bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An art of hunger: Gender and the politics of food distribution in Zakes Mda’s South Africa
Authors: Hallemeier Katherine
Published: July 2016

This article examines the centrality of hunger and food in Zakes Mda’s Ways of Dying, The Heart of Redness, and The Whale Caller. While Mda’s work has been the subject of incisive readings of the politics of development in contemporary South Africa, attention to his treatment of hunger, specifically, helps to clarify the centrality of gender to Mda’s critical re-envisioning of development policies pursued by late and postapartheid governments.
Assessment of implantable infusion pumps for continuous infusion of human insulin in rats: potential for group housing
Authors: Jensen Vivi Flou Hjorth , Mølck Anne-Marie , Mårtensson Martin , Strid Mette Aagaard , Chapman Melissa , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Bøgh Ingrid Brück
Published: July 2016

Group housing is considered to be important for rats, which are highly sociable animals. Single housing may impact behaviour and levels of circulating stress hormones. Rats are typically used in the toxicological evaluation of insulin analogues. Human insulin (HI) is frequently used as a reference compound in these studies, and a comparator model of persistent exposure by HI infusion from external pumps has recently been developed to support toxicological evaluation of long-acting insulin analogues. However, this model requires single housing of the animals. Developing an insulin-infusion model which allows group housing would therefore greatly improve animal welfare. The aim of the present study was to investigate the suitability of implantable infusion pumps for HI infusion in group-housed rats. Group housing of rats implanted with a battery-driven pump proved to be possible. Intravenous infusion of HI lowered blood glucose levels persistently for two weeks, providing a comparator model for use in two-week repeated-dose toxicity studies with new long-acting insulin analogues, which allows group housing, and thereby increasing animal welfare compared with an external infusion model.
Realizing Challenges and Guarding Against Threats: Interactive Effects of Regulatory Focus and Stress on Performance
Authors: Byron Kris , Peterson Suzanne J. , Zhang Zhen , LePine Jeffery A.
Published: July 2016

Self-regulation seems crucial to understanding how employees perform under stress because employees must regulate their thoughts, feelings, and behavior to deal effectively with work stress. Integrating regulatory focus theory and the challenge–hindrance stressor framework, we theorized that the effects of regulatory focus on job performance would vary as a function of the level of stress employees experience. Specifically, we contend that employees are more efficacious and motivated (and thus perform better) when they have established goal and coping strategies that allow them to cope with the stress they face; those lacking in these strategies are likely to find the stress overwhelming and taxing (and perform worse). Using multisource data of 160 salespersons, we investigated this relationship with two measures of job performance. We found that challenge stress moderates the relationship between promotion focus and job performance: When challenge stress is high, promotion focus is positively related to job performance; when low, promotion focus is negatively or not significantly related to job performance. We also found that hindrance stress moderates the relationship between prevention focus and job performance: When hindrance stress is low, prevention focus is negatively related to job performance, but when high, prevention focus is positively related to job performance. Moreover, we find some support for three-way interactions suggesting that using mismatched goal and coping strategies is especially harmful. Our results explain performance differences in high-stress situations and highlight the important role of self-regulation when employees are in stressful conditions.
Anxiolytic activity of the neuroprotective peptide HLDF-6 and its effects on brain neurotransmitter systems in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Zolotarev Yurii A , Kovalev Georgii I , Kost Natalya V , Voevodina Margarita E , Sokolov Oleg Y , Dadayan Alexander K , Kondrakhin Evgenii A , Vasileva Ekaterina V , Bogachuk Anna P , Azev Vyacheslav N , Lipkin Valery M , Myasoedov Nikolai F
Published: July 2016

This study is focused on a new amide derivative of the peptide HLDF-6 (Thr-Gly-Glu-Asn-His-Arg). This hexapeptide is a fragment of Human Leukaemia Differentiation Factor (HLDF). It displays a broad range of nootropic and neuroprotective activities. We showed, for the first time, that the peptide HLDF-6-amide has high anxiolytic activity. We used ‘open field’ and ‘elevated plus maze’ tests to demonstrate anxiolytic effects of HLDF-6-amide (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg intranasally), which were comparable to those of the reference drug diazepam (0.5 mg/kg). Five daily equipotent doses of HLDF-6-amide selectively mitigated anxiety and increased the density of NMDA receptors in the hippocampus of stress-susceptible BALB/c mice, and had no effect on stress-resilient C57BL/6 mice. The subchronic administration of HLDF-6-amide showed no effect on the density of GABAA and nicotine receptors but was accompanied by a nonselective decrease of the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor density in frontal cortex of both strains. The mechanism of the specific anxiolytic activity of HLDF-6-amide may include its action on the NMDA-glutamatergic receptor system of the hippocampus and on serotonin 5-HT2A-receptors in the prefrontal cortex. The psychotropic activity of HLDF-6-amide is promising for its introduction to medical practice as a highly effective anxiolytic medicine for mental and neurological diseases.
Quantification of [11C]Ro15-4513 GABAAα5 specific binding and regional selectivity in humans
Authors: Myers Jim FM , Comley Robert A , Gunn Roger N
Published: July 2016

[11C]Ro15-4513 has been introduced as a positron emission tomography radioligand to image the GABAAα5 receptor subtype thought to be important in learning, memory and addiction. However, the in vivo selectivity of the ligand remains unknown and a full assessment of different analysis approaches has yet to be performed. Using human heterologous competition data, with [11C]Ro15-4513 and the highly selective GABAAα5 selective negative allosteric modulator Basmisanil (RG1662), we quantify the GABAAα5 selectivity of [11C]Ro15-4513, assess the validity of reference tissues and evaluate the performance of four different kinetic analysis methods. The results show that [11C]Ro15-4513 has high but not complete selectivity for GABAAα5, with α5 representing around 60–70% of the specific binding in α5 rich regions. Competition data indicate that the cerebellum and pons are essentially devoid of α5 signal and might be used as reference regions under certain conditions. Off-target non-selective binding to other GABAA subtypes means that the choice of analysis method and the interpretation of outcome measures must be considered carefully. We discuss the merits of two tissue compartmental model analyses to derive both VT and VS, band-pass spectral analysis for estimation of [Formula: see text] and the simplified reference tissue model for estimation of [Formula: see text].
Au-delà de ce qu’il fait, ce qu’il est : comment le profil sociodémographique du dirigeant affecte-t-il l’orientation marché d’une entreprise ? Le cas des PME sénégalaises
Authors: Teuw Diao Maguette , Gotteland David , Boulé Jean-Marie
Published: July 2016

Pourquoi certains dirigeants vont-ils davantage que d’autres influencer le degré d’orientation marché de leur entreprise ? Conformément à la théorie des échelons supérieurs, le niveau d’orientation marché d’une entreprise devrait dépendre du profil sociodémographique du dirigeant. Cet article aborde deux questions : (1) quelles sont les caractéristiques sociodémographiques des dirigeants qui influencent le niveau d’orientation marché de leur entreprise et quel est leur poids respectif, et (2) comment ces caractéristiques exercent-elles leurs effets ? A partir d’un échantillon de 188 dirigeants de PME sénégalaises, nous établissons que l’âge et l’expérience du dirigeant dans l’activité influencent le degré d’orientation marché d’une entreprise, et que ces effets sont médiatisés par le niveau de coordination interfonctionnelle de cette entreprise.
Synthesis, characterization, and anti-microbial activity of superabsorbents based on agar–poly(methacrylic acid-glycine)
Authors: Sharma Kashma , Kumar Vijay , Swart-Pistor Chantel , Chaudhary Babulal , Swart Hendrik C
Published: July 2016

In this study, poly(methacrylic acid-glycine)-grafted agar-based hydrogels with optimized process parameters were synthesized via a two-step green-radiation induced grafting process using microwave heating. Poly(methacrylic acid) chains were graft copolymerized onto an agar backbone using ammonium persulfate as a free radical initiator and N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide as a cross-linking means using microwave heating. The influence of different reaction parameters was investigated on the percentage swelling behavior of the cross-linked hydrogel networks. The prepared hydrogel networks with optimum percentage swelling were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis, using agar as a reference. The anti-bacterial activities of the prepared hydrogels against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria were investigated. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be more susceptible to the compounds compared to Escherichia coli. These results indicate that the prepared hydrogels have the potential to be applied as anti-bacterial agents.
Development of a boundary layer parameters identification method for transition prediction with complex grids
Authors: Hao Zihui , Yan Chao , Zhou Ling , Qin Yupei
Published: July 2016

Predicting boundary layer transition accurately is important to thermal protection and drag reduction of flight vehicles. Up to now, there has been many transition prediction methods. However, most of those methods need boundary layer parameters, which are difficult to obtain in massively parallel execution since some parameters are nonlocal variables, thus greatly limiting the application of those methods. A grid-reorder method is developed to obtain the boundary layer parameters, which is suitable for parallel computing in this paper. With the grid-reorder method the wall normal grid cells can be easily found, and two criteria are used to determine the boundary layer edge in the wall normal direction, then the boundary layer parameters such as boundary layer thickness, boundary layer momentum thickness, boundary layer edge velocity, cross-flow velocity, and so on, can be obtained accurately and efficiently. The method has been coupled to three transition prediction methods, the γ-Reθ model, the k-ω-γ model, and the transition correlations, to validate its effectiveness. For the γ-Reθ model, the cross-flow velocity is obtained with the grid-reorder method, then a cross-flow intermittency factor is developed and introduced into the model, and the inclined prolate spheroid case is used to test the performance of the model. For the k-ω-γ model, the grid-reorder method is applied to obtain the boundary layer edge velocity and the inflection point velocity which are of vital importance to form the second-mode timescale for hypersonic transition prediction. For the transition correlations, Reθ/ Me is obtained effectively with the grid-reorder method. The X-51 forebody is selected to test the effectiveness of Reθ/Me for complex geometries and the results show a good correspondence with the experiment results. The successful application in three transition prediction methods demonstrates that the grid-reorder method has an excellent performance in obtaining the boundary layer parameters and can broaden the application of the existing transition prediction method in engineering.
Testing the Effect of Service Quality on Brand Equity of Automotive Industry: Empirical Insights from Malaysia
Authors: Hanaysha Jalal
Published: July 2016

This study examines the effect of service quality on brand equity. Past literature shows that only limited studies were done to examine the effect of service quality on brand equity in manufacturing contexts. Particularly, the majority of past studies mainly focused on service industries in Western countries. Therefore, to explore our knowledge in this area, the present study was conducted in Malaysian automotive market. The data were collected using survey method from 287 passenger car users in the northern region of Malaysia at several shopping malls. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings indicated that service quality has a significant positive effect on brand equity. Furthermore, services quality has a significant positive effect on all dimensions of brand equity: brand awareness, brand loyalty, brand image and brand leadership. Based on these findings, practical implications and future research suggestions are presented.
Surviving rather than thriving: Understanding the experiences of women coaches using a theory of gendered social well-being
Authors: Norman Leanne , Rankin-Wright Alexandra
Published: July 2016

In shifting our gaze to the sociological impact of being in the minority, the purpose of this study was to substantiate a model of gendered social well-being to appraise women coaches’ circumstances, experiences and challenges as embedded within the social structures and relations of their profession. This is drawn on in-depth interviews with a sample of head women coaches within the UK. The findings demonstrate that personal lives, relationships, social and family commitments were sidelined by many of the participants in order to meet the expectations of being a (woman) coach. We locate these experiences in the organisational practices of high performance sport which hinder women coaches from having meaningful control over their lives. The complexities of identity are also revealed through the interplay of gender with (dis)ability, age and whiteness as evidence of hegemonic femininity within the coaching profession. Consequently, for many women, coaching is experienced as a ‘developmental dead-end’.
Optimal coupled and uncoupled fuzzy logic control for magneto-rheological damper-equipped plan-asymmetric structural systems considering structural nonlinearities
Authors: Zafarani Mohammad M , Halabian Amir M , Behbahani Saeed
Published: July 2016

The main motivation of this paper is to examine the effect of structural nonlinearities on the engineering demand parameters (EDPs) of seismically excited controlled plan-asymmetric buildings equipped with magneto-rheological dampers. The development of a robust control algorithm for asymmetric buildings due to the randomness of ground excitations and their torsional response has always been a significantly challenging task in the vibrations control of structures. While the control algorithm in a simple approach could be designed ignoring the dependency of stiff and flexible edges of EDPs, the present research aimed also to develop a control strategy that mitigates simultaneously asymmetric edge responses of the structure using the multi-input multi-output ability of fuzzy logic control algorithms. In order to alleviate all difficulties to design an admissible control algorithm and attain the desired level of performance, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II is applied. The effectiveness of the proposed controller on the inelastic seismic behavior of a controlled plan-asymmetric one-story structure is evaluated through a parametric study in which asymmetry is considered in the form of unidirectional mass eccentricity. To take the inelastic behavior of a controlled asymmetric building’s members into account, fiber elements modeling is employed. The model was subjected to a uniaxial lateral disturbance, including ordinary and strong ground motions exciting both lateral and torsional motions.
A study on the hydraulic performance of sandwich geosynthetic clay liners reinforced with nano-clay particles
Authors: Salemi Niloofar , Abtahi Sayyed M , Rowshanzamir Mohammadali , Hejazi Sayyed M
Published: July 2016

In this paper, hydraulic performance and self-healing capacity of geotextile clay liners containing various amounts of nano-clay are studied. Nano-clay was employed as a substitute of a portion of bentonite. For comparison, the hydraulic performance and self-healing capacity of common geotextile clay liners (geotextile clay liners without any additives) were also experimentally studied. A novel instrument was developed to evaluate the self-healing capacity of geotextile clay liners samples. Atterberg limits and free swell index of neat and modified clayey samples were also measured. Experimental results showed that nano-clay considerably reduces the hydraulic conductivity of geotextile clay liners. It also improves the self-healing capacity of geotextile clay liners. The free swell index and liquid limits of bentonite specimens containing nano-clay were considerably higher than that of normal specimens. It can be concluded that factors affecting the free swell index of bentonite can change the self-healing capacity of geotextile clay liners. In this study, the specimen containing 15% nano-clay showed the best performance in hydraulic conductivity and self-healing capacity among all specimens. In the final, the effect of nano-clay inclusion on the permeability of bentonite is showed through an analytical model using the results of surface tension measurements.
Seismic response analyses and performance assessment of masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frame buildings in Bhutan without and with soft storey
Authors: Thinley Kinzang , Hao Hong
Published: July 2016

Bhutan locates in a high seismicity region but has no seismic design code of its own. Recent devastating earthquake in Nepal, which is located in the same region as Bhutan and with similar construction types, raises the concern on the seismic safety of building structures in Bhutan. This study is aimed at assessing the performance of masonry-infilled and soft storey reinforced concrete frame buildings in Bhutan under the 475- and 2475-year return period ground motions predicted from the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis. A nonlinear strut model is used to model the infill wall, and the influence of openings and soil–structure interaction are considered in the analyses. The result suggests that the masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frame buildings in Bhutan could suffer repairable and irreparable damages under the 475-year return period ground motions and severe damages and even collapse under the 2475-year return period ground motion. The buildings with the soft storey are found to be more vulnerable than the normal masonry-infilled reinforced concrete buildings. The design recommendation of Indian Seismic Code improves the performance of soft storey buildings but cannot fully negate the soft storey effect. This study is the first such effort in assessing the performance of general building stocks in the high seismicity Bhutan. The results can guide the seismic strengthening options and can be used for further loss predictions for seismic preparedness of the country.
Narratives of infants’ encounters with curriculum: The benediction as invitation to participate
Authors: Cheeseman Sandra , Sumsion Jennifer
Published: July 2016

Images of children as strong and capable rights-holders have nestled comfortably into the vernacular of early childhood education and care discourses. Promoting a view of children as entitled to contribute to decisions that affect them, these images are now framing themes of many curricular guides and learning frameworks. The inclusion of infants in these curricular guides suggests that they too are entitled to have a say in their learning, and yet little is understood about how we might get to the heart of what an infant thinks, intends and experiences. This article explores possibilities for visual narratives to enable a closer proximity to infants’ perspectives in relation to their learning. Drawing on Levinas’s ideas about ethical encounter and benediction, the authors seek ways to make visible the thinking, theorising and intent of one infant as she reveals her interests in learning.
Development of Academic Programs in Human Resource Development in the United States
Authors: Watkins Karen E. , Marsick Victoria J.
Published: July 2016

The Problem

As an applied academic field, human resource development (HRD) grew in response to the need for preparation of employees who were rotated into an HRD role with little or no academic preparation or training. Whatever their prior professional or generalist training, they found they were called on to develop others to improve performance. Professional associations initially filled this gap by offering training and certification, but over time, calls for formal preparation and credentialing led to the development of university-based programs. How did this process unfold for HRD over time? Where are academic programs in HRD now in their dual role—both preparing educators and supporting research to build a body of knowledge for this applied field? At what point does an occupation require an academic credential?

The Solution

The birth of academic programs in HRD coincided with the burgeoning of the field of practice and its increasing pressure to establish itself as a profession with a unique set of competencies and a body of knowledge and skills. This article traces the history of academic programs in HRD and its progress toward professionalization. As practice has changed in depth and scope, it is helpful to ask whether academic curricula have deepened and broadened accordingly. What this means to HRD—what is included or excluded versus what might be more useful—is a question worth examining at this point in the history of these programs.

The Stakeholders

Practitioners will find helpful information about distinctions among academic programs in HRD as well as about why it might be useful to obtain a degree in this field. HRD faculty will be able to locate their own programs within the broader academic field of HRD and better examine its unique focus against that of other HRD programs. Finally, scholars will be able to examine the role of practice and the press to professionalize and how this affects the evolution of an academic field.
Dream Teens: Adolescents-Led Participatory Project in Portugal in the Context of the Economic Recession
Authors: Frasquilho Diana , Ozer Emily J. , Ozer Elizabeth M. , Branquinho Cátia , Camacho Inês , Reis Marta , Tomé Gina , Santos Teresa , Gomes Paulo , Cruz Jaqueline , Ramiro Lúcia , Gaspar Tânia , Simões Celeste , Piatt Amber Akemi , Holsen Ingrid , Gaspar de Matos Margarida
Published: July 2016

This article describes the implementation process of a nationwide project to enhance young people’s participation and active citizenship in the context of Portugal’s economic recession. This project used an innovative Positive Youth Development approach that engaged Portuguese youth (aged 11-18 years) through social media tools to facilitate their civic engagement and development. Participants from all over the country were empowered (1) to design and conduct research activities on topics of their choice and about their life contexts and (2) to create ways to improve youth civic participation in their communities, while developing supportive interactions with adults and peers. Overall, youth were engaged in their activities, felt their voices were heard, and felt that they were viewed as experts of their own well-being and living contexts. Youth research actions and preliminary findings were then compiled in a set of recommendations that was formally received by a high commissioner of the Ministry of Health. The article concludes with a discussion of the next steps for the project and its limitations so far.
Ethics in the Anthropocene: A research agenda
Authors: Schmidt Jeremy J , Brown Peter G , Orr Christopher J
Published: July 2016

The quantitative evidence of human impacts on the Earth System has produced new calls for planetary stewardship. At the same time, numerous scholars reject modern social sciences by claiming that the Anthropocene fundamentally changes the human condition. However, we cannot simply dismiss all previous forms of cultural learning or transmission. Instead, this paper examines ethics in the Anthropocene, and specifically what it implies for: (1) reassessing our normative systems in view of human impacts on the Earth System; (2) identifying novel ethical problems in the Anthropocene; and (3) repositioning traditional issues concerning fairness and environmental ethics. It concludes by situating ethics within the challenge of connecting multiple social worlds to a shared view of human and Earth histories and calls for renewed engagement with ethics.
Holocaust Education in a Country without Holocaust Experience: Facing Burdensome Past with Rescuer Stories in South Korea
Authors: Choi Ho-Keun
Published: July 2016

This article reviews the education of the burdensome past in South Korea and shows the implications of the Holocaust education in the Western countries upon it. It begins with presenting structural and situational conditions in which the national past was dealt with and then examines how and to what extent the Holocaust education has developed in the country. Lastly, it proposes a strategy which could facilitate the education of its own burdensome past as well as the Holocaust in the country. To pursue the Holocaust education more actively, the Korean teachers are in need of a long-term strategy—a transition from regional to national level on one hand and from outside to inside of the school system on the other hand. The most important task lies in gaining an approval from all the stakeholders for such a policy.
Adenosine monophosphate deaminase 3 activation shortens erythrocyte half-life and provides malaria resistance in mice
Authors: Hortle Elinor , Nijagal Brunda , Bauer Denis C. , Jensen Lora M. , Ahn Seong Beom , Cockburn Ian A. , Lampkin Shelley , Tull Dedreia , McConville Malcolm J. , McMorran Brendan J. , Foote Simon J. , Burgio Gaetan
Published: July 2016

Key Points

AMPD3 activation reduces red blood cell half-life, which is associated with increased oxidative stress and phosphatidylserine exposure. AMPD3 activation causes malaria resistance through increased RBC turnover and increased RBC production.
Identification and characterization of Xenopus tropicalis common progenitors of Sertoli and peritubular myoid cell lineages
Authors: Tlapakova Tereza , Nguyen Thi Minh Xuan , Vegrichtova Marketa , Sidova Monika , Strnadova Karolina , Blahova Monika , Krylov Vladimir
Published: July 2016

The origin of somatic cell lineages during testicular development is controversial in mammals. Employing basal amphibian tetrapod Xenopus tropicalis we established a cell culture derived from testes of juvenile male. Expression analysis showed transcription of some pluripotency genes and Sertoli cell, peritubular myoid cell and mesenchymal cell markers. Transcription of germline-specific genes was downregulated. Immunocytochemistry revealed that a majority of cells express vimentin and co-express Sox9 and smooth muscle α-actin (Sma), indicating the existence of a common progenitor of Sertoli and peritubular myoid cell lineages. Microinjection of transgenic, red fluorescent protein (RFP)-positive somatic testicular cells into the peritoneal cavity of X. tropicalis tadpoles resulted in cell deposits in heart, pronephros and intestine, and later in a strong proliferation and formation of cell-to-cell net growing through the tadpole body. Immunohistochemistry analysis of transplanted tadpoles showed a strong expression of vimentin in RFP-positive cells. No co-localization of Sox9 and Sma signals was observed during the first three weeks indicating their dedifferentiation to migratory-active mesenchymal cells recently described in human testicular biopsies.
Transfer Pricing by Multinational Firms: New Evidence from Foreign Firm Ownerships
Authors: Cristea Anca D. , Nguyen Daniel X.
Published: July 2016

Using a firm-level dataset of Danish exports between 1999–2006, we find robust evidence for profit shifting by multinational corporations. Our triple difference estimations exploit the response of export unit values to acquisitions of foreign affiliates and to changes in statutory corporate tax rates. This identification strategy corrects for a downward bias resulting from firms adjusting arm's length prices to obscure transfer price manipulations. We find that Danish multinationals reduce the unit values of their exports to low tax countries between 5.7 to 9.1 percent. This difference corresponds to a tax revenue loss of 3.24 percent of Danish multinationals' tax returns. (JEL D21, D22, F14, F23, H25, H32)
Tax Reforms and Intertemporal Shifting of Wage Income: Evidence from Danish Monthly Payroll Records
Authors: Kreiner Claus Thustrup , Leth-Petersen Søren , Skov Peer Ebbesen
Published: July 2016

This paper uses monthly payroll records for all Danish employees to identify widespread intertemporal shifting of labor income in response to a tax reform that significantly reduced the marginal tax rates for one-fourth of all employees. When ignoring shifting, the estimate of the overall elasticity of taxable income equals 0.1, and the elasticity is increasing with earnings. When removing the shifting component, the elasticity is close to zero at all earnings levels. The evidence also indicates that tax salience, liquidity constraints and firm willingness to cooperate in shifting are important factors in explaining shifting behavior. (JEL H24, H31, J22, J31)
The Effects of the Massachusetts Health Reform on Household Financial Distress
Authors: Mazumder Bhashkar , Miller Sarah
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we examine the effect of a major health care reform in Massachusetts on a broad set of financial outcomes using credit report data. We exploit variation in the impact of the reform across counties and age groups using pre-reform insurance coverage as a measure of the potential effect of the reform. We find that the reform reduced the amount of debt that was past due, improved credit scores, reduced personal bankruptcies and reduced third-party collections. Our results show that health care reform has implications that extend well beyond the health of those who gain insurance coverage. (JEL D14, G22, H75, I13, I18)
Metagenomic analysis of an ecological wastewater treatment plant’s microbial communities and their potential to metabolize pharmaceuticals
Authors: Balcom Ian N. , Driscoll Heather , Vincent James , Leduc Meagan
Published: July 2016

Pharmaceuticals and other micropollutants have been detected in drinking water, groundwater, surface water, and soil around the world. Even in locations where wastewater treatment is required, they can be found in drinking water wells, municipal water supplies, and agricultural soils. It is clear conventional wastewater treatment technologies are not meeting the challenge of the mounting pressures on global freshwater supplies. Cost-effective ecological wastewater treatment technologies have been developed in response. To determine whether the removal of micropollutants in ecological wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is promoted by the plant-microbe interactions, as has been reported for other recalcitrant xenobiotics, biofilm microbial communities growing on the surfaces of plant roots were profiled by whole metagenome sequencing and compared to the microbial communities residing in the wastewater. In this study, the concentrations of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) were quantified in each treatment tank of the ecological WWTP treating human wastewater at a highway rest stop and visitor center in Vermont. The concentrations of detected PPCPs were substantially greater than values reported for conventional WWTPs likely due to onsite recirculation of wastewater. The greatest reductions in PPCPs concentrations were observed in the anoxic treatment tank whereBacillidominated the biofilm community. Benzoate degradation was the most abundant xenobiotic metabolic category identified throughout the system. Collectively, the microbial communities residing in the wastewater were taxonomically and metabolically more diverse than the immersed plant root biofilm. However, greater heterogeneity and higher relative abundances of xenobiotic metabolism genes was observed for the root biofilm.
Selection of case studies describing PICC tip malposition
Authors: Jackson Andrew , Buttle Andrew
Published: July 2016

This article presents a number of case studies, spanning a 12-month period, associated with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip location. The aim is to generate debate around the journey PICC tips may take; it is not the purpose of this article to debate technological solutions to the issue of PICC tip location. The discussion of each case illustrates a wide range of potential aberrant PICC tip locations and offers an insight into how the abberant tip location was resolved in each case.
Comparison of GFAP and HSP27 concentrations in acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise of different duration
Authors: Stefanus Robert , Yolanda Sophie , Antarianto Radiana D.
Published: July 2016

Background: Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and heat shock protein -27 (HSP27) plasma can be used as the parameters of exercise-induced astrocyte reactivity. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends an exercise of 30 minutes or 10 minutes duration (each performing bout accumulated toward 30 minutes). The aim of this study was to compare GFAP and HSP27 plasma concentrations in young adults undergoing acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise of different durations (10 minutes vs 30 minutes).Methods: An experimental study with pre-post design was conducted on 22 participants assigned to either 10 minutes or 30 minutes duration of single bout exercise. Blood sampling was performed before and after the exercise. GFAP and HSP27 plasma levels were measured with ELISA methods. Plasma GFAP and HSP27 levels before and after exercise were analyzed using paired t -test, while GFAP and HSP27 levels after exercise between the two groups were processed using unpaired t-test.Results: Plasma GFAP concentration decreased significantly (0,45 ng/mL) after 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (p<0.05). Plasma HSP27 concentration decreased significantly (1,71 ng/mL) after 10 minutes of aerobic exercise (p<0.05). No significant difference in plasma GFAP and HSP27 concentrations between 10 minutes (GFAP=0.49 ng/mL; HSP27=2.09 ng/mL) and 30 minutes duration of exercise (GFAP=0.45 ng/mL; HSP27=1,71 ng/mL).Conclusion: Acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise with 10- and 30-minutes duration reduces the reactivity of astrocytes indication the increase of the synapse plasticity. The decrease in GFAP concentration occurred after 30 minutes of exercise and the decrease in HSP27 occurred after 10 minutes of exercise. These results showed that the body responds differently to different treatment duration in order to obtain the same effect on the body.
Pathological Q wave as an indicator of left ventricular ejection fraction in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Tiyantara Muhammad S. , Furqon Muhammad , Paramita Swandari
Published: July 2016

Background: Q-wave myocardial infarction (QMI) has higher mortality and lower myocardial viability than non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (NQMI), suggesting the existence of pathological Q waves reflects the worse ventricular function. The aim of the study is to determine difference in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between QMI and NQMI.Methods: The study design was cross-sectional analysis conducted in patients with AMI that were hospitalized and undergone echocardiography in Abdul Wahab Sjahranie County General Hospital Samarinda during February 2014 to March 2015. Standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) were recorded at presentation, 1 day and 2 days after the onset of AMI as well as using the classical criteria for pathological Q wave. LVEF assessment was performed using echocardiography after the second day since the onset of AMI. Independent-T test was used to determine difference in LVEF using PSPPIRE 0.8.4.Results: There were 34 subjects comprising 16 QMI patients and 18 NQMI patients.  QMI had a lower LVEF (42±13%) compared to NQMI (60±11%, p<0.001). The presence of pathological Q waves was associated with LVEF ≤40% (p=0.002).Conclusion: QMI had a lower LVEF than NQMI, provides information about the role of pathological Q wave as an indicator of LVEF.
Tigecycline reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha level and inhospital mortality in spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Saekhu Mohamad , Mahyuddin Hilman , Ronokusumo Tegus A.S. , Sastroasmoro Sudigdo
Published: July 2016

Background: The outcome of patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (SSICH) is unsatisfactory. Inflammatory response secondary to brain injury as well as those resulted from surgical procedure were considered responsible of this outcome. This study was intended to elucidate the anti-inflammatory activity of tigecycline by measuring TNF-α level and its neuroprotective effect as represented by inhospital mortality rate.Methods: Patients with SSICH who were prepared for hematoma evacuation were randomized to receive either tigecycline (n=35) or fosfomycine (n=37) as prophylactic antibiotic. TNF-α level was measured in all subjects before surgery and postoperatively on day-1 and day-7. A repeated brain CT Scan was performed on postoperative day-7. The Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) and length of stay (LOS) were recorded at the time of hospital discharge. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Chi square test. Relative clinical effectiveness was measured by calculating the number needed to treat (NNT).Results: There was a significant difference regarding the proportion of subject who had  reduced TNF-α level on postoperative day-7 between the groups receiving tigecycline and fosfomycine (62% vs 29%, p=0.022). Decrease brain edema on CT control (86% vs 80%, p=0.580). Tigecycline administration showed a tendency of better clinical effectiveness in lowering inhospital mortality (17% vs 35%; p=0.083; OR=0.49; NNT=5) and worse clinical outcome / GOS ≤ 2 (20% vs 38% ; p=0.096; OR=0.41; NNT=6). LOS ≥ 15 hari ( 40% vs 27%; p=0.243; OR=1.81; NNT=8).Conclusion: Tigecycline showed anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. These activities were associated with improved clinical outcome in patients with SSICH after hematoma evacuation.
A novel echocardiography formula for calculating predicted pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with mitral stenosis
Authors: Soesanto Amiliana M. , Yuniadi Yoga , Mansyur Muchtaruddin , Kusmana Dede
Published: July 2016

Background: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) plays an important role in the natural history, prognosis, and outcome after valve intervention in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). The existing formula to estimate PVR by means of echocardiography is not readily applicable in the MS patient subset because it does not specifically calculate the risk of PVR in MS. The aim of this study was to find a new echocardiography formula to estimate PVR in MS.Methods: This diagnostic study was conducted in 2 stages. In the first stage, 58 consecutive subjects with MS were studied to find some model formulas for estimating PVR by multiple regression. Eight echo parameters were analyzed to seek their correlation with the invasive PVR value as a gold standard. The formula that had the best correlation and was easiest to use would be selected. In the second stage, those model formulas were validated by applying them to a further 34 consecutive MS subjects.Results: Four formulas which gave a discriminator coefficient of r2 0.62–0.68 were derived.  The best model formula was proposed for further application.  The new selected formula PVR=-7.465+3.566 TRvmax –(0.23 TVs’)+6.799 (RV-MPI) showed good correlation (r=0.71, p<0.001) to the invasive PVR value, with good reliability. TRvmax is maximal velocity of tricuspid regurgitation, TVs’ is systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus, and RV-MPI is right ventricle index myocardial performance. ROC curve showed that the cut off point 7.2 has good sensitivity and specificity (90% and 88%, respectively) to predict PVR 7 WU.Conclusion: This study has shown that a novel echocardiography formula can estimate PVR with good correlation and reliability in subjects with mitral stenosis.
20 years German-Indonesian Medical Association (GIMA) / Deutsch-Indonesische Gesellschaft für Medizin (DIGM e.V.)
Authors: Bundschu Hans-Dieter , Freisleben Hans-Joachim
Published: July 2016

[no abstract available]
Can Low-Wage Employment Help People Escape from the No-Pay – Low-Income Trap?
Authors: Plum Alexander
Published: July 2016

The experience of unemployment itself increases the risk of staying unemployed, and the unemployed face a high poverty risk. Moreover, experiencing poverty reduces the chances of reemployment. As wage inequality has expanded in recent decades, low-paid employment and in-work poverty have both risen. This study analyzes whether low-pay employment helps people escape the no-pay – low-income trap. Survey data from the German Socio-Economic Panel for the period 1995–2012 are used to estimate correlated random-effects probit models on the labor-market and income dynamics. The findings suggest that low-paid employment is especially helpful to exit the no-pay – low-income trap for persons who are long-term unemployed, as well as for those over 40 who have been unemployed for a short period of time. No indications of a low-pay – low-income trap are found.
The tendency to trust as individual predisposition – exploring the associations between interpersonal trust, trust in the media and trust in institutions
Authors: Jackob Nikolaus
Published: July 2016

Trust in the media has become an increasingly important issue in communication research. Traditional credibility research and modern media skepticism studies have bred a multiplicity of empirical findings illustrating the attitudes of the recipients toward the mass media, possible reasons for trust or skepticism, and possible consequences of media trust for the individual and society. However, the psychological causes of trust in the media have not attracted much attention in communication research. This is especially true for personality traits such as individual level of interpersonal trust, which, as a global attitude, might be considered as one possible reason for the development of further trust relationships. In this paper it is assumed that the individual level of generalized social trust is one possible reason for the development of trust in the media. It is assumed that people tending to generally trust their fellow humans also express high levels of trust in the media and in other institutions. Based on a representative telephonic survey of the German population, it was found that there are positive correlations between interpersonal trust, trust in the media, and trust in other institutions.
The user as producer in alternative media? The case of the Independent Communication Network (BIA).
Authors: Kejanlıoğlu D. Beybin , Çoban Barış , Yanıkkaya Berrin , Köksalan M. Emre
Published: July 2016

This article focuses on the Independent Communication Network (BIA) as an instance of alternative media in Turkey. Throughout the study we define “alternative” media as non-dominant, counter-hegemonic media that prioritizes its distinct relationship with its audience. We report research based on in-depth interviews with the producers of the network’s online site “BIANET news” combined with focus group studies with communication students and women activists that are identified as the main audience segments of BIANET news by the newsmakers. By focusing on the agents of both production and reception, this research enables us to examine participation and its form at both ends and to expound the problems of the conditions under which the user/audience can become the producer in Turkey.
A question of morality? The influence of moral salience and nationality on media preferences
Authors: Bowman Nicholas David , Jöckel Sven , Dogruel Leyla
Published: July 2016

This study examines the potential role of morality subcultures in mediating the relationship between one’s nationality and the preferences for three movie (drama, action, horror) and three TV (comedy, news, sports) genres in a sample of US and German students (
The vertical glass ceiling: Explaining female politicians’ underrepresentation in television news
Authors: Vos Debby
Published: July 2016

This study analyses television news coverage of female politicians in Flanders (Belgium). Women politicians receive less coverage than their male colleagues do. We investigate whether this gender bias can be explained by political differences between men and women or whether a real media bias exists. We examine ten possible explanations, which can be divided into two groups: characteristics of female politicians, such as their function, and of news features, such as the theme of the item. Overall, the lower level functions of female politicians largely determine their limited television news coverage. Nevertheless, female politicians still get less speaking time, even when controlling for all ten variables. Thus, in addition to political gender differences, a real gender bias exists in Flemish television news: Female politicians receive less news coverage compared to male politicians with a similar political status.
The older player of digital games: A classification based on perceived need satisfaction
Authors: De Schutter Bob , Malliet Steven
Published: July 2016

The current study aims to integrate the findings of previous research on the use of video games by older adults by applying the Uses & Gratifications (U>) paradigm (Blumler and Katz, 1974). A qualitative study was performed with 35 participants aged between 50 and 74, who were selected from a larger sample of 213. Based upon their primary playing motives and the gratifications they obtain from digital game play, a classification was developed, resulting in five categories of older adults who actively play games: “time wasters”, “freedom fighters”, “compensators”, “value seekers” and “ludophiles”.
Theorizing celebrity cultures: Thickenings of media cultures and the role of cultural (working) memory
Authors: Driessens Olivier
Published: July 2016

The concept of celebrity culture remains remarkably undertheorized in the literature, and it is precisely this gap that this article aims to begin filling in. Starting with media culture definitions, celebrity culture is conceptualized as collections of sense-making practices whose main resources of meaning are celebrity. Consequently, celebrity cultures are necessarily plural. This approach enables us to focus on the spatial differentiation between (sub)national celebrity cultures, for which the Flemish case is taken as a central example. We gain a better understanding of this differentiation by adopting a translocal frame on culture and by focusing on the construction of celebrity cultures through the ‘us and them’ binary and communities. Finally, it is also suggested that what is termed cultural working memory improves our understanding of the remembering and forgetting of actual celebrities, as opposed to more historical figures captured by concepts such as cultural memory.