bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protecting Prohibition
Authors: Månsson Josefin , Ekendahl Mats
Published: August 2015

During recent years, political discussions about how to deal with cannabis use have become increasingly centered on harm reduction and liberalization in large parts of the Western world. In Sweden, however, no such re-framing of the issue has occurred. There has been political status quo with emphasis on prohibition and zero tolerance. This study aims to elucidate how the cannabis policy discourse in Sweden is characterized today to legitimize restrictive drug policy and counter global changes. Two symposia dedicated to dissemination of cannabis information in Sweden were analyzed to understand how policy players, service providers, and other professionals invited to speak at these events argue to maintain cannabis use a high-profile societal problem that necessitates prohibition. With the help of Carol Bacchi’s theoretical approach “What’s the Problem Represented to be,” we critically analyzed how cannabis is constructed in the material. This meant focusing on what policy and service provision that is described as meaningful and effective as a way to understand what the problem of cannabis is represented to be. Our analysis showed, among other things, that cannabis-positive attitudes are seen as utterly problematic, that youth users are portrayed as extremely vulnerable, and that current government responses are perceived as righteous and compassionate. It also showed how speakers at symposia construct a morally upright “us” who promote “reliable” scientific evidence about the dangers of cannabis. In this way, the choice between keeping prohibition and trying liberalization stands out as one between letting reliable or unreliable research guide drug policy. We conclude that youth becomes a perfect category to rationalize current problematizations; a vessel that may carry and protect drug prohibition in a globalized world where cannabis is increasingly handled like an ordinary commodity.
Typology of Canadian Alcohol Users
Authors: Fortin Marilyn , Bélanger Richard E. , Moulin Stéphane
Published: August 2015

Objectives:

The aim of this paper is to propose a multidimensional typology of drinking in Canada according to use, contexts, and motivations to drink, and to explore the extent to which these profiles are associated with gender and age.

Methods:

Data are drawn from the 2005 Canadian Survey as part of the project “Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: An International Study.” The subsample consisted of 876 men and 848 women. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were undertaken to ascertain drinking profiles.

Results:

MCA and HCA identified six sociocultural drinking profiles in which distinctive drinking patterns, contexts, and motivations were observed.

Conclusions:

The variability of drinking styles in Canadian society demonstrates cohabitation and hybridization of “wet” and “dry” cultures—“ideal types” of two drinking cultures. This study revealed the complexity of drinking practices among the Canadian population and the necessity of focusing on social dimensions in order to enhance our understanding of alcohol use.
Why Do Partisan Audiences Participate? Perceived Public Opinion as the Mediating Mechanism
Authors: Dvir-Gvirsman Shira , Garrett R. Kelly , Tsfati Yariv
Published: August 2015

The bulk of current literature on partisan media explores its various detrimental influences on the democratic sphere. This study highlights a possible positive outcome of partisan media consumption: enhanced political participation. It is hypothesized that consumption of congruent partisan media will tilt perceptions of opinion climate so that it is viewed as more supportive of one’s views, while consumption of incongruent partisan media is viewed as less supportive. Consequently, consumers of congruent partisan media will participate more, and vice versa. The hypotheses are tested using two panel studies: the first conducted during the 2012 U.S. presidential elections ( N = 377) whereas the second, during the 2013 Israeli election ( N = 340). In the Israeli case, survey data are supplemented with behavioral measures. All hypotheses are supported except the one regarding the effects of incongruent partisan media exposure. The results are discussed in light of the spiral of silence theory and the selective exposure hypothesis.
Exploring marriage migrants’ citizenship acquisition in South Korea
Authors: Hwang Min-Chul
Published: August 2015

There has been little research as yet that examines the citizenship acquisition of marriage migrants in South Korea. As such, this paper investigates the propensity of marriage migrants to seek Korean citizenship using data from the 2012 National Survey of Multicultural Families. Less than half of marriage migrants have acquired Korean citizenship. The study identified factors facilitating and deterring citizenship acquisition. The factors associated with acquiring Korean citizenship were origin country characteristics (i.e., migrants coming from poor or distant countries and those coming from countries which allow dual citizenship), high ethnic population in Korea and favorable experience in Korea. On the other hand, shorter length of stay in Korea, poor Korean language skills and lower levels of employment and household income were found to deter migrants from acquiring Korean citizenship.
The Old Testament in the New, Intertextuality and Allegory
Authors: Huizenga Leroy A.
Published: August 2015

This article examines the phenomenon of the investigation of the New Testament use of the Old Testament by discussing representative twentieth-century approaches to the question, the relevance of the literary-critical concept of ‘intertextuality’, the ground-breaking semiotic approach of Stefan Alkier, and the possibilities afforded for allegorical interpretation. The article contends that the investigation of the NT use of the OT opens up fruitful avenues for the postcritical retrieval of premodern practices of interpretation, ready for a new hearing in a postmodern age.
Why Did the New Testament Writers Appeal to the Old Testament?
Authors: Evans Craig A.
Published: August 2015

Jesus’ use of the Old Testament was innovative and experiential. Although his use of scripture was foundational for the theology of the early church, early Christian teachers and writers were not limited by it. Some of the New Testament writers appealed to certain passages because Jesus appealed to them and they had become part of the ‘biblical theology’ of the Jesus movement in the post-Easter setting. Other texts were appealed to because they clariﬁed new problems and questions that the early church faced as it grew and expanded into lands outside of Israel.
Observations on the Text Form of the Minor Prophets Quotations in Romans 9–11
Authors: Steyn Gert J.
Published: August 2015

It is striking that all quotations from the Minor Prophets in Romans are to be found in Rom. 9–11, except for the quotation from Hab. 2.4 in Rom. 1.17. This study seeks to investigate the text forms of these Minor Prophets quotations in Rom. 9–11 in order to establish, ﬁrstly, the nature of the Vorlage of the quotations and, secondly, to determine and distinguish Pauline redaction during the process of Paul’s use of these quotations. The study concludes that Paul clearly seems to have followed mainly a LXX version of the Minor Prophets, with traces of minor textual variations from those of modern-day reconstructions. The quotations from Mal. 1.2 and Joel 3.5 are in close agreement with the (reconstructed) LXX, whereas the quotation from Hos. 2.25 should be understood rather as a paraphrase. The remaining two quotations from Hos. 2.1 and Nah. 2.1 are indisputably conﬂated quotations. More signiﬁcant, however, is the observation that the Stichwörter ἀγάπω, καλέω and σώζω connect the Minor Prophets passages with each other, and build upon each other to support Paul’s argument that God loved, called and saved – which is the good news.
Echoes without Resonance: Critiquing Certain Aspects of Recent Scholarly Trends in the Study of the Jewish Scriptures in the New Testament
Authors: Foster Paul
Published: August 2015

This article seeks to critique some of the developments in the study of the use of the Jewish scriptures in the New Testament writings. The focus is upon studies that have emerged subsequent to, and are indebted to, Richard Hays’s Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul. The argument here is not that there are no citations, allusions or echoes of the Jewish scriptures in the New Testament writings: such a position would be absurd. Rather, it is observed that many of the proposed new echoes or allusions are highly speculative, the method employed is not capable of self-falsiﬁcation, and in effect it is a type of radical reader response. That is, if a reader can detect an echo or allusion, then that brings such an intertextual link into existence. Such an approach is acceptable if it is recognized that such studies are engaged in creative theological reﬂection (perhaps akin to what many New Testament authors were doing themselves), but such methods frequently have little connection with trying to ascertain authorial intention (as difﬁcult as that might be in its own right).
‘Do you Understand what you Are Reading?’ (Acts 8.30): Current Trends and Future Perspectives in the Study of the Use of the Old Testament in the New
Authors: Docherty Susan
Published: August 2015

This article provides a response to the contributions included in this special edition of JSNT devoted to the use of the Old Testament in the New. It offers some reﬂections on the common themes and key issues emerging from these articles which appear to be particularly signiﬁcant for current and future study in this ﬁeld. The major developments and concerns considered here include: the impact of the Qumran discoveries, the increasing inﬂuence of literary theory on research in biblical studies, textual plurality and text-form, and exegetical methods and axioms. The article stresses particularly the need to situate New Testament interpretation of scripture within its early Jewish context, and to aim for precision in both methodology and terminology.
Feasibility of the Factorial Survey Method in Aging Research
Authors: Teti Andrea , Gross Christiane , Knoll Nina , Blüher Stefan
Published: August 2015

Background:

The factorial survey (FS) method is increasingly used in the social sciences. It is particularly suitable for studying decision situations that are difficult to assess empirically. This article evaluates whether the FS method is suitable for studying decisions in gerontological research.

Methods:

The present article draws on data from the Housing Opportunities & Mobility in the Elderly study. A total of 103 respondents (between 55 and 90 years) were asked to make hypothetical relocation decisions. The consistency of these responses was assessed as a function of respondents’ age, gender, immigration background, education, household income, employment status, and intention to move.

Results:

No significant differences in response consistency were attributable to age, gender, education, or immigration background. The personal relevance of the survey topic was positively related to response consistency in multiperson households.

Conclusion:

FS method can, under certain methodological conditions, be used among older adults especially when the topic of the survey is relevant to their daily lives.
Experience with Tracheal Resection for Traumatic Tracheal Stenosis
Authors: Miller Robert H. , Lipkin Alan F. , McCollum Charles H. , Mattox Kenneth L.
Published: August 2015

Ten patients with traumatic tracheal stenosis—unresponsive to conservative therapy—underwent tracheal resection. Two of the stenoses resulted from gunshot injuries, three were due to prolonged intubation, and five developed after tracheotomy. Eight of the operations were completely successful. There was one death, and one patient has had recurrent granulation tissue at the anastomotic site. The pathogenesis of tracheal stenosis, as well as its treatment—including the technical details of tracheal resection—are discussed.
Relief of Upper Airway Obstruction by Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Potsic William P. , Pasquariello Patrick S. , Baranak Christine Corso , Marsh Roger R. , Miller Linda M.
Published: August 2015

Adenotonsillectomy is often performed to relieve upper airway obstruction, even in children who do not present with severe apnea. Although adenotonsillectomy provides dramatic relief from obstructive sleep apnea, little evidence is available as to the efficacy of surgery in the far more prevalent cases of partial airway obstruction. We report the results of a prospective study of 100 children with adenotonsillar obstruction (without severe apnea) and 50 age‐matched control children. The majority of patients exhibited appreciable sleep disturbances preoperatively, as compared to controls, and had substantial postoperative improvement, as demonstrated by parental questionnaire and sleep sonography—the computer‐aided analysis of respiratory sounds. Mouth breathing and behavior problems were also prevalent preoperatively and were affected positively by adenotonsillectomy. It appears that surgery in such cases can have far‐ranging benefits, even for the child whose obstruction does not demonstrate severe apnea.
Principles and Hazards of Electrocautery in Otolaryngology
Authors: Bell Ann Fitzgerald , Shagets Frank W. , Barrs David M.
Published: August 2015

Electrocautery is used extensively in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. Its commonplace use and excellent safety record may lull the surgeon from heeding the device's potential dangers. User error causes the majority of patient injuries. A thorough understanding of the electrophysical principles and hazards is essential for even the occasional user. Three cases of electrosurgical injury are reported to demonstrate problem areas in electrocautery usage. The basic electrophysical properties are described, and guidelines for prevention of injury to the patient are reviewed.
Comparison of Serum Beta‐2‐Microglobulin Levels in Patients with Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis and Elevated Modified RAST Scores vs. A Control Population
Authors: Wilson Brian C. , Young Steve , Corey Jacquelynne P.
Published: August 2015

Forty‐four subjects, having clinical histories consistent with allergic rhinitis with modified RAST score(s) of two or more for at least one of five locally prevalent aeroantigens, were compared with 48 control subjects with modified RAST scores of zero for all given aeroallergens. There was no significant difference between these two groups in mean levels of serum beta‐2‐microglobulin (Student's t, p > 0.05).
Long‐Term Results of Transmeatal Cochleovestibular Neurectomy: An Analysis of 100 Cases
Authors: Jones Raleigh , Silverstein Herbert , Smouha Eric
Published: August 2015

One hundred patients have been treated ever a 13‐year period with a transmeatal approach to the internal auditory canal for cochleovestibular neurectomy. Ninety‐one of these patients have followup of more men 3 months (average, 4.67 years). The most common indication for the procedure was Meniere's disease (71%). Chronic labyrinthitis, usually following stapes, middle ear, or mostold surgery, was the next most common indication. Patients with the preoperative diagnosis of Meniere's disease had better results in the curing of vertigo (89%) then those having chronic labyrinthitis (68%) Overall, vertigo was cured in 84% of patients end markedly improved in another 15.1% Tinnitus was relieved or improved in 65% of all patients and in 67% of patients with Meniere's disease. Mild unsteadiness was commonly noticed postoperatively, but only 11% described this as severe. Eighty percent of these latter patients reported unsteadiness preoperatively. Complications were uncommon and temporary: One case of delayed facial paresis that recovered completely, one CSF leak, and one wound infection. There were no cases of permanent facial paralysis or meningitis. The advantages of the transmeatal approach to the IAC for CVN over labyrinthectomy without CVN are assurance of complete labyrinthine denervation, increased likelihood of improved tinnitus, practice at sectioning the posterior ampullary nerve (PAN), and the ability to inspect the internal auditory canal for a small tumor or other pathology. We recommend this procedure for treatment of unilateral vestibular dysfunction in patients with no serviceable hearing.
Is There a Conductive Type of Presbycusis?
Authors: Ramadan Hassan H. , Schuknecht Harold F.
Published: August 2015

Many ears that manifest hearing losses caused by aging show combinations of atrophic change in the sensory cells, cochlear neurons, and stria vascularis. When it occurs in pure form, the loss of sensory cells produces an abruptly sloping high‐tone threshold loss, the loss of cochlear neurons decreases the capability for speech discrimination, and the loss of strial tissue produces a flat threshold loss. There remains a fourth group of cases that have gradual sloping high‐tone threshold losses for which a pathological correlate has not been identified. We performed a quantitative histologic study, using light microscopy on the temporal bones of such cases, and again could find no pathologic explanation. We believe that the findings of this study support the concept of an alteration in cochlear motion mechanics as the most probable cause for the gradually sloping high‐tone hearing loss.
Quantitative Assessment of Pharyngeal Bolus Driving Forces
Authors: Cerenko Danko , McConnel Fred M.S. , Jackson Richard T.
Published: August 2015

This study analyzes the differences between wet and dry swallows; a manofluorogram is used to determine forces that affect pharyngeal bolus flow. By defining bolus pressures, many of the limitations of pharyngeal manometry are surmounted. This makes manometry a more useful clinical tool. The study results indicate that only a small portion of pharyngeal‐generated pressure is directly applied to the bolus. The manofluorogram demonstrates that bolus transit relies on the synergistic action of two pumps—the oropharyngeal propulsion pump and the hypopharyngeal suction pump. A technique is illustrated for quantifying the forces that affect bolus flow. Quantification of force can differentiate abnormal forces responsible for lingual, pharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal pathology in dysphagic patients. The degrees of impairment can be measured.
Prognostic Implications of Nuclear DNA Content in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Guo Yang‐Chun , Desanto Lawrence , Osetinsky Gregory V.
Published: August 2015

The nuclear DNA content was measured in formalin‐fixed and deparaffined specimens of 296 oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas from patients in whom the clinical outcome was known. One hundred ninety (64%) contained cells with abnormal DNA (DNA aneuploid or tetra/polypoid). Only 32% (60 of 190) of the patients with DNA nondiploid cancers survived 5 years, compared with 49% (52 of 106) of the patients with DNA diploid cancers. When the findings were controlled for clinical stage, patients whose tumors were DNA diploid had a survival advantage at each stage. Histologic grading showed less correlation, because only patients with well‐differentiated carcinomas had a survival advantage if their tumors were DNA diploid. These data showed that determination of DNA content in cancers of the head and neck can offer prognostic information not provided by other means and enhance the diagnosis of cancer.
Evaluation of CSF Rhinorrhea by Computerized Tomography with Metrizamide
Authors: Chow James M. , Goodman David , Mafee Mahmood F.
Published: August 2015

This study evaluates the ability of metrizamide computerized tomographic cisternography (MCTC) to delineate the site of leakage in patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. From 1981 to 1986, thirteen patients were examined by MCTC to localize the site of CSF leakage. A total of 17 studies were performed. Thirteen scans (76%) identified the site of CSF leakage. Nine of these scans were confirmed surgically. The other four scans were performed on patients who refused surgery. Of the 15 scans in patients with active CSF leaks, 13 (87%) were positive. Of the two patients with inactive CSF leaks, neither was positive. One patient is presented in whom MCTC was both diagnostic and therapeutic. In conclusion, MCTC has a high success rate in localizing the site of active CSF leaks.
Direct Nerve Implantation Vs. Nerve‐Muscle Pedicle: A Comparative Study of Reinnervation in the Rabbit
Authors: Broniatowski Michael , Ilyes Laszlo A. , Sorensen Kelly , Rosenthal David I. , Nose Yukihiko , Maniglia Anthony J.
Published: August 2015

To determine the optimal method for reinnervation of the paralyzed head and neck musculature, we compared direct muscular nerve implants (DNI) with nerve‐muscle pedicles (NMP) in rabbits. In 25 anesthetized animals, one ansa hypoglossi nerve was cut. Five animals sensed as controls and two groups of 10 each received cross‐over DNIs or NMP from one sternothyroid to the contralateral sternohyoid muscle. The transplanted nerves of animals that survived long enough for neurotization to occur (8 DNIs, 5 NMPs) were stimulated with 3 to 10 mA. 0.05 msec pulse trains to obtain force curves from corresponding straps. Fiber diameters and areas were calculated on muscles harvested before the animals were killed. There was a nonsignificant trend toward stronger contraction in the NMP group, but NMP fibers were significantly larger than those in DNI and control groups (p < 0.001).
Lymphoepithelioma of the Oropharynx
Authors: Bansberg Stephen F. , Olsen Kerry D. , Gaffey Thomas A.
Published: August 2015

Lymphoepithelioma is common in the nasopharynx, but its presence elsewhere in Waldeyer's ring is rare. Thirteen patients with lymphoepithelioma in the tonsil and base of the tongue have been treated at our institution. At Initial examination, all 13 patients had advanced clinical disease. Five years after their initial treatment, seven patients were alive and free of disease. Radiation therapy controlled local and regional disease in 10 (77%) patients, yet three of these died of distant metastasis. Patients with lymphoepithelioma have a significantly better prognosis (p < 0.05) than do patients with either nonkerafinizing or keratinizing high‐grade oropharyngeal carcinoma. Early recognition and combined therapy may further improve the prognosis. Differentiation of lymphoepithelioma from other high‐grade squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx is important to guide treatment and to provide prognostic information.
Magnetically Evoked Facial Nerve Potential
Authors: Windmill Ian M. , Martinez Serge A. , Shields Christopher B. , Paloheimo Markku
Published: August 2015

Facial nerve stimulation by electrical current is painful and tends to discourage serial studies. Transcutaneous magnetic stimulation of the facial nerve is painless, easily reproducible, and elicits facial muscle responses identical to electrical stimulation.
A multimethod analysis of shared decision-making in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings including family caregivers
Authors: Washington Karla T , Parker Oliver Debra , Gage L Ashley , Albright David L , Demiris George
Published: August 2015

Background:

Much of the existing research on shared decision-making in hospice and palliative care focuses on the provider–patient dyad; little is known about shared decision-making that is inclusive of family members of patients with advanced disease.

Aim:

We sought to describe shared decision-making as it occurred in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings that included family caregivers as participants using video-conferencing technology.

Design:

We conducted a multimethod study in which we used content and thematic analysis techniques to analyze video-recordings of hospice interdisciplinary team meetings ( n = 100), individual interviews of family caregivers ( n = 73) and hospice staff members ( n = 78), and research field notes.

Setting/participants:

Participants in the original studies from which data for this analysis were drawn were hospice family caregivers and staff members employed by one of five different community-based hospice agencies located in the Midwestern United States.

Results:

Shared decision-making occurred infrequently in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings that included family caregivers. Barriers to shared decision-making included time constraints, communication skill deficits, unaddressed emotional needs, staff absences, and unclear role expectations. The hospice philosophy of care, current trends in healthcare delivery, the interdisciplinary nature of hospice teams, and the designation of a team leader/facilitator supported shared decision-making.

Conclusion:

The involvement of family caregivers in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings using video-conferencing technology creates a useful platform for shared decision-making; however, steps must be taken to transform family caregivers from meeting attendees to shared decision-makers.
E-waste management and resources recovery in France
Authors: Vadoudi Kiyan , Kim Junbeum , Laratte Bertrand , Lee Seung-Jin , Troussier Nadège
Published: August 2015

There are various issues of concern regarding electronic waste management, such as the toxicity of hazardous materials and the collection, recycling and recovery of useful resources. To understand the fate of electronic waste after collection and recycling, a products and materials flow analysis should be performed. This is a critical need, as material resources are becoming increasingly scarce and recycling may be able to provide secondary sources for new materials in the future. In this study, we investigate electronic waste systems, specifically the resource recovery or recycling aspects, as well as mapping electronic waste flows based on collection data in France. Approximately 1,588,453 t of new electrical and electronic equipment were sold in the French market in 2010. Of this amount, 430,000 t of electronic waste were collected, with the remaining 1,128,444 t remaining in stock. Furthermore, the total recycled amounts were 354,106 t and 11,396 t, respectively. The main electronic waste materials were ferrous metals (37%), plastic (22%), aluminium (12%), copper (11%) and glass (7%). This study will contribute to developing sustainable electronic waste and resource recycling systems in France.
A Cross-National Validation of the Academic Expectations Stress Inventory With Chinese and Korean High School Students
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhou , Tze Virginia M. C. , Buhr Erin , Klassen Robert M. , Daniels Lia M.
Published: August 2015

The current study provided evidence for the factor structure of the Academic Expectation Stress Inventory (AESI) in a sample of 213 Mainland Chinese and 184 South Korean high school students. We examined cross-national invariance of the AESI using multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis across two Asian cultural samples. Results suggested a unidimension rather than two-factor structure (self and teachers/parents) in both settings. Results also showed evidence of reliability, convergent validity (significant correlations with depression, emotional exhaustion, and cynicism), and divergent validity (nonsignificant correlations with amotivation and efficacy reduction). ANCOVA results indicated that perceived overall academic expectation stress was significantly higher among Mainland Chinese students than for their South Korean counterparts. Furthermore, there were no differences between males and females for the Korean adolescents while females reported higher expectation scores than males in the Chinese adolescent sample.
A Comparison of Two Cognitive Pretesting Techniques Supported by Eye Tracking
Authors: Neuert Cornelia E. , Lenzner Timo
Published: August 2015

In questionnaire pretesting, supplementing cognitive interviewing with eye tracking is a promising new method that provides additional insights into respondents’ cognitive processes while answering survey questions. When incorporating eye tracking into cognitive interviewing, two retrospective probing techniques seem to be particularly useful. In the first technique—retrospective probing—participants complete an online questionnaire, while cognitive interviewers monitor participants’ eye movements in an adjacent room and note down any peculiarities in their reading patterns. Afterward, the interviewers ask targeted probing questions about these peculiarities in a subsequent cognitive interview. In the second technique—gaze video cued retrospective probing—respondents are additionally shown a video of their eye movements during the cognitive interview. This video stimulus is supposed to serve as a visual cue that may better enable respondents to remember their thoughts while answering the questions. We examine whether one of the two techniques is more effective when it comes to identifying problematic survey questions. In a lab experiment, participants’ eye movements ( n = 42) were tracked while they completed six questions of an online questionnaire. Simultaneously, their reading patterns were monitored by an interviewer for evidence of response problems. After completion of the online survey, a cognitive interview was conducted. In the retrospective probing condition, probing questions were asked if peculiar reading patterns were observed during the eye-tracking session (e.g., rereadings of specific words or text passages). In the other condition, participants were shown a video of their recorded eye movements, in addition to receiving probing questions about the questions displayed. Results show that both techniques did not differ in terms of the total number of problems identified. However, gaze video cued retrospective probing identified fewer unique problems and fewer types of problems than pure retrospective probing.
Shared Decision-Making in Nursing Homes
Authors: Yeatts Dale E. , Shen Yuying , Yeatts Paul E. , Solakoglu Ozgur , Seckin Gul
Published: August 2015

Objective: The advantages of empowering direct care workers (DCWs) within nursing homes (NHs) are well documented. Our objective is to identify factors that create DCW empowerment as this has not received adequate attention. Method: The data come from a larger study focused on the empowerment of DCWs in NHs. A self-administered instrument was completed by 372 DCWs within 11 NHs in the north Texas region. Cluster analysis and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression were performed. Results: Feedback from nurse management to DCWs was positively associated with shared decision-making (SDM) and ranked highest followed by information exchange, trust in management, and wages linked to performance. Discussion: SDM may be enhanced where nurse management shares relevant information with the DCWs, listens to their ideas, provides explanations when DCW suggestions are not used, and does so in a supportive environment. Organizational characteristics of importance include linking wages to DCW performance and providing an accessible training program.
Numerical analysis of heat dissipation from a heated vertical cylinder by natural convection
Authors: Singh Jashanpreet , Singh Chanpreet
Published: August 2015

Natural convection heat transfer from a hot vertical hollow brass cylinder has been studied experimentally and numerically. The governing equations of continuity, momentum and energy are discretised by using an implicit finite difference technique. The velocity and temperature profiles, boundary layer thickness, local and average heat transfer coefficient are obtained using the numerical simulation. The predictions of the numerical simulation are compared with the experiments conducted on a laboratory-scale apparatus and with the results obtained from analytical solutions available in literature. The numerical simulation results are obtained for two fluids; air and water vapour whereas the experiments are conducted for air only. The induced flow is laminar in both the simulation and the experiments. The dependence of boundary layer thickness on Prandtl number is discussed. The numerically obtained Nusselt number is found quite close to the analytical one. The results show the heat dissipation from the cylinder to surrounding fluid is higher for air than for water vapour. The various factors that affect the comparison of the experimental results with the numerical simulation are discussed.
Beyond the 5-HT3 receptors
Authors: Khalifeh S , Fakhfouri G , Mehr SE , Mousavizadeh K , Dehpour AR , Khodagholi F , Kazmi S , Rahimian R
Published: August 2015

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), generated by inflammatory cells or other pathological conditions, leads to oxidative stress, which may contribute to the neuronal degeneration observed in a wide variety of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Recent investigations have described effective properties of tropisetron, such as antiphlogistic action or protection against β-amyloid induced-neuroinflammation in rats. Our data revealed that H2O2-induced cell death in rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12) can be inhibited by tropisetron, as defined by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, caspase 3 and caspase 12 levels. We further showed that tropisetron exerts its protective effects by upregulation of heme oxygenase-1, glutathione, catalase activity, and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 level. Moreover, tropisetron was recently found to be a partial agonist of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). The activation of α7nAChR could inhibit inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways in the oxidative stress conditions. In this study, selective α7nAChR antagonists (methyllycaconitine) reversed the effects of tropisetron on caspase 3 level. Our findings indicated that tropisetron can protect PC12 cells against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity through α7nAChR in vitro.
A review of instrumental variable estimators for Mendelian randomization
Authors: Burgess Stephen , Small Dylan S , Thompson Simon G
Published: August 2015

Instrumental variable analysis is an approach for obtaining causal inferences on the effect of an exposure (risk factor) on an outcome from observational data. It has gained in popularity over the past decade with the use of genetic variants as instrumental variables, known as Mendelian randomization. An instrumental variable is associated with the exposure, but not associated with any confounder of the exposure–outcome association, nor is there any causal pathway from the instrumental variable to the outcome other than via the exposure. Under the assumption that a single instrumental variable or a set of instrumental variables for the exposure is available, the causal effect of the exposure on the outcome can be estimated. There are several methods available for instrumental variable estimation; we consider the ratio method, two-stage methods, likelihood-based methods, and semi-parametric methods. Techniques for obtaining statistical inferences and confidence intervals are presented. The statistical properties of estimates from these methods are compared, and practical advice is given about choosing a suitable analysis method. In particular, bias and coverage properties of estimators are considered, especially with weak instruments. Settings particularly relevant to Mendelian randomization are prioritized in the paper, notably the scenario of a continuous exposure and a continuous or binary outcome.
The impact of covariance misspecification in group-based trajectory models for longitudinal data with non-stationary covariance structure
Authors: Davies Christopher E , Glonek Gary FV , Giles Lynne C
Published: August 2015

One purpose of a longitudinal study is to gain a better understanding of how an outcome of interest changes among a given population over time. In what follows, a trajectory will be taken to mean the series of measurements of the outcome variable for an individual. Group-based trajectory modelling methods seek to identify subgroups of trajectories within a population, such that trajectories that are grouped together are more similar to each other than to trajectories in distinct groups. Group-based trajectory models generally assume a certain structure in the covariances between measurements, for example conditional independence, homogeneous variance between groups or stationary variance over time. Violations of these assumptions could be expected to result in poor model performance. We used simulation to investigate the effect of covariance misspecification on misclassification of trajectories in commonly used models under a range of scenarios. To do this we defined a measure of performance relative to the ideal Bayesian correct classification rate. We found that the more complex models generally performed better over a range of scenarios. In particular, incorrectly specified covariance matrices could significantly bias the results but using models with a correct but more complicated than necessary covariance matrix incurred little cost.
Legislating Consent
Authors: Arstein-Kerslake Anna , Flynn Eilionóir
Published: August 2015

In this article, we draw on our experiences of law reform in Ireland to explore how to create a definition of consent to sex that is inclusive of people with cognitive disabilities. Using critical disability studies and feminist theory, we set out the context in which capacity to consent to sex law is currently operating. We critique the law on the basis that it holds people with cognitive disabilities to a different standard of sexual decision-making than others. We tell the story of the movement in Ireland to reform such law and our experiences working collaboratively with artists, disabled people’s organizations and parliamentarians to achieve change.
Ethical Leadership and Multidimensional Organizational Citizenship Behaviors
Authors: Yang Chyan , Ding Cherng G. , Lo Kai Wen
Published: August 2015

This study examined the relationship between ethical leadership and multidimensional organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs), specifically organization-targeted OCBs (OCBO) and individual-targeted OCBs (OCBI). In addition, the study examined the multiple mediating effects of self-efficacy, respect, and leader–member exchange (LMX) on the relationship between ethical leadership and OCBO, as well as the relationship between ethical leadership and OCBI. Through the application of a hierarchical linear model, an analysis of the results from 656 dyadic supervisor–subordinate data from 145 business units in Taiwan showed that both respect and LMX significantly mediated the ethical leadership–OCBO and leadership–OCBI relationships. The implications of these results for theory and practice and directions for future research are also discussed.
From Mopping to Mowing
Authors: Latshaw Beth A.
Published: August 2015

Little is known about the household behaviors or beliefs associated with housework among a subset of fathers: those who stay home. Do these men embrace housework as being “part of the job” or reject some chores associated with femininity? Using a combination of in-depth interview, housework activity, and time diary data collected from a sample of 30 stay-at-home fathers, I fill this gap in the literature. I empirically evaluate what types of chores fathers accomplish and detail the nuanced reasons men provide for completing specific tasks more often than others. In doing so, I contribute to the masculinities, housework, and fatherhood literature by uncovering how male caregivers both reinforce and redefine masculine norms through the performance of gendered chores.
College Men’s Experiences of Gender Prejudice
Authors: Brinkman Britney G. , Isacco Anthony , Rosén Lee A.
Published: August 2015

Despite evidence suggesting that men’s experiences of gender discrimination are increasing, there has been little research exploring the topic. This article examines college men’s ( N = 145) experiences of gender prejudice and how they respond to the events. Participants most often reported experiencing a hostile or negative comment about men, and the instigators were female and friends or partners of the victim. Most participants reported that they respond by confrontation (70, 48%), followed by a non-behavioral psychological response (34, 23%), non-confrontational response (25, 17%), and not doing anything (16, 11%). Distress level significantly predicted the use of confrontational responses. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Enhancing Medical Decision-Making Evaluations
Authors: Gerstenecker Adam , Niccolai Lindsay , Marson Daniel , Triebel Kristen L.
Published: August 2015

A number of measures have been developed to assess medical decision-making capacity (MDC) in adults. However, their clinical utility is limited by a lack of available normative data. In the current study, we introduce age-independent and age-adjusted normative data for a measure of MDC: the Capacity to Consent to Treatment Instrument. The sample consisted of 308 cognitively normal, community-dwelling adults ranging in age from 19 to 86 years. For age-adjusted norms, individual raw scores were first converted to age-corrected scaled scores based on position within a cumulative frequency distribution and then grouped according to empirically supported age ranges. For age-independent norms, the same method was utilized but without age-corrections being applied or participants being grouped into age ranges. This study has the potential to enhance MDC evaluations by allowing clinicians to compare a patient’s performance on the Capacity to Consent to Treatment Instrument with that of adults regardless of age as well as to same age peers. Tables containing normative corrections are supplementary material available online at http://asm.sagepub.com/supplemental .
Educating for Freedom and Responsibility
Authors: Mitchell Cynthia
Published: August 2015

The First Amendment Schools project holds rich lessons in how to change school cultures into “laboratories of democracy”—as well as in how to increase the odds of success for any school reform effort. School reform programs of any sort need to make sure to build in sustainability, to provide ways to spread their lessons beyond the schools initially targeted for reform, and to build in key measures of accountability that will help broader constituencies see their value. It also will help enormously if leaders bring with them a deep understanding of organizational change and leadership theory.
On the theoretical foundations of thin solid and liquid shells
Authors: Sauer Roger A , Duong Thang X
Published: August 2015

This paper gives a concise summary of the general theoretical framework suitable to describe shells with solid-like and liquid-like behavior. Thin-shell kinematics are considered and used to derive the equilibrium equations from linear- and angular-momentum balance. Based on the mechanical power balance and the mechanical dissipation inequality, the constitutive equations for the hyperelastic material behavior of constrained shells are derived and their material stability is examined. Various constitutive examples are considered and assessed for their stability. The governing weak form of the formulation is derived and decomposed into in-plane and out-of-plane components. The presented work provides a very general framework for a unified description of solid and liquid shells and illustrates what leads to their loss of material stability. This framework serves as a basis for developing computational shell formulations based on rotation-free shell discretizations. Therefore the full linearization of the formulation is also presented here.
Non-classical mechanical behavior of an elastic membrane with an independent Gaussian bending rigidity
Authors: Yu Luxia , Ru CQ
Published: August 2015

The present work considers the mechanical behavior of a non-classical elastic membrane with two independent bending rigidities. Our interest focuses on the case when the ratio of the Gaussian bending rigidity to the common flexural rigidity falls within the non-classical range, which cannot be covered by a classical elastic plate with an admissible positive Poisson ratio. Our results for a rectangular elastic membrane with two opposite free edges show that its deflection under a uniform transverse pressure could be considerably (even more than twice) larger than a classical elastic plate under otherwise identical conditions, while its lowest fundamental frequency and critical buckling force could be considerably (even more than 50%) lower than a classical elastic plate under otherwise identical conditions. These unexpected results suggest that, unlike classical elastic plates whose actual mechanical behavior are often insensitive to the value of the admissible positive Poisson ratio, actual mechanical behavior of a non-classical elastic membrane with two independent bending rigidities could be very sensitive to the exact values of the two independent bending rigidities. Therefore, the exact value of the Gaussian bending rigidity could be crucial for such non-classical elastic membranes. Only knowing the values of the flexural rigidity and Poisson ratio is insufficient for accurate prediction of mechanical modeling of such non-classical elastic membranes with two independent bending rigidities (such as some biomembranes and atom-thick monolayer membranes).
Perioperative Considerations for Children With Right Ventricular Dysfunction and Failing Fontan
Authors: Riveros Ricardo , Riveros-Perez Efrain
Published: August 2015

The survival of patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD) has increased in the past decades, resulting in the identification of new characteristics of chronic comorbidities observed in pediatric and adults with CHD. Patients with CHD can present with a broad clinical spectrum of manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF) at any point throughout their lives that may be related to anatomical or surgical variables. This article focuses on the perioperative assessment of patients with CHD and CHF, with an emphasis on pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic alternatives in patients with right ventricular failure and failing Fontan circulation. We also provide descriptions of the effects of sedatives and anesthetics commonly used in this population in diagnostic or invasive procedures.
Performance analysis of the high-performance conjugate gradient benchmark on GPUs
Authors: Phillips Everett , Fatica Massimiliano
Published: August 2015

Graphics processing unit accelerated supercomputers have proved to be very effective, especially with regard to power efficiency, for accelerating compute intensive applications like the high-performance Linpack used in the TOP500 list. This paper presents the details of a CUDA implementation of the high-performance conjugate gradient, a new proposed benchmark that better represents modern application workloads which rely more heavily on memory system and network performance than high-performance Linpack. The results obtained at full scale on the largest graphics processing unit supercomputers in the world, Titan, the Cray XK7 at ORNL and Piz-Daint, the Cray XC30 at CSCS, indicate that graphics processing unit accelerated supercomputers are also very effective for this type of workload. A comparison with other architectures is also presented, showing that graphics processing units, with their high memory bandwidth, are the highest performing devices for this new benchmark.