newspapers, and specifically focuses on the ways postfeminist discourses were constructed and deployed. While most accounts of postfeminism relate to American cultural texts from the 1990s to the present day, they ignore (or are unaware of) the ways such discourses were constructed before this, or in different cultural contexts. In this article, I argue that postfeminist discourses are evident throughout the 1970s, during the height of the second-wave feminist movement, and that many of these discourses differed between the countries as a result of unique socio-cultural contexts, and the ways the women’s movements evolved. That postfeminist discourses emerged early on indicates the extent to which patriarchal and capitalist ideologies contested feminist critiques from an early stage, demonstrating that notions of feminism’s eventual illegitimacy and hence its redundancy were not constructed overnight, but took years to achieve hegemony.
Shaping 1960s youth in Britain and France: Fabulous and Salut les copains
Authors: Tinker Chris
Published: May 2011

Existing accounts of Fabulous (later Fabulous 208) and Salut les copains ( SLC) – two of the most successful youth magazines in Britain and France during the 1960s – have tended to highlight the ‘rapport’ that they fostered between music artists and young readers. However, the representation of youth in both magazines was, in fact, much more extensive, if not complex, when viewed in relation to the official, academic and other media discourses of the period. While Fabulous unquestioningly supports well-established unitary and consumerist notions of youth, SLC adopts a more problematic stance, despite its own status as commercialized mass culture. Both magazines resist popular adult conceptions of youth as ‘trouble’, and, indeed, represent the category in ordered terms. However, SLC regulates youth more extensively, and, unlike Fabulous, avoids engaging with popular notions of adolescence as a period of potential psychological upheaval. Moreover, while SLC legitimizes the authority of the Gaullist state, there is little in Fabulous that suggests an attachment to the British monarchy or any particular political party or leader. Although SLC at times expresses strong views on the subject of youth, its coverage also appears to promote a greater sense of debate and intellectual curiosity among its readers than its British counterpart – an approach that is consistent with specifically French cultural and educational traditions.
The Home Environment of Japanese Female University Students - Association with Respiratory Health and Allergy
Authors: Takaoka M. , Norback D.
Published: May 2011

A study was undertaken to determine the association between the home environment along with the respiratory and allergy symptoms reported among female university students in Japan (N =153). A multiple logistic regression was applied for the determination and the study was controlled based on the age of the students, whether the student smokes and history of asthma/allergy suffering in parents. The characteristics of the population were: 15.7% are diagnosed asthma, 56.9% suffered pollen allergy, 15.7% cat allergy, 11.1% dog allergy, 25.0% wheeze in breathing, 24.2% suffered daytime breathlessness and 9.3% suffered nocturnal attacks of breathlessness. Evaluated characteristics were: 41.2% had a pet at home, 21.6% environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), 20.9% current dampness or moulds, 6.6% recent indoor painting, 7.2% new floor material, and 56.2% window condensation at home in winter. Wheeze was more common in concrete houses (OR = 3.33; p<0.05) and homes with water leakage and moulds infestation in the last 5 years (OR = 3.75; p<0.05), window condensation (OR=2.93; p<0.05) and ETS (OR=3.04; p<0.05). Nocturnal breathlessness was related to current building dampness (OR = 7.48; p<0.05), in particular to floor dampness. Furry pet allergy was more common in newer ( p<0.05) and newly painted homes (OR = 6.59; p<0.05). Airway infections were more common in homes with new floor material (OR=4.19; p<0.05). In conclusion, asthma, airway infections and allergies were common among female university students and related to home environmental exposures.
Time domain simulation of large-scale material handling chains using an unconstrained formulation
Authors: Sørensen S E , Hansen M R , Ebbesen M K , Mouritsen O Ø
Published: May 2011

This article presents a dynamic time domain simulation model of loop-sortation systems. Loop-sortation systems for sortation of medium-size items are designed as a closed chain of carts guided in a closed loop track with a view to meet customers’ requirements of capacity and space available. Loop-sortation systems are complex mechatronic systems which require the use of simulation models in order to analyse, predict, and improve the dynamic performance in a cost efficient way. The model utilizes theory for unconstrained rigid multibody dynamics where contact between carts and between cart and track are modelled through the use of force elements. To determine contact between the track and the chain of carts, a rapid and robust contact search formulation has been developed and implemented in the model. Comparisons of main forces of the chain model are made with experimental measurements on three different test layouts. Verification results show that the normalized root mean square deviations are generally less than 10 per cent.
Neurological Principles and Rehabilitation of Action Disorders
Authors: Pomeroy Valerie , Aglioti Salvatore M. , Mark Victor W. , McFarland Dennis , Stinear Cathy , Wolf Steven L. , Corbetta Maurizio , Fitzpatrick Susan M.
Published: May 2011

This third chapter discusses the evidence for the rehabilitation of the most common movement disorders of the upper extremity. The authors also present a framework, building on the computation, anatomy, and physiology (CAP) model, for incorporating some of the principles discussed in the 2 previous chapters by Frey et al and Sathian et al in the practice of rehabilitation and for discussing potentially helpful interventions based on emergent neuroscience principles.
Confounding due to changing background risk in adaptively randomized trials
Authors: Lipsky Ari M , Greenland Sander
Published: May 2011

Background While adaptive trials tend to improve efficiency, they are also subject to some unique biases.

Purpose We address a bias that arises from adaptive randomization in the setting of a time trend in disease incidence.

Methods We use a potential-outcome model and directed acyclic graphs to illustrate the bias that arises from a changing subject allocation ratio with a concurrent change in background risk.

Results In a trial that uses adaptive randomization, time trends in risk can bias the crude effect estimate obtained by naively combining the data from the different stages of the trial. We illustrate how the bias arises from an interplay of departures from exchangeability among groups and the changing randomization proportions.

Limitations We focus on risk-ratio and risk-difference analysis.

Conclusions Analysis of trials using adaptive randomization should involve attention to or adjustment for possible trends in background risk. Numerous modeling strategies are available for that purpose, including stratification, trend modeling, inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting, and hierarchical regression.