bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spelling Errors in Text Copying by Children With Dyslexia and ADHD Symptoms
Authors: Re Anna Maria , Cornoldi Cesare
Published: June 2013

Spelling errors are usually studied in dictations, but teachers report that children with school difficulties often make spelling mistakes when they copy a text too. The present study examines the performance on a text copying task and a text dictation task of two groups of children known for their difficulties in spelling, that is, 22 with symptoms of ADHD and 13 with dyslexia, comparing them with matched controls to see whether children with spelling difficulties make more copying task errors than do controls, whether they make fewer mistakes when copying than when writing under dictation, and whether the pattern of errors remains the same or differs in copy and dictation tasks. Our results show that although children with spelling difficulties made fewer errors in the copying task than under dictation, they still made phonological errors and mistakes relating to accents and duplicates. The pattern of errors differed slightly between the children with dyslexia and those with ADHD, presumably as a consequence of their different underlying weaknesses—related mainly to phonology and orthographic representation in the case of dyslexia and to attentional control in the case of ADHD.
Emergent Regularities of Interpersonal Victimization
Authors: Birks Daniel , Townsley Michael , Stewart Anna
Published: June 2013

Objectives:

Apply computational agent-based modeling to explore the generative sufficiency of several mechanisms derived from the field of environmental criminology in explaining commonly observed patterns of interpersonal victimization.

Method:

Controlled simulation experiments compared patterns of simulated interpersonal victimization to three empirically derived regularities of crime using established statistical techniques: (1) spatial clustering (nearest neighbor index), (2) repeat victimization (Gini coefficient), and (3) journeys to crime (Pearson’s coefficient of skewness).

Results:

Large, statistically significant increases in spatial clustering, repeat victimization, and journey to crime skewness are observed when virtual offenders operate according to mechanisms proposed by the routine activity approach, rational choice perspective, and geometry/pattern theories of crime.

Conclusion:

This research provides support for several propositions of environmental criminology in explaining why interpersonal victimization tends to be spatially concentrated, experienced by a small number of repeat victims, and why aggregate journey to crime curves tend to follow a distance decay relationship. By extending previous work in agent-based modeling of property victimization, it also demonstrates that the same core mechanisms are sufficient to generate plausible patterns of crime when examining fundamentally different types of offending.
The Spectre of the Wheezy Dad: Masculinity, Fatherhood and Ageing
Authors: Shirani Fiona
Published: June 2013

This article explores concerns about, and experiences of, ageing amongst men during the early years of fatherhood. Despite acknowledgement of the interconnectivities between age and gender, accounts of ageing masculinity have been relatively overlooked, particularly in relation to younger and middle-aged men’s perceptions of ageing. However, some evidence suggests that despite a general trend towards increasing longevity, anxiety about ageing is occurring at ever younger ages. Drawing on data from a qualitative longitudinal study, this issue is considered here through a parenting lens in light of the wider social trend towards delayed fatherhood. The article focuses on the experiences of men aged 29–54 whose accounts indicate widespread concern about ageing, regardless of their actual chronological age. The analysis foregrounds how these concerns are linked to the continuing association between fathering and physical activity, which highlights the need to consider the implications of advanced paternal age for father–child relationships.
Family and Mobility in Second Modernity: Polish Migrant Narratives of Individualization and Family Life
Authors: Botterill Katherine
Published: June 2013

This article revisits the individualization debate in the context of Polish migration to the UK. Drawing on empirical research with young Polish migrants in Scotland and Poland, I argue that as new opportunities for migration have shaped Polish family life, the family plays ideological, affective and practical roles in shaping and supporting young people’s mobilities. The pursuit of an apparently individualistic, mobile life in the context of post-accession Polish mobility is confounded by the persistence of family structures and relations that underpin and shape individual decisions and mobility pathways. I discuss three ‘ruptures’ to the individualization thesis (Beck and Beck-Gernsheim, 2001) that relate to the process of migration over the lifecourse: ‘moving out’, ‘keeping in touch’, and ‘coming back’. Through these discussions I argue that individual mobility is a relational process and one that can, and should, be analysed alongside family structures rather than separate from it.
Healthy Mixing? Investigating the Associations between Neighbourhood Housing Tenure Mix and Health Outcomes for Urban Residents
Authors: Lawder Richard , Walsh David , Kearns Ade , Livingston Mark
Published: June 2013

This paper examines the association between housing tenure mix and health outcomes for urban residents. The analysis used Cox’s proportional hazard regression modelling with a range of health measures from two waves of the Scottish Health Survey plus linked hospital morbidity records for the survey respondents. There was no consistent pattern in health outcomes according to housing tenure mix. For specific health issues, particular types of neighbourhood had significantly different (worse) outcomes: areas with a sizeable social renting sector for self-reported health; areas with a sizeable social- or private-renting sector for accidents; and areas dominated by social renting for alcohol-related illnesses. There are indications that adjustments to the tenure mix of social housing areas might lead to improvements in some health outcomes: improved mental health and reduced smoking, via a reduction in area deprivation; and reduced alcohol-related illnesses due to possible effects of tenure mix on material context and culture.
Understanding the Impact of the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem on the Relationship between Active Travel and the Built Environment
Authors: Clark Andrew , Scott Darren
Published: June 2013

This study examines how the relationship between active travel (AT) and the built environment is influenced by the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP). Characteristics of the built environment are measured at 14 geographical scales. At each scale, these characteristics are related to a binary measure of AT using a logit model. The data for this study come from the Space–Time Activity Research (STAR) project, which was conducted in Halifax, Canada, between April 2007 and May 2008. The variable coefficients and their significance are examined for MAUP influences. The results suggest that the relationship between AT and the built environment is indeed impacted by the MAUP. The results are used to suggest guidelines for selecting an appropriate scale at which to measure the built environment in order to minimise MAUP effects.
Early Gentrification and the Public Realm: A Case Study of West End in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Walters Peter , McCrea Rod
Published: June 2013

West End is an inner-city neighbourhood in Brisbane, Australia, about to experience profound change. In the next two decades the population of West End is planned to increase fourfold as the result of local and state government urban consolidation policies, with little planning for services and amenity to cater for this increase. Interviews with 50 residents of West End are used to describe the nature and qualities of a strong existing public realm in West End, intimately tied to place and closely associated with West End’s early gentrification status. It is argued that early gentrification, because of the change it brings, has been consistent with the maintenance and protection of this public realm. As West End is the last neighbourhood of its type in the city (and one of the last in the country), it is also argued that in the absence of any state-led policies to foster diversity, for the benefit of the wider metropolis, these neighbourhoods are worth protecting from the parochialising effects of insensitive developer-led ‘second-wave’ gentrification.
Stealing and Being Stolen From
Authors: Heerde Jessica A. , Hemphill Sheryl A.
Published: June 2013

Homelessness is purportedly a predictor of property offending and property victimization, yet published studies examining this occurrence are scarce. This systematic review collates, summarizes, and appraises published studies reporting the rates of perpetration of property offenses and property victimization, and associations between homelessness and these outcomes. A comprehensive search of psychology, sociology, and health electronic databases, including PsycINFO and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) was conducted. Search terms included “homeless*,” “adol*,” “youth*,” “offend*,” “victimization,” and variations to the terms “offending” and “victimization.” Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Effect sizes could be calculated for five reviewed studies. Findings suggested homeless youth engage commonly in either theft or property damage. Burglary and having personal property damaged were the most commonly reported victimization experiences. Several studies reported associations between homelessness and property offenses. Research investigating situational antecedents that contribute to the likelihood of property offenses and property victimization in homeless youth is required.
Reinventing Strategies of Oral Examination in Taiwan Civil Service Recruitment
Authors: Chen José Chiu-C. , Chiang Min-Hsiu , Chen Ting-Ming
Published: June 2013

In Taiwan, both the academic and practitioner have noticed the disputation of high-rank civil service recruitment is getting worse due to the oral exam method. In this article, there are two research questions that need to be answered. One of them is, “How does the oral exam influence the test scores and to what degree?” The other is, “How can the oral exam be improved?” To answer these questions, the research methods of content analysis, Delphi technique, and in-depth interview were adopted. To provide persuasive evidence to disclose the serious problems of oral examination, our research chose four kinds of civil service exams as research objectives. The results of our research not only demonstrate measures for the reform of oral exam assessment but also reveal characteristics of oral exam assessment in Taiwan. Through these results, we get a better understanding of the stakeholders’ perceptions about oral examinations. Besides, it is helpful for the emergence of reinventing strategies.
Risk Factors for the Development of Catheter‐Related Bloodstream Infections in Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Buchman Alan L. , Opilla Marianne , Kwasny Mary , Diamantidis Thomas G. , Okamoto Rodney
Published: June 2013

Background: Risk factors for development of catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) were studied in 125 adults and 18 children who received home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Methods: Medical records from a national home care pharmacy were reviewed for all patients that had HPN infused at least twice weekly for a minimum of two years from January 1, 2006‐December 31, 2011. Infection and risk factor data were collected during this time period on all patients although those patients who received HPN for a longer period had data collected since initiation of HPN. Results: In adults, 331 central venous catheters (CVCs) were placed. Total catheter years were 1157. Median CVC dwell time was 730 days. In children, there were 53 CVCs placed. Total catheter years were 113.1. Median CVC dwell time was 515 days. There were 147 CRBSIs (0.13/catheter year;0.35/1000 catheter days). In children there were 33 CRBSIs (0.29/catheter year;0.80/1000 days; P < .001 versus adults). In adults, univariate analysis showed use of subcutaneous infusion ports instead of tunneled catheters (P = .001), multiple lumen catheters (P = .001), increased frequency of lipid emulsion infusion (P = .001), obtaining blood from the CVC (P < 0.001), and infusion of non‐PN medications via the CVC (P < .001) were significant risk factors for CRBSI. Increased PN frequency was associated with increased risk of CRBSI (P = .001) in children, but not in adults. Catheter disinfection with povidone‐iodine was more effective than isopropyl alcohol alone. There were insufficient patients to evaluate chlorhexidine‐containing regimens. Conclusion: Numerous risk factors for CRBSI were identified for which simple and current countermeasures already exist.
Cigarettes, Culture, and Korean American Emerging Adults
Authors: Huh Jimi , Sami Mojgan , Abramova Zarina S. , Spruijt-Metz Donna , Pentz Mary Ann
Published: June 2013

Korean American emerging adults (KAEA) constitute an understudied, at-risk group for smoking and related health consequences. The cultural meanings of smoking and cessation among KAEA were explored. Sixty-seven KAEA participated in 10 focus groups. Themes from the sessions were identified and domain analysis was conducted. Regarding reasons for smoking, we identified (a) association between the culture of origin and gender identification, (b) access/availability of cigarettes in homes/community, and (c) competing social environments where KAEA adjust their health behaviors. Regarding contexts for cessation, we identified (a) a sense of invincibility/denial, (b) lack of role models or pressure to quit, and (c) lack of significant life events. Using cessation aids represented lacking personal discipline/willpower. The results show that smoking among KAEA is highly contextualized in the culture of origin, despite U.S. tobacco control policies. Implications for culturally sensitive prevention/cessation programs for KAEA include modifying culturally based norms and social spaces regarding cigarettes and cessation.
Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on Wound Healing in an Irradiated Rat Model
Authors: Parker Noah P. , Ardeshirpour Farhad , Schmechel Stephen C. , Lassig Amy Anne D.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To evaluate clinical and immunohistopathological effects of topical glycyl‐histidyl‐lysine‐copper (GHK‐Cu) on in vivo irradiated rat wounds.

Design

Animal model.

Setting

Academic institution.

Subjects and Methods

After dorsal irradiation and a 28‐day recovery period, 2 × 8 cm cranially based dorsal flaps were created in Sprague‐Dawley rats. Twice daily GHK‐Cu gel (test) or aquaphilic ointment (control) was applied for 10 days. Animals were euthanized, digital images of flaps were taken, and harvested tissues were immunohistochemically stained for a vascular endothelium marker, caveolin‐1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Digital image analysis was used for outcome measures. Unpaired t‐tests were used for statistical analyses; significance of P <. 01 accounted for multiple comparisons.

Results

By digital analysis of clinical images, 13 test and 10 control animals showed mean ischemic areas of 5.0 cm2 (SD = 0.9) for tests and 3.8 cm2 (SD = 1.1; P =. 011) for controls. Whole slide digitized images allowed quantification of caveolin‐1‐stained blood vessels and VEGF expression in fibroblasts at the interface of healing flaps. Caveolin‐1 analyses showed a mean of 209.0 vessels (SD = 111.1) and a mean vessel luminal area of 525.7 um2 (SD = 191.0) in tests and 207.4 vessels (SD = 109.4; P =. 973) and 422.8 um2 (SD = 109.7; P =. 118) in controls. VEGF quantified as the percentage of pixels exceeding a colorimetric threshold, with higher fractions of positive pixels indicating more intense staining, showed a mean intensity score of 0.34 (SD = 0.19) in tests and 0.54 (SD = 0.41; P =. 169) in controls.

Conclusions

Irradiated dorsal rat flaps treated with topical GHK‐Cu gel demonstrated no difference in flap ischemia, blood vessel number or area, or VEGF expression compared to controls.
A New Supporting Material for Fascia Grafting during Myringoplasty: Polyglycolic Acid Sheets
Authors: Yamanaka Toshiaki , Sawai Yachiyo , Hosoi Hiroshi
Published: June 2013

We used polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets, a reinforcing material, as supporting devices for securing the fascia instead of fibrin glue or Gelfoam in patients with tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. PGA sheets were placed lateral to the fascia graft attached using the underlay grafting technique in 6 patients. In each case, the PGA sheet had been macerated and had merged into the fascia within 1 week of the procedure. At 2 to 3 postoperative weeks, parts of the sheet had become dehydrated and detached from the fascia, revealing a new epithelialized TM underneath. Eventually, the sheet had disappeared, and complete epithelialization had been achieved at 4 to 5 postoperative weeks, resulting in the successful closure of the perforation. The repair of TM remained stable throughout the follow‐up period of at least 6 months in all patients. These results suggest that PGA sheets have the potential to secure fascia grafts and to guide the epithelialization of new tissue.
Promotion of syntactical development and oral comprehension: Development and initial evaluation of a small-group intervention
Authors: Phillips Beth M
Published: June 2013

This article reports on the development and preliminary implementation trials of a modular small-group intervention targeting syntax and vocabulary for children at high risk for reading comprehension difficulties in grades prekindergarten through first. The intervention, delivered by trained paraprofessionals, included 12 weeks of 20-minute lessons that included hands-on activities promoting receptive and expressive acquisition of grade-specific targeted syntax and semantic features such as prepositions, passive sentence structure, and adverbial clauses. Children ( n = 354) ranging in age from 40–101 months were screened for inclusion on several standardized language measures and those included in the intervention (64–68 per grade, scoring below the 30th percentile on several measures) were assessed on two proximal measures of intervention-linked syntax and listening-comprehension. Results from the repeated implementation trials in each grade indicate that the intervention shows substantial promise as a method of supporting syntax growth and ultimately improving comprehension skills in young children.
Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery for posterolateral perforators performed in the prone position
Authors: Kusagawa Hitoshi , Shomura Shin , Komada Takuya , Katayama Yoshihiko , Haruta Naoki
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) is usually performed for posteromedial perforators in the supine position, but subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery for posterolateral perforators in the prone position has not been reported.

Methods

A 51-year-old male suffered from a venous stasis ulcer around his lateral malleolus because of reflux in the small saphenous vein and incompetent perforating veins around the ulcer.

Results

Stripping of the small saphenous vein and subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery utilizing screw-type ports was successfully conducted in the prone position. Conclusions: The prone position enables interruption of the posterolateral perforators, because gravity-dependent flattening of the muscles enables creation of sufficient subfascial space.
Family members’ perceptions of inpatient palliative care consult services: A qualitative study
Authors: Enguidanos Susan , Housen Patricia , Penido Marcia , Mejia Bill , Miller Julie Anne
Published: June 2013

Background:

Family members are commonly involved in end-of-life decision making and typically involved in inpatient palliative care consultations. Although much research has documented patient outcomes following inpatient palliative care consultation, little is known about family member perceptions of the consultation.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to determine how inpatient palliative care consultations impacted family members’ understanding of the patient’s condition, knowledge of available care options, and decision-making ability.

Design:

An exploratory, qualitative study was conducted employing individual interviews among family members of seriously ill patients, recruited purposively. Interviews were conducted in person, at the hospital, or via telephone, using a semistructured protocol.

Setting/participants:

Family members of seriously ill patients were recruited from a nonprofit, community hospital.

Results:

Interviews were conducted among 23 family members. Four themes were identified and included: perceived qualities of the inpatient palliative care consultation, family readiness, impact on decision-making process, and focus on comfort and quality of life. While most comments reflected positive aspects of the inpatient palliative care consult, such as improved pain control and communication, and increased access to medical professionals and time to discuss patient conditions, some themes reflected a lack of adequate preparation for the inpatient palliative care consultation and readiness for discussing prognosis.

Conclusion:

Family members report discussion with the inpatient palliative care team results in improved communication and knowledge, which contributes to decision-making ability. However, palliative care consultation may be improved by developing stronger protocols for introducing palliative care and by including the attending physician in the process to preclude conflicting, inconsistent information and recommendations.
Baseline dependency of nicotine’s sensory gating actions: similarities and differences in low, medium and high P50 suppressors
Authors: Knott Verner , de la Salle Sara , Smith Dylan , Phillipe Tristan , Dort Heather , Choueiry Joelle , Impey Danielle
Published: June 2013

Reduced suppression of the P50 auditory event-related potential in schizophrenia patients relative to normal controls is indicative of a sensory gating deficit and is one of the most robust findings reported for functional brain abnormalities in this disorder. However, there is considerable gating variability in patients and controls and there is little understanding as to how inter-individual differences moderate gating responses to drugs and nicotinic agonists in particular, which have shown potential to reverse gating deficits. In this study the effects of acutely administered nicotine (gum, 6 mg) on sensory gating in a paired (S1–S2) auditory stimulus paradigm were investigated in 57 healthy, non-smoking volunteers stratified as low ( n = 19), medium ( n = 19) and high ( n = 19) P50 suppressors on the basis of three separate baseline derived gating indices, P50 ratios, P50 difference scores, and gating difference waveforms. Relative to placebo, nicotine consistently improved gating in low suppressors as stratified with all three gating indices, exerted no effects in medium suppressors and reduced gating in high suppressors. Analysis of individual stimulus (S1, S2) amplitudes showed distinctly different mechanisms of action underlying nicotine effects in individuals with low and high baseline suppression. The results parallel similar findings of baseline-dependency in the gating effects of several antipsychotic drugs in healthy volunteers and support the use of group segmentation as a translational model in novel cognitive drug development for schizophrenia.
Experimental study and analysis of the wheels’ steering mechanics for planetary exploration wheeled mobile robots moving on deformable terrain
Authors: Ding Liang , Deng Zongquan , Gao Haibo , Guo Junlong , Zhang Dapeng , Iagnemma Karl D
Published: June 2013

Due to the requirements of challenging planetary exploration missions with wheeled mobile robots (WMRs), the driving mechanics of WMRs’ wheels moving on the deformable terrain has been researched intensively, but the mechanics of the wheels’ steering is lacking research. Systematic steering experiments were carried out using a single-wheel testbed for wheels moving on a lunar soil simulant with different radii, widths, lug heights, and lug numbers under different vertical loads. The influence of the eccentric distance and motion state, such as the steering motor’s angular velocity, steering angle, and initial wheel sinkage, were also studied. The experimental results are illustrated with plenty of figures and analyzed based on the preliminary steering mechanics model to draw conclusions. The steering resistance moment is caused by the lateral bulldoze stress and the shearing stress at the bottom of the wheel. The wheel sinkage and steering moment of resistance increase with an increase in steering angle, which could be fitted with exponential functions. The steering moment is the increasing function of the wheel sinkage, eccentric distance, vertical load, and wheel width. The conclusions, empirical models, and experimental data can be taken as references to the optimal design of a steering mechanism and the development/verification of a wheel’s steering mechanics model.
Closed-loop control of magnetotactic bacteria
Authors: Khalil Islam S. M. , Pichel Marc P. , Abelmann Leon , Misra Sarthak
Published: June 2013

Realization of point-to-point positioning of a magnetotactic bacterium (MTB) necessitates the application of a relatively large magnetic field gradients to decrease its velocity in the vicinity of a reference position. We investigate an alternative closed-loop control approach to position the MTB. This approach is based on the characterization of the magnetic dipole moment of the MTB and its response to a field with alternating direction. We do not only find agreement between our characterized magnetic dipole moment and previously published results, but also observe that the velocity of the MTB decreases by 37% when a field with alternating direction is applied at 85 Hz. The characterization results allow us to devise a null-space control approach which capitalizes on the redundancy of magnetic-based manipulation systems. This approach is based on two inputs. The first controls the orientation of the MTB, whereas the second generates a field with alternating direction to decrease its velocity. This control is accomplished by the redundancy of our magnetic-based manipulation system which allows for the projection of the second input onto the null-space of the magnetic force-current map of our system. A proportional–derivative control system positions the MTB at an average velocity and region of convergence of 29 μm s−1 and 20 μm, respectively, while our null-space control system achieves an average velocity and region of convergence of 15 μm s−1 and 13 μm, respectively.
Bubble space and place representation in topological maps
Authors: Erkent Özgür , Bozma H. Işıl
Published: June 2013

This paper presents bubble space based representation of “places” (nodes) in topological maps. Bubble space simultaneously provides for detailed (bubble surfaces) and holistic (bubble descriptors) representation of places. It is based on bubble memory where visual feature values and their local S2-metric relations from robot’s viewpoint are simultaneously encoded on a deformable spherical surface. Bubble surfaces extend bubble memory to accommodate varying robot pose and multiple features. They are transformed into bubble descriptors that are rotationally invariant with respect to heading changes while being computable in an incremental manner as each new set of visual observations is made. We use bubble descriptors for place learning and recognition with support vector machines in both indoor and outdoor environments and provide analysis results on recognition, recall and precision rates and time performance including a comparative study with the state-of-the-art descriptors.
Decentralized multi-robot cooperation with auctioned POMDPs
Authors: Capitan Jesus , Spaan Matthijs T.J. , Merino Luis , Ollero Anibal
Published: June 2013

Planning under uncertainty faces a scalability problem when considering multi-robot teams, as the information space scales exponentially with the number of robots. To address this issue, this paper proposes to decentralize multi-robot partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) while maintaining cooperation between robots by using POMDP policy auctions. Auctions provide a flexible way of coordinating individual policies modeled by POMDPs and have low communication requirements. In addition, communication models in the multi-agent POMDP literature severely mismatch with real inter-robot communication. We address this issue by exploiting a decentralized data fusion method in order to efficiently maintain a joint belief state among the robots. The paper presents two different applications: environmental monitoring with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); and cooperative tracking, in which several robots have to jointly track a moving target of interest. The first one is used as a proof of concept and illustrates the proposed ideas through different simulations. The second one adds real multi-robot experiments, showcasing the flexibility and robust coordination that our techniques can provide.
Economic Growth and Employment from 1990-2010
Authors: Anderson Bret , Braunstein Elissa
Published: June 2013

In this article we estimate the growth elasticity of employment by gender for 160 countries during 1990-2010. We then econometrically model these elasticities to draw out the structural contexts in which gendered employment outcomes respond differently to growth, including measures of economic structure, demographic change, macroeconomic stability, global stance and policy, and income distribution and institutional development. Our investigation shows that the relative size of the service sector and the ratio of female to male labor force participation are key determinants of differences in employment elasticities by gender, creating higher elasticities for women than men. We also find that the terms of global integration, as measured by the current account balance, growth in the terms of trade, and the share of foreign direct investment in investment, are important for both female and male employment elasticities.

JEL Classification: O5, F4, B54
The Financial Rate of Profit
Authors: Bakir Erdogan , Campbell Al
Published: June 2013

This work contributes to the almost nonexistent literature on the profit rate of the financial sector. It updates the single study to include financial variables to cover the past decade, compares this profit rate to the (almost unpublished) Weisskopf and NIPA financial profit rates, compares the financial and nonfinancial sector rates, and details the procedure to construct the profit rate in the financial sector including relevant financial variables which capitalists consider to make profit-rate decisions.

JEL Classification: B50, E11
The Fiscal Cliff Mythology and the Full Employment Alternative
Authors: Kaboub Fadhel
Published: June 2013

This paper critiques the fiscal cliff mythology and the neoliberal push for economic austerity policies and sequestration of government programs. The purpose of the paper is to shift the debate to a social justice alternative that can sustain and enhance the social safety nets by implementing a full employment program that is both financially affordable and economically productive. First, the paper critically assesses the laissez-faire approach to job creation and lays out the mechanics of the job guarantee (JG) program as an alternative to the neoliberal model. Next, the paper critiques the deficit hawks’ and deficit doves’ “fiscal cliff” debate and demonstrates how the JG program can be financed according to modern money theory (MMT). Finally, the paper presents the cost estimation of the JG program for the United States to demonstrate its financial affordability and its productive capabilities.

JEL Classification: B5, E5, E12, E24, J2, J3, H3, H6, O51
The Failure of Market Fundamentalism
Authors: Chester Lynne
Published: June 2013

This paper argues that neoliberalism’s global restructuring of electricity sectors has failed to deliver its proclaimed objectives and spawned threats to economic growth, financial market stability, environmental degradation, and society’s well-being. Using the case study of Australia, the paper’s régulationist analysis reveals the short-term outcomes and longer-term consequences of this restructuring, and concludes that the paradox of this structural change is the creation of inherent risks to the accumulation process.

JEL Classification: B52, D02, L94, Z18
Contact Zones
Authors: Bracarense Natália
Published: June 2013

Development theory presupposes historical specificity, but has not appropriately dealt with historical change. This inadequacy became more evident in the 1970s when history and other social sciences experienced a paradigmatic shift incited by the “cultural turn.” Motivated by this shift, mainly its emanating concept of “contact zones,” the paper adds to the literature occupied with the directions development theory may take in order to grapple with historical change as a result of the interaction between agency and structure.

JEL Classification: B41, F50, O10
New Systemic Institutional Approach for Comparative Political and Economic Analysis
Authors: Kirdina Svetlana
Published: June 2013

The idea that modern economics is necessarily based on market capitalism continues to dominate in scientific-scholarly discourse. The objective of this article is to present institutional matrix theory, or X- and Y-theory, as an alternative systemic institutional approach to economic and political development. It puts forward some new arguments to explain “grassroots resistance” to the deep marketization in many societies and answers the question why capitalism triumphs in the West and fails everywhere else.

JEL Classification: P51, B52, A13
Instructional Chains as a Method for Examining the Teaching and Learning of Argumentative Writing in Classrooms
Authors: VanDerHeide Jennifer , Newell George E.
Published: June 2013

We propose “instructional chaining” as an analytic method for capturing and describing key instructional episodes enacted by expert writing teachers to foster the recontextualization over time of the social practices of argumentative writing through process-oriented instructional approaches. The article locates instructional chaining within a sociocultural framework and argues for conceptualizing learning to write as the recontextualization of social practices of writing in classroom settings. To illustrate the use of instructional chaining to study the effects of teaching on learning argumentative writing, we describe the processes employed to construct an instructional chain for a unit of literary argumentation in a 12th grade English language arts classroom. We conclude with a discussion of two potential uses of instructional chains as units of analysis for both quantitative and qualitative analyses to study patterns of teaching and learning across many classrooms.
Effects of nanoparticle zinc oxide on emotional behavior and trace elements homeostasis in rat brain
Authors: Amara Salem , Slama Imen Ben , Omri Karim , Ghoul Jaber EL , Mir Lassaad EL , Rhouma Khemais Ben , Abdelmelek Hafedh , Sakly Mohsen
Published: June 2013

Over recent years, nanotoxicology and the potential effects on human body have grown in significance, the potential influences of nanosized materials on the central nervous system have received more attention. The aim of this study was to determine whether zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) exposure cause alterations in emotional behavior and trace elements homeostasis in rat brain. Rats were treated by intraperitoneal injection of ZnO NPs (20–30 nm) at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight. Sub-acute ZnO NPs treatment induced no significant increase in the zinc content in the homogenate brain. Statistically significant decreases in iron and calcium concentrations were found in rat brain tissue compared to control. However, sodium and potassium contents remained unchanged. Also, there were no significant changes in the body weight and the coefficient of brain. In the present study, the anxiety-related behavior was evaluated using the plus-maze test. ZnO NPs treatment modulates slightly the exploratory behaviors of rats. However, no significant differences were observed in the anxious index between ZnO NP-treated rats and the control group ( p > 0.05). Interestingly, our results demonstrated minimal effects of ZnO NPs on emotional behavior of animals, but there was a possible alteration in trace elements homeostasis in rat brain.
Potassium Abnormalities in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Cummings Brian M. , Macklin Eric A. , Yager Phoebe H. , Sharma Amita , Noviski Natan
Published: June 2013

Background:

Potassium abnormalities are common in critically ill patients. We describe the spectrum of potassium abnormalities in our tertiary-level pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Methods:

Retrospective observational cohort of all the patients admitted to a single-center tertiary PICU over a 1-year period. Medical records and laboratory results were obtained through a central electronic data repository.

Results:

A total of 512 patients had a potassium measurement. Of a total of 4484 potassium measurements, one-third had abnormal values. Hypokalemia affected 40% of the admissions. Mild hypokalemia (3-3.4 mmol/L) affected 24% of the admissions. Moderate or severe hypokalemia (K <3.0 mmol/L) affected 16% of the admissions. Hyperkalemia affected 29% of the admissions. Mild hyperkalemia (5.1-6.0 mmol/L) affected 17% of the admissions. Moderate or severe hyperkalemia (>6.0 mmol/L) affected 12%. Hemolysis affected 2% of all the samples and 24% of hyperkalemic values. On univariate analysis, severity of hypokalemia was associated with mortality (odds ratio 2.2, P = .003).

Conclusions:

Mild potassium abnormalities are common in the PICU. Repeating hemolyzed hyperkalemic samples may be beneficial. Guidance in monitoring frequencies of potassium abnormalities in pediatric critical care is needed.
The Prevalence and Impact of Mortality of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on Admissions of Patients With Ischemic Stroke in the United States
Authors: Rincon Fred , Maltenfort Mitchell , Dey Saugat , Ghosh Sayantani , Vibbert Matthew , Urtecho Jaqueline , Jallo Jack , Ratliff John K. , McBride John William , Bell Rodney
Published: June 2013

Purpose:

To determine the epidemiology of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and impact on in-hospital mortality in admissions of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the United States.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study of admissions with a diagnosis of AIS and ARDS from 1994 to 2008 identified through the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Results:

During the 15-year study period, we found 55 58 091 admissions of patients with AIS. The prevalence of ARDS in admissions of patients with AIS increased from 3% in 1994 to 4% in 2008 ( P < .001). The ARDS was more common among younger men, nonwhites, and associated with history of congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal failure, chronic liver disease, systemic tissue plasminogen activator, craniotomy, angioplasty or stent, sepsis, and multiorgan failures. Mortality due to AIS and ARDS decreased from 8% in 1994 to 6% in 2008 ( P < .001) and 55% in 1994 to 45% in 2008 ( P < .001), respectively. The ARDS in AIS increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 14; 95% confidence interval, 13.5-14.3). A significantly higher length of stay was seen in admissions of patients with AIS having ARDS.

Conclusion:

Our analysis demonstrates that ARDS is rare after AIS. Despite an overall significant reduction in mortality after AIS, ARDS carries a higher risk of death in this patient population.
Simulating the Economic Impacts of Living Wage Mandates Using New Public and Administrative Data
Authors: Neumark David , Thompson Matthew , Brindisi Francesco , Koyle Leslie , Reck Clayton
Published: June 2013

Policy researchers often have to estimate the future effect of imposing a policy in a particular location. There is often evidence on the effects of similar policies in other jurisdictions but no information on the effects of the policy in the jurisdiction in question. And the policy may have specific features not reflected in the experiences of other areas. It is then necessary to combine the evidence from other locations with detailed information and data specific to the jurisdiction in question, with which to simulate the effects of the policy in the new jurisdiction. We illustrate and use this approach in estimating the impact of a proposed living wage mandate for New York City, emphasizing how our ex ante simulations make use of detailed location-specific information on workers, families, and employers using administrative data and other new public data sources.
Effect of lip thickness on the aero-acoustic features of Hartmann whistle
Authors: Narayanan S , Srinivasan K , Sundararajan T
Published: June 2013

The primary objective of this work is to investigate lip-thickness effect on the various acoustic emission characteristics of Hartmann whistle. Nozzle-to-cavity distance (stand-off distance), cavity length, nozzle pressure ratio and lip thickness form the pertinent parameters of the present study. Two lip thicknesses considered in the present study are a thick-lipped cavity (5 mm) and a thin-lipped cavity (1 mm). Although lip thickness has negligible effect on the resonance frequency, it has significant influence over the sound pressure levels generated. The results showed that thin-lipped-Hartmann whistles could emit up to 2.4 times the acoustic power as compared with thick-lipped whistles.
Numerical study on impulse characteristics of laser-supported air-breathing pulsed detonation thrusters
Authors: Li Xiaokang , Cheng Mousen , Wang Moge , Li Gan
Published: June 2013

A laser-supported air-breathing thruster utilizes the remote laser energy and atmospheric air to boost a vehicle. To calculate the impulse induced by a laser pulse, the operational process was divided into two phases. First, one dimension (1D) laser-supported absorption waves in the air were simulated by an implicit dual-time method, and laser absorption efficiencies were predicted, based on a more accurate absorption model and three temperatures thermal nonequilibrium. Sequentially, impulses for different parabolic thrusters and pulse energies were computed, considering the high-temperature real gas effect. Then experiments were conducted with a ballistic pendulum apparatus. The calculations of 1D absorption waves show that as laser intensity increases, the electron number density would reach the critical value, resulting in a laser reflection and decrease of absorption efficiency. Further calculations for thrusters imply the thrust oscillation due to air-refilling has an evident influence on the total impulse received, and because of a higher thrust peak and longer positive phase time, the flat top and longer configuration would significantly enhance the performance. Experimental results show that the errors of the impulse calculations for two thrusters are 4.2% and 9.4%, respectively, which verifies the calculation model.
Climate Change and Four Goals for Operational Gaming
Authors: Meadows Dennis
Published: June 2013

This foreword highlights the danger of runaway climate change. It outlines four obstacles that appear to prevent world society from adopting a positive approach to climate change: (a) general ignorance about the dynamics of climate change, (b) the long time frame needed for action to produce effective results, (c) the blocking power of the rich and powerful (those with vested interests in greenhouse gas industries), and (d) the ever increasing worldwide demands for energy and resources. Games can be a powerful tool to help developments move in the right direction.
Climate Change and Simulation/Gaming
Authors: Eisenack Klaus , Reckien Diana
Published: June 2013

In this guest editorial, we survey some of the main themes and issues in anthropogenic global warming. We emphasize the great potential of simulation/games as an educational strategy. The diversity of issues in climate change is matched by the variety of simulation/games. We then provide a summary of the main points of each of the eight articles, which together contain a wide range of perspectives on climate change, of types of simulation/gaming, of level of abstraction, and of method of implementation.
Retrospective Assessment of Objective Prognostic Score in Terminally Ill Korean Patients With Cancer
Authors: Yoon Seok-Joon , Jung Jin-Gyu , Kim Jong-Sung , Kim Sung-Soo , Kim Samyong
Published: June 2013

We conducted a retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of 104 patients to assess the usefulness of the objective prognostic score (OPS) in an independent population of Korea. The median survival time (±standard error) of the high OPS group (≥3) was 9.0 ± 1.31 days and that of the low OPS group (<3) was 26.0 ± 3.3 days. The former was significantly shorter than the latter ( P < .001). Only delirium (hazard ratio 1.751, P = .032) was related to shorter survival time independent of the OPS. This study demonstrates that the OPS is a valid and useful prognostic tool for predicting survival in terminally ill Korean patients with cancer, and that inclusion of delirium into the OPS may improve its prognostic value.
Impact of Anticoagulation on Coronary Flow in Patients With Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Kang Jeehoon , Cho Young-Seok , Song Hee Yun , Kim Hyun Jin , Oh Il-Young , Yoon Chang-Hwan , Suh Jung-Won , Kim Kwang-Il , Chung Woo-Young , Youn Tae-Jin , Chae In-Ho , Choi Dong-Ju
Published: June 2013

The effect of anticoagulation by heparin on patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), receiving early dual antiplatelet therapy, has not been fully evaluated. We classified 355 patients with NSTE-ACS according to the adequacy of anticoagulation (percentage of low activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT] level). The 6-hour APTT level was optimal in only 23.1% of the patients treated with unfractionated heparin. The rate of poor preprocedural coronary blood flow (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade <3, 39.1%, 30.5%, 30.3%, and 33.9% in the 100% low-, 99%∼50% low-, 49%∼1% low-, and 0% low-APTT group, respectively, P = .632) and bleeding events did not differ between the groups. Instead, in multivariate analysis, the diagnosis of myocardial infarction was the only independent predictor of poor coronary flow. For bleeding events, the usage of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor appeared to be a sole risk factor. In conclusion, inadequate preprocedural anticoagulation was not associated with adverse outcomes in patients with NSTE-ACS treated with dual antiplatelet agents.