bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toolkit for Epidemiologic Response to an Acute Chemical Release
Authors: Duncan Mary Anne , Orr Maureen F.
Published: March 2016

When a large chemical incident occurs and people are injured, public health agencies need to be able to provide guidance and respond to questions from the public, the media, and public officials. Because of this urgent need for information to support appropriate public health action, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) of the US Department of Health and Human Services has developed the Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) Toolkit. The ACE Toolkit, available on the ATSDR website, offers materials including surveys, consent forms, databases, and training materials that state and local health personnel can use to rapidly conduct an epidemiologic investigation after a large-scale acute chemical release. All materials are readily adaptable to the many different chemical incident scenarios that may occur and the data needs of the responding agency. An expert ACE team is available to provide technical assistance on site or remotely. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:631–632)
Classification of regular dicritical foliations
Authors: CALSAMIGLIA GABRIEL , GENZMER YOHANN
Published: March 2016

In this paper we give complete analytic invariants for the set of germs of holomorphic foliations in$(\mathbb{C}^{2},0)$that become regular after a single blow-up. Some of the invariants describe the holonomy pseudogroup of the germ and are called transverse invariants. The other invariants lie in a finite dimensional complex vector space. Such singularities admit separatrices tangentially to any direction at the origin. When enough separatrices are leaves of a radial foliaton (a condition that can always be attained if the multiplicity of the germ at the origin is at most four) we are able to describe and realize all the analytical invariants geometrically and provide analytic normal forms. As a consequence, we prove that any two such germs sharing the same transverse invariants are conjugated by a very particular type of birational transformation. We also provide explicit examples of universal equisingular unfoldings of foliations that cannot be produced by unfolding functions. With these at hand we are able to explicitly parametrize families of analytically distinct foliations that share the same transverse invariants.
Connectedness properties of the set where the iterates of an entire function are unbounded
Authors: OSBORNE J. W. , RIPPON P. J. , STALLARD G. M.
Published: March 2016

We investigate the connectedness properties of the set$I^{\!+\!}(f)$of points where the iterates of an entire function$f$are unbounded. In particular, we show that$I^{\!+\!}(f)$is connected whenever iterates of the minimum modulus of$f$tend to$\infty$. For a general transcendental entire function $f$, we show that$I^{\!+\!}(f)\cup \{\infty \}$is always connected and that, if$I^{\!+\!}(f)$is disconnected, then it has uncountably many components, infinitely many of which are unbounded.
The Great Recession, Inequality and Occupy Protests around the World
Authors: Yagci Alper H.
Published: March 2016

Established wisdom is sceptical of direct linkages between economic hardship and contentious mobilization. Occupy protests seem to constitute an anomaly in this regard by their very existence, but factors associated with these events have not been investigated yet. This study of 398 self-designated Occupy protests across 180 countries finds that the country’s level of inequality was associated with a higher rate of protest. Equally important were the severity of the downturn in GDP growth in 2007–11 and the level of democracy. The results offer some evidence for the ‘inverse J-curve’ hypothesis whereby an economic boom period followed by a downturn is conducive to protest. Few studies have previously investigated the influence of inequality and economic growth on political protest across a diverse set of countries going beyond OECD democracies. The applicability of these findings to protest events more generally needs to be corroborated and discussed in future work.
Impact of Room Location on UV-C Irradiance and UV-C Dosage and Antimicrobial Effect Delivered by a Mobile UV-C Light Device
Authors: Boyce John M. , Farrel Patricia A. , Towle Dana , Fekieta Renee , Aniskiewicz Michael
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate ultraviolet C (UV-C) irradiance, UV-C dosage, and antimicrobial effect achieved by a mobile continuous UV-C device.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

METHODS

We used 6 UV light sensors to determine UV-C irradiance (W/cm2) and UV-C dosage (µWsec/cm2) at various distances from and orientations relative to the UV-C device during 5-minute and 15-minute cycles in an ICU room and a surgical ward room. In both rooms, stainless-steel disks inoculated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Clostridium difficile spores were placed next to sensors, and UV-C dosages and log10 reductions of target organisms achieved during 5-minute and 15-minute cycles were determined. Mean irradiance and dosage readings were compared using ANOVA.

RESULTS

Mean UV-C irradiance was nearly 1.0E-03 W/cm2 in direct sight at a distance of 1.3 m (4 ft) from the device but was 1.12E-05 W/cm2 on a horizontal surface in a shaded area 3.3 m (10 ft) from the device (P<.001). Mean UV-C dosages received by UV-C sensors located at different distances and orientation relative to the device varied significantly during 5-minute cycles and during 15-minute cycles (P<.001). Log10 reductions ranged from >4 to 1–3 for MRSA, >4 to 1–2 for VRE and >4 to 0 log10 for C. difficile spores, depending on the distance from, and orientation relative to, the device with 5-minute and 15-minute cycles.

CONCLUSION

UV-C irradiance, dosage, and antimicrobial effect received from a mobile UV-C device varied substantially based on location in a room relative to the UV-C device.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:667–672
Why Situational Judgment Is a Missing Component in the Theory of SJTs
Authors: Melchers Klaus G. , Kleinmann Martin
Published: March 2016

In their focal article, Lievens and Motowidlo (2016) consider procedural knowledge about effective actions in work situations as the key component of their theory of situational judgment tests (SJTs). In our commentary we want to suggest that situational judgment should nevertheless not be neglected in such a theory.
Reinvigorating the Concept of a Situation in Situational Judgment Tests
Authors: Brown Nicolas A. , Jones Ashley Bell , Serfass David G. , Sherman Ryne A.
Published: March 2016

What is the role of the situation in situational judgment tests (SJTs)? Lievens and Motowidlo (2016) assert that SJTs are somewhat of a misnomer because they do not actually measure how individuals would behave in a given situation per se. According to these researchers, SJTs assess general domain knowledge—whether potential employees recognize the “utility of expressing certain traits” (p. 4). As a result, SJTs map onto personality measures, which are a summary of behavior across time and situations. SJTs provide predictive validity in part because they tap into personality. However, rather than renaming SJTs, it is possible to reintroduce the concept of a situation to provide even greater predictive power. Thus, the goals of this commentary are to (a) clarify what constitutes a situation, (b) describe what SJTs might actually measure, and (c) set forth a path for a taxonomy of workplace situations.
The “Hot Mess” of Situational Judgment Test Construct Validity and Other Issues
Authors: McDaniel Michael A. , List Sheila K. , Kepes Sven
Published: March 2016

The construct validity of situational judgment tests (SJTs) is a “hot mess.” The suggestions of Lievens and Motowidlo (2016) concerning a strategy to make the constructs assessed by an SJT more “clear and explicit” (p. 5) are worthy of serious consideration. In this commentary, we highlight two challenges that will likely need to be addressed before one can develop SJTs with clear and explicit constructs. We also offer critiques of four positions presented by Lievens and Motowidlo that are not well supported by evidence.
SJTs as Measures of General Domain Knowledge for Multimedia Formats: Do Actions Speak Louder Than Words?
Authors: Naemi Bobby , Martin-Raugh Michelle , Kell Harrison
Published: March 2016

Lievens and Motowidlo (2016) present a case for situational judgment tests (SJTs) to be conceptualized as measures of general domain knowledge, which the authors define as knowledge of the effectiveness of general domains such as integrity, conscientiousness, and prosocial behaviors in different jobs. This argument comes from work rooted in the use of SJTs as measures of implicit trait policies (Motowidlo & Beier, 2010; Motowidlo, Hooper, & Jackson, 2006), measured with a format described as a “single response SJT” (Kell, Motowidlo, Martin, Stotts, & Moreno, 2014; Motowidlo, Crook, Kell, & Naemi, 2009). Given evidence that SJTs can be used as measures of general domain knowledge, the focal article concludes with a suggestion that general knowledge can be measured not only by traditional text-based or paper-and-pencil SJTs but also through varying alternate formats, including multimedia SJTs and interactive SJTs.
Identifying New Organizational Practices by Considering Different Perspectives: An Ethics Management Example
Authors: Nelson Johnathan K. , Gebka Sydney M.
Published: March 2016

Scientific knowledge is driven by the research questions we ask. As Bergman and Jean (2016) argue, if wage earners, contract workers, and other workers are underrepresented in our research samples, we're likely to fail to investigate phenomena of importance to these populations. By focusing primarily on salaried and managerial workers, we limit the research questions we ask and fail to consider important caveats to industrial-organizational theories. As Bergman and Jean note, we cannot assume that the experiences observed in any group will generalize to other groups. We elaborate on this argument to discuss how failing to take into account the diverse perspectives and needs of the full labor market leads us to fail to ask relevant research questions. Specifically, we discuss how considering unexplored labor market perspectives opens new questions in the area of ethics management.
The Rise of the “Gig Economy” and Implications for Understanding Work and Workers
Authors: Kuhn Kristine M.
Published: March 2016

Bergman and Jean (2016) include freelancers as one of the categories of workers who are understudied in the industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology literature. This neglect is particularly striking given the attention paid by the popular media and by politicians to the rise of the “gig economy,” comprising primarily short-term independent freelance workers (e.g., Cook, 2015; Kessler, 2014; Scheiber, 2014; Warner, 2015). This may be due in part to challenges involved in accessing and researching this population, as discussed by Bergman and Jean, but it may also arise from complexities in defining and conceptualizing freelance work, as well as from misunderstandings about the nature of the work now performed by many people who are considered freelancers. Major topics of interest to I-O psychologists such as organizational attraction, job satisfaction, and turnover may seem at first glance to lack relevance to the study of workers who are officially classified as self-employed. But there is substantial opportunity for I-O psychologists and other behaviorally oriented organizational researchers to contribute to our understanding of the growing number of people who earn all or some of their income by freelancing.
Is Mechanical Turk the Answer to Our Sampling Woes?
Authors: Keith Melissa G. , Harms Peter D.
Published: March 2016

Although we share Bergman and Jean's (2016) concerns about the representativeness of samples in the organizational sciences, we are mindful of the ever changing nature of the job market. New jobs are created from technological innovation while others become obsolete and disappear or are functionally transformed. These shifts in employment patterns produce both opportunities and challenges for organizational researchers addressing the problem of the representativeness in our working population samples. On one hand, it is understood that whatever we do, we will always be playing catch-up with the market. On the other hand, it is possible that we can leverage new technologies in order to react to such changes more quickly. As an example, in Bergman and Jean's commentary, they suggested making use of crowdsourcing websites or Internet panels in order to gain access to undersampled populations. Although we agree there is an opportunity to conduct much research of interest to organizational scholars in these settings, we also would point out that these types of samples come with their own sampling challenges. To illustrate these challenges, we examine sampling issues for Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk), which is currently the most used portal for psychologists and organizational scholars collecting human subjects data online. Specifically, we examine whether MTurk workers are “workers” as defined by Bergman and Jean, whether MTurk samples are WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic; Henrich, Heine, & Norenzayan, 2010), and how researchers may creatively utilize the sample characteristics.
I-O at a Crossroad: The Value of an Intersectional Research Approach
Authors: Weaver Kayla , Crayne Matthew P. , Jones Kisha S.
Published: March 2016

The focal article written by Bergman and Jean (2016) draws attention to a critical void in the industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology domain: the study of low- and medium-skill workers. Although segmenting employees based on their job status may provide new conceptualizations of employee work experiences, this approach may not provide the nuanced view necessary to fully comprehend the many ways in which employees differentially experience the workplace. Within this category of workers, experiences may vary based on employees’ race, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), or other identity-defining characteristics, and these person-specific identities may interact with one another. An intersectional research approach provides a foundation on which researchers can more fully understand how individuals’ multiple social identities interact to affect their workplace experiences. In the commentary that follows, we provide an overview of intersectional research and describe how such a perspective would lead to meaningful developments within I-O psychology.
I've Found It, but What Does It Mean? On the Importance of Theory in Identifying Dominant General Factors
Authors: Yuan Zhenyu
Published: March 2016

In their focal article, Ree, Carretta, and Teachout (2015) based their definition of a dominant general factor (DGF) on two criteria: (a) A DGF should be the largest source of reliable variance; (b) it is influencing every variable measuring the construct. Although detailed attention has been paid to the statistical properties of a DGF, I believe another criterion of equal if not greater importance is the theoretical justification to expect a DGF in the measurement of a construct. In the following commentary, I will highlight the importance of theory as another important criterion when determining the meaningfulness and usefulness of DGFs, discuss the risks of creating a DGF without any theoretical guidance, and elaborate on the complexities surrounding job performance as a detailed example to illustrate why theory is important before extracting a DGF from performance ratings.
The effect of a uniform through-surface flow on a cylinder and sphere
Authors: Klettner C. A. , Eames I. , Semsarzadeh S. , Nicolle A.
Published: March 2016

The effect of a uniform through-surface flow (velocity$U_{b}$) on a rigid and stationary cylinder and sphere (radius$a$) fixed in a free stream (velocity$U_{\infty }$) is analysed analytically and numerically. The flow is characterised by a dimensionless blow velocity${\it\Lambda}\,(=U_{b}/U_{\infty })$and Reynolds number$Re\,(=2aU_{\infty }/{\it\nu}$, where${\it\nu}$is the kinematic viscosity). High resolution numerical calculations are compared against theoretical predictions over the range$-3\leqslant {\it\Lambda}\leqslant 3$and$Re=1,10,100$for planar flow past a cylinder and axisymmetric flow past a sphere. For$-{\it\Lambda}\gg 1$, the flow is viscously dominated in a thin boundary layer of thickness${\it\nu}/|U_{b}|$adjacent to the rigid surface which develops in a time${\it\nu}/U_{b}^{2}$; the surface vorticity scales as$Re|{\it\Lambda}|U_{\infty }/a$for a cylinder and sphere. A boundary layer analysis is developed to analyse the unsteady viscous forces. Numerical results show that the surface pressure and vorticity distribution within the boundary layer agrees with a steady state analysis. The flow downstream of the body is irrotational so the wake volume flux,$Q_{w}$, is zero and the drag force is$F_{D}=-{\it\rho}U_{\infty }Q_{b}$, where${\it\rho}$is the density of the fluid and$Q_{b}$is the normal flux through the body surface. The drag coefficient is therefore$-2{\rm\pi}{\it\Lambda}$or$-8{\it\Lambda}$for a cylinder or sphere, respectively. A dissipation argument is applied to analyse the drag force; the rate of working of the drag force is balanced by viscous dissipation, flux of stagnation pressure and rate of work by viscous stresses due to sucking. At large$Re|{\it\Lambda}|$, the drag force is largely determined by viscous dissipation for a cylinder, with a weak contribution by the normal viscous stresses, while for a sphere, only$3/4$of the drag force is determined by viscous dissipation with the remaining$1/4$due to the flux of stagnation pressure through the sphere surface. When${\it\Lambda}\gg 1$, the boundary layer thickness initially grows linearly with time as vorticity is blown away from the rigid surface. The vorticity in the boundary layer is weakly dependent on viscous effects and scales as$U_{\infty }/a{\it\Lambda}$or$U_{\infty }/a{\it\Lambda}^{3/2}$for a cylinder and sphere, respectively. For large blow velocity, the vorticity is swept into two well-separated shear layers and the maximum vorticity decreases due to diffusion. The drag force is related to the vorticity distribution on the body surface and an approximate expression can be derived by considering the first term of a Fourier expansion in the surface vorticity. It is found that the drag coefficient$C_{D}$for a cylinder (corrected for flow boundedness) is weakly dependent on${\it\Lambda}$while for a sphere,$C_{D}$decreases with${\it\Lambda}$.
Flow instabilities in the wake of a rounded square cylinder
Authors: Park Doohyun , Yang Kyung-Soo
Published: March 2016

Instabilities in the flow past a rounded square cylinder have been numerically studied in order to clarify the effects of rounding the sharp edges of a square cylinder on the primary and secondary instabilities associated with the flow. Rounding the edges was done by inscribing a quarter circle of radius $r$ in each edge of a square cylinder of height $d$. Nine cases of rounding were considered, ranging from a square cylinder ($r/d=0$) to a circular cylinder ($r/d=0.5$) with an increment of 0.0625. Each cross-section was numerically implemented in a Cartesian grid system by using an immersed boundary method. The key parameters are the Reynolds number (Re) and the edge-radius ratio ($r/d$). For low Re, the flow is steady and symmetric with respect to the centreline. Over the first critical Reynolds number ($Re_{c1}$), the flow undergoes a Hopf bifurcation to a time-periodic flow, termed the primary instability. As Re further increases, the onset of the secondary instability of three-dimensional (3D) nature is detected beyond the second critical Reynolds number ($Re_{c2}$). Rounding the sharp edges of a square cylinder significantly affects the flow topology, leading to noticeable changes in both instabilities. By employing the Stuart–Landau equation, we investigated the criticality of the primary instability depending upon $r/d$. The onset of the 3D secondary instability was detected by using Floquet stability analysis. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the dominant modes (A, B, QP) were described. The neutral stability curves of each mode were computed depending upon $r/d$.
Simulation of three-dimensional rapid free-surface granular flow past different types of obstructions using the SPH method
Authors: ABDELRAZEK AHMED M. , KIMURA ICHIRO , SHIMIZU YASUYUKI
Published: March 2016

In nature, when hazardous geophysical granular flows (e.g. a snow avalanche) impact on an obstacle as they stream down a slope, rapid changes in flow depth, direction and velocity will occur. It is important to understand how granular material flows around such obstacles in order to enhance the design of defense structures. In this study, a three dimensional (3-D) Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) model is developed to simulate granular flow past different types of obstacles. The elastic–perfectly plastic model with implementation of the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion is applied to simulate the material behavior, which describes the stress states of soil in the plastic flow regime. The model was validated by simulating the collapse of a 3-D column of sand with two different aspect ratios; the results showed that the SPH method is capable of simulating granular flow. The model is then applied to simulate the gravity-driven granular flow down an inclined surface obstructed by a group of columns with different spacing, a circular cylinder and a tetrahedral wedge. The numerical results are then compared with experimental results and two different numerical solutions. The good agreements obtained from these comparisons demonstrate that the SPH method may be a powerful method for simulating granular flow and can be extended to design protective structures.
Global Bridges: Development and Analysis of a Tobacco Treatment Network
Authors: Leischow Scott J. , Hays J. Taylor , Glynn Thomas J. , Kemper Katherine E. , Okamoto Janet , Hurt Richard D.
Published: March 2016

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) set standards for global tobacco control, including the implementation of evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment. However, efforts to implement tobacco treatment programmes globally have been few. In order to expand tobacco treatment expertise and programmes, a new network called Global Bridges (GB) was established. This network provided training in tobacco treatment and opportunities to share best practices on implementation of tobacco dependence treatment and training programmes. In this analysis of the GB network, we found that 75% of the network members attended trainings, 60% disseminated knowledge gained through GB training, and network centralization was high (0.85). These results demonstrate initial success in network implementation, and create a foundation for expanded focus on tobacco treatment globally.
Neurophysiological investigations for the diagnosis of non-epileptic attack disorder in neuropsychiatry services: from safety standards to improved effectiveness
Authors: Cavanna Andrea E. , Seri Stefano
Published: March 2016

Objective

The discipline of clinical neuropsychiatry currently provides specialised services for a number of conditions that cross the traditional boundaries of neurology and psychiatry, including non-epileptic attack disorder. Neurophysiological investigations have an important role within neuropsychiatry services, with video-electroencephalography (EEG) telemetry being the gold standard investigation for the differential diagnosis between epileptic seizures and non-epileptic attacks. This article reviews existing evidence on best practices for neurophysiology investigations, with focus on safety measures for video-EEG telemetry.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review using the PubMed database in order to identify the scientific literature on the best practices when using neurophysiological investigations in patients with suspected epileptic seizures or non-epileptic attacks.

Results

Specific measures need to be implemented for video-EEG telemetry to be safely and effectively carried out by neuropsychiatry services. A confirmed diagnosis of non-epileptic attack disorder following video-EEG telemetry carried out within neuropsychiatry units has the inherent advantage of allowing diagnosis communication and implementation of treatment strategies in a timely fashion, potentially improving clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness significantly.

Conclusion

The identified recommendations set the stage for the development of standardised guidelines to enable neuropsychiatry services to implement streamlined and evidence-based care pathways.
Homophily, influence and the decay of segregation in self-organizing networks
Authors: HENRY ADAM DOUGLAS , MITSCHE DIETER , PRAŁAT PAWEŁ
Published: March 2016

We study the persistence of network segregation in networks characterized by the co-evolution of vertex attributes and link structures, in particular where individual vertices form linkages on the basis of similarity with other network vertices (homophily), and where vertex attributes diffuse across linkages, making connected vertices more similar over time (influence). A general mathematical model of these processes is used to examine the relative influence of homophily and influence in the maintenance and decay of network segregation in self-organizing networks. While prior work has shown that homophily is capable of producing strong network segregation when attributes are fixed, we show that adding even minute levels of influence is sufficient to overcome the tendency towards segregation even in the presence of relatively strong homophily processes. This result is proven mathematically for all large networks and illustrated through a series of computational simulations that account for additional network evolution processes. This research contributes to a better theoretical understanding of the conditions under which network segregation and related phenomenon—such as community structure—may emerge, which has implications for the design of interventions that may promote more efficient network structures.
A high-fat, high-glycaemic index, low-fibre dietary pattern is prospectively associated with type 2 diabetes in a British birth cohort
Authors: Pastorino Silvia , Richards Marcus , Pierce Mary , Ambrosini Gina L.
Published: March 2016

The combined association of dietary fat, glycaemic index (GI) and fibre with type 2 diabetes has rarely been investigated. The objective was to examine the relationship between a high-fat, high-GI, low-fibre dietary pattern across adult life and type 2 diabetes risk using reduced rank regression. Data were from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development. Repeated measures of dietary intake estimated using 5-d diet diaries were available at the age of 36, 43 and 53 years for 1180 study members. Associations between dietary pattern scores at each age, as well as longitudinal changes in dietary pattern z-scores, and type 2 diabetes incidence (n 106) from 53 to 60–64 years were analysed. The high-fat, high-GI, low-fibre dietary pattern was characterised by low intakes of fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole-grain cereals, and high intakes of white bread, fried potatoes, processed meat and animal fats. There was an increasing trend in OR for type 2 diabetes with increasing quintile of dietary pattern z-scores at the age of 43 years among women but not among men. Women in the highest z-score quintile at the age of 43 years had an OR for type 2 diabetes of 5·45 (95 % CI 2·01, 14·79). Long-term increases in this dietary pattern, independently of BMI and waist circumference, were also detrimental among women: for each 1 sd unit increase in dietary pattern z-score between 36 and 53 years, the OR for type 2 diabetes was 1·67 (95 % CI 1·20, 2·43) independently of changes in BMI and waist circumference in the same periods. A high-fat, high-GI, low-fibre dietary pattern was associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk in middle-aged British women but not in men.
The relationship between asymmetry, size and unusual venation in honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Łopuch S. , Tofilski A.
Published: March 2016

Despite the fact that symmetry is common in nature, it is rarely perfect. Because there is a wide range of phenotypes which differs from the average one, the asymmetry should increase along with deviation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of asymmetry in normal individuals as well as in phenodeviants categorized as minor or major based on abnormalities in forewing venation in honey bees. Shape fluctuating asymmetry (FA) was lower in normal individuals and minor phenodeviants compared with major phenodeviants, whereas the former two categories were comparable in drones. In workers and queens, there were not significant differences in FA shape between categories. FA size was significantly lower in normal individuals compared with major phenodeviant drones and higher compared with minor phenodeviant workers. In queens, there were no significant differences between categories. The correlation between FA shape and FA size was significantly positive in drones, and insignificant in workers and queens. Moreover, a considerable level of directional asymmetry was found as the right wing was constantly bigger than the left one. Surprisingly, normal individuals were significantly smaller than minor phenodeviants in queens and drones, and they were comparable with major phenodeviants in all castes. The correlation between wing size and wing asymmetry was negative, indicating that smaller individuals were more asymmetrical. The high proportion of phenodeviants in drones compared with workers and queens confirmed their large variability. Thus, the results of the present study showed that minor phenodeviants were not always intermediate as might have been expected.
Private Equity Firms’ Reputational Concerns and the Costs of Debt Financing
Authors: Huang Rongbing , Ritter Jay R. , Zhang Donghang
Published: March 2016

A popular view is that private equity (PE) firms tend to expropriate other stakeholders of their portfolio companies. Bonds offered during 1992–2011 by companies after their initial public offerings (IPOs) do not reflect this view. We find that yield spreads on bonds offered by PE-backed companies are, on average, 70 basis points lower, holding other things constant. We also find that PE-backed companies have more conservative investment and dividend policies after bond offerings compared with non-PE-backed companies. These results suggest that PE firms’ reputational concerns dominate their wealth expropriation incentives and help their portfolio companies reduce the costs of debt.
CEO Narcissism and the Takeover Process: From Private Initiation to Deal Completion
Authors: Aktas Nihat , de Bodt Eric , Bollaert Helen , Roll Richard
Published: March 2016

Chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism affects the takeover process. Acquirer shareholders react less favorably to a takeover announcement when the target CEO is more narcissistic. Narcissistic acquiring CEOs negotiate faster. They are also marginally more likely to initiate deals. Acquirer CEO narcissism and target CEO narcissism are associated with a lower probability of deal completion and reduce the likelihood that the target CEO will be employed by the merged firm. Our findings highlight the importance of both acquirer and target CEO psychological characteristics throughout the takeover process.
The magnetic shear-current effect: generation of large-scale magnetic fields by the small-scale dynamo
Authors: Squire J. , Bhattacharjee A.
Published: March 2016

A novel large-scale dynamo mechanism, the magnetic shear-current effect, is discussed and explored. The effect relies on the interaction of magnetic fluctuations with a mean shear flow, meaning the saturated state of the small-scale dynamo can drive a large-scale dynamo – in some sense the inverse of dynamo quenching. The dynamo is non-helical, with the mean field ${\it\alpha}$ coefficient zero, and is caused by the interaction between an off-diagonal component of the turbulent resistivity and the stretching of the large-scale field by shear flow. Following up on previous numerical and analytic work, this paper presents further details of the numerical evidence for the effect, as well as an heuristic description of how magnetic fluctuations can interact with shear flow to produce the required electromotive force. The pressure response of the fluid is fundamental to this mechanism, which helps explain why the magnetic effect is stronger than its kinematic cousin, and the basic idea is related to the well-known lack of turbulent resistivity quenching by magnetic fluctuations. As well as being interesting for its applications to general high Reynolds number astrophysical turbulence, where strong small-scale magnetic fluctuations are expected to be prevalent, the magnetic shear-current effect is a likely candidate for large-scale dynamo in the unstratified regions of ionized accretion disks. Evidence for this is discussed, as well as future research directions and the challenges involved with understanding details of the effect in astrophysically relevant regimes.
Two decades of change in state, pressure and conservation responses in the coastal forest biodiversity hotspot of Tanzania
Authors: Burgess Neil D. , Malugu Isaac , Sumbi Peter , Kashindye Almas , Kijazi Adam , Tabor Karyn , Mbilinyi Boniface , Kashaigili Japhet , Wright Timothy Maxwell , Gereau Roy E. , Coad Lauren , Knights Kathryn , Carr Jamie , Ahrends Antje , Newham Rebecca L.
Published: March 2016

We present an analysis of changes of state, pressures and conservation responses over 20 years in the Tanzanian portion of the Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa biodiversity hotspot. Baseline data collected during 1989–1995 are compared with data from a synthesis of recently published papers and reports and new field work carried out across the region during 2010–2014. We show that biodiversity endemism values are largely unchanged, although two new species (amphibian and mammal) have been named and two extremely rare tree species have been relocated. However, forest habitat continues to be lost and degraded, largely as a result of agricultural expansion, charcoal production to supply cities with cooking fuel, logging for timber and cutting of wood for firewood and building poles. Habitat loss is linked to an increase in the number of species threatened over time. The government-managed forest reserve network has expanded slightly but has low effectiveness. Three forest reserves have been upgraded to National Parks and Nature Reserves, which have stricter protection and more effective enforcement. There has also been rapid development of village-owned forest reserves, with more than 140 now existing; although usually small, they are an important addition to the areas being managed for sustainable resource use, and also provide tangible benefits to local people. Human-use pressures remain intense in many areas, and combined with emerging pressures from mining, gas and oil exploration, many endemic species remain threatened with extinction.
Protein dynamics and function from solution state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Kovermann Michael , Rogne Per , Wolf-Watz Magnus
Published: March 2016

It is well-established that dynamics are central to protein function; their importance is implicitly acknowledged in the principles of the Monod, Wyman and Changeux model of binding cooperativity, which was originally proposed in 1965. Nowadays the concept of protein dynamics is formulated in terms of the energy landscape theory, which can be used to understand protein folding and conformational changes in proteins. Because protein dynamics are so important, a key to understanding protein function at the molecular level is to design experiments that allow their quantitative analysis. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is uniquely suited for this purpose because major advances in theory, hardware, and experimental methods have made it possible to characterize protein dynamics at an unprecedented level of detail. Unique features of NMR include the ability to quantify dynamics (i) under equilibrium conditions without external perturbations, (ii) using many probes simultaneously, and (iii) over large time intervals. Here we review NMR techniques for quantifying protein dynamics on fast (ps-ns), slow (μs-ms), and very slow (s-min) time scales. These techniques are discussed with reference to some major discoveries in protein science that have been made possible by NMR spectroscopy.
Human evolutionary history and contemporary evolutionary theory provide insight when assessing cultural group selection
Authors: Fuentes Agustin , Kissel Marc
Published: March 2016

Richerson et al. provide a much needed roadmap for assessing cultural group selection (CGS) theory and for applying it to understanding variation between contemporary human groups. However, the current proposal lacks connection to relevant evidence from the human evolutionary record and requires a better integration with contemporary evolutionary theory. The article also misapplies the Fst statistic.
“Once the Jews have been Expelled”: Intent and Interpretation in Late Medieval Canon Law
Authors: Dorin Rowan W.
Published: March 2016

Sometime in early 1434, two northern Italian counts, Francesco Pico della Mirandola and his brother Giovanni, sent a letter to Pope Eugene IV (r. 1431–47). Out of concern for their subjects, who had long suffered from a shortage of credit, Francesco and Giovanni had allowed some Jews to settle in their lands and lend at interest. In addition, the brothers had rented a house to these Jews for the purpose of moneylending. At the time, the noblemen stressed, they had not believed their actions to be unlawful. They had since come to fear, however, that they had inadvertently brought automatic excommunication upon themselves by violating the provisions ofUsurarum voraginem, a decree first issued at the Second Council of Lyon in 1274 that called on secular and religious authorities to refuse lodging to foreign usurers and, in addition, to expel such usurers from their lands. The brothers' uncertainty, the petition noted, reflected the varied opinions of contemporary jurists (presumably those at Bologna, a mere 60 kilometers away), who disagreed on whether the decree was to be understood in reference to Jewish as well as Christian moneylenders. Deciding to err on the side of caution, the brothers petitioned the Holy Father to grant them absolution, if they had indeed incurred ecclesiastical censure through their actions. In addition, they asked to be granted a dispensation allowing the Jews to remain in their lands, so as to spare their subjects from even greater economic misfortune.
A regression model for pooled data in a two-stage survey under informative sampling with application for detecting and estimating the presence of transgenic corn
Authors: Montesinos-López Osval A. , Eskridge Kent , Montesinos-López Abelardo , Crossa José , Cortés-Cruz Moises , Wang Dong
Published: March 2016

Group-testing regression methods are effective for estimating and classifying binary responses and can substantially reduce the number of required diagnostic tests. However, there is no appropriate methodology when the sampling process is complex and informative. In these cases, researchers often ignore stratification and weights that can severely bias the estimates of the population parameters. In this paper, we develop group-testing regression models for analysing two-stage surveys with unequal selection probabilities and informative sampling. Weights are incorporated into the likelihood function using the pseudo-likelihood approach. A simulation study demonstrates that the proposed model reduces the bias in estimation considerably compared to other methods that ignore the weights. Finally, we apply the model for estimating the presence of transgenic corn in Mexico and we give the SAS code used for the analysis.
Daily lives of residents with dementia in nursing homes: development of the Maastricht electronic daily life observation tool
Authors: de Boer B. , Beerens H.C. , Zwakhalen S.M.G. , Tan F.E.S. , Hamers J.P.H. , Verbeek H.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Daily life is a dynamic and multidimensional concept, for which appropriate assessment tools are lacking. This study describes the development of the Maastricht Electronic Daily Life Observation tool (MEDLO-tool), a freely accessible, easy to use, electronic observation tool to assess relevant daily life aspects for nursing home residents with dementia.

Methods:

(1) Determining relevant aspects of daily life for nursing home residents with dementia based on a literature search and expert interviews; (2) pilot testing observation procedures and operationalizations of the aspects of daily life; and (3) exploring inter-rater reliability and feasibility of the tool in a nursing home facility with 16 residents (56% female, mean age: 77).

Results:

The following aspects of daily life are assessed with the MEDLO-tool: (1) activity (activity performed by resident, engagement in this activity, and the degree of physical effort); (2) physical environment (location of the resident and interaction with the physical environment); (3) social interaction (the level and type of social interaction, and with whom this social interaction took place); and (4) emotional well-being (mood and agitation). Each aspect of daily life is observed and scored using standardized scoring options. Agreement on the aspects is high with an average absolute agreement of 86%. Users of the MEDLO-tool indicated that it was feasible in practice and contained clear operationalization of the aspects of daily life.

Conclusions:

The MEDLO-tool is a promising tool to gain real time insight into the aspects of the daily lives of nursing home residents with dementia.
Assessment of inattention in the context of delirium screening: one size does not fit all!
Authors: Voyer Philippe , Champoux Nathalie , Desrosiers Johanne , Landreville Philippe , Monette Johanne , Savoie Maryse , Carmichael Pierre-Hugues , Richard Sylvie , Bédard Annick
Published: March 2016

Background:

Despite its high prevalence and deleterious consequences, delirium often goes undetected in older hospitalized patients and long-term care (LTC) residents. Inattention is a core symptom of this syndrome. The aim of this study was to explore the usefulness of ten simple and objective attention tests that would enable efficient delirium screening among this population.

Methods:

This was a secondary analysis (n = 191) of a validation study conducted in one acute care hospital (ACH) and one LTC facility among older adults with, or without, cognitive impairment. The attention test tasks (n = 10) were drawn from the Concentration subscale the Hierarchic Dementia Scale (HDS). Delirium was defined as meeting the criteria for DSM-5 delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) was used to determine the presence of delirium symptoms.

Results:

The Months of the Year Backward (MOTYB) test, which 57% of participants completed successfully, showed the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (82.6%; 95% CI [61.2–95.0], and 62.5%; 95% CI [54.7–69.8] respectively) for the entire group. Subgroup analyses revealed that no test had both sensitivity and specificity over 50% in participants with cognitive impairment indicated in their medical chart.

Conclusions:

Our results revealed that these tests varied greatly in performance and none can be earmarked to become a single-item screening tool for delirium among older patients and residents with, or without, cognitive impairment. The presence of premorbid cognitive impairment may necessitate more extensive assessments of delirium, especially when a change in general status or mental state is observed.
Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Regional Obstetrical Care in Miyagi Prefecture
Authors: Sugawara Junichi , Hoshiai Tetsuro , Sato Kazuyo , Tokunaga Hideki , Nishigori Hidekazu , Arai Takanari , Okamura Kunihiro , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The authors report the results of surveys on the emergency transport or evacuation status of obstetric patients conducted in Miyagi prefecture, one of the major disaster areas of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.

Methods

The surveys examined the damages to maternity institutions, evacuation status and transport of pregnant women, and prehospital childbirths and were conducted in 50 maternity institutions and 12 fire departments in Miyagi.

Results

Two coastal institutions were destroyed completely, and four institutions were destroyed partially by the tsunami, forcing them to stop medical services. In the two-month period after the disaster, 217 pregnant women received hospital transport or gave birth after evacuation. Satisfactory perinatal outcomes were maintained. Emergency obstetric transport increased to approximately 1.4 fold the number before the disaster. Twenty-three women had prehospital childbirths, indicating a marked increase to approximately three times the number of the previous year.

Conclusion

In the acute phase of the tsunami disaster, maternity institutions were damaged severely and perinatal transport was not possible; as a result, pregnant women inevitably gave birth in unplanned institutions, and the number of prehospital births was increased extremely. To obtain satisfactory obstetric outcomes, it is necessary to construct a future disaster management system and to re-recognize pregnant women as people with special needs in disaster situations.

SugawaraJ, HoshiaiT, SatoK, TokunagaH, NishigoriH, AraiT, OkamuraK, YaegashiN. Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on regional obstetrical care in Miyagi Prefecture. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(3):255–
258.
TESTING STATIONARITY WITH UNOBSERVED-COMPONENTS MODELS
Authors: Morley James , Panovska Irina B. , Sinclair Tara M.
Published: March 2016

In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, competing measures of the trend in macroeconomic variables such as U.S. real GDP have featured prominently in policy debates. A key question is whether large shocks to macroeconomic variables will have permanent effects—i.e., in econometric terms, do the data contain stochastic trends? Unobserved-components models provide a convenient way to estimate stochastic trends for time series data, with their existence typically motivated by stationarity tests that allow at most a deterministic trend under the null hypothesis. However, given the small sample sizes available for most macroeconomic variables, standard Lagrange multiplier tests of stationarity will perform poorly when the data are highly persistent. To address this problem, we propose the use of a likelihood ratio test of stationarity based directly on the unobserved-components models used in estimation of stochastic trends. We demonstrate that a bootstrap version of this test has far better small-sample properties for empirically relevant data-generating processes than bootstrap versions of the standard Lagrange multiplier tests. An application to U.S. real GDP produces stronger support for the presence of large permanent shocks using the likelihood ratio test than using the standard tests.