bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-existing Cardiovascular Disease and Periodontitis: A Follow-up Study
Authors: Hujoel P.P. , Drangsholt M. , Spiekerman C. , DeRouen T.A.
Published: March 2017

Periodontal infections in individuals with pre-existing heart disease are believed to increase the risk for future coronary heart disease (CHD) events. The goal of this study was to search for an association between periodontitis and CHD events among individuals with pre-existing heart disease, reported in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Follow-up Study. Dentate adults (n = 636) with a history of pre-existing cardiovascular disease were followed for CHD events. The presence of periodontitis and gingivitis did not increase CHD risk among these at-risk individuals (hazard ratio [HR], 0.97, and 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-1.31; and HR, 1.09, and 95% CI, 0.79-1.50, respectively). When limited to individuals with a self-reported prior heart attack, periodontitis was associated with a 34% decreased CHD risk (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.42–1.05). It is concluded that periodontitis or gingivitis does not elevate CHD risk among individuals with a prior heart attack or self-reported pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
Tropoelastin Expression by Periodontal Fibroblasts
Authors: Tsuruga E. , Irie K. , Sakakura Y. , Yajima T.
Published: March 2017

Elastic system fibers are load-bearing proteins found in periodontal tissue. There are three types—oxytalan, elaunin, and elastic fibers—which differ in their relative microfibril and elastin contents. Oxytalan fibers are known to be distributed in the periodontal ligaments and gingiva, whereas elaunin and elastic fibers are present only in the gingiva. We examined gene expression and accumulation of tropoelastin in the cell-matrix layers of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLF) in vitro. HGF and HPLF were cultured in MEM containing 10% newborn calf serum for 8 wks. Northern blotting and RT-PCR analyses showed that only HGF expressed mRNA encoding tropoelastin. Western blotting analysis demonstrated 77-kDa protropoelastin and 68-kDa tropoelastin only in the cell-matrix layer of HGF cultured for 8 wks. These results suggest that the different tropoelastin expression patterns reflect the difference between HGF and HPLF phenotypes.
Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual, Physical, and Psychological Violence Against Women and Men of 60 to 74 Years in Sweden
Authors: Ahnlund Petra , Andersson Tommy , Snellman Fredrik , Sundström Madelene , Heimer Gun
Published: March 2017

Past-year sexual, physical, and psychological violence against women and men aged 60 to 74 years was studied. The data derived from a nationally representative survey on violence in which approximately 2,800 women and men aged 60 to 74 years in Sweden participated. Women were significantly more likely to have been subjected to at least one form of violence in the past year. The prevalence of sexual violence as well as systematic and repeated psychological violence was found to be significantly higher for women than for men. Sexual violence was the most common form of violence against women. Systematic and repeated psychological violence was the most common form of violence against men. Additional gender differences were found in relation to victim characteristics. While associations among women were found between violence victimization and sociodemographic characteristics, health as well as social capital, only health-related characteristics were found to be associated with past-year violence victimization among men. Among women, economic problems, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, lack of trust in other people, and not having anyone to talk to were associated with violence victimization. Poor psychological health and an at-risk consumption of alcohol were found to be associated with violence victimization among men. The results highlight the importance of research on violence victimization to assess gender differences also when inquiring into the situation among persons in older generations. The results also indicate practical implications for caring professions; the need to inquire into the experiences of violence among older persons and to pay particular attention to these characteristics when encountering women and men in this age interval.
A “Defender Protective Effect” in Multiple-Role Combinations of Bullying Among Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Chen Guanghui , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhang Wenxin , Deater-Deckard Kirby
Published: March 2017

Although existing research has advanced our understanding of participant roles in bullying, it is limited by its focus on a single participant role and reliance on samples of children or adolescents in Western nations. Under a “multiple participant roles” perspective based on adaptive strategy hypothesis, the current study used a modified version of the Participant Role Scale approach to identify participant roles in 523 Chinese eighth graders (47.0% boys; M = 14.43) based on peer ratings using two role classification methods: single participant role (using standardized scores) and multiple participant role (using raw scores). First, the single-role method was used. Second, primary, secondary, and tertiary roles were assigned to each adolescent according to his or her three highest scores; they also were assigned to various combinations of roles. Associations between variation in bullying roles and peer social preference (i.e., peer acceptance and rejection) were examined. Overall, the results regarding single-role classification showed that the distribution of and gender differences in roles were consistent with previous studies of Western adolescents. Results regarding multiple-role classification revealed wide variation: primary roles, 85.3% of the sample; secondary roles, 54.2%; tertiary roles, 43.2%. Girls tended to occupy only one role, whereas boys occupied multiple roles. Furthermore, 11 role combinations were identified (e.g., probully-defender; probully-defender-outsider) that were dominated by boys, but also included some girls. Youth whose combination included the role of defender had higher peer acceptance and lower rejection, compared with those without the defender role—a “defender protective effect.” The findings have important implications for understanding and reducing bullying.
Is Readiness to Take Action Among Women in Violent Relationships a Catastrophic Phenomenon?
Authors: Katerndahl David A. , Burge Sandra K. , Ferrer Robert L. , Becho Johanna , Wood Robert
Published: March 2017

Taking action among women in violent relationships appears to involve sudden changes and reversals after periods of building stress, suggesting that decision making is a “catastrophic” phenomenon. This study sought to determine whether readiness-to-change is best modeled as a cusp catastrophic (CCM) phenomenon among women in violent relationships. A total of 143 women who experienced violence in the previous month completed baseline and end-of-study interviews assessing her hope, coping strategies, social network, and readiness-for-action (seeking help, taking legal action, and leaving) concerning the violence. Daily assessments of his violent behavior, forgiveness sought and given, and her perceived need-for-action were collected via telephone Interactive Voice Response for 8 weeks. Using regression analysis, the impact of factor-analyzed asymmetry (violence burden) and bifurcation (hope and cope, support, forgiveness, and number of children) variables on the outcomes (readiness-for-help, legal action, and leaving) was modeled, comparing the CCM against linear models to determine which model accounts for the most variance in each outcome. Cusp catastrophe models for all three actions accounted for more variance than either linear model comparison, but violence burden was only relevant to readiness-for-help and different bifurcation variables were at work for each action. While forgiveness was an important bifurcation factor in readiness-for-help and number of children served as the bifurcation factor for readiness-for-legal-action, readiness-to-leave was more complex with both number of children and hope-and-cope as bifurcation factors. Not only should we expect sudden changes in readiness but efforts to facilitate decision making should focus on addressing the bifurcation factors that may distort her interpretation of reality.
Religiousness and Rape Myth Acceptance: Risk and Protective Effects
Authors: Ensz Samantha , Jankowski Peter J.
Published: March 2017

This study addressed the lack of research simultaneously examining multiple dimensions of religiousness when predicting rape myth acceptance, and extended prior findings of a mediating role for right-wing authoritarianism (i.e., uncritical submission to authority and aggressive attitude toward those who do not conform to social norms) in the association between religiousness and prejudice. The sample consisted of 99 undergraduate and graduate students ( M age = 31.87 years, 66.7% female, 80.82% White, and 93% Christian affiliated) from a religiously affiliated university in the Midwest United States. As hypothesized, dimensions of religiousness exhibited differential associations with rape myth acceptance. Religious motivation characterized by openness and exploration (i.e., quest religiousness) was a significant negative predictor of rape myth acceptance, directly, and indirectly through right-wing authoritarianism. In contrast, rigid adherence to religious beliefs, assumed to be “right” and absolutely true (i.e., religious fundamentalism), and extrinsically motivated religiousness each exhibited a positive association with rape myth acceptance through right-wing authoritarianism. In addition, internally motivated religiousness and religious fundamentalism each moderated the nonlinear effect for quest predicting rape myth acceptance. Findings suggest that uncritical religious and secular submission to external authorities or uncommitted and nonexploring religiousness may have increased the extent to which persons adhered to rape myths, whereas religious exploration was protective. Practical implications center on the need for socioculturally relevant prevention and intervention efforts with religious identifying college students.
The Mediating Roles of Hostility and Dissociation in the Relationship Between Sexual Assault and Suicidal Thinking in College Students
Authors: Keefe Kristy M. , Hetzel-Riggin Melanie D. , Sunami Naoyuki
Published: March 2017

Sexual assault and suicide are two serious public health concerns. Research has documented the relationship between sexual assault and suicidal thinking and attempts; however, limited research explores the more multifaceted relationships between posttraumatic stress reactions and suicidal ideation in college students through unsuccessful modulation of emotion. The authors hypothesized a mediation model where the relationship between sexual assault and suicidal ideation is mediated by dissociation and hostility. In total, 1,677 undergraduate students were administered modified versions of the Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire (TLEQ), Symptom Checklist–90–Revised (SCL-90-R), and Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ). The results revealed both significant partial but equal mediators of hostility and dissociation. However, a portion of the direct effect between sexual assault and suicidal ideation remained unaccounted for by indirect effects. The current model supports previous work on dialectical behavior therapy that says either side of the dialectic between extreme expression and suppression of hostility increases the likelihood of suicidal thinking after sexual assault. With sexual assault survivors, practitioners should use strategies that emphasize both anger expression and healthy avoidance as a way to modulate emotion to potentially reduce suicidal thoughts. Future research should focus on different gender models, additional possible mediators such as alcohol use and guilt, and different forms of sexual assault. Limitations of the correlational, cross-sectional methodology are discussed.
Stress, Socializing, and Other Motivations for Smoking Among the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Community in New York City
Authors: Jannat-Khah Deanna P. , Dill LeConté J. , Reynolds Simone A. , Joseph Michael A.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

This study contributes to the emerging literature on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer (LGBTQ) health disparities and tobacco use by examining the motivations for smoking among the New York City (NYC) LGBTQ population. Approach: We used grounded theory and blended methods from 3 grounded theorists—Strauss, Corbin, and Charmaz—for data collection, coding, and analysis.

Setting:

NYC has extensive legislation to prevent smoking; however, the current smoking prevalence of homosexuals is double that of heterosexuals.

Participants:

Study participants were leaders from 23 NYC LGBTQ organizations. Leaders were chosen to establish a relationship with community and to ensure cultural sensitivity. Eligibility criteria required holding a leadership position in an organization serving the NYC LGBTQ community.

Methods:

Interviews were transcribed verbatim and uploaded into Dedoose for analysis. An initial code list was developed from the interview guide. Key themes were identified as the themes with the most number of quotes.

Results:

Three key themes emerged from our interviews: image, socializing, and stress. Smoking was reported to be a socialization aid and a maladaptive coping technique for stress arising from interactions of conflicting identities.

Conclusion:

Future smoking cessation interventions among the LGBTQ community should equip smokers with healthy coping mechanisms that address the stressors that arise from the intersections of smokers’ many identities.
Physical Education and Sport: Does Participation Relate to Physical Activity Patterns, Observed Fitness, and Personal Attitudes and Beliefs?
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Cardinal Bradley J. , Cardinal Marita K. , Corbin Charles B.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between physical education (PE) and sports involvement with physical activity (PA), physical fitness, and beliefs about PA among a national sample of adolescents.

Setting:

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey National Youth Fitness Survey were used.

Participants:

A total of 459 adolescents aged 12 to 15 years.

Measures:

Adolescents self-reported engagement in the above parameters; muscular fitness objectively determined.

Analysis:

Multivariable linear regression.

Results:

Adolescents who had PE during school days had a higher enjoyment of participating in PE (β = 0.32; P = .01), engaged in more days of being physically active for ≥60 min/d (β = 1.02; P < .001), and performed the plank fitness test longer (β = 17.2; P = .002). Adolescents who played school sports reported that more PA was needed for good health (β = 0.23; P = .04), had a higher enjoyment of participating in PE (β = 0.31; P = .003), engaged in more days of being physically active for ≥60 min/d (β = 0.70; P = .01), performed more pull-ups (β = 2.33; P = .008), had a stronger grip strength (β = 2.5; P = .01), and performed the plank fitness test longer (β = 11.6; P = .04).

Conclusion:

Adolescents who had PE during school, who had more frequent and long-lasting PE, and who played school sports generally had more accurate perceptions of the amount of PA needed for good health, had greater enjoyment of PE, were more physically active, and performed better on several muscular fitness-related tests. This underscores the importance of PE integration in the schools and encouragement of school sports participation.
Validation of a Theory of Planned Behavior-Based Questionnaire to Examine Factors Associated With Milk Expression
Authors: Bai Yeon K. , Dinour Lauren M.
Published: March 2017

Background:

A proper assessment of multidimensional needs for breastfeeding mothers in various settings is crucial to facilitate and support breastfeeding and its exclusivity. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) has been used frequently to measure factors associated with breastfeeding. Full utility of the TPB requires accurate measurement of theory constructs.

Research aim:

This study aimed to develop and confirm the psychometric properties of an instrument, Milk Expression on Campus, based on the TPB and to establish the reliability and validity of the instrument.

Methods:

In spring 2015, 218 breastfeeding (current or in the recent past) employees and students at one university campus in northern New Jersey completed the online questionnaire containing demography and theory-based items. Internal consistency (α) and split-half reliability ( r) tests and factor analyses established and confirmed the reliability and construct validity of this instrument.

Results:

Milk Expression on Campus showed strong and significant reliabilities as a full scale (α = .78, r = .74, p < .001) and theory construct subscales. Validity was confirmed as psychometric properties corresponded to the factors extracted from the scale. Four factors extracted from the direct construct subscales accounted for 79.49% of the total variability. Four distinct factors from the indirect construct subscales accounted for 73.68% of the total variability.

Conclusion:

Milk Expression on Campus can serve as a model TPB-based instrument to examine factors associated with women’s milk expression behavior. The utility of this instrument extends to designing effective promotion programs to foster breastfeeding and milk expression behaviors in diverse settings.
Transient thermal analysis of laser-assisted thermoplastic tape placement at high process speeds by use of analytical solutions
Authors: Weiler Thomas , Emonts Michael , Wollenburg Lukas , Janssen Henning
Published: March 2017

This article presents a transient thermal analysis of laser-assisted thermoplastic tape placement at high process speeds. The article revises modeling simplifications made in the literature and introduces novel ones. Analytical solutions to the thermal problem are proposed, for the heating and the cooling period. The process analysis of high speeds assumes a high-power laser in combination with a well-functioning temperature control. Due to this assumption, the final (surface) temperature is kept equal in all analyzed cases. The process analysis will show that the through-thickness temperature distribution changes significantly at higher speeds and becomes the determining factor for the bond interface temperature. General conclusions about process design and limits of tape placement are drawn. Finally, novel control methods are presented, which promote a dual control of surface temperature and temperature distribution. It will be shown how this is achieved by appropriate setting of the laser power and heating length.
Social Relationships and Inflammatory Markers in the MIDUS Cohort: The Role of Age and Gender Differences
Authors: Elliot Ari J. , Heffner Kathi L. , Mooney Christopher J. , Moynihan Jan A. , Chapman Benjamin P.
Published: March 2017

Objective: To better understand age and gender differences in associations of social relationships with chronic inflammation. Method: Using a sample of middle-aged and older adults ( N = 963) from the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) biomarker project, we examined interactions of age and gender with structural and functional social network measures in predicting interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: Significant interactions involving age and gender showed that social support was associated with lower IL-6 in older women, whereas perceived positive relationships and social integration were related to lower IL-6 in both men and women of advanced age. Functional measures were associated with higher CRP in both men and women after adjustment for health conditions and behaviors, with some further variation by age. Discussion: Greater social support may be related to lower IL-6 in older women. Further research is needed to understand observed associations of social support with higher CRP.
Does Oral Health Predict Functional Status in Late Life? Findings From a National Sample
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wu Yan Yan , Wu Bei
Published: March 2017

Objective: This study aims to examine the association between oral health and the decline in functional status among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. Method: Generalized estimation equation (GEE) Poisson regression models with robust standard errors were used to analyze the longitudinal panel data (2008-2014) from the Health and Retirement Study ( N = 1,243). Oral health was evaluated using self-rated oral health, poor mouth condition, and tooth loss. Decline in functional status was assessed by disabilities in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Results: Respondents with poor oral health were more likely to experience decline in ADLs/IADLs. Adjusting for sociodemographics and comorbidities attenuated the effects of oral health. Discussion: Findings suggest that oral health might be one of the important predictors of functioning decline in late life, after adjusting sociodemographics and comorbidities.
Machinability of cenosphere particulate–reinforced AA6061 aluminium alloy prepared by compocasting
Authors: Rahman Mujibur , Dey Abhijit , Pandey Krishna Murari
Published: March 2017

Cenosphere fly ash particles as waste by-product of gas thermal power plant are successfully incorporated into AA6061 aluminium alloy by improved wettability casting process called compocasting technique to enlarge the application barrier of existing advanced metal matrix composites due to their high fabrication cost. Thereafter, microstructure, interface and composition of the prepared composites were analysed from the X-ray diffraction analysis patterns and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray techniques. Furthermore, machinability characteristics were identified by wire electrical discharge machining to explore the co-relations among the machining variables and the performance measures such as cutting rate, kerf width and surface roughness for the prepared composites by varying one parameter at a time and keeping the other parameters as constant. The morphological study reveals that there is a uniform distribution of fly ash particles in aluminium matrix phase without formation of any intermetallic compound caused by interfacial reaction. The machinability study indicates that pulse-on-time and pulse-off-time are the most significant process variables that affect the machining performance of the prepared composites. However, wire feed is found to impose the least significant effect among the three process parameters. Also, the neat AA6061 aluminium alloy (0% AA6061/cenosphere composites) exhibited superior machining performance compared to both the reinforced composites (4% and 8%) at similar machining conditions.
New control methodology for a morphing wing demonstrator
Authors: Tchatchueng Kammegne Michel Joël , Tondji Yvan , Botez Ruxandra Mihaela , Grigorie Lucian Teodor , Mamou Mahmoud , Mébarki Youssef
Published: March 2017

A morphing wing can improve the aircraft aerodynamic performance by changing the wing airfoil depending on the flight conditions. In this paper, a new control methodology is presented for a morphing wing demonstrator tested in a subsonic wind tunnel in the open-loop configuration. Actuators integrated inside the wing are used to modify the flexible structure, which is an integral part of the wing. In this project, the actuators are made in-house and controlled with logic control, which is developed within the main frame of this work. The characterization of the flow (laminar or turbulent) over the wing is obtained starting from the pressure signals measured over the flexible part of the wing (upper surface). The signals are acquired by using some pressure sensors (Kulite sensors) incorporated in this flexible part of the wing upper surface. The technique used to collect Kulite pressure data and the post-processing methodology are explained. The recorded pressure data are sometimes subjected to noise, which is filtered before being processed. The standard deviation and power spectrum visualization of the pressure data approaches are used to evaluate the quality of the flow over the wing and estimate the transition point position in the area monitored by the Kulite sensors. In addition, infrared thermography visualization is implemented to observe the transition region over the entire wing upper surface, and to validate the methodology applied to the pressure data in this way. The demonstrator measures 1.5 m chordwise and 1.5 m spanwise. Four miniature actuators fixed on two actuation lines are used to morph the wing. The wing is also equipped with a rigid aileron. The experimental aerodynamic results obtained after post processing validate the numerical prediction for the transition location.
Influence of the energy regeneration unit on pressure characteristics for a proportional relief valve
Authors: Lin Tianliang , Chen Qiang , Ren Haoling , Miao Cheng , Chen Qihuai , Fu Shengjie
Published: March 2017

Overflow loss through the relief valves is universal in hydraulic systems. To explore the feasibility to regenerate the overflow loss, an energy regeneration unit is connected to the outlet of the proportional pilot relief valve which can reduce the pressure difference and the overflow loss accordingly. The added energy regeneration unit may affect the performance of the proportional pilot relief valve. The mathematical model of the proportional pilot relief valve with the energy regeneration unit is established. And AMESim is employed to develop the simulation model of the proportional pilot relief valve to obtain the characteristics of the proportional pilot relief valve which is affected by the energy regeneration unit. The experiment is carried out to test the influence of the energy regeneration unit on the performance of the proportional pilot relief valve. The experimental results show that the inlet pressure of the proportional pilot relief valve decreases gradually with the increase in back pressure of the energy regeneration unit. The maximum pressure drop of the inlet pressure of the proportional pilot relief valve is about 0.63 MPa. Compared to the fluctuation caused by the flow rate, which is 10%–30%, the fluctuation caused by the energy regeneration unit is only 2.8% and can be neglected. This indicates that the feasibility and effectiveness to regenerate the overflow loss of the proportional pilot relief valve through connecting an energy regeneration unit to the outlet of the proportional pilot relief valve.
Time tactics: Project managing policy implementation in a network
Authors: Carter Pam
Published: March 2017

Projects are ubiquitous throughout the management of public services and the implementation of public policy but implementation processes often remain a ‘black box’. This article argues that technical approaches to project management neglect the role of power. Combining Foucault’s concept of the productive power of governmentality with the notion of timescapes into an analytical lens, the ethnography opens up the black box to reveal how project management functions as a powerful disciplinary technique. I show what escapes the imposed boundaries of the project as, in contrast to rational representations of the linearity of the project life cycle, decisions are retrospectively framed and the past rewritten. Simultaneously, project managers attempt to bring an uncertain future under control, discursively enrolling actors into their visions. Discursive and symbolic meanings of projects link to materiality as resources are represented as plentiful or meagre. Financial year-end exerts a disciplinary force so that time gets compressed and decision making becomes expedient. As resources move between budgets, governmentality is enacted, while budget headings of ‘other’ account for inevitable remaindering. Creative ‘time tactics’ are an adaptive response to achieving externally imposed targets while performing local project success. It turns out that time is at once metaphysical and mundane.
A step further towards a neoliberal regionalism: Creating larger regions in contemporary France
Authors: Brennetot Arnaud
Published: March 2017

This article aims to show how the 2014 reform of the French regional map is part of a process neoliberalising the territories of public action. Contrary to a commonly accepted approximation, ‘neoliberalism’ is not understood here as the apology of laissez faire but rather as a rationality aimed at bringing the framework of public action in line with the norms of economic competition, as per the original meaning of the term. While the idea of increasing the size and decreasing the number of French regions dates back several decades, its implementation was facilitated by the crisis in public finances that began in 2009. By enacting this reform, the socialist government in power turned its back on several of the objectives ascribed to decentralisation by the reformist left wing.
Uneven development, suburban futures and the urban region: The case of an Irish ‘sustainable new town’
Authors: Lawton Philip
Published: March 2017

This paper seeks to situate narratives of sustainable urban development within the wider context of political economic urban transformations shaping urban city regions. In drawing upon the development of a master-planned sustainable development called Adamstown, situated on the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland, the paper will unpack the relationship between ideals of urban and suburban sustainability within the context of Ireland’s recent economic boom and bust, along with its repackaging via national and international actors. The paper demonstrates the shortcomings of the ideal of sustainability in the context of neoliberal urban development dominated by private actors, and facilitated by state-led governance mechanisms. It argues that while the official invocation of urban sustainable communities attempts to highlight them as ‘different’ and ‘unique’, they remain inextricably intertwined with wider urban regional processes, which are themselves becoming increasingly internationalized in terms of reality.
Investigating adjudicator bias in concert band evaluations: An application of the Many-Facets Rasch Model
Authors: Springer D. Gregory , Bradley Kelly D.
Published: March 2017

Prior research indicates mixed findings regarding the consistency of adjudicators’ ratings at large ensemble festivals, yet the results of these festivals have strong impacts on the perceived success of instrumental music programs and the perceived effectiveness of their directors. In this study, Rasch modeling was used to investigate the potential influence of adjudicators on performance ratings at a live large ensemble festival. Evaluation forms from a junior high school concert band festival adjudicated by a panel of three expert judges were analyzed using the Many-Facets Rasch Model. Analyses revealed several trends. First, the use of assigning “half points” between adjacent response options on the 5-point rating scale resulted in redundancy and measurement noise. Second, adjudicators provided relatively similar ratings for conceptually distinct criteria, which could be evidence of a halo effect. Third, although all judges demonstrated relatively lenient ratings overall, one judge provided more severe ratings as compared to peers. Finally, an exploratory interaction analysis among the facets of judges and bands indicated the presence of rater-mediated bias. Implications for music researchers and ensemble adjudicators are discussed in the context of ensemble performance evaluations, and a measurement framework that can be applied to other aspects of music performance evaluations is introduced.
Predicting Ambiguity
Authors: Jensen Christian B. , Lee Daniel J.
Published: March 2017

We present a formal model of party competition to explain differences in party ideological ambiguity. Existing works generally argue that parties are more or less ambiguous depending on whether their supporters are risk-acceptant or risk-averse. Our model explores more fully strategic choice of ambiguity by considering nonelectoral benefits to ambiguity—that is, party elite recruitment and retention. In terms of costs, we assume that all voters are risk-averse, who therefore prefer less ideological ambiguity. Explicitly considering both costs and benefits derives our hypotheses and highlights the importance of party competition—ambiguity is influenced by the proximity to a party’s closest ideological competitor. An empirical analysis of twenty-eight European countries supports our hypotheses.
Optical Coherence Tomographic Angiography Imaging in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ma Jeffrey , Desai Ria , Nesper Peter , Gill Manjot , Fawzi Amani , Skondra Dimitra
Published: March 2017

Optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) is emerging as a rapid, noninvasive imaging modality that can provide detailed structural and flow information on retinal and choroidal vasculature. This review contains an introduction of OCTA and summarizes the studies to date on OCTA imaging in age-related macular degeneration.
Sometimes you cannot have it all: Party switching and affiliation motivations as substitutes
Authors: Radean Marius
Published: March 2017

Existing research on when legislators switch parties reports inconsistent results about motivations for switching (e.g. office, ideology, and votes). I treat the motivations for party switching as substitutes and argue that many of the inconsistencies that persist can be explained by modelling the interactive effects between these motivations. For example, scholars differ in terms of whether they find that electoral considerations are an important determinant of party switching. The conflicting findings on the independent effects of electoral considerations are explained here by demonstrating that these effects are conditional on the level of office benefits a legislator enjoys, as well as the ideological distance between the legislator and party. More generally, the empirical analysis provides strong support for the substitution effect hypothesis. Thus, modelling interactive effects increases our understanding of party switching.
Sex-based disparities in venous thromboembolism outcomes: A National Inpatient Sample (NIS)-based analysis
Authors: Marshall Ariela L , Bartley Adam C , Ashrani Aneel A , Pruthi Rajiv K , Durani Urshila , Gonsalves Wilson I , Kapoor Prashant , Hashmi Shahrukh K , Siddiqui Mustaqeem A , Go Ronald S
Published: March 2017

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) contributes to significant morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden. There is a paucity of literature regarding sex-based sociodemographic differences in VTE presentation and short-term outcomes. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes between men and women hospitalized for VTE management. We performed a retrospective analysis using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2012 to 2013. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years and older and a primary discharge diagnosis of VTE. Sociodemographic features and medical comorbidities were analyzed, as were hospital length of stay and in-hospital mortality rates. A total of 107,896 patients met the inclusion criteria; 53% were female. Median age was 65 years (interquartile range 51–77) and women were older than men (65 vs 62 years, p<0.001). There were significant differences between men and women with respect to race, primary insurance payer and medical comorbidities, and small differences with respect to VTE location. Female sex was associated with a small but significantly longer hospital length of stay (mean ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.05, p<0.001) but no significant difference in in-hospital mortality (2.2% vs 2.1%, p=0.15). In a multivariate model, there was no significant difference between women and men with respect to hospital length of stay or in-hospital mortality. In conclusion, we used data from the NIS to study over 100,000 patients hospitalized for VTE, and identified several sex-based disparities in sociodemographic factors and location of VTE. However, in a multivariable analysis correcting for these factors, sex was not associated with significant differences in clinical outcomes.
Unhealthy weight control strategies: An outcome of body image and eating tensions in women of Mexican origin living in rural farming communities
Authors: Stein Karen F , Trabold Nicole , Connelly Kay
Published: March 2017

Unhealthy eating and weight control behaviors are important but modifiable factors that contribute to obesity in majority and minority populations. Studies suggest that these behaviors are common in Mexican American women, but most studies completed to date have focused on college enrolled Mexican American women. Little is known about body weight concerns, eating and weight control behaviors in low acculturated immigrant Mexican women. This qualitative descriptive study utilized two focus groups with 15 women to identify and describe body weight and shape perceptions, and thoughts and behaviors related to eating and weight control of low acculturated Mexican American living in disadvantaged economic situations. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze data and three main themes were identified: (1) body weight values and concerns, (2) eating and food, and (3) weight loss strategies and consequences. The first two themes shared five subthemes including emotion, health, age, family, and culture. Results suggest Mexican American women experience weight concerns that are in conflict with food/eating values and experiences. This conflict is influenced by cultural, family, and inter/intrapersonal factors and contributes to unhealthy eating and weight control behavior. The transition and assimilation to the United States is complex and dynamic. Thus understanding how the conflict regarding body weight and food influence Mexican American women’s health behaviors is important and provides valuable knowledge essential to guide further research and intervention development.
Do graded activity therapies cause harm in chronic fatigue syndrome?
Authors: Kindlon Tom
Published: March 2017

Reporting of harms was much better in the PACE (Pacing, graded Activity, and Cognitive behavioural therapy: a randomised Evaluation) trial than earlier chronic fatigue syndrome trials of graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. However, some issues remain. The trial’s poor results on objective measures of fitness suggest a lack of adherence to the activity component of these therapies. Therefore, the safety findings may not apply in other clinical contexts. Outside of clinical trials, many patients report deterioration with cognitive behavioural therapy and particularly graded exercise therapy. Also, exercise physiology studies reveal abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome patients’ responses to exertion. Given these considerations, one cannot conclude that these interventions are safe and risk-free.
Intra-speaker variation in Chinese–English code-switching: The interaction between cognitive and contextual factors
Authors: Liu Hong
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives:

This study examines intra-speaker variation in code-switching (CS) by comparing the frequency and pattern of CS across two different interaction modes (interview speech and online posting) based on the same individuals. This study also explores the reasons why these speakers exploit their linguistic repertoire variably in different modes.

Methodology:

I interviewed 40 Chinese–English bilinguals based in London and collected their speech data by recording the semi-structured interviews. Written data were obtained by collecting the participants’ posts on Sinaweibo, a popular Chinese social media. A detailed questionnaire was also administered among the participants to gather information on their language attitudes and other social backgrounds.

Data and analysis:

For each participant, 30 minutes of the interview were analyzed and 50 posts were chosen for written CS analysis. Quantitative analyses were performed to describe the frequency and pattern of CS. The use of CS across interaction modes was further compared and analyzed against the specific characteristics of each mode and also against the participants’ language attitudes.

Findings:

Results of quantitative analyses show that these participants used significantly more amount and more complex pattern of CS in their online posting. The suggested reason points to an elevated processing demand which is related to the nature of bilingualism and the level of synchronicity of interaction mode. Results of qualitative analyses also suggest that the participants’ positive attitudes towards CS and English language, both overtly expressed and covertly implied, contributed to the varying degree of CS use.

Originality:

This study is among the first attempts to compare CS data across different interaction modes based on same individuals. Comparative data of this kind are quite scarce in the international literature.

Significance/implications:

The findings highlight and provide insights into the dynamic interactions between social, cognitive, and situational factors under the surface of linguistic practice.
Aggregating out of indeterminacy
Authors: Kogelmann Brian
Published: March 2017

This article explores public reason liberalism’s indeterminacy problem, a problem that obtains when we admit significant diversity into our justificatory model. The article argues first that Gerald Gaus’s solution to the indeterminacy problem is unsatisfactory and second that, contra Gaus’s concerns, social choice theory is able to solve public reason’s indeterminacy problem. Moreover, social choice theory can do so in a way that avoids the worries raised against Gaus’s solution to the indeterminacy problem as well as the worries Gaus himself raises against the use of social choice mechanisms. Social choice theory thus rescues public reason liberalism by aggregating out of indeterminacy.
Thriving Latino Males in Selective Predominantly White Institutions
Authors: Pérez David , Sáenz Victor B.
Published: March 2017

Researchers focus disproportionately on the underperformance of Latino males in higher education. In response to this research gap, this study explores how Latino males conceptualized and embodied success at selective, predominantly White institutions. Using qualitative data available from The National Study on Latino Male Achievement in Higher Education, this article elucidates how participants exhibited five qualities associated with the thriving quotient. Implications for research, policy, and practice focus on promoting thriving among Latino male undergraduates.
Mentors, Resiliency, and Ganas
Authors: Gámez Raúl , Lopez William , Overton Betty
Published: March 2017

Emerging research has explored the psychological and emotional challenges undocumented students encounter while accessing higher education, yet few studies have specifically investigated the factors that facilitate success once admitted. Semistructured interviews with former or current undocumented students suggest that factors such as mentors, individual resiliency, and the ganas to succeed affect students’ navigation strategies in higher education. Interviewees suggest solutions to institutional barriers that mitigate the negative effects of immigration status.
Leadership as Mission Critical
Authors: Ledesma María C.
Published: March 2017

By focusing on the U.S. military’s support of affirmative action in recent affirmative action cases, this conceptual article posits that there are lessons to be learned from the military by postsecondary scholars, practitioners, and policy makers who support race-conscious policies in higher education. This suggestion rests on two points—first, the military’s explicit focus and reasoning for diversifying its leadership corps, and second, the military’s explicit race-conscious approach to racial integration.
The Effect of a New Angiographic Imaging Technology on Radiation Dose in Visceral Embolization Procedures
Authors: Baumann Frederic , Peña Constantino , Kloeckner Roman , Katzen Barry T. , Gandhi Ripal , Benenati James B.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the impact of a new angiographic imaging technology on radiation dose during visceral embolization procedures involving both fluoroscopy and digital subtraction angiography.

Material and Methods:

A retrospective analysis from a single-center consecutive series of patients was performed comparing 2 angiographic imaging systems. The AlluraClarity (CIQ; Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands) was used in 100 patients (n = 59 male, mean age: 70.6 years) from July 2013 to April 2014 and compared to the former AlluraXper (AX) technology used in 139 patients (n = 71 male, mean age: 70.1 years) from May 2011 to June 2013. Patients were categorized according to body mass index (BMI [kg/m2])—group 1: BMI <25, group 2: BMI ≥25 and <30, and group 3: BMI ≥30. Fluoroscopy time, the total dose of iodinated contrast administered, and procedural AirKerma (Ka, r [mGy]) were obtained.

Results:

Mean BMI was 26.4 ± 5.0 kg/m2 in the CIQ and 26.4 ± 7.1 kg/m2 in the AX group ( P = .93). Fluoroscopy time and the amount of contrast media were equally distributed. Ka, r was 1342.9 mGy versus 2214.8 mGy ( P < .001, t test) when comparing CIQ to AX. Comparing CIQ to AX, BMI subgroup analysis revealed a mean Ka, r of 970.1 to 1586.1 mGy ( P = .003, t test), 1484.7 to 2170.1 mGy ( P = .02, t test), and 1848.8 to 3348.9 mGy ( P = .001, t test) in BMI groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Conclusion:

The CIQ technology significantly reduced mean radiation dose by 39.4% for visceral embolization procedures when compared to fluoroscopy time and contrast media dose. This dose relationship was consistent across all BMI groups.
Concomitant Staple Aneurysmorrhaphy and Flow-Calibrated Arteriovenous Fistula Banding Over a Coronary Dilator to Treat Hand Steal Syndrome
Authors: Baker Jennifer , Malgor Rafael D.
Published: March 2017

Background:

True venous aneurysm formation can occur in patients with arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis but association with steal syndrome is uncommon.

Methods:

To describe a case of a patient on chronic hemodialysis through a right brachiocephalic fistula, who presents with associated steal syndrome and true arteriovenous access aneurysm.

Results:

A 34-year-old female with true AVF aneurysm presented with hand steal syndrome confirmed by noninvasive studies. The patient underwent a successful vein aneurysmorrhaphy with a commercially available stapler device and duplex ultrasound flow-calibrated banding. At 1-year follow-up, she remains pain free and the fistula remains functional with no recurrence of venous aneurysmal degeneration.

Conclusion:

The use of a commercially available surgical stapler devices along with flow-calibrated banding guided by duplex ultrasound over a coronary dilator during the same operation is an elegant, efficacious, and a durable alternative for patients with hand steal syndrome and concomitant AVF aneurysms.
Non-parametric load extrapolation based on load extension for semi-axle of wheel loader
Authors: Wang Jixin , Li Yan , Jiang Zhujin
Published: March 2017

Load extrapolation is the paramount step in compiling load spectra of the mechanical components. To avoid the limitation of the stationary processes in parametric extrapolation methods, the non-parametric extrapolation method is widely investigated in recent years. However, the accuracy of kernel density estimation of the large load cycles in existing non-parametric methods should be still improved. Aiming at this issue, a non-parametric rain-flow extrapolation method based on load extension is presented. In this method, combining with non-parametric extrapolation model and Markov chain Monte Carlo method, the measured load–time histories for semi-axle in different operating sections are extended and extrapolated. The extrapolated load spectra curves and the relative damage ratio are compared with the results obtained by the existing rain-flow extrapolation methods. The results show that the proposed method can realize the reasonable extrapolation of load–time histories.