bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security Design with Investor Private Information
Authors: AXELSON ULF
Published: September 2010

I study the security design problem of a firm when investors rather than managers have private information about the firm. I find that it is often optimal to issue information‐sensitive securities such as equity. The “folklore proposition of debt” from traditional signaling models only goes through if the firm can vary the face value of debt with investor demand. When the firm has several assets, debt backed by a pool of assets is optimal when the degree of competition among investors is low, while equity backed by individual assets is optimal when competition is high.
The U.S. Treasury Buyback Auctions: The Cost of Retiring Illiquid Bonds
Authors: HAN BING , LONGSTAFF FRANCIS A. , MERRILL CRAIG
Published: September 2010

We study an important recent series of buyback auctions conducted by the U.S. Treasury in retiring $67.5 billion of its illiquid off‐the‐run debt. The Treasury was successful in buying back large amounts of illiquid debt while suffering only a small market‐impact cost. The Treasury included the most‐illiquid bonds more frequently in the auctions, but tended to buy back the least‐illiquid of these bonds. Although the Treasury had the option to cherry pick from among the bonds offered, we find that the Treasury was actually penalized for being spread too thinly in the buybacks.
Bidding into the Red: A Model of Post‐Auction Bankruptcy
Authors: BOARD SIMON
Published: September 2010

This paper investigates auctions where bidders have limited liability. First, we analyze bidding behavior under different auction formats, showing that the second‐price auction induces higher prices, higher bankruptcy rates, and lower utilities than the first‐price auction. Second, we show that the cost of bankruptcy critically affects the seller's preference over the choice of auction. If bankruptcy is very costly, the seller prefers the first‐price auction over the second‐price auction. Alternatively, if the bankrupt assets are resold among the losers of the initial auction, the seller prefers the second‐price auction.
Downward‐Sloping Demand Curves, the Supply of Shares, and the Collapse of Internet Stock Prices
Authors: SCHULTZ PAUL
Published: September 2010

Over March and April 2000, Internet stocks lost 56%, or $700 billion. This sudden collapse has been attributed to an increasing supply of shares from lockup expirations and equity offerings. I show that Internet stocks collapsed in this period regardless of whether their lockups expired. Furthermore, daily Internet stock portfolio returns were almost unaffected by the number or dollar amount of lockup expirations that day, or by the amount of stock offered in IPOs or SEOs. Most of the Internet stock decline is explained by poor marketwide returns, particularly for growth stocks.
The Long‐Lasting Momentum in Weekly Returns
Authors: GUTIERREZ ROBERTO C. , KELLEY ERIC K.
Published: September 2010

Reversal is the current stylized fact of weekly returns. However, we find that an opposing and long‐lasting continuation in returns follows the well‐documented brief reversal. These subsequent momentum profits are strong enough to offset the initial reversal and to produce a significant momentum effect over the full year following portfolio formation. Thus, ex post, extreme weekly returns are not too extreme. Our findings extend to weekly price movements with and without public news. In addition, there is no relation between news uncertainty and the momentum in 1‐week returns.
THE ANTI‐POVERTY EFFECT OF IN‐KIND TRANSFERS: A “GOOD IDEA” GONE TOO FAR?”*
Authors: M. Timothy
Published: September 2010

During the 1970's several policy analysts developed estimates of the effect of in‐kind transfers (e.g., Food Stamps and Medicaid) on poverty. Unfortunately, many of these studies have, drastically overstated the antipoverty impact of in‐kind transfers, leading some to claim that there are no mart? poor people in America. This article reviews these, studies, provides new evidence on the impact of in‐kind benefits on poverty, and concludes that there is still a substantial poverty problem in America today which need be addressed by policymakers.
BEYOND THE QUANTITATIVE CUL‐DE‐SAC: A QUALITATIVE PERSPECTIVE ON YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS*
Authors: Rist Ray C.
Published: September 2010

There is a pressing need in the United States to develop effective programs that address youth unemployment and the transition from school to work. Based on work at 47 sites in 31 states, this paper reports on a policy evaluation strategy that heavily relied on qualitative research. On‐site observers at each of these sites focused on key issues of program implementation, linkages to other agencies and organizations serving youth, and on the effectiveness of different program strategies for different target populations. The utility of qualitative analysis for in‐depth assessments of these programs is stressed.
Mitigating Global Climate Change: Why Are Some Countries More Committed Than Others?
Authors: Dolsak Nives
Published: September 2010

This article analyzes factors affecting countries’ commitment to mitigating global climate change within the scope of existing international institutions. The commitment level is operationalized as an ordinal variable ranging from an agreement with the international institutions (signature and ratification of the Framework Convention on Climate Change) to the actual implementation of the internationally negotiated modes of behavior (enactment of domestic environmental policies). A theoretical model of governments’ decisionmaking is presented and tested for 91 countries at different levels of economic development with different domestic institutions. A given national government selects its commitment level depending on its incentives and ability to affect global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). An ordered logistic regression model is employed to analyze the factors affecting the levels of national commitment. Empirical analysis suggests that national commitment is significantly affected by the national government's incentives and the ability to affect the global level of GHG emissions, impacted more by the incentives than by the ability, and not affected by the aggregate levels of economic benefits.
A Web of Interests: Stalemate on the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel
Authors: Katz Jonathan L.
Published: September 2010

The United States has adopted a policy of geological disposal to resolve the problem of permanent disposition of highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel (SNF), but has been unable to implement this policy. This study draws upon literature on policymaking and interest group representation to examine that inability. It develops and explores a conceptualization of policy stalemate to analyze the case.

The study finds that the United States has arrived at a stalemate over SNF disposal policy in part because of its pluralist system of interest group representation, and in part because of the nature of the problem. The case demonstrates how, in a pluralist system, the interaction of interests over a complex and difficult policy problem can result in stalemate. Few of the involved interest groups have sufficient incentives to either implement current SNF disposal policy or to revisit the policy. Barring significant change in the nature of the problem, the balance of interests, or other factors in the policy environment, the stalemate will continue.

The central question of this symposium is how institutionalized systems of interest group representation manage competing demands for environmental protection with demands for energy. In the case of SNF disposal, the United States in effect is managing these competing demands by not addressing them. SNF disposal policy does not appear to pose directly the expected tradeoff between demands for environmental protection and accessible energy, as the conflict tends to be defined primarily in environmental terms. However, the trade‐off is implicit; failure to resolve the problem will eventually impact continued access to nuclear energy.
Cleaning Up Their Acts: Shifts of Environment and Energy Policies in Pluralist and Corporatist States
Authors: Matthews Mary M.
Published: September 2010

This study examines the abilities of different types of governments to take proactive steps towards reducing pollution. Specifically, the hypothesis that the system of interest group representation on a scale of pluralism to corporatism will affect a state's rate of change to reduce consumption of carbon dense fuels. Using a standardized measure of carbon density of fuels consumed, this work examines industrialized economies over a 13‐year time period. The study shows that the Nordic corporatism systems are more capable of shifting to cleaner fuels than pluralist, majoritarian systems. It is asserted that this is a result of the goal‐oriented policymaking in corporatist states in comparison to more process‐oriented policymaking in pluralist systems.
Sustainable Development as Systemic Choices
Authors: Daneke Gregory A.
Published: September 2010

This article discusses the utility of conceptualizing the transition to sustainable energy resources and technologies in terms of a significantly modified notion of strategic choice. This conceptualization combines recently popularized game‐theoretic approaches with tools and concepts emerging from the application of nonlinear systems theory. These models, which involve systemic choices, explore a broader range of institutional dynamics than those commonly associated with prevailing notions of “public choice.” They also explain a number of unique hybrid processes of public/private coordination and cooperation emerging in advanced industrial economies in Europe and Australasia.
Media Framing and Racial Attitudes in the Aftermath of Katrina
Authors: Haider‐Markel Donald P. , Delehanty William , Beverlin Matthew
Published: September 2010

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many African Americans held fairly negative attitudes about effective and speedy government response to the storm. We employ framing theory to examine the role of race in shaping attitudes following Katrina. We hypothesize that a dominant media frame of Black storm victims led African Americans to develop a stronger empathy with storm victims, and thus, more negative views about government response. We test this hypothesis using a unique national poll of adults conducted in September 2005 that over sampled African Americans. Our results support the hypothesis that race strongly shaped attitudes following the storm.
The Public Policy Process among Southeastern States: Elaborating Theories of Regional Adoption and Hold‐Out Behavior
Authors: Ingle William Kyle , Cohen‐Vogel Lora , Hughes Roxanne
Published: September 2010

Having been adopted by legislatures in over a dozen states, postsecondary merit aid programs are largely concentrated in the southeastern United States. The observed clustering pattern seems to support previous evidence that policies spread between proximate states, a phenomenon referred to by political scientists as policy diffusion. Often, however, policy diffusion is not complete, and one or more states in a region fail to adopt. By interviewing policymakers throughout the southeastern United States—including actors in the three states in the region without merit aid—the study addresses the following question: Why do diffusion pressures lead to adoption in some states but not in others? Studying state “hold‐outs” promises not only to uncover the reasons for failed legislation in specific state contexts but also to better our understanding of the limits of diffusion theory.
When Does Cooperation Improve Public Policy Implementation?
Authors: Lundin Martin
Published: September 2010

Interorganizational cooperation is often considered valuable in the public sector. However, in this article it is suggested that the impact of cooperation on public policy implementation is dependent on the type of policy being carried out. It is argued that complex policies are more effectively put into practice if agencies cooperate a lot, whereas less difficult tasks are handled just as well without interorganizational cooperation. Thus, two policies within the Swedish active labor market policy are examined. The empirical test focuses on the cooperation between Public Employment Service offices and municipal labor market administrations. In agreement with the hypothesis, the findings suggest that policy matters. The implementation of one of the policies—the complex policy—is enhanced if cooperation between agencies increase. On the other hand, cooperation does not improve implementation of the less complex task. The study is based on quantitative data.
Collective Action through Voluntary Environmental Programs: A Club Theory Perspective
Authors: Prakash Aseem , Potoski Matthew
Published: September 2010

Voluntary environmental programs are institutions that seek to induce firms to produce positive environmental externalities beyond what government regulations require. Drawing on club theory, this paper outlines a theoretical perspective to study the relationship between program design and program effectiveness. Effective programs have rule structures that mitigate two central collective action problems inherent in producing positive environmental externalities: attracting firms to participate in the program and ensuring that participating firms adhere to program obligations. Because program efficacy can be undermined by collective action problems associated with free riding and shirking, effective voluntary clubs should be designed to mitigate these challenges.
Molecular Bases of Tyrosinase‐Negative Oculocutaneous Albinism: A Single Base Insertion or a Missense Point Mutation in the Tyrosinase Gene
Authors: Tomita Yasushi , Takeda Atsushi , Matsunaga Jun , Okinaga Shoji , Shibahara Shigeki , Tagami Hachiro
Published: September 2010

We have identified two different mutations in the tyrosinase genes of Japanese patients with tyrosinase‐negative oculocutaneous albinism (OCA). One is a single base insertion in the exon 2 of the tyrosinase gene that shifts the reading frame and introduces a premature termination codon (TGA) after the amino acid residue 298 (codon 316). The other is a G to A transition at residue 312, leading to a single amino acid substitution, arginine at position 59 (codon 77) to glutamine. The promoter activity of the patients’tyrosinase genes was evaluated in the cell‐free transcription system prepared from pigmented melanoma cells, indicating that the patients’genes were accurately transcribed in vitro. It is therefore conceivable that the tyrosinase gene is expressed in their melanocytes. Furthermore, transient expression of the mutated genes indicates that the truncated tyrosinase or the tyrosinase containing glutamine 59 is unable to form melanin in melanocytes. We therefore propose that these mutations in the tyrosinase genes lead to a phenotype of tyrosinase‐negative OCA.
Epidemiology of Malignant Melanoma in Central Europe: Risk Factors and Prognostic Predictors. Results of the Central Malignant Melanoma Registry of the German Dermatological Society
Authors: Garbe Claus , Orfanos Costantin E.
Published: September 2010

The Central Malignant Melanoma Registry (CMMR) of the German Dermatological Society was established in 1983, and 7789 cutaneous malignant melanomas (CMM) were registered by 35 dermatological departments in Germany, Austria and Switzerland until the end of 1989. Population‐based incidence rates, risk factors for developing CMM and prognostic parameters for predicting the final outcome were investigated in separate multicenter studies performed by the CMMR.

Among the 7789 CMM registered, there was a preponderance of females (57.7%) versus males (42.3%). The age distribution peaked in the 5th and 6th decade of life for both sexes with a mean age of 52 years. The mean detection age was 50 years for superficial spreading melanoma, 53 for nodular melanoma, and 65 for lentigo maligna melanoma. Mean tumor thickness decreased from 2 mm in 1983 to 1.5 mm in 1989, indicating better CMM‐awareness of the population and the medical community in this area. 90% of the patients presented with clinical stage I CMM without detectable metastases at first diagnosis.

The incidence of CMM in Berlin (West) was assessed based on 960 cases diagnosed between 1980 and 1986. The incidence increased by 49% between 1980‐81 and 1985‐86, and the age standardized‐incidence rate (European standard population) was 9.8 for males and 7.8 for females per 100,000 inhabitants and year in 1985‐86. Mortality rates decreased in this period from 3.5 to 2.6 for males and slightly increased for females from 1.2 to 1.6 per 100,000 inhabitants and year.

A case control study on the relative risk (RR) for developing CMM revealed the total number of melanocytic nevi (MCN) to be the strongest risk predictor (15x ‐ 50x increased RR), followed by the presence of dysplastic MCN (7x increased RR) and the skin type I (2x increased RR). Interestingly, no differences between CMM‐cases and controls were found with respect to the history of sunburns or other parameters of sun exposure in this study.

Multivariate analysis of 5093 stage I CMM‐patients from four departments with long‐term follow‐up revealed that tumor thickness is the strongest predictor of survival with an almost linear correlation to the risk of death for tumor thickness up to 6 mm with no further increase in mortality for higher tumor thickness. The best classification of tumor thickness for survival prediction was 1 mm, 1.01 −2 mm, 2.01 −4 mm and > 4 mm in our data set on 5093 patients. Sex was found to be the second most important prognostic factor showing a significant advantage for females. Furthermore, a high risk was identified for tumors localized on the upper trunk, upper arm, neck and scalp on the upper trunk, upper arm, neck and scalp (=TANS); the anatomical site, therefore, should be taken into account for a prognostic classification of primary CMM.
Purification of the Vertebrate Nuclear Pore Complex by Biochemical Criteria
Authors: Miller Brian R. , Forbes Douglass J.
Published: September 2010

The nuclear pore is a large and complex biological machine, mediating all signal‐directed transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The vertebrate pore has a mass of ∼120 million daltons or 30 times the size of a ribosome. The large size of the pore, coupled to its tight integration in the nuclear lamina, has hampered the isolation of pore complexes from vertebrate sources. We have now developed a strategy for the purification of nuclear pores from in vitro assembled annulate lamellae (AL), a cytoplasmic mimic of the nuclear envelope that lacks a lamina, nuclear matrix, and chromatin‐associated proteins. We find that purified pore complexes from annulate lamellae contain every nuclear pore protein tested. In addition, immunoblotting reveals the presence of soluble transport receptors and factors known to play important roles in the transport of macromolecules through the pore. While transport factors such as Ran and NTF2 show only transient interaction with the pores, a number of soluble transport receptors, including importin β, show a tight association with the purified pores. In summary, we report that we have purified the vertebrate pore by biochemical criteria; silver staining reveals ∼40–50 distinct protein bands.
Membrane Targeting by APPL1 and APPL2: Dynamic Scaffolds that Oligomerize and Bind Phosphoinositides
Authors: Chial Heidi J. , Wu Ruping , Ustach Carolyn V. , McPhail Linda C. , Mobley William C. , Chen Yong Q.
Published: September 2010

Human adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interaction, PH domain and leucine zipper containing 1 (APPL1) and adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interaction, PH domain and leucine zipper containing 2 (APPL2) are homologous effectors of the small guanosine triphosphatase RAB5 that interact with a diverse set of receptors and signaling proteins and are proposed to function in endosome‐mediated signaling. Herein, we investigated the membrane‐targeting properties of the APPL1 and APPL2 Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR), pleckstrin homology (PH) and phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domains. Coimmunoprecipitation and yeast two‐hybrid studies demonstrated that full‐length APPL proteins formed homooligomers and heterooligomers and that the APPL minimal BAR domains were necessary and sufficient for mediating APPL–APPL interactions. When fused to a fluorescent protein and overexpressed, all three domains (minimal BAR, PH and PTB) were targeted to cell membranes. Furthermore, full‐length APPL proteins bound to phosphoinositides, and the APPL isolated PH or PTB domains were sufficient for in vitro phosphoinositide binding. Live cell imaging showed that full‐length APPL–yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fusion proteins associated with cytosolic membrane structures that underwent movement, fusion and fission events. Overexpression of full‐length APPL–YFP fusion proteins was sufficient to recruit endogenous RAB5 to enlarged APPL‐associated membrane structures, although APPL1 was not necessary for RAB5 membrane targeting. Taken together, our findings suggest a role for APPL proteins as dynamic scaffolds that modulate RAB5‐associated signaling endosomal membranes by their ability to undergo domain‐mediated oligomerization, membrane targeting and phosphoinositide binding.
Eating and rumination behaviour in Brahman grade cattle and crossbred water buffalo fed on high roughage diet
Authors: VEGA Renato S. A. , DEL BARRIO Arnel N. , SANGEL Percival. P. , KATSUBE Osamu , CANARIA Jose. C. , HERRERA Jose V. , LAPITAN Rosalina M. , ORDEN Edgar A. , FUJIHARA Tsutomu , KANAI Yukio
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study is to compare feeding and other behavior and nutrient digestibility of tropical grade Brahman (body weight (BW) = 231 kg ± 12.4; n = 3) and crossbred water buffalo (BW = 300 kg ± 13.9; n = 3). This experiment on digestibility and measures of muscles of mastication utilized one‐way, and animal behavior two‐way, analysis of variance, respectively. Two video camcorders were installed in each pair of buffalo and Brahman for 24 h period programmed on the 107th, 109th and 111th days of the digestion trials. Frequency and duration of feeding, meal intake, rumination, bolus, chews, drinking, defecating, standing and lying were recorded daily. Muscle diameter of Digastricus, Masseter and Pterygoid and different regions of the tongue were sampled and measured under light microscope using a standard micrometer. Buffalo obtained significantly higher intake of dry matter, roughage, crude protein, total digestible nutrient and metabolized energy than Brahman. This was supported by longer meal duration (P ≤ 0.05), and shorter meal breaks (P ≤ 0.05) of buffalo than Brahman. The diameter of the muscles for mastication was bigger (P ≤ 0.05) in buffalo than in Brahman, which is indicative of stronger chewing ability. Briefly, lesser and slower chewing action; higher intake of roughage and crude protein; and longer resting behavior of crossbred water buffalo than Brahman are all indicative of better digestive and metabolic performance of the buffalo under high roughage feeding conditions.
Nucleotide polymorphisms and the 5′‐UTR transcriptional analysis of the bovine growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a) gene
Authors: KOMATSU Masanori , FUJIMORI Yuki , SATO Yoichi , OKAMURA Hiroaki , SASAKI Seiki , ITOH Tomohito , MORITA Mitsuo , NAKAMURA Ryoichi , OE Toshiaki , FURUTA Masako , YASUDA Junpei , KOJIMA Takatoshi , WATANABE Toshio , HAYASHI Takeshi , MALAU‐ADULI Aduli E.O. , TAKAHASHI Hideaki
Published: September 2010

Growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a) mediates the different actions of its endogenous ligand, ghrelin. Ghrelin‐GHSR is involved in many important functions that include growth hormone secretion and food intake. We evaluated the haplotype variety and characterized the microsatellite ((TG)n, 5′‐UTR) and nucleotide polymorphisms of the bovine GHSR1a gene. The nucleotide sequencing of this gene (∼6 kb) revealed 47 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), four indels and the microsatellite ((GTTT)n, Intron 1). The 19 haplotypes were constructed from all nucleotide viability patterns and were divided into three major groups. Four SNPs (L24V, nt456(G>A), D191N and nt667(C>T)) and DelR242 in Exon 1 and a haplotype block of approximately 2.2 kb (nt667(C>T) ∼ nt2884 (A>G)) were found in Bos taurus breeds. Breed differences in allele frequencies of the two microsatellites, nt‐7(C>A), L24V, and DelR242 loci were found (P < 0.005). A DelR242 was found in the Japanese Shorthorn (frequency: ∼ 0.44), Japanese Brown, five European cattle breeds, the Philippine native cattle, but none detected in the Japanese Black or the Mishima island cattle. Additionally, 5′‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends and RT‐PCR analyses revealed that there were two different kinds of transcripts: spliced, without a microsatellite within 5′‐UTR (GHSR1a); and non‐spliced, with the microsatellite (GHSR1b).
The complete mitochondrial genome of the domestic red deer (Cervus elaphus) of New Zealand and its phylogenic position within the family Cervidae
Authors: WADA Kenta , OKUMURA Kazuhiro , NISHIBORI Masahide , KIKKAWA Yoshiaki , YOKOHAMA Michinari
Published: September 2010

We determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome of the semidomestic red deer (Cervus elaphus) of New Zealand. The genome was 16 357 bp long and contained 13 protein‐coding genes, 12SrRNA, 16SrRNA, 22 tRNAs and a D‐loop as found in other mammals. Database homology searches showed that the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence from the New Zealand semidomestic deer was similar to partial mtDNA sequences from the European, Norwegian (C. e. atlanticus) and Spanish red deer (C. e. hispanicus). Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial protein‐coding regions revealed two well‐defined monophyletic clades in subfamilies Cervinae and Muntiacinae. However, red deer and Sika deer were not found to be close relatives. The analysis did identify the red deer as a sister taxon of a Samber/Sika deer clade, although it was more closely related to the Samber than the Sika group.
Child, Parent, and Situational Correlates of Familial Ethnic/Race Socialization
Authors: Brown Tony N. , Tanner‐Smith Emily E. , Lesane‐Brown Chase L. , Ezell Michael E.
Published: September 2010

This study examines child, parent, and situational correlates of familial ethnic/race socialization using nationally representative data gathered as part of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998 – 1999 (ECLS‐K). The ECLS‐K sample (N = 18,950) includes White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, American Indian, and multiracial kindergarteners, with survey data available at the child, parent/guardian, teacher, and school level. We find that child correlates such as race and gender, parent correlates such as education and warmth of parent‐child relationship, and situational correlates such as percent of minorities at the child’s school and cultural event participation influence how often family members discuss children’s ethnic/racial heritage with them. We advocate for continued research of contextualized family dynamics.
Mothering and Peer Associations Mediate Cumulative Risk Effects for Latino Youth
Authors: Loukas Alexandra , Prelow Hazel M. , Suizzo Marie‐Anne , Allua Shane
Published: September 2010

The present study examined whether positive parenting and deviant peer associations mediated the relations between a cumulative risk composite comprising financial strain, neighborhood problems, and maternal psychological distress and subsequent youth adjustment problems. Drawn from the Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three City Study, the sample consisted of 449 economically disadvantaged Latino families. Structural equation modeling showed that after controlling for baseline levels of youth adjustment problems, cumulative risk, assessed when adolescents were 10 to 14 years old, was directly and indirectly predictive of youths’ deviant peer associations 16 months later, through mother’s positive parenting. Deviant peer associations, in turn, were proximally associated with youth externalizing and internalizing problems. Findings underscore the role of mothers and peers in Latino youth adjustment problems.
Intergenerational Solidarity and Support Between Adult Siblings
Authors: Voorpostel Marieke , Blieszner Rosemary
Published: September 2010

Using a Dutch national sample containing 1,259 triads (two siblings, one parent), we examined whether practical support and emotional support between siblings are enhanced by intergenerational solidarity and how this differs for brothers and sisters. Sibling support was affected by sibling dyad characteristics and by the relationship with the parent. Having a poor relationship and low contact frequency with the parent enhances sibling emotional support, pointing to a compensating mechanism, which is stronger among brothers. Sibling support is also positively related to parental support, suggesting a reinforcing mechanism, especially among sisters. The results contribute new information about influences on sibling support in adulthood and demonstrate the value of including family context variables in research on specific family relationships.
Intergenerational Relationships and Affectual Solidarity Between Grandparents and Young Adults
Authors: Monserud Maria A.
Published: September 2010

This study examines whether both parents’ relationships with their offspring, parents, and parents‐in‐law matter for young adults’ perceptions of closeness to grandparents. This study focuses on two groups of grandchildren (ages 18 – 23) in Wave 2 of the National Survey of Families and Households: young adults with married biological parents (N = 442) and those whose biological mother is not married to their biological father (N = 399). Findings suggest that it is important to examine grandparent‐grandchild ties within a complete kinship network. Parents’ relationships with the grandchild and grandparent generations were associated with the grandparent‐grandchild bond. In support of the kinkeeping perspective, mothers’ intergenerational ties across lineage lines appeared to be more influential for grandparent‐grandchild relationships than fathers’.
Child Care and Work Absences: Trade‐Offs by Type of Care
Authors: Gordon Rachel A. , Kaestner Robert , Korenman Sanders
Published: September 2010

Parents face a trade‐off in the effect of child‐care problems on employment. Whereas large settings may increase problems because of child illness, small group care may relate to provider unavailability. Analyzing the NICHD Study of Early Child Care, we find that child‐care centers and large family day care lead to mothers’ greater work absences because of a sick child, but not to maternal job exits. Greater work absences because of unavailability of small home‐based providers are associated with mothers’ job exits, especially when mothers have low earnings and use nonrelative caregivers. Our findings accentuate the need for improved hygiene practices in child care, expanded personal leave coverage for parents, and greater backup care for sick and well children.
Better Homes and Families: Housing Markets and Young Couple Stability in Sweden
Authors: Lauster Nathanael T.
Published: September 2010

I model the relationship between aspects of the housing market influenced by housing policy and couple stability for cohabiting couples in Sweden. Using data on 3,851 cohabiting couples obtained from the Swedish Family Survey of 1992, I examine the effects of housing market characteristics on couple outcomes. I focus on three housing variables, including the affordability of housing, the availability of detached housing, and the profitability of ownership. I link these variables to the transitions from cohabitation to marriage or separation in Sweden. Policy relevant aspects of the housing market are shown to have significant effects on the stability of couples in Sweden. Greater affordability increases couple stability. Intriguingly, greater availability of detached housing significantly weakens couple stability.
Subsidized Housing and Household Hardship Among Low‐Income Single‐Mother Households
Authors: Berger Lawrence M. , Heintze Theresa , Naidich Wendy B. , Meyers Marcia K.
Published: September 2010

We investigate associations of housing assistance with housing and food‐related hardship among low‐income single‐mother households using data from the National Survey of America’s Families (N = 5,396). Results from instrumental variables models suggest that receipt of unit‐based assistance, such as traditional public housing, is associated with a large decrease in rent burden and modest decreases in difficulty paying rent or utilities and residential crowding. Receipt of tenant‐based assistance, such as housing vouchers or certificates, is associated with a modest increase in housing stability but also with modest increases in rent burden and difficulty paying rent or utilities. We find no associations between either type of housing assistance and food related hardship.
Social Fathers and Child Well‐Being
Authors: Bzostek Sharon H.
Published: September 2010

Many young children born to unwed parents currently live with their biological mothers and their mothers’ new partners (social fathers). This study uses data from the Fragile Families and Child Well‐Being Study (N = 1,350) to assess whether involvement by resident social fathers is as beneficial for child well‐being as involvement by resident biological fathers and whether the involvement of the child’s nonresident biological father alters the relationship between resident social father engagement and child outcomes. Results indicate that involvement by resident social fathers is as beneficial for child well‐being as involvement by resident biological fathers and that frequent contact with the child’s nonresident biological father does not diminish the positive association between residential social father involvement and child well‐being.
Nonstandard Work Schedules, Perceived Family Well‐Being, and Daily Stressors
Authors: Davis Kelly D. , Benjamin Goodman W. , Pirretti Amy E. , Almeida David M.
Published: September 2010

Data from two studies assessed the effects of nonstandard work schedules on perceived family well‐being and daily stressors. Study 1, using a sample of employed, married adults aged 25 – 74 (n= 1,166) from the National Survey of Midlife in the United States, showed that night work was associated with perceptions of greater marital instability, negative family‐work, and work‐family spillover than weekend or daytime work. In Study 2, with a subsample of adults (n= 458) who participated in the National Study of Daily Experiences, weekend workers reported more daily work stressors than weekday workers. Several sociodemographic variables were tested as moderators. Both studies demonstrated that nonstandard work schedules place a strain on working, married adults at the global and daily level.
Responsiveness in Parent‐Adolescent Relationships: Are Influences Conditional? Does the Reporter Matter?
Authors: Bogenschneider Karen , Pallock Linda
Published: September 2010

This paper examines conditional and reporter effects of parental responsiveness using survey data from White 8th to 12th graders (N = 440) and their parents (N = 511). Adolescent reports of maternal and paternal responsiveness predicted higher GPAs, fewer delinquent behaviors, and less internal distress. Mothers’ and fathers’ reports of responsiveness were positively associated with adolescent responsibility. Looking within families, the more dissimilar mother and adolescent reports were, the more internal distress daughters reported. Looking across families, mothers’ responsiveness was associated with higher GPAs and fathers’ responsiveness was associated with lower substance use, but only for adolescents who reported less responsiveness than their parents and peers. The findings suggest using a single reporter to describe a relationship property is incomplete.
Family Cohesion in the Lives of Mexican American and European American Parents
Authors: Behnke Andrew O. , MacDermid Shelley M. , Coltrane Scott L. , Parke Ross D. , Duffy Sharon , Widaman Keith F.
Published: September 2010

This study investigated similarities and differences in relations between stress and parenting behaviors for 509 Mexican American and European American fathers and mothers in Southern California. Our model posited that family cohesion mediates the relation between stressors and parenting behavior, and we found that family cohesion strongly mediated most of the relations between stress and parenting behaviors. Important ethnic and gender differences were evident. In contrast with other groups, Mexican American fathers reported higher levels of family cohesion when faced with economic pressures. Implications for future research on stress and parenting are discussed.
Generative Ritual Among Nonmetropolitan Lesbians and Gay Men: Promoting Social Inclusion
Authors: Oswald Ramona Faith , Masciadrelli Brian P.
Published: September 2010

Generativity is typically studied as a normative adult inclination expressed through social roles (D.P. McAdams & E. de St. Aubin, 1992). We extend this research by examining generativity through the lenses of social marginality and ritual. Toward this end, we utilize in‐depth interview and observational data about family rituals from 49 downstate Illinois residents who participated in a larger survey of nonmetropolitan lesbian and gay life. We first examine their ritual intentions and the locations where they are enacted. Then we identify what makes the rituals generative and identify their facilitating and moderating conditions. The findings suggest a distinction between normative and queer generativity. Our final product is a substantive grounded theory of generativity among sexual minorities that extends current theory.
“MORE OF A STREET COP THAN A DETECTIVE”: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF PARENTING COORDINATORS IN NORTH CAROLINA
Authors: Hayes Sherrill W.
Published: September 2010

This research project examined roles and functions of parenting coordinators (PCs) identified by AFCC's Guidelines for Parenting Coordination and other literature. The researcher used a semi‐structured interview schedule that included information about practices, procedures, and a series of five case‐based vignettes that contained commonly occurring ethical and legal dilemmas in PC practice. The results found that PCs generally saw their role as enforcers of existing orders and primarily used skills in conflict management, parent education, and information coordination with other professionals. PCs would use arbitration powers to make minor decisions or refer to court as a last resort.
A CONCEPTUAL RATIONALE FOR THE DOMAIN AND ATTRIBUTES OF BIODATA ITEMS
Authors: MAEL FRED A.
Published: September 2010

There is considerable disagreement among researchers regarding the defining attributes of biodata items, especially in contrast to other self‐report measures. This paper provides a conceptual rationale for the use of biodata in order to evaluate various proposed attributes of biodata, and to clarify similarities and differences between biodata and temperament items. It is suggested that the core attribute of biodata items is that the items pertain to historical events that may have shaped the person's behavior and identity. Other attributes advanced as antidotes to socially desirable responding and faking are that biodata items reflect external events, that they be limited to objective and first‐hand recollections, that they be potentially verifiable, and that they measure discrete, unique events when appropriate. Some researchers also require that the life events being sampled be controllable and equally accessible to all respondents. Items may also need to be visibly job relevant and nonintrusive to avoid legal censure. Disagreements among researchers regarding the importance of these attributes are discussed, and implications for practice and research are proposed.
DOES CONTEXT AFFECT STAFFING DECISIONS? THE CASE OF GENERAL MANAGERS
Authors: GUTHRIE JAMES P. , OLIAN JUDY D.
Published: September 2010

A resource dependency framework (Pfeffer & Salancik, 1978) is applied to general manager (GM) selection decisions. Hypotheses are developed predicting associations between organizational contextual features (environmental instability, strategy, organizational performance, size) and background characteristics of GMs selected to head business units (organizational familiarity, functional experience, age). Data were collected on 40 recent GM selection decisions. Findings indicate that organizational contextual features influence the type of GM selected. Key results are that industry instability, organizational strategy, and organizational size were associated with GMs’organizational familiarity (i.e., tenure levels), and that organizational strategy was associated with the age of selected GMs. This study provides support for the application of a contingency perspective to human resource management.
INTERVIEWER DECISION PROCESSES AND EFFECTIVENESS: AN EXPERIMENTAL POLICY‐CAPTURING INVESTIGATION
Authors: Graves Laura M. , Karren Ronald J.
Published: September 2010

Using a policy‐capturing approach, 29 corporate interviewers evaluated 64 hypothetical candidates for a position in a financial services organization. Six selection criteria were manipulated in a balanced factorial design. Interviewers evaluated candidates' qualifications and made hiring recommendations. The results revealed substantial individual differences in interviewers' decision strategies, as well as their insight into their own decision processes. Data on the effectiveness of the 29 interviewers were collected from 427 hiring managers and the decision processes of effective and ineffective interviewers were compared. The findings indicated that the decision strategies used by effective interviewers were quite similar to one another and relied heavily on two selection criteria. Also, effective interviewers were more likely than ineffective interviewers to use selection criteria in a manner that mirrored their self‐reports of the importance of these criteria. Effective interviewers were more aware of their decision processes than ineffective interviewers.
THE EFFECTS OF ON‐SITE CHILD CARE ON EMPLOYEE ATTITUDES AND PERFORMANCE
Authors: KOSSEK ELLEN ERNST , NICHOL VICTOR
Published: September 2010

Using a quasi‐experimental posttest design, this study compared supervisor perceptions of performance and absenteeism and employee attitudes of 155 child care center users and waiting list employees. Although child care was not related to supervisor views of performance or absenteeism, employees were more likely to receive favorable appraisals if absenteeism was low. Child care had greatest impact on females and employees without a family buffer. Child care positively influenced users' attitudes toward managing work and child care responsibilities, and views on the attractiveness and administration of benefits. The greater the use of care across all dependents, the more favorable the attitudes. A “frustration effect” occurred involving the lowering of waiting list employees' perceptions of the attractiveness and fairness of child care. The study suggests that child care benefits are more likely to significantly effect employee attitudes and membership behaviors such as recruitment and retention than performance or absenteeism.
METHODS OF IMPROVING EMPLOYMENT TEST CRITICAL SCORES DERIVED BY JUDGING TEST CONTENT: A REVIEW AND CRITIQUE
Authors: MAURER TODD J. , ALEXANDER RALPH A.
Published: September 2010

Setting critical scores on content valid tests may involve making judgments about test content. A conclusion which has been reached in the testing literature is that the Angoff method is preferred as this type of judgmental method of setting standards or critical scores. The current paper reflects this conclusion, but also discusses several limitations of the Angoff method, and outlines why less than optimal data may be obtained using this preferred method or similar methods. Several techniques are reviewed and critiqued that may be used in conjunction with the Angoff method or similar methods to attempt improvement of the psychometric quality of the critical score data. Components from two psychometric frameworks (generalizability theory and Cronbach's, 1955, accuracy scores) are integrated and applied in assessing the impact that each of the techniques may have on Angoff critical score data. The techniques reviewed can be roughly divided into: (a) procedural methods (involved in the judgment process), and (b) psychometric methods (involved in data analysis following judgment). The present review is intended as a resource to personnel testing specialists who may be interested in methods of bolstering the process of judgmentally deriving critical scores.
THE EFFECTS OF PERCEIVED SYSTEM KNOWLEDGE ON THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SELF‐RATINGS AND SUPERVISOR RATINGS
Authors: WILLIAMS JANE R. , LEVY PAUL E.
Published: September 2010

The viability of self‐assessment in the performance appraisal process has been the focus of recent work. Although some contend that self‐appraisals can be beneficial, the consistent finding of lenient and inaccurate self‐ratings has led others to discount and doubt their usefulness. Recent research (Farh & Dobbins, 1989a,b) has investigated the influence of a variety of factors in improving the accuracy of self‐ratings. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of perceived system knowledge (PSK) on the discrepancy between self‐ and supervisor ratings. Seventy‐three employees of two banking institutions participated by completing a questionnaire on their perceived knowledge of the performance appraisal system. The results of moderated regression analyses suggest that the level of knowledge did in fact influence the agreement among subordinates and supervisors. Self‐ratings were more congruent with supervisors’ratings when the subordinates reported high levels of perceived system knowledge. Implications of these findings for organizations and areas for future research are discussed.
A FIELD EXPERIMENT TESTING SUPERVISORY ROLE CLARIFICATION
Authors: SCHAUBROECK JOHN , GANSTER DANIEL C. , SIME WESLEY E. , DITMAN DAVID
Published: September 2010

An intervention designed to clarify individual roles was tested experimentally on the business service division of a major university. Following a pre‐test which identified role stress as a significant problem in the organization, top managers clarified their respective departmental roles in meeting organizational objectives. This was followed by a post‐test (Time 2) survey of workers’stressors and symptoms. Supervisors were then trained in the method of clarifying subordinate roles using a dyadic exchange process. Workers were randomly assigned to either participate in a thorough role clarification discussion with their supervisors or join a wait‐list control group. Based on a follow‐up (Time 3) questionnaire, the intervention appeared to reduce role ambiguity and supervisor dissatisfaction. There were no effects on other aspects of subjective strain, physical symptoms, or time lost due to illness. Role conflict decreased in both the experimental and control groups. We discuss the implications of these findings for systemic efforts to reduce employee stress.
MODESTY BIAS IN SELF‐RATINGS OF PERFORMANCE: A TEST OF THE CULTURAL RELATIVITY HYPOTHESIS
Authors: JIAYUANYU  , MURPHY KEVIN R.
Published: September 2010

Although self‐ratings of performance are usually higher than ratings obtained from supervisors, Farh, Dobbins, and Cheng (1991) found that Taiwanese workers exhibited modesty bias (i.e., self‐ratings that were lower than supervisory ratings). They explained their findings in terms of broad cultural differences between Taiwanese and Western workers. To test this cultural relativity hypothesis, we replicated their study using data from several organizations in mainland China. As is typically found in Western research, Chinese workers showed leniency in self‐ratings (i.e., self‐ratings that were higher than supervisor or peer ratings), which suggests that broad cultural factors do not explain the modesty bias reported by Farh et al.