bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Circuit Design by Using an Infrared Sensor Transmitter and Pic16f628 to Measure the Pulse Rate of the Driver
Authors: Buldu Ali , Yildiz Kazim
Published: July 2016

This study involves a circuit which is made in order to prevent traffic accidents caused by tiredness of the driver and sleepiness. Infrared light emitting diode and infrared phototransistor are used to track driver’s body values during vehicle driving. The pulse value, which can increase or decrease directly proportional to the heart rate, can be controlled with the help of this infrared light emitting diode and infrared phototransistor. Peripheral interface controller is used in the construction of the system. The blood pressure was transformed to an electronic signal with infrared receiver and infrared transmitter by checking the heartbeats. This electronic signal was processed with peripheral interface controller and the system was constructed. In application, the pulse rate of the driver is continuously measured, and these values are shown on a small display permanently. It is installed on a portable steering wheel which can be used in the automotive industry. The process of waking the driver up can be made by raising the voice of music and with the vibration of the seat.
Improving the Historical Knowledge and Writing of Students With or At Risk for LD
Authors: De La Paz Susan , Wissinger Daniel R.
Published: July 2016

In this study, we explored the potential of two forms of discussion (disciplinary vs. traditional) for 39 sixth- and seventh-grade students with or at risk for learning disabilities (LD), before writing historical arguments. Nine teachers who led small group discussions in six heterogeneous social studies classrooms implemented the intervention. Students who were involved in disciplinary discussions ( n = 19) scored statistically higher than their peers who engaged in traditional discussions ( n = 20) on a measure of historical knowledge (partial η2 = .23); they also wrote essays with better persuasive quality (partial η2 = .43) and greater evidence of historical thinking (partial η2 = .40). A delayed posttest delivered 8 weeks after instruction ended revealed that students in the experimental condition continued to write in more historically sophisticated ways than did students in the comparison condition (partial η2 = .19). Challenges, however, remain for struggling learners who must now meet basic and advanced disciplinary literacy goals.
Coefficients Alpha for the Tactual Performance Test Trials
Authors: Charter Richard A.
Published: July 2016

Given the severe assumptions needed for use of the Spearman-Brown reliability formula, the Tactual Performance Test trials data described in 2000 were reanalyzed using coefficient alpha. These values are considered the best estimate of the population reliability for the trials.
Constraints on Grip-Selection: Minimizing Awkwardness
Authors: Fischman Mark G.
Published: July 2016

In picking up and manipulating an object, the selection of an initial grip (overhand versus underhand) often depends on how comfortable the hand and arm will be at the end of the movement. This effect has been called “end-state comfort” and seems to be an important constraint in grip-selection. The present experiment further explored this effect by selecting a task that would ensure a comfortable ending position regardless of the initial choice of grip. 206 undergraduates picked up a cardboard paper-towel roll from a horizontal position and placed one end down on a table. Analysis showed a clear preference for the overhand grip, as 78% of the participants chose this grip. In addition, more women preferred the overhand grip than men. The findings indicate that people may be sensitive to minimizing awkwardness in both terminal and initial positions.
Item-Analysis Procedures for Enhancing Validity of Existing Personality Scales
Authors: Haley G. A.
Published: July 2016

Item-analysis procedures were used to reduce a 51-item hostility scale to a 20-item version with equivalent reliability and convergent validity, yet freer of desirability variance. Evidence presented in a multitrait-multimethod matrix (8 traits by self-ratings of trait adjectives and by item endorsements) indicated an enhancement of discriminant validity in the shorter form. The technique is presented as a means for improving the validity of scales developed by other earlier scale construction methods.
India and the Responsibility to Protect
Authors: Ganguly Sumit
Published: July 2016

India, though a working democracy, has adopted an ambivalent stance toward the genesis and evolution of the doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect. This article traces India’s views toward the earlier principle of humanitarian intervention, outlines its reactions toward the advent of the norm, and discusses India’s positions on the attempts to apply it to recent international crises. It then argues that India’s cautious support for the principle stems in part from concerns about its potential abuse in the hands of the great powers, post-colonial concerns about the diminution of the norm of state sovereignty, and finally, its own domestic vulnerabilities in the protection of human rights.
From the Immoral to the Incorruptible
Authors: Hu Miao , Rucker Derek D. , Galinsky Adam D.
Published: July 2016

Ample evidence documents that power increases unethical behavior. This article introduces a new theoretical framework for understanding when power leads to more versus less unethical behavior. Our key proposition is that people hold expectations about power that are both descriptive (how the powerful do behave) and prescriptive (how the powerful should behave). People hold descriptive beliefs that the powerful do behave more unethically than the powerless, but they hold prescriptive beliefs that the powerful should behave more ethically than the powerless. Whichever expectation—descriptive or prescriptive—is salient affects how power influences one’s behavior. Three experiments demonstrate that activating descriptive expectations for power leads the powerful to cheat more than the powerless, whereas activating prescriptive expectations leads the powerful to cheat less than the powerless. The current work offers new ideas for curbing unethical behavior by those with power: focus their attention on prescriptive expectations for power.
Guilty by Association: Product-Level Category Stigma and Audience Expectations in the U.S. Craft Beer Industry
Authors: Barlow Matthew A. , Verhaal J. Cameron , Hoskins Jake D.
Published: July 2016

While researchers have been increasingly interested in the notion of category stigma, they have largely focused on stigmatized industry categories. Because products serve as a key interface between producers and consumers, we suggest that product categories should play a prominent role in the stigmatization process. Product category stigma occurs when a product category is seen as violating the expectations of its audience members. We argue that when an organization offers a product from a stigmatized category, it is subject to lower evaluations and higher penalties from the stigmatizing audience, regardless of its true underlying quality. Further, when an organization is perceived as increasing its engagement in a stigmatized category, the lower evaluations transfer to the organization’s other products. Finally, we argue that an organization’s reputation for quality actually amplifies this stigma penalty. We find support for our hypotheses in a sample of online reviews for the U.S. craft brewing industry.
Revision Meniscal Allograft Transplantation in the Lateral Compartment
Authors: Lee Bum-Sik , Bin Seong-Il , Kim Jong-Min , Kim Won-Kyeong , Kim Jae Hyan
Published: July 2016

Background:

Little is known about clinical outcomes after revision meniscal allograft transplantation (RMAT), and there are no studies on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations during the early remodeling period.

Hypothesis:

The objective imaging results, as determined by MRI evaluation, would be inferior to those of published data on primary meniscal allograft transplantations (MATs), although short-term clinical improvement would be achieved after RMAT.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 9 consecutive patients (6 male and 3 female) who underwent RMAT from 2010 to 2014. The mean patient age was 33 years (range, 28-45 years). All patients had prior failed MATs in the lateral compartment. None of the patients had malalignment or ligament instability, and 7 patients had grade 3 or higher chondral degeneration. We assessed the RMAT with routine MRI evaluations during the remodeling period of the first postoperative year to determine graft healing and the mode of refailures, if any. We also investigated the problems specific for revision operations, as well as clinical outcomes.

Results:

Four of the 9 RMAT patients had significant intra-articular fibrosis with or without motion limitations at the time of RMAT. MRI evaluations demonstrated that the overall early refailure rate was 33.3% (3/9) during the first year; bucket-handle displacement with no meniscocapsular healing was the mode of all failures. Insufficient meniscal healing was also found in 2 other RMATs without premature failure. After a mean follow-up of 29.2 months (range, 21-45 months) in the 6 patients with preserved RMATs, Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective scores showed significant improvements over preoperative scores (from 53.3 ± 6.0 to 87.7 ± 2.9 [ P = .028] and from 53.4 ± 9.0 to 69.9 ± 4.8 [ P = .043], respectively; Wilcoxon signed rank test).

Conclusion:

The MRI findings showed that poor or insufficient meniscal healing to the host joint capsule was the major drawback of RMAT. Although more than half of our patients experienced clinical improvement after RMAT, the short-term graft survival was inferior to that of primary MATs in the literature. Our findings suggest that this challenging revision procedure requires great caution, especially with regard to the effects of poor host tissue quality on meniscal healing. Although RMAT can be an effective treatment, close observation with routine MRI evaluation is necessary during the early remodeling period to assess the status of the revised meniscal allograft.
A Preliminary Test of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide in Women Seeking Shelter From Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Wolford-Clevenger Caitlin , Smith Phillip N. , Kuhlman Shane , D’Amato Darcey
Published: July 2016

Women seeking shelter from intimate partner violence (IPV) are at greater risk of suicide ideation and attempts compared with women in the general population. A theoretically grounded understanding of suicide risk in shelter-seeking women is critical to improve assessment and management of suicide risk in this population. The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) proposes that suicide ideation results from hopelessness about thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. However, suicide ideation does not progress to death by suicide unless one has acquired the capability for suicide (i.e., pain tolerance and fearlessness about death) via repeated exposure to painful and fearsome events. The present study provides a preliminary test of the IPTS in a sample of 134 women seeking shelter from IPV. First, we examined factors theoretically related to suicide ideation, demonstrating that only at high levels of hopelessness was perceived burdensomeness associated with suicide ideation. The study also examined factors theoretically related to the acquired capability for suicide (ACS), indicating that physical partner violence perpetration was associated with ACS. These findings suggest that perceived burdensomeness, particularly in the context of increased hopelessness, is important in the assessment and treatment of suicide ideation. Furthermore, violence perpetration may indicate greater risk of the capability to die by suicide among women seeking shelter from IPV.
Managing Salesforce Compensation During the Growth Stage
Authors: Madhani Pankaj M.
Published: July 2016

The salesforce is a strategic lever of the sales organization for improving sales growth, market share and profitability. Various attributes of salesforce such as its size and structure are key components of salesforce compensation design. This research focuses on this direction and provides methodology to indentify optimal size of salesforce and the right balance between generalized and specialized sales roles in the salesforce structure. The size and structure of the salesforce significantly impact the operation of salesforce in terms of efficiency and effectiveness and hence it needs to change as the sales organization enters the growth stage. It is mainly because these attributes have highest impact on overall success of sales organization in the growth stage compared to other stages of business life cycle. However, designing an optimal salesforce size and structure is an intricate task. This study looks into this area and develops various matrices and analytical tools to determine optimal salesforce size and structure during growth stage. At optimal salesforce size and corresponding structure, sales organization is able to attract, retain and motivate the ‘right’ type of sales people, build long term relationship with customers, gain market share, enhance profitability and thus maximize the value of sales organization. Research develops a financial model and provides a numerical illustration to calculate optimal salesforce size and structure.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Carer Focused and Dyadic Multicomponent Interventions for Carers of People With Dementia
Authors: Laver Kate , Milte Rachel , Dyer Suzanne , Crotty Maria
Published: July 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two approaches: multicomponent interventions that focus on working with the carer and dyadic interventions that work with both the carer and the person with dementia. Method: A systematic review involving a search of Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO in October 2015 was performed. Randomized controlled trials involving carers of people with dementia and comparing multicomponent interventions with usual care were included. Results: Pooling of all studies demonstrated that multicomponent interventions can reduce depressive symptoms, improve quality of life, reduce carer impact, and reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia as well as caregiver upset with these symptoms. We were unable to find a significant difference in the effects of dyadic interventions in comparison with carer focused interventions for these outcomes. Discussion: Although effect sizes associated with intervention are small, multicomponent interventions are relatively inexpensive to deliver, acceptable, and widely applicable.
Amelioration of radiation-induced lung injury by halofuginone: An experimental study in Wistar–Albino rats
Authors: Calik M , Yavas G , Calik SG , Yavas C , Celik ZE , Sargon MF , Esme H
Published: July 2016

To evaluate effects of halofuginone (H) on radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), 60 rats were divided into six groups: Group (G) 1 control, G2 radiotherapy (RT) only, G3 and G4 2. 5 and 5 μg H and G5 and G6 RT + 2.5 and 5 μg H groups, respectively. A single dose of 12 Gy RT was given to both lungs. H was applied intraperitoneally with daily doses, until animals were killed at 6 and 16 weeks after RT. At 6th and 16th weeks of RT, five rats from each group were killed. Lung tissues were dissected for light and electron microscopy. Chronic inflammation, fibrosis and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF)-β scores of all study groups were significantly different at 6th and 16th week ( p < 0.001). Chronic inflammation, fibrosis and TGF-β scores of G2 were higher than G5 and G6 at 6th and 16th weeks of RT. At 16th week, fibrosis and TGF-β scores of G5 were higher than G6 ( p = 0.040 and 0.028, respectively). Electron microscopical findings also supported these results. Therefore, H may ameliorate RILI. The effect of the H was more prominent at higher dose and after long-term follow-up. These findings should be clarified with further studies.
From Affinity and Beyond
Authors: Albers Peggy , Pace Christi L. , Odo Dennis Murphy
Published: July 2016

Digital technologies make possible new avenues for sharing and accessing literacy research and practices worldwide. Among the myriad of options available, web seminars have become popular online learning venues. The current investigation is part of Global Conversations in Literacy Research (GCLR), a longitudinal and qualitative study now in its fifth year. As a critical literacy project, GCLR investigates how a web seminar project uses developing technologies to disseminate innovative literacy research and present professional development that critically shapes literacy practices. With this in mind, the current study seeks to understand the following: (a) What kinds of knowledge sharing interactions (KSIs) occurred in GCLR web seminars focused on critical literacy? and (b) What types of community and social practices occur in web seminars? Data included synchronous chat transcripts from across seven web seminars, interviews with participants and speakers, and website analytics. Data analysis followed the constant comparative method and R, an open-access software that analyzes both qualitative and quantitative data. The study resulted in two findings: Three types of KSIs emerged: whole group, between individual, and smaller, nested affinity groups; and GCLR emerged as a distinct online community with unique social practices. KSIs generated and supported collaborative opportunities to exchange ideas, co-construct knowledge, offer practical classroom applications, and gain insight about important critical literacy issues. As an online networked space that brings together participants interested in critical literacy issues, GCLR represents an innovative type of situated practice with an aim to develop what we call online Networked Spaces of Praxis (oNSP).
Simulation of the mild wear of cams in valve trains under mixed lubrication
Authors: Qin Wenjie , Zhang Zhi
Published: July 2016

Cam–follower kinematic pairs in the valve trains of engines usually operate in the mixed lubrication regime and work under conditions of wear. The wear mode of cams in mixed lubricated contacts is mild, and the wear value is usually calculated using Archard’s equation in which the wear coefficient is closely related to the lubrication condition. In this study, a nonlinear relationship between the wear coefficient and lubricant oil film thickness under mixed lubrication is proposed with consideration of the rough height distribution of the contact surface. As the cam and flat tappet pair of the valve train in a diesel engine is concerned, the wear coefficient of the cam material for boundary lubrication conditions is measured. After calculating the lubricant oil thickness, the wear depths at different points of the cam are simulated, and results are consistent with the measured values in the practical test.
Vulnerable children, stigmatised smokers: The social construction of target audiences in media debates on policies regulating smoking in vehicles
Authors: Bain Josh , Weishaar Heide , Semple Sean , Duffy Sheila , Hilton Shona
Published: July 2016

Following restrictions on smoking in vehicles carrying children in several countries, legislation to safeguard minors from second-hand smoke exposure in vehicles is under-consideration or has been implemented across the United Kingdom. This article presents the first investigation into social constructions of children, smokers and smoking parents in newsprint media and coverage of debates about protecting children from exposure to second-hand smoke in vehicles. Using Scotland as an example, articles on children’s exposure to second-hand smoke published between 1 January 2004 and 16 February 2014 in three Scottish newspapers were identified using Nexis UK. In all, 131 articles were thematically coded and analysed. Children were portrayed as vulnerable and requiring protection, with few articles highlighting children’s ability to voice concerns about the dangers of smoking. Smokers and smoking parents were mainly portrayed in a factual manner, but also frequently as irresponsible and, in some cases, intentionally imposing harm. Individual smokers were blamed for their recklessness, with only a small number of articles mentioning the need to assist smokers in quitting. Supporters of legislation focused on corresponding discourse, whereas critics directed debates towards established arguments against policy, including individual freedom, privacy and problems of enforcement. Focusing on children’s vulnerability to second-hand smoke might have increased support for legislation but risked a side effect of smokers being stigmatised. The media and supporters of public health policy are encouraged to consider appropriate approaches to raise awareness of the health harms of second-hand smoke to children while avoiding unintended stigmatisation of those in which they want to encourage behaviour change.
Differences in mortality among women with breast cancer by income – a register-based study in Finland
Authors: Vehko Tuulikki , Arffman Martti , Manderbacka Kristiina , Pukkala Eero , Keskimäki Ilmo
Published: July 2016

Aims: The aim was to assess all-cause and breast cancer mortality by income among women with incident breast cancer and the effect of cancer stage at diagnosis and comorbidity on the differences. Methods: The 43,439 women (age ⩾30) diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998–2008 in Finland were monitored using individual-level Cancer Registry data supplemented with data from Finnish health care registers and sociodemographic data. Results: Overall mortality was greater among breast cancer patients of the lowest income group than in the highest one; the hazard ratio (HR) for age and incidence year adjusted all-cause mortality was 1.9 (95% CI 1.8–2.1) and for breast cancer mortality 2.0 (95% CI 1.8–2.2). The women from the lowest income group were over-represented in the breast cancer stage ‘distant’ (10.1% vs. 3.5% among the highest income group). The presence of comorbidities was more common in patients with the lowest income (at least one comorbidity in 54%) than in the highest (24%). The HR adjusted with stage at presentation and comorbidities was 1.6 (95% CI 1.4–1.7) for all-cause mortality and 1.6 (95% CI 1.4–1.7) for breast cancer mortality. Conclusions: Tumour stage at diagnosis was more severe among lower income groups, and the presence of comorbidities was more common, although this only accounted for a part of the higher breast cancer mortality in these groups. More information is needed about recognition, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer to examine whether the socioeconomic differences of breast cancer mortality are related to care.
Residents' perception and use of green space: Results from a mixed method study in a deprived neighbourhood in Korea
Authors: Lee Yeunsook , Gu Naeun , An Somi
Published: July 2016

Variables other than the physical existence of green space can affect its health benefits, including the residents' perceptions of the green space. In this study, factors associated with residents' perceptions and use of green space, as well as, their demands for green space to promote their use of such space were examined. The study focused on a deprived area in Jeonju City, Korea and used a mixed method design that involved both quantitative and qualitative components. The quantitative data from a cross-sectional survey of 1000 residents and the qualitative data from interviews with 30 residents were obtained. The results showed that the people in poorer socio-demographic and residential situations were more dependent on local green space, and good relationships between neighbours in this low-income area led to more frequent use of green space. The most important and fundamental requirements for green space are easy accessibility and safety. Also, physical and social activities must be promoted through the use of green space. As since green space can play a significant and positive social role in deprived neighbourhoods, both the quantity and quality of such spaces should be strongly considered as part of any revitalization efforts.
In support of conversation analysis’ radical agenda
Authors: Button Graham , Sharrock Wes
Published: July 2016

This comment provides an overview of the four articles by Lindwall, Lymer and Ivarsson; Lynch and Wong; Macbeth, Wong and Lynch; and Macbeth and Wong, which make up the kernel of this Special Issue of Discourse Studies on Epistemics; and it also examines the reasons for the assorted difficulties the authors of those articles have with the Epistemic Programme (EP) being proposed for conversation analysis (CA). The legitimacy of their concerns is underscored by showing that the charge the EP makes, which is that the CA developed by Sacks, Schegloff and Jefferson gives an incomplete account of linguistic interaction, is founded on a number of mistakes. The first mistake is the idea that CA cannot effectively address so-called action formation. The second is a misunderstanding of the idea of ‘proof procedure’ in CA. The third mistake is that conversation can better be understood through an abstract analytic construction, rather than an emphasis on participants’ analysis. And the fourth is that it is necessary to rely upon an imputed cognitive machinery that is asserted to underlie conversation. The systematicity and generative power of Sacks, Schegloff and Jefferson’s radical work on turn-taking in conversation is emphasised and a question that begs to be answered arises, which is how well the EP compares to that earlier and still-radical work, something that the kernel articles address in their return to key transcripts used in the EP.
Time-dependent ROC methodology to evaluate the predictive accuracy of semiparametric multi-state models in the presence of competing risks: An application to peritoneal dialysis programme
Authors: Teixeira Laetitia , Cadarso-Suárez Carmen , Rodrigues Anabela , Mendonça Denisa
Published: July 2016

Abstract:

The evaluation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) programmes requires the use of statistical methods that suit the complexity of such programmes. Multi-state regression models taking competing risks into account are a good example of suitable approaches. In this work, multi-state structured additive regression (STAR) models combined with penalized splines (P-splines) are proposed to evaluate peritoneal dialysis programmes. These models are very flexible since they may consider smooth estimates of baseline transition intensities and the inclusion of time-varying and smooth covariate effects at each transition. A key issue in survival analysis is the quantification of the time-dependent predictive accuracy of a given regression model, which is typically assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC)’based methodologies. The main objective of the present study is to adapt the concept of time-dependent ROC curve, and their corresponding area under the curve (AUC), to a multi-state competing risks framework. All statistical methodologies discussed in this work were applied to PD survival data. Using a multi-state competing risks framework, this study explored the effects of major clinical covariates on survival such as age, sex, diabetes and previous renal replacement therapy. Such multi-state model was composed of one transient state (peritonitis) and several absorbing states (death, transfer to haemodialysis and renal transplantation). The application of STAR models combined with time-dependent ROC curves revealed important conclusions not previously reported in the nephrology literature when using standard statistical methodologies. For practical application, all the statistical methods proposed in this article were implemented in R and we wrote and made available a script named as NestedCompRisks.
How Do Stages of Change for Physical Activity Relate to Employee Sign-Up for and Completion of a Worksite Physical Activity Competition?
Authors: Walker Timothy J. , Tullar Jessica M. , Taylor Wendell C. , Román Rolando , Amick Benjamin C.
Published: July 2016

Introduction. This study evaluated whether stages of change for physical activity (PA) predict sign-up, participation, and completion in a PA competition. Method. Deidentified data were provided to evaluate a PA competition between 16 different institutions from a public university system. Employees who completed a health assessment (HA) prior to the start of the PA competition ( n = 6,333) were included in the study. Participants completed a self-report HA and logged their PA throughout the competition. Multivariable logistic regression models tested whether stages of change predicted PA competition sign-up and completion. An ordinal logistic regression model tested whether stages of change predicted number of weeks of PA competition participation. Results. Stages of change predicted PA competition sign-up and completion, but not weeks of participation. The odds for PA competition sign-up were 1.64 and 1.98 times higher for employees in preparation and action/maintenance (respectively) compared with employees in precontemplation/contemplation. The odds for PA competition completion were 4.17 times higher for employees in action/maintenance compared with employees in precontemplation/contemplation/preparation. Conclusion. The PA competition was more likely to reach employees in preparation, action, or maintenance stages than precontemplation/contemplation. Most of the completers were likely participating in regular PA prior to the competition.
l-Tyrosine Confers Residualizing Properties to a d-Amino Acid-Rich Residualizing Peptide for Radioiodination of Internalizing Antibodies
Authors: Lee Fook T. , Burvenich Ingrid J. G. , Guo Nancy , Kocovski Pece , Tochon-Danguy Henri , Ackermann Uwe , O’Keefe Graeme J. , Gong Sylvia , Rigopoulos Angela , Liu Zhanqi , Gan Hui K. , Scott Andrew M.
Published: July 2016

Purpose:

The aims of the study were to develop and evaluate a novel residualizing peptide for labeling internalizing antibodies with 124I to support clinical development using immuno-positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods:

The anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody ch806 was radiolabeled directly or indirectly with isotopes and various residualizing peptides. Azido-derivatized radiolabeled peptides were conjugated to dibenzylcyclooctyne-derivatized ch806 antibody via click chemistry. The radiochemical purities, antigen-expressing U87MG.de2-7 human glioblastoma cell-binding properties, and targeting of xenografts at 72 hours post injection of all radioconjugates were compared. Biodistribution of 124I-PEG4-tptddYddtpt-ch806 and immuno-PET imaging were evaluated in tumor-bearing mice.

Results:

Biodistribution studies using xenografts at 72 hours post injection showed that 131I-PEG4-tptddYddtpt-ch806 tumor uptake was similar to 111In-CHX-A″-DTPA-ch806. 125I-PEG4-tptddyddtpt-ch806 showed a lower tumor uptake value but higher than directly labeled 125I-ch806. 124I-PEG4-tptddYddtpt-ch806 was produced at 23% labeling efficiency, 98% radiochemical purity, 25.9 MBq/mg specific activity, and 64% cell binding in the presence of antigen excess. Tumor uptake for 124I-PEG4-tptddYddtpt-ch806 was similar to 111In-CHX-A″-DTPA-ch806. High-resolution immuno-PET/magnetic resonance imaging of tumors showed good correlation with biodistribution data.

Conclusions:

The mixed d/l-enantiomeric peptide, dThr-dPro-dThr-dAsp-dAsp-Tyr-dAsp-dAsp-dThr-dPro-dThr, is suitable for radiolabeling antibodies with radiohalogens such as 124I for high-resolution immuno-PET imaging of tumors and for evaluation in early-phase clinical trials.
Weighted Evidence Combination Based on Distance of Evidence and Entropy Function
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Xiao Fuyuan , Deng Xinyang , Fei Liguo , Deng Yong
Published: July 2016

Conflict management in Dempster-Shafer theory (D-S theory) is a hot topic in information fusion. In this paper, a new weighted evidence combination on the basis of the distance between evidence and entropy function is presented. The proposed approach is identified as two procedures. First, the weight is determined based on the distance of evidence. Then, the obtained weight value in the first step is modified by making advantage of Deng entropy function. Our proposed method can efficiently cope with high conflicting evidences with better performance of convergence. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate that the proposed method is reasonable and efficient in the end.
Design and Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of a Paternal Adaptation Questionnaire
Authors: Eskandari Narges , Simbar Masoumeh , Vadadhir AbouAli , Baghestani Ahmad Reza
Published: July 2016

The present study aimed to design and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Paternal Adaptation Questionnaire (PAQ). The study was a mixed (qualitative and quantitative) sequential exploratory study. In the qualitative phase, a preliminary questionnaire with 210 items emerged from in-depth interviews with 17 fathers and 15 key informants. In the quantitative phase, psychometric properties of the PAQ were assessed. Considering cutoff points as 1.5 for item impact, 0.49 for content validity ratio (CVR), and 0.7 for content validity index (CVI), items of the questionnaire were reduced from 210 to 132. Assessment of the content validity of the questionnaire demonstrated S-CVR = 0.68 and S-CVI = 0.92. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in the development of a PAQ with 38 items classified under five factors (ability in performing the roles and responsibilities; perceiving the parental development; stabilization in paternal position; spiritual stability and internal satisfaction; and challenges and concerns), which explained 52.19% of cumulative variance. Measurement of internal consistency reported a Cronbach’s α of .89 for PAQ (.61-.86 for subscales), and stability assessment of the PAQ through the test–retest demonstrated Spearman’s correlation coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficient of .96 (.81-.97 for subscales). It was identified that the PAQ is a valid and reliable instrument that could be used to assess fatherhood adaptation with the paternal roles and fathers’ needs, as well as to design appropriate interventions and to evaluate their effectiveness.
How companies and governments react to disasters
Authors: Hausken Kjell , Zhuang Jun
Published: July 2016

A two-stage model is developed between a company and a government. The government, representing the general public, earns taxes on production and chooses the tax rate in stage 1. The company allocates its resources into productive effort and safety effort. The disaster probability is modeled as a contest between the disaster magnitude and the two players’ safety efforts. Three new propositions are developed. First, both the government’s and the company’s safety efforts decrease in the unit safety effort costs, and the company’s safety effort increases in the unit production cost and in the company’s resources. Second, both players’ safety efforts are inverse U shaped in the disaster magnitude. Third, the company’s safety effort increases, and the government’s safety effort decreases, in taxation. Taxation can thus ameliorate companies’ incentive to free ride on governments’ provision of safety efforts.
The Honeycomb illusion: Uniform textures not perceived as such
Authors: Bertamini Marco , Herzog Michael H. , Bruno Nicola
Published: July 2016

We present a series of patterns, in which texture is perceived differently at fixation in comparison to the periphery, such that a physically uniform stimulus yields a nonuniform percept. We call this the Honeycomb illusion, and we discuss it in relation to the similar Extinction illusion ( Ninio & Stevens, 2000 ). The effect remains strong despite multiple fixations, dynamic changes, and manipulations of the size of texture elements. We discuss the phenomenon in relation to how vision achieves a detailed and stable representation of the environment despite changes in retinal spatial resolution and dramatic changes across saccades. The Honeycomb illusion complements previous related observations in suggesting that this representation is not necessarily based on multiple fixations (i.e., memory) or on extrapolation from information available to central vision.
The Visual Aesthetics of Snowflakes
Authors: Adkins Olivia C. , Norman J. Farley
Published: July 2016

In two experiments, participants evaluated the perceived beauty of snowflakes and solid objects. The snowflake silhouettes used as experimental stimuli were created from photographs of natural snowflakes. Both the snowflake silhouettes and computer-generated solid objects varied in complexity. In Experiment 1, 204 participants selected the single snowflake and single solid object that was the most beautiful. In Experiment 2, 33 participants rated the perceived complexity and beauty of the entire set of 100 snowflakes and solid objects. When considered as a group, the participants’ results for the solid objects replicated previous findings: The most and least complex objects were perceived as being the most beautiful. This pattern did not necessarily occur, however, for individual participants. Some participants in Experiment 2, for example, found only complex solid objects to be most beautiful ( N = 10); other participants found only the simple solid objects to be most beautiful ( N = 11). Additional participants perceived both the most and least complex solid objects to be beautiful ( N = 10), while one participant only found moderately complex solid objects to be most beautiful. The results for the snowflakes were more uniform: 91% of participants perceived only the complex snowflakes as being most beautiful.
Neoliberalizing Keynes?
Authors: Christophers Brett
Published: July 2016

Mann’s article makes a large number of brave and substantial claims about Keynes and ‘Keynesian reason’ in the context of contemporary capitalism and Left politics. But this depth and breadth makes the article problematic as well as significant, for the simple reason that Mann is unable to fully substantiate all of the claims in question. This commentary critically considers one such claim, concerning the relation between Keynes, Keynesianism, and neoliberalism.
Another rape? The persistence of public/private divides in sexual violence debates in India
Authors: Datta Ayona
Published: July 2016

In this intervention piece, I reflect upon the recent spate of highly publicized rapes in India to examine the persistence of public/private divisions in the debates and interventions around sexual violence. Using the example of the most recent case of the Badaun rapes, I suggest that it is the lack of critical reflection on the spatiality and intersectionality of this violence across the divides of public/private that is ultimately stifling potentially progressive interventions in this area. I will suggest that constructing rape as a spatialization of ‘urban anomie’, or in Badaun as a consequence of the lack of toilets, establishes rape as an ‘other’ space outside the ‘ordinary’ spaces of political, social and cultural institutions of state, community or family. Instead I propose that the examination of sexual violence that transcend public/private divides will allow us to see rape as embedded within the violence of social power relations across spaces and scales.
Carceral feminism
Authors: Sweet Elizabeth L
Published: July 2016

In this commentary, I use the notion of carceral feminism and the false dichotomy of the public and private sphere to reimagine how geographers interrogate the spatiality, legality, and embodiment of violence against women. By rethinking the role of the state as doling out punishment, the social work approach as service providers, along with moving beyond the bifurcation of public and private, activist scholars have the opportunity to change power relations in cities and communities. While a somewhat radical idea, it is already happening in cities like Chicago.
Is tapentadol different from classical opioids? A review of the evidence
Authors: Langford Richard M , Knaggs Roger , Farquhar-Smith Paul , Dickenson Anthony H
Published: July 2016

Tapentadol is a single molecule able to deliver analgesia by two distinct mechanisms, a feature which differentiates it from many other analgesics. Pre-clinical data demonstrate two mechanisms of action: mu-opioid receptor agonist activity and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibition. From these, one may predict that tapentadol would be applicable across a broad spectrum of pain from nociceptive to neuropathic. The evidence in animal models suggests that norepinephrine re-uptake inhibition (NRI) is a key mechanism and may even predominate over opioid actions in chronic (and especially neuropathic) pain states, reinforcing that tapentadol is different to classical opioids and may, therefore, be an a priori choice for the treatment of neuropathic and mixed pain. The clinical studies and subsequent practice experience and surveillance support the concept of opioid and non-opioid mechanisms of action. The reduced incidence of some of the typical opioid-induced side effects, compared to equianalgesic doses of classical opioids, supports the hypothesis that tapentadol analgesia is only partially mediated by opioid agonist mechanisms. Both the pre-clinical and clinical profiles appear to be differentiated from those of classical opioids.
Factors Associated With Seeking Physician Care by Medicare Beneficiaries Who Receive All Their Primary Care From Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Raji Michelle Y. , Chen Nai-Wei , Raji Mukaila , Kuo Yong-Fang
Published: July 2016

Background: A shortage of primary care physicians has led to the alternative strategy of nurse practitioners (NPs) as primary care providers for the growing elderly population. Many states have implemented policies that allow NPs to practice independently with no physician oversight. Little is known about the continuity of primary care provided by NPs. Objective: To examine rate and correlates of switching from exclusive NP primary care to receiving some or all primary care from physicians. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Participants: Medicare beneficiaries (n = 38 618) with diabetes, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who received all their primary care from NPs in 2007. Main Measures: Multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess patient and disease characteristics associated with switching from sole NP primary care in 2007 to receiving some or all primary care from physicians between 2008 and 2010. Results: Of elderly patients receiving all their primary care from NPs in 2007, 53.8% switched to receiving some or all primary care from physicians in 2008-2010. The switching patients had less comorbidity before the switch and were more likely to reside in metropolitan areas, ZIP code areas with high education or states with the most restriction on NP scope of practice. In multivariable analyses, significant predictors of switching included one of the following within 30 days before the switch: emergency room visits (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44-1.68), hospitalization (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.02-1.25), new diagnosis of heart attacks (OR = 5.52, 95% CI = 4.33-7.02), pneumonia (OR = 4.84, 95% CI = 3.71-6.32), atrial fibrillation (OR = 3.99, 95% CI = 2.93-5.44), stroke (OR = 2.94, 95% CI = 2.31-3.74), or cancer (OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.94-3.63). Conclusions: About half of Medicare patients under exclusive NP primary care switched to physicians for some or all primary care over a 3-year period. Future study is needed to understand the reasons for switching.
Does Culturally Relevant Teaching Work? An Examination From Student Perspectives
Authors: Byrd Christy M.
Published: July 2016

Culturally relevant teaching is proposed as a powerful method for increasing student achievement and engagement and for reducing achievement gaps. Nevertheless, the research demonstrating its effectiveness consists primarily of case studies of exemplary classrooms. In addition, most of the research fails to take student perspectives into account. The current study asks whether culturally relevant teaching works by considering student perceptions of classrooms that vary in the amount of culturally relevant practices. The sample was 315 sixth- through 12th-grade students sampled from across the United States (62% female, 25% White, 25% Latino, 25% African American, and 25% Asian) who completed surveys of their experiences of culturally relevant teaching, cultural socialization, opportunities to learn about other cultures, and opportunities to learn about racism. Elements of culturally relevant teaching were significantly associated with academic outcomes and ethnic-racial identity development. The findings provide support for the effectiveness of culturally relevant teaching in everyday classrooms.
Prevalence of Respiratory Protective Devices in U.S. Health Care Facilities
Authors: Wizner Kerri , Stradtman Lindsay , Novak Debra , Shaffer Ronald
Published: July 2016

An online questionnaire was developed to explore respiratory protective device (RPD) prevalence in U.S. health care facilities. The survey was distributed to professional nursing society members in 2014 and again in 2015 receiving 322 and 232 participant responses, respectively. The purpose of this study was to explore if the emergency preparedness climate associated with Ebola virus disease changed the landscape of RPD use and awareness. Comparing response percentages from the two sampling time frames using bivariate analysis, no significant changes were found in types of RPDs used in health care settings. N95 filtering facepiece respirators continue to be the most prevalent RPD used in health care facilities, but powered air-purifying respirators are also popular, with regional use highest in the West and Midwest. Understanding RPD use prevalence could ensure that health care workers receive appropriate device trainings as well as improve supply matching for emergency RPD stockpiling.
Diversity Science
Authors: Rosmarin David H.
Published: July 2016

Despite a stated value for diversity within clinical psychology, testing of theories and treatments is often conducted with homogenous/monolithic samples, and diversity science thus lags behind. Recognizing these trends, the present special series contains three articles, each of which presents a significant advancement in clinical psychological science as it applies to diverse groups (Asian Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans). These contributions highlight that cultural and other factors indelibly shape not only the presentation of psychological symptoms, but also mechanisms by which they develop, manifest, and can be ameliorated. Moreover, these articles serve as exemplars for how our field—which has reached a golden age—can use its methods to push the burgeoning field of diversity science forward and thereby create a new dawn for clinical psychological science as a whole.
The Link between Budget Deficit and Current Account Deficit in Indian Economy
Authors: Banday Umer J. , Aneja Ranjan
Published: July 2016

The main aim of the article is theoretical and empirical analysis of the causal relationship between the budget balance and the current account balance in India from the period 1990–2013. The article starts with a descriptive statistics to check the presence of normality in the frequency distribution followed by unit root test of non-stationarity. The presence of short-run and long-run relationship among the concerned variables, current account balance and fiscal balance has been tested by applying co-integration test followed by vector error correction mechanism, and finally it ends with Wald–Granger causality test. The results of the Wald–Granger casualty test claim that there exists bi-directional causality among the variables in the long-run whereas, the cointegration test results also conform the long-run association among the variables, and vector error correction mechanism results claim that there is no short-run relationship among the variables. The results indicate that the twin deficits hypothesis does exist in India.