bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permanent Pedagogy
Authors: Sallaz Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2014

We lack a compelling account of the post-Fordist labor process. When firms can no longer provide secure jobs at good pay, how do they motivate workers? Rather than a return to despotism, this ethnography of call center work documents a novel system of indirect control. New employees are rushed onto the production floor, where their lack of preparation discomfits them and motivates them to play an autonomous learning game. Although initially generative of effort, the game is difficult to master and offers few rewards for sustained participation. Intense effort and high attrition coexist, a management system that the author labels permanent pedagogy.
Postconcussion Syndrome
Authors: Barlow Karen M.
Published: October 2014

Postconcussion syndrome is a symptom complex with a wide range of somatic, cognitive, sleep, and affective features, and is the most common consequence of traumatic brain injury. Between 14% and 29% of children with mild traumatic brain injury will continue to have postconcussion symptoms at 3 months, but the pathophysiological mechanisms driving this is poorly understood. The relative contribution of injury factors to postconcussion syndrome decreases over time and, instead, premorbid factors become important predictors of symptom persistence by 3 to 6 months postinjury. The differential diagnoses include headache disorder, cervical injury, anxiety, depression, somatization, vestibular dysfunction, and visual dysfunction. The long-term outcome for most children is good, although there is significant morbidity in the short term. Management strategies target problematic symptoms such as headaches, sleep and mood disturbances, and cognitive complaints.
Pedestal or Gutter
Authors: Begun Stephanie , Walls N. Eugene
Published: October 2014

Previous research has examined many aspects of ambivalent sexism theory, although there has been an overall dearth of research conducted on its potential relationship to abortion attitudes. This study aims to compare the extent to which hostile and benevolent sexism, the two primary components of the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, predict antichoice attitudes. Data were collected at six U.S. colleges and universities ( N = 627), and findings generally support the hypothesis that higher endorsements of either form of sexist beliefs are linked with antichoice attitudes.
Through the Looking Glass
Authors: James Veronyka J. , Lee Daniel R.
Published: October 2014

Despite increased attention, education, and prevention programs, sexual assault of college students and underreporting of this victimization remain a pervasive problem. Previous research has examined factors influencing the reporting of crimes by the public to the police, the extent of sexual victimization on college campuses, sexual assault victimization reporting and/or disclosure (for both university victims and non-university victims), and perceptions of police by university students. However, there remains a dearth of research examining whether students’ perceptions of police influence their decision to report victimization, in particular sexual assault victimization. The present study examined whether students’ perceptions of police influence their decision to report victimization. Using data obtained from a survey of students attending a public university in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the current study examines factors that impact victimization reporting and whether perceptions of police influence victims’ decision to report or not. The results of the analyses indicated that victimization reporting and satisfaction with the police were impacted by gender, and support was found for the proposition that perceptions of the police influence the likelihood to report victimization.
Twitter as a Communication Tool for Nonprofits
Authors: Svensson Per G. , Mahoney Tara Q. , Hambrick Marion E.
Published: October 2014

Previous research suggests sport-for-development organizations strategically aim to engage people through social media in hopes of generating increased offline support (Thorpe & Rinehart, 2013). Using the framework set forth by Lovejoy and Saxton (2012), the purpose of this study was to explore how nonprofit organizations use Twitter to disseminate information, build engagement, and facilitate action. A content analysis of 3,233 tweets revealed a larger proportion of interactive communication, yet one-way communication was the most common function. Overall, the use of social media to facilitate action among stakeholders was scarce, but the way organizations used Twitter to provide information, interact with followers, and create a call for action varied considerably among them. Interestingly, these differences were not associated with annual revenue, organizational age, targeted social issues, or number of countries of operation. This study has important theoretical and practical implications, and provides a first look at how sport-for-development organizations use Twitter.
A novel cost-effective robust approach for selective catalytic reduction state estimations using dual nitrogen oxide sensors
Authors: Chen Pingen , Wang Junmin
Published: October 2014

Urea-based selective catalytic reduction systems have become a promising technique in controlling nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel engines in the past decade. One of the continuing issues is the cross-sensitivity characteristics of the current nitrogen oxide sensors to ammonia in the exhaust, which makes nitrogen oxide sensor readings inaccurate in the presence of ammonia. Although prototype ammonia sensors for mobile selective catalytic reduction applications have been introduced for diesel emission control in the past few years, ammonia sensors are still too expensive to be available for mass-produced diesel engines and selective catalytic reduction systems. In order to address these issues, in this paper, a novel, cost-effective, and robust approach is proposed for estimating the key selective catalytic reduction states including the nitric oxide concentration, the nitrogen dioxide concentration, the ammonia concentration, and the ammonia surface coverage ratio, by utilizing two post-selective-catalytic-reduction nitrogen oxide sensors with different ammonia cross-sensitivity factors. Experimental verification results show that the proposed approach has the potential for precisely estimating the four selective catalytic reduction states. Such a novel approach can be instrumental in reducing the cost of selective catalytic reduction diagnosis, selective catalytic reduction estimation, and advanced selective catalytic reduction controls.
Study of the fluctuation in the cycle fuel injection quantity in a common-rail system for a heavy-duty vehicle diesel engine
Authors: Bingqi Tian , Liyun Fan , Xiuzhen Ma , Hayat Qaisar , Enzhe Song
Published: October 2014

A common-rail system can satisfy both diesel engine emissions legislation and fuel economy by flexibly regulating the injection pressure, the injection timing, the injection duration and the injection rate. Variations in the parameters of the common-rail system influence the injection characteristics and lead to fluctuation in the cycle fuel injection quantity. This fluctuation in the cycle fuel injection quantity is very critical for the coherence and stability of the common-rail system and the diesel that it injects. A new numerical model of a diesel engine’s common-rail system was developed in AMESim to investigate the cycle fuel injection quantity fluctuation. The predicted results of the rail pressure and the injection rate by the model are in excellent agreement with the experimental results obtained from a test bench. The influence law and the generation mechanism of the cycle fuel injection quantity fluctuation caused by variations in the different parameters are analysed in detail. Moreover, the quantitative percentages of fluctuation in the cycle fuel injection quantity are computed through analysis. The results show that the solenoid pre-tightening force, the orifice diameter of the outlet, the orifice diameter of the inlet and the needle lift are the four critical influential parameters of the common-rail system. Finally, a correlation analysis method was carried out on the cycle fuel injection quantity. The analysis results show that not only the first-order factors of the influential parameters but also the second-order factors which consider the interaction between the influential parameters have significant correlation with the cycle fuel injection quantity.
Observation and simulations of an impact on the automotive windshield using the time-dependent dynamic failure criterion
Authors: Kang Byunghyun , Moon Sung-wook , Lim Jaeyoung , Choi Byoung-Ho
Published: October 2014

Car accidents involving pedestrians have become an issue of great concern owing to the high fatality and injury rates. To reduce the loss of life during car accidents, the safety of automobiles is evaluated on the basis of standards such as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and the European New Car Assessment Program, which provide information about automobile safety to drivers and require manufacturers to produce safe automobiles. Regarding car accidents involving pedestrians, the head injury criterion is used to evaluate pedestrian injury when the head of the pedestrian hits the windshield. In this study, the windshield impact tests were numerically simulated using the Tuler–Butcher criterion as the failure criterion, and considering simulation conditions such as the types of element, the sizes of elements and the parameters of the failure criterion. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effect of the simulation conditions on the key results such as the head injury criterion, the initial acceleration peak, the displacement and the cracking modes of the windshield, with the purpose of improving the accuracy of the simulation results. The results of the simulations were also compared with those of tests to determine the accuracy of the former.
Coordinated control strategy for the common-rail pressure using a metering unit and a pressure control valve in diesel engines
Authors: Hong Seungwoo , Shin Jaewook , Sohn Jeongwon , Park Inseok , Sunwoo Myoungho
Published: October 2014

Since the fuel injection pressure in diesel engines is one of the main parameters which determine the emissions and the fuel efficiency, a precise control algorithm for the common-rail pressure is a required priority for improving the engine performances. This paper proposes a coordinated common-rail pressure control strategy for passenger car diesel engines using a metering unit and a pressure control valve. The metering unit, which is located at the high-pressure pump, adjusts the inlet fuel flow for the common rail using a first-order polynomial equation that describes the relation between the inlet fuel flow and the outlet fuel flow for the common rail. The injected fuel flow is used as the input for the control algorithm to determine the driving current of the metering unit. The designed control strategy for the metering unit effectively reduces the rail pressure wave generated by the high-pressure pump. Furthermore, since the inlet fuel flow is adjusted according to the injected fuel flow, the proposed control algorithm shows a robust performance to the injection disturbance. The pressure control valve located on the common rail adjusts the outlet fuel flow of the common rail. The control algorithm for the pressure control valve is designed using quantitative feedback theory to assure robustness even when the variation in the plant characteristics (such as the static gain and the time constant) is caused by the metering unit operation. Engine experiments proved that the proposed control strategy can reduce the variation in the steady-state rail pressure to less than 10 bar; in addition, the proposed rail pressure controller has a good degree of consistency under various engine operating conditions.
Bi-level optimization for the cross-sectional shape of a thin-walled car body frame with static stiffness and dynamic frequency stiffness constraints
Authors: Zuo Wenjie
Published: October 2014

In usual automobile practice, the structural optimization of a car body is based on changes in the topology, the shape, the cross-sectional shape and finally the thickness size successively depending on the development stages. However, design engineers mostly rely on their experience, intuition and data accumulation when making decisions on the cross-sectional shape of a car body frame. Therefore, a bi-level structural optimization model is proposed to determine the optimal cross-sectional shapes of each thin-walled beam and to achieve a lightweight car body frame with a high stiffness. Intermediate box sections are introduced to bridge the relationships between the two levels. At level 1, the car body frame with static stiffness and dynamic frequency stiffness constraints is optimized to obtain the optimal sizes of the box section, using a sequential approximate optimization method. At level 2, arbitrarily shaped cross-sections constrained with cross-sectional properties are optimized using a genetic algorithm. Component sensitivity analysis and manufacturing constraints promote this model to be closer to actual automobile practice. Finally, a numerical example, solved by the developed software Vehicle Body – Forward Design and Optimization, verifies that the presented method is effective in guiding the conceptual design of the car body frame.
Analysis of movement axes of the ankle and subtalar joints: Relationship with the articular surfaces of the talus
Authors: Cho Ho-Jung , Kwak Dai-Soon , Kim In-Beom
Published: October 2014

Bone shape varies among human populations, and in the case of articular joints, the shape of the articulating surfaces strongly influences joint movement. In this study, we aimed to analyse the axes of the talocrural and subtalar joints, using the talar articular surface method, and compare these results with those of the previous studies. We used three-dimensional reconstruction models of tali among Korean individuals. The axes of the talocrural and subtalar joints were calculated by using the least-square sphere fitting method, and the principal axis was used for reference coordination. The shape of the talus was classified based on the shape of its anterior, middle, and posterior calcaneal facets, and the talar shape was compared with the movement axes. The movement axes did not differ according to the type of calcaneal facets of the talus. Interestingly, we also noted that the axes of the talocrural and subtalar joints in this study differed significantly from those reported in the previous studies; these differences may be due to variations in the shape of the bones.
Does the Sun revolve around the Earth? A comparison between the general public and online survey respondents in basic scientific knowledge
Authors: Cooper Emily A. , Farid Hany
Published: October 2014

We conducted an online survey using a set of factual science questions that are commonly administered to assess fact-based scientific literacy. We report that the online population performed substantially better on this standard assessment than the traditional survey population. For example, it has been widely reported that 1 in 4 Americans does not know that the Earth revolves around the Sun, whereas among the online population, this ratio is reduced to 1 in 25. While new online platforms provide researchers with unprecedented ease of access to a large sample population for studying trends in public knowledge and attitudes, generalizing from online population samples to the US population at large poses a considerable challenge. We discuss the potential reasons for this discrepancy and the implications for conducting research online.
A Dictated Space? Women and Their Well-being in a Kerala Village
Authors: Scaria Suma
Published: October 2014

The mainstream theories on development try to understand the empowerment of women through select indicators relating to education and health. Kerala provides a suitable setting to understand how far higher levels of literacy, enrolment in higher education, favourable sex ratio, small family and access to health care facilities translate into empowerment of women defined in terms of their role in decisionmaking within a household and freedom of physical mobility. Our findings based on the micro-level study of a village in Kerala reveal that remarkable achievements measured by conventional indicators have failed to elevate women from their subordinate status within a household. The analysis of Kudumbashree, a state-sponsored woman-centric poverty alleviation programme, also reveals that women’s access to community programmes has failed to empower them. Such an apparent paradox is explained through a complex process of gendering at three levels: education, employment and access to economic resources. Social norms, the dowry system, the patrilineal system of inheritance and patrilocal residence also affect such a gendering process. The choices that a woman/household makes regarding her education, activity pattern and community participation are very much shaped by a gendered social structure where a man is associated with ‘outside activity’ and woman with ‘inside activity’.
The 1771 and 1824 reforms of the University of Ferrara: A Foucauldian analysis of papal interests
Authors: Madonna Salvatore , Maran Laura , Cestari Greta
Published: October 2014

While universities have fulfilled a central role in education, their multifaceted amalgamations of economic, political, judicial and epistemological relations of power have been paid little attention by accounting historians. This study examines the role of accounting in the power/control relationship between the Papal State and an eighteenth–nineteenth century Italian University using a Foucauldian episteme of disciplinary power and governmentality. Our findings show a separation of accounting from the exercise of education or the reproduction of a meticulous grammatocentric and panoptic system for human accountability (Hoskin and Macve, 1986, 1988; Carmona et al., 1997). However, this work reveals how supervised education gradually became a more refined tool of Christian morality, along with papal control of the institution and its expenses.
Modelling of non-linear switching effects in piezoceramics: a three-dimensional polygonal finite-element-based approach applied to oligo-crystals
Authors: Kaliappan Jayabal , Menzel Andreas
Published: October 2014

A polygonal finite-element formulation is applied to solve electromechanically coupled inhomogeneous boundary value problems for polycrystalline materials. Each grain is discretised by one single polygonal finite element, which allows the efficient simulation of general boundary value problems which still resolves individual grains in space. The constitutive model proposed for switching in piezoceramics makes use of a volume-fraction-based framework, where the respective volume fractions refer to the respective crystallographic variants and take the interpretation as internal variables. Their evolution is combined with non-linear hardening-type functions which additionally account for grain-size dependencies. The computational model is shown to reproduce typical hysteresis and butterfly curves on the polycrystalline level under complex electromechanical loading conditions. The results are obtained by direct volume-averaging with respect to the discretised domain and are in good qualitative agreement with experimental data. Moreover, grain-size effects, such as an increase in the coercive electric field value with decreasing grain size, are also captured.
The Effects of Attachment Heterogeneity and Team Cohesion on Team Functioning
Authors: Lavy Shiri , Bareli Yariv , Ein-Dor Tsachi
Published: October 2014

Attachment research to date has focused mostly on individuals and dyads and has demonstrated the disadvantages of attachment insecurities. The present study focuses on the potential positive effects of team-level heterogeneity of attachment orientations on team functioning (suggested by social defense theory) and examines the role of team cohesion in facilitating these effects. Students enrolled in courses that included a team project ( N = 178 students comprising 52 teams) completed measures of attachment anxiety and avoidance, team cohesion, and team functioning. Their team performance evaluations were also assessed. Regression analyses revealed that when team cohesion was high, team heterogeneity in anxiety and avoidance scores was associated with better performance evaluations, and team heterogeneity in anxiety was also associated with better perceived functioning. Results highlight potential contributions of insecure team members to project teams’ functioning, which were heretofore overlooked in the literature, and suggest benefits of teams with heterogeneity in attachment orientations.
Creation of Malaysia’s Royal Belum State Park: A Case Study of Conservation in a Developing Country
Authors: Schwabe Kurt A. , Carson Richard T. , DeShazo J. R. , Potts Matthew D. , Reese Ashley N. , Vincent Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2014

The incentives for resource extraction and development make the conservation of biodiversity challenging within tropical forestlands. The 2007 establishment of the Royal Belum State Park in the Malaysian state of Perak offers lessons for creating protected areas in tropical countries where subnational governments are major forestland owners. This article elucidates the social and political forces that influenced Royal Belum’s creation. Those forces included Malaysian conservation groups’ efforts to establish the ecological uniqueness of the site and rally public support to protect it; the Perak state government, which is the landowner under Malaysia’s constitution, seeking a protection option that would minimize the economic costs to it (and perhaps generate net economic benefits); and the federal government providing a legal framework and support for park protection and ecotourism development. Successful long-run protection of Royal Belum will require action beyond simply designating the area as protected.
Rho Kinase and Dopaminergic Degeneration
Authors: Labandeira-Garcia Jose L. , Rodríguez-Perez Ana I. , Villar-Cheda Begoña , Borrajo Ana , Dominguez-Meijide Antonio , Guerra Maria J.
Published: October 2014

The small GTP-binding protein Rho plays an important role in several cellular functions. RhoA, which is a member of the Rho family, initiates cellular processes that act on its direct downstream effector Rho-associated kinase (ROCK). ROCK inhibition protects against dopaminergic cell death induced by dopaminergic neurotoxins. It has been suggested that ROCK inhibition activates neuroprotective survival cascades in dopaminergic neurons. Axon-stabilizing effects in damaged neurons may represent another mechanism of neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons by ROCK inhibition. However, it has been shown that microglial cells play a crucial role in neuroprotection by ROCK inhibition and that activation of microglial ROCK mediates major components of the microglial inflammatory response. Additional mechanisms such as interaction with autophagy may also contribute to the neuroprotective effects of ROCK inhibition. Interestingly, ROCK interacts with several brain factors that play a major role in dopaminergic neuron vulnerability such as NADPH-oxidase, angiotensin, and estrogen. ROCK inhibition may provide a new neuroprotective strategy for Parkinson’s disease. This is of particular interest because ROCK inhibitors are currently used against vascular diseases in clinical practice. However, it is necessary to develop more potent and selective ROCK inhibitors to reduce side effects and enhance the efficacy.
From hope to hope: The experience of older Chinese people with advanced cancer
Authors: Chen Hong , Komaromy Carol , Valentine Christine
Published: October 2014

In our study that explored the current end-of-life care provision for Chinese older people with advanced/terminal cancer, hope emerged as a significant aspect of coping with their condition. Drawing on data from in-depth interviews with a group of older people, their family carers and health professionals, this article explores participants’ constructions of hope in terms of what they were hoping for, how their hopes helped them cope with their illness and what sociocultural resources they drew on to build and sustain these hopes. While acknowledging similarities to Western studies of hope in terminal illness, this article identifies significant divergences in terms of the impact of different sociocultural values and their implications for clinical practice in light of an unfavourable health care environment for patients with advanced cancer and a social support system sustained mainly by Chinese families. It argues that hope represents an important resource for coping with terminal illness among these patients.
Metrics of hope: Disciplining affect in oncology
Authors: Brown Nik
Published: October 2014

This article explores the emergence of a ‘regime of hope’ in the context of oncology care, practice and research. More specifically, my focus is the emergence, since the 1970s or so, of hope scales and indexes used to metricise the emotional states of cancer patients. These usually take the form of psychometric tests designed and deployed in order to subject affective life to calculative and rational scrutiny. This article locates this within the tensions of a ‘turn’ towards the emotions in critical social science literature. Scholarship has, for instance, been anxious not to deny the embodied reality of affectivity and the emotions. But it has been equally important to recognise the extent to which emotions are discursively ordered and structured as objects and effects of power. This article charts the emergence of hope scales historically alongside wider historical forces in the metrification of life and health and more specifically the emotions. It locates hope scales in a post-war climate of individual resilience and perseverant enterprise and the significance of hope as a naturalised vitalistic attribute of biopolitical life.
Computational study of the influence of in-cylinder flow on spark ignition–controlled auto-ignition hybrid combustion in a gasoline engine
Authors: Wang Xinyan , Xie Hui , Zhao Hua
Published: October 2014

In this research, computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the effect of in-cylinder flow motion on the in-cylinder conditions and spark ignition–controlled auto-ignition hybrid combustion. It is proved in this study that asymmetric intake valve events could be used to generate the swirl-dominated flow motion. However, the macroscopic flows, such as the swirl and tumble, show very weak correlations with zone-to-zone conditions and hybrid combustion process. The detailed investigation on the in-cylinder zone-to-zone conditions indicates that the in-cylinder turbulent kinetic energy level and the mean flow velocity (Vm) around the spark plug would directly affect the early flame propagation process, which in turn affect the subsequent auto-ignition process through changing the heat transfer between central burned gas and end-gas. In addition, the increased temperature inhomogeneity of the spherical zones caused by the in-cylinder flow motion would prolong the auto-ignition combustion. The structures of the flame front and auto-ignition sites also demonstrate the significant impact of in-cylinder motion on the combustion process. It is found that the combustion mode transition is very sensitive to the in-cylinder turbulent kinetic energy, Vm, and temperature and its inhomogeneity, indicating that these flow and thermal conditions could be used to optimize the hybrid combustion mode operation. It also proves the fluctuations of the in-cylinder flow, and thermal conditions could be the reasons leading to significant cycle-to-cycle variations in spark ignition–controlled auto-ignition hybrid combustion.
Virtual Practicums Within an MPH Program
Authors: Goodman Jeffrey
Published: October 2014

This article focuses on an innovative “virtual” practicum arrangement and provides insight for public health professionals seeking a meaningful practicum experience. The traditional practicum model where a student physically reports to work at the field site with a near full-time commitment has become increasingly challenging and often limiting in terms of field site choices and experiences available to a student depending on the location of a school and the student’s area of interest. This is particularly true with students who are enrolled in a distance learning program. The experience obtained from a practicum is more important than ever before as rapid changes occur in health service delivery models as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Career development through a practicum can be vitally important to a mid-career student seeking to remain relevant and in demand within a changing job market. To fulfill these needs, while still obtaining the benefits of a practicum, a virtual practicum arrangement could provide a solution. This case study provides practical tips based on the successful experience of a recent MPH graduate.
Moral Suspicion Trickles Down
Authors: Sawaoka Takuya , Monin Benoît
Published: October 2014

In social hierarchies, moral stigma spreads down more than up. Across four vignette studies, exposure to the immoral behaviors of higher (vs. lower) ranking group members led online participants to report greater moral suspicion toward other group members ( moral spillover). A higher ranking organization member’s deceptive practices were perceived as more prototypical, resulting in more negative moral impressions of the organization (Study 1). This more negative moral impression led people to rate ambiguous behavior by another organization member as more suspicious—even when the prior transgression was purely self-serving (Study 2). These effects generalized across several types of moral transgressions (Study 3). Finally, a higher ranking organization member’s unethical behavior led other organization members to receive more negative job-hiring recommendations (Study 4). Thus, a higher ranking group member’s ethical violations result in greater moral spillover, affecting not only other group members’ moral reputations but their career prospects as well.
Antimicrobial resistance: risk associated with antibiotic overuse and initiatives to reduce the problem
Authors: Llor Carl , Bjerrum Lars
Published: October 2014

Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health challenge, which has accelerated by the overuse of antibiotics worldwide. Increased antimicrobial resistance is the cause of severe infections, complications, longer hospital stays and increased mortality. Overprescribing of antibiotics is associated with an increased risk of adverse effects, more frequent re-attendance and increased medicalization of self-limiting conditions. Antibiotic overprescribing is a particular problem in primary care, where viruses cause most infections. About 90% of all antibiotic prescriptions are issued by general practitioners, and respiratory tract infections are the leading reason for prescribing. Multifaceted interventions to reduce overuse of antibiotics have been found to be effective and better than single initiatives. Interventions should encompass the enforcement of the policy of prohibiting the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics, the use of antimicrobial stewardship programmes, the active participation of clinicians in audits, the utilization of valid rapid point-of-care tests, the promotion of delayed antibiotic prescribing strategies, the enhancement of communication skills with patients with the aid of information brochures and the performance of more pragmatic studies in primary care with outcomes that are of clinicians’ interest, such as complications and clinical outcomes.
Screening for elevated risk of liver disease in preschool children (aged 2–5 years) being seen for obesity management
Authors: Beacher Daniel R , Ariza Adolfo J , Fishbein Mark H , Binns Helen J
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

Elevated alanine aminotransferase can heighten concern for the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children. Guidelines recommend alanine aminotransferase screening of obese children start at the age of 10 years. We examined alanine aminotransferase values routinely obtained for tertiary obesity care among preschool (2–5 years) and school-age children.

Methods:

Medical records of children attending a tertiary obesity clinic and with alanine aminotransferase measured within 6 months of the initial visit were reviewed. Children with known genetic abnormalities were excluded. Children were grouped by age to focus attention on groups not covered by screening guidelines. Associations with elevated alanine aminotransferase (>30 IU/L) were examined.

Results:

A total of 284 records were analyzed (73 preschool, 143 young school-age (6–9 years), 68 older school-age (10–11 years)). Children were primarily Hispanic and had body mass index ≥ 99th percentile (preschool children 92%, young school-age 73%, older school-age 59%). In all, 26% of preschool children had elevated alanine aminotransferase (young school-age 30%, older school-age 44%). Preschool children with elevated alanine aminotransferase had higher body mass index compared to preschool children with alanine aminotransferase ≤ 30 IU/L (median body mass index 27.8 kg/m2 vs 24.0 kg/m2; Mann–Whitney U test, p = 0.003), but there was no disparity for elevated alanine aminotransferase related to Hispanic ethnicity. For older children, Hispanic ethnicity, not body mass index, predicted elevated alanine aminotransferase.

Conclusion:

Alanine aminotransferase elevation was common in these preschool children. Screening severely obese children for elevated alanine aminotransferase should begin at the age of 2 years.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects of Salvia mirzayanii Rech. f. & Esfand
Authors: Zarshenas Mohammad M. , Krenn Liselotte
Published: October 2014

Salvia mirzayanii Rech. f. & Esfand is an endemic herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The plant grows in the center and south of Iran and is broadly used in folk medicine. This review focuses on phytochemical and pharmacological data of S mirzayanii. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scientific Information Database (Iranian database involving English and Persian articles), and Google Scholar were searched for terms “ Salvia mirzayanii,” “Iranian sage,” “ Marv-e-Talkh,” and “ Moor-e-Talkh” in both Persian and English up to December 10, 2013. In line with the ethnopharmacological uses, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and insecticidal activities of different preparations of S mirzayanii have been shown in recent studies. The antimicrobial activity against human pathogenic strains has mainly been attributed to the essential oil of S mirzayanii, which in numerous analyses has been investigated either in plants of different origin or prepared by differing extraction methods. Despite the studies on antioxidant or antimicrobial activities, profound research on the toxicity or clinical properties of the herb is missing.
Professional Preparedness and Perspectives on Transition for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing
Authors: Cawthon Stephanie W. , Garberoglio Carrie Lou , Caemmerer Jackie M. , Bond Mark P. , Leppo Rachel H. T. , Schoffstall Sarah J. , Rainey Josh C. , Hamilton Grace A.
Published: October 2014

This article presents results from a large-scale study of professionals who work with individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH). Participants were 1,345 professionals who work in a variety of roles, including educators, administrators, interpreters, vocational rehabilitation agency staff, and allied service providers. Participants shared their perspectives on transition experiences for individuals who are DHH, as well as their own preparedness to support their clients through this process. Data come from a national survey, interviews, and focus groups. Results demonstrate that professionals’ years of experience was a significant predictor of multiple outcomes, even when controlling for characteristics of professionals and their clients. Discussion includes implications of these findings for practice and areas for future research.
Prevalence of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND) among Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Facility in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Abdulkareem Jika , Hassan Abdulaziz , Mamman Aisha Indo , Muktar Haruna Mohammed , Suleiman Aishatu Maude , Baiyewu Olusegun
Published: October 2014

Background:

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is a great source of morbidity in sub-Saharan African region. However, the magnitude of this problem remains largely uninvestigated despite having the largest number of population with HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of HAND among patients attending a tertiary health facility in Nigeria.

Method:

We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 1 year. They were assessed using the International HIV Dementia Scale, Word Recall Test, Stick Design Test, Subjective Cognitive Complaint Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, Drug Abuse Screening Test, Center for Epidemiological Study–Depression Scale, Instrumental Activity of Daily Living, and neurological examination. The CD4 count and viral load were determined for all the participants. A consensus diagnosis was made on each case based on the Frascati criteria. Data obtained were analyzed using “SPSS” for Windows version 15.

Results:

A total of 418 HIV-positive patients participated in the study, of which 325 (77.8%) are females. The mean age (standard deviation) of the participants was 37.2 (9.3) years. The prevalence of HAND was 21.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 17.6%-25.4%), of which 9.6% were asymptomatic. The significant predictors of HAND in this study are duration of illness (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33 P < .001), detectable viral load (OR = 0.19, P < .001), CD4 count (OR = 0.99, P < .001), education (OR = 0.94, P = .011), stopping medication (OR = 3.55 P = .01), and severity of illness (OR = 1.24, P = .005).

Conclusion:

One-fifth of the HIV-positive patients in this study had HAND. Various sociodemographic and clinical features were related to the prevalence of HAND.
Case Report
Authors: Navabi Nazlee , Montebatsi Milton , Scott Michelle , Gluckman Stephen J. , Reid Michael J. A.
Published: October 2014

A case of false-negative serum latex agglutination cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) test in a 45-year-old HIV-positive male with Cryptococcus-positive culture is described. The patient was presented to a hospital in Botswana, with breathlessness and a diffuse papular rash. His CD4 count was 25 cells/μL. Despite the suspicion for disseminated cryptococcal disease, an initial serum CRAG latex test was negative. Results of subsequent Indian ink staining, culture of cerebrospinal fluid and skin scrapings, and serum lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) were all positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. There are several possible explanations for the false-negative CRAG latex test. Given the positive LFA result, we speculate that disease may have been caused by Cryptococcus gattii, which is estimated to be responsible for between 15% and 30% of all cryptococcal diseases in Botswana. Reduced sensitivity of CRAG latex assays for detecting C gattii may lead to underdiagnosis of cryptococcal infection.
Task Design and Interaction in Collaborative Writing
Authors: Bremner Stephen , Peirson-Smith Anne , Jones Rodney , Bhatia Vijay
Published: October 2014

This article investigates student behaviour on collaborative assignments, looking at the relationship between task type and interaction, and considers the implications for task design. Students reported on interactions in a year-long workplace-focussed group communication project, comparing these with interactions on other academy-based group assignments. Differences were seen in the amount of brainstorming, the criteria for dividing up work, the intensity of editing, and how conflict was managed. Contributing factors to these differences included the presence or absence of a creative element, the instrumental nature of the task, and the need for a collective approach inherent in the task design.
Selections From the ABC 2013 Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana
Authors: Whalen D. Joel
Published: October 2014

This article, the first of a two-part series, catalogs teaching innovations presented at the 2013 Association for Business Communication (ABC) Annual Convention, New Orleans. They were presented during the My Favorite Assignment session. The 11 Favorite Assignments featured here offer the reader a variety of learning experiences including collaborative team work, debate, budgets, cross-cultural communication, report writing, persuasion, nonprofit organizations, client communication, and writing funding proposals. Additional teaching materials—including instructions to students, stimulus materials, slides, grading rubrics, frequently asked questions, and sample student projects—are posted on the Association for Business Communication webpage http://businesscommunication.org/assignments .
Examining U.S. and Spanish Annual Reports
Authors: Palmer-Silveira Juan C. , Ruiz-Garrido Miguel F.
Published: October 2014

Crisis has affected businesses worldwide. Many international corporations must cope with this turmoil, which affects their economic liability. Firms express their actual financial situation in the annual reports they issue every year. The annual report is a document that combines both promotional and informative features. Our study tries to find out how companies from two different countries (United States and Spain) deal with the issue of crisis in difficult times through their annual report. Additionally, and from a pedagogical perspective, we discuss the benefits of using the annual report in the teaching of writing for our students.
Experimental and numerical analysis of solidification cracking behaviour in fibre laser welding of 6013 aluminium alloy
Authors: Wang X. J. , Lu F. G. , Wang H. P. , Cui H. C. , Tang X. H. , Wu Y. X.
Published: October 2014

Experimental observation and numerical modelling were employed to investigate the solidification cracking behaviour during fibre laser welding of 6013 aluminium alloy. The solidification cracking initiation location and propagation path were studied using a high speed camera system and via metallurgical analysis. A three-dimensional thermomechanical finite element model of fibre laser welding of aluminium alloys was developed, which considered cylindrical volumetric heat source, temperature dependent material properties, solidification shrinkage and stress relaxation in the weld molten pool. The transient evolution and distribution of mechanical strain in the brittle temperature range (BTR) were analysed in detail to find the factors which drove the crack initiation and propagation. The results showed that the solidification cracking initiated near the fusion line and then propagated along the centreline of the weld, which was the result of the strain distribution characteristic in BTR.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients treated with interferon
Authors: Savale Laurent , Sattler Caroline , Günther Sven , Montani David , Chaumais Marie-Camille , Perrin Swanny , Jaïs Xavier , Seferian Andrei , Jovan Roland , Bulifon Sophie , Parent Florence , Simonneau Gérald , Humbert Marc , Sitbon Olivier
Published: October 2014

Isolated cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients treated with interferon (IFN) α or β have been reported in the literature.

The aim of this study was to describe all consecutive cases of PAH patients with a history of IFN exposure identified in the French reference centre for severe pulmonary hypertension between 1998 and 2012.

A total of 53 patients with PAH and a history of IFN therapy were identified. 48 patients had been treated with IFNα for chronic hepatitis C. Most of them had portal hypertension (85%) and 56% had HIV co-infection. Five additional patients had been treated with IFNβ for multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis of PAH was made within 3 years after IFN therapy in 66% of patients. Repeated haemodynamic assessment was available in 13 out of 16 patients exposed to IFN after the diagnosis of PAH. Increased pulmonary vascular resistance >20% was observed in 11 out of 13 cases (median 43% increase; IQR 32–67%). In five of these patients, IFN withdrawal resulted in spontaneous haemodynamic improvement.

This retrospective analysis suggests that IFN therapy may trigger PAH. However, most of these patients had other risk factors for PAH. A prospective case–control study is necessary to definitively establish a link between IFN exposure and PAH.
The resistive switching memory of CoFe2O4 thin film using nanoporous alumina template
Authors: Jiang Changjun , Wu Lei , Wei WenWen , Dong Chunhui , Yao Jinli
Published: October 2014

A novel conductive process for resistive random access memory cells is investigated based on nanoporous anodized aluminum oxide template. Bipolar resistive switching characteristic is clearly observed in CoFe2O4 thin film. Stable and repeatable resistive switching behavior is acquired at the same time. On the basis of conductive filament model, possible generation mechanisms for the resistive switching behaviors are discussed intensively. Besides, the magnetic properties of samples (before and after the annealing process) are characterized, and the distinct changes of magnetic anisotropy and coercive field are detected. The present results provide a new perspective to comprehend the underlying physical origin of the resistive switching effect.

PACS

68.37.-d; 73.40.Rw; 73.61.-r
Single Cell Genomics meeting in Stockholm: from single cells to cell types
Authors: Scialdone Antonio , Achim Kaia , Marioni John C
Published: October 2014

A report on the second Single Cell Genomics conference held in Stockholm, Sweden, September 9-11, 2014.
A generalizable definition of chemical similarity for read-across
Authors: Floris Matteo , Manganaro Alberto , Nicolotti Orazio , Medda Ricardo , Mangiatordi Giuseppe Felice , Benfenati Emilio
Published: October 2014

Background

Methods that provide a measure of chemical similarity are strongly relevant in several fields of chemoinformatics as they allow to predict the molecular behavior and fate of structurally close compounds. One common application of chemical similarity measurements, based on the principle that similar molecules have similar properties, is the read-across approach, where an estimation of a specific endpoint for a chemical is provided using experimental data available from highly similar compounds.

Results

This paper reports the comparison of multiple combinations of binary fingerprints and similarity metrics for computing the chemical similarity in the context of two different applications of the read-across technique.

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrates that the classical similarity measurements can be improved with a generalizable model of similarity. The proposed approach has already been used to build similarity indices in two open-source software tools (CAESAR and VEGA) that make several QSAR models available. In these tools, the similarity index plays a key role for the assessment of the applicability domain.