bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The auditory region of Brachycephalus and its bearing on the monophyly of the genus (Anura: Brachycephalidae)
Authors: DA SILVA HÉLIO R. , CAMPOS LEANDRO AMBRÓSIO , SEBBEN ANTONIO
Published: January 2017

We surveyed the morphology of the auditory region of members of the anuran genus Brachycephalus. The sample included seven of the eleven known species; in addition, Brachycephalus ephippium and B. vertebralis were each represented by several specimens from different localities. All species lack a tympanum, tympanic annulus, stapes, and Eustachian tube. However, the operculum and the m. opercularis remain. The large operculum bears a robust process for the m. opercularis and covers most of the fenestra ovalis. The auditory apparatus of Brachycephalus is distinguished by the large size and the orientation of the fenestra ovalis, which faces posterior, rather than lateral. The morphology of these structures is compared to those of other minute brachycephalid frogs considered to be close relatives of Brachycephalus, and the importance of these characters as evidence of the monophyly of the genus is discussed. We also discuss the importance of other morphological features cited to support close relationships among small-sized brachycephalids, and consider the role of miniaturization in generating convergent pattern of loss of morphological features.
Not All Sparks Light a Fire: Stakeholder and Shareholder Reactions to Critical Events in Contested Markets
Authors: Dorobantu Sinziana , Henisz Witold J. , Nartey Lite
Published: January 2017

This paper examines when and how a critical mass of social and political stakeholders mobilizes against a corporate organization and the impact of such mobilization on the organization’s market value. Our study employs a dataset of more than 51,000 media-reported events describing the interactions among almost 2,300 political, social, and economic stakeholders and 19 gold-mining firms trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange and operating mines in emerging markets around the world. We first examine the conditions and dynamics that explain whether an isolated, stakeholder-initiated negative statement or action—a “spark” or critical event—goes unnoticed or escalates into a cascade of stakeholder reactions targeting the firm. Second, we examine whether such sparks and the ensuing cascades of stakeholder reactions affect shareholders’ valuation of the firm. We argue and show empirically that both stakeholders’ and shareholders’ reactions following critical events are largely influenced by stakeholders’ prior beliefs about the target organization and by peer stakeholders’ reactions to the critical event. Stakeholders with positive beliefs about the firm before the critical event mobilize to defend it, and those with negative prior beliefs reinforce their opposition. Shareholders also take note of the other stakeholders’ prior beliefs and react negatively to critical events if the firm has a history of conflict with its stakeholders. Thus unconnected or loosely connected stakeholders who reveal their beliefs about a firm through public statements and actions influence each other’s reactions to critical events and shareholders’ assessments of the firm’s value.
Investigation of productivity decline in inter-salt argillaceous dolomite reservoir due to formation damage and threshold pressure gradient: Laboratory, mathematical modeling and application
Authors: Wu Dan , Ju Binshan , Wu Shiqiang , Brantson Eric Thompson , Fu Yingkun , Lei Zhao
Published: January 2017

The inter-salt argillaceous dolomite reservoirs in the central region of China contain large abundance of oil resources with ultra-low permeability and porosity. However, the oil wells in this area show a very quick reduction with the decline of formation pressure. This article aims to investigate the main possible reasons that affect oil well productivity in the target oilfield. This study begins with analysis of capillary microscopic model, core stress sensitivity experiments, and non-Darcy percolation experiments. The impact of effective stress on permeability and porosity of the reservoir was revealed in this article. The novel productivity model and productivity evaluation model which couples stress sensitivity and threshold pressure gradient were proposed. The analysis of capillary microscopic model shows stress sensitivity of permeability to be much greater than that of porosity during the process of depressurization. The core stress sensitivity experiments results indicate that permeability and effective stress show index relationship while porosity and effective stress show binomial relationship. Damage rate and recovery rate of permeability and porosity were put forward to describe the degree of influence of stress sensitivity on permeability and porosity. The models were used to investigate the factors that affect single well productivity for the target oilfield. Application of the proposed model to this tight oilfield indicates that, the degree of influence of stress sensitivity is much greater than that of threshold pressure gradient. In addition, the greater the stress sensitivity coefficient and threshold pressure gradient are, the greater the productivity reduction will be.
Return on Retention (RoR): A Grounded Theory Study of Knowledge Workers in Indian IT Services Industry
Authors: Premalatha P.
Published: January 2017

Knowledge workers in the Indian information technology (IT) services industry are the main contributors to the growth of the industry and the economy. However, human resource (HR) processes to manage knowledge workers are still evolving. There are gaps in understanding how HR interventions which lead to the retention of key employees can strengthen organizational outcomes. This study proposes a framework that builds linkages between different elements of retention of knowledge workers and outcomes that exhibit the competitiveness of IT companies. Knowledge of these outcomes can be an important incentive for firms to continue pursuing strategies for retaining talent.

The purpose of this study is to explore the outcomes of talent retention strategies adopted in the IT services industry through the grounded theory approach. The study reflects the lived experiences of line managers (16), employees (17), HR managers (10) and top-level executives (2) in the sector. Purposeful sampling was used to identify the research participants. The in-depth interviews conducted with the participants were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using open, axial and selective coding.

The study uncovers seven propositions as returns on retention (RoR) strategies: (i) successful talent retention contributes to cost-effective HR practices, (ii) managing individuals’ performance and retaining achievers foster corporate performance management, (iii) retaining young and senior workforce results in retaining knowledge assets and strengthening human capital development, (iv) retaining women talent promotes gender inclusivity across levels, (v) successful retention strategies result in workforce motivation and morale, (vi) talent retention positively impacts job involvement and organizational commitment and (vii) employee recognition and retention practices promote reverse brain drain.
Securitization, racial cleansing, and disaster capitalism: Neoliberal disaster governance in the US Gulf Coast and Haiti
Authors: Pyles Loretta , Svistova Juliana , Ahn Suran
Published: January 2017

Through a critical discourse analysis of news media after the US Gulf Coast hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake disasters, we draw from Soss et al.’s (2011) ideas about US poverty governance – neoliberal paternalism – to identify how a similar phenomenon of ‘neoliberal disaster governance’ (NDG) operates in these contexts. NDG is a set of discourses, policies, and practices, we argue, which endeavors to control disaster survivors in order to further the ends of neoliberal capitalism. Specifically, we find several key story lines that legitimate and perpetuate NDG, namely disaster capitalism, securitization and militarization of disaster settings, discourses of racial cleansing, and displacement.
Policy search for multi-robot coordination under uncertainty
Authors: Amato Christopher , Konidaris George , Anders Ariel , Cruz Gabriel , How Jonathan P , Kaelbling Leslie P
Published: January 2017

We introduce a principled method for multi-robot coordination based on a general model (termed a MacDec-POMDP) of multi-robot cooperative planning in the presence of stochasticity, uncertain sensing, and communication limitations. A new MacDec-POMDP planning algorithm is presented that searches over policies represented as finite-state controllers, rather than the previous policy tree representation. Finite-state controllers can be much more concise than trees, are much easier to interpret, and can operate over an infinite horizon. The resulting policy search algorithm requires a substantially simpler simulator that models only the outcomes of executing a given set of motor controllers, not the details of the executions themselves and can solve significantly larger problems than existing MacDec-POMDP planners. We demonstrate significant performance improvements over previous methods and show that our method can be used for actual multi-robot systems through experiments on a cooperative multi-robot bartending domain.
Epidemiology of Concussion in Collegiate and High School Football Players
Authors: Guskiewicz Kevin M. , Weaver Nancy L. , Padua Darin A. , Garrett William E.
Published: January 2017

Despite evolutionary changes in protective equipment, head injury remains common in football. We investigated concussion in football and associated epidemiologic issues such as 1) incidence of injury, 2) common signs and symptoms, and 3) patterns in making return-to-play decisions. We received 242 of 392 surveys (62%) that were sent to high school and collegiate certified athletic trainers at the beginning of three football seasons. Of the 17,549 football players represented, 888 (5.1%) sustained at least one concussion, and 131 (14.7% of the 888) sustained a second injury during the same season. The greatest incidence of concussion was found at the high school (5.6%) and collegiate division III (5.5%) levels, suggesting that there is an association between level of play and the proportion of players injured. Players who sustained one concussion in a season were three times more likely to sustain a second concussion in the same season compared with uninjured players. Contact with artificial turf appears to be associated with a more serious concussion than contact with natural grass. Only 8.9% of all injuries involved loss of consciousness, while 86% involved a headache. Overall, 30.8% of all players sustaining a concussion returned to participation on the same day of injury.
Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Contralateral Autogenous Patellar Tendon
Authors: Shelbourne K. Donald , Urch Scott E.
Published: January 2017

We studied patients who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either the contralateral (N 434) or ipsilateral (N 228) autogenous patellar tendon graft to determine the difference between groups for the return of range of motion, quadriceps muscle strength, and return to sports. The contralateral group had statistically significantly more flexion than the ipsilateral group at 1 week and 2 weeks postoperatively. The contralateral group had statistically significantly greater quadriceps muscle strength in the reconstructed knee at 1, 2, and 4 months postoperatively and in the donor knee at 1 and 2 months postoperatively. Mean KT-1000 arthrometer results were 1.9 1.3 mm for the contralateral group and 2.2 1.1 mm for the ipsilateral group. The mean time to return to sports at full capability in a competitive subgroup was 4.1 months for contralateral patients and 5.5 months for ipsilateral patients. Overall, 49% of patients in the contralateral group and 12% of patients in the ipsilateral group returned to their preinjury levels of activity by 4 months postoperatively. Our results indicate that the contralateral patellar tendon can be used to restore range of motion and strength sooner than an ipsilateral patellar tendon graft. Patients can also have a faster return to full capability in sports without compromising ultimate stability.
The Effect of Circumferential Taping on Flexor Tendon Pulley Failure in Rock Climbers
Authors: Warme Winston J. , Brooks Daniel
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine whether circumferential taping of the base of the finger increases the A2 pulley's load to failure in a model simulating a rock climber's grip. Nine pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric hands, 20 to 47 years of age, were rigidly mounted in a specialized jig that maintained the finger in the climber's “crimp” position. Two of the four fingers of each hand were reinforced over the A2 pulley with three wraps of cloth adhesive tape. The flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis tendons were distracted until pulley or tendon failure. Overall, A2 pulley strength was greater in male specimens than in female specimens, and the A2 pulley of the small finger was the weakest tested. The A2 pulley failed simultaneously with the A3 and A4 pulleys in 55% of the tests. In the remaining trials, a single pulley failed initially followed by the remainder of the sheath. Of the 72 fingers studied, complete data were available for comparison of 22 pairs of fingers. No statistically significant difference in load to A2 pulley failure was noted between the taped and untaped finger pairs. Based on our findings we do not support taping the base of the fingers as a prophylactic measure against flexor tendon sheath injury in the climbing athlete.
Change in Meniscal Strain with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and After Reconstruction
Authors: Hollis J. Marcus , Pearsall Albert W. , Niciforos Peter G.
Published: January 2017

Meniscal injury has been well documented in association with injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of anterior cruciate ligament transection and reconstruction on meniscal strain. Four differential variable reluctance transducer strain gauges were placed in the medial and lateral menisci of nine cadaveric knees. Each specimen was mounted to a six-degree-of-freedom knee testing device. Testing was conducted with the knee fully extended and at 45° and 90° of flexion, both with and without applied axial load. At each angle of flexion, an anterior and posterior tibial load was applied. Next, the anterior cruciate ligament was transected and the testing sequence was repeated. Finally, the ligament was reconstructed using a central one-third patellar tendon graft and the testing sequence was repeated. The results demonstrated statistically significant increases in meniscal strain in ligament-transected knees compared with intact specimens. A reduction in meniscal strain to a level similar to that detected in the ligament-intact knees was observed after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. These results have important clinical implications regarding the potentially deleterious effect of the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee on meniscal strain and the potential benefit of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Refracture of Proximal Fifth Metatarsal (Jones) Fracture After Intramedullary Screw Fixation in Athletes
Authors: Wright Rick W. , Fischer David A. , Shively Robert A. , Heidt Robert S. , Nuber Gordon W.
Published: January 2017

This study details six instances of refracture of clinically and radiographically healed fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal after intramedullary screw fixation. Four professional football players, one college basketball player, and one recreational athlete underwent intramedullary screw fixation of fifth metatarsal fractures. The athletes were released to full activities an average of 8.5 weeks (range, 5.5 to 12) after fixation, when healing was clinically and radiographically documented. Three football players developed refracture within 1 day of return to full activity. The other three athletes refractured at 2.5, 4, and 4.5 months after return to activity. Two football players underwent repeat fixation with larger screws and returned to play in the same season. The college basketball player underwent bone grafting and returned to play in subsequent seasons. The other three athletes underwent nonoperative management and healed uneventfully over 6 to 8 weeks. On the basis of this series, we recommend that 1) screw fixation using a large-diameter screw should be given careful consideration for patients with large body mass for whom early return to activity is important; 2) functional bracing, shoe modification, or an orthosis should be considered for return to play; 3) if refracture occurs, exchange to a larger screw may allow return to play in the same season; and 4) alternative imaging should be considered to help document complete healing.
Management of Unicompartmental Arthritis in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Knee
Authors: Williams Riley J. , Wickiewicz Thomas L. , Warren Russell F.
Published: January 2017

There exists a group of patients who are difficult to manage because they have both anterior knee instability secondary to anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and unilateral degenerative joint disease. A large majority of these patients report a history of previous meniscal injury or meniscectomy after knee trauma at a relatively young age. Active patients who report symptomatic knee instability or pain associated with athletics or activities of daily living after conservative treatment may be indicated for surgery. Current endoscopic methods of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction result in low patient morbidity, the elimination of anterior knee instability, and a timely return of function. Osteotomies about the knee joint are an effective means of treating unicompartmental knee arthrosis. Long-term studies have demonstrated that knee osteotomy is a good surgical option for patients with unicompartmental arthritis who are considered too young for total knee arthroplasty. We describe a comprehensive treatment approach to the patient with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and isolated medial or lateral osteoarthritis. An assessment of pain symptoms, instability symptoms, and lower extremity alignment is used to formulate a treatment plan.
Retrospective Neuropsychological Profile of Patients With Parkinson Disease Prior to Developing Visual Hallucinations
Authors: Muller Alana J. , O’Callaghan Claire , Walton Courtney C. , Shine James M. , Lewis Simon J. G.
Published: January 2017

Visual hallucinations (VH) are a common feature of Parkinson disease (PD); however, the cognitive profile preceding the onset of VH has not yet been established. The present study investigated longitudinal neuropsychological performance of patients with PD who developed VH during follow-up compared to a group who did not develop VH. The patient groups were matched for demographic and disease severity variables at their baseline assessments. Patients who developed VH displayed impaired performance at baseline on measures of psychomotor speed, executive functioning, reaction time, and attention compared to patients who did not develop VH. These results demonstrate a profile of cognitive deficits specific to patients with PD at risk of developing VH and implicate attentional dysfunction in the early pathogenesis of VH.
Gas transport properties of polyimide membranes bearing phenyl pendant group
Authors: Song Guangliang , Wang Lina , Liu Dandan , Yao Jianan , Cao Yiming
Published: January 2017

Polyimides (PIs) with single phenyl pendant substitution were prepared based on three diamines containing phenyl pendant group, namely, 2,5-bis(4-aminophenoxy) biphenyl, 2-phenyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, and 2,5-diaminobiphenyl (p-PDA), with the dianhydride component of 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, respectively. The physical properties of the membranes were examined, including thermal properties, fractional free volume ( FFV), solubility, and morphological structures, and were compared with the analogues without phenyl pendant. Gas transport properties of the membranes were investigated and discussed from the viewpoint of structure–property relationship. For 6FDA-derived PI membranes, gas permeability increased as the degree of PI backbone rigidity leveled up. Gas transport properties were not improved by the incorporation of phenyl pendant group for 6FDA type containing ether linkage and marginally improved as compared between PI (6FDA/p-PDA) and PI (6FDA/p-phenylenediamine (PDA)). To increase the phenyl substitution density of 6FDA/PDA-type backbone, a novel diamine bearing two phenyl pendant groups, that is, 2,6-diphenyl-1,4-diaminobenzene (p, p′-PDA) was synthesized, and PI derived from 6FDA and p, p′-PDA was prepared. The gas permeability coefficients of PI (6FDA/p, p′-PDA) were remarkably larger than those of PI (6FDA/p-PDA) and PI (6FDA/PDA).
Multi-objective and multi-disciplinary design using evolutionary methods applied to aerospace design problems
Authors: Żółtak Jerzy
Published: January 2017

The design of real complex objects or systems is characterised by a multi-disciplinary approach. This article presents the methodology of multi-objective and multi-disciplinary design of aerodynamic objects, using optimisation. The in-house software ParaDes using Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines is a key element for the parametric modelling of aerodynamic objects. A multi-objective Genetic Algorithm is used for optimisation. Selected examples of a successful design solution are: (i) the design of a forward swept wing with natural laminar flow; (ii) the design of wings for low-speed turbo-prop small aircraft and small business jet aircraft; (iii) the design of a helicopter fuselage with and without rotor influence. In each case, the definition of the design problem, the objectives and constraints and the basic properties of the evaluation tools are discussed.
Institutions, culture and migrants’ preference for state-provided welfare. Longitudinal evidence from Germany
Authors: Schmidt-Catran Alexander W. , Careja Romana
Published: January 2017

Using the difference-in-differences estimator and data provided by the German Socio-Economic Panel, this article explores migrants’ preferences for state-provided welfare. The study finds evidence that over time, the preferences of immigrants and natives become more similar. We interpret this finding as evidence that the culture of home countries does not have a time-invariant effect, and that immigrants’ welfare preferences are subject to a socializing effect of the host countries’ welfare regime.
Construction of longitudinal prediction targets using semisupervised learning
Authors: Jo Booil , Findling Robert L , Hastie Trevor J , Youngstrom Eric A , Wang Chen-Pin , Arnold L Eugene , Fristad Mary A , Frazier Thomas W , Birmaher Boris , Gill Mary K , Horwitz Sarah McCue
Published: January 2017

In establishing prognostic models, often aided by machine learning methods, much effort is concentrated in identifying good predictors. However, the same level of rigor is often absent in improving the outcome side of the models. In this study, we focus on this rather neglected aspect of model development. We are particularly interested in the use of longitudinal information as a way of improving the outcome side of prognostic models. This involves optimally characterizing individuals’ outcome status, classifying them, and validating the formulated prediction targets. None of these tasks are straightforward, which may explain why longitudinal prediction targets are not commonly used in practice despite their compelling benefits. As a way of improving this situation, we explore the joint use of empirical model fitting, clinical insights, and cross-validation based on how well formulated targets are predicted by clinically relevant baseline characteristics (antecedent validators). The idea here is that all these methods are imperfect but can be used together to triangulate valid prediction targets. The proposed approach is illustrated using data from the longitudinal assessment of manic symptoms study.
Too big to jail: Match-fixing, institutional failure and the shifting of responsibility
Authors: Tak Minhyeok
Published: January 2017

Drawing upon new institutionalist lines of thought, this article examines how the institutional design of contemporary sports betting precipitates match-fixing and frames it as individual ethical failure. Given the inherent trade-off between pursuing: (1) managerial efficiency to insulate players from outside influence and (2) ethical legitimacy to render the business of sports betting socially desirable, this study analyses how the conflicting imperatives are reconciled in two contrasting institutional designs for sports betting: (a) South Korean football betting; and (b) motorboat race betting. Employing a qualitative multi-method approach, the analysis reveals that the football-betting regime sacrifices managerial efficiency for social legitimacy, thus engendering match-fixing; however, such an institutional failure is compensated by shifting the responsibility for match-fixing to individual players. Consequently, it is suggested that who is to blame for failure is not something functionally determined; rather, it is determined politically and justified by institutional power that renders individual ethical failure a much greater crime, only because the institution is too big to fail.
Holding versus Dicta
Authors: Khun James , Hall Matthew E. K. , Macher Kristen
Published: January 2017

Who controls the content of the majority opinion on the U.S. Supreme Court? Previous research offers conflicting views; however, these studies assume that a single justice exerts primary influence over the entire opinion. In contrast, we argue that different justices control holding (the legal determination that sets binding precedent) and dicta (unnecessary comments that lack precedential value). We argue that the bargaining process enables the median justice in the majority coalition to control holding, while the opinion author controls dicta. We test the empirical expectations of our theory on the concurrence behavior of Supreme Court justices: special concurrences reflect disagreement with holding, whereas general concurrences often reflect disagreement with dicta. The results support our theory that the bargaining process divides control over holding and dicta, which can produce ambiguity and confusion in the law.
The Classroom Is the Newsroom: CNA: A Wire Service Journalism Training Model to Bridge the Theory Versus Practice Dichotomy
Authors: Tulloch Christopher David , Mas i Manchon Lluis
Published: January 2017

Although recent journalism education literature has promoted constant innovation, creative curriculum design, and the adaptation of teaching methodologies to the requirements of a fiercely competitive media marketplace, the permanent face-off between the academy and the profession has often led to theoretical models distanced from real newsroom dynamics prompting the need for transversal projects that integrate both valid theoretical axioms and core competences. The Catalan News Agency (CNA) experiment, which obliges students to provide professional-level English-language content for an official news agency, addresses this dichotomy and goes beyond classic simulation models as trainees must comply with academic goals and adjust to agency dynamics.
Atopic Dermatitis, Depression, and Suicidality
Authors: Nicholas Mathew N. , Gooderham Melinda J.
Published: January 2017

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common disease associated with an underappreciated increased risk of depression and suicidality. Current literature investigates associated risk factors, including severity of disease, age, sex, and atopic comorbidities, which may help identify patients with AD at high risk for depression or suicidality. Increasing severity of AD and female sex are associated with an increased risk for both depression and suicidality, while increasing age is associated with an increased risk for depression only. Further research is required to validate the studies supporting these reported associations with a particular emphasis on suicidality and AD due to lack of information. The use of these risk factors may assist in the creation of simple screening tools to screen for psychiatric comorbidity in patients with AD.
miRNAs in cerebrospinal fluid identify patients with MS and specifically those with lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands
Authors: Quintana Ester , Ortega Francisco José , Robles-Cedeño René , Villar María Luisa , Buxó Maria , Mercader Josep Maria , Alvarez-Cermeño José Carlos , Pueyo Neus , Perkal Héctor , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Ramió-Torrentà Lluís
Published: January 2017

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate cellular processes by controlling protein translation and mRNA degradation.

Objective:

We aimed to explore the miRNA signature of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients versus controls and the possibility that patients with lipid-specific oligolconal IgM bands (LS_OCMB), a predictor of a more severe disease course, may have a distinct profile.

Methods:

An extensive profile of 754 miRNAs was evaluated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 14 women using TaqMan low-density arrays. Differentially expressed miRNAs together with others previously identified in the literature were validated in an extended sample of 86 MS patients (39 LS_OCMB+) and 55 controls.

Results:

We detected higher levels of miR-150 in MS patients and especially in those with LS_OCMB+. Other miRNAs (miR-328, miR-30a-5p and miR-645) were up-regulated in MS patients compared to controls while miR-21, miR-199a-3p, miR-191, miR-365, miR-106a and miR-146a showed down-regulated expression. Considering only patients with LS_OCMB+, we also detected up-regulation of miR-30a-5p, miR-150 and miR-645 and down-regulation of miR-191 compared to controls.

Conclusion:

Our study confirms the recent findings regarding the deregulated expression of miR-150 not only with MS but also with the presence of LS_OCMB. This study highlights the potential utility of miRNAs in CSF as biomarkers for MS.
Will rising powers undermine global norms? The case of gender-balanced decision-making
Authors: Jacob Suraj , Scherpereel John A. , Adams Melinda
Published: January 2017

Will rising world powers tilt global norms in less progressive directions? While there has been much theoretical speculation on this question, few scholars have explored it empirically. This article uses existing empirical evidence to test the extent to which countries compromise their own values to gain favor with influential countries. We analyze the gender of ambassadors sent to rising powers and established powers and suggest that this analysis generates insight into the likely effects of rising powers on global norms. We find that the probability that a country will send a woman ambassador to a rising power is significantly lower than the probability that it will send a woman ambassador to an established world power. We show that this difference increases when the sending country exhibits high levels of international economic dependence. Our findings imply that the rise of countries like China, Russia, and India may undermine the global gender-balanced decision-making norm and progressive global norms more broadly.
Support and conflict in relationships and psychological health in adolescents and young adults with cancer
Authors: Kay Joseph S , Juth Vanessa , Silver Roxane Cohen , Sender Leonard S
Published: January 2017

Perceived support and conflict between adolescents and young adults with cancer and their primary caregivers, other family, close friends, and medical staff were examined in relation to adolescents and young adults’ psychological health. Adolescents and young adults ( n = 115, 51% male, ages 12–24 years, M (standard deviation)  = 16.07 (2.29)) in outpatient cancer treatment perceived more support and conflict within familial relationships than other relationships. Among familial relationships, perceived support and conflict were associated with psychological health; within other relationships, only support was associated with psychological health. Interactions among family were most strongly correlated with psychological distress; interactions with friends were stronger correlates of posttraumatic stress symptoms, positive affect, and posttraumatic growth.
Developing the assessment literacy of teachers in Chinese language classrooms: A focus on assessment task design
Authors: Koh Kim , Burke Lydia E Carol-Ann , Luke Allan , Gong Wengao , Tan Charlene
Published: January 2017

A teacher’s assessment literacy refers to her or his demonstrated understanding of the principles behind selecting and designing tasks, judging student work, and interpreting and using assessment data to support student learning. This study examines the development of the task design aspect of assessment literacy in 12 Chinese language teachers as they participated in a two-year authentic assessment professional development program. By analysing the quality of assessment tasks designed by the teachers over time, we found that, although teachers quickly grasped many aspects of task design, they found it difficult to incorporate certain knowledge manipulation criteria into their assessments. The study provides insights into the contextual and discipline-embedded challenges that face language teachers with regard to assessment.
A comparative multimodal analysis of restaurant reviews from two geographical contexts
Authors: Chik Alice , Vásquez Camilla
Published: January 2017

In this article, the authors offer a comparative approach to the analysis of a popular internet genre – user-generated restaurant reviews – sampled from two different websites ( OpenRice and Yelp), which have emerged from two different geographic contexts (Hong Kong and the US). Their investigation reveals both similarities and differences of in terms of review format, content discussed and the use of several semiotic resources, such as the posting of photographs, the use of emoticons and emoji, and the expressive use of orthography and punctuation. The authors demonstrate that, while many of the formal properties of the genre are quite similar, some variations in review content may reflect underlying cultural differences. Furthermore, they show not only how the website’s architecture can either constrain or encourage the use (or non-use) of particular semiotic resources, but also suggest that other variables (i.e. orthographic systems, review community norms) may interact with medium factors.
From comics to biology diagrams: structure and inference in visual narratives of transformation
Authors: Almeida Hugo
Published: January 2017

It has been proposed that comics are a particular form of a fundamental human ability to produce visual narratives – a visual language. The expression of this visual language has received little attention outside comics. To address this matter, this work compares comics and scientific diagrams, focusing on representations of morphological transformation. Cohn’s Visual Narrative Grammar model, the role of dynamic knowledge structures and semiotics are considered in this analysis. A comic book and a diagram are investigated. Both reveal two kinds of transformation narratives: those that are depicted in the image sequence, and those that are inferred. In contrast to depicted narratives, inferred narratives do not depend on a narrative structure. Instead, they require context-specific instructions to organize subjects into narratives. Additionally, simultaneous events in visual narratives are proposed to generate concurrent narrative structures within a single image sequence.
Speaking under duress: visual and verbal elements of personal and political messages in captive videos
Authors: Grebelsky-Lichtman Tsfira , Cohen Akiba A.
Published: January 2017

Videos of living captives presented in the media are extremely influential and have broad implications even beyond the boundaries of the countries involved in the depicted events. This study is the first to present a comprehensive analysis of the visual and verbal contents of captive videos. This analysis of eleven videos of captives involved in seven abductions in three countries between 1986 and 2014 describes recurring media patterns, both visual and verbal, and suggests the functions they perform. Based on a multi-layered theoretical and analytical framework, the analysis reveals a unique genre consisting of four polar opposites reflecting both personal and political messages: visibility vs concealment, free expression vs scripted and coercive text, collective memory vs public agenda, and newsworthiness vs culture. The study delineates their unique co-existence in the generic identity.
Fair equality of opportunity and selective secondary schools
Authors: Mason Andrew
Published: January 2017

Can selecting on the basis of academic ability at secondary school level be reconciled with equality of opportunity? One common view is that although the two can be reconciled in principle, for various contingent reasons selection tends to undermine equality of opportunity in practice, for example, it tends to advantage children who have been fortunate enough to be born into better off families. In this article, it is argued that the problems with selecting on grounds of academic ability go deeper because of the fact that children develop at different rates, and that a proper appreciation of the difficulties this creates for reconciling equality of opportunity with selection casts doubt on the meritocratic conception of equality of opportunity, including Rawls’s principle of fair equality of opportunity. It concludes with some thoughts concerning what a better approach to theorising equality of opportunity would look like in light of the issues raised by secondary school selection, drawing upon social egalitarian ideas and a Dworkinian hypothetical insurance scheme.
Cross-Sport Recruiting Effects in NCAA D1 Football and Basketball
Authors: Evans Brent A. , Pitts Joshua D.
Published: January 2017

Using an extensive data set, we conduct an academic study of the determinants of recruiting success in Division 1 basketball and football. Among many findings, we show that football recruiting is correlated with on-court basketball success, although the relationship is not always positive. However, we do not find any evidence supporting the oft-held claim that on-field football success aids in basketball recruiting. Additionally, our models indicate that recruiting effects differ between “power” and “mid-major” conferences. These findings, among others provided herein, should enhance the literature on recruiting in college sports and could encourage administrators and coaches to reconsider recruiting tactics.
Flipping the Script: The Dangerous Bodies of Girls of Color
Authors: Evans-Winters Venus E. ,   with Girls for Gender Equity
Published: January 2017

Girls of color have been left out of discussions on youth participatory action research (YPAR) as well as gender- and race-based scholarship related to school marginalization. How Black girls and other girls of color experience girlhood is undertheorized. In this particular discussion, high school girls themselves expose the ways in which girls are punished in schools. Using participatory action research (PAR), high school students unveil girls of color experiences in schools as “dangerous bodies.” The author asseverates that Black girls and other girls of color “flip the script” by becoming conscientious and active agents in social change through the research process.
Addressing Acculturative Stress in Psychotherapy: A Case Study of a Latino Man Overcoming Cultural Conflicts and Stress Related to Language Use
Authors: Torres Calia A. , Crowther Martha R. , Brodsky Stanley
Published: January 2017

To foster engagement in treatment and improve therapeutic outcomes for immigrant clients, it is important for therapists to integrate cultural values and to recognize the psychological stressors faced as immigrants learn to adapt and assimilate changes associated with moving to a new country. This case study describes the integration of cultural values when working with immigrant Latino clients who are at an increased risk of experiencing acculturative stress as a result of moving to the United States and having limited English knowledge. The integration of cultural values of familismo and personalismo are also discussed as it related to case conceptualization and treatment process. Finally, the current case provides information about conducting therapy in two languages and transitioning from Spanish to English as part of acculturation process while also addressing multifaceted aspects involved when working with Latino clients.
Therapeutic Effect of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Hepatocellular Carcinoma H22-Bearing Mice
Authors: Lai Xiaoyu , Xia Weibiao , Wei Jing , Ding Xinghong
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of astragalus polysaccharides (APSs), active constituents of astragalus, in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their potential as a promising candidate for future anticancer drug development. Astragalus polysaccharide was administered at different doses to HCC H22-bearing mice to investigate their antitumor effects. Results revealed that APS inhibited the growth of H22 cells with a tumor inhibition rate in the APS 400 mg·kg−1 group of 59.01%. Astragalus polysaccharides significantly increased the spleen and thymus indexes, and also the interleukin (IL) 2, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α cytokine concentration in serum, indicating that APS influences immune-regulating properties involved in antitumor activity. In addition, APS increased Bax protein expression and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression; these proteins are apoptosis-regulating factors responsible for cell death or survival. Further development and exploration of APS may enable it to become an effective clinical agent for liver cancer therapy.
Numerical simulation of the double pits stress concentration in a curved casing inner surface
Authors: Yan Wei , Guan Lei , Xu Yun , Deng Jin-Gen
Published: January 2017

Sour or sweet oil fields development is common in recent years. Casing and tubing are usually subjected to pitting corrosion because of exposure to the strong corrosion species, such as CO2, H2S, and saline water. When the corrosion pits formed in the casing inner surface, localized stress concentration will occur and the casing strength will be degraded. Thus, it is essential to evaluate the degree of stress concentration factor accurately. This article performed a numerical simulation on double pits stress concentration factor in a curved inner surface using the finite element software ABAQUS. The results show that the stress concentration factor of double pits mainly depends on the ratio of two pits distance to the pit radius ( L/R). It should not be only assessed by the absolute distance between the two pits. When the two pits are close and tangent, the maximum stress concentration factor will appear on the inner tangential edges. Stress concentration increased by double pits in a curved casing inner surface is more serious than that in a flat surface. A correction factor of 1.9 was recommended in the curved inner surface double pits stress concentration factor predict model.
Effect of load and speed on warship power rear drive system helical gear anti-scuffing properties in thermal elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication
Authors: Wang Yongmei , Shao Junpeng , Wang Xigui , Zhao Xuezeng , Li Shubao , Cao Lixin
Published: January 2017

The key parameters which caused the scoring failure of helical gears are operating load and speed. In this study, the simulations using geometric meshing theory were carried out to investigate the effect of load and speed of warship transmission helical gear system on thermal elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication. The numerical algorithm for the analysis of three-dimensional thermal elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication used in this work has advantage that the film pressure and distributions can be calculated from Reynolds equation for all mixed lubrication regions without any specific boundary condition for the edge of solid contact region. Oil film pressure, film thickness as well as film temperature under different load and speed conditions were obtained and compared. In addition, experimental tests were conducted to determine gear surface temperature under different load and speed conditions. This work provided a guidance to understand the load- and speed-dependent thermal elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication.
Analysis and control of flow at suction connection in high-speed centrifugal pump
Authors: Song Wen-wu , Wei Li-chao , Fu Jie , Shi Jian-wei , Yang Xiu-xin , Xu Qian-yu
Published: January 2017

The backflow vortexes at the suction connection in high-speed centrifugal pumps have negative effect on the flow field. Setting an orifice plate in front of the inducer is able to decrease the negative effect caused by backflow vortexes. The traditional plate is able to partially control the backflow vortexes, but a small part of the vortex is still in the inlet and the inducer. Four new types of orifice plates were created, and the control effects on backflow vortexes were analyzed. The ANSYS-CFX software was used to numerically simulate a high-speed centrifugal pump. The variations of streamline and velocity vectors at the suction connection were analyzed. Meanwhile, the effects of these plates on the impeller pressure and the internal flow field of the inducer were analyzed. Numerically, simulation and experimental data analysis methods were used to compare the head and efficiency of the high-speed pumps. The results show that the C-type orifice plate can improve the backflow vortex, reduce the low-pressure area, and improve the hydraulic performance of the high-speed pump.
An embedded randomised controlled trial of a Teaser Campaign to optimise recruitment in primary care
Authors: Lee Hopin , Hübscher Markus , Moseley G Lorimer , Kamper Steven J , Traeger Adrian C , Skinner Ian W , Williams Christopher M , McAuley James H
Published: January 2017

Background:

Marketing communication and brand identity is a fundamental principle of advertising and end-user engagement. Health researchers have begun to apply this principle to trial recruitment in primary care. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a Teaser Campaign using a series of postcards in advance of a conventional mail-out increases the number of primary care clinics that engage with a clinical trial.

Methods:

Embedded randomised recruitment trial across primary care clinics (general practitioners and physiotherapists) in the Sydney metropolitan area. Clinics in the Teaser Campaign group received a series of branded promotional postcards in advance of a standard letter inviting them to participate in a clinical trial. Clinics in the Standard Mail group did not receive the postcards.

Results:

From a total of 744 clinics that were sent an invitation letter, 46 clinics in the Teaser Campaign group and 40 clinics in the Standard Mail group responded (11.6% total response rate). There was no between-group difference in the odds of responding to the invitation letter (odds ratio = 1.18, 95% confidence interval = 0.75–1.85, p = 0.49). For physiotherapy clinics and general practice clinics, the odds ratios were 1.43 (confidence interval = 0.82–2.48, p = 0.21) and 0.77 (confidence interval = 0.34–1.75, p  = 0.54), respectively.

Conclusion:

A Teaser Campaign using a series of branded promotional postcards did not improve clinic engagement for a randomised controlled trial in primary care.