bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Series
Authors: Myall Nathaniel J. , Yeom Kristen W. , Yeatman Jason D. , Gaman-Bean Shayna , Feldman Heidi M.
Published: August 2012

This case series assesses white matter microstructure in 3 adolescents born preterm with nonshunted ventricular dilation secondary to intraventricular hemorrhage. Subjects (ages 12-17 years, gestational age 26-29 weeks, birth weight 825-1624 g) were compared to 3 full-term controls (13-17 years, 39-40 weeks, 3147-3345 g) and 3 adolescents born preterm without ventricular dilation (10-13 years, 26-29 weeks, 630-1673 g). Tractography using a 2 region of interest method reconstructed the following white matter tracts: superior longitudinal/arcuate fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, uncinate fasciculus, and corticospinal tract. Subjects showed increased fractional anisotropy and changes in the pattern of fractional anisotropy along the trajectory of tracts adjacent to the lateral ventricles. Tensor shape at areas of increased fractional anisotropy demonstrated increased linear anisotropy at the expense of planar and spherical anisotropy. These findings suggest increased axonal packing density and straightening of fibers secondary to ventricular enlargement.
Increased Frontomotor Oscillations During Tic Suppression in Children With Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Hong Hyun Ju , Sohn Hansem , Cha Minho , Kim Seongkyun , Oh Jihoon , Chu Min Kyung , Namkoong Kee , Jeong Jaeseung
Published: August 2012

This work investigated whether Tourette syndrome patients exhibit alterations in neural oscillations during spontaneous expression and suppression of tics. Electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded from 9 medication-naïve children with Tourette syndrome and 10 age-matched healthy subjects in resting conditions and during tic suppression. Their cortical oscillations were examined using the power spectral method and partial directed coherence. The authors found increased oscillations of broad frequency bands in the frontomotor regions of patients during tic expression, suggesting the involvement of aberrant cortical oscillations in Tourette syndrome. More significantly, prominent increases in theta oscillation in the prefrontal area and directed frontomotor interactions in the theta and beta bands were observed during tic suppression. Furthermore, the directed EEG interaction from the frontal to motor regions was positively correlated with the severity of tic symptoms. These findings suggest that the frontal to motor interaction of cortical oscillations plays a significant role in tic suppression.
The Spectrum of Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) in Childhood
Authors: Tillema J.M. , McKeon A.
Published: August 2012

The evaluation of inflammatory central nervous system disorders in childhood with predominant involvement of the optic nerves and spinal cord has been greatly enhanced over the last decade with identification of a group of disorders unified by the detection of neuromyelitis optica (NMO)–IgG, an antibody targeting the central nervous system–predominant water channel aquaporin-4. Clinical syndromes are predominated by the relapsing form of NMO but also include encephalopathic variants that can mimic acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Maintenance immunotherapy is used to prevent relapses in NMO-IgG–seropositive patients. In contrast, NMO-IgG–seronegative children with NMO more commonly have a monophasic course (simultaneous occurrence of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis) and do not require remission-maintaining immunotherapy, but close surveillance is advised. Current clinical, pathological, and pathogenetic knowledge is reviewed with a focus on clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, serological investigations, and treatment of children with disorders within the spectrum of central nervous system aquaporin-4 autoimmunity.
Gender Segregation in Elite Academic Science
Authors: Ecklund Elaine Howard , Lincoln Anne E. , Tansey Cassandra
Published: August 2012

Efforts to understand gender segregation within and among science disciplines have focused on both supply- and demand-side explanations. Yet we know little about how academic scientists themselves view the sources of such segregation. Utilizing data from a survey of scientists at thirty top U.S. graduate programs in physics and biology (n = 2,503) and semistructured interviews with 150 of them, this article examines the reasons academic scientists provide for differences in the distribution of women in biology and physics. In quantitative analyses, gender is more salient than discipline in determining the reasons scientists provide for gender disparities between disciplines, suggesting that gender may act as a “master status,” shaping the experiences of scientists regardless of the gender composition of the discipline. Qualitative interviews confirm this interpretation and reveal that scientists also perceive mentoring, natural differences, discrimination, and the history of the disciplines to be important factors. Results contribute to research on the relationship between emotional labor and occupational gender segregation conducted in professions such as law and nursing.
Components of Depression in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Zahodne Laura B. , Marsiske Michael , Okun Michael S. , Bowers Dawn
Published: August 2012

Depression is a clinically heterogeneous disorder common in Parkinson disease (PD). The goal of this study was to characterize PD depression in terms of components, including negative affect, apathy, and anhedonia. Ninety-five, nondemented individuals with idiopathic PD underwent a diagnostic interview and psychological battery. Twenty-seven patients (28%) met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition [ DSM-IV]) criteria for a current depressive episode. The best-fitting confirmatory factor analysis model had 3 factors (negative affect, apathy, and anhedonia). Apathy loaded most strongly onto a second-order factor representing global psychological disturbance. All factors are uniquely associated with depression status. Negative affect exhibited the strongest relationship. Psychological disturbance in PD is heterogeneous and can produce symptoms of apathy, anhedonia, and negative affect. Apathy appears to be the core neuropsychiatric feature of PD, whereas negative affect (eg, dysphoria) seems to be most pathognomonic of depression. Future studies should examine the specific neural correlates and treatment response patterns unique to these 3 components.
The Politics of District Instructional Policy Formation
Authors: Trujillo Tina M.
Published: August 2012

This qualitative case study extends the literature on urban district instructional policymaking by analyzing the ways in which normative and political pressures shaped district leaders’ instructional policy decisions. Drawing on concepts from the politics of education, it shows how teachers and principals repeatedly nullified policies that aimed for equity-oriented, rigorous changes in one urban district when leaders opted to pacify constituents, rather than uphold controversial policies. It complements present explanations of how district instructional policies come to be by comparing the consistency between the values and ideologies of district leaders, principals, and teachers and those implicit in district policies.
Determinants of the Range of Ethnocultural Diversity on Nonprofit Boards
Authors: Bradshaw Patricia , Fredette Christopher
Published: August 2012

Using data from a survey of large nonprofits across Canada, this study focuses on the determinants of the range of diversity (defined as the number of different ethnocultural and visible minority groups represented) on boards across the country. The determinants of diversity that the article examines include community, organizational, and general board characteristics as well as board diversity practices. We examine the extent to which these factors are related to an increased range of diversity on the boards. It appears that the diversity of the community that nonprofits operate in and efforts to institutionalize formal diversity-related policies are particularly significant determinants of diversity, although board size and reliance on interorganizational alliances in recruitment of board members also have a small relationship. The implications for theory and practice are examined.
Design, fabrication and characterization of three-dimensional patterned microstructured surfaces with self-cleaning properties from hydrophilic materials
Authors: Kong Ling Bao , Cheung Chi Fai , To Suet
Published: August 2012

The generation of self-cleaning surfaces requires strong water repellence, which is usually realized by either fabricating a rough surface from low-surface-energy material, or modifying a rough surface with microstructures. The advancement of the ultra-precision machining technology enables the later approach to be a more prospective and flexible method to produce microstructured self-cleaning surfaces. This article presents a study for the design, fabrication and characterization of three-dimensional patterned microstructured surfaces with self-cleaning properties by using ultra-precision machining technology. The study starts with the design of three-dimensional microstructured surfaces based on the derivation and simplification of some microstructures possessing self-cleaning properties in nature, and theoretical analysis for water contact angle of the designed structures. According to the scales and patterns of the three-dimensional microstructures, an appropriate ultra-precision machining method is selected to fabricate the microstructures. The machined surface is then examined and characterized. A series of experiments have been undertaken to produce patterned microstructures by an ultra-precision raster milling process, and the micro-structured surfaces were measured and characterized in terms of their geometrical form accuracy and water repellence performance. The experimental results indicate that such kind of three-dimensional patterned microstructures can achieve a large static water contact angle, which is near 150°, by modifying the structural scales and patterns of hydrophilic materials. This provides an important means to generate surfaces with self-cleaning properties in mass production by precision injection moulding.
Hydraulic roll-bending predictive control based on time series prediction error compensation
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Jin Herong , Zheng Dezhong
Published: August 2012

In this article, considering the characteristics of nonlinearity, time-variables, and disturbance in hydraulic roll-bending system, a generalized predictive control scheme based on time series prediction error compensation was proposed. A time series prediction model was used to compensate the future sequence error, which not only made the system have strong anti-interference and robustness, but also improved target tracking accuracy and stability of the system. The control algorithm was simplified by introducing control increment attenuation factors into the predictive control model, and thus, system response speed and real-time performance were improved obviously. The results obtained from simulation validated the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm.
Study on the effect of tool profiles on temperature distribution and material flow characteristics in friction stir welding
Authors: Mohanty Hrushikesh , Mahapatra Manas M , Kumar Pradeep , Biswas Pankaj , Mandal Nisith R
Published: August 2012

The present investigation describes a computational fluid dynamics approach to study the effects of friction stir welding tool profiles on the thermal conditions and material flow in welds. The aim is to observe the temperatures of the weld and material flow with respect to different probe profiles. For the modeling purpose, temperature dependent material properties and stick–slip conditions between the tool and work material were incorporated. The results from the model exhibited most of the process characteristics of friction stir welding, such as the difference in temperatures of advancing and retreating sides of the weld, temperature contours ahead and behind the tools along the weld, and flow fields. The thermal condition exhibited temperatures that were close to experimental values and below the melting point of the aluminum alloy.
Modeling uncontrolled regeneration of diesel particulate filters, taking into account hydrocarbon slip
Authors: Lee Hoon , Rutland Christopher J
Published: August 2012

The effect of hydrocarbon slip from a diesel oxidation catalyst on active regeneration of a diesel particulate filter is investigated by developing a generalized zero-dimensional diesel particulate filter model to predict the wall temperature of the diesel particulate filter and the trapped mass of particulate matter. Exhaust fuel injection methodology is applied to provide a high temperature for regeneration by oxidation in the diesel oxidation catalyst. However, the diesel oxidation catalyst reactions may be incomplete and hydrocarbon slip can occur. It is confirmed that two exothermic reactions, namely soot oxidation and hydrocarbon oxidation, which proceed simultaneously may result in the synergistic effect of a rise in the temperature. This is primarily because the temperature is the common factor that affects both reaction rates, i.e. a rise in the temperature caused by one reaction can affect the increase in the reaction rate of another reaction through the exotherms created. Accurate prediction of the temperature rise during active regeneration of the diesel particulate filter is dependent on several crucial factors: the initial wall temperature of the diesel particulate filter, the inlet temperature of the diesel particulate filter, the initial loading level of particulate matter, the exhaust mass flow rate, the oxygen concentration, and hydrocarbon slip. Several simulations revealed that hydrocarbon slip can be one of the reasons for uncontrolled regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. It is concluded that, if there is a considerable amount of hydrocarbon slip, then uncontrolled regeneration of the diesel particulate filter easily occurs when the exhaust mass flow rate is rapidly reduced to the idle condition during regeneration. Flow transient simulations also confirmed that the temperature ramp-up rate and the point of time when the exhaust mass flow rate is reduced determine the overall trend of the temperature rise and the characteristics of the thermal behavior of the diesel particulate filter.
Implementation of a fuzzy-inference-based, low-speed, close-range collision-warning system for urban areas
Authors: Kim Man-Ho , Lee Suk , Ha Kyoung-Nam , Lee Kyung-Chang
Published: August 2012

Traffic accidents are still increasing even though vehicles are becoming more intelligent to enhance driver convenience and safety. Single car-on-car rear impacts in urban areas have increased rapidly due to driver inattention. According to a Road Traffic Authority (ROTA) report in Korea in 2006, 85.2% of single car-on-car rear impact accidents occurred at less than 60 km/h, and 25.3% of the total occurred at between 30 km/h and 50 km/h. To prevent rear vehicle crashes in urban areas, automobile manufacturers have developed various low-speed, close-range collision-warning systems. This paper presents a low-speed, close-range collision-warning algorithm for urban areas using fuzzy inference. Experiments using an embedded microprocessor in the driving track demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed collision-warning system. The results indicate that the fuzzy inference-based, low-speed, close-range collision-warning system could reduce traffic accidents by alerting the driver to potential collisions.
Development of a stratified tank storage component for ESP-r with embedded phase change material modules
Authors: Padovan Roberta , Manzan Marco
Published: August 2012

Solar domestic hot water systems are very common and are considered an efficient system for exploiting the renewable energy source of the sun, for instance national Italian regulations require the adoption of solar domestic hot water systems in new buildings. Water tanks are typical components for such systems, but have a serious drawback since they require a great amount of space in buildings. In this article, a new water tank model with embedded phase change material modules for the ESP-r code is presented in order to assess the possibility of using reduced size water tanks with additional latent storage. This article describes the numerical model used to deal with phase change phenomena and the incorporation of the method into ESP-r source code. To validate the model, the results of a test case have been compared with the literature data. A typical solar domestic hot water system has been simulated in order to study the impact of the phase change material modules inside tanks on the energy performance of the system. The results are reported using a global parameter that represents the fractional primary energy saved using the solar system. Water temperature plots with and without phase change material have been reported as well.
Mediating the Use of Global University Rankings
Authors: O’Connell Catherine , Saunders Murray
Published: August 2012

This study explores responses to rankings from a group of staff working as education partnership facilitators for a professional intermediary organisation, the British Council. The study adopts an activity systems perspective from which to view the contexts in which rankings are encountered and the range of practices used to reduce tensions created by rankings, or reconcile their effects. The article illustrates how rankings have become embedded as a new form of infrastructure in the international education “context of practice”; as a tool (to enable benchmarking); as a form of exchange (to demonstrate credentials to customers and stakeholders); and as a division of labour (in the task of assessing value across national borders). The range of responses to rankings displayed by respondents in this study demonstrates a significant space that has been created for interpretation and reconstruction of meaning. The implications of this analysis for policy makers, practitioners, and researchers are discussed.
International Students in an Indian Technical University
Authors: Karky Nandini
Published: August 2012

A qualitative inquiry into the presence of international students in an Indian Technical University, through the voices of the faculty, who are appointed as international students’ counselors. A case study methodology was employed with document analysis and interviews to perceive how technical faculty managed students from varying cultural backgrounds. International students were admitted by the Center for International Affairs, a body in the university, in the three categories, namely, foreign nationals (FN), children of nonresident Indians (NRI), and children of Indian workers in Gulf countries (CWIGC). The focus of counseling turned out to be largely on academic performance and related parameters like class attendance. Besides this, the majority of the international student population were the culturally similar students of Indian origin, with nonresident-Indian parents or relatives, living and working in Western and Middle East countries. These factors were the prime reasons that the faculty perceived themselves as well prepared to handle the role of international-students’ counselors. A limitation of the study was the low volume of international students and fact that the majority of international student population turned out to be the culturally similar students of Indian origin. Although cultural differences were few in such a case, there were inherent differences between the Indian education system and the educational systems of the origin countries, which provided the necessary focus. Perspectives on the impact of travel abroad, the reasons of internationalization in Indian universities, and the various problems international students face in a different education system were explored. The faculty counselors expressed their view that the university needed many preparatory reforms before it could confidently welcome a large number of international students from various countries.
Chlamydiaceae family, Parachlamydia spp., and Waddlia spp. in porcine abortion
Authors: Koschwanez Maria , Meli Marina , Vögtlin Andrea , Greub Gilbert , Sidler Xaver , Handke Martin , Sydler Titus , Kaiser Carmen , Pospischil Andreas , Borel Nicole
Published: August 2012

At present, despite extensive laboratory investigations, most cases of porcine abortion remain without an etiological diagnosis. Due to a lack of recent data on the abortigenic effect of order Chlamydiales, 286 fetuses and their placentae of 113 abortion cases (1–5 fetuses per abortion case) were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for family Chlamydiaceae and selected Chlamydia-like organisms such as Parachlamydia acanthamoebae and Waddlia chondrophila. In 0.35% of the cases (1/286 fetuses), the Chlamydiaceae real-time PCR was positive. In the Chlamydiaceae-positive fetus, Chlamydia abortus was detected by a commercial microarray and 16S ribosomal RNA PCR followed by sequencing. The positive fetus had a Porcine circovirus-2 coinfection. By the Parachlamydia real-time PCR, 3.5% (10/286 fetuses of 9 abortion cases) were questionable positive (threshold cycle values: 35.0–45.0). In 2 of these 10 cases, a confirmation by Chlamydiales-specific real-time PCR was possible. All samples tested negative by the Waddlia real-time PCR. It seems unlikely that Chlamydiaceae, Parachlamydia, and Waddlia play an important role as abortigenic agents in Swiss sows.
Limited yield of diagnoses of intrahepatic infectious causes of canine granulomatous hepatitis from archival liver tissue
Authors: Hutchins Rae G. , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Cullen John M. , Bissett Sally A. , Gookin Jody L.
Published: August 2012

Canine granulomatous hepatitis is an uncommon morphologic diagnosis that has been associated with a variety of diseases, including a number of systemic infectious etiologies. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are typically the only source of liver tissue remaining for additional testing for the presence of infectious disease within granulomas. It is unclear if the more common infectious culprits of granulomatous hepatitis can be identified from such specimens. The aim of the current study was to retrospectively investigate archival FFPE liver tissue from dogs with granulomatous hepatitis for the presence of infectious agents. Semiquantitative analysis of copper accumulation in liver specimens was also performed. Medical records were examined for recorded evidence of systemic infectious disease diagnosis. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver was prospectively evaluated for infectious agents via differential staining techniques ( n = 13), eubacterial fluorescent in situ hybridization ( n = 11), and Bartonella polymerase chain reaction assays ( n = 15). An infectious cause of granulomatous hepatitis was not identified within liver tissue from any dog using these diagnostic methodologies. Six out of 25 (24%) dogs were diagnosed with concurrent systemic or localized bacterial infections at the time of presentation. Nine out of 17 (53%) dogs had excessive hepatic copper accumulation when evaluated by a semiquantitative histologic grading scheme or quantitative copper analysis. As definitive infectious causes of granulomatous hepatitis were not identified within archival liver biopsy samples, it was concluded that investigation of infectious etiologies within FFPE liver specimens using these diagnostic approaches may be of low yield.
Development of an antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Clostridium perfringens beta2-toxin in porcine feces and the neonatal piglet intestine
Authors: Kircanski Jasmina , Hodgins Douglas , Soltes Glenn , Pei Yanlong , Parreira Valeria R. , Songer J. Glenn , Prescott John F.
Published: August 2012

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for detection and quantitation of beta2-toxin in neonatal piglet intestinal contents. Polystyrene plates were coated with polyclonal capture antibodies prepared against consensus recombinant beta2-toxin. The ELISA was developed using consensus recombinant beta2-toxin, atypical recombinant beta2-toxin, purified consensus native beta2-toxin, and field samples of neonatal porcine intestinal contents. Captured antigen was detected using a horseradish peroxidase–labeled monoclonal antibody against consensus recombinant beta2-toxin. The limit of detection of the ELISA for consensus beta2-toxin was between 2.0 and 3.5 ng/ml. The ELISA detected atypical recombinant beta2-toxin only weakly. Optical density was protein concentration dependent. The test confirmed differences between consensus and atypical recombinant beta2-toxin, but similar results obtained when testing pure consensus recombinant beta2-toxin and native beta2-toxin. Results obtained from intestinal content samples, particularly from the small intestine, were highly inconsistent and suggested variable protease activity. Addition of protease inhibitors partially prevented degradation of the toxin; however, sample processing at low temperature, at a lower pH (citrate buffer with 5% of bovine serum albumin, pH 6.1), and “cold incubation” of applied antigens abolished protease activity. The recombinant toxin was preserved in spiked intestinal samples by freezing at −70°C, suggesting that necropsy samples can be stored frozen for periodic testing. With appropriate sample preparation, antigen-capture ELISA can detect beta2-toxin in the intestinal content and feces of neonatal piglets.
Occurrence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, and distribution of enterococcal clonal complex 17 from animals and human beings in Korea
Authors: Kwon Ka Hee , Hwang Sun Young , Moon Bo Youn , Park Young Kyung , Shin Sook , Hwang Cheol-Yong , Park Yong Ho
Published: August 2012

Enterococci are major zoonotic bacteria that cause opportunistic infections in human beings and animals. Moreover, pathogenic strains can be disseminated between human beings and animals, particularly companion animals that come into frequent contact with people. Recently, Enterococcus faecium clonal complex 17 (CC17) has emerged as a pandemic clone. Most CC17 strains are ampicillin resistant and possess virulence genes such as esp and hyl. Despite the possible dissemination of CC17 between human beings and animals, prevalence data about CC17 in animals is limited. In the present study, the phenotypes and genotypes of antimicrobial resistance were compared, as well as virulence gene profiles from 184 enterococci strains isolated from chickens, pigs, companion animals, and human patients in Korea. Ampicillin-resistant E. faecium (AREF) strains were selected, and multilocus sequence typing was performed to investigate the dispersion of CC17 among animals and human beings. The companion animal and human isolates showed high resistance rates to ampicillin and ciprofloxacin, whereas food animal isolates showed high tetracycline and erythromycin resistance rates. Ampicillin-resistant E. faecium was only detected in human (21/21 E. faecium, 100%) and companion animal (3/5 E. faecium, 60%) isolates, and all human AREF strains and 1 canine AREF strain were confirmed as CC17. In conclusion, the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, and the distribution of enterococcal CC17 in companion animal enterococcal strains were similar to those of human strains rather than to those of food animal strains.
Cerebrospinal nematodiasis outbreak in an urban outdoor aviary of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in southern California
Authors: Diab Santiago S. , Uzal Francisco A. , Giannitti Federico , Shivaprasad H.L.
Published: August 2012

An outbreak of cerebrospinal nematodiasis due to Baylisascaris sp. was documented in an urban outdoor aviary in southern California. Thirty-four out of 35 cockatiels ( Nymphicus hollandicus, 97%) showed a variety of neurological signs including ataxia, lateral recumbency, opisthotonus, and torticollis. Thirteen carcasses were submitted for necropsy; the histological lesions were restricted to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and were predominantly degenerative, characterized by multifocal white matter vacuolation, gliosis, axonal swelling, gitter cell infiltration, and mild hemorrhage, rarely accompanied by mild granulomatous inflammation and mild lymphocytic perivascular cuffs. Nematode larvae morphologically compatible with Baylisascaris sp. were observed in the brain of 5 birds, away from the lesion site.
DEVELOPMENT MONOPOLY
Authors: Ansoms An , Geenen Sara
Published: August 2012

DEVELOPMENT MONOPOLY is a simulation game that allows players to experience how power relations influence the agency of different socioeconomic groups, and how this can induce poverty and inequality. Players alter the original rules of the MONOPOLY board game so that they more accurately reflect social stratification and inequalities in the context of developing countries. After the game, the players reflect on how they could be made more inclusive and pro-poor. In an individual debriefing, they are invited to think about the connections between game dynamics and contemporary evolutions in developing countries. In a final collective debriefing phase, participants discuss the ways in which the simulation experience enhanced their understandings of poverty and inequality.
A Climate Change Board Game for Interdisciplinary Communication and Education
Authors: Eisenack Klaus
Published: August 2012

This article reports and reflects on the design and use of the board game KEEP COOL on climate change. The game covers and integrates central biophysical, economic, and political aspects of the issue. By using a board game as common language between students and scientists from different scientific cultures, knowledge of different disciplines can be integrated and different views can be discussed. Thus, even complex issues such as the free-rider problem, trade-offs between adaptation to and mitigation of climate change, and path dependencies can be studied. KEEP COOL is the first game on climate change that is readily available from a commercial publisher. It has successfully been used in multiple settings, for example, as a tool for interdisciplinary research, public relations, public understanding of science, and, in particular, teaching. The experience with the game indicates that it can be effectively used in seminars with students to obtain a holistic picture of the issue and to lay out a common language for deeper reflections on climate change. This contribution also identifies some pitfalls and essential instruments for its adequate use for teaching.
Relationship of Physical and Functional Independence and Perceived Quality of Life of Veteran Patients With Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Yeaman Paul A. , Kim Dong-Yun , Alexander Jeffrey L. , Ewing Helen , Kim Kye Y.
Published: August 2012

Alzheimer disease not only affects the cognitive function but also impacts one’s abilities to perform daily tasks. This study evaluated for correlation between the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer disease (QoL-AD) and the level of independence and to evaluate the statistical difference between patients’ quality of life and proxy perception of quality of life by utilizing the Katz activities of daily living and QoL-AD on patients and QoL-AD on caregivers. There was a small positive correlation ( r = .13) between the levels of physical and functional independence and the perceived QoL. Also, patient consistently had higher QoL-AD than their caregiver counterparts. These findings provide some insight into our need to acknowledge factors that may influence QoL and illustrate the importance of monitoring for executive dysfunction and the safety risk.
Socrates in a Different Key
Authors: Schlosser Joel Alden
Published: August 2012

This essay interprets Baldwin as continuing the Socratic practice of self-examination and social criticism while also shifting his Socratic undertaking by charting the limits of examination created by the harsh effects of race and slavery in the United States. The author argues that Baldwin’s Socratic practice inflects not only his essays—the center of previous analyses—but also his fictions. By transposing Socrates to issues of race in twentieth-century America and confronting the incoherent effects of a racialized society, James Baldwin thus carries forward and transforms a pivotal figure in the history of political thought.
Repression, Dissent, and the Onset of Civil War
Authors: Young Joseph K.
Published: August 2012

The prevailing scholarly wisdom is that weak states, or resource-poor states, are the most prone to civil war. Yet many weak states never experience civil war. Why then are some weak states prone to civil war while others are not? The author offers a theory that explains how dissidents and states interact to jointly produce civil war. In sum, states that repress their citizens are the most likely to kill citizens and to generate dissident violence. This insight resolves an academic puzzle and when tested provides a model with better predictive ability than previous models.
Response Strategies and Response Styles in Cross-Cultural Surveys
Authors: Morren Meike , Gelissen John P. T. M. , Vermunt Jeroen K.
Published: August 2012

This article addresses the following research questions: Do respondents participating in cross-cultural surveys differ in their response style when responding to attitude statements? If so, are characteristics of the response process associated with their ethnicity and generation of immigration? To answer these questions we conducted a mixed method study. Quantitative analysis of a large representative sample of minorities in the Netherlands shows that cross-cultural differences in responding can partly be explained by a differential response style. These differences in response style turn out to be related to the generation of immigration, both in the representative sample and in a purposively selected qualitative sample of persons of the same four cultural groups. Analysis of cognitive interviews reveals that respondents use three types of response strategies to overcome difficulties of responding to items in a cross-cultural survey. These response strategies are also related to a respondent’s generation of immigration.
Scale- and Item-Level Factor Analyses of the VIA Inventory of Strengths
Authors: McGrath Robert E.
Published: August 2012

The VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) has emerged as the primary instrument for gauging individual strengths and virtues. Prior studies have generated inconsistent results concerning the latent structure of the VIA-IS. The present study attempted to address some of these inconsistencies. VIA-IS results from a large sample ( N = 458,998) of U.S. adults who completed the inventory online were subjected to a series of principal components and factor analyses. The sample was 66.46% female with a mean age of 34.36 years ( SD = 14.13 years) and consistent with the general U.S. population in terms of geographic distribution. Information on ethnicity was not available. The size of the sample permitted both scale- and item-level analyses. The scale-level analyses produced findings similar to those of previous studies, but raised concerns about multidimensionality in the scales. Item-level analyses suggested an alternate set of 24 scales, 20 of which overlapped substantially with existing VIA-IS scales. A second-order analysis suggested five factors, including a new one labeled Future Orientation, versus the original six virtues proposed in the development of the VIA-IS. The results were used to speculate about elements of a second-generation model of strengths.
A Measurement Invariance Examination of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale in a Southern Sample
Authors: Trent Lindsay Rae , Buchanan Erin , Ebesutani Chad , Ale Chelsea M. , Heiden Laurie , Hight Terry L. , Damon John D. , Young John
Published: August 2012

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale in a large sample of youth from the Southern United States. The authors aimed to determine (a) if the established six-factor Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale structure could be replicated in this Southern sample and (b) if scores were associated with measurement invariance across African American and Caucasian youth representative of youth from this region of the United States. The established six-factor model evidenced the best fit in comparison to one-, two-, and five-factor models in the total sample ( N = 12,695), as well as in the African American ( n = 4,906) and Caucasian ( n = 6,667) subsamples. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis also supported measurement invariance across African American and Caucasian youth at the levels of equal factor structure and equal factor loadings. Noninvariant item intercepts were identified, however, indicating differential functioning for a subset of items. Clinical and measurement implications of these findings are discussed and new norms are presented.
Cross-Validation of the PAI Negative Distortion Scale for Feigned Mental Disorders
Authors: Rogers Richard , Gillard Nathan D. , Wooley Chelsea N. , Kelsey Katherine R.
Published: August 2012

A major strength of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) is its systematic assessment of response styles, including feigned mental disorders. Recently, Mogge, Lepage, Bell, and Ragatz developed and provided the initial validation for the Negative Distortion Scale (NDS). Using rare symptoms as its detection strategy for feigning, the usefulness of NDS was examined via a known-groups comparison. The current study sought to cross-validate the NDS by implementing a between-subjects simulation design. Simulators were asked to feign total disability in an effort to secure unwarranted compensation from their insurance company. Even in an inpatient sample with severe Axis I disorders and concomitant impairment, the NDS proved effective as a rare-symptom strategy with low levels of item endorsement that remained mostly stable across genders. For construct validity, the NDS was moderately correlated with the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms–Second Edition and other PAI feigning scales. For discriminant validity, it yielded a very large effect size ( d = 1.81), surpassing the standard PAI feigning indicators. Utility estimates appeared to be promising for both ruling-out (low probability of feigning) and ruling-in (high probability of feigning) determinations at different base rates. Like earlier research, the data supported the creation of well-defined groups with indeterminate scores (i.e., the cut score ± 1 SEM) removed to avoid high rates of misclassifications for this narrow band.
Child Contact Centers and Domestic Abuse
Authors: Morrison Fiona , Wasoff Fran
Published: August 2012

Child contact with a nonresident father who has perpetrated domestic abuse has gained policy and research attention. Both feminist social policy and family law research identify the role child contact centers can play in facilitating contact in these circumstances. Drawing from a literature review carried out by the authors, this article examines the priorities that underpin feminist social policy and family law disciplines and how these manifest in research on contact centers and domestic abuse.
Vitamin D and Depression
Authors: Kwasky Andrea N. , Groh Carla J.
Published: August 2012

Background:

Depression is emerging as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults. New biological assessment strategies such as biological markers are needed to more accurately assess for depression in this age group. Vitamin D may present such an opportunity.

Objective:

A descriptive correlational design with convenience sampling was used to address the research question: Is there a relationship between vitamin D serum levels and depression scores in young adult women?

Design:

One hundred thirty-nine participants completed a health questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and had serum vitamin D, 25(OH)D, levels drawn.

Results:

No statistically significant correlation between vitamin D level and depression was identified. Statistically significant differences between African American and Caucasian women were detected on vitamin D levels but not on the Beck Depression Inventory.

Conclusion:

Based on the results of this study, vitamin D cannot be used as a biomarker for depression in women aged 18 to 24 years. Clinical implications of no relationship between vitamin D and depression will be explored and the cut-point for serum 25(OH)D levels will be discussed.
An Assessment of Students’ Confidence in Performing Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Skills
Authors: Fiedler Ruth Anne , Breitenstein Susie , Delaney Kathleen
Published: August 2012

Background:

In 2008, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the International Society for Psychiatric Nursing jointed developed Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing competencies for BSN students. In the newly created accelerated track of the BSN program, students spend less time than traditional students in psychiatric mental health (PMH) clinical practica.

Objectives:

The primary objective was to discover how the PMH practicum experience influences BSN students’ perceptions of their confidence in performing PMH clinical skills.

Design:

An evaluation design was used in this study.

Results:

There was significant improvement in students’ confidence performing PMH clinical competencies after completing the PMH nursing practicum. The current structure of clinical provides students with experiences that promote their confidence.

Conclusions:

Students self-assessment about learning needs and skill level should be assessed preclinically to allow for practice to gain confidence.
The Many Ways to Be Marginal in a Group
Authors: Ellemers Naomi , Jetten Jolanda
Published: August 2012

Previous theory and research primarily address marginal group members on the path to achieve core membership status. The authors argue that these only represent one form of marginality and that there are many other ways to be marginal within the group. The authors develop a dynamic model in which marginality is conceptualized as resulting from group and individual negotiation about inclusion (the Marginality as Resulting From Group and Individual Negotiation About Inclusion [MARGINI] model), and where individual and group inclusion goals can converge (resulting in relatively stable forms of marginality) or diverge (resulting in less stable forms of marginality). When the marginal position is unstable, individuals can either be motivated to move toward or move further away from the group, and such changing inclusion goals are associated with different emotions and behaviors. The authors argue that one needs to understand the interplay between individual and group inclusion goals to predict and explain the full complexity and diversity of the behavior of marginal group members.
Features of Multifinality
Authors: Kruglanski Arie W. , Köpetz Catalina , Bélanger Jocelyn J. , Chun Woo Young , Orehek Edward , Fishbach Ayelet
Published: August 2012

Diverse facets of the multifinality configuration in goal-directed behavior are identified and empirically explored. The multifinality construct denotes a motivational structure wherein a single means is linked to several ends. A multifinality configuration maximizes value that a given means promises to deliver while sacrificing expectancy of attainment due to a dilution effect. Several phenomena implied by multifinality theory are investigated, including an unconscious quest for multifinal means, the constraints that such quest imposes on means to a focal goal, and structural conditions under which an activity may be experienced as intrinsically motivated. Multifinality phenomena appear in numerous domains of social cognition, and the present theory offers a novel perspective on classic motivational effects.
What We Should Expect From Theories in Social Psychology
Authors: Van Lange Paul A. M.
Published: August 2012

The construction and development of theory is one of the central routes to scientific progress. But what exactly constitutes a good theory? What is it that people might expect from an ideal theory? This article advances a new model, which delineates truth, abstraction, progress, and applicability as standards (TAPAS) for a good theory. After providing the rationale for TAPAS, this article evaluates several social-psychological theories in terms of TAPAS, especially classic theories, and illustrates its utility with some more recent theoretical contributions of social psychology. This article concludes by outlining recommendations for effective theory construction and development, such as the utility of meta-analytic approaches for pursuing truth, the utility of theory-oriented courses and journals for pursuing abstraction, and the utility of adversarial collaboration for pursuing progress, and reaching out to major personal or societal issues for pursuing applicability.
GPU-based approaches for real-time sound source localization using the SRP-PHAT algorithm
Authors: Minotto Vicente Peruffo , Jung Claudio Rosito , da Silveira Luiz Gonzaga , Lee Bowon
Published: August 2012

The aim of most microphone array applications is to localize sound sources in a noisy and reverberant environment. For that purpose, many different sound source localization (SSL) algorithms have been proposed, where the SRP-PHAT (steered response power using the phase transform) has been known as one of the state-of-the-art methods. Its original formulation allows two different practical implementations, one that is computed in the frequency domain (FDSP) and another in the time domain (TDSP), which can be enhanced by interpolation. However, the main problem of this algorithm is its high computational cost due to intensive grid scan in search for the sound source. Considering the power of graphics processing units (GPUs) for working with massively parallelizable compute-intensive algorithms, we present two highly scalable GPU-based versions of the SRP-PHAT, one for each formulation, and also an implementation of the cubic splines interpolation in the GPU. These approaches exploit the parallel aspects of the SRP-PHAT, allowing real-time execution for large search grids. Comparing our GPU approaches against traditional multithreaded CPU approaches, results show a speed up of [Formula: see text] for the FDSP, and [Formula: see text] for the TDSP with interpolation, when comparing high-end GPUs with high-end CPUs.
A calculation method of joint forces for a suspension considering nonlinear elasticity of bushings
Authors: Tang Liang , Shangguan Wen-Bin , Dai Lin
Published: August 2012

The forces and/or moments applied to a ball joint and a bushing in one suspension are important loads for the design or fatigue tests of control arms, trailing bars and steering knuckles. Taking a double wishbone suspension as one studying example, a modeling and calculation method for obtaining the forces applied to the ball joints and the bushings, and moments applied to the bushings are proposed and developed in this article. In modeling of a suspension, a bushing is modeled with three translational stiffness and three torsional stiffness along and around three orthogonal axes. The force (moment) versus displacement (angle) along (around) one axis is nonlinear and is simplified as piecewise linear at five sections. The joint forces and moments for ball joints and bushings of a double wishbone suspension system are calculated with the proposed method in this article, and compared with that obtained using two conventional methods (method I and method II) when a vehicle runs in typical and extreme driving conditions. Conventional method I simplifies the connections between the control arm and body as rigid link. Conventional method II assumes that the control arm links with the body using bushings, in which the bushings are modeled as three linear stiffness along three orthogonal axes. The calculation and comparison demonstrate that the bushing nonlinear and rotational stiffness must be modeled for precise calculation of ball joint force and moments, especially when a vehicle runs in extreme driving conditions.