bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoelastic bending analysis of laminated composite plates according to various shear deformation theories
Authors: Sayyad Atteshamuddin Shamshuddin , Shinde Bharati Machhindra , Ghugal Yuwaraj Marotrao
Published: November 2014

This study presents the thermoelastic analysis of laminated composite plates subjected to sinusoidal thermal load linearly varying across the thickness. Analytical solutions for thermal displacements and stresses are investigated by using a unified plate theory which includes different functions in terms of thickness coordinate to represent the effect of shear deformation. The theory presented is variationally consistent, does not require shear correction factor, and gives rise to transverse shear stress variation such that the transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the thickness satisfying shear stress free surface conditions. Governing equations of equilibrium and associated boundary conditions of the theory are obtained using the principle of virtual work. The Navier solution for simply supported laminated composite plates has been developed. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the thermal response of the laminated composite plates.
Influence of surface reflectivity on reflectorless electronic distance measurement and terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Zámečníková Miriam , Wieser Andreas , Woschitz Helmut , Ressl Camillo
Published: November 2014

The uncertainty of electronic distance measurement to surfaces rather than to dedicated precisionre flectors (reflectorless EDM) is afected by the entire system comprising instrument, atmosphere and surface. The impact of the latter is significant for applications like geodetic monitoring, high-precision surface modelling or laser scanner self-calibration. Nevertheless, it has not yet received sufficient attention and is not well understood. We have carried out an experimental investigation of the impact of surface reflectivity on the distance measurements of a terrestrial laser scanner. The investigation helps to clarify (i)whether variations of reflectivity cause systematic deviations of reflectorless EDM, and (ii) if so, whether it is possible and worth modelling these deviations. The results show that differences in reflectivity may actually cause systematic deviations of a few mm with diffusely re- flecting surfaces and even more with directionally reflecting ones. Using abivariate quadratic polynomial we were able to approximate these deviations as a function of measured distance and measured signal strength alone. Using this approximation to predict corrections, the deviations of the measurements could be reduced by about 70% in our experiment.We conclude that there is a systematic effect of surface reflectivity (or equivalently received signal strength) on the distance measurement and that it is possible to model and predict this effect. Integration into laser scanner calibration models may be beneficial for high precision applications. The results may apply to a broad range of instruments, not only to the specific laser scanner used herein.
Engineering Geodesy - Definition and Core Competencies
Authors: Kuhlmann Heiner , Schwieger Volker , Wieser Andreas , Niemeier Wolfgang
Published: November 2014

This article summarises discussions concerning the definition of "engineering geodesy" within the German Geodetic Commission. It is noted that engineering geodesy by means of its tasks, methods and characteristics is an application-oriented science whose research questions often arise from observed phenomena or from unsolved practical problems. In particular it is characterised by the professional handling of geometry-related problems in a cost-effective manner that includes comprehensive quality assessment at all phases of the problem solution - from planning through measurement to data processing and interpretation. The current methodical developments are primarily characterised by the increasing integration of the measurement and analysis into challenging construction, production and monitoring processes as well as by the transition to spatially continuous methods. A modern definition of engineering geodesy is proposed at the end of this article.
Neue Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der zerstörungsfreien Ultraschallfeuchtemessung an Werkstoffen des Mauerwerks
Authors: Schwarz Wolfgang , Venzmer Helmuth
Published: November 2014

Die Untersuchungen zur Effizienz und zur Optimierung von Methoden der Sanierung feuchter und versalzener Wände erfordern zunächst einmal zuverlässige Meßverfahren, die zerstörungsfrei oder zumindest zerstörungsarm arbeiten. Ebenso sind die Bewertung der Qualität und spätere Analysen zur Zuverlässigkeit von Sanierungsmaßnahmen nur mit zerstörungsfrei bzw. zerstörungsarm arbeitenden Meßverfahren möglich. Die hier vorgestellten Arbeiten konzentrieren sich auf die Anwendung moderner Methoden der Meßwertverarbeitung zur Feuchtebestimmung im Mauerwerk. Mit Hilfe eines Ultraschallgenerators wird im Baustoff eine mechanische Stoßwelle ausgelöst, die bei Durchlaufen des Baustoffs Veränderungen erfährt. Das Ergebnissignal wird einer eingehenden Signalanalyse unterzogen. Zur Erklärung der Vorgänge wird ein mechanisches Schwingkreismodell genutzt. Die Signalanalyse und daraus abgeleitete Meßgrößen zeigen sich u.U. als ein geeignetes Mittel für die Bestimmung von Feuchte im Mauerwerk. Die Ergebnisse werden am Beispiel von Ziegel und Sandstein in Abhängigkeit vom Porenfüllungsgrad (PFG in %) demonstriert und diskutiert. Welche der Kenngrößen endgültig einmal eingesetzt werden, müssen weitere Untersuchungen zeigen.
Beständigkeit zementgebundener Beschichtungen unter dem Einfluss elektrischer Felder
Authors: Gerdes A. , Wittmann F.H.
Published: November 2014

Betonbauteile können über längere Zeiträume elektrischen Feldern ausgesetzt sein. In einigen Fällen fungiert dabei die Bewehrung als Elektrode. Sind die Bauteile mit Wasser gesättigt, so kann unter dem Einfluss elektrischer Felder eine Ionenmigration mit anschliessenden chemischen Reaktionen stattfinden. Dieser Mechanismus kann örtlich die Konzentration der mit den Hydratationsprodukten in porösen Werkstoffen im Gleichgewicht stehenden Ionen verändern und so zum Abbau der Hydratationsprodukte führen. Zunächst werden typische Schadensbilder beschrieben. Auf frühere Arbeiten wird hingewiesen. An beschädigten und unbeschädigten Bauteilen in Trinkwasserbehältern wurden vergleichend Messungen durchgeführt. Schliesslich wurde der Abbau zementgebundener Werkstoffe unter dem Einfluss eines elektrischen Feldes im Labor durch einen entsprechenden Versuch simuliert. Die Ergebnisse werden in einem Modell, das diesen spezifischen Schadensmechanismus beschreibt, zusammengefasst.
TDP‐1, the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of TDP‐43, limits the accumulation of double‐stranded RNA
Authors: Saldi Tassa K , Ash Peter EA , Wilson Gavin , Gonzales Patrick , Garrido‐Lecca Alfonso , Roberts Christine M , Dostal Vishantie , Gendron Tania F , Stein Lincoln D , Blumenthal Thomas , Petrucelli Leonard , Link Christopher D
Published: November 2014

Caenorhabditis elegans mutants deleted for TDP‐1, an ortholog of the neurodegeneration‐associated RNA‐binding protein TDP‐43, display only mild phenotypes. Nevertheless, transcriptome sequencing revealed that many RNAs were altered in accumulation and/or processing in the mutant. Analysis of these transcriptional abnormalities demonstrates that a primary function of TDP‐1 is to limit formation or stability of double‐stranded RNA. Specifically, we found that deletion of tdp‐1: (1) preferentially alters the accumulation of RNAs with inherent double‐stranded structure (dsRNA); (2) increases the accumulation of nuclear dsRNA foci; (3) enhances the frequency of adenosine‐to‐inosine RNA editing; and (4) dramatically increases the amount of transcripts immunoprecipitable with a dsRNA‐specific antibody, including intronic sequences, RNAs with antisense overlap to another transcript, and transposons. We also show that TDP‐43 knockdown in human cells results in accumulation of dsRNA, indicating that suppression of dsRNA is a conserved function of TDP‐43 in mammals. Altered accumulation of structured RNA may account for some of the previously described molecular phenotypes (e.g., altered splicing) resulting from reduction of TDP‐43 function.
Oocyte ageing and epigenetics
Authors: Ge Zhao-Jia , Schatten Heide , Zhang Cui-Lian , Sun Qing-Yuan
Published: November 2014

It has become a current social trend for women to delay childbearing. However, the quality of oocytes from older females is compromised and the pregnancy rate of older women is lower. With the increased rate of delayed childbearing, it is becoming more and more crucial to understand the mechanisms underlying the compromised quality of oocytes from older women, including mitochondrial dysfunctions, aneuploidy and epigenetic changes. Establishing proper epigenetic modifications during oogenesis and early embryo development is an important aspect in reproduction. The reprogramming process may be influenced by external and internal factors that result in improper epigenetic changes in germ cells. Furthermore, germ cell epigenetic changes might be inherited by the next generations. In this review, we briefly summarise the effects of ageing on oocyte quality. We focus on discussing the relationship between ageing and epigenetic modifications, highlighting the epigenetic changes in oocytes from advanced-age females and in post-ovulatory aged oocytes as well as the possible underlying mechanisms.
Die Sarkophagwerkstätten von Aquincum und Brigetio
Authors: Pochmarski Erwin
Published: November 2014

Workshops of sarcophagi in Aquincum and Brigetio. This contribution deals with problems of chronology, iconography and decoration of the sarcophagi of Aquincum and Brigetio. For the chronology the inscriptions, which name the cities as municipium or colonia are more helpful than the dates of the stationing of the legio I adiutrix and the legio II adiutrix respectively. Regarding the iconography of the many sarcophagi with erotes in the fields on both sides of the inscription the type of this representations is decisive.
Hall Effect on the Doped Semiconductor Superlattice with an In-plane Magnetic Field Under Influence of an Intense Electromagnetic Wave
Authors: Bau Nguyen Quang , Hoi Bui Dinh , Phong Tran Cong
Published: November 2014

The Hall effect is studied theoretically in a doped semiconductor superlattice (DSSL) subjected to a crossed dc electric field and magnetic field in the presence of an intense electromagnetic wave (EMW). By using the quantum kinetic equation for electrons interacting with acoustic phonons at low temperature, we obtain expressions for the magnetoresistance as well as the Hall coefficient in dependence on the external fields and characteristic parameters of the DSSL. Analytical results are numerically evaluated for the GaAs:Si/GaAs:Be DSSL. The dependence of the magnetoresistance on the magnetic field is consistent with the result obtained for some two-dimensional electron systems. The Hall coefficient depends weakly on the magnetic field and its value in the presence of the EMW is smaller than that of the case without EMW.
Structure and Properties of Double Perovskite System La\(_2\)Co\(_{1-x}\)Fe\(_{x}\)MnO\(_{6}\)
Authors: Tan Pham The , Yen Pham Huyen , Nhat Hoang Nam , Hoa Nguyen Quang
Published: November 2014

Low Fe-doped insulating ferromagnets La$_2$CoMnO$_6$ were prepared and studied. The compounds crystallized in orthorhombic space group Pnma with slight changes in the lattice constants. We have observed a significant reduction of resistivity due to doping, together with an increase of magnetization and saturated magnetization as doping level increased. The doping also reduced $T_C$ for both transitions at around 220 and 140 K which attribute for the different spin orderings of the magnetic ions. The small features were also seen at around 40 K and should correspond to the cluster glassy region with spin disorders.
Supporting Family-Centered Practice through Supervision: An Evaluation of Strengths-Based Supervision
Authors: Lietz Cynthia A. , Hayes Megan J. , Cronin Travis W. , Julien-Chinn Francie
Published: November 2014

Strengths-based supervision (SBS) is a model of clinical supervision that was developed to support effective implementation of family-centered practice in public child welfare. An evaluation was conducted to determine the degree to which learning from this 2-day workshop transferred to changes in supervisory practices. Links to pre- and posttest anonymous online surveys were sent through email to the supervisees of the supervisors who participated in the SBS training. Findings suggest that 41% of respondents reported positive changes to the supervision they received in child welfare after their supervisors attended the training. Changes that were discussed in open-ended comments were consistent with the training content. Findings offer implications regarding the benefit of this training for supervisors working in child welfare settings.
Assessing the Role of Facilitators in Evidence-Based Family-Centric Prevention Programs via Delphi Technique
Authors: Orte Carmen , Ballester Lluís , Amer Joan , Vives Marga
Published: November 2014

In the research about evidence-based, family-centric prevention programs, there are several bibliographies related to program contents and family results. Yet, less information is found about program facilitators, who are key to effective implementation and delivery of these programs. To identify the principal qualities that define a good facilitator, as well as the best methodologies for assessing the facilitators’ work, a consensus-building process between 16 experts—the Delphi technique—was employed. The Delphi approach included a baseline document and a questionnaire about facilitators and evaluation methodologies for assessing their role in family-centric prevention programs. The study's participants (a) highly ranked the importance of a facilitator's interpersonal skills and experience in family interventions and (b) suggested that facilitators are best assessed using qualitative techniques such as observation and focus groups.
Sanctuary Model Implementation from the Perspective of Indirect Care Staff
Authors: Esaki Nina , Hopson Laura M. , Middleton Jennifer S.
Published: November 2014

This article presents findings from an exploratory study of the implementation of the Sanctuary Model®, a trauma-informed organizational change model, from the perspective of indirect care staff in a voluntary child welfare agency. Results suggest that organizational readiness for change is associated with perceived success with change efforts. Additionally, the perceived role-modeling of trauma-informed behavior by agency staff differed by position, with subordinates best demonstrating desired behavior and leadership the least. The benefits of a participatory action research approach to organizational study are presented.
Animals as Community Stakeholders: Inclusion of Pets in Social Policy and Practice (Occasional Essay)
Authors: Clancy Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2014

As evidenced by their significant numbers in American households and the important roles they play in the living environment of humans, animals are key stakeholders in our communities. They enrich our communities in myriad ways, and their challenges mirror those faced by other community stakeholders: the need for adequate nourishment, comfortable housing, health care, safety, and stability. Despite the prevalent and symbiotic nature of human–animal relationships, few social service agencies collect baseline information about them or provide supportive resources, hindering both enhancement of the value animals bring to communities as well as resolution of challenges. Inclusion of pets in social service programs and policy initiatives will enable a more comprehensive approach and improve community health.
Healthy Families and Gay Rights: A Multiple Streams Analysis of Civil Union Legislation in Illinois
Authors: McMillin Stephen Edward
Published: November 2014

Using Kingdon's (1995) multiple streams framework, this article analyzes the processes of problem definition, policy proposal, and political decision-making in the passage of civil union legislation in Illinois in 2009–2011. Prominent problem definitions emphasized family vulnerability in the health care system, eclipsing the concerns of religious organizations that the existence of civil unions violated their religious liberty. Political factors which permitted both civil unions and same-sex adoption protection included disorganized and detached opponents; a state attorney general who served as a policy entrepreneur for family rights; and postelection, strategic bipartisan negotiation which opened a narrow window for policy change. Implications for family policy issues are discussed.
Critical Race Theory: Opportunities for Application in Social Work Practice and Policy
Authors: Kolivoski Karen M. , Weaver Addie , Constance-Huggins Monique
Published: November 2014

Critical race theory (CRT) provides a framework for examining power structures that maintain racial inequities and developing strategies for action and change. Though social work acknowledges racial disparities and the role of racism when identifying and attempting to ameliorate social problems, the profession has not fully incorporated CRT. This article introduces CRT, articulates its alignment with social work's professional mission and values, describes its central tenets, and applies the tenets to racial disparities within three areas of practice particularly relevant for social work: child welfare system involvement, receipt of public assistance, and access to mental health treatment. CRT's broader implications for social work practice are identified and discussed.
EMBO Retinoids 2011: Mechanisms, Biology and Pathology of Signaling by Retinoic Acid and Retinoic Acid Receptors
Authors: McKenna Neil J.
Published: November 2014

Retinoic acid (RA) is one of the principal active metabolites of vitamin A (retinol) which mediates a spectrum of critical physiological and developmental processes. Transcriptional regulation by RA is mediated primarily by members of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) subfamily of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of transcription factors. NRs bind specific genomic DNA sequence motifs and engage coregulators and components of the basal transcription machinery to effect transcriptional regulation at target gene promoters. Disruption of signaling by retinoic acid is thought to underlie the etiology of a number of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases including breast cancer and haematological malignancies. A meeting of international researchers in retinoid signaling was convened in Strasbourg in September 2011 under the auspices of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). Retinoids 2011 encompassed myriad mechanistic, biological and pathological aspects of these hormones and their cognate receptors, as well as setting these advances in the context of wider current questions on signaling by members of the NR superfamily.
Energy-based volume loss prediction for tunnel face advancement in clays
Authors: KLAR A. , KLEIN B.
Published: November 2014

The paper presents a three-dimensional mobilised strength design formulation for evaluating the face ‘take' volume loss of an advancing tunnel in clays. A closed-form analytical expression for an incremental displacement field per unit advancement of the tunnel is obtained. This displacement field is integrated to result in normalised (by volume loss) three-dimensional settlement trough and cumulative strain field for the mobilised strength design calculation. Using energy conservation, an expression for the expected volume loss is obtained. Normalised solutions, relating the volume loss and load factors, are derived and presented for idealised stress–strain curves of the form of power and exponential functions. The practical use of the developed model is demonstrated using several tunnelling cases in London Clay. The predictions of the model are found to be in fair agreement with the observed volume losses in the field.
Environmental fluctuations lead to predictability in Sin Nombre hantavirus outbreaks
Authors: Luis Angela D. , Douglass Richard J. , Mills James N. , Bjørnstad Ottar N.
Published: November 2014

Predicting outbreaks of zoonotic infections in reservoir hosts that live in highly fluctuating environments, such as Sin Nombre virus (SNV) in deer mice, is particularly challenging because host populations vary widely in response to environmental conditions and the relationship between field infection rates and abundance often appears to contradict conventional theory. Using a stage‐structured host‐pathogen model parameterized and cross‐validated from a unique 15‐year data set, we show how stochastic population fluctuations can lead to predictable dynamics of SNV in deer mice. Significant variation in host abundance and the basic reproductive number of the virus results in intermittent crossing of the critical host population density necessary for SNV endemicity and frequent local extinctions. When environmental conditions favor growth of the host population above the threshold, host–pathogen interactions lead to delayed density dependence in reservoir prevalence. The resultant ecological delay may provide a neglected opportunity for outbreak prediction in zoonoses.
Central Venous Catheter-Induced Pericardial Effusion in a Neonate: A Case Study and Recommendations for Practice
Authors: Shannon Dorothy
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Pericardial effusion (PCE) and tamponade as a complication of central venous catheters (CVCs) continues to occur in the neonatal population. It is imperative that clinicians managing neonates with CVCs practice vigilance regarding proper catheter tip location. Furthermore, it is of equal importance that clinicians have a high index of suspicion regarding the catheter tip location any time a neonate with a CVC has a clinical deterioration. It is clear that the ultimate outcome of PCE depends on rapid identification and a quick response when pericardial tamponade occurs. PCE can occur any time during the duration of the catheter dwell time, and education of staff caring for neonates will assist in prevention and rapid treatment.
Survey of US Correctional Institutions for Routine HCV Testing
Authors: Beckwith Curt G. , Kurth Ann E. , Bazerman Lauri , Solomon Liza , Patry Emily , Rich Josiah D. , Kuo Irene
Published: November 2014

To ascertain HCV testing practices among US prisons and jails, we conducted a survey study in 2012, consisting of medical directors of all US state prisons and 40 of the largest US jails, that demonstrated a minority of US prisons and jails conduct routine HCV testing. Routine voluntary HCV testing in correctional facilities is urgently needed to increase diagnosis, enable risk-reduction counseling and preventive health care, and facilitate evaluation for antiviral treatment.
Evaluating a Large-Scale Community-Based Intervention to Improve Pregnancy and Newborn Health Among the Rural Poor in India
Authors: Acharya Arnab , Lalwani Tanya , Dutta Rahul , Rajaratnam Julie Knoll , Ruducha Jenny , Varkey Leila Caleb , Wunnava Sita , Menezes Lysander , Taylor Catharine , Bernson Jeff
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Sure Start project, which was implemented in 7 districts of Uttar Pradesh, India, to improve maternal and newborn health.

Methods. Interventions were implemented at 2 randomly assigned levels of intensity. Forty percent of the areas received a more intense intervention, including community-level meetings with expectant mothers. A baseline survey consisted of 12 000 women who completed pregnancy in 2007; a follow-up survey was conducted for women in 2010 in the same villages. Our quantitative analyses provide an account of the project’s impact.

Results. We observed significant health improvements in both intervention areas over time; in the more intensive intervention areas, we found greater improvements in care-seeking and healthy behaviors. The more intensive intervention areas did not experience a significantly greater decline in neonatal mortality.

Conclusions. This study demonstrates that community-based efforts, especially mothers’ group meetings designed to increase care-seeking and healthy behaviors, are effective and can be implemented at large scale.
Unprotected Anal Intercourse With Casual Male Partners in Urban Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Pantalone David W. , Tomassilli Julia C. , Starks Tyrel J. , Golub Sarit A. , Parsons Jeffrey T.
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We investigated trends in, and predictors of, unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with casual male partners of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

Methods. We analyzed data from cross-sectional intercept surveys conducted annually (2003–2008) at 2 large lesbian, gay, and bisexual community events in New York City. Survey data covered GBMSM’s highest-risk behaviors for HIV acquisition (HIV-negative or unknown status GBMSM, any UAI) and transmission (HIV-positive GBMSM, any serodiscordant unprotected UAI).

Results. Across years, 32.3% to 51.5% of the HIV-negative or unknown status men endorsed any UAI, and 36.9% to 52.9% of the HIV-positive men endorsed serodiscordant UAI. We observed a few statistically significant fluctuations in engagement in high-risk behavior. However, these do not appear to constitute meaningful trends. Similarly, in some years, one or another demographic predictor of UAI was significant. Across years, however, no reliable pattern emerged.

Conclusions. A significant proportion of urban GBMSM engage in high-risk sex, regardless of serostatus. No consistent demographic predictors emerged, implying a need for broad-based interventions that target all GBMSM.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Young Adult Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States
Authors: Reiter Paul L. , McRee Annie-Laurie , Katz Mira L. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We examined human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among gay and bisexual men, a population with high rates of HPV infection and HPV-related disease.

Methods. A national sample of gay and bisexual men aged 18 to 26 years (n = 428) completed online surveys in fall 2013. We identified correlates of HPV vaccination using multivariate logistic regression.

Results. Overall, 13% of participants had received any doses of the HPV vaccine. About 83% who had received a health care provider recommendation for vaccination were vaccinated, compared with only 5% without a recommendation (P < .001). Vaccination was lower among participants who perceived greater barriers to getting vaccinated (odds ratio [OR] = 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.27, 0.78). Vaccination was higher among participants with higher levels of worry about getting HPV-related disease (OR = 1.54; 95% CI =  1.05, 2.27) or perceived positive social norms of HPV vaccination (OR = 1.57; 95% CI =  1.02, 2.43).

Conclusions. HPV vaccine coverage is low among gay and bisexual men in the United States. Future efforts should focus on increasing provider recommendation for vaccination and should target other modifiable factors.
Financial Incentives for Abstinence Among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Individuals in Smoking Cessation Treatment
Authors: Kendzor Darla E. , Businelle Michael S. , Poonawalla Insiya B. , Cuate Erica L. , Kesh Anshula , Rios Debra M. , Ma Ping , Balis David S.
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We evaluated the effectiveness of offering adjunctive financial incentives for abstinence (contingency management [CM]) within a safety net hospital smoking cessation program.

Methods. We randomized participants (n = 146) from a Dallas County, Texas, Tobacco Cessation Clinic from 2011 to 2013 to usual care (UC; cessation program; n = 71) or CM (UC + 4 weeks of financial incentives; n = 75), and followed from 1 week before the quit date through 4 weeks after the quit date. A subset (n = 128) was asked to attend a visit 12 weeks after the scheduled quit date.

Results. Participants were primarily Black (62.3%) or White (28.1%) and female (57.5%). Most participants were uninsured (52.1%) and had an annual household income of less than $12 000 (55.5%). Abstinence rates were significantly higher for those assigned to CM than UC at all visits following the quit date (all Ps < .05). Point prevalence abstinence rates in the CM and UC groups were 49.3% versus 25.4% at 4 weeks after the quit date and 32.8% versus 14.1% at 12 weeks after the quit date. CM participants earned an average of $63.40 ($150 possible) for abstinence during the first 4 weeks after the scheduled quit date.

Conclusions. Offering small financial incentives for abstinence might be an effective means to improve abstinence rates among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals participating in smoking cessation treatment.
Social Competence and Obesity in Elementary School
Authors: Jackson Sandra L. , Cunningham Solveig A.
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We examined the relationship between children’s weight and social competence.

Methods. We used data from the third- and fifth-grade waves of the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999 (n = 8346) to examine changes in children’s weight and social competence.

Results. Obesity in third grade was not associated with subsequent changes in social competence between third and fifth grade, but social competence in third grade was associated with subsequent development of obesity. Among normal-weight children, having higher social competence in third grade was associated with lower odds of becoming overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 0.80 ±0.09; P < .05) or obese (OR = 0.20 ±0.08; P < .001). In addition, obese children with higher social competence were more likely to lose weight between third and fifth grade (OR = 1.43 ±0.25; P < .05).

Conclusions. Obesity and impaired social competence often occur together and have serious implications for children's well-being. More knowledge about how weight and social competence affect one another could inform interventions to promote children’s social development and reduce obesity.
Implementing an HIV Rapid Testing–Linkage-to-Care Project Among Homeless Individuals in Los Angeles County: A Collaborative Effort Between Federal, County, and City Government
Authors: Anaya Henry D. , Butler Jaimi N. , Knapp Herschel , Chan Kee , Conners Erin E. , Rumanes Sophia F.
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We developed and implemented an HIV rapid testing–linkage-to-care initiative between federal and local government.

Methods. We used mixed methodology; HIV testing data were collected on-site, and qualitative data were collected via telephone. We used postintervention stakeholder and staff interviews to evaluate barriers and facilitators to this initiative.

Results. We tested 817 individuals. We identified and confirmed 7 preliminary HIV positive individuals (0.86% seropositivity), 5 of whom were linked to care. Mean testing cost was $48.95 per client; cost per positive result was $5714.

Conclusions. This initiative can be used as a template for other health departments and research teams focusing on homelessness and mitigation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Coupled Ethical–Epistemic Analysis of Public Health Research and Practice: Categorizing Variables to Improve Population Health and Equity
Authors: Katikireddi S. Vittal , Valles Sean A
Published: November 2014

The categorization of variables can stigmatize populations, which is ethically problematic and threatens the central purpose of public health: to improve population health and reduce health inequities. How social variables (e.g., behavioral risks for HIV) are categorized can reinforce stigma and cause unintended harms to the populations practitioners and researchers strive to serve.

Although debates about the validity or ethical consequences of epidemiological variables are familiar for specific variables (e.g., ethnicity), these issues apply more widely.

We argue that these tensions and debates regarding epidemiological variables should be analyzed simultaneously as ethical and epistemic challenges. We describe a framework derived from the philosophy of science that may be usefully applied to public health, and we illustrate its application.
Patients with Osteoarthritis in all Three Knee Compartments and Patients with Medial Knee Osteoarthritis Have a Phenotype with High Bone Mass and High Fat Mass but Proportionally Low Lean Mass
Authors: Karlsson Magnus K , Magnusson Håkan , Schewelov Thord von , Cöster Maria , Karlsson Caroline , Rosengren Björn. E
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose:

Cross-sectional studies have shown that patients with primary hip osteoarthritis (OA) have higher bone mineral density (BMD), higher BMI, lower lean body mass, and higher fat content. But it is unknown if this phenotype is found also in patients with knee OA and if it precedes OA or manifests as a result of the disease.

Patients and Methods:

We included 21 women and 18 men (mean age, 71 years; range, 48-85 years) with primary OA in all three knee compartments, 17 women and 56 men (mean age, 55 years; range, 34-74 years) with primary medial knee OA and 122 women and 121 men without OA as controls. We measured total body BMD (g/cm2), fat and lean mass (%) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and also registered height and weight to calculate BMI (kg/m2). Z-scores were calculated for each individual. Data are presented as means with 95% confidence intervals within brackets.

Results:

Individuals with primary OA in all three knee compartments had the following Z-scores: total body BMD 0.4 (0.0, 0.9); BMI 1.2 (0.7, 1.6); proportion of lean mass -0.6 (-1.1, -0.1); proportion of fat mass 0.4 (0.0, 1.8). Individuals with medial knee OA had the following Z-scores: total body BMD 0.4 (0.3, 0.6); BMI 1.1 (0.8, 1.4); proportion of lean mass -0.8 (-1.3, -0.9); proportion of fat mass 0.9 (0.7, 1.1).

Interpretations:

A phenotype with higher BMD, higher BMI, higher fat mass, and proportionally lower lean body mass is evident in individuals with primary OA in all three knee compartments and in patients with only medial knee OA.
Alcohol Consumption and Negative Sex-Related Consequences among College Women: The Moderating Role of Alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategies
Authors: Moorer Kayla D. , Madson Michael B. , Mohn Richard S. , Nicholson Bonnie C.
Published: November 2014

Alcohol protective behavioral strategies (PBS) limit overall negative consequences; however, less is known about the relationship between PBS and negative sex-related consequences. The purpose of the current study was to examine the moderating effects of 2 distinct types of PBS—controlled consumption strategies and serious harm reduction strategies—on the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related risky sexual behavior and sexual victimization. Participants were 459 undergraduate women (ages 18–25) who had consumed alcohol within the past 30 days. Both types of PBS significantly qualified the alcohol-sexual victimization link, but neither type of PBS qualified the alcohol-risky sexual behavior link.
Interacting with a Computer-Simulated Pet: Factors Influencing Children's Humane Attitudes and Empathy
Authors: Tsai Yueh-Feng (Lily) , Kaufman David
Published: November 2014

Previous research by Tsai and Kaufman (2010a, 2010b) has suggested that computer-simulated virtual pet dogs can be used as a potential medium to enhance children's development of empathy and humane attitudes toward animals. To gain a deeper understanding of how and why interacting with a virtual pet dog might influence children's social and emotional development, this study gathered detailed data regarding the effects of play duration and types of play interaction on the enhancement of children's empathy and humane attitudes. Quantitative findings revealed that participants who spent more time playing with their virtual pet tended to have higher humane attitude scores. In addition, play interaction that involved competing with a virtual pet dog was associated with higher empathy and humane attitude scores, and the reported number of incidents of care provided was associated with higher humane attitude scores. Qualitative findings showed that the participants built an emotional bond with their virtual pet dogs and that many participants believed that the virtual dogs had their own interests and personalities. Many participants tended to base activities they would like to do with their virtual pet dogs on what they perceived to be the virtual pet dog's interests and needs.
Effects of Using Alice and Scratch in an Introductory Programming Course for Corrective Instruction
Authors: Chang Chih-Kai
Published: November 2014

Scratch, a visual programming language, was used in many studies in computer science education. Most of them reported positive results by integrating Scratch into K-12 computer courses. However, the object-oriented concept, one of the important computational thinking skills, is not represented well in Scratch. Alice, another visual programming language, seems to have better illustration of the object-oriented concept for programming novices. To demonstrate effects of Alice and Scratch, we compared students' responses to both visual programming languages, especially for students with low performances, in an introductory programming course. The relationships among learning engagement, learning anxiety, and learning playfulness were explored. The results could be referred to by computer science instructors to select proper visual programming language for corrective instruction.
Effects of a Mixed-Mode Peer Response on Student Response Behavior and Writing Performance
Authors: Wang Jen-Hang , Hsu Shih-Hsun , Chen Sherry Y. , Ko Hwa-Wei , Ku Yu-Min , Chan Tak-Wai
Published: November 2014

The study proposed a mix-mode peer response, the E-Peer Response (EPR), to overcome the bias of a single mode, and examined how students with different levels of ability react to the EPR. Two classes participated in this study. One was the experimental group (EG) with the EPR; the other was the control group (CG) with a teacher-centered writing approach. Composition posttest scores were applied to evaluate participants' writing performance while the number of feedback was employed to evaluate students' peer response behavior. The results revealed that students in the EG performed better than those in the CG. This was due to the fact that the EPR provided a convenient online writing environment, a complete writing practice, and a sharable mechanism. High-ability students not only benefited more from the EPR than the low-ability students, but also high-ability students significantly outperformed low-ability students in giving suggestions on content features.
A Technology Integration Education (Tie) Model: Millennial Preservice Teachers' Motivations about Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (Tpack) Competencies
Authors: Holland Denise D. , Piper Randy T.
Published: November 2014

Nobel laureates Schultz (1971) and Becker (1964, 1993) reinvigorated the analysis of education investments. Human capital investments that improve cognitive skills for elementary and secondary students have important economic implications. An interdisciplinary, 12-construct technology integration education (TIE) model was developed. The sample consisted of 33 elementary education majors and 23 secondary education majors. Limited correlational and predictive relationships between the motivation variables and TPACK variables were found. However, the empirical evidence revealed new insights about self-determination motivation theory. Intrinsic motivation had a higher, significant positive correlation than extrinsic motivation with three dependent variables, while extrinsic motivation had a higher, significant positive correlation than intrinsic motivation with two dependent variables. These limited findings suggest that complex, contingent relationships exist between motivation variables and TPACK variables. The TIE model advances a robust research agenda for the interdisciplinary field of microhuman capital investments, which includes the education of Millennial preservice teachers.
Using the Community of Inquiry Model to Investigate Students' Knowledge Construction in Asynchronous Online Discussions
Authors: Liu Chien-Jen , Yang Shu Ching
Published: November 2014

This study used the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model proposed by Garrison to investigate students' level of knowledge construction in asynchronous discussions. The participants included 36 senior students (27 males) majoring in information management. The students attended 18 weeks of an online information ethics course. In this study, four types of discussion topics—theory exploration, life experience, case-based, and debate discussion—were designated, and their relationships with cognitive, social, and teaching presence (CP, SP, and TP, respectively) were explored. The students' attitudes toward and perception of online discourse were also examined. Data were collected from the participants' message posts, the teacher's reflection notes, and a survey that the students completed. Content analysis was performed according to the CoI model. The results indicate that the discussion types were significantly related to CP, SP, and the students' perceptions of the course, but that the discussion types were not related to TP. This study also found that the students' level of knowledge construction was best for topics related to life experience and case-study analysis. Therefore, this study recommends that to enhance the students' level of knowledge construction, teachers should design case-based discussions that are combined with social events or life experiences that integrate authentic aspects of personal life rather than pure theory or debate issues.
Contribution of cone beam computed tomography to the detection of apical root resorption after orthodontic treatment in root-filled and vital teeth
Authors: Castro Iury , Valladares-Neto José , Estrela Carlos
Published: November 2014

Objective: 

To investigate whether root-filled teeth are similar to vital pulp teeth in terms of apical root resorption (ARR) after orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods: 

An original sample of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 1256 roots from 30 orthodontic patients were analyzed. The inclusion criteria demanded root-filled teeth and their contralateral vital teeth, while teeth with history of trauma had to be excluded to comply with exclusion criteria. CBCT images of root-filled teeth were compared before and after orthodontic treatment in a split-mouth design study. Tooth measurements were made with multiplanar reconstruction using axial-guided navigation. The statistical difference between the treatment effects was compared using the paired t-test.

Results: 

Twenty posterior root-filled teeth and their contralaterals with vital pulp were selected before orthodontic treatment from six adolescents (two boys and four girls; mean [SD] age 12.8 [1.8] years). No differences were detected between filled and vital root lengths before treatment (P  =  .4364). The mean differences in root length between preorthodontic and postorthodontic treatment in filled- and vital roots were −0.30 mm and −0.16 mm, respectively, without any statistical difference (P  =  .4197) between them.

Conclusion: 

There appears to be no increase in ARR after orthodontic treatment in root-filled teeth with no earlier ARR.
Effectiveness of maxillary protraction using a hybrid hyrax-facemask combination: A controlled clinical study
Authors: Nienkemper Manuel , Wilmes Benedict , Franchi Lorenzo , Drescher Dieter
Published: November 2014

Objective: 

To evaluate the treatment effects of a hybrid hyrax-facemask (FM) combination in growing Class III patients.

Material and Methods: 

A sample of 16 prepubertal patients (mean age, 9.5 ± 1.6 years) was investigated by means of pre- and posttreatment cephalograms. The treatment comprised rapid palatal expansion with a hybrid hyrax, a bone- and toothborne device. Simultaneously, maxillary protraction using an FM was performed. Mean treatment duration was 5.8 ± 1.6 months. The treatment group was compared with a matched control group of 16 untreated Class III subjects. Statistical comparisons were performed with the Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results: 

Significant improvement in skeletal sagittal values could be observed in the treatment group over controls: SNA: 2.4°, SNB: −1.7°, Co-Gn: −2.3 mm, Wits appraisal: 4.5 mm. Regarding vertical changes, maintenance of vertical growth was obtained as shown by a small nonsignificant increase of FMA and a small significant decrease of the Co-Go-Me angle.

Conclusions: 

The hybrid hyrax-FM combination was found to be effective for orthopedic treatment in growing Class III patients in the short term. Favorable skeletal changes were observed both in the maxilla and in the mandible. No dentoalveolar compensations were found.
Interproximal reduction of teeth: Differences in perspective between orthodontists and dentists
Authors: Barcoma Elvi , Shroff Bhavna , Best Al M. , Shoff Michael C. , Lindauer Steven J.
Published: November 2014

Objective: 

To determine if interproximal reduction of teeth (IPR) is perceived differently by orthodontists and general dentists.

Materials and Methods: 

A Web-based survey containing statements about IPR was developed and randomly distributed to orthodontists and general dentists.

Results: 

The majority of orthodontists and general dentists strongly agreed that IPR is a minimally invasive procedure that poses little risk for the development of interproximal decay. However, general dentists were more likely to perform post-IPR polishing and to apply topical fluoride than are orthodontists (P < .0001). A greater percentage of orthodontists strongly believed that the esthetic and occlusal benefits of IPR outweigh the potential risk of tooth decay when IPR was performed (P < .0001). A greater percentage of general dentists were hesitant to perform IPR, despite research supporting that IPR has little negative effect on the health of teeth.

Conclusions: 

The results of this study disproved the null hypothesis that orthodontists and general dentists share similar views regarding the use of IPR during orthodontic treatment. General dentists were more conservative in their views of IPR and were less comfortable with performing IPR as a routine procedure. General dentists felt more strongly about the importance of post-IPR polishing and application of topical fluoride. Orthodontists were more likely to have researched the long-term effects of IPR on the health of teeth and therefore felt more comfortable performing IPR during orthodontic treatment.
Diabetes Enhances the Proliferation of Adult Pancreatic Multipotent Progenitor Cells and Biases Their Differentiation to More β-Cell Production
Authors: Razavi Rozita , Najafabadi Hamed S. , Abdullah Sarah , Smukler Simon , Arntfield Margot , van der Kooy Derek
Published: November 2014

Endogenous pancreatic multipotent progenitors (PMPs) are ideal candidates for regenerative approaches to compensate for β-cell loss since their β-cell–producing capacities as well as strategic location would eliminate unnecessary invasive manipulations. However, little is known about the status and potentials of PMPs under diabetic conditions. Here we show that β-cell metabolic stress and hyperglycemia enhance the proliferation capacities of adult PMP cells and bias their production of progeny toward β-cells in mouse and human. These effects are dynamic and correlate with functional β-cell regeneration when conditions allow.