bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Desorption Ionisation Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry of Chalcogenide Glasses from (GeSe2)100−x(Sb2Se3)x System
Authors: Šútorová Katarína , Prokeš Lubomír , Nazabal Virginie , Bouška Marek , Havel Josef , Němec Petr
Published: September 2015

Laser Desorption Ionization Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (LDI TOFMS) was used to characterize chalcogenide glasses from pseudobinary (GeSe2)100−x(Sb2Se3)x system, where x = 5–60, aiming description of their partial structure through the analysis of the plasma formed due to interaction of pulsed laser beam with studied glasses. The plasma contains positively or negatively charged clusters; their stoichiometry was determined as Sec− (c = 2–3), Sb+, Se2+, and Sb3+; binary GeSec+, SbSec+/− (c = 1–2), SbbSec+ (b = 2–3, c = 1–4), GeaSb3+ (a = 1–4), Sb2Sec− (c = 3–4), SbSe3−, and Sb3Se5+; ternary GeSbSe2+, GeSbSec− (c = 3–5), GeSbbSe+ (b = 4–5), and Ge9Sb2Sec+ (c = 5–7) ones. Described method is generally useful not only for partial structural characterization of chalcogenide glasses and corresponding thin films but also for evaluation of their contamination with oxygen and/or hydrogen.
Predicting island beetle faunas by their climate ranges: thetabula rasa/refugia theory in the North Atlantic
Authors: Vickers Kim , Buckland Philip I.
Published: September 2015

Aim

This paper addresses two opposing theories put forward for the origins of the beetle fauna of the North Atlantic islands. The first is that the biota of the isolated oceanic islands of the Faroes, Iceland and Greenland immigrated across a Palaeogene–Neogene land bridge from Europe, and survived Pleistocene glaciations in ameliorated refugia. The second argues for atabula rasain which the biota of the islands was exterminated during glaciations and is Holocene in origin. The crux of these theories lies in the ability of the flora and fauna to survive in a range of environmental extremes. This paper sets out to assess the viability of the refugia hypothesis using the climatic tolerances of one aspect of the biota: the beetle fauna.

Location

The paper focuses on Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Methods

The known temperature requirements of the recorded beetle faunas of the North Atlantic islands were compared with published proxy climate reconstructions for successive climate periods since the severing of a North Atlantic land bridge. We used theMCR(mutual climatic range) method available in the open access BugsCEPdatabase software.

Results

We show that most of theMCRfaunas of the North Atlantic islands could not have survivedin situsince the Palaeogene–Neogene, and are likely to have been exterminated by the Pleistocene glaciations.

Main conclusions

The discrepancy between the climatic tolerances of the North Atlantic beetle fauna and the estimated climatic regimes since the severing of a land bridge strongly support thetabula rasatheory and suggests that the North Atlantic coleopteran fauna is Holocene in origin.
Changes in Central Hemodynamics in Women With Hypertensive Pregnancy Between Before and After Delivery
Authors: Fukushima Taishi , Eguchi Kazuo , Ohkuchi Akihide , Miyashita Hiroshi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: September 2015

The authors tested the hypothesis that central hemodynamic parameters in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) change between before and after delivery. A total of 137 pregnant women were studied: 72 with HDP, 42 with chronic hypertension (CH), and 23 with white‐coat hypertension (WCH; control group). Aortic augmentation index adjusted by heart rate 75 beats per minute (AIx@75), central pulse pressure (PP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), and cardiac output (CO) before and after delivery were recorded. AIx@75 and central PP were higher in the HDP group than in the control group, but both parameters declined after delivery until they were similar to the controls. AIx@75 and central PP, but not TPR or CO, were significantly decreased after delivery in the HDP group, but no such effects were seen in the other groups. These findings suggest that increased wave reflection caused by the stiffened aorta could be a key factor in the pathophysiology of HDP.
A Reasonable Blood Pressure Level for Good Clinical Outcome After the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ji Niu , Meng Pin , Liu Na , Xu Bingchao , Zhang Guanghui , Zhou Xinyu , He Mingli
Published: September 2015

Blood pressure (BP) levels are closely associated with clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke, but current research data cannot yet determine what level of reasonable BP should be maintained in clinical practice. The authors conducted a prospective registered clinical trial and enrolled 873 patients admitted for the first episode of acute ischemic stroke within 24 hours from symptom onset and with normal neurological function before stroke. Analysis results showed that the highest probability of good neurological recovery was associated with the lowest risk of neurological deterioration and poor functional outcome at systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) levels of 140 mm Hg to 159 mm Hg and DBP 90 mm Hg to 99 mm Hg, respectively, whereas patients with extreme hypotension (SBP <100 mm Hg /DBP <70 mm Hg) and hypertension (SBP ≥200 mm Hg /DBP ≥120 mm Hg) were associated with poor neurological recovery. Both higher and lower BP levels in the acute phase of ischemic stroke were unfavorable to neurological functional recovery (adjusted odds ratio, 1.948/1.913 and 2.129/2.022, respectively, with SBP 120–139 mm Hg as a reference). In addition, BP maintained at SBP 140 mm Hg to 159 mm Hg and DBP 90 mm Hg to 99 mm Hg within 7 days after stroke may be beneficial to neurological functional recovery.
DKK3 blocked translocation of β‐catenin/EMT induced by hypoxia and improved gemcitabine therapeutic effect in pancreatic cancer Bxpc‐3 cell
Authors: Guo Qingqu , Qin Wenjie
Published: September 2015

The Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway is activated in pancreatic cancer initiation and progression. Dickkopf‐related protein 3 (DKK3) is a member of the human Dickkopf family and an antagonist of Wnt ligand activity. However, the function of DKK3 in this pathway in pancreatic cancer is rarely known. We examined the expression of DKK3 in six human pancreatic cancer cell lines, 75 pancreatic cancer and 75 adjacent non‐cancerous tissues. Dickkopf‐related protein 3 was frequently silenced and methylation in pancreatic cancer cell lines (3/6). The expression of DKK3 was significantly lower in pancreatic cancer tissues than in adjacent normal pancreas tissues. Further, ectopic expression of DKK3 inhibits nuclear translocation of β‐catenin induced by hypoxia in pancreatic cancer Bxpc‐3 cell. The forced expression of DKK3 markedly suppressed migration and the stem cell‐like phenotype of pancreatic cancer Bxpc‐3 cell in hypoxic conditions through reversing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The stable expression of DKK3 sensitizes pancreatic cancer Bxpc‐3 cell to gemcitabine, delays tumour growth and augments gemcitabine therapeutic effect in pancreatic cancer xenotransplantation model. Thus, we conclude from our finding that DKK3 is a tumour suppressor and improved gemcitabine therapeutic effect through inducing apoptosis and regulating β‐catenin/EMT signalling in pancreatic cancer Bxpc‐3 cell.
Identifying mechanisms that underlie links between COMT genotype and aggression in male adolescents with ADHD
Authors: van Goozen Stephanie H.M. , Langley Kate , Northover Clare , Hubble Kelly , Rubia Katya , Schepman Karen , O'Donovan Michael C. , Thapar Anita
Published: September 2015

Background

There is a known strong genetic contribution to aggression in those with ADHD. In a previous investigation of a large population cohort, impaired ‘emotional/social cognitive’ processing, assessed by questionnaire, was observed to mediate the link between COMT Val158Met and aggression in individuals with ADHD. We set out to replicate and extend this finding in a clinical sample, using task‐based and physiological assessments of emotional and cognitive processing. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that directly assessed emotional processing mediates the link between COMT Val158Met and aggression in young people with ADHD.

Methods

Males aged 10–17 years with ADHD were recruited from UK community clinics (n = 194). Research diagnostic interviews (parent and child) were used to assess psychopathology and generate DSM‐IV Conduct Disorder symptom scores. Participants completed tasks assessing executive function (response inhibition and set shifting), empathy for fear, sadness and happiness, and fear conditioning [measured using skin conductance responses (SCR) to aversive stimuli].

Results

COMT Val allele carriers showed poorer response inhibition (F = 5.27, p = .02) and set shifting abilities (F = 6.45, p = .01), reduced fear empathy (F = 4.33, p = .04) and reduced autonomic responsiveness (lower SCRs) to the conditioned aversive stimulus (F = 11.74, p = .001). COMT Val158Met did not predict impairments in recognising others' emotions or affective empathy for happiness or sadness. Mediation analysis revealed that impaired fear‐related mechanisms indirectly mediated the link between COMT Val158Met and aggression.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest fear mechanisms as possible targets for psychological interventions to disrupt links between genetic risk and aggressive outcomes in ADHD. Our findings also reveal the potential of hypothesis‐driven approaches for identifying neuropsychological mechanisms that mediate genetic risk effects on behaviour and psychopathology.
Calculation of Bohmian quantum trajectories for STEM
Authors: ZHANG M. , MING Y. , ZENG R.G. , DING Z.J.
Published: September 2015

We present in this work the calculation of Bohmian quantum trajectories representing the wave function propagation in a crystal for a focused electron probe in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The wave function and quantum trajectories are obtained from the calculation of time‐dependent Schrödinger equation by fast Fourier transformation multislice algorithm. In our work, the Bohmian quantum trajectories of a scanning probe penetrating a Cu crystal are studied as an example of this calculation scheme. The results help us to better understand the electron diffraction process in a microscopic imaging from a trajectory‐based point of view. This Bohmian quantum trajectory method can be used to extend the application of classical Monte Carlo method from the study of electron interaction with amorphous solid to crystalline structure.
Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu L. , Kang R. , Zhao S. , Zhang T. , Zhu W. , Li E. , Li F. , Wan S. , Zhao Z.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction is an under-recognized problem in men and women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Epidemiologic findings were inconclusive regarding the risk for sexual dysfunction associated with OSA.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the association between OSA and sexual dysfunction.

Methods

The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for observational studies on the OSA and the risk of sexual dysfunction. The methodologic quality of the case–control and cohort studies was assessed with Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). The cross-sectional study quality methodology checklist was used for cross-sectional study. Data were pooled for the random-effects model. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess potential bias.

Main Outcome Measure

The association between OSA and sexual dysfunction was summarized using relative risk (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

This meta-analysis included 1,275 participants from nine studies. Five studies reported the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED); the remaining four studies reported the incidence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Pooled results demonstrated that OSA was associated with increased risk of ED (pooled RR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.12–2.97) as well as FSD (pooled RR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.29–3.08). Estimates of the total effects were generally consistent in the sensitivity analysis. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusions

Evidence from the observational studies suggested that OSA individuals might have an increased incidence of sexual dysfunction despite significant heterogeneity. More researches are warranted to clarify the relationship between OSA and the increased risk of sexual dysfunction.
Emotional Intelligence and Sexual Functioning in a Sample of Swiss Men and Women
Authors: Willi J. , Burri A.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Past research has emphasized the importance of psychologic factors in the multifactorial etiology of sexual problems.

Aim

The purpose of the study was to examine (i) how emotional intelligence (EI) associates with sexual functioning; and (ii) whether EI moderates the association between sexual functioning and sexual quality of life (SQoL).

Methods

A total of 211 participants completed questionnaires relating to EI, sexual functioning, and SQoL. A set of standardized and validated questionnaires were used, including the International Index of Erectile Function, the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, the Female Sexual Function Index, the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), and the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQoL).

Main Outcome Measures

Correlation, partial correlation, and moderation analyses were used to investigate the associations and moderations.

Results

When taking into account age and relationship duration, EI was significantly negatively correlated with female sexual desire only (r  s  = −0.39, P  < 0.01). No associations between EI and male sexual functioning on any domain could be detected. A moderation effect of EI in the association between sexual satisfaction and SQoL was observed in women, but not in men. Sexual functioning correlated positively with SQoL in both sexes.

Conclusions

Our findings show for the first time an association between female desire levels and normal variations in EI. Findings also tentatively suggest a relative gender difference in the factors contributing to sexual problems and SQoL, although results need to be confirmed in larger samples.
Online Reactions to the Muhammad Cartoons: YouTube and the Virtual Ummah
Authors: Al‐Rawi Ahmed
Published: September 2015

The publication of 12 cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad by the Danish newspaper Jyllands‐Posten on September 30, 2005, created a great deal of controversy over self‐censorship, freedom of speech, and accusations of religious incitement. Muslim activists organized protests, and later hundreds of people were killed and hundreds of others were injured due to violent reactions to the cartoons. This article focuses on how people used YouTube to react to these cartoons by analyzing 261 video clips and 4,153 comments. Results show that the majority of the video clips and comments were moderate and positive in tone toward Islam and Muhammad; however, a small percentage either called for jihad against the West or made lethal threats against the artist. Other comments carried curses or insults against Denmark, while a few others were anti‐Islamic. The fact that these online reactions were highly varied in tone suggests that the online public sphere is very much divided.
Disaggregating polyploidy, parental genome dosage and hybridity contributions to heterosis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fort Antoine , Ryder Peter , McKeown Peter C. , Wijnen Cris , Aarts Mark G. , Sulpice Ronan , Spillane Charles
Published: September 2015

Heterosis is the phenomenon whereby hybrid offspring of genetically divergent parents display superior characteristics compared with their parents. Although hybridity and polyploidy can influence heterosis in hybrid plants, the differential contributions of hybridity vs polyploidy to heterosis effects remain unknown.

To address this question, we investigated heterosis effects on rosette size and growth rate of 88 distinct F1 lines of Arabidopsis thaliana consisting of diploids, reciprocal triploids and tetraploids in isogenic and hybrid genetic contexts.

‘Heterosis without hybridity’ effects on plant size can be generated in genetically isogenic F1 triploid plants. Paternal genome excess F1 triploids display positive heterosis, whereas maternal genome excess F1s display negative heterosis effects. Paternal genome dosage increases plant size in F1 hybrid triploid plants by, on average, 57% (in contrast with 35% increase displayed by F1 diploid hybrids). Such effects probably derive from differential seed size, as the growth rate of triploids was similar to diploids. Tetraploid plants display a lower growth rate compared with other ploidies, whereas hybrids display increased early stage growth rate.

By disaggregating heterosis effects caused by hybridity vs genome dosage, we advance our understanding of heterosis in plants and facilitate novel paternal genome dosage‐based strategies to enhance heterosis effects in crop plants.
Conditions of Cognitive Sanity and the Internalist Credo
Authors: Spear Andrew D.
Published: September 2015

BonJour has proposed background conditions on internalist justification, which Kornblith argues are inconsistent with a core internalist ‘credo’ – that subjects internally alike are justificationally alike – signaling the ‘death’ of internalism. The funeral arrangements are premature, though more systematic consideration of background conditions is needed. The majority of BonJour's conditions are not background conditions as their failure makes an epistemically relevant internal difference. This neutralizes Kornblith's criticisms and reveals how the proposed conditions are not departures from internalism. BonJour's background conditions are simply conditions, the credo remains intact, and Kornblith's objections do not spell problems for internalism, let alone death.
Promising evidence and remaining issues regarding the clinical application of oxytocin in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Yamasue Hidenori
Published: September 2015

Oxytocin is a potential therapeutic for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is currently untreatable with pharmacotherapy. Previous clinical trials of a single dose of oxytocin have consistently reported significantly positive effects on various experimental measures associated with the core symptoms of ASD. These studies used various experimental measures as surrogate endpoints of the trials. However, to date, randomized clinical trials of continual administration of oxytocin have failed to reveal significant positive effects on clinically meaningful endpoints, such as how those with ASD interact during interpersonal interactions. This article reviews both the negative and positive effects of oxytocin on the core symptoms of ASD and their surrogate markers. Some unresolved and critical issues on the development of oxytocin as a new therapeutic have been extracted: optimization of dose, duration of oxytocin treatment, and the development of objective and reliable measurements of clinically meaningful endpoints for the core symptoms of ASD. Furthermore, optimization to the intranasal delivery system and careful consideration of how individuals respond differently to treatments should be addressed in future studies.
Regulator's Determination of Return on Equity in the Absence of Public Firms: The Case of Automobile Insurance in Ontario
Authors: Lazar Fred , Prisman Eliezer Z.
Published: September 2015

In a regulated market, such as automobile insurance (AI), regulators set the return on equity that insurers are allowed to achieve. Most insurers are engaged in a variety of insurance lines of business, and thus the full information beta methodology (FIB) is commonly employed to estimate the AI beta. The FIB uses two steps: first, the beta of each insurer is estimated, and then the beta of each line of business is estimated, as the beta of an insurer is a weighted average of the betas of the lines of business. When there are a sufficient number of public companies, company and market returns are used. Otherwise, researchers have resorted to using accounting data in the FIB. Theoretically, the two steps are not separable and the estimation should be done with one step. We introduce the one‐step methodology in our article. The one‐step and two‐step methodologies are compared empirically for the Ontario market of AI. Insurers in Ontario are predominantly private companies; thus, accounting data are used to estimate the AI beta. We show that a significant bias is introduced by the traditional, two‐step FIB methodology in estimating the betas for different lines of business, while insurers’ betas are very similar under both methods. This has a significant application to the estimation of betas of “pure players” in classic corporate finance. It implies that their betas and hence the resulting, required rates of return used in the net present value calculations should be estimated based on the one‐step method that we develop in this article.
Self‐care follows from compassionate care – chronic pain patients’ experience of integrative rehabilitation
Authors: Arman Maria , Hök Johanna
Published: September 2015

The long‐term outcome of any intervention for people suffering from chronic pain relies on the patient's ability for self‐care. This study explores patient experiences of self‐care in relation to a rehabilitation programme at an anthroposophic clinic. In a qualitative interview study with a hermeneutic approach, individual interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed. Interviews were conducted with ten women who were taking part in a year‐long rehabilitation programme for chronic pain and overlapping illness. The women told stories of suffering with a focus on lives that were not functioning well. In this context, pain is like secondary. For many, the experience of loving care at the clinic became a turning point, a chance to be vulnerable, to be recognised, to reflect and to begin life anew. Signs of self‐care could then be witnessed. The women described a process whereby they regained contact with their bodies and their fellow human beings; they were able to identify their needs and when to stand up for them. Everyday life at the clinic is guided by universal aspects of love, life and meanings. The care gives patients glimpses of a move towards community in contrast to past isolation, towards love in contrast to past alienation, and towards joy and inspiration in contrast to past suffering. Through receiving caritative and compassionate care, these women were able to identify their needs as a first step towards self‐care. In the context of chronic pain, self‐care needs to be more than advice, education and training. Health can be attained when the sufferer experiences what it is to be cared for. This study supports the potential of a caritative caring culture to help patients participate in a compassionate community both with others and with the self. This forms the basis for the reawakening of their natural self‐care ability.
Cn‐continuity in Digital Image Correlation: Implementation and Validation of C− 1, C0 and C1 Algorithms
Authors: Wittevrongel L. , Lava P. , Lomov S. V. , Debruyne D.
Published: September 2015

In digital image correlation (DIC), a global approach is more and more used aside from the traditional subset method. The biggest advantages of the global approach are the continuity of the displacement field and the clear link to finite element analysis. In this paper, the traditional subset method is compared to several implementations of the global method, to investigate the importance of continuity in DIC. As first, the most known Q4‐DIC is implemented, where linear elements describe the deformation. The second implementation is the so‐called p‐DIC where the element mesh used in the correlation can be updated to higher‐order elements to describe more complex deformations. The third implementation is a newly proposed C1‐continuous global algorithm. This algorithm is similar to the other global approaches but uses a triangular finite element mesh where the triangular elements within the mesh have a generic pth‐order description. Accordingly, elements can vary both in size and element order to describe more complex deformations while preserving C1‐continuity. The four implementations are made in the same platform, leading to a more robust comparison. In the comparison, both numerical and experimental tests are conducted, and the relation between resolution and special resolution is investigated for all approaches. It is concluded that continuity itself does not have a major influence on the methods performance. The choice of algorithm will be based on the desired specifications of the measurement.
Full‐length HLA‐DRB1 coding sequences generated by a hemizygous RNA‐SBT approach
Authors: Gerritsen K. E. H. , Groeneweg M. , Meertens C. M. H. , Voorter C. E. M. , Tilanus M. G. J.
Published: September 2015

Currently 1582 HLA‐DRB1 alleles have been identified in the IMGT/HLA database (v3.18). Among those alleles, more than 90% have incomplete allele sequences, which complicates the analysis of the functional relevance of polymorphism beyond exon 2. The polymorphic index of each individual exon of the currently known allele sequences, shows that polymorphism is present in all exons, albeit not equally abundant. Full‐length HLA‐DRB1 RNA sequencing identifies polymorphism of the complete coding region. Here we describe a hemizygous full‐length RNA sequence‐based typing (SBT) approach based on group‐specific HLA‐DRB1 amplification and subsequent sequencing. RNA full‐length sequences can easily be accessed because of the short amplicon length (801 bp). The RNA‐SBT approach was successfully validated on a panel of DRB1 alleles having fully known coding sequences according to the IMGT/HLA database, and cover all serological equivalents. Subsequently, the approach was applied on a panel of 54 alleles with incomplete allele sequences, resulting in full‐length coding sequences and the identification of one new and one corrected allele. This study shows the universal applicability of the RNA‐based sequencing approach to identify full‐length coding sequences and to define the polymorphic content of HLA‐DRB1 alleles.
Hemodynamics of the pectinis oculi artery in American pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domestica)
Authors: Ferreira Thiago Alegre C. , Turner Giannico Amália , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano
Published: September 2015

Objective

To measure blood velocity parameters of the main detectable branch of the pectinis oculi artery and compare with values found in other arteries in other species to form a hypothesis of the function of the pecten oculi in birds.

Methods

Eleven American pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domestica) without ocular diseases were examined with ocular Doppler ultrasonography. The pectinate artery resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were calculated.

Results

The mean of RI and PI values resulted, respectively, in: left eye (0.43 ± 0.07; 0.58 ± 0.13), right eye (0.37 ± 0.09; 0.47 ± 0.14), and both eyes (0.40 ± 0.08; 0.53 ± 0.14).

Discussion

The low RI and PI values found in the main branch of the pectinis oculi artery compared with other arteries in other tissues suggest a high metabolic activity in the pecten oculi, and it could indicate a nutritional function and/or intraocular pressure regulation.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS: COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN A CASE OF ADENOSQUAMOUS CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK IN A CAT
Authors: Chow Kathleen Ella , Krockenberger Mark , Collins David
Published: September 2015

A 15‐year‐old female spayed domestic long‐haired cat was referred for trismus, hypersalivation, and bilateral ocular discharge. On examination, the cat showed pain on palpation of the left zygomatic arch, palpable crepitus of the frontal region, and limited retropulsion of both globes. A contrast‐enhanced sinonasal computed tomographic study was performed, showing facial distortion and extensive osteolysis of the skull, extending beyond the confines of the sinonasal and paranasal cavities. Additionally, soft tissue and fluid accumulation were observed in the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses. Postmortem biopsy samples acquired from the calvarium yielded a histologic diagnosis of sinonasal adenosquamous carcinoma, a rare and particularly aggressive neoplasm previously only reported in the esophagus of one cat.
El impacto de la propiedad institucional de las administradoras de fondos de pensión sobre la política de dividendos: evidencia para Chile
Authors: Kristjanpoller Rodríguez Werner , Silva Arroyo Javiera
Published: September 2015

En este artículo se busca evidenciar el efecto del nivel de propiedad de las Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones (AFP) chilenas y la política de dividendos de las empresas en las cuales invierten, mediante un análisis de datos de panel. Se encuentra evidencia de una relación positiva lineal y no lineal negativa entre el nivel de propiedad institucional de las AFP y la política de dividendos, representada por el rendimiento de los dividendos. Adicionalmente, se encuentra un sesgo de selección en esta relación, revelando que las AFP escogen empresas con mayores niveles de pago de dividendos, lo cual implica que las AFP se comportan como un inversor prudente y es apoyado por la hipótesis de pastoreo institucional.
Prácticas de gobierno corporativo en las Asambleas Generales de Accionistas de empresas listadas en Colombia
Authors: González Gina-Paola , Guzmán Alexander , Prada Francisco , Trujillo María-Andrea
Published: September 2015

Este estudio analiza las Asambleas Generales de Accionistas (AGA) bajo el enfoque de gobierno corporativo, caracterizando las asambleas del año 2012 de once empresas colombianas que representan un poco más del 50% del COLCAP. Utilizando la metodología de Apostolides y los lineamientos del Código País, se construyen índices de evaluación respecto al deber ser de las asambleas. Se encuentra que en estas reuniones se desatienden aspectos fundamentales como el proceso de votación, la composición y remuneración de la junta, la revelación de información sobre los candidatos a la junta y la trasmisión de las AGA a través de internet. Por el contrario, se otorga mayor atención a los refrigerios, implementos de oficina y el lugar en el que se desarrolla la reunión.
Adaptación al español de la escala de Condiciones de Efectividad en el Trabajo (CWEQ-II)
Authors: Mendoza Sierra María Isabel , Orgambídez-Ramos Alejandro , Borrego-Alés Yolanda , Gonçalves Gabriela , Santos Joana
Published: September 2015

El objetivo de este estudio es adaptar al español el Cuestionario de Condiciones para la Efectividad en el Trabajo (Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire –CWEQII-) desarrollado por Laschinger, Finegan, y Shamian (2001). Se llevó a cabo un proceso de traducción y retrotraducción de los ítems que la componen y se exploraron sus propiedades psicométricas en una muestra de 346 empleados de una universidad pública español. Se investigó la fiabilidad de la escala y su estructura factorial (análisis factorial confirmatorio) y las relaciones entre el empowerment estructural y el empowerment general y el empowerment psicológico en el trabajo. Los resultados revelaron una estructura multidimensional de cuatro factores (acceso a las oportunidades, a la información, al apoyo y a los recursos) conforme a la escala original y relaciones positivas entre el empowerment estructural, general y psicológico en el trabajo. Se incluyen interpretaciones y sugerencias para futuros estudios.
Rabia y emociones positivas en protestas políticas
Authors: Sabucedo José Manuel , Vilas Xiana
Published: September 2015

This study analyses the role played by emotions in protest. In the current explanatory models, anger is the sole emotion associated with these actions. But is anger the only motive capable of mobilising citizens to defend a cause? We believe not. Hence, we postulate that anger, along with other emotions of positive valence, must act jointly to facilitate protest. To test this hypothesis, a questionnaire was applied to 316 university students in a setting of cut-backs in education. The results highlight several interesting aspects. Firstly, anger correlated significantly and positively with the positive emotions. Secondly, the mediation analysis performed showed: a) the relevance of positive emotions for explaining the intention to participate; and b) the influence of anger on the intention to participate is fundamentally through positive emotions. We will also discuss the role of emotions and the need to extend the motives involved in political actions.
Bienestar Psicológico y Prácticas Docentes con Efectos Motivacionales Orientadas al Aprendizaje
Authors: Leal-Soto Francisco , Dávila Ramírez Juan , Valdivia V. Yesennia
Published: September 2015

Mediante un diseño de investigación descriptivo correlacional se exploran las relaciones entre bienestar psicológico (BP), prácticas docentes con efectos motivacionales orientadas al aprendizaje (PDEM-A) y clima motivacional de clase orientado al aprendizaje (CMC-A), en un grupo de 46 profesores y 1.266 estudiantes. Las medias de las tres variables se ubicaron significativamente por sobre el punto central del rango de respuestas. Se encontró correlación significativa entre BP y PDEM-A r(46) = .61, p = .010; y no hubo relación entre PDEM-A y CMC-A, ni entre BP y CMC-A. Considerar el BP del profesor puede ser relevante para facilitar su disposición hacia las PDEM-A, aunque la relación de estas prácticas con la percepción de los alumnos debe considerarse con mayor detalle.
Complejidad textual, lecturabilidad y rendimiento lector en una prueba de comprensión en escolares adolescentes
Authors: Campos Saavedra Daniela , Contreras Carmona Paula , Riffo Ocares Bernardo , Véliz Mónica , Reyes Reyes Alejandro
Published: September 2015

En este artículo se estudia el problema de la lecturabilidad –la dificultad intrínseca de los textos para ser comprendidos– desde una perspectiva psicolingüística. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer en qué medida la lecturabilidad de un texto depende no solo de sus propiedades estructurales (complejidad lingüística), sino también de las habilidades del lector y de la naturaleza de las tareas de comprensión. Se realizó una investigación de tipo cuasiexperimental en la que se construyeron dos pruebas de comprensión de lectura, manipulando la complejidad de los textos. Las pruebas incluyeron ítems para medir diversos aspectos de la comprensión según un modelo de evaluación basado en un enfoque teórico psicolingüístico. Las pruebas fueron aplicadas a 208 escolares de tres tipos de establecimientos educativos distintos. Los resultados de los análisis estadísticos de los datos permiten confirmar la hipótesis de que la lecturabilidad de los textos no depende solo de las propiedades textuales, sino de la relación de estas con las características de los lectores y las tareas de comprensión definidas en las pruebas.
La Escala de Clima Escolar: Adaptación al Español y Validación en Estudiantes Chilenos
Authors: López Verónica , Bilbao M. Angeles , Ascorra Paula , Moya Iván , Morales Macarena
Published: September 2015

El clima escolar se asocia positivamente al rendimiento escolar y negativamente a la violencia escolar. Sin embargo, aún es necesario contar con instrumentos validados para la población de estudiantes latinoamericanos, que puedan entrar en diálogo con la investigación internacional y transcultural. En este estudio presentamos los resultados de la validación de la Escala de Clima Escolar. El instrumento se tradujo al español y se validó con una muestra de 4762 estudiantes chilenos. Los resultados muestran adecuadas propiedades psicométricas de la escala que permiten su uso para fines de investigación e intervención.
Medidas de Afectos en Dominios Específicos
Authors: Porto Noronha Fagundes Ana Paula , Cobêro Claudia , De Camargo Barros Mariana Varandas , Ramazotti Ferraz de Campos Roberta , De Campos Maria Isabel
Published: September 2015

A fin de responder a la pregunta ¿Qué está bien en las personas?, la psicología positiva estudia las cualidades humanas y la promoción de su funcionamiento positivo, en particular, los afectos positivos y negativos que aluden al resultado de la intensidad y frecuencia de las emociones vivenciadas. Con el objetivo de medir los afectos en dominios específicos, a saber: yo, familia, amigos y trabajo/finanzas, el presente estudio utilizó la Escala de Afectos Zanon en una versión modificada a la que se le hizo una adaptación en su instrucción, para verificar posibles diferencias en las medidas de los afectos. Participaron de la investigación 142 personas, con edades entre 15 y 87 años, con 7.74 de nota promedio para la vida en general. Entre los principales resultados, fueron identificadas diferencias significativas entre los sexos para afectos negativos y afectos positivos y, en relación con la edad, para los afectos negativos respecto del trabajo.
Relación parental, autoestima y sintomatología depresiva en jóvenes adultos. Implicaciones de los conflictos interparentales, coalición y triangulación
Authors: Pinheiro Mota Catarina
Published: September 2015

El presente estudio se propone examinar la asociación entre la calidad de la relación con los padres, la autoestima y la sintomatología depresiva en una muestra de 584 jóvenes portugueses entre 18 y 30 años de edad. También es evaluado el papel mediador de los conflictos en la asociación entre la calidad de la relación con los padres y la autoestima. La evaluación se ha hecho mediante el Network Relationship Inventory, la Children´s Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale, la Loyalty Conflict Scale, la Self-Esteem Scale y la Depression Scale. Los resultados determinan que la calidad de la relación con ambos padres disminuye el efecto del conflicto interparental tal como de la coligación y la triangulación a los hijos. Para la madre los conflictos ejercen un papel mediador entre la calidad de la relación a la madre y la autoestima. Los conflictos ejercen también un efecto negativo en la sintomatología depresiva. En el padre se verifica una mediación de la autoestima por parte de la calidad de la relación con el padre y la sintomatología depresiva. El estudio destaca la necesidad de intervención en las competencias de los padres para prevenir el desarrollo psicopatológico en los jóvenes.
Validación de un cuestionario sobre valores en los deportes de equipo en contextos didácticos
Authors: Ponce-de-León-Elizondo Ana , Ruiz-Omeñaca Jesús Vicente , Valdemoros-San-Emeterio Mariangeles , Sanz Arazuri Eva
Published: September 2015

El objeto de este estudio fue diseñar y analizar las propiedades psicométricas de un cuestionario para conocer los valores que los niños de 11-12 años toman como referencia cuando practican deportes de equipo. Participantes: Para la validación y fiabilidad del cuestionario, se contó con 8 expertos, todos ellos profesores universitarios y especialistas en deporte y educación en valores, y con 61 estudiantes de entre 11 y 12 años de edad. Una vez analizados los instrumentos existentes, revisadas las fuentes bibliográficas y definidas las variables, se elaboró la versión preliminar del “Cuestionario sobre Valores en los Deportes de Equipo”, integrada por varios interrogantes iniciales sobre los contextos de práctica de actividad deportiva de los encuestados, por la “Escala de valores en los deportes de equipo” en la que se medía la importancia que los jóvenes atribuyen a 32 valores cuando participan en juegos de equipo, y la “Escala de jerarquía de valores en los deportes de equipo” que recogía la jerarquía a la que someten a los citados valores. Tras los resultados del análisis de las consistencias lógicas, el cuestionario se ve modificado, reduciendo ambas escalas, pasando, de estar compuestas por 32 valores, a conformarse por 19 de ellos. Los resultados confirmaron la validez de contenido y de constructo y la fiabilidad de esta última versión, para conocer los valores de los niños de 11-12 años, en los deportes de equipo. En ambas escalas, los niveles de α de Cronbach resultaron satisfactorios (.691 y .738). En relación con los instrumentos elaborados por otros autores, para el estudio de los valores en la actividad deportiva, el presente cuestionario añade mayores cotas de especificidad, al focalizar su atención únicamente en los deportes de equipo, que presenta singularidades propias derivadas tanto de su concepción social, como de la lógica interna basada en las relaciones de cooperación-oposición.
Adaptación de la escala Creative Environment Perceptions al español
Authors: Boada-Grau Joan , Sánchez-García José-Carlos , Prizmic-Kuzmica Aldo-Javier , Vigil-Colet Andreu
Published: September 2015

Este estudio se enmarca dentro de la propuesta de Mayfield y Mayfield (2008, 2010) sobre las percepciones del entorno creativo. El objetivo fue realizar la adaptación al español de la escala Creative Environment Perceptions de 9 ítems y analizar sus propiedades psicométricas. Los participantes de la presente investigación son 975 empleados españoles (48,5 % hombres y 51,5 % mujeres). Los resultados obtenidos demuestran, después de realizar análisis confirmatorio, una estructura constituida por tres factores: Apoyo a la creatividad, Características del trabajo y Bloqueos a la creatividad. Además, los tres factores obtenidos tienen una fiabilidad adecuada e igualmente se constatan indicios de validez si se toman como referencia algunos correlatos externos y algunas escalas que hacen referencia a la adicción al trabajo, el burnout y el potencial creativo. En suma, la presente escala puede resultar idónea para identificar de manera apropiada el apoyo a la creatividad, las características del trabajo y los bloqueos a la creatividad.
Comportamiento juvenil universitario en busca de la felicidad: su caracterización y su eficacia.
Authors: Torres Deik Mauricio , Moyano-Díaz Emilio , Páez Darío
Published: September 2015

Se busca determinar qué comportamientos realizan los jóvenes para procurarse estados de felicidad y su eficacia en ello. Participan 433 estudiantes universitarios respondiendo un cuestionario (CCPF) para medir la frecuencia y eficacia de las conductas emitidas para procurarse felicidad, y la Escala de Felicidad Subjetiva de Lyubomirsky & Lepper, controlándose las variables sexo, religión y personalidad auto-adscrita. Se observa niveles moderados de felicidad sin registrarse diferencias según sexo, religión o personalidad auto-adscrita. Los jóvenes realizan frecuentemente conductas para aumentar la felicidad -las mujeres más que los hombres- que resultan moderadamente eficaces. Las mujeres realizan más actividades de afiliación, religiosas y de ocio pasivo, y los hombres más físicas y de metas instrumentales. La frecuencia y la eficacia de las conductas realizadas para aumentar la felicidad predicen de forma significativa y positiva las puntuaciones de felicidad. Los puntajes más altos de felicidad corresponden a quienes se auto-clasifican como extrovertidos.
desarrollo y el aprendizaje del razonamiento causal: análisis de una tensión aparente
Authors: Jimenez-Leal William , Gaviria Christian
Published: September 2015

Como otras habilidades cognitivas, la capacidad de razonar causalmente cambia a través del ciclo de vida. Sin embargo, no existe un acuerdo acerca de cómo ocurre su desarrollo. En este texto se propone una forma particular de entender este proceso, a saber, la idea de que el razonamiento causal es una habilidad de dominio general que se va enriqueciendo con el refinamiento de habilidades metacognitivas que permiten desligar el razonamiento del contexto inmediato. Esta propuesta se basa en el análisis de evidencia de razonamiento causal en niños pequeños, así como de integración de estas habilidades durante la adolescencia temprana, con procesos de argumentación y explicación. Se señalan además algunas diferencias metodológicas en los estudios con niños y jóvenes.
Especificidad contextual diferencial en la habituación de las respuestas de parpadeo y aceleración cardiaca en humanos
Authors: Pinto Jorge A , Becerra Sebastián A , Ponce Fernando P , Vogel Edgar H
Published: September 2015

Wagner (1978) propuso que la habituación, definida como una disminución en la respuesta a un estímulo que se repite, dependería de la formación de una asociación entre el contexto y el estímulo. Según este enfoque, la habituación debería ser contexto-específica, es decir, la respuesta habituada en un contexto debería deshabituarse al presentar el estímulo en un contexto novedoso. Esta hipótesis fue examinada a través de un experimento en el cual se sometió a un grupo de estudiantes a una sesión de habituación donde recibieron 60 repeticiones de un estímulo provocador de reacciones de parpadeo y aceleración cardiaca. Posteriormente, en una sesión de prueba se midió la amplitud de estas respuestas, presentando el estímulo en el mismo contexto (Grupo Igual) o en un contexto distinto a aquel donde ocurrió la habituación (Grupo Diferente). Los resultados de la prueba arrojaron evidencia de especificidad contextual diferencial para ambas respuestas, ya que la respuesta de aceleración cardiaca resultó disminuida en el grupo igual pero no en el grupo diferente (revelando especificidad), mientras que la respuesta de parpadeo estuvo igualmente disminuida en ambos grupos (revelando ausencia de especificidad). Estos hallazgos confirman observaciones previas con ratas que demuestran que el control contextual de la habituación depende de la naturaleza de la respuesta.
Juego ampliado, juego restringido Producciones simbólicas tempranas en contextos de desigualdad
Authors: Castillo Gallardo Patricia Eliana
Published: September 2015

La indagación de las consecuencias de la desigualdad ha sido un importante tema de investigación desde hace varios años. Sin embargo, pocos estudios han abordado este tema desde la perspectiva de comprender cuáles de las consecuencias encontradas inciden directamente en la reproducción y perpetuación de una determinada estratificación social. Esta investigación se desarrolló en Santiago de Chile y se propuso indagar en la infancia temprana las características del juego simbólico, con la finalidad de acceder a las formas tempranas de subjetivación y comprender desde ahí las diferencias en la identificación y en la transmisión transgeneracional de contenidos que explicarían la reproducción de la desigualdad. Utilizando la metodología de observación clínica del juego infantil, se observaron niños de 3 a 5 años en el espacio educacional y familiar. Se identificaron siete dimensiones de diferenciación, con las cuales se describen las características de dos modalidades de juego: ampliado y restringido.
La idea de psicología racional en la Metafísica Alemana (1720) de Christian Wolff
Authors: Araujo Saulo , Ribeiro Pereira Thiago Constâncio
Published: September 2015

Christian Wolff (1679-1754) fue una figura central en la Ilustración europea del siglo XVIII. Al mismo tiempo, tuvo una importancia particular para el desarrollo histórico de la psicología, pues dio a esta una nueva significación. Sin embargo, la historiografía tradicional de la psicología no le ha dado el debido reconocimiento. El objetivo de este artículo consiste en presentar un análisis teórico-conceptual de su psicología racional en su Metafísica Alemana (1720) y mostrar su importancia para los debates psicológicos posteriores. Con ello, se espera contribuir a la divulgación de un aspecto significativo del desarrollo histórico de la psicología.