bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Filtering and Eigenvector Stability: Space-Time Models for German Unemployment Data
Authors: Patuelli Roberto , Griffith Daniel A. , Tiefelsdorf Michael , Nijkamp Peter
Published: January 2011

Regions, independent of their geographic level of aggregation, are known to be interrelated partly due to their relative locations. Similar economic performance among regions can be attributed to proximity. Consequently, a proper understanding, and accounting, of spatial liaisons is needed in order to effectively forecast regional economic variables. Several spatial econometric techniques are available in the literature, which deal with the spatial autocorrelation (SAC) in geographically referenced data. The experiments carried out in this article are concerned with the analysis of the SAC observed for unemployment rates in 439 NUTS-3 German districts. The authors employ a semiparametric approach—spatial filtering—in order to uncover spatial patterns that are consistently significant over time. The authors first provide a brief overview of the spatial filtering method and illustrate the data set. Subsequently, they describe the empirical application carried out: that is, the spatial filtering analysis of regional unemployment rates in Germany. Furthermore, the authors exploit the resulting spatial filter as an explanatory variable in a panel modeling framework. Additional explanatory variables, such as average daily wages, are used in concurrence with the spatial filter. Their experiments show that the computed spatial filters account for most of the residual SAC in the data.
Constructs for Multilevel Closest Assignment in Location Modeling
Authors: Lei Ting L. , Church Richard L.
Published: January 2011

In the classic p-median problem, it is assumed that each point of demand will be served by his or her closest located facility. The p-median problem can be thought of as a ‘‘single-level’’ allocation and location problem, as all demand at a specific location is assigned as a whole unit to the closest facility. In some service protocols, demand assignment has been defined as ‘‘multilevel’’ where each point of demand may be served a certain percentage of the time by the closest facility, a certain percentage of the time by the second closest facility, and so on. This article deals with the case in which there is a need for ‘‘explicit’’ closest assignment (ECA) constraints. The authors review past location modeling work that involves single-level ECA constraints as well as specific constraint constructs that have been proposed to ensure single-level closest assignment. They then show how each of the earlier proposed ECA constructs can be generalized for the ‘‘multilevel’’ case. Finally, the authors provide computational experience using these generalized ECA constructs for a novel multilevel facility interdiction problem introduced in this article. Altogether, this article proposes both a new set of constraint structures that can be used in location models involving multilevel assignment as well as a new facility interdiction model that can be used to optimize worst case levels of facility disruption.
Accessibility and Impedance Forms: Empirical Applications to the German Commuting Network
Authors: Reggiani Aura , Bucci Pietro , Russo Giovanni
Published: January 2011

Accessibility plays a fundamental role in the transport network. In fact, accessibility may be used for investigating the (un)even distribution of economic activities, or the (dis)equilibrium in the development of different regional performances. In particular, accessibility analysis can be considered as a first exploratory step in the understanding of people's needs and behaviour, especially in the framework of transport network structures. From the methodological viewpoint, accessibility has a long tradition, starting in the 1950's with the pioneering work by Hansen, who defined accessibility as the potential of opportunity for interaction. Such a definition can also be considered as an integrated framework of all subsequent definitions. The aim of this paper is to explore accessibility in the German commuting network, by focusing attention on the relevance of the impedance form associated with it. The conventional (potential) accessibility function - in the light of the related economic activities - is used as a suitable instrument to identify the major German hub/attraction nodes. In this formulation, different types of decay functions are used as impedance forms. In our applications we consider home-to-work commuters travelling between 439 German districts, for both 2003 and 2007. We carry out a comparative analysis of the accessibility values in these years, by outlining the different emerging hierarchies, resulting from the use of different impedance forms. In addition, we explore which type of accessibility indicator best matches the connectivity network. The final aim is to identify - by means of different accessibility functions - homogeneous vs. heterogeneous characteristics of the German commuting network.
Cannibalization in a Competitive Environment
Authors: Drezner Tammy
Published: January 2011

In this article, cannibalization and its effects on location decisions in a competitive retail environment is investigated. The authors analyze maximizing market share while minimizing cannibalization using the gravity (Huff) model. The efficient frontier according to these two noncompatible objectives is constructed and illustrated on an example problem. An easy to implement analysis that provides insight into management decisions is provided. To illustrate the ease of implementing the model using Excel, a description of the spreadsheet along with the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code are provided.
The application of characteristic scores and scales to the evaluation and ranking of scientific journals
Authors: Glänzel Wolfgang
Published: January 2011

Characteristic scores and scales (CSS) were introduced by Glänzel and Schubert in 1988. CSS can be applied to analyse the citation impact of any subset of a system in comparison with citation patterns of the complete system. In this present study, CSS will be applied to individual subfields as systems and journals and papers as corresponding subunits. CSS are used as parameter-free tools to identify top journals within science fields, to identify highly cited papers within fields and journals and to compare the rank frequency distribution of highly cited papers over journals with the journal ranking according to traditional impact measures. The second part of the study is devoted to the possible normalisation of journal impact. In this study, threshold values of CSS are used to re-scale the journal-impact distributions. The underlying methodology and the outcomes for different subfields representing the life sciences, engineering and mathematics are discussed.
Assessing data currency — a probabilistic approach
Authors: Heinrich Bernd , Klier Mathias
Published: January 2011

The growing relevance of data quality has revealed the need for adequate measurement. As time aspects are extremely important in data quality management, we propose a novel approach to assess data currency. Our metric, which is founded on probability theory, enables an objective and widely automated assessment for data liable to temporal decline. Its values are easy to interpret by business users. Moreover, the metric makes it possible to analyse the economic impacts of data quality measures like data cleansing and can therefore build a basis for an economic management of data quality. The approach can be applied in various fields of application where the currency of data is important. To illustrate the practical benefit and the applicability of the novel metric, we provide an extensive real world example. In cooperation with a major German mobile services provider, the approach was successfully applied in campaign management and led to an improved decision support.
Praying for Mr. Right? Religion, Family Background, and Marital Expectations Among College Women
Authors: Ellison Christopher G. , Burdette Amy M. , Glenn Norval D.
Published: January 2011

This study explores the relationship between multiple aspects of religious involvement—affiliation, church attendance, subjective religiosity—and marital expectations among college women. In addition, the authors investigate whether religious involvement mediates the link between family background and marital expectations. These issues are addressed using data from a nationally representative sample of approximately 1,000 college women surveyed in 2000. Results indicate that the importance of marriage as a personal goal is positively associated with subjective religiosity. The estimated net effects of subjective religiosity are also stronger for women in two-parent families versus those in other family structures. Conservative Protestant women anticipate marrying earlier than others; church attendance and subjective religiosity are also positively related to expectation of earlier marriage. These associations are not contingent on family background. A number of implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Classification of Neural Tumors in Laboratory Rodents, Emphasizing the Rat
Authors: Weber Klaus , Garman Robert H. , Germann Paul-Georg , Hardisty Jerry F. , Krinke Georg , Millar Peter , Pardo Ingrid D.
Published: January 2011

Neoplasms of the nervous system, whether spontaneous or induced, are infrequent in laboratory rodents and very rare in other laboratory animal species. The morphology of neural tumors depends on the intrinsic functions and properties of the cell type, the interactions between the neoplasm and surrounding normal tissue, and regressive changes. The incidence of neural neoplasms varies with sex, location, and age of tumor onset. Although the onset of spontaneous tumor development cannot be established in routine oncogenicity studies, calculations using the time of diagnosis (day of death) have revealed significant differences in tumor biology among different rat strains. In the central nervous system, granular cell tumors (a meningioma variant), followed by glial tumors, are the most common neoplasms in rats, whereas glial cell tumors are observed most frequently in mice. Central nervous system tumors usually affect the brain rather than the spinal cord. Other than adrenal gland pheochromocytomas, the most common neoplasms of the peripheral nervous system are schwannomas. Neural tumors may develop in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system from other cell lineages (including extraneural elements like adipose tissue and lymphocytes), but such lesions are very rare in laboratory animals.
Social Psychological Orientations and Accent Strength
Authors: Gluszek Agata , Newheiser Anna-Kaisa , Dovidio John F.
Published: January 2011

Past research has focused on demographic and skill-acquisition variables, such as age of arrival and length of residence in the host country, to predict accent strength in a nonnative language. The present research investigated the relationships between accent strength and social psychological orientations of nonnative English speakers in the United States. Employing causal modeling techniques, this research extended previous work by examining nonnative speakers’ identification with the United States along with age and length of residence as predictors of both other- and self-perceived accent strengths. The research further investigated how accent strength may predict speakers’ perceptions of communication challenges and lack of social belonging. The results supported the proposed over alternative models. The importance of taking into account sociopsychological factors as both predictors and consequences of accent strength is considered, along with implications for research on the stigma of nonnative accents.
The Language of Coalition Formation in Online Multiparty Negotiations
Authors: Huffaker David A. , Swaab Roderick , Diermeier Daniel
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study is to examine how language affects coalition formation in multiparty negotiations. The authors relied on communication accommodation theory for theoretical framing and hypothesized that language can help coalition partners reach an agreement when it is used to increase a sense of unity. Findings of an experimental study support this hypothesis, demonstrating that greater linguistic convergence and assent increase agreements between potential coalition partners whereas the expression of negative emotion words decrease agreement. The implications for coalition formation and the study of language in negotiations are discussed.
A Model of Language-Based Impression Formation and Attribution Among Germans
Authors: Schröder Tobias
Published: January 2011

Research on the English and the Japanese languages has shown that impression formation and attribution processes can be modeled as stemming from a desire to maximize affective coherence in linguistic representations of social events. This article describes a replication in the German language, simultaneously uncovering subtle cultural distinctions. Subjects ( N = 1,905) rated 376 nouns, 393 verbs, 331 adjectives, 128 combinations of nouns and adjectives, and 100 short descriptions of social interaction on the three dimensions of the semantic differential (evaluation, potency, and activity). The data were used to estimate a set of regression equations that can be used to model impression formation and attribution. Sample applications of the model demonstrate its ability to predict the outcome of textbook classics in experimental social psychology.
Linguistic Androgyny on MySpace
Authors: Fullwood Chris , Morris Neil , Evans Libby
Published: January 2011

This article examines gender differences in the use of gendered language features in “about me” sections and forum comments on MySpace. Although men and women communicated in more stereotypically gendered ways in the forums, linguistic androgyny prevailed in “about me.” It is likely that “about me” sections provoke a more gender-neutral style of communication, as they are the self-representation in MySpace. Moreover, presenting oneself androgynously will be more appealing to a wider spectrum of users.
Who Wants to Deliver Public Service? Do Institutional Antecedents of Public Service Motivation Provide an Answer?
Authors: Vandenabeele Wouter
Published: January 2011

Public service motivation has rapidly become one of the important concepts in contemporary public administration research. However, until now, research has mainly focused on its measurement and its consequences, whereas relatively ignoring its origins. This study investigates where the antecedents of public service motivation may lay, and how institutions could play a role in the development of public service motivation. Based on a sample of 3,506 state civil servants, the results of this research demonstrate that identities related to the various institutions that one is affiliated with (e.g., the organizations for which one works, family, political affiliation, education, gender, and age cohorts) correlate with public service motivation. Although the findings of this study should be treated with some caution, as it concerns cross-sectional research, they might further reveal who is public service motivated and why.
Juvenile Leigh Syndrome, Optic Atrophy, Ataxia, Dystonia, and Epilepsy due to T14487C Mutation in the mtDNA-ND6 Gene: A Mitochondrial Syndrome Presenting From Birth to Adolescence
Authors: Leshinsky-Silver Esther , Shuvalov Ruslan , Inbar Shani , Cohen Sarit , Lev Dorit , Lerman-Sagie Tally
Published: January 2011

An increasing number of reports describe mutations in mitochondrial DNA coding regions, especially in mitochondrial DNA— encoded nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit genes of the respiratory chain complex I, as causing early-onset Leigh syndrome. The authors report the molecular findings in a 24-year-old patient with juvenile-onset Leigh syndrome presenting with optic atrophy, ataxia dystonia, and epilepsy. A brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral basal ganglia and thalamic hypointensities, and a magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed an increased lactate peak. The authors identified a T14487C change causing M63V substitution in the mitochondrial ND6 gene. The mutation was heteroplasmic in muscle and blood samples, with different mutation loads, and was absent in the patient’s mother’s urine and blood samples. They suggest that the T14487C mtDNA mutation should be analyzed in Leigh syndrome, presenting with optic atrophy, ataxia, dystonia, and epilepsy, regardless of age.
Designing Compensation Plans to Manage Today’s Risk Environment
Authors: Moynihan Daniel P. , Wells Sara
Published: January 2011

In light of the oil-drilling disaster in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the series of recalls in the auto industry, this article looks at how best to manage risk in the design of incentive compensation plans. This includes a look at the myriad risk issues and how boards can properly evaluate those risks and build in safeguards in company pay plans to mitigate these concerns. The key risk areas evaluated are strategic, cultural, performance measure and reputational risk. Finally, the authors suggest examining whether the plans in place align with business goals and ensure the company’s business reputation is preserved and is not tarnished. Without effective mitigation, compensation risk can damage the future of the company and its leaders.
Self-Funding: Taking Control of an Employer’s Health Benefits Destiny Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Authors: Fleet Samuel H.
Published: January 2011

In an era of rising health insurance costs and new mandates built into federal reform, employers of all sizes are discovering the advantages of controlling their own destinies with self-funded ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) health plans. With a large pool of employees, employers could expect to save about 10% by paying medical claims directly rather than purchasing fully insured coverage. The key is to pick the right partners, address outlier risk with stop-loss insurance and rigorously control costs.
Probation Recommendations and Sentences Received
Authors: Leifker Denise , Sample Lisa L.
Published: January 2011

Although an association has been established between sentencing recommendations made by probation officers and the actual sentences received by offenders, to date, few scholars have examined the role of offender and officer characteristics in these recommendations. This article uses quantitative data from one small California jurisdiction between 2004 and 2006 to explore the role of legal and extralegal factors in sentencing recommendations. The minimal impact of extralegal factors is discussed and conclusions are made about why this may be the case. Ultimately, this research is intended to shed further light on the sentencing process and the previously documented sentencing disparities that exist.
Race, Structural Disadvantage, and Illicit Drug Use Among Arrestees
Authors: Cooper Jonathon A. , Fox Andrew M. , Rodriguez Nancy
Published: January 2011

Although structural disadvantage has been found to predict both crime and illicit drug use, its pattern relative to methamphetamine use is not clear. To gain further insight into the relationship between structural disadvantage and methamphetamine use, the current study examines how structural disadvantage, as a macro-level risk factor, predicts methamphetamine use relative to other illicit drug use among a national sample of male arrestees. The study also examines the interaction between race/ethnicity, structural disadvantage, and methamphetamine use, vis-à-vis that of other drugs. Findings reveal that Black and Latino arrestees were more likely than Whites to test positive for marijuana, cocaine, and opiates than methamphetamine. Also, Whites in less disadvantaged areas were more likely than similarly situated Blacks to test positive for methamphetamine than marijuana, cocaine, and opiates. Policy implications are discussed.
Evaluating New York State’s Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act
Authors: McReynolds Larkin S. , Sandler Jeffrey C.
Published: January 2011

The current study evaluated New York State’s sex offender civil management screening process. Specifically, the study sought to (a) determine which variables contributed significantly to offenders being deemed high risk and receiving a psychiatric examination, and (b) assess the likely public safety impact of civil management by examining the recidivism rates of a historical sample of offenders matched to Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act–reviewed offenders on variables important to the civil management screening outcome. Results of the screening analysis indicated the civil management risk assessment process places the most emphasis on variables empirically established to be related to sexual recidivism risk, such as the offender’s Static-99 score and whether the offender had a male victim. Results of the public safety impact analysis indicated that the review process appears to be accurately identifying the highest risk offenders, thereby likely increasing public safety.
Association of Frontal Subcortical Circuits Infarcts in Poststroke Depression: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of 591 Chinese Patients With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tang Wai Kwong , Lu Jin Yan , Chen Yang Kun , Chu Winnie C. W. , Mok Vincent , Ungvari Gabor S. , Wong Ka Sing
Published: January 2011

Despite extensive research into poststroke depression (PSD), the role played by lesion location in the pathogenesis of PSD remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to estimate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates of PSD in Chinese patients with first or recurrent stroke. A total of 591 patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the acute stroke unit of a university-affiliated regional hospital in Hong Kong were recruited. A psychiatrist assessed all the patients 3 months after the stroke. The psychiatrist used the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fourth edition (DSM-IV) to confirm whether the patients met the criteria of a depressive disorder. In addition, a host of demographic, clinical, and radiological variables were examined. A tota; of 475 and 116 patients had first and recurrent strokes, respectively. In all, 75 (12.7%) patients received a diagnosis of PSD. In univariate analysis of the MRI findings, the presence of infarcts in the frontal subcortical circuits ([FSC], 66.7% vs 53.3%) was significantly associated with PSD (P = .03) compared to the patients without PSD. The FSC infarct-PSD association remained significant (odds ratio = 2.6) in subsequent logistic regression analysis after adjusting for gender, history of depression, neurological impairment, level of social support, and major life events. In conclusion, FSC infarcts are independent predictors of PSD. Further work is needed to clarify whether these infarcts have an impact on the clinical presentation, treatment responses, and prognosis of PSD.
Effect of Concentration of Mica and Microsilica on Particulate Composites of Poly(ethersulfone) and Poly(ether-ether-ketone)
Authors: Joseph S. , Shertukade V.V. , Mahanwar P.A. , Bambole V.A.
Published: January 2011

High performance polymers, poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) and poly(ethersulfone) (PES), were filled with mica and silica particulate fillers at different filler contents and the properties of the composites have been compared. The performance of these composites was analyzed in terms of the tensile, flexural, and impact properties and hardness measurements, and the properties were found to increase with increase in filler content. The scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that filler dispersion is good even at higher loadings. The dielectric strength, arc resistance, and heat distortion temperature of both mica- and microsilica-filled PEEK and PES composites are found to have better performance compared to unfilled polymers. Mica filler is found to be a better filler for PEEK than silica, while silica imparts better properties for PES than mica does.
Dynamic Mechanical and Perforation Impact Behavior of All-PP Composites Containing Beta-Nucleated Random PP Copolymer as Matrix and Stretched PP Homopolymer Tape as Reinforcement: Effect of Draw Ratio of the Tape
Authors: Abraham T. N. , Wanjale S. , Siengchin S. , Karger-Kocsis J.
Published: January 2011

Cross-ply all-polypropylene (PP) composite laminates were prepared by hot consolidation after tape winding combined with film stacking. Alpha (α) PP tapes of different draw ratios (DR = 8 and 12), produced by online extrusion stretching, served as reinforcements. Beta (β)-nucleated random PP copolymer, introduced in the form of a film, composed the matrix. The E-modulus of the PP tapes increased whereas their density decreased with increasing DR. The volume fraction of the reinforcement and the void content were estimated using optical microscopic images. The all-PP composites were subjected to dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, flexural, and instrumented falling weight impact tests. It was found that with increasing draw ratio of the α-PP tapes, the stiffness, strength, and perforation resistance of the composites were improved.
Fuzzy Logic-Based Modeling of Surface Roughness Parameters for CNC Turning of PEEK CF30 by TiN-Coated Cutting Tools
Authors: Cabrera F. M. , Beamud E. , Hanafi I. , Khamlichi A. , Jabbouri A.
Published: January 2011

An important range of existing engineered industrial parts consists of plastic materials that are reinforced with carbon fibers. Due to their excellent mechanical and thermal properties, machined mechanical parts made from reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite materials have become standard in many high-technology engineering fields such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. There is however a crucial need to predict the machining criteria for reinforced PEEK composite materials in order to optimize their fabrication process. In this article, the process parameters including cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut are investigated. A fuzzy rule-based model was derived to predict the surface roughness parameters Ra and Rt, in dry turning of reinforced PEEK with 30% of carbon fibers using TiN-coated cutting tools. The model was identified using results of experiments carried out according to Taguchi method. Predictions of the fuzzy-based model were found to fit, very well, experimental data with a correlation coefficient as high as 99%.
Covalent Bonding of Surface-modified Montmorillonite Nanoparticle with Polyurethane and its Impact on Shape Memory Effect and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Chung Y.-C. , Choi J.W. , Park J.S. , Shin C.H. , Chun B.C.
Published: January 2011

The surface-modified nanoparticle, monmorillonite (MMT), was chemically bonded to shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) to improve shape memory and mechanical properties compared to the conventional composite prepared by melt-mixing process. Cloisite 30B was selected as MMT, because the functional group on its surface, methyl tallow bis-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium group, could be used for chemical bonding with SMPU and the reduced surface hydrophilicity rendered MMT disperse better in SMPU matrix during chemical reaction compared to bare MMT. Two types of SMPU, differing according to their soft segment (PTMG) and MMT content, were compared in mechanical and shape memory properties. Maximum stress went up as high as 57 MPa, and strain remained above 1000% for all of SMPUs. Shape recovery improved up to 97%, and did not decrease after four repetitive cyclic tests. Here, results demonstrating the advantages of chemical bonding of MMT-linked SMPU, compared to MMT and PU composite made by melt-mixing method, are discussed.
Electrical Properties of Magnesium Catalyzed Cast PA6 Semi-Finished Products
Authors: Andó M. , Kalácska G. , Czigány T.
Published: January 2011

Graphite and conducting carbon black have been added to magnesium catalyzed cast polyamide-6. Surface resistivity has been measured on samples containing various amounts of additives in wet, standard, and dry states. The samples exhibited antistatic properties at already 2.5 wt% graphite loading. To reach similar properties 1 wt% high conducting graphite and 0.5 wt% high conducting carbon black was needed. It is important to note, that in the case of the high conducting additives above a certain concentration (above 2 wt% for high conducting graphite and above 0.5 wt% for high conducting carbon black) the surface resistivity decreases rapidly to the order of 107 Ω, belonging to the electrostatic dissipative class.
Thermal Impact Behavior of Glass-Epoxy-Laminated Composite Plates
Authors: Aktaş M. , Karakuzu R. , İçten B.M.
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study is to investigate the experimental and numerical characterizations of the glass/epoxy composite plates at room temperature (approximately 20°C) and high temperatures (40°C, 60°C, 80°C, and 100°C). Two stacking sequences were selected as [0/90/0/90] S and [0/90/45/—45]S. Numerical analysis was carried out using 3DIMPACT finite element code. The maximum contact force between the impactor and the composite plate, the maximum deflection at the center of the composite, and the percentage of damage area versus impact energy were drawn. Overall damage patterns were found using a light table and obtained by 3DIMPACT code. The numerical predictions showed good agreement with the experimental results.
Mica-Filled PVC Composites: Effect of Particle Size, Filler Concentration, and Surface Treatment of the Filler, on Mechanical and Electrical Properties of the Composites
Authors: Deshmukh S.P. , Rao A.C. , Gaval V.R. , Mahanwar P.A.
Published: January 2011

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most commonly used thermoplastic materials in cables and wires for electrical insulation. PVC has very good-to-excellent electrical and mechanical properties which make it suitable for use as an electrical insulating material in many domestic and industrial electrical insulation applications. Mica-filled PVC composites may become the cost-effective substitutes for other types of cable and wire compositions with their improved properties. In this study, water ground mica samples of different particle sizes, surface areas, and concentrations were used for fabrication of PVC composites with and without its surface treatment. Haake Rheochord 9000 compounder using roller-type blades was used for the fabrication of different PVC test composites. Melt-compounded composite was compression molded for making sheets. Mechanical and electrical properties were determined using these test sheets. Mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus, stiffness, and shore hardness increased with increase in mica concentration, whereas tensile strength and elongation at break values are found to decrease with increase in mica concentration. Dielectric properties also increase with mica loading. Morphological studies revealed that there was good adhesion and dispersion of the mica in the PVC composite. It was revealed that mechanical and electrical properties were marginally improved with the use of silane-treated mica.
Unequal Power Relations and Inclusive Education Policy Making
Authors: Liasidou Anastasia
Published: January 2011

In order to challenge individual deficit imperatives and discursive binaries of “normality and abnormality,” which have traditionally held sway over the education of children with presumed special educational needs (SEN), it is crucial to provide alternative and, hence, liberating, theorizations of special education. These new theorizations should be conceptualized and articulated in terms of the incessant interplay of unequal power relationships. This article aims to use critical discourse analysis (CDA) to expose the ways in which children with presumed SEN are disempowered by the policy framework of a particular sociopolitical context. In so doing it will be possible to expose and critically examine the ways that power manifests itself through language, thus identifying and demystifying the interplay of unequal power relationships that give rise to and perpetuate discursive fabrications of “normality” and “special educational needs.”
Assessing Why Some Students Learn Math in High School: How Useful Are Student-Level Test Results?
Authors: Baird Katherine
Published: January 2011

Educational systems in the United States are generating vast amounts of data on student achievement. This may provide researchers and policy makers with long sought-after insight on the factors explaining student performance. This study uses recent data from Washington 10th graders to examine why some students learned more math than others. Although important differences appear to exist among schools and districts, the data are of limited use in explaining student performance. The article discusses some of the possible reasons for this and the implications for education policy.
Civic Capacity in Educational Reform Efforts: Emerging and Established Regimes in Rust Belt Cities
Authors: Mitra Dana L. , Frick William C.
Published: January 2011

Using urban regime theory, the article examines two Rust Belt cities that tried to break the cycle of social reproduction in their communities by reforming their schools. The article contributes to the development of urban regime theory by comparing an emerging regime to an established regime. The comparison highlights the interdependent nature of regimes’ engagement, purpose, and civic capacity.
The Sorting Effect of Charter Schools on Student Composition in Traditional Public Schools
Authors: Ni Yongmei
Published: January 2011

This article investigates how Michigan’s charter school policy influences the composition of students by race and socioeconomic status in urban traditional public schools. Using 2 years of student-level data in Michigan’s urban elementary and middle schools, the dynamic student transfers between charter schools and TPSs are analyzed through a series of hierarchical generalized linear models. The two-way transfer analysis shows that the student sorting under the charter school program tends to intensify the isolation of disadvantaged students in less effective urban schools serving a high concentration of similarly disadvantaged students. The findings imply that a challenge for the state policy makers is to help disadvantaged students who are left behind in the most disadvantaged schools, without significantly reducing the benefits to students who take advantage of school choice.
Curriculum Differentiation and Comprehensive School Reform: Challenges in Providing Educational Opportunity
Authors: Harris Donna Marie
Published: January 2011

Given the efforts of comprehensive school reform to improve the quality of educational opportunities for students by providing a standards based curriculum, this analysis examines the issue of tracking and its implications regarding curriculum differentiation. Using data from middle schools involved with the comprehensive school reform model, America’s Choice, this mixed method analysis shows a complex manifestation of curriculum differentiation where schools had multiple types of academic tracks that responded to students differences including comprehensive learning groups, subject-specific groups, and temporary learning groups used for test preparation. Although school-level reports indicated that most regular education and gifted students were exposed to the America’s Choice English Language Arts and mathematics units, special education students and English Language learners were least likely to gain access to this content. Individual teacher responses to tracking were idiosyncratic where some modified the curriculum and instructional pace by learning group ultimately impacting the amount of content exposure where those in the top learning groups were able to cover greater material than those in lower groups. Even though some teachers resisted tracking by addressing the classroom issues that caused differences in curriculum and instruction, tracking persisted as an entrenched practice in these middle schools through preexisting academic groups and were also replicated in new learning groups that emerged to address student academic needs related to state testing demands.
Colliding Worlds: Practical and Political Tensions of Prekindergarten Implementation in Public Schools
Authors: McCabe Lisa A. , Sipple John W.
Published: January 2011

This chapter examines how the previously distinct worlds of early childhood education (ECE) and K-12 public school education are being drawn together through the recent and rapid advances of prekindergarten programming in the United States. Tensions around teaching philosophies, teacher qualifications, and financing are presented to illustrate the complexities involved in bridging the ECE and K-12 worlds. Common theories from the Politics of Education, including Policy Innovation Diffusion Theory, Institutional Theory, and Micropolitics are used to further understand current trends and issues around prekindergarten implementation, as well as to identify areas for future investigation. Despite the inherent tensions, prekindergarten has the potential to serve as a bridge between these two historically distinct systems, resulting in a better overall education system for young children.
What’s in a Name?
Authors: Varnum Michael E.W. , Kitayama Shinobu
Published: January 2011

Voluntary settlement on a frontier may promote values of independence. At present, however, researchers know little about the behavioral consequences of this process. In this study, we examined regional variations in baby naming. Because baby naming is an act of considerable personal and familial significance, it reflects prevalent cultural values. In support of the hypothesized link between frontier settlement and independence, we found that babies receive popular names less frequently in western regions of the United States than in its eastern regions (Study 1). The same pattern holds in Canada (Study 2), with popular names being less frequent in western provinces than in eastern provinces. Moreover, popular names are less frequently given to babies in world regions in which Europeans have settled (e.g., Australia, the United States) than in European countries (Study 3). These findings have implications for cross-generational transmission of cultural values.
The End of Managerial Control?
Authors: Raelin Joseph A.
Published: January 2011

This article has the aim of considering whether managerial control, no matter its form, has outlived, its usefulness in postbureaucratic society, and if so, whether it can be replaced by a more emancipatory discourse among local practitioners as they confront the immanent requirements of social interaction within their own practices. The article initially reviews the limitations of bureaucratic control and considers postbureaucratic or “soft” alternatives as sources of empowerment. Seen as ideals, postbureaucratic options are not thought to overturn the imposition of control in organizing, but the relocation of the positioning of work to the practice setting offers management a new role as the facilitator of the critical discourse required to sustain and enhance local activity.
Variations in Women’s Help Seeking in Response to Intimate Partner Violence: Findings From a Canadian Population-Based Study
Authors: Barrett Betty Jo , Pierre Melissa St.
Published: January 2011

This study examined the role of sociodemographic factors and v iolence characteristics in influencing women’s use of informal and formal supports in response to intimate partner v iolence (IPV) in a national surv ey of Canadian households. A subset of female respondents in the 1999 Canadian General Social Surv ey who experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual IPV by a male current or former intimate partner was used for this analysis. Findings suggest that although there are significant sociodemographic v ariations in women’s help seeking, the largest independent predictor of women’s use of supports is fear that one’s life is in danger.
Moving On Up? Regions, Megaregions, and the Changing Geography of Social Equity Organizing
Authors: Benner Chris , Pastor Manuel
Published: January 2011

In recent years, some advocates for social equity have sought to develop new solutions to urban poverty and build new forms of political power at a metropolitan or regional scale. The evolution of American urban areas into sprawling megaregions raises a concern that these “regional equity” advocates today may be facing the same dilemma as urban reformers in the 1960s: They are arriving to a new policy table just as the scale of the economy is shifting up and out. In trying to assess how the potential emergence of megaregions affects opportunities for addressing equity, the authors examine the Northern and Southern California megaregions and argue that “thinking megaregionally” may help to identify some new issues for equity organizing, but there are important challenges: (1) the issues most likely to gain traction at a megaregional scale seem to be primarily related to infrastructure and the environment and may not have the immediacy usually associated with successful mobilization of constituencies and (2) even if the issues are megaregional, the policy levers are likely to be local, state, and federal, rendering the megaregional scale less immediate in a policy sense as well. The authors nonetheless suggest that there may be growing opportunities in the years to come, and analysts concerned with equity and social movement may want to conduct further research in this area.
The Relationship between Tax Revenues and Government Expenditures in European Union and Non-European Union OECD Countries
Authors: Owoye Oluwole , Onafowora Olugbenga A.
Published: January 2011

This article examines the causal relationship between tax revenues and government expenditures in twenty-two OECD countries, eleven European Union (EU) member states, and eleven non-EU. We use the Autorgressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test and the Toda-Yamamoto Granger noncausality approach to test for causality. The results show that the long-run and short-run causal patterns differ across these groups within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). For the long-run causal patterns, we find evidence to confirm the tax-and-spend hypothesis in eight of the twenty-two countries; but the evidence is more prevalent within the EU countries, where tax burdens are much higher, than in the non-EU OECD countries. In addition, the long-run causality results also confirm the institutional separation hypothesis in twelve countries, with two-thirds coming from the non-EU OECD countries. While we have no evidence to support the fiscal synchronization hypothesis in the long run, the short-run results show evidence of fiscal synchronization in five out of twenty-two countries.
‘‘Ringing in the Ears’’: Narrative Review of Tinnitus and Its Impact
Authors: Holmes Susan , Padgham Nigel D.
Published: January 2011

About 10% of the population experiences tinnitus, a common and distressing symptom characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of external stimuli. There is, however, marked heterogeneity in etiology, perception, and extent of distress among those who experience tinnitus. Reactions to tinnitus vary from simple awareness to severe irritation; some people have difficulty in hearing because of the loudness of the noise. Severe tinnitus causes many, often psychological, symptoms (e.g., tension, frustration, impaired concentration, disrupted sleep). For some, tinnitus is temporary, for others it is longstanding. Although many people adjust successfully, others are disabled by tinnitus; approximately 5% experience persistent and severe symptoms affecting their lifestyle and significantly reducing their quality of life. Because tinnitus is poorly understood and no single therapeutic approach is effective for all patients, many patients are told that ‘‘nothing can be done’’ and they must ‘‘learn to live with it.’’ In spite of these challenges, there is remarkably little relevant nursing literature on tinnitus. This literature review was conducted to explore current knowledge of tinnitus, including prevalence, causes and diagnosis, and assessment. Its psychosocial effects and impact on individuals are considered. Implications for practice are discussed—demonstrating that understanding the full impact of the condition and identifying patients’ needs are essential to effective care.
Hindlimb Muscle Atrophy Occurs From Peripheral Nerve Damage in a Rat Neuropathic Pain Model
Authors: Choe Myoung-Ae , Kyung Hwa Kim  , Gyeong Ju An  , Lee Kyung-Sook , Heitkemper Margaret
Published: January 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of neuropathic pain produced by peripheral nerve damage on mass, myofibrillar protein content, and cross-sectional areas of Type I and II fibers of rat hindlimb muscles. Method: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three groups: a pain group (n = 10) that underwent ligation and cut of the left L5 spinal nerve, a sham group (n = 10) that underwent a sham cut procedure, or a control group (n = 10) that underwent no procedures. The withdrawal threshold test was done to assess pain threshold on each of Days 1—7 and 14. Activity, body weight, and food intake were measured daily for 2 weeks. At 15 days, rats were anesthetized and the bilateral soleus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius muscles dissected. Results: At 15 days postligation, the pain group had significant decreases in total dietary intake, body weight, activity, and muscle weight as compared to sham and control animals. Muscle weight and cross-sectional area of Type II fiber of the ipsilateral soleus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius muscles decreased as did myofibrillar protein content of the ipsilateral plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles. Muscle weight of the contralateral gastrocnemius muscle decreased, as did myofibrillar protein content and cross-sectional area of Type II fiber of the contralateral plantaris muscle. Conclusion: Hindlimb muscle atrophy occurs in both ipsilateral and contralateral sides following induction of neuropathic pain by unilateral peripheral nerve damage. Muscle changes of the ipsilateral side are more pronounced than those of the contralateral side.
Challenges in Interpreting Cytokine Biomarkers in Biobehavioral Research: A Breast Cancer Exemplar
Authors: Lyon Debra , Walter Jeanne , Munro Cindy L. , Schubert Christine M. , McCain Nancy L.
Published: January 2011

Purpose: This report extends the findings of a prior study comparing the level of plasma cytokines in women with breast cancer to those of women with a benign breast biopsy with the addition of a normal comparison group. The results of this three-group comparison are presented as background for discussing several methodologic challenges for biobehavioral research in inflammatory-based conditions. Method: This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design to compare the levels of plasma cytokines in women with breast cancer, women with a benign breast biopsy, and a normal comparison group. The levels of 17 cytokines were measured using multiplex bead array assays (Bio-Plex®). Data analysis included a variety of descriptive and graphical techniques to illustrate between-group differences in cytokine profiles. Results: The levels of plasma cytokines in the sample of 35 women who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, 24 women with a suspicious breast mass, who subsequently were found to have a benign breast biopsy, and 33 women in a normal comparison group present a background for discussing the implications of extreme between-group differences for biobehavioral nursing research. Both the levels of individual cytokines and their patterns were distinctly different in the three groups. Conclusion: The exemplar presented from the three-group comparison has implications for planning biobehavioral nursing research in patients with conditions characterized by inflammation.