bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multilevel Correction Scheme for the Steklov Eigenvalue Problem
Authors: Zhao Qichao , Yang Yidu , Bi Hai
Published: August 2015

Combining the correction technique proposed by Lin and Xie and the shifted inverse iteration, a multilevel correction scheme for the Steklov eigenvalue problem is proposed in this paper. The theoretical analysis and numerical experiments indicate that the scheme proposed in this paper is efficient for both simple and multiple eigenvalues of the Steklov eigenvalue problem.
A Novel Foam Contrast Agent Suitable for Fluoroscopic Interventional Procedure: Comparative Study of Physical Properties and Experimental Intervention in Animal Model
Authors: Hwang Jin Ho , Park Hong Suk , Seo Soowon , Choo In Wook , Do Young Soo , Choo Sung Wook , Shin Sung Wook , Park Kwang Bo , Cho Sung Ki , Hyun Dongho , Lim Sooyoun
Published: August 2015

In fluoroscopic contrast study for interventional procedure, liquid contrast agent may be diluted in body fluid, losing its contrast effect. We developed a novel contrast agent of “foam state” to maintain contrast effect for enough time and performed a comparative study of physical properties and its usefulness in experimental intervention in animal model. The mean size of microbubble of foam contrast was13.8±3.6 µm. The viscosity was201.0±0.624 cP (centipoise) and the specific gravity was 0.616. The foam decayed slowly and it had 97.5 minutes of half-life. In terms of the sustainability in a slow flow environment, foam contrast washed out much more slowly than a conventional contrast. In experimental colonic stent placement, foam contrast revealed significantly better results than conventional contrast in procedure time, total amount of contrast usage, and the number of injections (p<0.05). Our foam contrast has high viscosity and low specific gravity and maintains foam state for a sufficient time. Foam contrast with these properties was useful in experimental intervention in animal model. We anticipate that foam contrast may be applied to various kinds of interventional procedures.
A Time Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Method for Quasi-Linear Sobolev Equations
Authors: Yu Hong , Sun Tongjun
Published: August 2015

We present a time discontinuous Galerkin finite element scheme for quasi-linear Sobolev equations. The approximate solution is sought as a piecewise polynomial of degree in time variable at mostq-1with coefficients in finite element space. This piecewise polynomial is not necessarily continuous at the nodes of the partition for the time interval. The existence and uniqueness of the approximate solution are proved by use of Brouwer’s fixed point theorem. An optimalL∞(0,T;H1(Ω))-norm error estimate is derived. Just because of a damping termuxxtincluded in quasi-linear Sobolev equations, which is the distinct character different from parabolic equation, more attentions are paid to this term in the study. This is the significance of this paper.
Cabozantinib Inhibits Abiraterone's Upregulation of IGFIR Phosphorylation and Enhances Its Anti–Prostate Cancer Activity
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Huang Ying , Christie Amanda , Bowden Michaela , Lee Gwo-Shu Mary , Kantoff Philip W. , Sweeney Christopher J.
Published: August 2015

Purpose: Abiraterone improves the overall survival of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, de novo or adaptive resistance to abiraterone limits its activity. Rational combinations of drugs with different mechanisms of action that overcome resistance mechanisms may improve the efficacy of therapy. To that end, we studied the molecular and phenotypic effects of the combination of cabozantinib plus abiraterone.

Experimental Design: Three prostate cancer cell lines were used to interrogate the in vitro molecular and antiproliferative effects of the single agents and combination of cabozantinib and abiraterone. The in vivo impact of the combination was assessed using the LAPC4-CR xenograft mouse model.

Results: In vitro proliferation studies demonstrated single-agent doses between 2 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L for abiraterone and cabozantinib inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and the anticancer activity of abiraterone is enhanced when combined with cabozantinib. In vivo LAPC4-CR xenograft mouse studies also showed that cabozantinib can improve the antitumor activity of abiraterone. Cabozantinib, a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, enhances the ability of abiraterone to inhibit AR activity in a cell line–dependent manner. In addition, our cell line studies demonstrate abiraterone-stimulated insulin–like growth factor I receptor (IGFIR) phosphorylation with downstream activation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2, and that this potential adaptive resistance mechanism was inhibited by cabozantinib.

Conclusions: Cabozantinib can enhance the efficacy of abiraterone by blocking multiple compensatory survival mechanisms, including IGFIR activation, and supports the assessment of the combination in a clinical trial. Clin Cancer Res; 21(24); 5578–87. ©2015 AACR.
Hepatitis B Virus Combo Mutations Improve the Prediction and Active Prophylaxis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Clinic-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Yin Jianhua , Wang Junxue , Pu Rui , Xin Haiguang , Li Zixiong , Han Xue , Ding Yibo , Du Yan , Liu Wenbin , Deng Yang , Ji Xiaowei , Wu Ming , Yu Min , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Hongyang , Thompson Timothy C. , Ni Wu , Cao Guangwen
Published: August 2015

We aimed to evaluate whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutations at the core promoter region could improve the prediction and specific prophylaxis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic HBV-infected patients. A total of 2,114 HBV-infected patients enrolled between August 1998 and December 2007 were followed-up for 18,406 person-years. Of those, 612 received ≥48 week treatments with nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) and/or IFNα. Baseline HBV mutations were identified by sequencing. Propensity score matching was applied to reduce baseline differences between antiviral and control cohorts. Multivariate Cox regression analyses, including baseline characteristics of 2,114 patients, showed that age, male, cirrhosis, and HBV mutations (C1653T, T1753V, and A1762T/G1764A) independently increased HCC risk. In control patients carrying A1762T/G1764A, addition of C1653T and/or T1753V significantly increased HCC risk (HR, 1.57; P = 0.038); combo mutations with C1653T, T1753V, and A1762T/G1764A improved the validity of HCC prediction by age, male, and cirrhosis (P = 0.002). In the matched cohorts, antiviral treatment reduced HCC incidence (13.90/1,000 vs. 7.70/1,000 person-years, P = 0.005); NA treatment for ≥60 months was required for the prophylaxis of HCC in cirrhotic patients (P = 0.03); antiviral treatment reduced HCC risk in patients carrying A1762T/G1764A (HR, 0.40; P = 0.002) or C1653T (HR, 0.45; P = 0.04) and in those without T1753V (HR, 0.42; P = 0.005), but could not reduce HCC risk in patients without A1762T/G1764A or C1653T and in those with T1753V. In summary, HBV mutation A1762T/G1764A, C1653T, and T1753V in combination improve HCC prediction in HBV-infected patients. To prevent HCC, patients infected with HBV carrying A1762T/G1764A or C1653T, but not T1753V, should be given priority of receiving antiviral treatments. Cancer Prev Res; 8(10); 978–88. ©2015 AACR.
Mother's Perception of General Family Functioning and Sugar Consumption of 3- and 4-Year-Old Children: The East London Family Study
Authors: Nanjappa Sucharita , Hector Mark , Marcenes Wagner
Published: August 2015

Frequent consumption of sugary foods is a common risk factor for chronic diseases such as dental caries and obesity. Dietary patterns are acquired at home during early life and form a blueprint for dietary behaviours in later life. A favourable family environment can provide a supportive context that enhances the adoption of healthy dietary habits. The aim of this study was to identify the contribution of general family functioning towards the frequent consumption of sugary foods by 3- and 4-year-old children in Outer North East London. The research question was explored with data from the East London Family study, which collected data through home visits from a representative sample of adults and children living in Outer North East London in 2008-2010. This study analysed data from 3- and 4-year-old children (n = 698) and their mothers and included logistic regression, conceptual hierarchical modelling and mediation analysis. The results showed that 17% of the sample consumed sugary foods more than 4 times per day, and that effective general family functioning may help reducing frequent consumption of sugary foods. There was a 67% reduction in children's frequent consumption of sugary foods with every unit increase in the general family functioning score. Mother's higher education may also help reduce the frequent consumption of sugary foods by children. The negative impact of mother's lower education was buffered by the effect of effective general family functioning. The study findings underscore the prospect of identifying factors that contribute to the acquisition of good dietary behaviours.
4EBP1 Is Dephosphorylated by Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Pérez-Gil Gustavo , Landa-Cardeña Adriana , Coutiño Rocío , García-Román Rebeca , Sampieri Clara L. , Mora Silvia I. , Montero Hilda
Published: August 2015

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) requires protein biosynthesis machinery to generate progeny. There is evidence that RSV might alter some translation components since stress granules are formed in their host cells. Consistent with these observations, we found that RSV induces dephosphorylation of 4EBP1 (eIF4E-binding protein), an important cellular translation factor. Our results show no correlation between the 4EBP1 dephosphorylation time and the decrease in the global rate of protein synthesis. Interestingly, treatment with rapamycin stimulates virus generation. The results suggest that RSV is a virus that still contains unknown mechanisms involved in the translation of their mRNAs through the alteration or modification of some translation factors, such as 4EBP1, possibly to favor its replicative cycle.
Achromatopsia: On the Doorstep of a Possible Therapy
Authors: Zobor Ditta , Zobor Gergely , Kohl Susanne
Published: August 2015

Achromatopsia (ACHM) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited retinal disorder with an incidence of approximately 1 in 30,000. It presents at birth or early infancy and is typically characterized by reduced visual acuity, nystagmus, photophobia, and very poor or absent color vision. The symptoms arise from isolated cone dysfunction, which can be caused by mutations in the crucial components of the cone phototransduction cascade. Although ACHM is considered a functionally nonprogressive disease affecting only the cone system, recent studies have described progressive age-dependent changes in retinal architecture. Currently, no specific therapy is available for ACHM; however, gene replacement therapy performed on animal models for three ACHM genes has shown promising results. Accurate genetic and clinical diagnosis of patients may therefore enhance and enable therapeutic intervention in the near future. This short review summarizes the genetic background, pathophysiology, clinical findings, diagnostics, and therapeutic perspectives in ACHM.
Central-Variant Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy due to Sulfasalazine: A Case Report
Authors: Ocek Levent , Sener Ufuk , Demirtas Burcu S. , Ozcelik Metin M. , Oztekin Ozgur , Zorlu Yasar
Published: August 2015

Objective: To report a rare case with central-variant posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome due to sulfasalazine. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 55-year-old female patient presented with seizure and acute-onset hemiparesia. Thirty days earlier, treatment with sulfasalazine was commenced in response to a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Laboratory examinations were normal. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed symmetric edema within basal ganglia and thalami with sparing of the cerebral cortices. After stopping the treatment of sulfasalazine, clinical and radiological findings regressed dramatically. Conclusion: This was a case of central-variant posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome due to sulfasalazine, and atypical imaging findings should be kept in mind for early diagnosis.
Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring during Intrauterine Open Surgery for Myelomeningocele Repair
Authors: Santana Eduardo Félix Martins , Moron Antônio Fernandes , Barbosa Maurício Mendes , Milani Herbene Jose Figuinha , Sarmento Stephanno Gomes Pereira , Araujo Júnior Edward , Rolo Liliam Cristine , Cavalheiro Sérgio
Published: August 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess fetal hemodynamics during intrauterine open surgery for myelomeningocele (MMC) repair by describing fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring in detail related to each part of the procedure. Methods: A study was performed with 57 fetuses submitted to intrauterine MMC repair between the 24th and 27th week of gestation. Evaluations of FHR were made in specific periods: before anesthesia, after anesthesia, at the beginning of laparotomy, during uterus abdominal withdrawal, hysterotomy, neurosurgery (before incision, during early skin manipulation, spinal cord releasing, and at the end of neurosurgery), abdominal cavity reintroduction, and abdominal closure, and at the end of surgery. Means ± standard deviations of FHR were established for each period, and analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to assess differences between these periods. The mean differences were assessed with 95% confidence intervals and were analyzed by Tukey's multiple comparison test. Results: The mean FHR during the specific periods mentioned above was 140.2, 140, 139.2, 138.8, 135.1, 133.9, 123.1, 134.0, 134.5, 137.9, and 139.9 bpm, respectively (p < 0.0001). Comparing the different periods, the highest frequencies were observed in the initial and final moments. The neurosurgery stage presents lower frequencies, especially during the release of the spinal cord. Conclusion: FHR monitoring revealed interesting findings in terms of physiological fetal changes during MMC repair, especially during neurosurgery, which was the most critical period.
Studies on some Australian pottiaceous mosses
Authors: Sollman Philip
Published: August 2015

Chionoloma bombayense (Müll. Hal.) P. Sollm. [syn. Pseudosymblepharis bombayensis (Müll. Hal.) P. Sollm.] and Syntrichia serrata (Dixon) R.H. Zander are reported new for Australia. Barbula hampeana Paris is identical with Barbula hornschuchiana Schultz. Pottia tasmanica Broth. and Pottia brevicaulis (Taylor) Müll. Hal. are considered new synonyms of Microbryum starkeanum (Hedw.) R.H. Zander. Comments on a nomen nudum, Tortula brachytheca Burchard, are given.
Additions To The Moss Flora of Endau Rompin National Park, Johore State, Peninsular Malaysia

Authors: Ho Boon Chuan , Tan Benito C.
Published: August 2015

In a recent survey of the Endau Rompin National Park (ERNP) in Johore State, 81 species and 4 varieties of mosses were documented. This increases the previous count from 62 species and 3 varieties of mosses in ERNP to 111 species and 5 varieties in total. Of these, 30 species are new records for Johore State. Rhaphidostichum bunodicarpum and Trichosteleum stigmosum are two species new to Peninsular Malaysia. Thuidium assimile is a new record for West Malesia. A new combination, Papillidiopsis aquaticum (Dix.) Boon-Chuan Ho & B.C. Tan is proposed. In terms of species composition, the pan-tropical families of Calymperaceae, Fissidentaceae, Leucobryaceae and Sematophyllaceae predominate the moss flora of ERNP.
Gymnostomiella tuberculosa (Renauld & Paris) Arts & P.Sollm. comb. nov.

Authors: Arts Theo , Sollman Philip
Published: August 2015

Gymnostomiella tuberculosa (Renauld & Paris) Arts & P.Sollm. comb. nov. replaces Gymnostomiella burmensis E.B. Bartram.
Pottia apiculata Müll. Hal. ex Renauld (Barbula kiaerii Broth., nom. nud.) is identical with Barbula indica (Hook.) Spreng.

Authors: Sollman Philip
Published: August 2015

Type material of Pottia apiculata Müll. Hal. ex Renauld (Barbula kiaerii Broth., nom. nud.) was studied. It is Barbula indica (Hook.) Spreng.
Manual of Tropical Bryology

Authors: Frahm Jan-Peter , POCS TAMAS , O´SHEA BRIAN , KOPONEN TIMO , PIIPPO SINIKKA , ENROTH JOHANNES , RAO PENGCHENG , FANG YIN-MING
Published: August 2015

It is still a fact that most bryologists per area are found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, who have spent up to 200 years (as in Europe) in the exploration of their bryofloras with the result that these countries have not only floras for identification of the comparably low number of species but some countries have already detailed grid maps of the distribution of all species. On the other hand, there are vast regions in the tropics which are very insufficiently explored. So far, the knowledge of bryophytes in these regions was predominantly provided by scientists from North America, Europe or Japan. Still much work is done by scientists and - during the past decades also increasingly - even by advanced amateurs from these countries. Regretably, these activities are often misunderstood by local biologists in the tropics and especially by the authorities of these states as scientific exploitation, and recently collecting of material for genetic studies as plundering of genetic ressources, which is nonsense but makes research difficult or even impossible in such countries. In this regard, the question raises why there are so few bryologists in tropical countries and even no bryologists in many countries? Usually, the lack of ressources such as laboratories, money, libraries, herbaria etc. is presented as arguments, which does not match the point, since many bryologists in industrial countries suffer from similar restrictions and sometimes have worth working consitions than colleagues in tropical countries, but make nevertheless valuable contributions to tropical bryology. Even amateurs have contributed a lot to tropical bryology in the past. The fewest bryologists work in such famous places as Missouri or New York Botanical Garden. Many of them are from eastern, former communistic countries and never gave up to promote tropical bryology under these conditions. In my opinion, the most crucial point is that students in tropical countries get not in contact with bryophytes, and mainly because of the lack of literature. Nobody can expect that students pick up a subject for their thesis if there is no literature available. This manual is therefore devoted to these students. Possibilities to gain a bryological training in industrial countries and paid by these countries were used only by few students, although available. And if these students do not come to us, we have to go to them (which is even cheaper). This is the reason for the increased number of courses on tropical bryology in the past.
Phylogenetic placement and new data on macro and micro morphology of Nopalxochia phyllanthoides (Cactaceae), an endangered species from Mexico
Authors: Martínez-González César , Alcántara Othón , Luna-Vega Isolda , Garcia-Sandoval Ricardo
Published: August 2015

The phylogenetic placement of Nopalxochia phyllanthoides using DNA sequences of two plastid regions is investigated. New data on the micro- and macro-morphology are also presented. Detailed descriptions of habit, vegetative and reproductive structures, as well as micro-morphology of areoles, epidermic cells of the apical and medium part of the spines, stomata, pollen and seeds, are provided. The results obtained show the N. phyllanthoides is to be recognized as independent taxon, so correcting the previous treatment a taxon belonging to the genus Disocactus. A lectotype and epitype are designated for this species.
Wind Profilers to Aid with Monitoring and Forecasting of High-Impact Weather in the Southeastern and Western United States
Authors: White Allen B. , Mahoney Kelly M. , Cifelli Robert , King Clark W.
Published: August 2015

With funding provided by the 2012 Disaster Relief Act (Sandy Supplemental), NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory Physical Sciences Division has installed three Doppler wind-profiling radars and surface meteorology towers along the U.S. Gulf and southeast coasts to help detect and monitor landfalling tropical storms and other high-impact weather events. This same combination of instruments has been used to monitor landfalling atmospheric rivers on the U.S. West Coast. For this reason, we refer to the whole collection of instruments at each site as an Atmospheric River Observatory (ARO). These three new AROs supported by the Sandy Supplemental complement a fourth ARO deployed in coastal North Carolina as part of NOAA’s Hydrometeorology Testbed Southeast Pilot Study. These four AROs were installed in time to capture the 2014 hurricane season and will be operated through the 2015 hurricane season.
Convergence, Admissibility, and Fit of Alternative Confirmatory Factor Analysis Models for MTMM Data
Authors: Lance Charles E. , Fan Yi
Published: August 2015

We compared six different analytic models for multitrait–multimethod (MTMM) data in terms of convergence, admissibility, and model fit to 258 samples of previously reported data. Two well-known models, the correlated trait–correlated method (CTCM) and the correlated trait–correlated uniqueness (CTCU) models, were fit for reference purposes in comparison to four other under- or unstudied models, including (a) Rindskopf’s reparameterization of the CTCM (CTCM-R) model, (b) a correlated trait–constrained uncorrelated method model and two of its more general cases, (c) a correlated trait–constrained correlated method model, and (d) a correlated trait–uncorrelated method model. Results show that (a) the CTCM-R model often solved convergence and admissibility problems with the CTCM model at rates equivalent to the CTCU model and (b) constrained models often provided convergent and admissible solutions but significantly worse model fit, indicating that they are often not plausible when analyzing real data. A follow-up simulation study showed that the CTCM-R model also provided the most accurate estimates of the full range of parameters relevant to a confirmatory factor analytic model of MTMM data.
PHB coating on jute fibers and its effect on natural fiber composites performance
Authors: Rodríguez Exequiel , Francucci Gaston
Published: August 2015

In this work, a novel treatment on plant fibers is presented and its effect on the mechanical properties and water absorption of vinyl ester matrix composites is analyzed. The treated fibers used in this study consisted in alkaline-treated jute fibers and alkaline-treated jute fibers coated with polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Bending tests and IZOD impact tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical performance of the composites. The samples were immersed in water (at room temperature and at 80℃) and the water sorption and flexural modulus were measured in time. Flexural strength and impact energy were measured on dry specimens and the detrimental effect of water on those properties was evaluated by testing the samples after the immersion tests. The composites manufactured with alkali-treated fibers coated with PHB showed the best performance in terms of water absorption and mechanical properties.
Economic transition and urban transformation of China: The interplay of the state and the market
Authors: Yeh Anthony GO , Yang Fiona F , Wang Jiejing
Published: August 2015

The transition of the Chinese economy from plan to market has led to dramatic economic restructuring and urban transformation since the economic reforms and open door policy in 1978. The state and the market, which are the two basic regulating mechanisms, have significantly changed their role in economic and urban development in this transition in China. We attempt to examine the interplay of the state and the market in facilitating economic growth and producing ‘new’ urban space after replacing socialism with state capitalism. Four major waves of urbanisation and urban development have been identified, in terms of the interaction of the state and the market in producing different forms of urban development which also bring about economic transition in China. We further examine the new form of urban development in the fourth stage of urbanisation which is represented by the rapid growth of producer services and the resulting development of central business districts. Economic transition and urban transformation in China seem to converge with the development pattern of developed and other developing countries. However, embedded in a different state–market interplay, the experience of Chinese cities may be different and not be easily imitated by cities in other developing countries.
A Gender Critique of AFSPA: Security for Whom?
Authors: Ranjan Amit
Published: August 2015

Rape is a form of sexual violence against women perpetrated by individuals, community groups or personnel of state agencies and others to establish their power. All rapes cannot be bracketed into a single category because the identity of the rapist and the one who has been raped may vary. Also, while some rapes elicit strong protests, there are other cases which are tacitly supported by the dominant majority. Rapes in regions of India which come under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) fall into the latter category. Most of such rapes are inflicted with impunity by the members of the armed forces because of the protective provisions included in AFSPA. Such incidents never attract widespread anger because the victims are often from minority ethnic or religious groups. The irony is that the majority of people who participated in protests after Nirbhaya incident in Delhi may not even be aware of the numbers of such type of cases that have occurred in the North-East or in the Kashmir Valley.
National Food Security Act, 2013: Challenges in Securing Right to Food for the People (Recommendations of the Seminar)
Authors: Saxena K.B.
Published: August 2015

With 194 million people designated as food insecure, India has the world’s largest number of hungry people. Despite this inordinately high figure, the state till 2013 did not recognise the need for a law-based entitlement to food. It was in September 2013 that the National Food Security Act (NFSA) was enacted. Though a landmark legislation, and despite its life-cycle approach, the NFSA falls short of realising this objective due to lack of universalised coverage, non-inclusion of pulses and edible oils in the food basket, inadequate quantity of food grains provided in it and non-inclusion of entitlements of the homeless, destitute and disabled persons. With a change in the political regime and its overriding thrust on reducing fiscal deficit, there are apprehensions of entitlements and coverage getting reduced and food grains entitlement being replaced with cash transfer. Concerns exist about the inordinate delay in implementing the law as the tasks of framing rules and identifying beneficiaries, converting Integrated Child Development Scheme into a legal entitlement and redesigning Maternity Entitlement to incorporate universalisation and portability have not been accomplished. Taking into account these concerns, the Council for Social Development organised a national seminar to comprehensively discuss challenges faced by the NFSA in securing the Right to Food for millions of Indians who face food insecurity.
Book Review: Achin Vanaik, After the Bomb: Reflections on India’s Nuclear Journey
Authors: Kapoor Harsh
Published: August 2015

Achin Vanaik, After the Bomb: Reflections on India’s Nuclear Journey, New Delhi, Orient Blackswan, 2015, 232 pp., ₹ 575, ISBN 978-81-250-5853-3.
Book Review: Surabhi Chopra and Prita Jha (eds), On Their Watch: Mass Violence and State Apathy in India, Examining the Record
Authors: Hassan Sajjad
Published: August 2015

Surabhi Chopra and Prita Jha (eds), On Their Watch: Mass Violence and State Apathy in India, Examining the Record, New Delhi, Three Essays Collective, 2014, xx + 374 pp., ₹ 750, ISBN 9788188789870 (Hardback).
Fantasy Proneness and Personality Profiles
Authors: Sánchez-Bernardos M. L. , Hernández Lloreda M. J. , Avia M. D. , Bragado-Alvarez C.
Published: August 2015

This study was aimed to analyze the relationships of fantasy proneness with the personality domains encompassed within the Five-Factor Model of personality in an adult sample. A 15-item scale from the Creative Experiences Questionnaire with adequate internal consistency was used to measure fantasy proneness. The results showed two components of fantasy proneness. First one was characterized by vividness-intensity of imaginings that remained hidden for other people; the second component was composed of developmental antecedents of pretense and make-believe activities. Both components were correlated with Neuroticism (anxiety, depression, and impulsivity), Openness to Experience (fantasy, aesthetics, and feelings), and with general psychological distress and severe psychopathological symptoms. However, only the first component was associated with low Conscientiousnees (competence, order, dutifulness, and self-discipline), and only the second one was correlated with Extraversion (activity, excitement seeking, and positive emotions). Our results fitted with the notion that fantasy proneness might be a multidimensional construct.
Meta-Awareness During Day and Night
Authors: Stumbrys Tadas , Erlacher Daniel , Malinowski Peter
Published: August 2015

The present study explored the relationship between lucidity in dreams (awareness of dreams while dreaming) and mindfulness during wakefulness, also considering meditation as a possible moderating variable. An online survey was completed by 528 respondents, of whom 386 (73.1%) had lucid dream experiences. The reported frequency of lucid dreams was found to be positively related to higher dispositional mindfulness in wakefulness. This relationship was only present in those participants who reported acquaintance with meditation. Regarding the dimensions of mindfulness, lucid dream frequency was more strongly associated with mindful presence rather than acceptance. The findings support the notion of an existing relationship between lucidity in dreams and mindfulness during wakefulness, yet it remains unclear whether the relationship is influenced by actual meditation practice or whether it reflects some natural predispositions. Future studies should examine the role of different meditation practices, investigate personality variables that might influence the relationship, and explore how different facets of mindfulness and lucidity interrelate.
ETRAN—R Extension Package for Eye Tracking Results Analysis
Authors: Zhegallo Alexander V. , Marmalyuk Pavel A.
Published: August 2015

Novel open source R extension package for general-purpose eye tracking results analysis proposed. Now supported features are data loading from SMI eye trackers, different methods of fixations detection, various imaging techniques for raw data, and detected fixations (time sequence, scanpath, heatmap, and dynamic visualization). The modular structure of the package and a detailed description of each function provide a convenient way to further extend the functionality. Effective use of package requires knowledge of R programming language and environment.
Influence of Perceived Height, Masculinity, and Age on Each Other and on Perceptions of Dominance in Male Faces
Authors: Batres Carlota , Re Daniel E. , Perrett David I.
Published: August 2015

Several studies have examined the individual effects of facial cues to height, masculinity, and age on interpersonal interactions and partner preferences. We know much less about the influence of these traits on each other. We, therefore, examined how facial cues to height, masculinity, and age influence perceptions of each other and found significant overlap. This suggests that studies investigating the effects of one of these traits in isolation may need to account for the influence of the other two traits. Additionally, there is inconsistent evidence on how each of these three facial traits affects dominance. We, therefore, investigated how varying such traits influences perceptions of dominance in male faces. We found that increases in perceived height, masculinity, and age (up to 35 years) all increased facial dominance. Our results may reflect perceptual generalizations from sex differences as men are on average taller, more dominant, and age faster than women. Furthermore, we found that the influences of height and age on perceptions of dominance are mediated by masculinity. These results give us a better understanding of the facial characteristics that convey the appearance of dominance, a trait that is linked to a wealth of real-world outcomes.
Disappearing women: Why do women leave senior roles in finance? Further evidence
Authors: Neck Carolyn
Published: August 2015

This paper builds on the findings of the author (published in this issue) in terms of understanding what leads women to leave senior roles in Finance. Using mixed methods techniques, a survey of 90 women suggests women leave due to the interplay of a trigger for leaving, coupled with having choice. The trigger appears to be a combination of work frustrations and personal triggers. While triggers lead women to want to leave, having the ability to leave appears important to actually leaving. The quantitative results support the qualitative findings. They suggest the way work is structured in the industry, seeking change and having choice are important factors in a woman’s decision to leave. For women who left the industry, feeling they had achieved all they wanted to from the job, feeling there is more to life than their job and having financial security may play a key role in the choice to leave. Senior women in Finance have many options outside their job – perhaps women leave senior roles simply because they can.
The Masters of Finance: Ideas from the field
Authors: Gippel Jennifer
Published: August 2015

This comment illustrates how direct empirical study, that is, field observation and participation by academics, contributed to the understanding of practice and the early development of modern finance theory. The discussion is supported by publicly available narrative accounts from the American Finance Association historical interviews with the ‘Masters of Finance’ (2004–2010). We argue that academic finance, in the early years of the field’s development, was very closely connected to practice, that is, ideas and theories were generated and tested in the field.
The Transformation of Values into Prices of Production in Marx’s Scheme of Expanded Reproduction
Authors: Diaz Emilio , Velasco Francisco
Published: August 2015

This paper analyzes the formation of a general rate of profit and the subsequent prices of production in the context of Marx’s two-sector scheme of expanded reproduction. We show that a consistent solution of the transformation problem can be derived by incorporating the original transformation procedure into the inter-temporal equilibrium framework provided by the scheme of accumulation. Previous solutions for the special case of simple reproduction are also examined, and it is shown that all these solutions rest on the restrictive assumption of constant wage rates.
Exposure to Violence of Secondary School Children with Visual Impairment
Authors: Gür Kamer , Albayrak Sevil
Published: August 2015

Although violence is a serious issue that children face all over the world, there is little known about the extent of the violence children with disabilities experience. This study was conducted to identify the frequency of exposure to violence that students with visual impairment experience in any environment, directly or as a witness, and the factors associated with this exposure. The study was conducted as descriptive research at a Secondary School for the Visually Impaired in 2011-2012 with 84 individuals. A questionnaire on demographics, a Violence Exposure Scale, and face-to-face interviews were used as data collection tools. It was found that the large majority of the children with visual impairment in the study had encountered violence on one occasion or more, recently or in the past. The number of students recently exposed to violence was higher than the number of children encountering violence in the past. The mean scores of the students who had recently experienced violence were higher than the scores for exposure to violence in the past. A large majority of the students with visual impairment in the study, all of the boarding students, and most of the day students had been exposed to violence once or more both recently and in the past. It was found that being male, having a congenital visual impairment, and living as a boarding student were risk factors in terms of violence. It may be recommended that school nurses more closely monitor this group of students for signs of violence.
The Impact of a Prenatal Education Video on Rates of Breastfeeding Initiation and Exclusivity during the Newborn Hospital Stay in a Low-income Population
Authors: Kellams Ann L. , Gurka Kelly K. , Hornsby Paige P. , Drake Emily , Riffon Mark , Gellerson Daphne , Gulati Gauri , Coleman Valerie
Published: August 2015

Background:

Guidelines recommend prenatal education to improve breastfeeding rates; however, effective educational interventions targeted at low-income, minority populations are needed as they remain less likely to breastfeed.

Objective:

To determine whether a low-cost prenatal education video improves hospital rates of breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity in a low-income population.

Methods:

A total of 522 low-income women were randomized during a prenatal care visit occurring in the third trimester to view an educational video on either breastfeeding or prenatal nutrition and exercise. Using multivariable analyses, breastfeeding initiation rates and exclusivity during the hospital stay were compared.

Results:

Exposure to the intervention did not affect breastfeeding initiation rates or duration during the hospital stay. The lack of an effect on breastfeeding initiation persisted even after controlling for partner, parent, or other living at home and infant complications (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% CI, 0.70-1.56). In addition, breastfeeding exclusivity rates during the hospital stay did not differ between the groups ( P = .87).

Conclusion:

This study suggests that an educational breastfeeding video alone is ineffective in improving the hospital breastfeeding practices of low-income women. Increasing breastfeeding rates in this at-risk population likely requires a multipronged effort begun early in pregnancy or preconception.
A Difference-Education Intervention Equips First-Generation College Students to Thrive in the Face of Stressful College Situations
Authors: Stephens Nicole M. , Townsend Sarah S. M. , Hamedani MarYam G. , Destin Mesmin , Manzo Vida
Published: August 2015

A growing social psychological literature reveals that brief interventions can benefit disadvantaged students. We tested a key component of the theoretical assumption that interventions exert long-term effects because they initiate recursive processes. Focusing on how interventions alter students’ responses to specific situations over time, we conducted a follow-up lab study with students who had participated in a difference-education intervention 2 years earlier. In the intervention, students learned how their social-class backgrounds mattered in college. The follow-up study assessed participants’ behavioral and hormonal responses to stressful college situations. We found that difference-education participants discussed their backgrounds in a speech more frequently than control participants did, an indication that they retained the understanding of how their backgrounds mattered. Moreover, among first-generation students (i.e., students whose parents did not have 4-year degrees), those in the difference-education condition showed greater physiological thriving (i.e., anabolic-balance reactivity) than those in the control condition, which suggests that they experienced their working-class backgrounds as a strength.
CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION
Authors: Sher Shlomo
Published: August 2015

Background. Sophisticated ethics games that focus on corporate social responsibility, ethical decision-making and/or moral reasoning are virtually non-existent.

The problem. The ambiguity and controversial nature of ethics as a subject matter make competition and scoring, key to motivating participants, especially difficult to implement.

Approach. CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION attempts to systematically overcome some of the obstacles facing ethics game design through a scoring system intended to encourage critical ethical decision-making and moral reasoning. Structurally, the game aims to balance cohesiveness through its ongoing narrative with flexibility through its modular design.

The game. Participants serve on business oversight committees within three companies loosely modeled after Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo!. The companies face similar problems with their operations in a new Southeast Asian market. Participants explore ethical decision-making and the nature and extent of corporate social responsibility in a global context. The four modules provided here focus on discrimination, corruption, compensation, marketing practices, and privacy.

Practical implications. CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION is a ready-to-use ethics game that can be used either in a single day training format or in a business ethics classroom throughout a semester. Perhaps more importantly, its structure can be adapted to explore ethical decision-making in any context.
Chronic Disease Self-Management by People With HIV
Authors: McDonald Karalyn , Slavin Sean , Pitts Marian K. , Elliott Julian H. ,   HealthMap Project Team
Published: August 2015

As HIV has transitioned into a chronic disease, reappraisal of clinical management has occurred with chronic disease self-management (CDSM) as one possibility. However, despite extensive work on CDSM across a range of diseases, little attention has focused on psychosocial contexts of the lives of people for whom programs are intended. This article reports semi-structured interviews used to explore health practices and motivations of 33 people with HIV (PWHIV) in Australia. Within participants’ accounts, different forms of subjectivity and agency emerged with implications for how they understood and valued health-related behaviors. Four themes arose: health support and disclosure, social support and stigma, employment/structure, and health decisions beyond HIV. The experience of stigma and its intersection with CDSM remains relatively un-chartered. This study found stigma shapes agency and engagement with health. Decisions concerning health behaviors are often driven by perceived social and emotional benefit embedded in concerns of disclosure and stigma.
Family Influence on Korean Students’ Career Decisions
Authors: Kim Shin-ye , Ahn Taeyong , Fouad Nadya
Published: August 2015

Family influence is a key factor in career development and considerably more so in some cultures than others. Assessing the extent to which family plays a role in college students’ career development within collectivistic cultures may thus significantly contribute to the extant literature by offering varying perspectives on the relationships between familial influence, career preparation satisfaction, and life satisfaction. The present study examined the cultural validity of the Family Influence Scale (FIS) through a sample of 420 South Korean college students. The FIS was then used in a test of family influence as the main distal contextual factor in the Social Cognitive Career Theory—Life Satisfaction Model. Overall, results supported the cultural validity of FIS and also the hypothesized model. Family informational support, family expectations, family financial support, career decision-making self-efficacy, expectancy of outcome, career preparation behavior, and career preparation satisfaction were each found to significantly relate to life satisfaction, accounting for 57% of the variance. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Cortical Maps
Authors: Bednar James A. , Wilson Stuart P.
Published: August 2015

In this article, we review functional organization in sensory cortical regions—how the cortex represents the world. We consider four interrelated aspects of cortical organization: (1) the set of receptive fields of individual cortical sensory neurons, (2) how lateral interaction between cortical neurons reflects the similarity of their receptive fields, (3) the spatial distribution of receptive-field properties across the horizontal extent of the cortical tissue, and (4) how the spatial distributions of different receptive-field properties interact with one another. We show how these data are generally well explained by the theory of input-driven self-organization, with a family of computational models of cortical maps offering a parsimonious account for a wide range of map-related phenomena. We then discuss important challenges to this explanation, with respect to the maps present at birth, maps present under activity blockade, the limits of adult plasticity, and the lack of some maps in rodents. Because there is not at present another credible general theory for cortical map development, we conclude by proposing key experiments to help uncover other mechanisms that might also be operating during map development.
Literacy and Numeracy Underachievement in Boys and Girls With ADHD
Authors: Silva Desiree , Colvin Lyn , Glauert Rebecca , Stanley Fiona , Srinivasjois Ravisha , Bower Carol
Published: August 2015

Objective: The aim was to determine literacy and numeracy outcomes, among children with and without ADHD by gestational age and gender. Method: De-identified linked population data from the Western Australian Monitoring of Drugs of Dependence System and Western Australian Literacy and Numeracy Assessment databases, and the Midwives Notification System used information on 6,819 children with ADHD compared with 14,451 non-ADHD children. Results: A total of 23% of boys and 28% of girls with ADHD had numeracy scores below the benchmark in School Year 3, compared with 11% of children without ADHD. These differences were also evident for reading, writing, and spelling through primary school. Children with ADHD and reduced gestational age were at a greater risk of not meeting numeracy and reading benchmarks, compared with children born at term. Conclusion: Children with ADHD are disadvantaged from an early age in key areas of learning, and this risk increased with reduction in gestational age at birth.
Unpacking the “Black Box” of Social Programs and Policies
Authors: Solmeyer Anna R. , Constance Nicole
Published: August 2015

Traditionally, evaluation has primarily tried to answer the question “Does a program, service, or policy work?” Recently, more attention is given to questions about variation in program effects and the mechanisms through which program effects occur. Addressing these kinds of questions requires moving beyond assessing average program impacts and into understanding what is inside the “black box” of a program, service, or policy. Across a number of disciplines and policy fields, significant improvements and innovations in research design, measurement, and analysis have occurred in recent years, improving the ability of evaluators to unpack the black box. This article serves to introduce the following special forum featuring papers that provide insights into various techniques that can be used to shine light into the black box of programs, services, and policies.