bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validating the Effectiveness Scale of Children’s Familial Influencing Behavior Within Three-Generational Relationships
Authors: Sun Qian , Lou Vivian Weiqun , Law Ben M. F.
Published: July 2016

Purpose:

This study examined the development and validation of the Effectiveness Scale of Child Familial Influencing Behavior. This measurement is constructed to evaluate the effectiveness of child familial influencing behaviors within three-generational relationships.

Methods:

The effectiveness of child familial influencing behaviors was rated by two informants (parent and grandparent) on 601 children from Grade 1 to Grade 3 in China.

Results:

The Effectiveness Scale of Child Familial Influencing Behavior consisted of three factors with 12 indicators related to highly influential tactics, moderately influential tactics, and low influential tactics and showed satisfactory reliability, a good model fit, and strong construct validity.

Discussion:

The findings provided good evidence of the Effectiveness Scale of Child Familial Influencing Behavior as a reliable tool with which to evaluate child familial influencing behaviors in a multigenerational context. Implications for further social work practice and research are discussed.
Impact of Pharmaceutical Care Interventions on Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed A. , Moles Rebekah J. , Chen Timothy F.
Published: July 2016

Objective: To evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical care (PC) interventions on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and determine sensitivity of HRQoL measures to PC services. Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, PubMed, Global Health, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science (January 2005 to September 2015) were searched. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Original English-language articles were included if PC impact on HRQoL was evaluated and reported using validated HRQoL measures. Data Synthesis: A total of 31 randomized controlled trials, 9 nonrandomized studies with comparison groups, and 8 before-after studies were included. PC interventions resulted in significant improvement in 1 domain and ≥3 domains of HRQoL measures in 66.7% and 27.1% of the studies, respectively. There was a significant improvement in at least 1 domain in 18 of 32 studies using generic and 16 of 21 studies using disease-specific measures. When the Short Form 36 Items Health Survey (SF-36) measure was used, PC interventions had a moderate impact on social functioning (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.14, 1.04), general health (SMD = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.12, 0.59), and physical functioning (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.11, 0.48). The pooled data on heart failure–specific (SMD = −0.17; 95% CI = −0.43, 0.09), asthma-specific (SMD = 0.17; 95% CI = −0.03, 0.36), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–specific (SMD = −0.09; 95% CI = −0.37, 0.19) measures indicated no significant impact of PC on HRQoL. Conclusions: PC interventions can significantly improve at least 1 domain of HRQoL. Existing measures may have minimal to moderate sensitivity to PC interventions, with evidence pointing more toward social functioning, general health, and physical functioning of the SF-36 measure. However, evidence generated from current non–PC-specific HRQoL measures is insufficient to judge the impact of PC interventions on HRQoL. The development of a suitable HRQoL measure for PC interventions may help generate better evidence for the contribution of pharmacist services to improving HRQoL.
Family Caregiving in Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Satomi , Cohen S. Robin , Uza Miyoko
Published: July 2016

Caring culture is a concept embodying the perceptions and caring practices of caregivers, acknowledging the unique role of cultural beliefs in shaping behavior. A qualitative descriptive study with 13 caregivers of adult family members with a cancer diagnosis in Japan was conducted to gain insight into perceptions and experiences surrounding caregiving. Several major categories were identified, representing rarely reported cultural constructs of high cultural value for the Japanese: On—repayment for what the patient has given, Caregiving as performing a socially expected role, Enryo/meiwaku—restraint in asking for help, Family decision making reflecting strong bonds, Omoiyari—empathizing with the patient’s feelings, and Inori—praying to myriad gods and ancestors. The Japanese cultural construct of ie (the strong relationship to family lineage and spiritual connection to past and future generations) is helpful in understanding these categories. Invisible yet powerful cultural constructs permeated caregiving practices. Insights from Japanese cultural concepts and beliefs may foster sensitivity and individualized care in diverse settings, cultures, and societies.
An Exploratory Case Study of a Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline: Training and Practice Implications
Authors: Colvin Marianna L. , Pruett Jana A. , Young Stephen M. , Holosko Michael J.
Published: July 2016

Using archival data, this case study systematically examines telephone calls received by a regional sexual assault hotline in the Southeastern United States over a 5-year period. A stratified random sample ( n = 383) reveals that hotline staff require diversity and depth in knowledge and skills, demonstrated by the hotline’s primary use as a crisis service, combined with notable use by long-term survivors. Findings include the utility of the hotline by survivors and community stakeholders, categories of assault, the time gap between incidents occurring and contacting the hotline, call severity and urgency, and services and referrals provided. Implications for training, practice, and future research are discussed.
Aging in cats
Authors: Bellows Jan , Center Sharon , Daristotle Leighann , Estrada Amara H , Flickinger Elizabeth A , Horwitz Debra F , Lascelles B Duncan X , Lepine Allan , Perea Sally , Scherk Margie , Shoveller Anna K
Published: July 2016

Practical relevance:

Aged pets comprise a significant proportion of the small animal veterinarian’s patient population; in the USA, for example, it was estimated that over 20% of pet cats were 11 years of age or older in 2011. Certain changes associated with aging are neither positive nor negative, but others are less desirable, associated with illness, changes in mobility or the development of unwanted behaviors. These changes can greatly affect the health and wellbeing of the cat and have a tremendous impact on the owner.

Clinical challenges:

Regular veterinary examinations are essential for evaluating the health of older patients and for providing owners with guidance regarding optimal care. With the exception of overt disease, however, it is difficult to definitively determine if a cat is displaying changes that are appropriate for age or if they reflect an abnormal process or condition.

Goals:

This is the first of two review articles in a Special Issue devoted to feline healthy aging. The goals of the project culminating in these publications included developing a working definition for healthy aging in feline patients and identifying clinical methods that can be used to accurately classify healthy aged cats. This first review provides a thorough, systems-based overview of common health-related changes observed in cats as they age.

Evidence base:

There is a paucity of research in feline aging. The authors have drawn on expert opinion and available data in both the cat and other species.
The use of laboratory gait analysis for understanding gait deterioration in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cofré Lizama L Eduardo , Khan Fary , Lee Peter VS , Galea Mary P
Published: July 2016

Laboratory gait analysis or three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA), which uses motion capture, force plates and electromyography (EMG), has allowed a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of gait deterioration in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). This review will summarize the current knowledge on multiple sclerosis (MS)-related changes in kinematics (angles), kinetics (forces) and electromyographic (muscle activation) patterns and how these measures can be used as markers of disease progression. We will also discuss the potential causes of slower walking in PwMS and the implications for 3DGA. Finally, we will describe new technologies and methods that will increase precision and clinical utilization of 3DGA in PwMS. Overall, 3DGA studies have shown that functionality of the ankle joint is the most affected during walking and that compensatory actions to maintain a functional speed may be insufficient in PwMS. However, altered gait patterns may be a strategy to increase stability as balance is also affected in PwMS.
Cost efficiency and its determinants in the hotel industry
Authors: Arbelo Antonio , Pérez-Gómez Pilar , Arbelo-Pérez Marta
Published: July 2016

This study employs a stochastic frontier model to estimate cost efficiency and its determinants in the hotel industry in Spain between 2008 and 2012. Measuring cost efficiency provides useful information on the performance of hotels to management, shareholders and, in general, to all stakeholders. Cost control is an issue managers are particularly concerned about, as it gives a competitive advantage that allows hotels to perform better. The results indicate that the inefficiency in average costs for the sample considered is 32.44% and is time invariant. The results also show that labour productivity, the accumulation of knowledge and location are factors that largely determine the differences in efficiency between hotels. These findings have important implications for public policymakers and hotel management, specifically, policies aimed at improving the skills of hotels’ human resources should be encouraged. Likewise, both location and the accumulation of knowledge are strategic resources that hotel management must include in their competitive strategies to increase efficiency.
The scalpel model of third language acquisition
Authors: Slabakova Roumyana
Published: July 2016

Aims and Objectives:

This article proposes the “scalpel model,” a new model of third and additional language (L3/Ln) acquisition. The model aims to identify and examine what happens beyond the initial state of acquisition and what factors may influence change from one state of knowledge to another.

Methodology:

The article briefly examines the currently proposed hypotheses and models and evaluates the existing evidence for their predictions. It highlights several cognitive and experiential factors affecting crosslinguistic influence that are not taken into account by the current models. These factors include: structural linguistic complexity; misleading input or lack of clear unambiguous evidence for some properties or constructions; construction frequency in the target L3; and prevalent language activation or use.

Data and analysis:

Findings of recently published research are discussed in support of the scalpel model. In particular, findings of differential learnability of properties within the same groups of learners suggest that L1 or L2 transfer happens property by property and is influenced by diverse factors.

Findings:

The scalpel model explicitly argues that wholesale transfer of one of the previously acquired languages does not happen at the initial stages of acquisition because it is not necessary. It also argues that transfer can be from the L1 or the L2 or both, but it is not only facilitative.

Originality:

The new model increases the explanatory coverage of the current experimental findings on how the L3/Ln linguistic representations develop.

Implications:

The model emphasizes the importance of the cognitive, experiential, and linguistic influences on the L3/Ln beyond transfer from the L1 or L2. Thus, it aligns L3/Ln acquisition with current debates within L2 acquisition theory.
‘Being the bridge’: News fixers’ perspectives on cultural difference in reporting the ‘war on terror’
Authors: Palmer Lindsay
Published: July 2016

This article examines some of the cultural differences between news ‘fixers’ and foreign reporters, focusing specifically on the expectations and experiences of the fixers, rather than the correspondents whose own perspectives have already been fruitfully explored. Drawing upon qualitative, semi-structured interviews I conducted with 21 news fixers, I will answer three research questions: (1) How do fixers understand and value the work they do? (2) How do fixers view the cultural, ethnic, or racial differences that inevitably play into the professional relationships between local news staff and foreign news outlets? (3) How do these cultural differences impact the safety of foreign correspondents and fixers, most especially at sites of conflict? The study ultimately shows that fixers take issue with foreign journalists’ lack of background on the countries they visit and with journalists’ lack of attention to disparate cultural mores in the newsgathering process. Furthermore, the inattention to cultural difference in the field can endanger the lives of the foreign reporters as well as the lives of the fixers.
‘Affective integration’ and access to the rights of permanent residency: New Zealanders resident in Australia post-2001
Authors: McMillan Kate
Published: July 2016

What impact does access to the rights associated with formal permanent residency status have on immigrants’ sense of integration in their country of residence? I explore this question with a focus on ‘affective integration’, an original measure developed to refer to immigrants’ sense of belonging, recognition, equality, optimism and loyalty in, or to, their country of residence. Original data are drawn from an online survey and a series of in-depth interviews with New Zealanders resident in Australia. As some survey respondents were affected by 2001 changes that withdrew New Zealanders’ entitlements to welfare and citizenship in Australia and others were not, levels of ‘affective integration’ among the two groups were able to be compared. The data reveal that many New Zealanders without access to the welfare and citizenship entitlements associated with permanent resident status had a highly ambivalent sense of affective integration in Australia. Many reported being economically, socially and culturally well integrated in Australia but also reported strong feelings of exclusion, rejection, exploitation and discrimination. They identified these feelings as being the result of their ineligibility for welfare assistance and citizenship acquisition. For some such migrants, these feelings have led to a decision to migrate back to New Zealand in the near future. For others, however, a high degree of structural integration into Australian society has deterred return migration, creating a significant population of long-term residents whose generally favourable structural integration into Australia is undermined by their growing sense of disadvantage, marginalisation and exclusion. These findings contribute to our understanding of the relationship between access to the rights of permanent residency and affective integration. They also contribute empirical data to policy debates about the consequences of treating those who move under human mobility regimes as temporary migrants.
Statistical issues in pragmatic trials of behavioral economic interventions
Authors: Troxel Andrea B , Asch David A , Volpp Kevin G
Published: July 2016

Background:

Randomized clinical trials provide gold-standard evidence for the efficacy of interventions, but have limitations, including highly selected populations that make inference on effectiveness difficult and a lack of ability to adapt and change midstream.

Methods:

We propose two innovations for pragmatic trial design.

Results:

Evidence-based evolutionary testing, a framework that allows adaptation of interventions and rapid-cycle innovation, preserves the power of randomization while acknowledging the need for adaptation and learning. An opt-out consent framework increases the fraction of the target population who participate in trials, but may lead to dampening of effect sizes.

Conclusion:

Pragmatic trials offer numerous advantages in the evaluation of behavioral interventions in health. Statistical innovations, including evidence-based evolutionary testing and opt-out framing of consent and enrollment processes, can enhance the power of pragmatic trials and lead to more rapid progress.
Patient-reported outcomes questionnaire compliance in Cancer Cooperative Group Trials (Alliance N0992)
Authors: Atherton Pamela J , Burger Kelli N , Pederson Levi D , Kaggal Suneetha , Sloan Jeff A
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims:

The use of patient-reported outcomes in clinical trials is a focal point for research and policy. Non-compliance with planned questionnaires and missing data can threaten both internal validity and generalizability. This retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the extent of, and characteristics associated with, missing patient-reported outcomes.

Methods:

Study characteristics, patient characteristics and adverse events, and reasons for non-compliance were compiled from 14 closed Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, or Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Consortium clinical trials. Compliance rates were calculated for each patient using the number of booklets completed while the patient was on trial divided by the number of booklets the patient was expected to complete. Frequency counts and summary statistics were compiled. Logistic regression techniques were employed.

Results:

The 1640 included patients had a median age of 58 years and were mostly White (90.8%) and female (73.8%). Compliance rates per study ranged from 84.7% to 97.2%. The primary endpoint of overall compliance rate was 93.1%. A total of 1267 patients were compliant. Those non-compliant were slightly older (mean = 58.6 vs 57.5, p = 0.03) and had different types of cancers (p < 0.01). There were no differences in compliance according to tumor status (p = 0.66), clinical stage (p = 0.81), baseline quality of life (p = 0.42 for ≥8 vs <8 and p = 0.12 for ≥6 vs <6), or maximum adverse event grade incidence (p = 0.33 for grade 2+ incidence and p = 0.36 for grade 3+ incidence). Reasons for non-compliance included patient refusal (N = 136), booklet not administered to patient (N = 199), no clinic visit at the scheduled time for booklet completion (N = 40), and at-home-completed booklet not returned (N = 224). Logistic regression indicates gender (p < 0.01), race (p < 0.01), performance score (p = 0.02), dose delay status (p = 0.01), and incidence of grade 3 or higher adverse event (p = 0.03) were correlates of compliance.

Conclusion:

Patient-reported outcomes have successfully been implemented into Alliance and Mayo Clinic trials with high rates of patient compliance. Further improvement in compliance can be made with staff commitment and education. Patients are typically non-compliant only when the task at hand is burdensome, unclear, or logistically challenging. Existing tracking systems used for the other trial outcomes should be utilized to ensure successful capture of patient-reported outcomes.
The remembering–imagining system
Authors: Conway Martin A , Loveday Catherine , Cole Scott N
Published: July 2016

Remembering and imagining are intricately related, particularly in imagining the future: episodic future thinking. It is proposed that remembering the recent past and imagining the near future take place in what we term the remembering–imagining system. The remembering–imagining system renders recently formed episodic memories and episodic imagined near-future events highly accessible. We suggest that this serves the purpose of integrating past, current, and future goal-related activities. When the remembering–imagining system is compromised, following brain damage and in psychological illnesses, the future cannot be effectively imagined and episodic future thinking may become dominated by dysfunctional images of the future.
Remembering the self in cultural contexts: A cultural dynamic theory of autobiographical memory
Authors: Wang Qi
Published: July 2016

People from different cultures often tell diverse stories about their past experiences. Research in the past two decades has revealed systematic differences in the content (self-focus vs other-focus), structure (specific vs general), valence (positive vs negative), accessibility (memory density and detailedness), developmental origin (age and density of earliest childhood memories), and functional usage (self-definition, relationship maintenance, behavioral guidance, and emotion regulation) of autobiographical memory across cultures. I outline a cultural dynamic theory of autobiographical memory that aims to synthesize the findings and provide a coherent guide to future investigation. The theory posits that (1) autobiographical memory takes place in the dynamic transaction between an active individual and his or her changing environment; (2) it is situated in culturally conditioned time and space over a multitude of timescales; and (3) it develops in the process of children acquiring cultural knowledge about the self and the purpose of the past through early socialization. I further discuss how the theory can provide insights into collective memory and future simulation.
Differential free fatty acid receptor-1 (FFAR1/GPR40) signalling is associated with gene expression or gelatinase granule release in bovine neutrophils
Authors: Mena Sandra J , Manosalva Carolina , Carretta Maria D , Teuber Stefanie , Olmo Iván , Burgos Rafael A , Hidalgo Maria A
Published: July 2016

Fatty acids have been recognized as regulators of immune function in addition to their known metabolic role. Long-chain fatty acids bind free fatty acid receptor (FFAR)-1/GPR40, which is expressed on bovine neutrophils, and increase responses such as granule release and gene expression. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms governing the up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and IL-8, as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 granule release in FFAR1/GPR40 agonist-stimulated neutrophils. Our results showed that natural (oleic and linoleic acid) and synthetic (GW9508) FFAR1/GPR40 agonists increased ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and Akt phosphorylation, and that the FFAR1/GPR40 antagonist GW1100 reduced these responses. We evaluated the levels of IκBα, a component of the classical activation pathway of the transcription factor NF-κB, and we observed IκBα reduction after stimulation with FFAR1/GPR40 agonists, an effect that was inhibited by GW1100 or the inhibitors UO126, SB203580 or LY294002. FFAR1/GPR40 agonists increased COX-2 and IL-8 expression, which was inhibited by GW1100 and an NF-κB inhibitor. Finally, the FFAR1/GPR40 agonist-induced MMP-9 granule release was reduced by GW1100 and UO126. In conclusion, FFAR1/GPR40 agonists differentially stimulate neutrophil functions; COX-2 and IL-8 are expressed after FFAR1/GPR40 activation via NF-κB, IκBα reduction is FFAR1/GPR40- and PI3K/MAPK-dependent, and MMP-9 granule release is FFAR1/GPR40- and ERK1/2-dependent.
Hedgehog pathway inhibition in advanced basal cell carcinoma: latest evidence and clinical usefulness
Authors: Silapunt Sirunya , Chen Leon , Migden Michael R.
Published: July 2016

Treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinomas (laBCCs) with large, aggressive, destructive, and disfiguring tumors, or metastatic disease is challenging. Dysregulation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been identified in the vast majority of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). There are two United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA)-approved Hh pathway inhibitors (HPIs) that exhibit antitumor activity in advanced BCC with an acceptable safety profile. Common adverse effects include muscle spasms, dysgeusia, alopecia, fatigue, nausea and weight loss.
Applying the Master Narrative Framework to Gender Identity Development in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: McLean Kate C. , Shucard Hannah , Syed Moin
Published: July 2016

We applied a novel framework to identity development, capturing both content and process, and personal and cultural components of identity in the content domain of gender. We examined master (and alternative) narratives: ubiquitous, powerful cultural stories with which individuals negotiate in constructing personal identity. Study 1 was a quantitative investigation of personal narratives about gender ( n = 245); Study 2 was a qualitative study of discourse processes concerning gender roles ( n = 12). Employing three approaches to identity development (status, narrative, and discursive) in a mixed methods design, we found that most individuals position themselves around a newer, alternative narrative about gender equality. However, in social interactions, this narrative got less airtime, in favor of narratives representing either traditional views or gender equality. Further, those who were exploring their identities were more likely to employ the less traditional narrative, suggesting a link between changing master narratives and personal identity exploration.
Ten Years of Economic Recovery in Argentina (2003–2013): An assessment of ‘Neo-developmentalism’
Authors: Schincariol Vitor Eduardo
Published: July 2016

This work aims to evaluate Argentina’s macroeconomic behaviour between 2003 and 2013. The article begins with a discussion and description of the main policies adopted by the government in the period. The second section contains an empirical evaluation of the overall economic behaviour of the economy during the 2003–2013 period, including inflation. The third section contains an interpretation of the recent Argentinian experience of economic growth and high inflation rates.
Interest Matters
Authors: Harackiewicz Judith M. , Smith Jessi L. , Priniski Stacy J.
Published: July 2016

Interest is a powerful motivational process that energizes learning, guides academic and career trajectories, and is essential to academic success. Interest is both a psychological state of attention and affect toward a particular object or topic, and an enduring predisposition to reengage over time. Integrating these two definitions, the four-phase model of interest development guides interventions that promote interest and capitalize on existing interests. Four interest-enhancing interventions seem useful: attention-getting settings, contexts evoking prior individual interest, problem-based learning, and enhancing utility value. Promoting interest can contribute to a more engaged, motivated, learning experience for students.
Comparison and Explanation of Multiple Strategies
Authors: Star Jon R. , Rittle-Johnson Bethany , Durkin Kelley
Published: July 2016

Education policy should aim to promote instructional methods that are easy for teachers to implement and have demonstrable, positive impact on student learning. Our research on comparison and explanation of multiple strategies illustrates the promise of this approach. In several short-term experimental, classroom-based studies, comparing different strategies for solving the same problem was particularly effective for promoting student learning. Thus, we developed a supplemental Algebra 1 curriculum to foster comparison in combination with explanation of multiple strategies. In a randomized control trial, teachers used our materials as intended, but much less often than expected, and student learning was not greater in experimental classrooms. Yet greater use of our comparison materials was associated with greater student learning, suggesting the approach has promise when used sufficiently often. These studies provide some evidence that easy-to-implement reforms can change teacher practice and improve student learning.
Walkaway VSP using multimode optical fibers in a hybrid wireline
Authors: Yu Gang , Cai Zhidong , Chen Yuanzhong , Wang Ximing , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yanpeng , Wang Yanhua , Liu Congwei , Zhao Baoyin , Greer Joe
Published: July 2016

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a novel technology that uses an optical fiber cable as a sensor for acoustic signals and can take almost any downhole fiber-optic installation or deployment and turn the fiber-optic cable into a large downhole seismic array. This array can provide enhanced vertical seismic profile (VSP) imaging and monitor fluids and pressure changes in the hydrocarbon-production reservoir. Walkaway VSP data acquired over a formerly producing well in northeastern China provided a rich set of high-quality DAS walkaway VSP data. A standard VSP data preprocessing workflow was applied, followed by prestack Kirchhoff time migration. In the DAS preprocessing step, we were faced with additional challenges: strong coherent noise due to cable slapping and ringing along the borehole casing. Compared with an earlier offset VSP data set using 327 levels acquired with conventional 3C downhole geophones in the same well, the final preprocessed DAS walkaway VSP has a larger vertical aperture, resulting in a wider lateral image. The single-well DAS walkaway VSP images provide a good result with higher vertical and lateral resolution than the surface seismic in the objective area. The vertical-well environment, which lacks the ability to effectively “clamp” the sensor to the borehole-casing wall by touching, creates a unique set of challenges. Although earth signal was recorded with almost all the shots, there was also a considerable amount of noise. Much of the noise was due to the physical placement of the wireline in the well and was expressed by slapping and ringing. Reported here are lessons learned in handling the wireline cable and subsequent special DAS data processing steps developed to remediate some of the practical wireline deployment issues. Optical wireline cable as a conveyance of fiber-optic cables for VSP in vertical wells will open the use of the DAS system to wider applications.
Ketamine: a novel antidepressant with a fast onset of action?
Authors: Smith Katharine , Attenburrow Mary Jane
Published: July 2016

Glutamate receptor modulators, including ketamine, are possible candidates for new antidepressants with a novel mode of action. The pair of reviews discussed in this month's Round the Corner considered their use in treating unipolar major depression and bipolar depression. Promising results were seen for ketamine, but further studies are needed, in particular to investigate whether the benefits are sustained or can be extended by repeated or adjunctive treatment, whether ketamine is effective in treatment resistance, whether other modes of administration are as effective as the intravenous route and the long-term adverse effects of use.
Explaining the Evolution of Educational Attainment in the United States
Authors: Castro Rui , Coen-Pirani Daniele
Published: July 2016

We study the evolution of educational attainment of the 1932–1972 cohorts using a human capital investment model with heterogeneous learning ability. Inter-cohort variation in schooling is driven by changes in skill prices, tuition, and education quality over time, and average learning ability across cohorts. Under static expectations the model accounts for the main empirical patterns. Rising skill prices for college explain the rapid increase in college graduation until the 1948 cohort. The decline in average learning ability, calibrated to match the evolution of test scores, explains half of the stagnation in college graduation between the 1948 and 1972 cohorts. (JEL I23, I24, I26, J24, J31, N32)
Entry, Exit, Firm Dynamics, and Aggregate Fluctuations
Authors: Clementi Gian Luca , Palazzo Berardino
Published: July 2016

Firm entry and exit amplify and propagate the effects of aggregate shocks, leading to greater persistence and unconditional variation of aggregate quantities. Following a positive aggregate shock, entry rises. As in the data, entrants are small and their initial impact on aggregate dynamics is negligible. However, as the common productivity component reverts to its unconditional mean, the youngsters that survive grow larger, generating a wider and longer expansion than in a scenario without entry or exit. The model also identifies a causal link between the drop in establishments at the outset of the Great Recession and the subsequent slow recovery. (JEL D21, D92, E22, E24, E32, G31, L11)
How Credible Is the Federal Reserve? A Structural Estimation of Policy Re-Optimizations
Authors: Debortoli Davide , Lakdawala Aeimit
Published: July 2016

The paper proposes a new measure of the degree of credibility of the Federal Reserve. We estimate a medium-scale macroeconomic model, where the central bank has access to a commitment technology, but where a regime-switching process governs occasional re-optimizations of announced plans. The framework nests the commonly used discretion and commitment cases, while allowing for a continuum of intermediate cases. Our estimates reject both full-commitment and discretion. We instead identify occasional re-optimization episodes both before and during the Great Moderation period. Finally, through counterfactual analyses we assess the role of credibility over the past four decades. (JEL D78, E31, E32, E52, E58, E61)
Insecticide Dip Treatments to Prevent Walnut Twig Beetle Colonization of Black Walnut Logs
Authors: Audley Jackson , Taylor Adam , Klingeman William E. , Mayfield Albert E. , Myers Scott W.
Published: July 2016

The health, sustainability, and commercial viability of eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra) are currently under threat from thousand cankers disease. The disease is caused by an invasive bark beetle species, the walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis), and its associated fungal pathogen (Geosmithia morbida). Range expansion of the beetle and pathogen has likely been facilitated by transport of infested walnut forest products. Preventing colonization of these products is crucial to limiting further spread of thousand cankers disease. This study evaluated three insecticides for their ability to induce walnut twig beetle mortality and prevent colonization of black walnut bolts, 3 to 5 cm in diameter, after dip treatment applications. Treatments included 0.003 percent azadirachtin, 15 percent disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT), 0.5 percent permethrin, and water in Trial 1, and 0.013 percent azadirachtin, 30 percent DOT, 0.5 percent permethrin, and water in Trial 2. A total of 40 beetles, 4 beetles per sample, were exposed to treated samples and observed for 120 hours in each trial. Permethrin was the only treatment to achieve 100 percent mortality and prevent all colonization activity. The 30 percent DOT treatment increased mortality compared with the control; however, it did not reduce the mean number of attacks or mean gallery length. Azadirachtin was not effective at either concentration. Results suggest that insecticide dip treatments can prevent walnut twig beetles from colonizing cut black walnut logs. Treatments could be used in conjunction with phytosanitation to help prevent further spread of thousand cankers disease while allowing for the continued transport of bark-on walnut forest products.
Not Even in a Dream. Emigration and immigration in new Italian cinema
Authors: Zagarrio Vito
Published: July 2016

After a historical and theoretical review, this article analyses several generations of film-makers whose works address the phenomena of emigration and immigration as represented in Italian cinema. The classic, post-war Italian cinema often describes emigration from the country, but in the last two decades, new Italian cinema has dealt with the topic of immigration in its diverse and complex forms. More specifically, the discussion will focus on the generation of the post-fascist Italy (Germi, De Seta), the ‘modern’ Italian film-makers (such as Bertolucci), the auteurs of the 1980s and 1990s (Tornatore, Giordana, Amelio) and lastly the generation of the New Italian Cinema of the 2000s (Crialese, Segre, Mazzacurati, Salani, Noce, Di Matteo, Munzi, Cupellini, Giovannesi among others).
Reading Capital, Reading Historical Capitalisms
Authors: Amin Samir
Published: July 2016

Marx's Capital presents a rigorous scientific analysis of the capitalist mode of production and capitalist society, and how they differ from earlier forms. Volume 1 delves into the heart of the problem. It directly clarifies the meaning of the generalization of commodity exchanges between private property owners (and this characteristic is unique to the modern world of capitalism, even if commodity exchanges had existed earlier), specifically the emergence and dominance of value and abstract social labor.… Volume 2 demonstrates why and how capital accumulation functions, more specifically, why and how accumulation successfully integrates the exploitation of labor in its reproduction and overcomes the effects of the social contradiction that it represents.… Volume 3 of Capital is different. Here Marx moves from the analysis of capitalism in its fundamental aspects (its "ideal average") to that of the historical reality of capitalism.… To move from the reading of Capital (and particularly of volumes 1 and 2) to that of historical capitalisms at successive moments of their deployment has its own requirements, even beyond reading all of Marx and Engels.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
Monopoly Capital Then and Now
Authors: Patnaik Prabhat
Published: July 2016

Monopoly Capital had an outstanding impact on students of my generation. It was published just as the Vietnam War was heating up, when students and youth throughout the world were beginning to "contest the structures"—to use a favorite expression of that time—and were eagerly looking for analyses of these "structures." Monopoly Capital, written jointly by two renowned Marxist economists, each of whom had already authored a classic, provided just that. It was avidly read in progressive circles around the world.… For students of economics like myself, there was an additional reason for its impact. Economic literature from both the Communist world and from Communist writers in the West tended to underplay the problem of aggregate demand. While Marx had been a trenchant critic of Say's Law and had highlighted the demand problem, it was by this time seen at most as a problem underlying periodic crises, but not one that could affect capitalism in a secular sense, ex ante.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
Przyrzeczenie administracyjne w systemie prawnych form działania administracji
Authors: Chlipała Monika
Published: July 2016

Przedmiotem artykułu jest problematyka przyrzeczenia administracyjnego w systemie prawnych form działania. Artykuł obejmuje przegląd stanowisk przedstawicieli nauki na temat miejsca przyrzeczenia administracyjnego w typologiach prawnych form działania administracji. W artykule zwrócono uwagę na kwestię otwartego i zmiennego katalogu prawnych form działania, co jest szczególnie istotne w kontekście przyrzeczenia administracyjnego, jako formy nie w pełni unormowanej w polskim prawie administracyjnym. Autorka wskazuje także, że funkcjonowanie przyrzeczenia administracyjnego w systemie prawnych form działania może przyczyniać się do urzeczywistniania w praktyce administrowania wartości wyrażanych w zasadzie zaufania obywateli do państwa i prawa oraz prawie do dobrej administracji.
O procesie racjonalizacji wydatków publicznych
Authors: Gazda Maciej
Published: July 2016

Cele niniejszego artykułu to pełne wyjaśnienie pojęcia racjonalizacji wydatków publicznych, ustalenie różnic między racjonalizacją wyborów a racjonalizacją kosztów, a ponadto ustalenie, czy każde działanie oszczędnościowe można określić mianem racjonalizacji wydatków publicznych. Autor w szczególności przeanalizował zwrot racjonalizacji w kontekście języka prawnego, prawniczego, potocznego i ekonomicznego oraz zaprezentował proces racjonalizacji wydatków publicznych.
Derywaty pogodowe jako instrument zarządzania ryzykiem pogodowym
Authors: Czekaj Zuzanna
Published: July 2016

Ryzyko pogodowe ma coraz większy wpływ na funkcjonowanie współczesnych przedsiębiorstw. Aby skutecznie zarządzać ryzykiem pogodowym, przedsiębiorstwa mogą korzystać z pogodowych instrumentów pochodnych. W artykule podjęto próbę klasyfikacji podmiotów, które mogłyby wykorzystać w ramach procesu zarządzania ryzykiem pogodowym instrumenty pochodne, a szczególnie opcje pogodowe. Na wstępie przedstawiono istotę ryzyka pogodowego, formułując jego definicję oraz klasyfikując to zjawisko. Następnie dokonano wyszczególnienia tych podmiotów, na które pogoda wpływa w sposób istotny. Dalej zaprezentowano opcję pogodową, zaczynając od konstrukcji tego instrumentu, poprzez historię jego funkcjonowania na rynku światowym, a kończąc na refleksjach na temat możliwości zastosowania opcji pogodowych w polskich realiach.
Consideration of Marital Status in a Mortality Model and its Application for Mortality Risk Management
Authors: Kwon Hyuk-Sung
Published: July 2016

As a variety of mortality risk factors have been identified by previous studies, it is desirable that these factors are reflected in mortality (longevity) risk assessments for life insurance, individual annuities, and pension plans. In this study, an extended traditional mortality table that accommodates marital status, which is one of the important risk factors in terms of mortality, is considered. A logistic regression method is used to model the mortality of groups of people with four different marital statuses–never married, married, widowed, and divorced. The analyses are based on data regarding mortality and changes of marital status in Korea. The results of the analyses that are based on the developed mortality model suggest that the information on risk factors must be reflected in an actuarial model to improve the evaluations and monitoring of risk for the portfolios of relevant insurance products.
The annexin A2 system and angiogenesis
Authors: Liu Wei , Hajjar Katherine A.
Published: July 2016

The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, the process known as angiogenesis, is highly regulated by pro- and anti-angiogenic signaling molecules including growth factors and proteases. As an endothelial cell-surface co-receptor for plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator, the annexin A2 (ANXA2) complex accelerates plasmin generation and facilitates fibrinolysis. Plasmin can subsequently activate a downstream proteolytic cascade involving multiple matrix metalloproteinases. Thus, in addition to maintaining blood vessel patency, the ANXA2 complex can also promote angiogenesis via its pro-fibrinolytic activity. The generation of ANXA2-deficient mice allowed us to first observe the pro-angiogenic role of ANXA2in vivo. Further investigations have provided additional details regarding the mechanism for ANXA2 regulation of retinal and corneal angiogenesis. Other studies have reported that ANXA2 supports angiogenesis in specific tumor-related settings. Here, we summarize results fromin vivostudies that illustrate the pro-angiogenic role of ANXA2, and discuss the critical questions that may lead to an advanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms for ANXA2-mediated angiogenesis. Finally, highlights from studies on ANXA2-interacting agents offer potential therapeutic opportunities for the application of ANXA2-centered pharmaceuticals in angiogenesis-related disorders.
Getting off the Inwagen: A Critique of Quinean Metaontology
Authors: Egerton Karl
Published: July 2016

Much contemporary ontological inquiry takes place within the so-called ‘Quinean tradition’ but, given that some aspects of Quine’s project have been widely abandoned even by those who consider themselves Quineans, it is unclear what this amounts to. Fortunately recent work in metaontology has produced two relevant results here: a clearer characterisation of the metaontology uniting the aforementioned Quineans, most notably undertaken by Peter van Inwagen, and a raft of criticisms of that metaontology. In this paper I critique van Inwagen’s Quinean metaontology, finding that certain challenges, supplemented by pressure to reflect more closely Quine’s work, should drive Quineans to adopt a stronger metaontology incorporating more of Quine’s radical views. I conclude that while van Inwagen’s Quineanism is problematic there are prospects for a viable, more wholeheartedly Quinean, metaontology.
Characterizing Structural Performance of Unbound Pavement Materials Using Miniaturized Pressuremeter and California Bearing Ratio Tests
Authors: Shaban A. M. , Cosentino P. J.
Published: July 2016

Comparative analyses were implemented between the miniaturized pressuremeter (MPMT) test and the California bearing ratio (CBR) test to assess the capability of the MPMT stress-strain data for predicting structural performance of unbound pavement layers. Fifty-four MPMT tests and 108 CBR tests were performed on both base and subgrade soils in Brevard County, Florida. These comparative analyses were conducted in two stages. First, statistical correlations were established by comparing MPMT parameters with structural coefficients and structural numbers obtained from CBR data and the corresponding correlations. The results indicated that initial elastic moduli and limit pressures from MPMT correlate well with structural coefficients and structural numbers. Comparing them with results reported by AASHTO validated the quality of the correlation models. Secondly, finite element analyses were carried out to predict CBR as a function of MPMT data reduced to the strain-level model. The elastic moduli from the MPMT strain level model were input into the finite element simulation. To capture actual soil behavior, six strain levels were utilized during numerical simulations. For base course materials, strain evaluation points were selected at the top, middle, and bottom of the layer. For subgrade soils, strain evaluation points were selected at the top of the subgrade, 15 cm and 30 cm below subgrade surface. The results indicate that strain level moduli at the top of the base course layers provide the best CBR estimation, with the ratio of finite element CBR to measured CBR equal to 0.91. The results of subgrade show that strain level moduli determined at the depth of 15 cm below subgrade surface yield the best CBR prediction. The ratio of finite element CBR to measured CBR was 1.00.
The Material Dispatching Method for Conveyor System in 450 mm Wafer Fabrication
Authors: Wang C.-N. , Chung Y.-T. , Wang Y.-H. , Duong M.-T. , Lin T.-F.
Published: July 2016

The transition to 450 mm wafer manufacturing has already become a development trend for the semiconductor industry. To handle the larger wafer size, the conveyor-based automated material handling system (AMHS) is considered as the next-generation transportation. However, there is not any effective method for handling prioritized lots for 450 mm conveyor-based AMHS. This study developed an effective dispatching method named the “conveyor preemptive dispatching” (CPD) method for conveyor-based AMHS to minimize the average variable time of hot lots with the minimum impact to the transport of normal lots. Experiment results revealed that the CPD demonstrates better performance than the existing method. The CPD method reduced the average variable time by 59 % (from 14.572 to 5.904 s) for hot lots and 31 % (from 3962.394 to 2741.889 s) for normal lots. It expedites the movement of lots and significantly reduces lot average variable time and will effectively enhance the throughput of lots transportation.