bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the Seasonal Cycle in the Subduction Rates of Upper–Southern Ocean Waters
Authors: Kwon Eun Young , Downes Stephanie M. , Sarmiento Jorge L. , Farneti Riccardo , Deutsch Curtis
Published: February 2013

A kinematic approach is used to diagnose the subduction rates of upper–Southern Ocean waters across seasonally migrating density outcrops at the base of the mixed layer. From an Eulerian viewpoint, the term representing the temporal change in the mixed layer depth (which is labeled as the temporal induction in this study; i.e., Stemp = ∂h/∂t where h is the mixed layer thickness, and t is time) vanishes over several annual cycles. Following seasonally migrating density outcrops, however, the temporal induction is attributed partly to the temporal change in the mixed layer thickness averaged over a density outcrop following its seasonally varying position and partly to the lateral movement of the outcrop position intersecting the sloping mixed layer base. Neither the temporal induction following an outcrop nor its integral over the outcrop area vanishes over several annual cycles. Instead, the seasonal eddy subduction, which arises primarily because of the subannual correlations between the seasonal cycles of the mixed layer depth and the outcrop area, explains the key mechanism by which mode waters are transferred from the mixed layer to the underlying pycnocline. The time-mean exchange rate of waters across the base of the mixed layer is substantially different from the exchange rate of waters across the fixed winter mixed layer base in mode water density classes. Nearly 40% of the newly formed Southern Ocean mode waters appear to be diapycnally transformed within the seasonal pycnocline before either being subducted into the main pycnocline or entrained back to the mixed layer through lighter density classes.
Using the Implicit Association Test as an Unconsciousness Raising Tool in Psychology
Authors: Casad Bettina J. , Flores Abdiel J. , Didway Jessica D.
Published: January 2013

People are reluctant to admit they harbor implicit biases. Students ( N = 68) from four social psychology courses completed an assignment designed to raise awareness about implicit biases. After completing an Implicit Association Test (IAT), students answered six essay questions, read two articles on the IAT, and answered five additional essay questions. Before the readings, students showed uncertainty about the IAT’s ability to measure their implicit attitudes. The main reason students gave in support of or against the IAT’s validity was the congruency between their implicit and explicit attitudes. After the readings, more students agreed that the IAT measured prejudice. This assignment was a useful tool in raising students’ awareness about their unconscious biases and teaching them about implicit attitudes.
Replicate This! Creating Individual-Level Data From Summary Statistics Using R
Authors: Morse Brendan J.
Published: January 2013

Incorporating realistic data and research examples into quantitative (e.g., statistics and research methods) courses has been widely recommended for enhancing student engagement and comprehension. One way to achieve these ends is to use a data generator to emulate the data in published research articles. MorseGen is a free data generator that creates realistic, individual-level data based on user-specified summary statistics (e.g., N, mean, standard deviation, and r). These values can be used in course exercises that allow students to replicate the published results for any between-subjects design or correlation study. Using realistic data generated by MorseGen addresses multiple learning goals proposed for undergraduate psychology students as well as the initiative to increase the realism of exercises and examples in quantitative courses.
Item Pocket Method to Allow Response Review and Change in Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Han Kyung T.
Published: January 2013

Most computerized adaptive testing (CAT) programs do not allow test takers to review and change their responses because it could seriously deteriorate the efficiency of measurement and make tests vulnerable to manipulative test-taking strategies. Several modified testing methods have been developed that provide restricted review options while limiting the trade-off in CAT efficiency. The extent to which these methods provided test takers with options to review test items, however, still was quite limited. This study proposes the item pocket (IP) method, a new testing approach that allows test takers greater flexibility in changing their responses by eliminating restrictions that prevent them from moving across test sections to review their answers. A series of simulations were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the IP method against various manipulative test-taking strategies. Findings and implications of the study suggest that the IP method may be an effective solution for many CAT programs when the IP size and test time limit are properly set.
Comparative Effectiveness Research
Authors: Hastings-Tolsma Marie , Matthews Ellyn E. , Nelson Joan M. , Schmiege Sarah
Published: January 2013

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is an important foundation in the development of scientific evidence that can assist patients, clinicians, and policy makers in making decisions that improve patient and system outcomes, including cost. CER is a part of what is now called dissemination and implementation science, which focuses on translating knowledge into practice by facilitating stakeholder access to more interpretable findings. CER has evolved from a rich history that aims to compare the effectiveness of select clinical treatments, approaches, or programs. This article describes the development of CER, approaches to designing and analyzing this research, and resources useful in generating such knowledge by nurse scientists.
Globalization of e-government: open government as a global agenda; benefits, limitations and ways forward
Authors: Kassen Maxat
Published: January 2013

This article claims to be both a review of international collaborative efforts in promotion of e-government as a universal value and an agenda-setting paper. The author argues that the e-government agenda in the international arena suffers from its overgeneralization as a tool to achieve better governance, which does not take into account heterogeneous political and institutional environments in different countries, and various disparities in harmonization of realization procedures on a global scale. In particular, the article reviews global collaboration efforts of the last two decades in the promotion of e-government, for instance, its political, economical and technological values, and argues why it is necessary to set an agenda that takes into account typical limitations developed and developing countries face in realization of e-government projects, and suggests ways forward.
Opiate agonists and antagonists modulate taste perception in opiate-maintained and recently detoxified subjects
Authors: Green Amy , Kaul Arun , O’Shea Jacinta , Sharma Ekta , Bennett Lisa , Mullings Emma L , Munafò Marcus R , Nutt David J , Melichar Jan K , Donaldson Lucy F
Published: January 2013

Heroin addicts consume large quantities of refined sugars. This study investigated the effect of opiate use and antagonism on sweet taste in opiate-maintained drug users and detoxified former chronic opiate users, using a within-subject design.

Seven opiate users received methadone and seven buprenorphine maintenance. Six detoxified subjects received naltrexone. Sucrose recognition thresholds and measurements of pleasantness and intensity were determined before and four hours after 1) a single dose of methadone or buprenorphine or 2) naltrexone. Control data were taken from a cohort of healthy volunteers including smokers.

All measures of sweet and salt taste perception were significantly greater in opiate users and recently detoxified subjects compared to control subjects, with the exception of sweet pleasantness, which returned to control level after detoxification. Acute methadone administration reduced salt thresholds and unpleasantness to control levels. Increased sweet thresholds and salt unpleasantness in detoxified subjects were reversed by acute opioid antagonism, returning to control levels. These results suggest that opiate use and antagonism alters taste perception. Some of the alterations reverse on detoxification (sweet pleasantness), and others can be reversed by opioid antagonism (sweet threshold, salt unpleasantness). Changes in taste perception may underlie altered consumption of refined sugars in opiate users.
Cocoa polyphenols enhance positive mood states but not cognitive performance: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Pase Matthew P , Scholey Andrew B , Pipingas Andrew , Kras Marni , Nolidin Karen , Gibbs Amy , Wesnes Keith , Stough Con
Published: January 2013

This study aimed to examine the acute and sub-chronic effects of cocoa polyphenols on cognition and mood. In a randomized, double-blind study, healthy middle-aged participants received a dark chocolate drink mix standardized to contain 500 mg, 250 mg or 0 mg of polyphenols (placebo) in a parallel-groups design. Participants consumed their assigned treatment once daily for 30 days. Cognition was measured with the Cognitive Drug Research system and self-rated mood with the Bond–Lader Visual Analogue Scale. Participants were tested at baseline, at 1, 2.5 and 4 h after a single acute dose and again after receiving 30 days of treatment. In total, 72 participants completed the trial. After 30 days, the high dose of treatment significantly increased self-rated calmness and contentedness relative to placebo. Mood was unchanged by treatment acutely while cognition was unaffected by treatment at all time points. This randomized controlled trial is perhaps the first to demonstrate the positive effects of cocoa polyphenols on mood in healthy participants. This provides a rationale for exploring whether cocoa polyphenols can ameliorate the symptoms associated with clinical anxiety or depression.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Based Topographical Differences Between Control and Recurrent Patellofemoral Instability Patients
Authors: Charles Michael D. , Haloman Sean , Chen Lina , Ward Samuel R. , Fithian Donald , Afra Robert
Published: January 2013

Background:

Plain films and computed tomography (CT)–based imaging were the first to establish measurements that evaluated patellar instability. Limited research has shown the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating these established measurements.

Purpose:

To identify morphological differences between normal knees and those with patellofemoral instability on MRI to determine what measurements are significant and how MRI-based means differ from historical means based on radiograph and CT imaging.

Study Design:

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Eighty-one controls and 40 patients with recurrent patellar instability between 2006 and 2010 were reviewed. The control patients had a history and an examination negative for patellofemoral symptoms. Patients with patellar instability had a history of at least 2 frank patellofemoral joint dislocations (PFJDs). The MRI images were obtained on the nonweightbearing knee in full extension. Measurements of patellar tilt, trochlear morphologic characteristics, and tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TTTG) distance were evaluated on axial slices, and patellar height was measured on sagittal images. Trochlear shape was assessed at the proximal and distal trochlea.

Results:

All measurements of patellar tilt (mean ± SD) were found to be significantly different between the 2 groups. For patellar height, the Insall-Salvati ratio (control, 1.08 ± 0.02; PFJD, 1.26 ± 0.03) and Caton-Deschamps ratio (control, 1.13 ± 0.02; PFJD, 1.29 ± 0.03) proved to be significantly different. Trochlear morphologic characteristics had numerous measurements prove to be significantly different proximally and distally. These included classic measurements such as sulcus angle (control, 148.48° ± 0.94°; PFJD, 165.57° ± 2.65°) and lateral trochlear inclination (control, 21.27° ± 0.66°; PFJD, 13.31° ± 1.36°) proximally and less established measurements such as the ratio of external (lateral) trochlea to internal (medial) trochlea (control, 1.51 ± 0.05; PFJD, 2.11 ± 0.17), a measurement of facet asymmetry.

Conclusion:

The MRI-based patellar tilt measures proved to be an excellent group of measurements for delineating between controls and those with instability. Patella alta ratios, such as Insall-Salvati and Caton-Deschamps, demonstrated a statistically significant difference between normal and recurrent dislocators. Trochlear measurements proved significantly different at the proximal and distal trochlea. Our findings demonstrate that MRI is appropriate to help discern recognized pathologic abnormalities that characterize patellofemoral instability.
Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reliable in Predicting Clinical Outcome After Articular Cartilage Repair of the Knee?
Authors: de Windt Tommy S. , Welsch Goetz H. , Brittberg Mats , Vonk Lucienne A. , Marlovits Stefan , Trattnig Siegfried , Saris Daniel B.F.
Published: January 2013

Background:

While MRI can provide a detailed morphological evaluation after articular cartilage repair, its additional value in determining clinical outcome has yet to be determined.

Purpose:

To evaluate the correlation between MRI and clinical outcome after cartilage repair and to identify parameters that are most important in determining clinical outcome.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

A systematic search was performed in Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Collaboration. Articles were screened for relevance and appraised for quality. Guidelines in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Statement were used. Chi-square tests were performed to find variables that could determine correlation between clinical and radiological parameters.

Results:

A total of 32 articles (total number of patients, 1019) were included. A majority (81%) were case series or cohort studies that used similar standardized MRI techniques. The mean Coleman score was 63 (range, 42-96). For the majority of MRI parameters, limited or no correlation was found. Nine studies (28%) found a correlation between clinical outcome and the composite magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) or Henderson score and 7 (22%) with defect fill. In 5 studies, a weak to moderate correlation was found between clinical outcome and the T2 index (mean Pearson coefficient r = .53).

Conclusion:

Strong evidence to determine whether morphological MRI is reliable in predicting clinical outcome after cartilage repair is lacking. Future research aiming specifically at clinical sensitivity of advanced morphological and biochemical MRI techniques after articular cartilage repair could be of great importance to the field.
Prospective Study of the Emfit Movement Monitor
Authors: Poppel Kate Van , Fulton Stephen P. , McGregor Amy , Ellis Michelle , Patters Andrea , Wheless James
Published: January 2013

Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is associated with generalized tonic-clonic seizures and occurs most often when patients are in bed. There are several seizure detection monitors on the market, but little data are available on the sensitivity and specificity of these devices. We recently tested 2 models of seizure detection alarms with disappointing results. Here we tested the Emfit movement monitor on children with various seizure types who also had standard video electroencephalography (EEG), cardiopulmonary, and nursing monitoring. Video EEG records were reviewed to detect any seizures. In 45 patients, 78 seizures were recorded by video EEG. The Emfit movement monitor captured 23 seizure events (30%) in total, and 15 of the 28 (54%) that occurred during sleep. Most importantly, the alarm was activated with 11 of the 13 (85%) generalized tonic-clonic seizures that occurred in sleeping children. The Emfit movement monitor performed very well in comparison to previously tested devices.
Creative Power of Metaphorical Expression
Authors: Sharoff Leighsa
Published: January 2013

Gathering metaphors of holistic nurses provides for an exploration of how that metaphor is captured in real-life experiences. Metaphors are a way of describing an experience or a perceived notion as a personal expression of thought. The metaphoric understanding of what practicing as a holistic nurse means is discussed with reference to the personal, emotional, and spiritual component of being a holistic nurse. Capturing the superfluity and vividness of these beautiful expressions embedded in participants’ metaphors produced insight and a deeper apprehension of the connectedness in nursing. This study used a qualitative exploratory approach to collect data from 75 holistic nurses. Data were collected using participants’ own expression of the metaphor of holistic nursing and correlating critical incident reports of how that metaphor was expressed in practice. Metaphors were not analyzed but correlated by themes. The critical incident reports were analyzed to uncover and isolate key aspects of commonalities. The results capture the abundance and diversity of metaphorical expressions embedded in participants’ metaphors produced insight and a deeper appreciation of the connectedness in nursing.
Dynamic mechanical and thermal behavior evaluation of an epoxy/anhydride/nano-aluminum oxide composite system
Authors: Farhadinejad Zeinab , Ehsani Morteza , Moemen-Bellah Samad
Published: January 2013

The conventional properties of composites may be improved by incorporating the nanoparticles in polymer matrix to achieve high-performance polymer nanocomposites. In this respect, a commercial formulation of an epoxy electrical insulator was prepared by the chemical reaction of bisphenol A-based epoxy resin with an anhydride hardener and mixed with microsilica as filler. The effect of different contents of nano-aluminum oxide on dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of the cast epoxy composite was evaluated. The obtained result revealed that the effect of uniform dispersion of nanoparticles on storage modulus was as important as the filler content. In other words, increasing nanoparticle contents up to 10 wt% could not necessarily improve the properties of the nanocomposite while a uniform dispersion of nanofiller of just 1 wt% in a sample provided an efficient nanocomposite in which the values of storage modulus, dissipation factor and thermal stability were optimized. Furthermore, the combination of stiffness and high damping may be achieved in well-dispersed nanocomposites where strong interfacial interaction dominates between particle surface and polymer chain segments. This kind of sample possesses the highest thermal stability as well.
A new organosilicon adhesive based on polysiloxane and polysilazane
Authors: Liu Wei , Luo Yongming , Xu Caihong
Published: January 2013

A new organosilicon adhesive was prepared by combining a vinyl-containing polysilazane (PSN) and a multifunctional polysiloxane (PSO). The adhesive was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of the PSN content on thermal properties of the adhesive was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. On the basis of lap shear strength (LSS) test, the effects of the PSN content and the curing conditions on adhesive properties were evaluated. The sample with 20% of PSN cured at 170°C/4 h and then 330°C/4 h showed an LSS as high as 15.32 MPa at room temperature and 1.93 MPa at 400°C. The LSS decreased with the increase in testing temperature.
Effect of barium-containing glass filler reinforcement on shear bond strength of poly(ether ether ketone) to resin cement
Authors: Yan Pengtao , Xu Da , Wang Yongpeng , Wang Bing , Li Na , Zhang Haibo , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how barium-containing glass filler (BGF) reinforcement and pretreatment methods affect shear bond strength (SBS) of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) to resin cement. PEEK composites with various amounts of BGF (10, 20, 30 and 40 wt%) were prepared as PEEK-BGF10, PEEK-BGF20, PEEK-BGF30 and PEEK-BGF40. Afterward, PEEK and PEEK-BGF40 specimens were treated with hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid (H2SO4), silica coating and polishing, respectively. Acrylic hollow cylinders were luted with Dentex dual-curing resin cement to the specimens. Finally, SBS measurements were conducted with a universal testing machine. The introduction of BGFs greatly enhanced SBS of PEEK to resin cement. After simply polishing with 150 grit silicon carbide papers (G150), PEEK-BGF40 exhibited the SBS value up to 19.73 ± 4.30 MPa, similar to the PEEK treated with H2SO4 etching. Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to investigate the surface morphological and chemical changes in PEEK and PEEK-BGF composites before and after surface treatment. The results indicate that the introduction of BGF particles plays a key role in improving the adhesion between PEEK and resin cement. This study provides a new method to enhance the adhesion to PEEK without breaking its surface structure, which encourage further research in PEEK composite application in dentistry.
Influence of electrical discharge machining process parameters on surface micro-hardness of titanium alloy
Authors: Ndaliman Mohammed B , Khan Ahsan A , Ali Mohammad Y
Published: January 2013

The resistance of a material to an indentation on microscopic scale is an indication of its micro-hardness. To a lubrication engineer, micro-hardness is synonymous with surface wear resistance of a material. In this study, an attempt was made to enhance the surface micro-hardness of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) through modification of electrical discharge machining process parameters. These parameters are the electrode, the dielectric fluid and the electrical variables of the machine. Cu–TaC composite electrode produced through powder metallurgy method was used during the electrical discharge machining with different urea concentrations in distilled water as dielectric fluid. The electrical variables used were the peak current, the pulse duration and the duty factor. Electrical discharge machining was also conducted with copper (Cu) powder metallurgy electrode with distilled water dielectric fluid for comparison. The results showed that the micro-hardness of the electrical discharge machined surfaces with Cu–TaC electrode/urea dielectric fluid was generally higher than that of those with Cu electrode/distilled water dielectric fluid. The highest micro-hardness of 1795 Hv was attained with 10 g/L of urea concentration.
Using additive manufacturing in accuracy evaluation of reconstructions from computed tomography
Authors: Smith Erin J , Anstey Joseph A , Venne Gabriel , Ellis Randy E
Published: January 2013

Bone models derived from patient imaging and fabricated using additive manufacturing technology have many potential uses including surgical planning, training, and research. This study evaluated the accuracy of bone surface reconstruction of two diarthrodial joints, the hip and shoulder, from computed tomography. Image segmentation of the tomographic series was used to develop a three-dimensional virtual model, which was fabricated using fused deposition modelling. Laser scanning was used to compare cadaver bones, printed models, and intermediate segmentations. The overall bone reconstruction process had a reproducibility of 0.3 ± 0.4 mm. Production of the model had an accuracy of 0.1 ± 0.1 mm, while the segmentation had an accuracy of 0.3 ± 0.4 mm, indicating that segmentation accuracy was the key factor in reconstruction. Generally, the shape of the articular surfaces was reproduced accurately, with poorer accuracy near the periphery of the articular surfaces, particularly in regions with periosteum covering and where osteophytes were apparent.
Single-Parent Caregivers of Children with Cancer
Authors: Rosenberg-Yunger Zahava R. S. , Granek Leeat , Sung Lillian , Klaassen Robert , Dix David , Cairney John , Klassen Anne F.
Published: January 2013

Objectives: Caring for a child with a cancer can result in significant financial strain on families, which in turn can affect parental emotional, physical, and social health. We explored the supportive factors and resources that helped single parents of children with cancer throughout the caregiving process. Methods: Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, we recruited 29 single parents of children with cancer that were at least 6 months postdiagnosis and 2 hospital social workers across 4 Canadian pediatric oncology centers. Results: Many parents had knowledge of, accessed, and received support from family, friends, community (eg, teachers, religious organizations) and cancer organizations and government programs. Nonetheless, they reported a number of unmet needs. Conclusions: Participants reported their need for more social-emotional, practical, and financial support to assist them with their caregiving duties. We recommend that hospitals provide education to describe ( a) supports available to families and ( b) parental caregiver needs to families’ support networks. Further research is needed to identify limitations of the current public benefit schemes for caregivers.
Postsecondary Transition Under IDEA 2004
Authors: Prince Angela M. T. , Katsiyannis Antonis , Farmer Jennie
Published: January 2013

Postsecondary transition planning for students with disabilities first entered the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990. The required provisions for transition planning were updated with the amendments to IDEA in 1997 and its reauthorization in 2004. Since IDEA 2004 took effect in July 2005, 11 court cases have been decided related to postsecondary transition planning. This article summarizes recent litigation in transition and discuss practice implications.
Subtalar Distraction Osteogenesis for Posttraumatic Arthritis Following Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures
Authors: Fan Wei-Li , Sun Hong-Zhen , Wu Si-Yu , Wang Ai-Min
Published: January 2013

Background:

The most common treatment for old calcaneal fractures accompanied by subtalar joint injury is the use of subtalar in situ arthrodesis and subtalar distraction bone-block arthrodesis or osteotomy. This article describes the introduction of a novel surgical treatment, gradual subtalar distraction with external fixation and restoration of the calcaneal height, and presents an assessment of its efficacy.

Methods:

The protruding lateral calcaneus and the articular surfaces and subchondral bone of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint were surgically removed. An external fixator, attached with 2 pins in the subcutaneous tibia and 2 pins in the posterolateral calcaneus, was used to fix the subtalar joint for 7 to 10 days followed by gradual subtalar distraction at 1 mm/d. The lengthening procedure was stopped when the calcaneal height was restored according to radiography. The external fixator was removed after bone fusion. Seven cases of old calcaneal fractures accompanied by severe subtalar joint injury (8 feet) were treated using this method. Average follow-up was 14.3 months (range, 7-36 months).

Results:

In all 7 cases (1 case of both feet), the postoperative wound healed primarily. The calcaneal heights of all 8 feet were partially restored. Subtalar joint bone fusion was completed within 4 to 6 months after the operation. The average preoperative American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score was 25.3, and the average postoperative AOFAS score was 76.3.

Conclusion:

Subtalar distraction osteogenesis with external fixation was a novel and effective method for the treatment of old calcaneal fractures accompanied by severe subtalar joint injury in this small group of patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Thrombophilia in Patients With Lower Limb Deep Veins Thrombosis (LDVT) Results of a Monocentric Survey on 103 Consecutive Outpatients
Authors: Signorelli Salvatore Santo , Fiore Valerio , Puccia Giuseppe , Mastrosimone Gianluca , Anzaldi Massimiliano
Published: January 2013

A debate concerns the utility of large screening for acquired or inherited thrombophilia. The study concerns relationship between inherited thrombophilic status and lower limb deep vein thrombosis (LDVT) and highlights the possible use of extensive thrombophilia screening to determine an emerging risk of LDVT. From January 2010 to January 2012, 103 consecutive patients with LDVT were considered. In all, 57 (55.3%) patients with LDVT showed inherited thrombophilia. The most frequent trombophilic alterations were deficiency of protein S (33 patients, 32.0%), methylentethrafolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T variant (22 patients, 21.4%), protrombin gene G20210A alteration (50, 14.6%), and deficiency of protein C (12, 11.6%). Age and MTHFR variant were found related to LDVT and thrombophilia was related to distal LDVT. A high frequency of thrombophylic factor was found in patients with LDVT, but we believe that a generic genetic screening should not be suggested for these patients.
Subjection, Subjectivity, and Agency
Authors: Semaan Ingrid , Jasinski Jana L. , Bubriski-McKenzie Anne
Published: January 2013

Drawing on in-depth interviews with mothers who were abused by intimate partners, we argue that mothering can be a source of empowerment that helps battered women both care for their children and survive and assert themselves. Women in the study sample described a violation of some aspect of their mothering as the reason they left their partners. However, narrative analysis exposed contradictions in participants’ stories, revealing multiple factors that shaped their decisions to leave. Although motherhood was significant for the women who participated in the study, it was not their only motivation for ending their relationships with abusive partners.
When Does Politics Matter? A Reexamination of the Determinants of African-American and Latino Municipal Employment Patterns
Authors: Kerr Brinck , Miller Will , Schreckhise William D. , Reid Margaret
Published: January 2013

We develop a revised theory of political influence that addresses the relationship between minority political representation and administrative-level municipal employment patterns among African-Americans and Latinos in U.S. cities. We conduct pooled time-series analysis on employment data from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for years 1987 through 2001. We find that the dynamics of political representation are different for African-Americans and Latinos. Cities with African-American mayors or city managers tend to have more African-Americans serving in administrative positions in municipal agencies. Although this mayoral/city manager effect is not found for Latino employment, more Latino council members lead to more Latino administrators. We also find that African-American employment gains resulting from political representation are more likely to occur in agencies that have the most policy relevance for African-Americans, yet this is not the case for Latino employment. Our results suggest strongly that political processes—conceptualized as the relationship between political leadership and administrative-level hiring and retention—work differently for African-Americans than they do for Latinos.
Love and leadership: Constructing follower narrative identities of charismatic leadership
Authors: Parry Ken , Kempster Steve
Published: January 2013

Most extant research on charismatic leadership has an essentialist orientation that characterises it as leader behaviour, leader communication or follower dependency. Our approach is more discursively oriented. To research charismatic leadership, we used aesthetic narrative positivism, which undertook utilitarian as well as critical method. We examined followers’ implicit narratives of their lived experiences of charismatic leadership in organisational settings. We examined metaphors for this experience. Most respondents identified with positive affect, a form of love story; a minority experienced negative affect, especially anger; and some experienced both positive and negative emotions. We posit that if one adopts a certain identity within the context of a dramatic narrative, one might be attributed with charismatic qualities by followers. In this way, we suggest that charismatic leadership might be less a gift from God and more a ‘gift from followers’.
Hard acts to follow
Authors: Horiuchi Yusaku , Laing Matthew , Hart Paul ‘t
Published: January 2013

In this article, using our original data on party leadership succession in 23 parliamentary democracies, we investigate the determinants of a party leader’s survival rate: how long he/she remains in office. Unlike previous studies, which focus on institutional settings of leadership selection or on situational (political, economic and international) conditions at the time of succession, we propose a perceptual theory of leadership survival, focusing on the expectations of party constituents (or indirectly, the voting public) who have the power to remove a leader. Specifically, we argue that they ‘benchmark’ their expectation of a current party leader’s performance by comparing it against their memory of that leader’s immediate predecessor. Empirically, we show that party leaders who succeeded a (very) long-serving party leader and/or a leader who had also been the head of government experience lower longevity than others, making these types of predecessor ‘hard acts to follow’.
The influence of electoral institutions on legislative representation
Authors: Fujimura Naofumi
Published: January 2013

This study aims to offer empirical evidence of how electoral systems influence the way legislators represent their constituencies. In particular, it analyses the influence of electoral systems on legislators’ representations in terms of a pattern of policy areas represented by them. By comparing legislators’ behaviour under Japan’s multi-member district, single non-transferable vote and single-member district systems, I demonstrate that electoral systems with higher district magnitude (i.e. higher number of seats per district) are more likely to offer electoral incentives for legislators to represent specific benefits, including particularistic interests in targeted policy areas. On the other hand, electoral systems with lower district magnitude are more likely to provide electoral incentives for representing diverse benefits, including general interests in various policy areas.
The niche party concept and its measurement
Authors: Meyer Thomas M , Miller Bernhard
Published: January 2013

The concept of the niche party has become increasingly popular in analyses of party competition. Yet, existing approaches vary in their definitions and their measurement approaches. We propose using a minimal definition that allows us to compare political parties in terms of their ‘nicheness’. We argue that the conceptual core of the niche party concept is based on issue emphasis and that a niche party emphasizes policy areas neglected by its rivals. Based on this definition, we propose a continuous measure that allows for more fine-grained measurement of a party’s ‘nicheness’ than the dominant, dichotomous approaches and thereby limits the risk of measurement error. Drawing on data collected by the Comparative Manifesto Project, we show that (1) our measure has high face validity and (2) exposes differences among parties that are not captured by alternative, static or dichotomous measures.
Issues and leaders as vote determinants
Authors: Bellucci Paolo , Garzia Diego , Lewis-Beck Michael S
Published: January 2013

A growing literature highlights the importance of leader image as a determinant of voting in contemporary democracies and as a force now paralleling the explanatory power of traditional structural and ideological factors affecting voting choice. Yet the actual effect of leaders in the citizen’s vote calculus remains uncertain because of the potential reciprocal causation between leader evaluation and other vote determinants. Thus, the extent to which voters’ appreciation of leaders depends on their personality traits or on their policies, and how these forces variously influence the vote, is difficult to assess. To cope with this endogeneity problem we rely on instrumental variable estimation and two-stage regression analysis. We are able to show that in the highly polarized 2006 Italian legislative elections the net direct effect of leaders on voting choice was actually weaker than that exerted by issue preferences.
Shifting boundaries: Objectivity, citizen journalism and tomorrow’s journalists
Authors: Blaagaard Bolette B
Published: January 2013

This article examines the relationship between citizen journalism and professional journalism by means of a theoretical discussion combined with empirical data gathered through focus group interviews with students of international journalism. The article discusses the process and ongoing struggle within journalistic practice of keeping up the idea as well as the practice of journalistic objectivity. Working on from Schudson (2003), Schudson and Anderson (2009) and Tumber and Prentoulis’ (2003) analyses of journalistic professionalism, the article develops the idea of journalistic objectivity as it is faced with the technological advances that support citizen journalism. The interviews focus on the ways in which the students understand the tension of the changing relationship between professional journalism and citizens, brought about by citizen journalism or User Generated Content (UGC), and focus further on the question of how the students address and react to this paradigmatic shift.
Urinal or conduit? Institutional information flow between the UK intelligence services and the news media
Authors: Lashmar Paul
Published: January 2013

Since the 1990s, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the Security Service (MI5) have developed formal links with most major UK news organisations in an effort to improve the agencies’ media presentation. This article discusses the impact and inherent problems of these relationships, including whether the news media can have official, formal but non-attributable links with these agencies without compromising their role as the fourth estate.

Utilising epistemologies for crime reporting and news sources, this article proposes an initial framework to analyse these institutional relationships. It also takes as a case study the controversy over whether MI5 deliberately played down their prior knowledge of 7/7 suicide bomber Mohammed Sidique Khan. The author was one of the journalists briefed by MI5 on Khan and has here taken the Khan controversy as a case study to investigate the Security Service’s information flow and whether the agency misled, and indeed intended to mislead, the media and the public.
Invested interests? Reflexivity, representation and reporting in financial markets
Authors: Thompson Peter A
Published: January 2013

Communication processes and information flows are an intrinsic dimension of financial markets. The neoclassical notion of information and market efficiency conceives of prices in terms of a more or less accurate representation of objective market conditions. However, this overlooks the reflexive, constitutive dimension of informational processes in financial markets. The massive flows of capital around the globe and the constant shifts in financial values entail intersubjective symbolic processes which complicate any notion of representative accuracy or objectivity in news reporting. Drawing on original research into media usage by New Zealand-based traders and analysts, the article discusses the potential for information flows among analysts and journalists to become self-referential during the periods of market uncertainty and volatility when the accuracy and validity of news would normally be regarded as most important. The findings indicate that the relation between analysts and reporters predisposes financial news to reflect and reinforce market consensus.
Intentionality, symbol, and situation in the interpretation of consumer choice
Authors: Foxall Gordon R
Published: January 2013

A central aim of consumer behaviour analysis has been to delineate the place of cognitive explanation in consumer research and marketing. The strategy has involved first the exhaustion of noncognitive, behaviourist explanation in order to elucidate the necessary role of cognitive explanation. Behaviour analysis has proved relevant to a wide range of consumer behaviours, but its limitations include an inability to account for behavioural continuity and to deal with the personal level of explanation and an inability to delimit the behavioural interpretation of choices that are not amenable to an experimental or quasi-experimental analysis. For these purposes, an intentional explanation is necessary and this article is one of a series devoted to the development of a strategy for the responsible ascription of intentionality to the explanation of consumer choice. This article is specifically concerned with the relevance of Searle’s concept of collective intentionality in the refinement and definition of symbolic reinforcement. The consequences of incorporating collective intentionality into the explanation of consumer behaviour for the philosophy of science underlying consumer behaviour analysis are discussed.
Flexible Application of Interoceptive and Situational Exposure-Based Treatment for an Outpatient With Multiple Anxiety and Mood Disorders
Authors: Bunaciu Liviu , Feldner Matthew T.
Published: January 2013

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious and effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, few guidelines exist on how to efficiently provide CBT when comorbidity is present. Given that anxiety disorders may share underlying mechanisms of maintenance, targeting such mechanisms may be fruitful when working with individuals who suffer from extensive anxiety-related comorbidity. The present study describes an interoceptive and situational exposure-based treatment with a 40-year-old outpatient whose presentation was complicated by multiple anxiety disorders and related difficulties. A comprehensive assessment monitored mechanisms targeted in treatment, symptoms associated with clinical diagnoses, and related impairment. Treatment gains were clinically and statistically significant. Improvements were maintained 1-month post-treatment. These results add to the growing literature focused on transdiagnostic interventions that successfully target broad-based mechanisms of maintenance for multiple types of psychopathology. Theoretical and technical issues related to this type of intervention are discussed throughout the article.
Characterizing saline uptake and salt distributions in porous limestone with neutron radiography and X-ray micro-tomography
Authors: Derluyn Hannelore , Griffa Michele , Mannes David , Jerjen Iwan , Dewanckele Jan , Vontobel Peter , Sheppard Adrian , Derome Dominique , Cnudde Veerle , Lehmann Eberhard , Carmeliet Jan
Published: January 2013

Samples of Savonnières limestone subjected to repeated wetting–drying cycles were investigated by both neutron radiography and X-ray micro-tomography to collect information on saline uptake and salt precipitation. Capillary uptake of water, 1.4 molal sodium sulphate and 5.8 molal sodium chloride solution was visualized with neutron radiography. The liquid penetration coefficients and diffusivities were determined and are markedly lower for the salt solutions than for water, due to the higher surface tension and viscosity of salt solutions. Halite distributions were derived from neutron radiographs. Porosity analysis of X-ray tomographic datasets allowed quantifying thenardite distributions and porosity decrease due to salt crystallization.
Prolonged Care Management for Depression
Authors: Angstman Kurt B. , Pecina Jennifer L. , Bernard Matthew E. , Matthews Marc R.
Published: January 2013

Introduction: Collaborative care management (CCM) for the treatment of depression has been shown to be an effective therapy. CCM can be seen as a resource intensive treatment. Early identification of patients who would not be effectively treated with CCM could allow for alteration of therapy or change in modality. Methods: A retrospective case-controlled study used 132 patients with prolonged enrollment (>1 year) in CCM (cases) and 396 randomized CCM patients who achieved remission within 6 months (controls). The hypothesis was that by studying the epidemiology of patients in prolonged care management (PCM), characteristics could be determined to help define this group. Results: With regression modeling, the odds of a patient having PCM at 1 year was highly significant for those unmarried patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.736, confidence interval [CI] = 1.115-2.703, P = .015) with dysthymia (OR = 2.362, CI = 1.104-5.052, P = .027) and severe depression (OR = 2.856, CI = 1.551-5.260, P = .001). The adjusted baseline Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9) score showed a difference of 16.0 for the cases versus 14.8 for the controls ( P < .001). By 10 weeks, the difference is much larger at (10.7 vs 4.9, P < .001). At 26 weeks, the control group had an adjusted average PHQ-9 score of 2.0, whereas the case group was still elevated at 10.2 ( P < .001). Conclusions: Case-controlled analysis of PCM patients demonstrated independent predictors (such as unmarried status, diagnosis of dysthymia or severe depression), however, no baseline data was of sufficient clarity to suggest changes in clinical practice. The trend of the patient’s PHQ-9 over time was strongly suggestive of allowing differentiation between the groups.
Chemical durability of vitrified wasteforms: effects of pH and solution composition
Authors: Utton C. A. , Swanton S. W. , Schofield J. , Hand R. J. , Clacher A. , Hyatt N. C.
Published: January 2013

Vitrification is used for the immobilization and conditioning of high-level waste (HLW) arising from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel in the UK. Vitrification is also under consideration for the immobilization of certain intermediate-level wastes (ILW), where there may be advantages of volume reduction and removal of uncertainties in long-term waste behaviour, compared to encapsulation in a cement grout. This paper gives an overview of recent work into the chemical durability of UK vitrified wasteforms to inform the technical specification for the disposal facilities for these waste products and the treatment of their long-term behaviour in post-closure performance assessment. This has included: (1) measurements of the initial glass dissolution rates of a simulated HLW Magnox waste glass in a range of groundwater types representative of potential UK host geologies and in simulated high pH near-field porewaters relevant to potential disposal concepts, using Product Consistency Test type-B (PCT-B) at 40°C; and (2) durability testing of three simulant ILW glasses in a saturated calcium hydroxide buffered solution to simulate conditions in cement-based disposal vaults, using PCT-B tests at 50°C.

The experimentally defined initial rate of HLW Magnox waste glass dissolution in a range of simulated groundwater compositions appears to be similar regardless of the ionic strength and major element composition of the solution. The release of caesium from HLW Magnox waste glass appears to be sensitive to solution composition. Caesium is selectively retained in the glass compared to other soluble components in the two low ionic strength solutions, but is released at similar rates to other soluble components in the three groundwaters and Ca(OH)2 solution. Whether this change in caesium retention is an ionic strength effect or is related to changes in the nature of the surface alteration layer formed on the glass, has yet to be established. For HLW Magnox waste glass, dissolution is accelerated at high pH in NaOH solution, however, the presence of calcium acts to mitigate the effects of high pH, at least initially. In Ca(OH)2 solution, calcium is found to react with all the glasses studied leading to the formation of calcium-containing alteration products. The initial dissolution behaviour in Ca(OH)2 solution varies with glass composition and in particular appears to be sensitive to the boron content.