The Relentless Pursuit Of Construct Validity In The Design Of Employment Interviews

The construct validity of employment interviews is the greatest challenge faced by employment interview researchers. In this paper, we discuss the theoretical and methodological issues which have an influence upon the construct validity ofemployment interviews.Wepay special attention to issues that emerge at the conceptual development and design stage of interviews. So far, the structuring of employment interviews has been the primary method of improving construct validity. We argue that construct validity can be further improved by bringing theoretical rigor in the design of interviews. For this purpose, we propose steps to reframe the interview dimensions in theoretical frameworks of job performance, to explicate the nomological network of interview constructs, to clarify the validation strategy, and to improve the questions and assessment keys. In the end, we provide an example to illustrate the application of these steps

The Relentless Pursuit Of Construct Validity In The Design Of Employment Interviews

The construct validity of employment interviews is the greatest challenge faced by employment interview researchers. In this paper, we discuss the theoretical and methodological issues which have an influence upon the construct validity ofemployment interviews.Wepay special attention to issues that emerge at the conceptual development and design stage of interviews. So far, the structuring of employment interviews has been the primary method of improving construct validity. We argue that construct validity can be further improved by bringing theoretical rigor in the design of interviews. For this purpose, we propose steps to reframe the interview dimensions in theoretical frameworks of job performance, to explicate the nomological network of interview constructs, to clarify the validation strategy, and to improve the questions and assessment keys. In the end, we provide an example to illustrate the application of these steps

Combined xIL-6R and urocortin-2 treatment restores mdx diaphragm muscle force

Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration leading to immobility, respiratory failure, and premature death. As chronic inflammation and stress are implicated in DMD pathology, the efficacy of an anti-inflammatory and anti-stress intervention strategy in ameliorating diaphragm dysfunction was investigated. Methods: Diaphragm muscle contractile function was compared in wild-type and dystrophin-deficient mdx mice treated with saline, anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibodies (xIL-6R), the corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRFR2) agonist, urocortin 2, or both xIL-6R and urocortin 2. Results: Combined treatment with xIL-6R and urocortin 2 rescued impaired force in mdx diaphragms. Mechanical work production and muscle shortening was also improved by combined drug treatment. Conclusions: Treatment which neutralizes peripheral IL-6 signaling and stimulates CRFR2 recovers force-generating capacity and the ability to perform mechanical work in mdx diaphragm muscle. These findings may be important in the search for therapeutic targets in DMD

Exploring The Developmental Potential Of Leader-Follower Interactions: A Constructive-Developmental Approach

Researchers in leadership have long recognized the important role of leaders in developing the competencies of followers.More recently, however, scholars have begun to emphasize the pivotal role of followers in the development of leaders.We use constructive developmental theory (e.g., Kegan, 1982; Loevinger & Blasi, 1976) to suggest that both leaders and followers influence the development of the meaningmaking systems of their counterparts in leader–follower dyads. We argue that a combination of challenge – in the formof delegation, participation, and feedback – and support – in the form of positive leader–follower relationships – works to promote the development ofmore complex meaningmaking systems in leaders and followers, thus enriching both individuals in the dyad

Exploring The Developmental Potential Of Leader-Follower Interactions: A Constructive-Developmental Approach

Researchers in leadership have long recognized the important role of leaders in developing the competencies of followers.More recently, however, scholars have begun to emphasize the pivotal role of followers in the development of leaders.We use constructive developmental theory (e.g., Kegan, 1982; Loevinger & Blasi, 1976) to suggest that both leaders and followers influence the development of the meaningmaking systems of their counterparts in leader–follower dyads. We argue that a combination of challenge – in the formof delegation, participation, and feedback – and support – in the form of positive leader–follower relationships – works to promote the development ofmore complex meaningmaking systems in leaders and followers, thus enriching both individuals in the dyad

Development of an ex vivo method for multi-unit recording of microbiota-colonic-neural signaling in real time

Background and Objectives: Bidirectional signaling between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain is vital for maintaining whole-body homeostasis. Moreover, emerging evidence implicates vagal afferent signaling in the modulation of host physiology by microbes, which are most abundant in the colon. This study aims to optimize and advance dissection and recording techniques to facilitate real-time recordings of afferent neural signals originating in the distal colon. New Protocol: This paper describes a dissection technique, which facilitates extracellular electrophysiological recordings from visceral pelvic, spinal and vagal afferent neurons in response to stimulation of the distal colon. Examples of Application: Focal application of 75 mM KCl to a section of distal colon with exposed submucosal or myenteric nerve cell bodies and sensory nerve endings evoked activity in the superior mesenteric plexus and the vagal nerve. Noradrenaline stimulated nerve activity in the superior mesenteric plexus, whereas application of carbachol stimulated vagal nerve activity. Exposure of an ex vivo section of distal colon with an intact colonic mucosa to peptidoglycan, but not lipopolysaccharide, evoked vagal nerve firing. Discussion: Previous studies have recorded vagal signaling evoked by bacteria in the small intestine. The technical advances of this dissection and recording technique facilitates recording of afferent nerve signals evoked in extrinsic sensory pathways by neuromodulatory reagents applied to the distal colon. Moreover, we have demonstrated vagal afferent activation evoked by bacterial products applied to the distal colonic mucosa. This protocol may contribute to our understanding of functional bowel disorders where gut-brain communication is dysfunctional, and facilitate real-time interrogation of microbiota-gut-brain signaling

Lagrangian Measurements of Orbital Velocities in the Surf Zone

Eulerian and Lagrangian measurements of orbital velocities in waves approaching a beach are analyzed with the goal of understanding the relative influence of wave-by-wave variations in mean-water level, wave height and incipient wave breaking on mass transport properties of waves in the surf zone. It is shown quantitatively that elevated local mean-water level correlates positively with increased Lagrangian mass transport at the free surface. Eulerian ADV measurements in the fluid column suggest that the depth-integrated wave-by-wave mass transport also correlates positively with the local mean-water level, and is only weakly linked to wave height and wave-breaking events.publishedVersio

The CUL4-DDB1 ubiquitin ligase complex controls adult and embryonic stem cell differentiation and homeostasis

Little is known on post-transcriptional regulation of adult and embryonic stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Here we characterize the role of Ddb1, a component of the CUL4-DDB1 ubiquitin ligase complex. Ddb1 is highly expressed in multipotent hematopoietic progenitors and its deletion leads to abrogation of both adult and fetal hematopoiesis, targeting specifically transiently amplifying progenitor subsets. However, Ddb1 deletion in non-dividing lymphocytes has no discernible phenotypes. Ddb1 silencing activates Trp53 pathway and leads to significant effects on cell cycle progression and rapid apoptosis. The abrogation of hematopoietic progenitor cells can be partially rescued by simultaneous deletion of Trp53. Conversely, depletion of DDB1 in embryonic stem cell (ESC) leads to differentiation albeit negative effects on cell cycle and apoptosis. Mass spectrometry reveals differing protein interactions between DDB1 and distinct DCAFs, the substrate recognizing components of the E3 complex, between cell types. Our studies identify CUL4-DDB1 complex as a novel post-translational regulator of stem and progenitor maintenance and differentiation

PI 3-kinase- and ERK-MAPK-dependent mechanisms underlie Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-mediated activation of Sprague Dawley colonic myenteric neurons

Background: Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) can modify colonic function, with beneficial effects reported in the functional bowel disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS pathophysiology is characterized by hyper-activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis and altered microbial profiles. This study aims to characterize the neuronal and functional effects of GLP-1 in healthy rat colons to aid understanding of its beneficial effects in moderating bowel dysfunction. Methods: Immunofluorescent and calcium imaging of myenteric neurons prepared from Sprague Dawley rat colons was carried out to elucidate the neuromodulatory actions of the GLP-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4 (Ex-4). Colonic contractile activity was assessed using organ bath physiological recordings. Key results: Ex-4 induced an elevation of intracellular calcium arising from store release and influx via voltage-gated calcium channels. Ex-4 activated both ERK-MAPK and PI 3-kinase signaling cascades. Neuronal activation was found to underlie suppression of contractile activity in colonic circular muscle. Although the stress hormone, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) potentiated the neuronal response to Ex-4, and the functional effects of Ex-4 on colonic circular muscle activity were not altered. Conclusions and inferences: Ex-4 evoked neurally regulated suppression of rat colonic circular muscle activity. In myenteric neurons, the neurostimulatory effects of Ex-4 were dependent upon activation of PI 3-kinase and ERK-MAPK signaling cascades. No further change in circular muscle function was noted in the presence of CRF suggesting that stress does not impact on colonic function in health. Further studies in a model of IBS are needed to determine whether mechanisms are modified in the context of bowel dysfunction

Leptin modifies the prosecretory and prokinetic effects of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 on colonic function in Sprague–Dawley rats

Leptin ameliorates the prosecretory and prokinetic effects of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 on rat colon. Leptin also suppresses the neurostimulatory effects of irritable bowel syndrome plasma, which has elevated concentrations of interleukin-6, on enteric neurons. This may indicate a regulatory role for leptin in immune-mediated bowel dysfunction. In addition to its role in regulating energy homeostasis, the adipokine leptin modifies gastrointestinal (GI) function. Indeed, leptin-resistant obese humans and leptin-deficient obese mice exhibit altered GI motility. In the functional GI disorder irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), circulating leptin concentrations are reported to differ from those of healthy control subjects. Additionally, IBS patients display altered cytokine profiles, including elevated circulating concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), which bears structural homology and similarities in intracellular signalling to leptin. This study aimed to investigate interactions between leptin and IL-6 in colonic neurons and their possible contribution to IBS pathophysiology. The functional effects of leptin and IL-6 on colonic contractility and absorptosecretory function were assessed in organ baths and Ussing chambers in Sprague–Dawley rat colon. Calcium imaging and immunohistochemical techniques were used to investigate the neural regulation of GI function by these signalling molecules. Our findings provide a neuromodulatory role for leptin in submucosal neurons, where it inhibited the stimulatory effects of IL-6. Functionally, this translated to suppression of IL-6-evoked potentiation of veratridine-induced secretory currents. Leptin also attenuated IL-6-induced colonic contractions, although it had little direct effect on myenteric neurons. Calcium responses evoked by IBS plasma in both myenteric and submucosal neurons were also suppressed by leptin, possibly through interactions with IL-6, which is elevated in IBS plasma. As leptin has the capacity to ameliorate the neurostimulatory effects of soluble mediators in IBS plasma and modulated IL-6-evoked changes in bowel function, leptin may have a role in immune-mediated bowel dysfunction in IBS patients