bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doing “People Work” in the Prison Setting
Authors: Griffin Marie L. , Hogan Nancy L. , Lambert Eric G.
Published: May 2012

Although correctional staff job burnout is costly to all involved, it has not received the empirical attention it deserves. The job characteristics model holds that job characteristics are important in shaping employee outcomes. This study focused on the effects of the job characteristics of supervision consideration, supervision structure, job autonomy, and job variety on the three dimensions of job burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and perceived ineffectiveness at work) among correctional staff. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis of data from 160 staff members at a private prison indicated that job autonomy and job variety had significant negative relationships with emotional exhaustion. Supervision consideration, job autonomy, and job variety all had negative effects on the depersonalization dimension of burnout. Job autonomy and job variety had significant negative effects on perceived ineffectiveness.
Flexible Workers, Gender, and Contending Strategies for Confronting the Crisis of Labor in Chile
Authors: Leiva Fernando
Published: May 2012

Two decades after the transition to a civilian-elected regime, Chilean labor remains unable to stem its downward spiral. Declining unionization rates, shrinking average size of unions, wage increases below productivity gains, increased female labor force participation in low-wage and low-status jobs, and a dwindling number of workers participating in collective bargaining all attest to the paltry benefits obtained so far by workers and trade unionists from Chile’s acclaimed negotiated transition to democracy. The triumph of the right-wing billionaire Sebastián Piñera in the January 2010 presidential elections heralds a renewed capitalist offensive against the working class in that the government promises to attack weak economic growth rates and declining labor productivity with increased labor flexibility, further privatization, and the dissemination of a “culture of entrepreneurship” among Chile’s poor. To overcome its crisis, Chilean labor must enact a paradigm shift involving at the very least the incorporation of a gendered perspective. This would allow labor leaders to recognize that women’s paid and unpaid labor has become central to the continued expansion of the current regime of capitalist accumulation and that this reality must be placed at the core of more effective organizing strategies.

Dos décadas desde que ocurre la transición a un régimen electo por civiles, el sindicalismo chileno permanece incapaz de frenar su espiral hacia abajo. El decline del nivel de sindicalización, el encogimiento del tamaño del promedio de los sindicatos, las alzas en el trabajo asalariado por debajo del avance en la productividad, el incremento de mano de obra femenil en trabajos de mal pago y de estatus bajo, y un disminuyo en el numero de trabajadores participantes en negociación colectiva, todos atestiguan cuan ínfimos han sido los beneficios que se han obtenido hasta la fecha por trabajadores y sindicalistas de la aclamada transición negociada hacia le democracia en Chile. El triunfo del multimillonario derechista Sebastián Piñera en las elecciones de enero de 2010 anuncia el recrudecimiento de la ofensiva capitalista en contra de la clase obrera en lo que el gobierno promete en atacar bajas tazas de crecimiento económico y el decline en la productividad laboral con aumentos en la flexibilidad, mas privatización y la difusión de una “cultura empresarial” entre los pobres en Chile. Para superar su crisis el laborismo chileno debe poner en marcha un cambio en el paradigma que por lo menos incorpora una perspectiva de género. Esto permitiría al liderazgo laboral reconocer que el trabajo pagado y no pagado que hace la mujer se ha vuelto central en la expansión continua del actual régimen de acumulación capitalista y que esta realidad tiene que ponerse en la base de las mas efectivas estrategias de organización.
A new model-free adaptive controller versus non-linear H∞ controller for levitation of an electromagnetic system
Authors: Javadi Ali , Pezeshki Saeed
Published: May 2012

In this paper we aim to survey the performance of a non-linear H∞ method and a new proposed controller on a magnetic levitation model (maglev). The proposed controller is a new model-free adaptive design approach using an adaptive-fuzzy procedure based on feedback linearization. The main idea of the new controller comprises two steps: first, by means of the feedback linearization method, a measured signal is taken to a specific level with an error less than a defined value and second, proposed rules are applied to the system to keep the error near zero. The major advantage of new controller is that there is no need for identification of the system dynamics and only the output error is required.
I-states-as-objects-analysis (ISOA): Extensions of an approach to studying short-term developmental processes by analyzing typical patterns
Authors: Bergman Lars R. , Nurmi Jari-Erik , Eye Alexander A. von
Published: May 2012

I-states-as-objects-analysis (ISOA) is a person-oriented methodology for studying short-term developmental stability and change in patterns of variable values. ISOA is based on longitudinal data with the same set of variables measured at all measurement occasions. A key concept is the i-state, defined as a person’s pattern of variable values at a specific time point. All i-states are first subjected to a classification analysis that results in a time-invariant classification characterized by a number of typical i-states. Each person is then characterized at each time point by the typical i-state he/she belongs to. Then the person’s sequences of typical i-states are analyzed with regard to structural and individual stability and change. Extensions of ISOA are presented where: (1) some methods for checking the assumption of a time-invariant classification are indicated; (2) information about the degree of dissimilarity between typical i-states is used as an aid in interpreting the findings; and (3) attention is given to closed paths—that is, typical i-state sequences that do not occur at all. To demonstrate the methods, an empirical example is given that concerns the development of children’s achievement-intelligence patterns between ages 10 and 13.
The Liver Toxicity Biomarker Study Phase I: Markers for the Effects of Tolcapone or Entacapone
Authors: McBurney Robert N. , Hines Wade M. , VonTungeln Linda S. , Schnackenberg Laura K. , Beger Richard D. , Moland Carrie L. , Han Tao , Fuscoe James C. , Chang Ching-Wei , Chen James J. , Su Zhenqiang , Fan Xiao-hui , Tong Weida , Booth Shelagh A. , Balasubramanian Raji , Courchesne Paul L. , Campbell Jennifer M. , Graber Armin , Guo Yu , Juhasz Peter , Li Tricia Y. , Lynch Moira D. , Morel Nicole M. , Plasterer Thomas N. , Takach Edward J. , Zeng Chenhui , Beland Frederick A.
Published: May 2012

The Liver Toxicity Biomarker Study is a systems toxicology approach to discover biomarkers that are indicative of a drug’s potential to cause human idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury. In phase I, the molecular effects in rat liver and blood plasma induced by tolcapone (a “toxic” drug) were compared with the molecular effects in the same tissues by dosing with entacapone (a “clean” drug, similar to tolcapone in chemical structure and primary pharmacological mechanism). Two durations of drug exposure, 3 and 28 days, were employed. Comprehensive molecular analysis of rat liver and plasma samples yielded marker analytes for various drug–vehicle or drug–drug comparisons. An important finding was that the marker analytes associated with tolcapone only partially overlapped with marker analytes associated with entacapone, despite the fact that both drugs have similar chemical structures and the same primary pharmacological mechanism of action. This result indicates that the molecular analyses employed in the study are detecting substantial “off-target” markers for the two drugs. An additional interesting finding was the modest overlap of the marker data sets for 3-day exposure and 28-day exposure, indicating that the molecular changes in liver and plasma caused by short- and long-term drug treatments do not share common characteristics.
Patient perspectives on participation in the ENABLE II randomized controlled trial of a concurrent oncology palliative care intervention: Benefits and burdens
Authors: Maloney Cristine , Lyons Kathleen Doyle , Li Zhongze , Hegel Mark , Ahles Tim A , Bakitas Marie
Published: May 2012

Background:

ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise Before Life Ends) II was one of the first randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of a concurrent oncology palliative care intervention on quality of life, mood, and symptom control for advanced cancer patients and their caregivers. However, little is known about how participants experience early palliative care and the benefits and burdens of participating in a palliative care clinical trial.

Aim:

To gain a deeper understanding of participants’ perspectives of the intervention and palliative care trial participation.

Design:

A qualitative descriptive study using thematic analysis to determine benefits and burdens of a new palliative care intervention and trial participation.

Setting/participants:

Of the 72 participants who were alive when the study commenced, 53 agreed to complete an in-depth, semi-structured interview regarding the ENABLE II intervention and clinical trial participation.

Results:

Participants’ perceptions of intervention benefits were represented by four themes: enhanced problem-solving skills, better coping, feeling empowered, and feeling supported or reassured. Three themes related to trial participation: helping future patients and contributing to science, gaining insight through completion of questionnaires, and trial/intervention aspects to improve.

Conclusions:

The benefits of the intervention and the positive aspects of trial participation outweighed trial “burdens”. This study raises additional important questions relevant to future trial design and intervention development: when should a palliative care intervention be initiated and what aspects of self-care and healthy living should be offered in addition to palliative content for advanced cancer patients when they are feeling well?
Topical application of a beclometasone steroid inhaler for treatment of stoma inflammation
Authors: Boland Jason , Brooks David
Published: May 2012

We describe two cases of peristomal inflammation which resulted in pain, poor adhesion of the stoma bag and faecal leaking. The inflammation did not respond to regular cleaning and barrier film sprays, but dramatically improved with the application of a beclometasone dry powder aerosol inhaler sprayed onto the inflamed skin around the stoma site. A steroid inhaler was used to decrease the peristomal inflammation without affecting the adhesion of the stoma bag which could be caused by creams.
The role of psychological needs in ceasing music and music learning activities
Authors: Evans Paul , McPherson Gary E. , Davidson Jane W.
Published: May 2012

This article addresses individuals’ decisions to continue or cease playing a musical instrument from a basic psychological needs perspective. Participants began learning music 10 years prior to the study and were the subject of previous longitudinal research. They completed a survey investigating the three psychological needs of competence, relatedness, and autonomy in the contexts of when they were most engaged in playing their instrument during high school, and in the time leading up to when they ceased playing. Decisions to cease music instruction or playing an instrument were associated with diminished feelings of competence, relatedness, and autonomy, compared to when they were most engaged. Open-ended responses to a question about why they ceased playing supported this finding and showed that participants refer to reasons directly related to feelings of psychological needs being thwarted. This article therefore proposes that motivations to cease or continue playing a musical instrument demonstrate a natural propensity to more vital, healthy forms of behaviour. The study offers preliminary evidence for a framework that may help to unify previous research in music and supports motivational research in other areas.
Determining environmental determinism
Authors: Eades Gwilym Lucas
Published: May 2012

This commentary is a direct response to the Forum article ‘Environmentalist thinking and/in geography’ by Radcliffe et al. (2010) . Two main problems are addressed: the perpetuation of a false analogy between cultural and biological evolution, and a misunderstanding of memes. I review the literature and summarize the main issues in cultural and biological evolution and in the related field of memetics, noting ways in which the Forum’s authors’ arguments might be strengthened. In conclusion, some suggestions are made for how geographers might productively engage with innovative ideas from other closely related disciplines.
PND at 25
Authors: Scruggs Thomas E. , Mastropieri Margo A.
Published: May 2012

Twenty-five years ago, we proposed the use of the PND (percentage of nonoverlapping data) statistic for quantitative synthesis (or meta-analysis) of single-subject research. This procedure was controversial from its beginning, with criticism divided between those maintaining that no quantitative method should be used to summarize single-subject research and those suggesting that other methods may be preferable. Since that time, more than 40 research summaries have been published using the PND statistic or its variants, and a smaller number have been published using other methods. We argue that the PND method has proven to be very useful over time for this purpose, though other methods have also contributed. These procedures to date have led to more systematic, objective summaries of single-subject research. We discuss implications of present knowledge for future applications of research synthesis.
Synthesis and biocompatibility properties of polyester containing various diacid based on isosorbide
Authors: Park Hyung-Seok , Gong Myoung-Seon , Knowles Jonathan C
Published: May 2012

Biocompatible polyesters were prepared from isosorbide, various aliphatic diacid via a simple non-solvent polycondensation with a low toxicity catalyst. The successful synthesis of the polyesters was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopes, and differential scanning calorimetry. The degradation tests were performed at 37°C in phosphate buffer solution (approximately pH 7.3). The in vitro cytocompatibility test results following culture of osteoblasts on the polymer surface showed that relative cell number on poly(isosorbide sebacate) and poly(isosorbide adipate) films after 5 days of culture on polymer films proliferated at least as well as those on a culture plate.
Employee Attitudes Toward Participation in a Work Site-Based Health and Wellness Clinic
Authors: Bright David R. , Terrell Sara L. , Rush Michael J. , Kroustos Kelly R. , Stockert Amy L. , Swanson Scott C. , DiPietro Natalie A.
Published: May 2012

Purpose: To conduct a needs assessment to determine employee attitudes and barriers toward participation in a multidisciplinary work site-based health and wellness clinic. Methods: A 21-question survey was developed and sent electronically to all available (n = 874) employees of a self-insured employer. Results: Of the 303 survey respondents (34.7% response rate), 67.3% (n = 204) individuals indicated a desire to meet with a pharmacist regarding medication information. Medication therapy management (MTM) services most often selected by survey respondents included basic education about each medication and its intended purpose (33%, n = 100); education on self-care (30%, n = 91); and information on generic or less expensive alternative medications and strategies for cost savings (25.1%, n = 76). Eighty-eight (29%) respondents indicated a desire for preventive care counseling to receive guidance on recommended disease screenings, immunizations, and other recommended services. Additional interest was observed in nutrition coaching (n = 131, 43.2%) and exercise programming (n = 272, 89.4%). Conclusions: The majority of respondents indicated a desire to participate in a work site-based health and wellness clinic, regardless of baseline health status or medication use. These data provide insight into the needs and preferences of participants in work site wellness programs and shows the value of a needs assessment.
Comparison of Bolus Only With Bolus Plus Infusion of Bivalirudin in Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Sheikh-Taha Marwan , Ghosn Samer
Published: May 2012

Background: Anticoagulation therapy during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been the focus of numerous clinical trials. Low-anticoagulant doses have been successfully used in patients undergoing elective PCI, a situation with low-thrombogenic milieu. Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of shorter duration of treatment with bivalirudin in patients undergoing elective PCI and receiving optimal antiplatelet therapy. Methods: We compared patients undergoing PCI who received aspirin and clopidogrel loading dose in addition to either conventional bivalirudin dosing (intravenous [IV] bolus of 0.75 + 1.75 mg/kg per h for the duration of PCI; n = 197) or a reduced bivalirudin dose (IV bolus of 0.75 mg/kg; n = 200). Results: Procedural success was obtained in 100% of cases. The primary end point (in-hospital death, acute myocardial infarction, or need for urgent target vessel revascularization) did not differ between both the groups (6 patients [3%] in the conventional dose group vs 5 patients [2.5%] in the reduced dose group). Major bleeding occurred in 1 patient in the conventional dose group ( P = nonsignificant [NS]). Minor bleeding occurred in 4 patients (2%) in the conventional dose group vs 5 patients (2.5%) in the reduced dose group ( P = NS) and was mainly due to bleeding at entry site. Conclusion: In patients undergoing elective PCI, using bivalirudin as a bolus only dosing may be as effective and less costly when compared with bolus followed by an infusion for the duration of the intervention. A larger study is needed to confirm our findings.
Effect of resorcinol-based chain extenders chemical structure on the enhanced properties of polyurethane elastomers
Authors: Oprea Stefan
Published: May 2012

Two series of polyurethane elastomers with resorcinol derivatives in the polymer backbone were synthesized by chain extending isocyanate end-capped prepolymers with resorcinol, 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde or 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-hexanone-(1). Chain extenders are differentiated from each other by the structure of the side chain attached to the resorcinol rings. Isocyanate-terminated prepolymers were obtained from poly(1,4-butylene adipate) diol and 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate. These polyurethane elastomers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical measurements. The effects of the chemical structure of resorcinol-derivative chain extenders on the properties of polyurethane elastomers were investigated. A significant increase in maximum stress–strain properties and in thermal stability was observed for the samples with free carbonyl in the side chain of the resorcinol ring. All the polymers showed 5% weight losses above 300 °C and glass transition temperature values in the range of −39 and −23 °C. The aim was to enhance the mechanical properties and thermal behavior by varying the chemical structure of the resorcinol moieties from the hard segment domain, without transform phenolic OH groups in aliphatic OH groups.
Surrogate model for aerodynamic shape optimization of a tractor-trailer in crosswinds
Authors: Gong Xu , Gu Zhengqi , Li Zhenlei
Published: May 2012

A surrogate model-based aerodynamic shape optimization method applied to the wind deflector of a tractor-trailer is presented in this paper. The aerodynamic drag coefficient of the tractor-trailer with and without the wind deflector subjected to crosswinds is analyzed. The numerical results show that the wind deflector can decrease drag coefficient. Four parameters are used to describe the wind deflector geometry: width, length, height, and angle. A 30-level design of experiments study using the optimal Latin hypercube method was conducted to analyze the sensitivity of the design variables and build a database to set up the surrogate model. The surrogate model was constructed based on the Kriging interpolation technique. The fitting precision of the surrogate model was examined using computational fluid dynamics and certified using a surrogate model simulation. Finally, a multi-island genetic algorithm was used to optimize the shape of the wind deflector based on the surrogate model. The tolerance between the results of the computational fluid dynamics simulation and the surrogate model was only 0.92% when using the optimal design variables, and the aerodynamic drag coefficient decreased by 4.65% compared to the drag coefficient of the tractor-trailer installed with the original wind deflector. The effect of the optimal shape of the wind deflector was validated by computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel experiment.
Librational characteristics of a dumbbell modeled tethered satellite under small, continuous, constant thrust
Authors: Zhao Guowei , Sun Liang , Tan Shuping , Huang Hai
Published: May 2012

Tether drag deorbit technology with chemical propulsion is an effective method of active removal of space debris, which is completely different from the traditional applications of tethered satellites. During flight in a non-Keplerian orbit, the tethered satellite is impacted by a compelling active thrust and presents complicated librational characteristics. In this article, based on a dumbbell model of tethered satellite, analytical first-order solutions of the librational angles of a tethered satellite are derived under a small, continuous, constant thrust in the transversal, tangential, radial and binormal directions. The librational characteristics of a tethered satellite are revealed for two conditions: (1) in-plane orbit transfer of an abandoned satellite and (2) adjustment of the orbital inclination of a satellite. Furthermore, the ranges of designed system parameters, such as initial geocentric distance, mass of the system, mass ratio between base satellite and objective satellite, tether length, and thrust acceleration, are analyzed for an orbit transfer. Afterwards, linear quadratic regulator based tension controllers are designed to damp out the librational angles and to achieve attitude stability of a tethered satellite. Numerical simulation results show that complicated librational characteristics of a tethered satellite under small, continuous, constant thrust are strongly influenced by the designed system parameters. In addition, the librational angles are controllable by a designed inhibitive controller for a set of given system parameters, which is useful for flight safety in maneuvering.
Sensitivity of a biomechanical model of the finger to errors in experimental input
Authors: Warlow Oliver ME , Johnson Garth R
Published: May 2012

Biomechanical models of the fingers are used to gain a greater understanding of internal loading. This can help guide the treatment of injuries and pathologies. However, to be valid these models require accurate measurement of body kinematics, external reaction forces and soft tissue architecture. This study aimed to quantify the sensitivity of one such model, to errors in these inputs. Experimental data was collected from a single subject carrying out a simple gripping activity and the experimental data altered to introduce artificial errors. We found that the correlations between errors in measurement of body kinematics and the model outputs could be used to express errors in motion capture data in terms of internal loading. However, these correlations were specific to grip type, therefore, if the grip changed significantly a new analysis would be required. Sensitivity analysis of the muscle and tendon locations indicated which parameters were most important to measure accurately; outputs were most sensitive to changes in the most highly loaded muscle–tendon units, these results were applicable across different hand orientations.
Performance characteristics of ejector expander transcritical CO2 refrigeration cycle
Authors: Ersoy H Kursad , Bilir Nagihan
Published: May 2012

The effects on the performance of the basic CO2 refrigeration cycle when using an ejector as the expander to recover expansion work were investigated. A two-phase constant area ejector flow model was used in the ejector analysis. The coefficient of cooling performance and gas cooler pressure that yielded the maximum exergy efficiency, suction nozzle pressure drop, and optimum values for the ejector area ratio were determined for various evaporator and gas cooler outlet temperatures. Parametric studies were performed using engineering equation solver. The suction nozzle pressure drop had a significant effect on the ejector area ratio, coefficient of cooling performance, and exergy efficiency. It is necessary to design an ejector with the optimum area ratio to achieve the optimum pressure drop and maximum performance. Cycle that use the ejector as an expander always has higher coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency than conventional cycle under any operating condition. The irreversibility decreases compared to the classic refrigeration cycle when the ejector or turbine are used as an expander. The analysis results showed that – under a gas cooler pressure of 9.5 MPa, gas cooler outlet temperature of 40 °C, evaporator temperature of 5 °C, and cooling capacity of 3.5 kW – the total irreversibility of the ejector system was lower than those of the basic and turbine expander systems by 39.1% and 5.46%, respectively.
Pathways to support genetically modified (GM) foods in South Korea: Deliberate reasoning, information shortcuts, and the role of formal education
Authors: Kim Sei-Hill , Kim Jeong-Nam , Besley John C.
Published: May 2012

Analyzing survey data on the issue of GM foods in South Korea, this study examines two competing routes – deliberate reasoning versus information shortcuts – to forming opinions on controversial science. Findings indicated that both deliberate reasoning and information shortcuts were in play; but the process was moderated by a person’s education level. The well educated were more likely than the less educated to engage in deliberate reasoning when shaping their support for GM foods. Implications of the findings are discussed in detail.
BUILDING TIES IN A STRATIFIED SOCIETY
Authors: Ansoms An , Geenen Sara
Published: May 2012

BUILDING TIES IN A STRATIFIED SOCIETY is a collective action game that allows participants to experience how different social classes face both opportunities and constraints in securing their livelihoods through the construction of social networks. Participants receive a knot with six strands (length depends on their social stratum) and connect themselves with others by tying their strands to each other. A score is calculated for each participant, dependent on the type of connections he or she is able to establish. Connections with better-off categories have a higher value than those with poorer categories. The resulting network and the scores of the participants are analyzed during the debriefing. The game allows participants to assess critically the ways in which different social classes (also those at the lower end of the societal scale) exercise “agency” in the construction of their networks, although this agency may be constrained in various ways.
Signal Left, Turn Right
Authors: Huang Haifeng
Published: May 2012

How have local governments in China been able to break through central policy restrictions in a unitary and authoritarian political system? Why is China’s official discourse in the reform era often so conservative and unfavorable to reform? The author argues the two issues are components of a signaling game between China’s central government and local officials, in which local officials know that the center may be reformist, but the reformist center imitates the rhetoric of a conservative center to control the pace of local liberalization. The result is a gradualist reform of “signaling left, turning right,” with glaring incongruity of speech and actions in the process.
Sleep Locally, Act Globally
Authors: Rattenborg Niels C. , Lima Steven L. , Lesku John A.
Published: May 2012

In most animals, sleep is considered a global brain and behavioral state. However, recent intracortical recordings have shown that aspects of non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and wakefulness can occur simultaneously in different parts of the cortex in mammals, including humans. Paradoxically, however, NREM sleep still manifests as a global behavioral shutdown. In this review, the authors examine this paradox from an evolutionary perspective. On the basis of strategic modeling, they suggest that in animals with brains composed of heavily interconnected and functionally interdependent units, a global regulator of sleep maintains the behavioral shutdown that defines sleep and thereby ensures that local use-dependent functions are performed in a safe and efficient manner. This novel perspective has implications for understanding deficits in human cognitive performance resulting from sleep deprivation, sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, changes in consciousness that occur during sleep, and the function of sleep itself.
The Distributional Burden of Instant Lottery Ticket Expenditures
Authors: Garrett Thomas A.
Published: May 2012

This article examines the distributional burden of different price-point instant lottery games. Theoretical reasons exist for expecting higher-priced instant lottery games to be less regressive than lower-priced instant games. Using county-level data on sales by price point for six states, the empirical results show that higher-priced instant games are less regressive than lower-priced games. In addition, regressivity is rejected in favor of proportionality for some instant lottery games. The analysis also reveals that counties having a higher-percentage of low-income households have higher sales of lower-priced instant games, but differences in the distribution of household income have no significant impact on higher-priced instant sales. Taken together, the findings suggest that large differences in the distributional burden of individual instant games are masked if aggregated instant-lottery sales data are used.
The Effect of Cigarette Taxation on Prices
Authors: Sullivan Ryan S. , Dutkowsky Donald H.
Published: May 2012

This article combines new, author-collected tax data with data both from the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association cost of living index and from the Tax Burden on Tobacco to measure the relative effects of city, county, and state excise cigarette taxation on cigarette prices. The results indicate that a $1 increase in the state excise cigarette tax increases cigarette prices between $1.10 and $1.14, but that a $1 increase in a city- or county-level excise tax increases prices by $1.07. These findings are similar between premium and generic cigarette brands. Additionally, urban areas located near states with lower cigarette taxes tend to have lower cigarette prices relative to urban areas located near states with the same or higher tax rates.
Re-theorizing the ‘structure–agency’ relationship: Figurational theory, organizational change and the Gaelic Athletic Association
Authors: Connolly John , Dolan Paddy
Published: May 2012

This article illustrates how the figurational sociology associated with Norbert Elias provides an alternative theoretical framework for explaining the relationship between, ‘individual-organization-society’ and organizational change, and in so doing transverses what is conceived as a false dichotomy between structure and agency. Through an historical case study of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Ireland, the ‘individual-organization-society’ relationship is conceptualized as overlapping figurations and organizational change is explained as figurational dynamics—the shifting social interdependencies between the individuals and groups comprising an organization, between that organization and other organizations, between social groups on a higher level of integration and competition. In tandem with this, the article illustrates how changes in the sources of power and identity are connected with these figurational dynamics.
The linguistic competence of early Basque–Spanish bilingual children and a Spanish monolingual child
Authors: Larrañaga Pilar , Guijarro-Fuentes Pedro
Published: May 2012

In this article, we sought to investigate the acquisition of gender features by two Basque–Spanish bilingual children when compared to a Spanish monolingual child. Basque is a language that lacks gender features and nominal agreement, whereas Spanish classifies nouns into two classes, that is, masculine and feminine, and has determiner phrase internal agreement. The internal architecture of Basque and Spanish differ on two crucial ways: the presence or absence of agreement and the presence or absence of the syntactic projection ClassP. Hence, the acquisition of gender sheds some light on the internal architecture of the determiner phrase. The studies on gender acquisition by Spanish monolinguals or bilinguals of any combination are not numerous. For this reason, we provide a detailed description of gender development and a thorough analysis of gender errors by a monolingual Spanish child and two Basque–Spanish bilinguals. This study shows that the masculine is not the default gender, neither for the monolingual child analysed nor for bilinguals because both groups overgeneralize masculine as well as feminine. Moreover, none of the children exclusively use the masculine with all nouns at a first stage to converge to target grammar in a subsequent stage. Basque–Spanish bilinguals use masculine determiners with feminine nouns in the majority of contexts from the outset of language acquisition, whereas the monolingual child performs the opposite way. Interestingly, bilinguals require more time to acquire the intricacies of Spanish gender. In other words, they make gender errors even at advanced stages of development, when the monolingual Spanish child studied in this article presents a target-like gender performance. The analysed data show that Basque influences Spanish, resulting in language delay because of the internal architecture of the determiner phrase and to a minor extent by the surface overlap between Spanish and Basque. However, our interpretation is cautious because of the scarcity of such examples and the limited corpus available.
Age of acquisition interactions in bilingual lexical access: A study of the weaker language of L2 learners and heritage speakers
Authors: Montrul Silvina , Foote Rebecca
Published: May 2012

Global age of acquisition of L1 and L2 in individual speakers has been investigated as a deterministic factor in nativelikeness of grammatical knowledge and lexical processing. The age of acquisition of individual words has also been shown to affect both native and nonnative lexical access. Given the centrality of the lexicon to language acquisition and use, this study investigated which of these variables is most relevant and how these two variables may potentially interact during lexical access of the less dominant language in bilinguals. A group of English-speaking late L2 learners of Spanish and a group of early bilingual speakers who were exposed to Spanish as an L1 at home and learned English in childhood (heritage speakers) completed a lexical decision task in Spanish and an English–Spanish translation decision task. The performance of the two groups, which vary on global age of acquisition of Spanish, but not on language dominance, was compared. The results indicated no differences in the overall accuracy of lexical access according to global age of acquisition of L1 and L2, though the L2 learners responded more quickly than the heritage speakers in both tasks. The results differed within each participant group depending on word age of acquisition, with heritage speakers showing a speed and accuracy advantage for words learned early in L1 Spanish and L2 learners showing an advantage for words learned early in L2 Spanish. Based on these findings, it is argued that it is the language experience along with word age of acquisition that determines lexical processing of the weaker language, whether in L1 or L2.
A new desired articulation angle for directional control of articulated vehicles
Authors: Oreh SH Tabatabaei , Kazemi R , Azadi S
Published: May 2012

In articulated vehicles, one of the main driver’s intentions is that the trailer unit closely follows the path of the tractor unit. However, this expectation is not satisfied even at low speeds. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an appropriate method to reduce or even to eliminate the path tracking error. This article proposes a new desired articulation angle for directional control of the articulated vehicles. The proposed reference value tracking ensures that the rear end of the trailer unit closely follows the trajectory of the fifth wheel. Achieving this goal, a tracking error based on the kinematics of the planar motion of the articulated vehicle is defined. Eliminating the tracking error provides a proper determination of the desired articulation angle between the tractor and trailer unit. A controller designed based on the fuzzy logic theory tracks the proposed reference articulation angle by steering the trailer wheels. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method on both low-speed and high-speed maneuvers, simulations of two maneuvers including low-speed 90° turn and high-speed lane change maneuvers are carried out. The simulation results prove the significant effects of the proposed method on enhancing path following performance.
Investigating the Social Ecology of Daily Experience Using Computerized Structured Diaries
Authors: DeCaro Jason A. , DeCaro Erin , Ashley David H.
Published: May 2012

This report describes Daily Life Architecture (DLA), a structured retrospective diary method developed to document daily experience, and place it into social and cultural context. We also discuss open-access PROUST software that implements DLA for handheld computers, allowing participants to create 24-hour self-report records regarding nearly any domain of experience that can be described through discrete categories. Drawing from a study of the social contexts of physical activity among Mexican American young adults, we describe DLA data collection and validation procedures. DLA data are amenable to both quantitative and qualitative analysis, bolstering the methodological toolkit for social and cultural epidemiology and for ecocultural approaches to child and adolescent development.
Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine
Authors: Meek Joan Younger
Published: May 2012

Pediatric lifestyle medicine encompasses key aspects of preventive medicine, which is at the heart of pediatric care. Lifestyle choices are important determinants of health outcomes. Key components of preventive health care include optimal nutrition, maintaining an appropriate weight, developing an active lifestyle, and avoidance of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances of abuse. In addition, reduction of risk behaviors through incorporation of safe health habits is important. Incorporation of the tenets of pediatric lifestyle medicine by pediatricians and other primary care providers of infants, children, and adolescents will promote a healthier population, prevent disease and disability, and ultimately decrease health care costs and use of health care resources. Communities, including school systems, must also embrace concepts of pediatric lifestyle medicine.
A Pharmacological/Physiological Comparison between ADHD Medications and Exercise
Authors: Lenz Thomas L.
Published: May 2012

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that typically begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood. Up to 7% of children between the ages of 4 and 17 years are affected by the disorder, with approximately 2/3 of those diagnosed currently taking medication to help manage the symptoms. ADHD symptoms include abnormal levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. The most common treatment modality for ADHD is stimulant-type medications that work to regulate dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Exercise has also been shown to help control ADHD symptoms through the regulation of dopamine and norepinephrine. This article briefly compares the pharmacological mechanisms of ADHD medications with the physiological mechanisms of exercise relative to ADHD. Recommendations for the concomitant use of both treatment modalities are also provided.
Cabazitaxel
Authors: Schwartz Joanna R. , Bottiglieri Salvatore M.
Published: May 2012

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States excluding skin cancer. Androgen deprivation therapy is initially effective for most patients with metastatic prostate cancer; however, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) usually develops when disease progresses despite conventional hormone therapies. There are few treatment options for progressive CRPC. Until recently, only one treatment, docetaxel, had been shown to prolong survival, and no agents had been shown to improve survival in docetaxel-refractory disease. This changed in June 2010 with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of cabazitaxel. Cabazitaxel is a new option for patients with CRPC whose disease progresses during or after docetaxel treatment (docetaxel refractory). Cabazitaxel is a novel taxane that has been shown to have poor affinity for the p-glycoprotein drug efflux pump, a major mechanism of resistance to docetaxel. In combination with prednisone, cabazitaxel was shown to significantly prolong overall survival by 2.4 months when compared with mitoxantrone in a large randomized phase III trial in metastatic CRPC patients previously treated with first-line docetaxel. The most common toxicities with cabazitaxel are neutropenia (88%), anemia (81%), thrombocytopenia (43%), fatigue (27%), nausea (23%), and diarrhea (11%). This review will examine the clinical development, efficacy, adverse effects, and suggested monitoring for this new agent. The combination of cabazitaxel and prednisone is an important new treatment option for men with docetaxel-refractory metastatic CRPC. However, this agent should be administered with close, appropriate monitoring, especially in men at high risk of neutropenia or diarrhea. Future research directions for this new agent will include exploring its role in combination with other agents and comparing with docetaxel for the first-line treatment of metastatic CRPC.
The Strategic Thinking Skills of Hong Kong School Leaders: Usage and Effectiveness
Authors: Pang Nicholas Sun-Keung , Pisapia John
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify strategic thinking skills that distinguish effective school leaders in Hong Kong. Three constructs framed the study: strategic thinking skills, organizational-personal characteristics, and school leader effectiveness. This study used a quantitative non-experimental design, and univariate and correlation techniques to identify the relationships between the variables examined. Five hundred and forty-three (543) school leaders participated in the study. The factor structure of the strategic thinking questionnaire (STQ) in the Chinese context was validated. The results confirmed that a link between use of strategic thinking skills and leader effectiveness exists. The strategic thinking skills profile of Hong Kong school leaders is formed around systems thinking; it is the strongest predictor of leader effectiveness. This thinking profile changes depending on role assignment, school type, and environmental complexity. Principals use systems thinking and reframing in tandem. Vice-principals use reframing more often than the other skills. Senior masters use strategic thinking skills significantly less often than principals and vice-principals.
Management of radicular pain in rheumatic disease: insight for the physician
Authors: Adebajo Ade , Fabule John
Published: May 2012

Rheumatologists are still relatively unaware of the causes, presentation, diagnosis and management of radicular pain. This is against a background of increasing evidence of the presence and importance of radicular problems in patients with rheumatological disorders. When they coexist in patients, differentiating between nociceptive and neuropathic pain is clinically important because these components require different pain management strategies. Consequently, it is essential that rheumatologists become skilled in identifying as well as managing both forms of pain. This review will serve to further increase awareness among rheumatologists of this important issue as well as discuss the practical aspects of managing these conditions. The evaluation of patients requires very careful history taking and full thorough neurological examination. Diagnostic testing is suggested mainly to confirm the diagnosis and aetiology in patients with persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment. Neuroimaging is recommended for patients with acute radicular pain with progressive neurological deficits or those with high suspicion of neoplasm or epidural abscess. If neuroimaging does not confirm diagnosis, electrophysiology studies may be helpful. The management of this condition is multifaceted and involves physicians and allied healthcare professionals as well as the patients who should be encouraged to participate in self-management programmes. Nociceptive and neuropathic pain often coexists in patients with rheumatic disease. There are challenges to making the diagnosis of radicular pain in these patients. The diagnosis is primarily clinical but pathophysiological issues, diversity in symptoms, the multiple mechanisms of action and difficulties in communication between patients and their doctors as well as variable response to therapy pose challenges to the effective management of these patients. Despite these difficulties and challenges, it is essential that rheumatologists familiarize themselves with the management of radicular pain in rheumatic diseases. The evaluation of patients requires very careful history taking, aided by the use of an appropriate screening tool and full, thorough neurological examination. In addition, investigations such as the use of imaging or electrophysiology studies when required may help to differentiate between the pain phenotypes.