bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The predominant species of nonstructural protein 4B in hepatitis C virus-replicating cells is not palmitoylated
Authors: Paul David , Bartenschlager Ralf , McCormick Christopher
Published: March 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a significant global health burden. Viral replication is thought to occur in close association with remodelled host cell membranes, with non-structural protein 4B (NS4B) being a key player in this process. NS4B is a poorly characterized integral membrane protein, which has been reported to be palmitoylated at its carboxy-terminal end. In order to extend this observation and to establish a functional role for NS4B palmitoylation, we sought to determine the status of this post-translational modification when the protein was expressed as part of a functional viral replicase. We performed direct metabolic labelling and polyethylene glycol-maleimide palmitoylation reporter assays on NS4B expressed in cells containing subgenomic replicons and infectious viral RNA. In a vaccinia virus-based expression system NS4B palmitoylation was detected in a genotype-dependent manner. However, in spite of the high sensitivity of the methods used, no NS4B palmitoylation was found in physiologically more relevant systems. Thus, NS4B palmitoylation is most likely dispensable for HCV RNA replication.
Measurement and prediction of the heat transfer properties of hydrocarbon mixtures with potential application as aluminum cold rolling base oils
Authors: Pattemore Daniel , Heenan David F. , Januszkiewicz Krzysztof R.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The objective of this paper is to measure the differences in heat transfer properties of refined hydrocarbon distillate fractions that are commonly used as base oils in aluminium sheet cold rolling applications and assess if the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) values for these oils can be predicted from their compositions. The composition and physical properties of these fluids affect their tribological behaviour by influencing hydrodynamic lubrication, wear debris removal and cooling.

Design/methodology/approach

– A purpose-built test rig was used to measure HTCs for a wide range of hydrocarbon solvents used as aluminium cold rolling oils. The results are expressed in the form of the HTCs relative to those of 14- to 16-carbon-chain-length normal paraffins. Measured HTC values were compared to values calculated from oil compositions and from the thermal conductivities of compounds representing different classes of typical oil components.

Findings

– There were significant differences between the heat transfer properties of various hydrocarbon solvents, and these differences could be estimated from their content of normal and simple iso-paraffins and heavily branched and cyclic hydrocarbons. The HTC of hydrocarbon mixtures increases with the increasing content of n-paraffinic compounds.

Originality/value

– This paper shows how one can estimate the relative HTCs of oils of known compositions, based on the relative thermal conductivities of model compounds. This is relevant to prediction of cooling properties of aluminium cold rolling base oils.
Determination of optimum particle size of Al2O3/SiCp reinforced hybrid composites materials in wear testing
Authors: Altinkök Necat , Ficici Ferit , Coban Aslan
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to optimize input parameters of particle size and applied load to determine minimum weight loss and friction coefficient for Al2O3/SiC particles-reinforced hybrid composites by using Taguchi’s design methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

– The experimental results demonstrate that the applied size is the major parameter influencing the weight loss for all samples, followed by particle size. The applied load, however, was found to have a negligible effect on the friction coefficient. Moreover, the optimal combination of the testing parameters was predicted. The predicted weight loss and friction coefficient for all the test samples were found to lie close to those of the experimentally observed ones.

Findings

– The optimum levels of the control factors to obtain better weight loss and friction coefficient were A8 (particle size, 60 μm) and B1 (applied load, 20 N), respectively. Taguchi’s orthogonal design was developed to predict the quality characteristics (weight loss and friction coefficient) within the selected range of process parameters (particle size and applied load). The results were validated through ANOVA.

Originality/value

– Firstly, hybrid MMCs ceramic powders were produced and then mechanical tests and optimization were performed.
Water lubrication of PTFE composites
Authors: Deleanu Lorena , Georgescu Constantin
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to present results on the friction and the wear of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and eight commercially available composites with PTFE matrix, for tests done on shoe/roller tribotester with water lubrication in open circuit. There are pointed out particular tribological processes within the superficial layers of the composites with the help of optical microscopy.

Design/methodology/approach

– Analysing the tribological behaviour of eight grades of PTFE composites sliding in water on shoe/roller tribotester.

Findings

– Good results of wear behaviour under water lubrication for all the composites. PTFE exhibits severe wear under the tested regime.

Originality/value

– The research could support PTFE composite application for water lubricated systems.
Analyzing media types and content orientations in Facebook for global brands
Authors: Kim Dae-Hee , Spiller Lisa , Hettche Matt
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine current practices of social media marketing among major global brands across five product categories (namely, convenience, shopping, specialty, industrial and service). Assessing the frequency, media type and content orientations of corporate Facebook pages, this study aims to isolate the qualitative factors of a brand’s social media message that are most likely to facilitate a consumer response.

Design/methodology/approach

– A content analysis of 1,086 social media posts was conducted from the corporate Facebook pages of 92 global brands during a one-month (snapshot) time horizon in July 2013. The data collected from each individual post include its media type (i.e. text, photo or video), its content orientation (i.e. task, interaction and self-oriented) and the number and type of consumer response it generated (i.e. likes, comments and shares).

Findings

– Research findings reveal that global brands actively utilize social media, posting on average three messages per week and generally use photos (as a media type) and interaction-focused content (as a content orientation) to secure consumer responses. However, differences in consumer responses exist along various product categories, message media type and message content orientation.

Practical implications

– Findings imply that marketers should not only carefully consider the media type they use to message consumers on social media but should also try to consider the individual consumer’s motive for interaction.

Originality/value

– This article suggests a new way to study social media content by applying pre-existing communication frameworks from salesmanship literature as a way to define message content orientation.
Effects of awareness of prior-year testing strategies and engagement risk on audit decisions
Authors: Fay Rebecca , Jenkins J. Gregory , Popova Velina
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the study is to examine how awareness of the prior year fraud detection testing strategy impacts auditor judgments at differing levels of engagement risk.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 2 × 2 between-subject experiment was conducted using 64 practicing auditors as participants. The independent variables are manipulated at two levels – awareness of prior-year testing strategy (aware versus unaware) and engagement risk (high versus low). The dependent measures are identified risk factors, targeted areas of auditors’ risk assessments, proposed audit procedures and the desire to consult with a forensic specialist.

Findings

– Although continuing auditors anchor on prior-year audit strategies, new auditors (who are unaware of prior-year testing strategies) focus on generally known high-risk areas and firm standard procedures while planning the audit.

Practical implications

– This paper contributes to the ongoing debate regarding how auditor tenure impacts auditors’ decision-making at a time when the profession and US regulators are focused on enhancing audit quality. The findings further suggest that auditors should take steps to enhance their judgments and avoid potential biases, particularly when planning continuing engagements.

Originality/value

– Although the extant literature document anchoring by continuing auditors, this paper is the first to examine successor auditors’ fraud testing strategies. The findings suggest auditors on high-risk engagements who are unaware of the prior-year testing strategy may process information at a deeper level, as they are more likely to seek consultation with a forensic specialist rather than relying on simple heuristics.
Producing deception detection expertise
Authors: Blair J. Pete , Levine Timothy R. , Vasquez Bob E.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– To function effectively, police must separate lies from truth. Police, ideally, would be experts at this task, yet there is debate surrounding whether expertise in detecting deception is possible. Drawing upon literature outside of deception detection, the purpose of this paper is to explore whether subjects making deception judgments can improve their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample was 19 students from two graduate-level classes. Subjects viewed six sets of videos over eight weeks. The first five sets displayed individuals reporting whether they cheated on an exam. The sixth set displayed individuals reporting whether they had committed a (mock) robbery. After each video, subjects judged whether the videoed individual was truthful, and then the actual status was revealed.

Findings

– Subjects’ accuracy improved consistently over the first five sets of videos; from about 69 percent accuracy to about 89 percent accuracy. However, the accuracy for the sixth set of videos dropped dramatically to 46 percent. The results indicate that expertise in deception detection may be possible, but is likely to be limited in terms of generalizability.

Research limitations/implications

– The actual environment of police investigations is more variable than the study’s setting. Future studies should integrate inaccurate and incomplete feedback, which are realistic characteristics of investigations.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that, like other areas of expertise, it may be possible to develop expertise in detecting deception through the use of deliberate practice with accurate feedback.

Originality/value

– This study combines three literature-substantiated criteria for developing deception detection expertise. The study environment involved regularity. Subjects were deliberately practicing, and subjects received accurate feedback.
Syntactic nominalization in latin: a case of non‐canonical subject agreement
Authors: Nikitina Tatiana , Haug Dag Trygve Truslew
Published: March 2015

Much difficulty in the analysis of Latin constructions with dominant participles is caused by a typologically unusual pattern of subject agreement: instead of being assigned case according to their subject function (like, e.g., the accusative subjects of infinitives), subjects of participles appear in the same case as the participle itself. This study presents evidence against deriving dominant participle constructions from participles' attributive uses and argues that they should instead be analyzed as a syntactic nominalization in which the participle is the head that agrees with its subject in case. Our account relies on two separate components: (i) a clausal nominalization rule, introduced at the level of phrase structure, and closely resembling the structure of the English gerund; and (ii) a subject agreement rule, treated as a lexical property of Latin participles, and common to all their uses (not just the dominant use). Our synchronic account is supported by diachronic evidence, which suggests that the dominant participle construction developed in Latin through reanalysis of the absolute participle construction (shared by many ancient Indo‐European languages). The change involved the introduction of a clausal nominalization rule, while the subject agreement rule was likely present from early on and not affected by the change.
Postcolonializing Berlin and The Fabrication of The Urban
Authors: Hentschel Christine
Published: March 2015

Postcolonializing Berlin is an experiment in rethinking (Western) cities from the South. It embraces conceptual innovations from thinkers in African, Latin American and Asian urban studies to complicate the stories we tell about contemporary Berlin. My argument proceeds in four steps. I begin by asking what makes the North–South division in urban studies so problematic, and what needs to happen to shake up those categories. Then I share some of my own trials and errors in looking at Berlin‐Neukölln through the lens of ‘the South', before offering an alternative frame, which I call ‘urban fabricating', as a way of inquiring into and perceiving changing urban settings. In the final part, gambling parlours in Berlin‐Neukölln move into focus, where different forms of fabrication are at work: the regeneration officials' vision for the future of the neighbourhood, the inspectors' improvisations on the casino law, and the casino owners' ways of muddling through at the edges of the law. Rather than searching for the one new theory to shake up urban studies, fabricating is, I suggest, an unagitated approach to the actual processes through which cities are made.
Governing Enclosure: The Role of Governance in Producing Gated Communities and Guarded Neighborhoods in Malaysia
Authors: Tedong Peter Aning , Grant Jill L. , Wan Abd Aziz Wan Nor Azriyati
Published: March 2015

Enclosed residential areas are proliferating in Malaysian cities, in common with many other parts of the world. The production of gated communities and guarded neighborhoods in Malaysia reveals the active role of the state in creating conditions that support enclosure and securitization of space. This article examines the role of governance in producing residential enclaves that reinforce segregation and fragment urban landscapes. Based on a study of gated communities in Malaysia, we argue that governments, corporations and citizen groups collaborate within a complex governance system that (re)produces enclosure. Neoliberal market principles fuse with ethnic politics, cultural predilections and economic imperatives to generate a socially and spatially fragmented urban landscape where security concerns dominate and where citizens culturally, physically and symbolically segregate themselves from others.
Evaluating Simulant Materials for Understanding Cranial Backspatter from a Ballistic Projectile
Authors: Das Raj , Collins Alistair , Verma Anurag , Fernandez Justin , Taylor Michael
Published: March 2015

In cranial wounds resulting from a gunshot, the study of backspatter patterns can provide information about the actual incidents by linking material to surrounding objects. This study investigates the physics of backspatter from a high‐speed projectile impact and evaluates a range of simulant materials using impact tests. Next, we evaluate a mesh‐free method called smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) to model the splashing mechanism during backspatter. The study has shown that a projectile impact causes fragmentation at the impact site, while transferring momentum to fragmented particles. The particles travel along the path of least resistance, leading to partial material movement in the reverse direction of the projectile motion causing backspatter. Medium‐density fiberboard is a better simulant for a human skull than polycarbonate, and lorica leather is a better simulant for a human skin than natural rubber.SPHis an effective numerical method for modeling the high‐speed impact fracture and fragmentations.
Protein and thiamin intakes are not related to cognitive function in well‐nourished community‐living older adults
Authors: Koh Freda , Charlton Karen E. , Walton Karen , Brock Erin , McMahon Anne T. , Langford Kelly , Host Alison , Crowe Ruth , Thornhill Kayla
Published: March 2015

Aim

Some studies have suggested that thiamin (vitamin B1) may have a protective effect on the maintenance of cognitive function in older people. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the association between dietary intakes, specifically protein and thiamin with cognitive function.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted on community‐living older adults aged ≥60 years in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. Dietary intakes were collected using a three‐day food record and various domains of cognition were tested. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Correlations and regressions were conducted to investigate the association between dietary intakes and areas of cognitive function.

Results

Forty‐eight volunteers participated (mean age: 78.2 ± 6.1 years; BMI: 28.8 ± 5.4 kg/m2; MNA Score: 26.8 ± 2.4; 35% men). Men had higher intakes of energy (kJ), carbohydrate, saturated fat and sodium than women. No significant association was found between protein or thiamin and the tested domains of cognition. Associations were found between vitamin D intake and the Letter Fluency Test (r = −0.302, P < 0.05) and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (r = −0.400, P < 0.001), and between both carbohydrate (r = 0.383, P = < 0.05) and iron intake (r = 0.333, P < 0.05) and the GDS.

Conclusions

In a sample of generally healthy, well‐nourished older adults, no associations were found between protein or thiamin intakes and the tested components of cognition. Further investigation is required to determine if an increase in these nutrients through the provision of food sources has benefits to improve cognitive function.
Controlled and Targeted Drug Delivery by a UV‐responsive Liposome for Overcoming Chemo‐resistance in Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Li Huafei , Guo Kun , Wu Cong , Shu Ling , Guo Shiwei , Hou Jing , Zhao Naping , Wei Lixin , Man Xiaobo , Zhang Li
Published: March 2015

Although chemotherapy plays a vital role in treating non‐Hodgkin lymphomas, the clinical applications are limited because of intolerable side‐effects and multidrug resistance at the beginning or during the course of therapy. In this study, we successfully fabricated a CD20‐targeting immuno‐liposome based on 1,2‐bis(10,12‐tricosadiynoyl)‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DC‐8,9PC), which can form intermolecular cross‐linking through the diacetylenic group by ultraviolet irradiation. This immuno‐liposome showed appropriate size distribution, well‐defined regular spherical structure, favorable biocompatibility, high serum stability, and prolonged circulation time in blood vessels. The in and ex vivo experiments demonstrate enhanced tumor suppression abilities against both wild‐type and resistant non‐Hodgkin lymphomas for liposomal doxorubicin when compared with free drugs. The outstanding antitumor activities are attributed to the accumulation and retention of liposomal drugs in malignant tissues and cells, which are realized by the co‐operation of active targeting via antibody–antigen reaction and passive targeting via enhanced permeability and retention effect.
Microperimetric assessment of the two optical coherence tomography subtypes of acute macular neuroretinopathy
Authors: Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Iacono Pierluigi , Panico Daniele , Cascavilla Marialucia , Bandello Francesco
Published: March 2015

Background

This study evaluates the morpho‐functional alterations associated with acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMNR).

Design

Prospective observational case series study carried out at the University Vita‐Salute, Scientific Institute San Raffaele.

Participants

Five out of six eyes (three patients) showed the typical features of AMNR.

Methods

The patients underwent an ophthalmological examination, including best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, electroretinogram and electroculogram (ERG/EOG), multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), infrared reflectance, short wavelength and near‐infrared‐fundus autofluorescence (SW‐FAF/NIR‐FAF), spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) and microperimetry.

Main Outcome Measure

Microperimetric alterations in the two SD‐OCT subtypes of AMNR.

Results

The BCVA was 20/20 in all patients. ERG and EOG were normal; mfERG revealed a generally reduced response with a more reduced signal in the areas corresponding to the macular lesions. SD‐OCT demonstrated two different patterns of retinal alterations. In case 1, SD‐OCT revealed a hyperreflective, plaque‐like band at the junction of the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and the inner nuclear layer (INL), extending into the INL (type 1 lesion). In cases 2 and 3, SD‐OCT disclosed a hyperreflectivity of the OPL associated with outer nuclear layer thinning and disruption of the outer segment/retinal pigment epithelium junction (type 2 lesion). Microperimetry revealed a wide scotoma involving the entire macular area in all eyes, including the unaffected eye of case 1. The reduction in retinal sensitivity was greatest in type 1.

Conclusions

SD‐OCT confirms that AMNR may occur in different patterns. Microperimetry demonstrated that functional alterations are also discernible in apparently uninvolved areas. Both examinations are extremely valuable in characterizing the changes associated with AMNR.
The 2009/2010 Caribbean drought: a case study
Authors: Peters Everson J.
Published: March 2015

The impacts of drought in the Caribbean have not been as dramatic as in some other parts of world, but it is not exempt from the experiences of drought. As a result of the effects of a prolonged drought in 2009/2010, the agenda for the 21st Inter‐Sessional Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) paid particular attention to the issue of drought. This paper reviews the management framework for responding to drought disasters in five CARICOM countries. The paper also reports on some of the effects of the 2009/2010 drought with particular reference to Grenada and the Grenadines. During the drought in these islands there were numerous bush fires with devastating effects on agriculture, severe water shortages that impacted on the tourism industry and other social effects. It is evident that there was inadequate preparation for the event. Greater planning and investment are therefore required to reduce future impacts.
Successes and failures of compulsory risk mitigation: re‐evaluating the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool
Authors: Başbuğ‐Erkan B. Burcak , Yilmaz Ozlem
Published: March 2015

The Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool (TCIP) is one of the best practices of public–private partnerships in an emerging market designed to reduce economic losses from disasters. This paper reviews the application of this compulsory mechanism along with data relating to the performance of the scheme following recent earthquakes in Turkey. We also consider the current perceptions of Turkish society towards the TCIP and how they can be enhanced. Our conclusions aim to assist stakeholders in government, homeowners, insurance companies, media, banks and civil society to appreciate the value of the system and key actions necessary to improve it.
Left Ventricular Twist Mechanics Are Impaired in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow
Authors: Barutçu Ahmet , Bekler Adem , Temiz Ahmet , Kırılmaz Bahadır , Yener Ali Ümit , Tan Yusuf Ziya , Gazi Emine , Altun Burak
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Coronary slow flow (CSF) is a rare condition described as the delayed angiographic passage of a contrast agent in the absence of stenosis in epicardial coronary arteries. Left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunctions have been described in the presence of CSF. However, the effect of CSF on LV twist functions has not been assessed. We aimed to evaluate the effects of CSF on LV twist mechanics using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).

Methods

Twenty CSF patients (24–60 years) were enrolled according to the exclusion criteria. Twenty subjects with similar demographic characteristics and normal coronary arteries were the controls. Participants were evaluated with conventional echocardiography and STE.

Results

The general characteristics of the two groups were similar. LV twist, LV torsion, and apical rotation were impaired in the CSF group (P = 0.015, P = 0.012, and P < 0.001, respectively). Time to peak twist (TPT) and time to peak untwisting (TPU) were prolonged in CSF patients (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In the CSF group, rotation–deformation delay was shortened (P < 0.001) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) was lower (P < 0.001). The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count was negatively correlated with LV twist, LV torsion and apical rotation (P = 0.002, r = −0.624; P = 0.002, r = −0.624; and P = 0.002, r = −0.632, respectively).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that LV twist mechanics are impaired in CSF patients. Worse LV twist parameters were associated with greater TIMI frame count.
OnabotulinumtoxinA as Part of a Multimodal Program to Treat Vaginismus
Authors: Pacik Peter T.
Published: March 2015

This pilot study evaluated the efficacy and safety of intravaginal injection of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) with bupivacaine and progressive dilation under anesthesia along with post‐treatment counseling and support in the treatment of vaginismus. At baseline, all patients had failed some form of prior treatment. Following treatment, 90.3% of patients achieved pain‐free intercourse at a median of 3.5 weeks. This multimodal program, which treats both the physical and psychologic manifestations of vaginismus, appears to be safe and effective with no adverse events and no recurrence in this cohort during at least 1‐year follow‐up. Additional investigation in larger, placebo‐controlled clinical trials is indicated.
Asymptotic Standard Errors for Item Response Theory True Score Equating of Polytomous Items
Authors: Cher Wong Cheow
Published: March 2015

Building on previous works by Lord and Ogasawara for dichotomous items, this article proposes an approach to derive the asymptotic standard errors of item response theory true score equating involving polytomous items, for equivalent and nonequivalent groups of examinees. This analytical approach could be used in place of empirical methods like the bootstrap method, to obtain standard errors of equated scores. Formulas are introduced to obtain the derivatives for computing the asymptotic standard errors. The approach was validated using mean‐mean, mean‐sigma, random‐groups, or concurrent calibration equating of simulated samples, for tests modeled using the generalized partial credit model or the graded response model.
Predictability of multispecies competitive interactions in three populations of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
Authors: Houde A. L. S. , Wilson C. C. , Neff B. D.
Published: March 2015

Juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar from three allopatric populations (LaHave, Sebago and Saint‐Jean) were placed into artificial streams with combinations of four non‐native salmonids: brown trout Salmo trutta, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch. Non‐additive effects, as evidenced by lower performance than predicted from weighted summed two‐species competition trials, were detected for S. salar fork length (LF) and mass, but not for survival, condition factor or riffle use. These data support emerging theory on niche overlap and species richness as factors that can lead to non‐additive competition effects.
The History of Articulators: The Wonderful World of “Grinders,” Part III
Authors: Starcke Edgar N. , Engelmeier Robert L.
Published: March 2015

This is the third article in a three‐part series on the history of denture occlusal grinders. The first article reviewed the earliest attempts to “grind in” denture occlusion by hand manipulating simple articulators with special features to those more complex devices powered by hand cranks. The second article explored devices that were motor driven, either those with cast holders to grind the occlusion of processed dentures or those designed to utilize an articulator's condylar or incisal controls for that purpose. This article examines those articulators that have a rotary occlusal grinder as an essential feature. Additionally, this article reviews those grinding devices produced as attachments for popular contemporary articulators.
An Efficient and Cost‐Effective Technique to Construct an Intraoral Central Bearing Tracing Device
Authors: Lin Kevin C. , Wagner Stephen A.
Published: March 2015

Intraoral central bearing tracing has been shown to be a predictable way of recording and verifying centric relation position for patients. Existing tracing devices are challenging to use due to several significant clinical limitations. In comparison to commercially available counterparts, this article presents a technique that simplifies instrumentation and clinical steps to make an intraoral tracer for making centric relation records, determining occlusal vertical dimension, and detecting deflective occlusal contacts in edentulous patients.
Understanding the Veiling of Muslim Women in the Netherlands
Authors: Brünig Bianca , Fleischmann Fenella
Published: March 2015

In this study we analyze veiling as an Islamic religious practice among Turkish and Moroccan immigrant women in the Netherlands, investigating whether the strength of religious identity, education, contact with natives, and gender role attitudes can explain who veils and who does not. Confirming stereotypical interpretations of the veil as a religious symbol of a strongly gendered religion, we find that a strong Muslim identity and traditional gender role attitudes are positively associated with veiling. While our results seem to support predictions that contact with natives and education relate negatively with wearing a headscarf, these relationships with veiling are more complex. Education strengthens the positive relation between religious identification and veiling, indicating that most highly educated women endorse veiling as a religious practice if they are more religious. Contact with Dutch, however, weakens the association between religious identification and veiling, meaning socially well integrated women veil less often even if they are religious. We discuss our findings against the background of previous qualitative research on veiling as a religious practice and regarding theories on immigrant religion in Europe.
Association between caesarean section and childhood obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kuhle S. , Tong O. S. , Woolcott C. G.
Published: March 2015

Birth by caesarean section has been recently implicated in the aetiology of childhood obesity, but studies examining the association have varied with regard to their settings, designs, and adjustment for potential confounders. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to summarize the available evidence and to explore study characteristics as sources of heterogeneity. A search of Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science identified 28 studies. Random effects meta‐analysis was used to calculate pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Caesarean section had a RR of 1.34 (CI 1.18–1.51) for obesity in the child compared with vaginal birth. The RR was lower for studies that adjusted for maternal pre‐pregnancy weight than for studies that did not (1.29, CI 1.16–1.44 vs. 1.55, CI 1.11–2.17). Studies that examined multiple early life factors reported lower RRs than studies that specifically examined caesarean section (1.39, CI 1.23–1.57 vs. 1.23, CI 0.97–1.56). Effect estimates did not vary by child's age at obesity assessment, study design or country income. Children born by caesarean section are at higher risk of developing obesity in childhood. Findings are limited by a moderate heterogeneity among studies and the potential for residual confounding and publication bias.
Topical Timolol Solution Versus Laser in Treatment of Infantile Hemangioma: A Comparative Study
Authors: Tawfik Abeer A. , Alsharnoubi Jehan
Published: March 2015

Lasers, 595‐nm pulsed dye and 1,064‐nm neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), have been used successfully for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs). Recently the use of a topical β‐blocker, specifically timolol maleate, has been promising in the treatment of IHs. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of topical timolol 5 mg/mL solution with that of combined sequential dual‐wavelength laser in the treatment of IHs. Sixty children with IHs were divided randomly into two equal groups. Group 1 was treated with applications of timolol drops (5 mg/mL) twice daily. Group 2 was treated with sequential pulsed dye and Nd:Yag laser. Treatments were performed every month for a maximum of six sessions. Efficacy was evaluated clinically and by measuring the average hemoglobin level. A significant decrease in the average hemoglobin level was determined in both groups and a dramatic response was observed in superficial hemangiomas in the timolol group. The timolol group received treatment for an average of 4.0 ± 1.1 months and the laser group for 5.5 ± 0.9 months. The degree of improvement of mixed hemangiomas to laser treatment was greater than that of the timolol group. During 3 months of follow‐up, no further improvement or relapse was reported in either group. Timolol solution is a safe and effective alternative to laser treatment in superficial hemangiomas. In mixed hemangiomas, the combined sequential 595‐nm and 1,064‐nm dual‐wavelength laser provided better results than timolol solution because it penetrated deeply so that deep dermal blood vessels were reached.
Queer Chicano Families: The Importance of Converging Literature on Queer Families, Chicano Families, and Chicano Queers
Authors: Loughrin Sandra Marie
Published: March 2015

Despite growing literature on Latino families and Latino queer identities, there has been relatively little empirical research on Latino same‐sex families. Likewise, emerging empirical research on gay and lesbian couples tends to focus on the experiences of middle‐class, well‐educated, White couples. I argue that combining theoretical and empirical works on sexuality, Chicano studies, and queer studies can assuage this lack of diversity in each body of literature. This work first examines current literature on Latino families, with a focus on Latino familism. This is followed by a brief examination of current literature on queer Chicanos. Lastly, it will discuss queer families and the lack of current literature on Latino same‐sex couples, in order to present a course of action for further research on the intersectional social location of queer Chicano families.
Street Harassment: Current and Promising Avenues for Researchers and Activists
Authors: Logan Laura S.
Published: March 2015

Research about street harassment indicates that the problem is far reaching in its effects and that most women and girls experience sexual harassment from men they do not know in public spaces. In recent years, an increasing number of activists, bloggers, and online media outlets have published pieces about street harassment, reflecting a growing and international anti‐street harassment social movement. In this article, I discuss what scholars and activists tell us about street harassment, including prevalence, victims, harassers, responses and consequences, and theoretical explanations. I conclude with suggestions for further research, a call for more attention to the influence of overlapping inequalities, and an appeal to researchers to further explore this serious social problem.
Time-Resolved Heat Transfer and Surface Pressure Measurements for a Fully Cooled Transonic Turbine Stage
Authors: Nickol Jeremy B. , Mathison Randall M. , Malak Malak F. , Rana Rajiv , Liu Jong S.
Published: March 2015

The flow field in axial gas turbines is driven by strong unsteady interactions between stationary and moving components. While time-averaged measurements can highlight many important flow features, developing a deeper understanding of the complicated flows present in high-speed turbomachinery requires time-accurate measurements that capture this unsteady behavior. Toward this end, time-accurate measurements are presented for a fully cooled transonic high-pressure turbine stage operating at design-corrected conditions. The turbine is run in a short-duration blowdown facility with uniform, radial, and hot streak vane-inlet temperature profiles as well as various amounts of cooling flow. High-frequency response surface pressure and heat-flux instrumentation installed in the rotating blade row, stator vane row, and stationary outer shroud provide detailed measurements of the flow behavior for this stage. Previous papers have reported the time-averaged results from this experiment, but this paper focuses on the strong unsteady phenomena that are observed. Heat-flux measurements from double-sided heat-flux gauges (HFGs) cover three spanwise locations on the blade pressure and suction surfaces. In addition, there are two instrumented blades with the cooling holes blocked to isolate the effect of just blade cooling. The stage can be run with the vane and blade cooling flow either on or off. High-frequency pressure measurements provide a picture of the unsteady aerodynamics on the vane and blade airfoil surfaces, as well as inside the serpentine coolant supply passages of the blade. A time-accurate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is also run to predict the blade surface pressure and heat-flux, and comparisons between prediction and measurement are given. It is found that unsteady variations in heat-flux and pressure are stronger at low to midspan and weaker at high span, likely due to the impact of secondary flows such as the tip leakage flow. Away from the tip, it is seen that the unsteady fluctuations in pressure and heat-flux are mostly in phase with each other on the suction side, but there is some deviation on the pressure side. The flow field is ultimately shown to be highly three-dimensional, as the movement of high heat transfer regions can be traced in both the chord and spanwise directions. These measurements provide a unique picture of the unsteady flow physics of a rotating turbine, and efforts to better understand and model these time-varying flows have the potential to change the way we think about even the time-averaged flow characteristics.
Transient Reacting Flow Simulation of Spouted Fluidized Bed for Coal-Direct Chemical Looping Combustion
Authors: Banerjee Subhodeep , Agarwal Ramesh K.
Published: March 2015

Coal-direct chemical-looping combustion (CD-CLC) is a next generation combustion technology that shows great promise as a solution for the need of high-efficiency low-cost carbon capture from fossil fueled power plants. To realize this technology on an industrial scale, the development of high-fidelity simulations is a necessary step to develop a thorough understanding of the CLC process. In this paper, simulations for multiphase flow of the CD-CLC process with chemical reactions are performed using ANSYS Fluent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The details of the solid–gas two-phase hydrodynamics in the CLC process are investigated using the Lagrangian particle-tracking approach called the discrete element method (DEM) for the movement and interaction of the solid oxygen carrier particles with the gaseous fuel. The initial CFD/DEM simulation shows excellent agreement with the experimental results obtained in a laboratory scale fuel reactor in cold-flow conditions at Darmstadt University of Technology. Subsequent simulations using 60% Fe2O3 supported on MgAl2O4 reacting with gaseous CH4 demonstrate successful integration of chemical reactions into the CFCD/DEM approach. This work provides a strong foundation for future simulations of CD-CLC systems using solid coal as fuel, which will be crucial for successful deployment of CD-CLC technology from the laboratory scale to pilot and industrial scale projects.
Sponsorship Sales in Minor Sport: The Case of the 2013 International Triathlon Union World Duathlon Championships
Authors: O’Reilly Norm , Gattinger Alana , Beselt Elisa
Published: March 2015

This case focuses on the sponsorship sales aspect of the 2013 International Triathlon Union World Duathlon Championships in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The case outlines the process of acquiring the right to host the event and creating/implementing a sponsorship sales strategy for the event. The case provides background on the sport of duathlon and the city of Ottawa’s capacity to host an international sport event of this level. This case recognizes that securing sponsorship is a major challenge that many small sport organizations and sport events face. Strategies are presented to show how these sport organizations can actively promote their offerings to overcome this challenge. Intended for graduate and undergraduate students in sport management, event management, and marketing, information for this case was obtained from interviews with event staff, secondary research, and documentation provided by the event organizing committee. It will be necessary for students to use critical thinking to provide feedback to the organizing committee about how they can target and acquire sponsors for the 2013 International Triathlon Union World Duathlon Championships.
Drugging RNAi
Authors: Haussecker Dirk , Kay Mark A.
Published: March 2015

RNAi therapeutics are emerging as a major drug discovery engine
Response to Comment on “Stellar activity masquerading as planets in the habitable zone of the M dwarf Gliese 581”
Authors: Robertson Paul , Mahadevan Suvrath , Endl Michael , Roy Arpita
Published: March 2015

Anglada-Escudé and Tuomi question the statistical rigor of our analysis while ignoring the stellar activity aspects that we present. Although we agree that improvements in multiparametric radial velocity (RV) modeling are necessary for the detection of Earth-mass planets, the key physical points we raised were not challenged. We maintain that activity on Gliese 581 induces RV shifts that were interpreted as exoplanets.
A pristine Amazon's last stand
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: March 2015

Laboratory in the sky will sample some of the last unspoiled air on the planet.
Muons probe Fukushima's ruins
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: March 2015

Unsung imaging technique deployed to find uranium debris in reactors.
Why many U.S. biology teachers are ‘wishy-washy’
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: March 2015

Future science teachers lack knowledge and role models.
Doubts dispelled about HIV prevention
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: March 2015

New studies show remarkable efficacy and versatility of drugs for uninfected.
Deep roots for the genus
Homo
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: March 2015

Fossil jawbone pushes back origins of our genus by 400,000 years.
General Relativity: The comic book
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: March 2015

A superquick, superpainless guide to the theory that conquered the universe.
Look but don't touch the metals
Authors: McGuinness Liam P. , Jelezko Fedor
Published: March 2015

Nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamond can probe metallic conductivity at a distance

[Also see Report by

Kolkowitz
et al.

]
Beyond general relativity
Einstein's Unification
Jeroen van Dongen
Cambridge University Press, 2010. 223 pp.
Authors: Janssen Michel
Published: March 2015

Einstein's quest to discover a unified field theory.
It starts with a poster
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: March 2015

Scientists frequently lament the scarcity of effective scientific communicators—those who can explain complex concepts to the public, present scientifically sound alternatives to policy-makers, and make cogent arguments for the value of science to society. A few stellar programs are designed to select and train elite articulators, but some simple steps can improve the communication skills of all scientists. Most researchers learn how to talk about science at meetings. If scientists cannot explain their work clearly and succinctly to their peers, it is highly unlikely that they can explain it effectively to nonspecialists. I recently helped to judge student papers at a large scientific meeting, an experience that brought to my attention the importance of such communication early in one's career. I offer a few tips on how to make the most of this invaluable training.
Evaluation of the Bruker Biotyper Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry System for Identification of Blood Isolates of Vibrio Species
Authors: Cheng Wern-Cherng , Jan I-Shiow , Chen Jong-Min , Teng Shih-Hua , Teng Lee-Jene , Sheng Wang-Huei , Ko Wen-Chien , Hsueh Po-Ren
Published: March 2015

Among 56 blood isolates of
Vibrio
species identified by sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA and
rpoB
genes, the Bruker Biotyper matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system correctly identified all isolates of
Vibrio vulnificus
(
n
= 20),
V. parahaemolyticus
(
n
= 2), and
V. fluvialis
(
n
= 1) but none of the isolates of serogroup non-O1/O139 (non-serogroup O1, non-O139)
V. cholerae
(
n
= 33) to the species level. All of these serogroup non-O1/O139
V. cholerae
isolates were correctly identified using the newly created MALDI-TOF MS database.
Isolation of Bordetella bronchiseptica from Blood and a Pancreatic Abscess
Authors: Matic Nancy A. , Bunce Paul E.
Published: March 2015

Bordetella bronchiseptica
is a respiratory pathogen rarely encountered in human hosts. We describe a case of bacteremia and pancreatic abscess caused by this organism. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of
B. bronchiseptica
causing intra-abdominal infection in the form of an abscess.