bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Long-Term Administration of Nicorandil on Endothelial Function of the Radial Artery in Patients With Angina Undergoing Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Fan Yanming , Fu Xianghua , Wang Yanbo , Li Wei , Bi Xile , Wei Liye , Xiao Yuyang , Bai Shiru
Published: November 2016

We evaluated the effect of long-term administration of nicorandil on endothelial function of the radial artery in patients with angina undergoing elective transradial coronary intervention (TRI). A total of 127 patients were randomly assigned to nicorandil (standard medication plus nicorandil 5 mg twice daily, n = 64) or control group (standard medication except nicorandil, n = 63) immediately after TRI procedure. Radial artery diameter (RAD), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD) of radial artery were measured 1 day before TRI as well as 1 day and 3 months after TRI by Ultrasound-Doppler. No significant difference was observed in the baseline RAD, FMD, and NMD between the 2 groups (all P > .05). In cannulated arm, at 3-month follow-up, RAD in nicorandil group was much larger than that in the control group (2.78 ± 0.27 mm vs 2.61 ± 0.30 mm, P = .001). Besides, FMD and NMD were much higher in nicorandil group than those in the control group (10.38% ± 2.43% vs 6.81% ± 1.86%; 15.94% ± 6.28% vs 10.46% ± 5.37%, respectively, all Ps < .001). In conclusion, long-term administration of nicorandil after TRI could improve the endothelial function of the cannulated radial artery.
Avoiding Ethanol Presence in DNA Samples Enhances the Performance of Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Spectroscopy Analysis
Authors: Cammisuli Francesca , Pascolo Lorella , Morgutti Marcello , Gessini Alessandro , Masciovecchio Claudio , D’Amico Francesco
Published: November 2016

Ethanol is an essential chemical reagent in DNA preparation as its use increases the yield of extraction. All methodologies for DNA isolation involve the use of ethanol in order to prevent DNA dissolution in water and to optimize the binding of DNA to chromatographic membranes. In this note, we show how the presence of ethanol traces in DNA aqueous solution affects ultraviolet Raman spectra, leading to possible misinterpretations. We report a simple method to remove the ethanol Raman features from the spectra, based on heating the DNA sample at 80 ℃, followed by a slow cooling procedure.
The Chief Political Officer: CEO Characteristics and Firm Investment in Corporate Political Activity
Authors: Rudy Bruce C. , Johnson Andrew F.
Published: November 2016

Research on corporate political activity has considered a number of antecedents to a firm’s engagement in politics. The majority of this research has focused on either industry or firm-level motivations that lead to corporate political activity, leaving the role of the firm’s leader noticeably absent in such scholarship. This article combines ideas from Upper Echelons Theory with research in corporate political activity to bridge this important gap. More specifically, this research utilizes CEO demographic characteristics to determine (a) whether a firm will invest in political activity and (b) how these characteristics influence the particular approach to political activity the firm undertakes. Considering 27 years of data from large U.S. firms, we find that a CEO’s age, tenure, functional, and educational backgrounds influence whether and how the firm invests in political activity.
You Scratch My Back and I Scratch Yours: Investigating Inter-Partner Legitimacy in Relationships Between Social Enterprises and Their Key Partners
Authors: Weidner Kathrin , Weber Christiana , Göbel Markus
Published: November 2016

Social enterprises, like almost all organizations, continuously strive for external legitimacy. To be perceived as externally legitimated by society, social enterprises often engage in strategic partnerships. However, scholars have only recently turned their attention to the legitimating function of such partnerships. The purpose of this article is to address the hitherto neglected construct of inter-partner legitimacy. Drawing on institutional theory, we hypothesize that such inter-partner legitimacy affects the resource transfer among partners, which will, in turn, be recognized by society and will subsequently affect each partner’s external legitimacy. Dyadic data of 121 strategic partnerships between social enterprises and their key partners confirm our hypotheses. We add to institutional theory by integrating the often ignored dimension of inter-partner legitimacy into our analysis and demonstrate its relevance to each partner’s external legitimacy and to resource transfer. Further contributions to the literature on institutional theory, legitimacy, social entrepreneurship, and inter-organizational relationships are identified.
Contextualizing Individual Competencies for Managing the Corporate Social Responsibility Adaptation Process: The Apparent Influence of the Business Case Logic
Authors: Osagie Eghe R. , Wesselink Renate , Blok Vincent , Mulder Martin
Published: November 2016

Companies committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) should ensure that their managers possess the appropriate competencies to effectively manage the CSR adaptation process. The literature provides insights into the individual competencies these managers need but fails to prioritize them and adequately contextualize them in a manner that makes them meaningful in practice. In this study, we contextualized the competencies within the different job roles CSR managers have in the CSR adaptation process. We interviewed 28 CSR managers, followed by a survey to explore the relative importance of the competencies within each job role. Based on our analysis, we identified six distinct managerial roles, including strategic, coordinating, and stimulating roles. Next, we identified per role key individual CSR-related competencies as prioritized by the respondents. Our results show that the context, as indicated in this study by CSR managers’ job roles, indeed influenced the importance of particular CSR-related competencies, because each role seems to require a different combination and prioritization of these competencies. Moreover, the results suggest that the relative importance of these competencies within each role may be driven by business logic rather than an idealistic logic. The results are presented as a competence profile which can serve as a reflection tool and as a frame of reference to further develop the competence profile for CSR managers.
Are Black Children Disproportionately Overrepresented in Special Education? A Best-Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Morgan Paul L. , Farkas George , Cook Michael , Strassfeld Natasha M. , Hillemeier Marianne M. , Pun Wik Hung , Schussler Deborah L.
Published: November 2016

We synthesized empirical work to evaluate whether Black children are disproportionately overrepresented in special education. We identified 22 studies that met a priori inclusion criteria including use of at least 1 covariate in the reported analyses. Evidence of overrepresentation declined markedly as the studies included one or more of 3 “best-evidence” methodological features (i.e., analyses of individual-level data, a nationally representative sample, a control for individual-level academic achievement). Among 48 coefficient estimates from studies with the strongest internal and external validity, only 1 (2.1%) indicated significant overrepresentation. This coefficient suggested a school characteristic (a high percentage of minority students) that may help explain underrepresentation. None of the remaining 47 (97.9%) regression coefficients indicated that Black children’s overrepresentation in special education was explained by misidentification based on race or ethnicity. Instead, the best evidence indicates that Black children are significantly less likely than otherwise similar White children to receive special education services.
Pension Structure and Employee Turnover: Evidence from a Large Public Pension System
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Grout Cyrus , Holden Kristian L.
Published: November 2016

Public pension systems in many U.S. states face large funding shortfalls, and policymakers have considered moving toward defined contribution (DC) pension structures in the interest of reducing the likelihood of future shortfalls. Concerns exist, however, that such changes might increase levels of employee turnover. The empirical evidence on the relationship between pension structure and turnover is mixed, and is quite limited in the case of public-sector plans. The authors study a single class of public-sector employees (teachers) who are enrolled in either a traditional defined benefit (DB) plan or a hybrid DB-DC plan during overlapping periods of time. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the authors find little evidence that the introduction of the hybrid plan increased employee turnover; in fact, they find that turnover is lower among teachers who transferred out of the DB plan into the hybrid plan. Employers may benefit by shifting the debate away from plan structure per se and toward a discussion of how to provide employees with pension plans they will highly value.
Stigma and need for care in individuals who hear voices
Authors: Vilhauer Ruvanee P
Published: November 2016

Background:

Voice hearing experiences, or auditory verbal hallucinations, occur in healthy individuals as well as in individuals who need clinical care, but news media depict voice hearing primarily as a symptom of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia.

Aims:

This article explores whether, and how, public perception of an exaggerated association between voice hearing and mental illness might influence individuals’ need for clinical care.

Method:

A narrative literature review was conducted, using relevant peer-reviewed research published in the English language.

Results:

Stigma may prevent disclosure of voice hearing experiences. Non-disclosure can prevent access to sources of normalizing information and lead to isolation, loss of social support and distress. Internalization of stigma and concomitantly decreased self-esteem could potentially affect features of voices such as perceived voice power, controllability, negativity and frequency, as well as distress. Increased distress may result in a decrease in functioning and increased need for clinical care.

Conclusion:

The literature reviewed suggests that stigma has the potential to increase need for care through many interrelated pathways. However, the ability to draw definitive conclusions was constrained by the designs of the studies reviewed. Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this review.
Recovery and its correlates among patients with bipolar disorder: A study from a tertiary care centre in North India
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Hazari Nandita , Aneja Jitender , Chakrabarti Subho , Sharma Sunil , Avasthi Ajit
Published: November 2016

Background and Aim:

The goal of treatment in mental illness has evolved from a symptom-based approach to a personal recovery–based approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of personal recovery among patients with bipolar disorder.

Methodology:

A total of 185 patients with bipolar disorder, currently in remission, were evaluated on Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS), Brief Religious coping scale (RCOPE), Duke University Religiosity Index (DUREL), Religiousness Measures Scale, Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS), Young Mania rating scale (YMRS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale.

Results:

The mean age of the sample was 40.5 (standard deviation (SD), 11.26) years. Majority of the participants were male, married, working, Hindu by religion and belonged to extended/joint families of urban background. In the regression analysis, RAS scores were predicted significantly by discrimination experience, stereotype endorsement and alienation domains of ISMIS, level of functioning as assessed by GAF, residual depressive symptoms as assessed by HDRS and occupational status. The level of variance explained for total RAS score and various RAS domains ranged from 36.2% to 46.9%.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that personal recovery among patients with bipolar disorder is affected by stigma, level of functioning, residual depressive symptoms and employment status of patients with bipolar disorder.
Evaluating Anchor-Item Designs for Concurrent Calibration With the GGUM
Authors: Joo Seang-Hwane , Lee Philseok , Stark Stephen
Published: November 2016

Concurrent calibration using anchor items has proven to be an effective alternative to separate calibration and linking for developing large item banks, which are needed to support continuous testing. In principle, anchor-item designs and estimation methods that have proven effective with dominance item response theory (IRT) models, such as the 3PL model, should also lead to accurate parameter recovery with ideal point IRT models, but surprisingly little research has been devoted to this issue. This study, therefore, had two purposes: (a) to develop software for concurrent calibration with, what is now the most widely used ideal point model, the generalized graded unfolding model (GGUM); (b) to compare the efficacy of different GGUM anchor-item designs and develop empirically based guidelines for practitioners. A Monte Carlo study was conducted to compare the efficacy of three anchor-item designs in vertical and horizontal linking scenarios. The authors found that a block-interlaced design provided the best parameter recovery in nearly all conditions. The implications of these findings for concurrent calibration with the GGUM and practical recommendations for pretest designs involving ideal point computer adaptive testing (CAT) applications are discussed.
Linking Methods for the Zinnes–Griggs Pairwise Preference IRT Model
Authors: Lee Philseok , Joo Seang-Hwane , Stark Stephen
Published: November 2016

Forced-choice item response theory (IRT) models are being more widely used as a way of reducing response biases in noncognitive research and operational testing contexts. As applications have increased, there has been a growing need for methods to link parameters estimated in different examinee groups as a prelude to measurement equivalence testing. This study compared four linking methods for the Zinnes and Griggs (ZG) pairwise preference ideal point model. A Monte Carlo simulation compared test characteristic curve (TCC) linking, item characteristic curve (ICC) linking, mean/mean (M/M) linking, and mean/sigma (M/S) linking. The results indicated that ICC linking and the simpler M/M and M/S methods performed better than TCC linking, and there were no substantial differences among the top three approaches. In addition, in the absence of possible contamination of the common (anchor) item subset due to differential item functioning, five items should be adequate for estimating the metric transformation coefficients. Our article presents the necessary equations for ZG linking and provides recommendations for practitioners who may be interested in developing and using pairwise preference measures for research and selection purposes.
Spatial Heterogeneity in Amenity and Labor Market Migration
Authors: Rijnks Richard Henry , Koster Sierdjan , McCann Philip
Published: November 2016

The disequilibrium and equilibrium models of migration disagree on how local amenities and labor market dynamics influence regional in-migration. Research into migration motives and decision-making show that migration for some individuals is mainly driven by proximity to the labor market, while migration for others is mainly amenity driven. As this is an ongoing process, it should result in a spatial sorting based on migration motives. This means that global models explaining in-migration underestimate the influence of both factors through averaging out of the coefficients across these diverse regions. In this article, we compare a local and a global model explaining in-migration through residential quality and labor market proximity. We find significant differences in the influence of the explanatory variables between regions. Demonstrating this spatial heterogeneity shows that the impacts of factors underpinning migration vary across regions. This result highlights the importance of the regional context in anticipating and designing regional policy concerning population dynamics.
Mundane and Everyday Politics for and from the Neighborhood
Authors: Fernández Pablo D. , Martí Ignasi , Farchi Tomás
Published: November 2016

Social movement scholars and activists have recognized the difficulties of mobilizing people for the long haul, moving from the exuberance of the protest to the dull and ordinary work necessary to produce sustainable change. Drawing on ethnographic work in La Juanita, in Greater Buenos Aires, we look at local actions for and from the neighborhood in order to resist political domination, taken by people who have been unemployed for long periods of time. We identified concrete and local practices and interventions—which we call mundane and everyday politics – that are embedded in a territory and go beyond the typical practices of social movements and the expected infrapolitical activity in allowing the disfranchised to engage in the political process.
A Brief Overview of the STP 35th Annual Symposium on the Basis and Relevance of Variation in Toxicologic Responses
Authors: Irizarry Armando R. , Gropp Kathryn E. , Dixon Darlene
Published: November 2016

The title of the 2016 Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) Symposium was the “Basis and Relevance of Variation in Toxicologic Responses.” Many factors may contribute to variation in toxicologic responses and can confound results, complicate interpretation of data, interfere with reproducibility, and make extrapolation to humans problematic. This brief overview summarizes speaker presentations from each session which describes important factors that may impact the interpretation of nonclinical discovery and developmental toxicity studies. In addition, summaries of the Continuing Education (CE) courses and other educational events that occurred during the Symposium are highlighted.
Translating Mouse Models
Authors: Sellers Rani S.
Published: November 2016

Mice and humans branched from a common ancestor approximately 80 million years ago. Despite this, mice are routinely utilized as animal models of human disease and in drug development because they are inexpensive, easy to handle, and relatively straightforward to genetically manipulate. While this has led to breakthroughs in the understanding of genotype–phenotype relationships and in the identification of therapeutic targets, translation of beneficial responses to therapeutics from mice to humans has not always been successful. In a large part, these differences may be attributed to variations in the alignment of protein expression and signaling in the immune systems between mice and humans. Well-established inbred strains of “The Laboratory Mouse” vary in their immune response patterns as a result of genetic mutations and polymorphisms arising from intentional selection for research relevant traits, and even closely related substrains vary in their immune response patterns as a result of genetic mutations and polymorphisms arising from genetic drift. This article reviews some of the differences between the mouse and human immune system and between inbred mouse strains and shares examples of how these differences can impact the usefulness of mouse models of disease.
Whole body perfusion for hybrid aortic arch repair: evolution of selective regional perfusion with a modified extracorporeal circuit
Authors: Fernandes Philip , Walsh Graham , Walsh Stephanie , O’Neil Michael , Gelinas Jill , Chu Michael W. A.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Patients undergoing hybrid aortic arch reconstruction require careful protection of vital organs. We believe that whole body perfusion with tailored dual circuitry may help to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Methods:

Our circuit has evolved from a secondary circuit utilizing a cardioplegia delivery device for lower body perfusion to a dual-oxygenator circuit. This allows individually controlled regional perfusion with ease of switching from secondary to primary circuit for total body flow. The re-design allows for separate flow and temperature regulation with two oxygenators in parallel. All patients underwent a single-stage operation for simultaneous treatment of arch and descending aortic pathology via a sternotomy, using a hybrid frozen elephant trunk technique.

Results:

We report six consecutive patients undergoing hybrid arch and frozen elephant trunk reconstruction using a dual-oxygenator circuit. Five patients underwent elective surgery and one was emergent. One patient had an acute dissection while three underwent concomitant procedures, including a Ross procedure and two valve-sparing root reconstructions. Three cases were redo sternotomies. The mean pump time was 358 ± 131 min, the aortic cross clamp time 243 ± 135 min, the cardioplegia volume of 33,208 ml ± 16,173, cerebral ischemia 0 min, lower body ischemia 76 ± 34 min and the average lower body perfusion time was 142 min. Two patients did not require any donor blood products. The median intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital lengths of stay (LOS) were two days and 10 days, respectively. The average peak serum lactate on CPB was 7.47 mmol/L and, at admission to the ICU, it was 3.37 mmol/L. Renal and respiratory failure developed in the salvage acute type A dissection patient. No other complications occurred in this series.

Conclusions:

Whole body perfusion as delivered through individually controlled dual-oxygenator circuitry allows maximum flexibility for hybrid aortic arch reconstruction. A modified circuit perfusion strategy may help to limit intra-operative metabolic derangements, providing improved clinical outcomes.
In vitro effects of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit on the sequestration of ϵ-aminocaproic acid
Authors: Wagner Deborah , Caraballo Miguel , Waldvogel John , Peterson Yuki , Sun Duxin
Published: November 2016

Objective:

To assess the in vitro effects of drug sequestration in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on ϵ-aminocaproic acid (EACA) concentrations.

Methods and Design:

This in vitro study will determine changes in EACA concentration over time in ECMO circuits. A pediatric dose of 2,500 mg was administered to whole expired blood in the simulated pediatric ECMO circuit. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 360 and 1440-minute intervals after initial administration equilibration from three different sites of the circuit: pre-oxygenator (PRE), post-oxygenator (POST) and PVC tubing (PVC) to determine the predominant site of drug loss. The circuit was maintained for two consecutive days with a re-dose at 24 hours to establish a comparison between unsaturated (New) and saturated (Old) oxygenator membranes. Comparisons between sample sites, sample times and New versus Old membranes were statistically analyzed by a linear mixed-effects model with significance defined as a p-value <0.05.

Results:

There were no significant differences in EACA concentration with respect to sample site, with PRE and POST samples demonstrating respective mean differences of 0.30 mg/ml and 0.34 mg/ml as compared to PVC, resulting in non-significant p-values of 0.373 [95% CI (-0.37, 0.98)] and 0.324 [95% CI (-0.34, 1.01)], respectively. The comparison of New vs. Old ECMO circuits resulted in non-significant changes from baseline, with a mean difference of 0.50 mg/ml, 95% CI (-0.65, 1.65), p=0.315.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study did not show any significant changes in drug concentration that can be attributed to sequestration within the ECMO circuit. Mean concentrations between ECMO circuit sample sites did not differ significantly. Comparison between New and Old circuits also did not differ significantly in the change from baseline concentration over time. Sequestration within ECMO circuits appears not to be a considerable factor for EACA administration.
Getting What You Expect: Negative Social Expectations in Early Adolescence Predict Hostile Romantic Partnerships and Friendships Into Adulthood
Authors: Loeb Emily L. , Tan Joseph S. , Hessel Elenda T. , Allen Joseph P.
Published: November 2016

Adolescents’ negative expectations of their peers were examined as predictors of their future selection of hostile partners, in a community sample of 184 adolescents followed from ages 13 to 24. Utilizing observational data, close friend- and self-reports, adolescents with more negative expectations at age 13 were found to be more likely to form relationships with observably hostile romantic partners and friends with hostile attitudes by age 18 even after accounting for baseline levels of friend hostile attitudes at age 13 and adolescents’ own hostile behavior and attitudes. Furthermore, the presence of friends with hostile attitudes at age 18 in turn predicted higher levels of adult friend hostile attitudes at age 24. Results suggest the presence of a considerable degree of continuity from negative expectations to hostile partnerships from adolescence well into adulthood.
Latino Children’s Math Confidence: The Role of Mothers’ Gender Stereotypes and Involvement Across the Transition to Middle School
Authors: Denner Jill , Laursen Brett , Dickson Daniel , Hartl Amy C.
Published: November 2016

The influence of parental beliefs and behaviors on children’s math confidence and performance is well documented, but few studies examine these associations over time, or in large samples of Latino/a families. This study used longitudinal data from 247 (114 sons and 133 daughters) mother-child dyads to examine whether maternal math gender stereotypes and math involvement predict changes in the mothers’ behavior or changes in the child’s perceived math competence. Maternal math gender stereotypes when children were in fifth grade predicted decreases in mothers’ involvement in their daughter’s math homework from fifth to sixth grade. Greater maternal math involvement in fifth grade predicted increases in sons’ and daughters’ perceptions of math ability from fifth to sixth grades.
Neuroscience and War: Human Enhancement, Soldier Rehabilitation, and the Ethical Limits of Dual-use Frameworks
Authors: Howell Alison
Published: November 2016

Recent breakthroughs in neuroscience have led to increasing concern about its uses in warfare. This article challenges the primacy of dual-use frameworks for posing ethical questions concerning the role of neuroscience in national security. It brings together three fields – critical war studies, bio-ethics, and the history of medicine – to argue that such frameworks too starkly divide ‘good’ and ‘bad’ military uses of neurotechnology, thus focusing on the degradation of human capacities without sufficiently accounting for human enhancement and soldier rehabilitation. It illustrates this through the emergence of diagnoses of Traumatic Brain Injury and Polytrauma in the context of post-9/11 counterinsurgency wars. The article proposes an alternative approach, highlighting the historical co-production and homology of modern war and medicine so as to grapple with how war shapes neuroscience, but also how neuroscience shapes war. The article suggests new routes for thinking through the connections between war, society, science, and technology, proposing that we cease analysis that assumes any fundamental separation between military and civilian life.
The influence of Weaver and Dale’s (1978) paper, “Trampling effects of hikers, motorcycles and horses in meadows and forests”
Authors: Martin Ross H.
Published: November 2016

Trampling of vegetation and soils by recreational activities is a recurrent concern in many lands where trail use is common. The degree of impact can vary with the myriad types of trail users. The Weaver and Dale article, “Trampling effects of hikers, motorcycles and horses in meadows and forests”, was the first to provide some insights about how different trampling agents might produce varied impacts. Weaver and Dale showed that horses and motorcycles produced greater impacts to soils and vegetation than hikers. This article appeared early in a relatively young field of study. The direct results of their research are still valuable today, but the greater impact of their paper was that it ushered in a phase of experimental trampling research that is ongoing. Because of their research and continual influence, land managers can now make better decisions about what type of recreation activity to discourage or encourage.
Somatosensory temporal discrimination remains intact in tension-type headache whereas it is disrupted in migraine attacks
Authors: Vuralli Doga , Boran H Evren , Cengiz Bulent , Coskun Ozlem , Bolay Hayrunnisa
Published: November 2016

Background and objective

Somatosensory temporal discrimination was recently reported as prolonged during migraine attacks, which is consistent with disrupted sensorial perception in migraine. However, knowledge about central sensory processing in tension-type headache is still lacking. This prospective, controlled study aimed to investigate somatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds in tension-type headache.

Methods

The study included 10 tension-type headache patients, 10 migraine patients and 10 healthy volunteers without headache. Somatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds were evaluated during the headache attacks of tension-type headache and migraine patients.

Results

Somatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds of tension-type headache patients (39.0 ± 5.5 ms for the right hand and 40.6 ± 4.6 ms for the left hand) were significantly lower than those of episodic migraine patients (137.1 ± 35.8 ms for the right hand and 118.4 ± 34.3 ms for the left hand, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001 respectively), and comparable to those of healthy volunteers (38.6 ± 5.3 ms for the right hand and 38.3 ± 7.2 ms for the left hand, p = 0.79 and p = 0.45 respectively).

Conclusion

Central sensory processing, as tested by somatosensory temporal discrimination, was remarkably disrupted during the headache attacks in migraineurs, whereas it remained intact in the tension-type headache patients.
Want, Need, Fit
Authors: Smith Sandra Susan , Young Kara Alexis
Published: November 2016

Drawing from a unique dataset based on 146 in-depth, semistructured interviews with a nonrandom sample of ethnoracially and class diverse workers at one large public sector employer, the authors link job contacts’ patterns of assistance to three distinct cultural logics of job-matching assistance—defensive individualism, particularism, and matchmaking—which differed along three dimensions: (a) the primary criteria upon which help was contingent, (b) the perceived risk faced, and (c) the screening practices contacts used. These findings contribute to a small but growing body of research highlighting the cultural logics that inform where, how much, and to whom job information and influence flows.
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test–Third Edition Oral Language and Reading Measures Effects on Reading Comprehension in a Referred Sample
Authors: Parkin Jason R.
Published: November 2016

Oral language and word reading skills have important effects on reading comprehension. The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test–Third Edition (WIAT-III) measures both skill sets, but little is known about their specific effects on reading comprehension within this battery. Path analysis was used to evaluate the collective effects of reading and oral language measures on reading comprehension in a total of 456 students referred for special education evaluations. Students were split randomly into two groups (calibration and validation) for model construction and testing. Results indicate that these measures demonstrate a number of effects on reading measures that go beyond the expressive/receptive distinction in the test manual and add to the validity evidence for the WIAT-III. Implications for practice and study limitations are discussed.
Two-step validation process of particle mixing in a centrifugal mixer with vertical axis
Authors: Zadravec Matej , Orešnik Blaž , Hriberšek Matjaž , Marn Jure
Published: November 2016

Two-step approach of validation is proposed to validate a numerical model, capable of accurate prediction of mixing power characteristics of a centrifugal mixer with vertical axis. Two sets of experiments and two sets of numerical simulations are presented—the first set to determine physical characteristics of the particles comparing the numerical simulations results with experimental data, and the second set to validate predicted behavior of anchor type vertical axis impeller for mixing of same particles. Zeolite particles were used for actual calculations. After determining shear modulus, coefficient of interaction, static friction coefficient, and rolling friction coefficient through optimization process based on numerical simulations with subject function of diameter and angle of repose derived from experiment, using these values in numerical simulation of impeller mixer mixing zeolite particles led to results, which were in good agreement with results of the second set of experiments. The obtained zeolite material parameter values can therefore serve as a solid basis for discrete elements method based numerical simulation of zeolite granular materials.
Shaping tolerant attitudes towards immigrants: The role of welfare state expenditures
Authors: Rapp Carolin
Published: November 2016

This article contributes to the ongoing discussion on how tolerance may be fostered in Western European countries and to the question of how contextual factors such as welfare state expenditures may contribute to this formation. Tolerance is understood as a basic democratic principle that helps civil societies cope with rising levels of diversity stemming from increased immigration and individualism. Within the tolerance literature, it is commonly agreed upon that a comprehensive welfare state is capable of bridging class divides and overcoming social categorization. However, over the past decades, European welfare states experienced an ongoing influx of immigrants, challenging their general purpose and increasing notions of ‘welfare chauvinism’. Drawing on insights from both tolerance and welfare state solidarity literature, we implement hierarchical analyses based on Eurobarometer data to assess the potential influence of welfare state universalism on political and social tolerance in 15 Western European countries. Moreover, we demonstrate that this relationship is highly conditional on the degree of ethnic heterogeneity within a country.
Comparison of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity effects of silver nanoparticles on human cervix and breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Juarez-Moreno K , Gonzalez EB , Girón-Vazquez N , Chávez-Santoscoy RA , Mota-Morales JD , Perez-Mozqueda LL , Garcia-Garcia MR , Pestryakov A , Bogdanchikova N
Published: November 2016

The wide application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has pointed out the need to evaluate their potential risk and toxic effects on human health. Herein, the cytotoxic effects of Argovit™ AgNPs were evaluated on eight cancer cell lines. Further cytotoxic studies were performed in gynecological cancer cell lines from cervical (HeLa) and breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7) cancer. In both cases, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of AgNPs produced the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after 24 h of incubation, but it was not statistically significant compared with untreated cells. However, HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and MCF7 cells treated with the maximal IC of AgNPs induced the formation of ROS either at 12 or 24 h of incubation. Genotoxicity achieved by comet assay in HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and MCF7 cells revealed that exposure to IC50 of AgNPs does not induced noticeable DNA damage in the cells. However, the IC of AgNPs provoked severe DNA damage after 12 and 24 h of exposure. We conclude that, Argovit (polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated AgNPs) induce a cytotoxic effect in a time and dose-dependent manner in all the eight cancer cell lines tested. Nevertheless, the genotoxic effect is mainly restricted by the concentration effect. The results contribute to explore new therapeutic applications of AgNPs for malignances in murine models and to study in deep the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of AgNPs in healthy cells at the surrounding tissue of the neoplasia.
Cultural Background and Societal Influence on Coping Strategies for Physical Activity Among Immigrant Women
Authors: Jörgensdotter Wegnelius Cecilia , Petersson Eva-Lisa
Published: November 2016

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine, from an intersectional perspective, how immigrant women with prolonged illness experience the conditions for physical activity. Method: Focus groups were used. Twenty-two women from primary care representing 14 countries were included. Systematic text condensation was applied for analysis. Results: Five conditions were identified: Dual cultures to relate to, Isolation an invisible danger, Keys to physical activity, Physical activity for whom, The power to decide the agenda. Discussion and Conclusion: This study shows the importance of raising the intersectional perspective for immigrant women’s possibilities to perform physical activity. Immigrant women’s vulnerability to power relations and their adjustment to society’s expectations are significant considerations to be aware of. Implications for Practice: Our findings emphasize the significance of collaborating in biomedical and psychosocial issues, considering that the obstacles are more comprehensive than society assumes regarding prior knowledge, isolation, and cultural rules.
Lived Experiences of Novice Male Nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Mei-Li , Tseng Ying-Hua , Hodges Eric , Chou Fan-Hao
Published: November 2016

Purpose: Nursing remains a female-dominated profession around the world. The masculinity and male identity of men who choose nursing careers is questioned by the general public in many countries. Few studies report the situation of novice male nurses at their first year. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of novice male nurses when they first enter the workplace. Design and Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling for recruitment. Fourteen participants, 21 to 25 years old, were recruited, all of whom had at least 5 months of work experience. On average, in-depth, face-to-face interviews lasted 1 hour, with more than one follow-up telephone interview per participant. Findings: The following six themes emerged from the transcribed verbatim data based on content analysis: choosing appropriate work departments based on personality and needs, facing the pressure and frustration of independent work, getting help, obtaining acceptance among female cliques, reflecting on the relationship between gender and profession, and concerns about dependents and financial needs. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: This study addresses masculinity issues and gender stereotyping. In addition, male nurses were very concerned about their career options and development and the likelihood of promotion. This research not only has implications for better understanding of novice male nurses’ needs and the challenges in their social life but also makes suggestions for nursing practice to attract and keep more male nurses in the nursing profession. The results illustrate how culturally congruent nursing care can be achieved when we more concern male nurses’ role pressure and address traditional gender sensitivity to promote male nurses’ career development.
Measuring the Impact of a Marketing Simulation Game
Authors: Wellington William J. , Hutchinson David B. , Faria Anthony J.
Published: November 2016

Background. The evidence from past research suggests that business simulation games (BSGs) do offer a meaningful educational experience. One characteristic lacking across past research studies is the trait of indecisiveness.

Aim. This study sought to explore whether business students would self-report a change in their perceptions of their indecisiveness after participating in a business simulation games (BSG). In addition, whether higher performance simulation decision makers would self-report being less indecisive (i.e. able to make decisions in a timely manner) than lower performance simulation decision makers.

Method. Using a pre-test and post-test design with a comparison to an untreated control group, the change in 386 business students’ perceptions of their indecisiveness was assessed using a self-reporting questionnaire.

Results. The findings showed a statistically significant reduction in the level of perceived indecisiveness as a result of the simulation experience. The higher performance students reported being less indecisive than lower performance students while both higher performance and lower performance students reported a reduction in perceived indecisiveness. The level of self-reported perceived indecisiveness amongst a control group of 137 business students indicated no significant change.

Conclusion. If the combination of practice and positive reinforcement increases the comfort level (reduce feelings of risk and threat) of decision makers then perceived indecisiveness should decrease as a result of simulation participation, which may generalize across situations demanding decisions.
A novel adaptive neural network integral sliding-mode control of a biped robot using bat algorithm
Authors: Rahmani Mehran , Ghanbari Ahmad , Ettefagh Mir Mohammad
Published: November 2016

This paper proposes a new adaptive neural network integral sliding-mode controller using a bat algorithm (BA-ANNISMC) to control a biped robot. The conventional integral sliding-mode controller (ISMC) is discontinuous in nature due to the combination of nominal control and discontinuous feedback control. The phenomenon of chattering occurs when there is a discontinuity in feedback control. An adaptive neural network is applied to estimate the unknown disturbances to the system. Therefore, by using an adaptive neural network, the chattering phenomena will be eliminated. The proposed controller parameters are tuned using a bat algorithm. The stability of the adaptive neural network integral sliding-mode controller (ANNISMC) is proved by Lyapunov theory. In order to show the effectiveness of the proposed controller, its performance is compared with three other controllers such as a conventional sliding-mode controller (SMC), ISMC and ANNISMC. The results of the numerical simulation clearly indicate the effectiveness of the BA-ANNISMC controller when considering chattering reduction.
Closed form exact solutions of viscously damped free and forced vibrations of rectangular membranes
Authors: Kang Jae-Hoon
Published: November 2016

In the present study, viscously damped free and forced vibrations of a rectangular membrane are investigated using a closed form exact method. The method is exact and yields closed form expressions for the vibratory displacements. This is in contrast with the well known eigenfunction superposition method which requires expressing the distributed forcing functions and the displacement response functions as infinite sums of free vibration eigenfunctions. Instead of undamped natural frequencies which are typically computed and applied in the free and forced vibrations, damped natural frequencies are done. The damped natural frequency equation and the critical viscous damping equation are exactly derived. In the damped free vibration, effects of viscous damping on natural frequencies and mode shapes are studied. Some contour plots of damped mode shapes are given. Accurate displacement amplitude vs. forcing frequency curves showing the forced response due to distributed loading are displayed.
Veracity in Alana Valentine’s Ladies Day: Implications for Research-Informed Theater
Authors: Goldstein Tara
Published: November 2016

This article introduces the reader to the work of Australian verbatim playwright Alana Valentine and examines the ways she raises the issue of veracity or truthfulness in her 2016 verbatim play Ladies Day. The article begins with a brief description of verbatim theater and the importance of veracity in verbatim theater and research-informed theater. It then moves to an analysis of the way Valentine takes up issues of veracity in Ladies Day. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications Valentine’s work has for research-informed theater practitioners in the social sciences.
Overweight in Boys With ADHD Is Related to Candidate Genes and Not to Deficits in Cognitive Functions
Authors: Hanć Tomasz , Dmitrzak-Węglarz Monika , Borkowska Aneta , Wolańczyk Tomasz , Pytlińska Natalia , Rybakowski Filip , Słopień Radosław , Słopień Agnieszka
Published: November 2016

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of overweight, the polymorphisms of selected candidate genes, and deficits in the executive functions among children with ADHD. Method: We examined 109 boys with ADHD aged between 7 and 17 years. The study indicated variants of 14 polymorphisms in eight candidate genes. We applied seven neuropsychological tests to evaluate the executive functions. Overweight was diagnosed on the basis of the guidelines of the International Obesity Task Force. Results: Analyses revealed significant association between DRD4 rs1800955, SNAP25 rs363039 and rs363043, 5HTR2A rs17288723, and overweight in boys with ADHD. There were no significant differences in the level of neuropsychological test results between patients with overweight and without overweight. Conclusion: Overweight in boys with ADHD is associated with polymorphisms in three candidate genes: DRD4, SNAP25, and 5HTR2A, but not through conditioning deficits in cognitive functions.
Economic Freedom and Racial Differences in Entrepreneurship
Authors: Deskins John , Ross Amanda
Published: November 2016

We investigate the relationship between economic freedom and black versus white entrepreneurship rates. An extensive literature examines why black entrepreneurship rates lag behind white, focusing on socioeconomic characteristics, intergenerational knowledge transfers, work experience, and credit access. Another literature examines how regulations affect entrepreneurial behavior, finding that a more heavily regulated economy deters start-ups. We combine these literatures and use the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity and the Economic Freedom of North America Index to examine whether state-level variation in economic freedom causes differences in entrepreneurial behavior across races. Overall, we find that blacks and whites differ in their entrepreneurial response to public policy. One interesting finding is that more economically free labor markets, due primarily by a lower minimum wage, diminish black entrepreneurship but does not affect whites. This is important if an unintended consequence of the minimum wage is to reduce black entrepreneurship, thereby increasing the black–white entrepreneurship gap.
What Drives State Tax Reforms?
Authors: Alm James , Dronyk-Trosper Trey , Sheffrin Steven M.
Published: November 2016

State tax reform is fundamentally different than federal tax reform. States are continually modifying their taxes to meet revenue challenges and to cope with the changing structure of the national and regional economy. Most state tax reforms are modest affairs and not major rewrites of the tax codes. Reforms must consider the existing institutional structure of the state, state economic policies, and current state politics. Nonetheless, there are some common themes in reforms across the states, including an expansion of the sales tax base to include services and a broadening of the base for income taxation.