bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Behaviour of Buried Pipelines: 3D Finite Element Approach
Authors: Sahoo Smrutirekha , Manna Bappaditya , Sharma K. G.
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a numerical investigation on six pipeline models to study the seismic response of single and double buried pipelines using finite element method. Different depth and spacing of pipes are considered to investigate their prominent role in the seismic response of buried pipelines under an earthquake loading having PGA of 0.2468 g. In case of single pipeline, the maximum magnitude of final displacement as well as the stress at the end of the seismic sequence is found at the burial depth equal to the pipe diameter. In case of double pipeline, the maximum magnitude of final displacement is found when the spacing between pipes is equal to half the pipe diameter and there is an increasing tendency of developed stress with increase in spacing between pipes. In addition to the above results, the response of the buried pipelines with a particular bend angle (artificially induced bend/buckle) to the permanent ground deformation which is assumed to be the result of seismic wave propagation has also been studied. Remarkable differences in these results are obtained and with these results the designers can reduce seismic risk to their buried pipelines by taking proper precautionary measures.
New Exact Solutions for High Dispersive Cubic-Quintic Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Xie Yongan , Tang Shengqiang
Published: August 2014

We study a class of high dispersive cubic-quintic nonlinear Schrödinger equations, which describes the propagation of femtosecond light pulses in a medium that exhibits a parabolic nonlinearity law. Applying bifurcation theory of dynamical systems and the Fan sub-equations method, more types of exact solutions, particularly solitary wave solutions, are obtained for the first time.
An Integrated Use of Topography with RSI in Gully Mapping, Shandong Peninsula, China
Authors: He Fuhong , Wang Tao , Gu Lijuan , Li Tao , Jiang Weiguo , Shao Hongbo
Published: August 2014

Taking the Quickbird optical satellite imagery of the small watershed of Beiyanzigou valley of Qixia city, Shandong province, as the study data, we proposed a new method by using a fused image of topography with remote sensing imagery (RSI) to achieve a high precision interpretation of gully edge lines. The technique first transformed remote sensing imagery into HSV color space from RGB color space. Then the slope threshold values of gully edge line and gully thalweg were gained through field survey and the slope data were segmented using thresholding, respectively. Based on the fused image in combination with gully thalweg thresholding vectors, the gully thalweg thresholding vectors were amended. Lastly, the gully edge line might be interpreted based on the amended gully thalweg vectors, fused image, gully edge line thresholding vectors, and slope data. A testing region was selected in the study area to assess the accuracy. Then accuracy assessment of the gully information interpreted by both interpreting remote sensing imagery only and the fused image was performed using the deviation, kappa coefficient, and overall accuracy of error matrix. Compared with interpreting remote sensing imagery only, the overall accuracy and kappa coefficient are increased by 24.080% and 264.364%, respectively. The average deviations of gully head and gully edge line are reduced by 60.448% and 67.406%, respectively. The test results show the thematic and the positional accuracy of gully interpreted by new method are significantly higher. Finally, the error sources for interpretation accuracy by the two methods were analyzed.
The Bilevel Design Problem for Communication Networks on Trains: Model, Algorithm, and Verification
Authors: Tian Yin , Dong Hong-hui , Jia Li-min , Qin Yong , Li Si-yu
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a novel method to solve the problem of train communication network design. Firstly, we put forward a general description of such problem. Then, taking advantage of the bilevel programming theory, we created the cost‐reliability‐delay model (CRD model) that consisted of two parts: the physical topology part aimed at obtaining the networks with the maximum reliability under constrained cost, while the logical topology part focused on the communication paths yielding minimum delay based on the physical topology delivered from upper level. We also suggested a method to solve the CRD model, which combined the genetic algorithm and the Floyd‐Warshall algorithm. Finally, we used a practical example to verify the accuracy and the effectiveness of the CRD model and further applied the novel method on a train with six carriages.
Management of Injury to the Common Bile Duct in a Patient with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Yaqub Sheraz , Mala Tom , Mathisen Øystein , Edwin Bjørn , Fosby Bjarte , Berntzen Dag Tallak Kjærsdalen , Abildgaard Andreas , Labori Knut Jørgen
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Most surgeons prefer Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) for biliary reconstruction following a common bile duct (CBD) injury. However, in patients with a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) a RYHJ may be technically challenging and can interfere with bowel physiology induced by RYGB. The use of a hepaticoduodenostomy (HD) resolves both these issues.Presentation of Case. We present a case of CBD injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy one year after laparoscopic RYGB for morbid obesity. Due to adhesions and previous surgery with RYGB, we did not want to interfere with the RYGB physiology by anastomosing the CBD to the jejunum or ileum. Succeeding a full Kocher’s maneuver we performed biliary reconstruction by a tension-free end-to-side HD. The postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged after eight days. At four-month follow-up, the patient had stable weight and normal laboratory test results. MRCP demonstrated normal intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts with status after HD.Discussion. We propose that HD should be considered in treatment of CBD injury in post-RYGB patients as it may reduce the risk of interfering with the post-RYGB physiology.
Anterior Chamber Angle Shape Analysis and Classification of Glaucoma in SS-OCT Images
Authors: Ni Ni Soe , Tian J. , Marziliano Pina , Wong Hong-Tym
Published: August 2014

Optical coherence tomography is a high resolution, rapid, and noninvasive diagnostic tool for angle closure glaucoma. In this paper, we present a new strategy for the classification of the angle closure glaucoma using morphological shape analysis of the iridocorneal angle. The angle structure configuration is quantified by the following six features: (1) mean of the continuous measurement of the angle opening distance; (2) area of the trapezoidal profile of the iridocorneal angle centered at Schwalbe's line; (3) mean of the iris curvature from the extracted iris image; (4) complex shape descriptor, fractal dimension, to quantify the complexity, or changes of iridocorneal angle; (5) ellipticity moment shape descriptor; and (6) triangularity moment shape descriptor. Then, the fuzzyknearest neighbor (fkNN) classifier is utilized for classification of angle closure glaucoma. Two hundred and sixty-four swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images from 148 patients were analyzed in this study. From the experimental results, the fkNN reveals the best classification accuracy (99.11±0.76%) and AUC (0.98±0.012) with the combination of fractal dimension and biometric parameters. It showed that the proposed approach has promising potential to become a computer aided diagnostic tool for angle closure glaucoma (ACG) disease.
The Relationship between Independent Transfer Skills and Upper Limb Kinetics in Wheelchair Users
Authors: Tsai Chung-Ying , Hogaboom Nathan S. , Boninger Michael L. , Koontz Alicia M.
Published: August 2014

Transfers are one of the most physically demanding wheelchair activities. The purpose of this study was to determine if using proper transfer skills as measured by the Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI) is associated with reduced loading on the upper extremities. Twenty-three wheelchair users performed transfers to a level-height bench while a series of forces plates, load cells, and a motion capture system recorded the biomechanics of their natural transferring techniques. Their transfer skills were simultaneously evaluated by two study clinicians using the TAI. Logistic regression and multiple linear regression models were used to determine the relationships between TAI scores and the kinetic variables on both arms across all joints. The results showed that the TAI measured transfer skills were closely associated with the magnitude and timing of joint moments(P<.02, modelR2values ranged from 0.27 to 0.79). Proper completion of the skills which targeted the trailing arm was associated with lower average resultant moments and rates of rise of resultant moments at the trailing shoulder and/or elbow. Some skills involving the leading side had the effect of increasing the magnitude or rate loading on the leading side. Knowledge of the kinetic outcomes associated with each skill may help users to achieve the best load-relieving effects for their upper extremities.
IGF1R Inhibition in Mammary Epithelia Promotes Canonical Wnt Signaling and Wnt1-Driven Tumors
Authors: Rota Lauren M. , Albanito Lidia , Shin Marcus E. , Goyeneche Corey L. , Shushanov Sain , Gallagher Emily J. , LeRoith Derek , Lazzarino Deborah A. , Wood Teresa L.
Published: August 2014

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease subtype that, unlike other subtypes, lacks an effective targeted therapy. Inhibitors of the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) have been considered for use in treating TNBC. Here, we provide genetic evidence that IGF1R inhibition promotes development of Wnt1-mediated murine mammary tumors that offer a model of TNBC. We found that in a double transgenic mouse model carrying activated Wnt1 and mutant Igf1r, a reduction in IGF1R signaling reduced tumor latency and promoted more aggressive phenotypes. These tumors displayed a squamous phenotype with increased expression of keratins 5/6 and β-catenin. Notably, cell lineage analyses revealed an increase in basal (CD29hi/CD24+) and luminal (CD24+/CD61+/CD29lo) progenitor cell populations, along with increased Nanog expression and decreased Elf5 expression. In these doubly transgenic mice, lung metastases developed with characteristics of the primary tumors, unlike MMTV-Wnt1 mice. Mechanistic investigations showed that pharmacologic inhibition of the IGF1R in vitro was sufficient to increase the tumorsphere-forming efficiency ofMMTV-Wnt1 tumor cells. Tumors from doubly transgenic mice also exhibited an increase in the expression ratio of the IGF-II-sensitive, A isoform of the insulin receptor versus the IR-B isoform, which when stimulated in vitro resulted in enhanced expression of β-catenin. Overall, our results revealed that in Wnt-driven tumors, an attenuation of IGF1R signaling accelerates tumorigenesis and promotes more aggressive phenotypes with potential implications for understanding TNBC pathobiology and treatment. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5668–79. ©2014 AACR.
Oligodendroglial Response in the Spinal Cord in TDP-43 Proteinopathy with Motor Neuron Involvement
Authors: Rohan Zdenek , Matej Radoslav , Rusina Robert , Kovacs Gabor G.
Published: August 2014

Background: TDP-43 proteinopathies represent a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders. Variable clinical presentations including frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and mixed forms are associated with the spatial heterogeneity of the TDP-43 pathology. Recent studies have emphasized the role of oligodendrocytes in the pathogenesis of ALS. Objective: To evaluate whether TDP-43 proteinopathies are associated with an oligodendroglial response. Methods: We performed a study on 7 controls and 10 diseased patients with spinal cord involvement. Using the oligodendroglia-specific antibody TPPP/p25, we assessed oligodendrocyte density in the lateral corticospinal tracts (LCSs) along with the presence of perineuronal oligodendrocytes (PNOGs) in the anterior horns. We performed a densitometry of myelin basic protein (MBP) immunoreactivity. The numbers of TDP-43 and p62 immunoreactive inclusions were counted in both the LCSs and the anterior horns. Results: Double immunolabeling confirmed that oligodendrocytes harbor TDP-43 inclusions. In the LCSs, MBP density, but not the number of oligodendrocytes, was decreased in the diseased group. However, oligodendrocyte counts in the LCS correlated positively, and the density of MBP inversely, with the number of neuronal inclusions in the anterior horn, suggestive of a compensatory response of oligodendrocytes. The number of neurons with PNOGs correlated with the amount of inclusions. Conclusion: Our study further emphasizes the importance of oligodendroglia in the pathogenesis of TDP-43 proteinopathies with spinal cord involvement.
DNA Methylation Map of Human Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zaina Silvio , Heyn Holger , Carmona F. Javier , Varol Nuray , Sayols Sergi , Condom Enric , Ramírez-Ruz José , Gomez Antonio , Gonçalves Isabel , Moran Sebastian , Esteller Manel
Published: August 2014

Background—

Epigenetic alterations may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. In particular, DNA methylation, a reversible and highly regulated DNA modification, could influence disease onset and progression because it functions as an effector for environmental influences, including diet and lifestyle, both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Methods and Results—

To address the role of DNA methylation changes in atherosclerosis, we compared a donor-matched healthy and atherosclerotic human aorta sample using whole-genome shotgun bisulfite sequencing. We observed that the atherosclerotic portion of the aorta was hypermethylated across many genomic loci in comparison with the matched healthy counterpart. Furthermore, we defined specific loci of differential DNA methylation using a set of donor-matched aortic samples and a high-density (>450 000 CpG sites) DNA methylation microarray. The functional importance in the disease was corroborated by crossing the DNA methylation signature with the corresponding expression data of the same samples. Among the differentially methylated CpGs associated with atherosclerosis onset, we identified genes participating in endothelial and smooth muscle functions. These findings provide new clues toward a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis.

Conclusions—

Our data identify an atherosclerosis-specific DNA methylation profile that highlights the contribution of different genes and pathways to the disorder. Interestingly, the observed gain of DNA methylation in the atherosclerotic lesions justifies efforts to develop DNA demethylating agents for therapeutic benefit.
Disproportional Decrease in Office Blood Pressure Compared With 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure With Antihypertensive Treatment
Authors: Schmieder Roland E. , Schmidt Stephanie T. , Riemer Thomas , Dechend Ralf , Hagedorn Ina , Senges Jochen , Messerli Franz H. , Zeymer Uwe
Published: August 2014

The long-term relationship between 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and office BP in patients on therapy is not well documented. From a registry we included all patients in whom antihypertensive therapy needed to be uptitrated. Drug treatment included the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker or drugs not blocking the renin–angiotensin system, alone or on top of an existing drug regimen. In all patients, office BP and 24-hour ABP were obtained at baseline and after 1 year with validated devices. In the study population of 2722 patients, there was a good correlation between the change in office BP and 24-hour ABP (systolic:
r
=0.39;
P
<0.001; diastolic:
r
=0.34;
P
<0.001). However, the numeric decrease in office BP did not correspond to the decrease in ABP in a 1:1 fashion, for example, a decrease of 10, 20, and 30 mm Hg corresponded to a decrease of ≈7.2, 10.5, and 13.9 mm Hg in systolic ABP, respectively. The disproportionally greater decrease in systolic office BP compared with ABP was dependent on the level of the pretreatment BP, which was consistently higher for office BP than ABP. The white coat effect (difference between office BP and ABP) was on average 10/5 mm Hg lower 1 year after intensifying treatment and the magnitude of that was also dependent on pretreatment BP. There was a disproportionally greater decrease in systolic office BP than in ABP, which for both office BP and ABP seemed to depend on the pretreatment BP level.
CD4
+
T Cells Are Important Mediators of Oxidative Stress That Cause Hypertension in Response to Placental Ischemia
Authors: Wallace Kedra , Cornelius Denise C. , Scott Jeremy , Heath Judith , Moseley Janae , Chatman Krystal , LaMarca Babbette
Published: August 2014

Preeclampsia is associated with oxidative stress, which is suspected to play a role in hypertension, placental ischemia, and fetal demise associated with the disease. Various cellular sources of oxidative stress, such as neutrophils, monocytes, and CD4
+
T cells have been suggested as culprits in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The objective of this study was to examine a role of circulating and placental CD4
+
T cells in oxidative stress in response to placental ischemia during pregnancy. CD4
+
T cells and oxidative stress were measured in preeclamptic and normal pregnant women, placental ischemic and normal pregnant rats, and normal pregnant recipient rats of placental ischemic CD4
+
T cells. Women with preeclampsia had significantly increased circulating (
P
=0.02) and placental CD4
+
T cells (
P
=0.0001); lymphocyte secretion of myeloperoxidase (
P
=0.004); and placental reactive oxygen species (
P
=0.0004) when compared with normal pregnant women. CD4
+
T cells from placental ischemic rats cause many facets of preeclampsia when injected into normal pregnant recipient rats on gestational day 13. On gestational day 19, blood pressure increased in normal pregnant recipients of placental ischemic CD4
+
T cells (
P
=0.002) compared with that in normal pregnant rats. Similar to preeclamptic patients, CD4
+
T cells from placental ischemic rats secreted significantly more myeloperoxidase (
P
=0.003) and induced oxidative stress in cultured vascular cells (
P
=0.003) than normal pregnant rat CD4
+
Tcells. Apocynin, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate inhibitor, attenuated hypertension and all oxidative stress markers in placental ischemic and normal pregnant recipient rats of placental ischemic CD4
+
Tcells (
P
=0.05). These data demonstrate an important role for CD4
+
T cells in mediating another factor, oxidative stress, to cause hypertension during preeclampsia.
Targeting Nocturnal Hypertension in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rossen Niklas Blach , Knudsen Søren Tang , Fleischer Jesper , Hvas Anne-Mette , Ebbehøj Eva , Poulsen Per Løgstrup , Hansen Klavs Würgler
Published: August 2014

Several studies in different populations have suggested that nighttime blood pressure (BP) is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than daytime BP. Consequently, treatment strategies to target nighttime BP have come into focus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of change of administration time of antihypertensive drugs. We included 41 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nocturnal hypertension (nighttime systolic BP >120 mm Hg) in an open-label, crossover study. Patients were randomized to 8 weeks of either morning or bedtime administration of all of the individual’s once-daily antihypertensive drugs, followed by 8 weeks of switched dosing regimen. Bedtime administration of antihypertensive drugs resulted in a significant reduction in nighttime (7.5 mm Hg;
P
<0.001) and 24-hour (3.1 mm Hg;
P
=0.014) systolic BP, with a nonsignificant reduction in daytime (1.3 mm Hg;
P
=0.336) systolic BP. We did not find morning BP surge to be different between dosing regimens. Levels of C-reactive protein were significantly lower with bedtime administration, which may indicate an effect on low-grade inflammation. We found no difference in urinary albumin excretion, regardless of albuminuria status. Urinary sodium/creatinine was significantly increased and urinary osmolality significantly reduced with bedtime administration, which can be interpreted as increased nocturnal natriuresis. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nocturnal hypertension, administration of once-daily antihypertensive drugs at bedtime may be favorable. The increased nocturnal natriuresis may reflect increased effect of bedtime-administered thiazides and renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, suggesting a potential mechanism of the observed effects on BP with chronotherapeutic intervention.
Characteristics of Patients With Diabetes Having Normal Coronary Arteries
Authors: Binbrek Azan Salim , Ali Sameera Mohamed , Baslaib Fahad Omar , Ali Alawi Al Sheikh
Published: August 2014

We evaluated the association between risk variables in diabetic patients with normal and diseased coronary arteries in a retrospective cohort study conducted at Rashid Hospital, Dubai. A total of 4446 patients underwent coronary angiography due to various indications; 43% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Among the diabetic patients, 94% had diseased coronary arteries and the remaining 6% had absolutely normal arteries. The normal coronary group had significantly lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and a higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels than the diseased group. Patients with normal coronaries were more likely to be females, have T2DM for a shorter duration, and were nonsmokers and non-South Asians. They also had lower levels of LDL, hemoglobin A1c, and fasting glucose and higher levels of HDL-C. Apart from these variables, genetic or environmental factors could protect these patients from atherosclerosis.
Visual Information Processing From Multiple Displays
Authors: Johnston James C. , Ruthruff Eric , Lien Mei-Ching
Published: August 2014

Objective:

In this study, we examined how effectively people can monitor new stimuli on a peripheral display while carrying out judgments on an adjacent central display.

Background:

Improved situation awareness is critical for improved operator performance in aviation and many other domains. Given the limited extent of foveal processing, acquiring additional information from peripheral vision offers high potential gains.

Method:

Participants carried out a sequence of central perceptual judgments while simultaneously monitoring the periphery for new stimuli. Peripheral detection was measured as a function of central-judgment difficulty, the relative timing of the two tasks, and peripheral event rate.

Results:

Participants accurately detected and located peripheral targets, even at the highest eccentricity explored here (~30°). Peripheral detection was not reduced by increased central-task difficulty but was reduced when peripheral targets arrived later in the processing of central stimuli and when peripheral events were relatively rare.

Conclusion:

Under favorable conditions—high-contrast stimuli and high event rate—people can successfully monitor peripheral displays for new events while carrying out an unrelated continuous task on an adjacent display.

Application:

In many fields, such as aviation, existing displays were designed with low-contrast stimuli that provide little opportunity for peripheral vision. With appropriate redesign, operators might successfully monitor multiple displays over a large visual field. Designers need to be aware of nonvisual factors, such as low event rate and relative event timing, that can lead to failures to detect peripheral stimuli.
Public Support for Immigration Restriction in the United Kingdom: Resource Scarcity, Ethnicity or Poor Origins?
Authors: Markaki Yvonni
Published: August 2014

Research on anti-immigrant attitudes in the United Kingdom in the past has focused primarily on feelings of prejudice driven by local concentrations of ethnic minorities. The immigration debate, however, has arguably changed since the EU expansions and the economic crisis of the past decade. This paper tests whether public support for immigration restriction is empirically driven by factors such as resource scarcity and economic stagnation, skill supply of native and immigrant workers, and the origin of immigrants from poorer countries within and outside the EU. Survey data from the European Social Survey between 2002 and 2010 are matched with regional level indicators calculated using the UK Labour Force Surveys. Findings suggest that support for immigration restriction is higher in regions where more immigrants are unemployed, but lower in regions where more natives are unemployed for longer than a year. Both the origin and ethnicity of the immigrant population appear to play a role in immigration policy preferences among native respondents.
Discipline and Participation
Authors: Kupchik Aaron , Catlaw Thomas J.
Published: August 2014

This study uses the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health data set to evaluate the long-term influence of school discipline and security on political and civic participation. We find that young adults with a history of school suspension are less likely than others to vote and volunteer in civic activities years later, suggesting that suspension negatively impacts the likelihood that youth engage in future political and civic activities. These findings are consistent with prior theory and research highlighting the long-term negative implications of punitive disciplinary policies and the role schools play in preparing youth to participate in a democratic polity. We conclude that suspension undermines the development of the individual skills and capacities necessary for a democratic society by substituting collaborative problem solving for the exclusion and physical removal of students. The research lends empirical grounds for recommending the reform of school governance and the implementation of more constructive models of discipline.
Are Counterproductive Work Behavior and Withdrawal Empirically Distinct? A Meta-Analytic Investigation
Authors: Carpenter Nichelle C. , Berry Christopher M.
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to clarify the current understanding of the relationship between counterproductive work behavior (CWB) and withdrawal. First, we articulate theoretical and conceptual reasons for the confusion on important issues, such as their conceptualization, labeling, and measurement. Second, we conduct a meta-analysis between current CWB and withdrawal measures. We found that, as measured, CWB and withdrawal are strongly related and have patterns of nomological relationships with common correlates that are nearly identical. The relationship between organizational-target CWB and withdrawal is particularly strong. The results suggest that withdrawal may be best represented as a facet in the hierarchical model of CWB, perhaps even as a facet of organizational-target CWB. We also discuss important avenues and needs for future research.
The Operational Impact of Organizational Communities of Practice
Authors: Cordery John L. , Cripps Edward , Gibson Cristina B. , Soo Christine , Kirkman Bradley L. , Mathieu John E.
Published: August 2014

Organizations are increasingly making use of communities of practice (CoPs) as a way of leveraging the dispersed knowledge and expertise of their employees. One important way in which CoPs are predicted to benefit organizations is by facilitating the transfer of best practices. In this study, we examined the impact of the introduction of global CoPs on changes made to operational procedures in three refineries operated by a multinational company over a period of more than 5 years. We used a Bayesian change point detection model to assess the probability that changes in the rate of adoption of new and revised operational procedures occurred following the introduction of CoPs. The results confirmed our predictions, providing support for the idea that CoPs benefit organizations by contributing to the development of better operational routines and demonstrating the utility of Bayesian techniques for assessing the impact of complex organizational change.
Theorizing creative agency through ‘discerned savvy’: a tool for the critical study of media industries
Authors: Draper Jimmy
Published: August 2014

This article contributes to the critical study of media industries by introducing the concept ‘discerned savvy.’ Through interviews with editors of the US men’s lifestyle magazines GQ, Esquire, and Details, I identify an informal process by which workers in media production cultures accrue knowledge about the preferences of their superiors and then accordingly narrow the range of creative ideas that they propose throughout the production process. The identification of this knowledge, which I call discerned savvy, aims to help media scholars theorize how creative workers’ agency may be subtly circumscribed in ways that maintain the hegemony of particular textual forms and ideologies in cultural industries even in the absence of formal policy and directly articulated expectations regarding creativity.
Important Methodological Issues in Evaluating Community-Based Interventions
Authors: Parker Richard , Bush Jack , Harris Daryl
Published: August 2014

Background:

Evaluation of offending behavior programs has become reasonably controversial in recent times as some researchers have advocated that evaluations should use a treatment as received (TR) model, which ignores dropouts and refusers, despite criticism that this removes the ability to make inferences about the effectiveness of the program. Some of those arguing in favor of a TR methodology suggest that the large number of noncompleters in community-based evaluations will make it impossible to detect treatment effects. A further issue with evaluation of community-based offender behavior programs is the fact that many programs are reasonably long. Evaluation methodologies inherited from custodial programs count recidivism from day one—which is before any benefits from the program are hypothesized to occur.

Objectives:

This article explores these issues to find solutions that are scientifically robust but also sensitive to actual program effects.

Conclusion:

The current authors argue that evaluations should use an intention-to-treat (ITT) model which includes noncompleters and that, using this methodology, an effective program, delivered with high integrity, should be able to demonstrate an impact on offending. However, the time period selected for evaluation should relate to the hypothesized effects of the program, not just begin from the start of supervision or commencement of the program. In doing so, the evaluators should ensure that both treatment and control groups are treated equally.
Q-Sample Construction
Authors: Paige Jane B. , Morin Karen H.
Published: August 2014

Q-sample construction is a critical step in Q-methodological studies. Prior to conducting Q-studies, researchers start with a population of opinion statements (concourse) on a particular topic of interest from which a sample is drawn. These sampled statements are known as the Q-sample. Although literature exists on methodological processes to conduct Q-methodological studies, limited guidance exists on the practical steps to reduce the population of statements to a Q-sample. A case exemplar illustrates the steps to construct a Q-sample in preparation for a study that explored perspectives nurse educators and nursing students hold about simulation design. Experts in simulation and Q-methodology evaluated the Q-sample for readability, clarity, and for representativeness of opinions contained within the concourse. The Q-sample was piloted and feedback resulted in statement refinement. Researchers especially those undertaking Q-method studies for the first time may benefit from the practical considerations to construct a Q-sample offered in this article.
Language ability of young English language learners: Definition, configuration, and implications
Authors: Gu Lin
Published: August 2014

In this study I examined the dimensionality of the latent ability underlying language use that is needed to fulfill the demands young learners face in English-medium instructional environments, where English is used as the means of instruction for teaching subject matters. Previous research on English language use by school-age children provided evidence that language proficiency for academic studies relates to, yet differs from, the language ability needed for social communications. Focusing on learners of English as a foreign language (EFL), I investigated the nature of language proficiency of school-age EFL learners in light of their learning experience.

Analyses were based on test performance from the TOEFL Junior® Comprehensive test a proficiency assessment of English as a foreign language for young learners between the ages of 11 and 15, developed by the Educational Testing Service. The results showed that the two ability constructs (i.e., academic and social language), although theoretically distinct and educationally relevant, were statistically indistinguishable based on EFL learners’ test performance. It was also found that the test performance could be explained best by a higher-order model, indicating that the language ability of these young EFL learners was structurally similar to that usually found with adult learners in a foreign language environment.

The outcomes highlight the interrelatedness of learning environment, age and language proficiency. On the one hand, the nature of the ability construct can vary across groups of learners due to differences in learning environments. On the other hand, learners of different ages who share similar learning environments could be similar in terms of the latent representation of their language proficiency. The study concludes that the interpretation of young EFL learners’ language proficiency needs to take into consideration how language components are developmentally related to each other as a function of learning experience in a foreign language environment.
Journey to the West: China Debates Its ‘Great Power’ Identity
Authors: Suzuki Shogo
Published: August 2014

This article joins recent debates on China’s rise that claim the People’s Republic of China has become increasingly ‘assertive’. By examining discourses calling for China to emulate Western great powers, it demonstrates that there remains a powerful discourse within Chinese society which regards Western standards as the sole ‘benchmark’ for success and recognition in the international community. In doing so, the article introduces the concept of ‘Occidentalism’, which is a belief that a state’s identity is deeply connected to Western recognition, and which constructs a highly idealised and essentialised ‘Western Other’ to promote particular political reforms. The existence of ‘Occidentalism’ in domestic debates on China’s future as a great power demonstrates that claims of China’s ‘assertive turn’ are premature, and those who call for a more muscular Chinese foreign policy are one of many voices within Chinese political circles.
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door: Russia, Central Asia and the Mediated Expansion of International Society
Authors: Costa Buranelli Filippo
Published: August 2014

Within the English School of International Relations the expansion of European International Society has always been regarded as an essentially European, western enterprise. However, the role that the Russian Empire played in expanding the institutions of international society into Central Asia remains quite neglected. By analysing primary sources and contemporary discourses about Russia’s civilisational status in the 19th century, this paper discusses the penetration of the Russian Empire in Central Asia in a socio-historical perspective, and argues that in the process of the expansion Russia’s Asiatic past weakened its status as a European power, and the value of its colonial enterprise. Using English School categories, this paper considers Russia as ‘a periphery in the centre’, and as a ‘less civilised civiliser’ in European International Society. In doing so, this paper seeks to explore an alternative way for the diffusion of norms and institutions of international society different from those of European ‘expansion’ or ‘inclusion’: that of ‘mediated expansion’.
The Standard of ‘Civilisation’, the Expansion Thesis and the 19th-century International Social Space
Authors: Keene Edward
Published: August 2014

This article identifies a series of gaps in the English school’s thesis of the ‘expansion of international society’ from European to global extension, and presents two propositions that can correct these problems, and so give us a better understanding of the social space in which 19th-century international relations were carried on. First, we should replace the concept of ‘expansion’ with ‘stratification’, changing the terms of the enquiry from an examination of ‘entry into’ the society of states to an exploration of who was where in the 19th-century international social system. Secondly, we should add a more relational analysis of patterns of association to the English school’s predominantly institutionalist approach to the analysis of the structure of international society. To flesh out these two proposals, the article presents a neo-Weberian framework for thinking about international social stratification and an empirical analysis of patterns of treaty-making.
State Personhood, Abjection and the United States’ HIV Travel Ban
Authors: Frowd Philippe M.
Published: August 2014

This article understands the United States’ 23-year ban on travellers with HIV/AIDS through the lens of state personhood metaphors and the concept of abjection. Using insights from queer theory as a critique of sovereignty, it argues that the practices and discourses that brought about and sustained the ban, from 1987 until its lifting in 2010, relied upon implicit understandings of the state as a national body free from disease. Having shown the heuristic power of metaphors of the state as a body or person, the article goes on to argue that this identification of the American state as a homeostatic and healthy space facilitates the securitisation of mobility and public health and in turn the exclusion of people living with HIV (PLHIV). This rejection of PLHIV, sustained by conservative political discourse as much as by medical screening, nevertheless shows the impossibility of the state attaining its desired purity against HIV/AIDS and its associated sexual and racial imaginaries. The article concludes with an empirical overview of the context of the travel ban through to its lifting in 2010 and a discussion of the role of queer theory as a critique of state sovereignty.
Are Perceptions of Discrimination Unidimensional, Oppositional, or Intersectional? Examining the Relationship among Perceived Racial–Ethnic-, Gender-, and Age-Based Discrimination
Authors: Harnois Catherine E.
Published: August 2014

This study investigates the relationship among perceptions of racial–ethnic, age, and gender discrimination for racial–ethnic minority individuals. Three broad frameworks for understanding discrimination are described: unidimensional, oppositional, and intersectional. The strengths of each approach are assessed by analyzing data from the General Social Surveys (2002, 2006, and 2010). Findings provide no support for the oppositional framework, qualified support for the unidimensional framework, and strong support for the intersectional framework. Many racial–ethnic minorities perceive discrimination on the basis of only one social status. Among older respondents, however, more than half of those who perceive racial–ethnic discrimination also perceive discrimination based on age. Half of the racial–ethnic women surveyed who perceive racial–ethnic discrimination also perceive gender discrimination. Moreover, perceptions of gender-, age-, and race-based discrimination are significantly and positively correlated with one another. The results highlight the benefits of using an intersectional framework to conceptualize and analyze multiple forms of discrimination.
Opinion on Recent Developments and the Future of Special Education
Authors: Kauffman James M.
Published: August 2014

Three encouraging trends in special education are greater focus on instruction, emphasis on positive approaches to problem behavior, and greater reliance on scientific evidence. Next steps involving instruction should include research on modifications of instruction needed to accommodate learners with disabilities and on the place in which these modifications can best be made. In using positive approaches to teaching and behavior management, next steps should focus on making them typical in special education first, then on encouraging their use in general education. Regarding scientific evidence, next steps should be unambiguous preference for science and training special education teachers to rely only on scientific evidence.
Dual passively active tumor-targeting micelles for pH-triggered intracellular anticancer drug release
Authors: Yuan Jianchao , Xu Weibing , Chen Jingjing , Zhao Jie , Mu Yanqiong , Wu Yanpeng
Published: August 2014

Novel passive–active dual tumor-targeting micelles for pH-triggered intracellular nitrogen mustard release were developed based on hydrophobic cores conjugated with anticancer drugs and shells functionalized with folic acid ligands for tumor cell targeting. The amphiphilic triblock copolymer, 4-( bis(2-chloroethyl)amino)benzaldehyde, N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide, and folic acid copolymer (poly(mustard-acetal)- b-PHPMA- b-PFA), was synthesized via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The amphiphilic copolymer was subsequently self-assembled into nanosized micelles of 83 nm with the nitrogen mustard drug safely encapsulated in the core. The cleavage of anticancer drug within the cores of micelles was effectively actuated under biologically relevant conditions, mildly acidic microenvironments (endosomal/lysosomal pH in the cytosol). 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays and fluorescence microscopy image analysis revealed that folate-conjugated nanosized micelles exhibited at least ~2.2-fold higher cellular uptake than folate unconjugated micelles against KB cells overexpressing folate receptors on the surface. Thus, poly(mustard-acetal)- b-PHPMA- b-PFA micelles could potentially be used as a promising system for triggering the release of nitrogen mustard drug.
Why Corporate Social Responsibility? An Analysis of Drivers of CSR in India
Authors: Dhanesh Ganga S.
Published: August 2014

This study aimed to generate a more nuanced and socioculturally grounded analysis of the key drivers of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in India than those provided by current debates. Results, based on 19 elite, in-depth conversations with business leaders and senior managers actively involved in shaping CSR in India revealed that participant understandings of the drivers of CSR in India simultaneously negotiated apparently contradictory notions of moral and economic imperatives. Building on earlier calls for culturally locating the study of CSR, the article further proposes that the ancient Indian concept of dharma might be a probable theoretical framework within which these key drivers of CSR in India could be further understood.
Ceftriaxone Potentiates Warfarin Activity Greater Than Other Antibiotics in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Saum Lindsay M. , Balmat Ryan P.
Published: August 2014

Background:

The cephalosporin class has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding among elderly patients receiving warfarin. Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most prevalent infection in elderly patients.

Objective:

To determine the extent of interaction between antibiotics used in the treatment of UTI, particularly specific cephalosporins and warfarin.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted on chronic warfarin patients with a diagnosis of UTI treated with ceftriaxone, a first-generation cephalosporin, penicillin, or ciprofloxacin. The primary outcome was the comparison of the extent of international normalized ratio (INR) change from baseline between each antibiotic group.

Results:

The ceftriaxone group was found to have a statistically significant higher peak INR value compared to all other studied antibiotics (ceftriaxone: 3.56, first-generation cephalosporins: 2.66, penicillins: 2.98, ciprofloxacin: 2.3; P = .004), a statistically significant greater extent of change in INR value (+1.19, +0.66, +0.8, +0.275; P = .006), and a statistically significant greater percentage change in INR value when compared to ciprofloxacin (54.4% vs 12.7%; P = .037).

Conclusion:

Ceftriaxone interacts with warfarin to increase a patient’s INR value more than other commonly administered antibiotics for UTI treatment. Other antibiotics should be preferred for UTI treatment in patients on warfarin.
Unemployment and attitudes to work: asking the ‘right’ question
Authors: Dunn Andrew , Grasso Maria T , Saunders Clare
Published: August 2014

Attitudes research has repeatedly demonstrated that the vast majority of unemployed people want a job and that their employment commitment is generally at least as strong as employed people’s. However, until now it has not asked if they are more likely than employed people to prefer unemployment to an unattractive job. While this oversight reflects a noted widespread reluctance to respond directly to right-wing authors’ assertions, this article argues that it is partly attributable to existing studies using survey questions inappropriate for researching unemployment. Responses to the British Cohort Study/National Child Development Study agree/disagree statement ‘having almost any job is better than being unemployed’ were analysed. Being ‘unemployed and seeking work’ associated strongly with disagreeing with the statement across all recent datasets in both studies, even when a number of relevant variables were controlled for.
On a novel solid lubricant–coated cutting tool: Experimental investigation and finite element simulations
Authors: Kishawy Hossam A , Reddy Narala SK , Ghandehariun Amirmohammad , Abdelmoneam Hussein M
Published: August 2014

Developing improved coated cutting tools to achieve a better cutting performance is one of the key factors in enhancing machining productivity. The present article contributes to the development of electrostatic solid lubricant coating technology to produce high-performance coated tools for machining process improvement. Machining tests and finite element analysis were performed to evaluate the proposed novel coating technique. The results obtained from the experiments and simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented technology in reducing the generated heat during machining as well as enhancing wear characteristics of the tool. The results also prove that the developed solid lubricant coating technique will play an important role in sustainable machining.
Effect of weld parameters on the dynamic performance of thin-walled centrifugal extractor rotating bowl
Authors: Ravisankar A , Sanapala VS , Venugopal S
Published: August 2014

An attempt has been made to investigate the influence of various weld parameters on the dynamic behavior of rotating bowl and thereby optimizing those parameters for the improved performance of the same. The welding input parameters play a significant role in the final distortions, which in turn cause the unbalanced mass and eccentricity, thus affecting the dynamic stability of rotor. In this regard, a synergistic approach is followed involving both finite element modeling using a coupled thermo-mechanical analysis and experimental work for estimating the induced distortion during welding. The dynamic behavior is studied comprehensively through numerical analysis by introducing the obtained distortions on the surface of the bowl after welding for different conditions such as welding speed, clamping conditions and weld sequence.