bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Role for Heat Shock Protein 72 in Antagonizing Cerebral Vasospasm After Rat Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Nikaido Hirofumi , Tsunoda Hiroshi , Nishimura Yuhei , Kirino Takaaki , Tanaka Toshio
Published: September 2004

Background—

Cerebral vasospasm can be defined as delayed-onset narrowing of the cerebral arteries that can occur after a spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Despite a large number of experimental and clinical investigations, the exact pathophysiology of vasospasm remains unknown. Using a fluorescence differential-display system, we have identified the gene encoding heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) as being highly upregulated by cerebral vasospasm. We therefore elucidated the role of the
HSP72
gene in cerebral vasospasm in a rat experimental SAH model.

Methods and Results—

By angiography, cerebral vasospasm was detected from day 1, with maximal narrowing detected on day 2. Intracisternal injection of antisense HSP72 oligodeoxynucleotide led to specific inhibition of HSP72 gene expression and significantly aggravated cerebral vasospasm on days 2 and 3 of the angiographic studies. Oral administration of geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), an antiulcer drug, enhanced HSP72 induction and reduced cerebral vasospasm.

Conclusions—

These results suggest HSP72 plays a novel role in antagonizing delayed cerebral vasospasm after SAH and that GGA provides protective effects against delayed cerebral vasospasm, at least partly via induction of HSP72.
Functional Recovery of Stroke Rats Induced by Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor–Stimulated Stem Cells
Authors: Shyu Woei-Cherng , Lin Shinn-Zong , Yang Hui-I , Tzeng Yi-Shiuan , Pang Cheng-Yoong , Yen Pao-Sheng , Li Hung
Published: September 2004

Background—

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide; however, no effective treatment currently exists.

Methods and Results—

Rats receiving subcutaneous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) showed less cerebral infarction, as evaluated by MRI, and improved motor performance after right middle cerebral artery ligation than vehicle-treated control rats. Subcutaneous administration of G-CSF enhanced the availability of circulating hematopoietic stem cells to the brain and their capacity for neurogenesis and angiogenesis in rats with cerebral ischemia.

Conclusions—

G-CSF induced increases in bone marrow cell mobilization and targeting to the brain, reducing the volume of cerebral infarction and improving neural plasticity and vascularization.
Markers of Inflammation and Rapid Coronary Artery Disease Progression in Patients With Stable Angina Pectoris
Authors: Zouridakis Emmanouil , Avanzas Pablo , Arroyo-Espliguero Ramón , Fredericks Salim , Kaski Juan Carlos
Published: September 2004

Background—

Both endothelial cell activation and macrophage activation play a significant role in atherogenesis and atheromatous plaque vulnerability and may determine rapid coronary artery disease (CAD) progression. We sought to assess the association between serum inflammatory markers and rapid CAD progression in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris.

Methods and Results—

We studied 124 chronic stable angina pectoris patients (84 men; mean age, 61±10 years) who were on a waiting list for coronary angioplasty for a mean time of 4.8±2.4 months. CAD progression was defined as ≥10% diameter reduction of a pre-existing stenosis ≥50%, ≥30% diameter reduction of a stenosis <50%, development of a new stenosis ≥30% in a previously normal segment, or progression of any stenosis to total occlusion. CAD progression occurred in 35 patients (28%). After adjustment with binary logistic regression, neopterin (
P
<0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (
P
=0.017), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (
P
=0.002), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (
P
<0.001), and previous history of unstable angina (
P
=0.01) were independent predictors of rapid CAD progression. The association between rapid disease progression and inflammatory markers remained significant even when presence of complex lesions was introduced into the multivariate model.

Conclusions—

Rapid CAD progression in patients with stable angina pectoris is associated with increased C-reactive protein levels and raised concentrations of biochemical markers of endothelial and macrophage activation.
Long-Term Mortality of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States and Canada
Authors: Kaul Padma , Armstrong Paul W. , Chang Wei-Ching , Naylor C. David , Granger Christopher B. , Lee Kerry L. , Peterson Eric D. , Califf Robert M. , Topol Eric J. , Mark Daniel B.
Published: September 2004

Background—

In a previous substudy of the GUSTO-I trial, we observed better functional and quality-of-life outcomes among patients in the United States (US patients) compared with patients in Canada. Rates of invasive therapy were significantly higher in the United States and were associated with a small mortality benefit (0.4%, adjusted
P
=0.02). We sought to determine whether Canadian–US differences in practice patterns in GUSTO-I had an impact on 5-year mortality.

Methods and Results—

Mortality data for 23 105 US and 2898 Canadian patients enrolled in GUSTO-I were obtained from national mortality databases. Median follow-up was 5.46 years in the US and 5.33 years in the Canadian cohort. Five-year mortality rate was 19.6% among US and 21.4% among Canadian patients (
P
=0.02). After baseline adjustment, enrollment in Canada was associated with a higher hazard of death (1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 1.28,
P
=0.001). Revascularization rates during the index hospitalization in the United States were almost 3 times those in Canada: 30.5% versus 11.4% for angioplasty and 13.1% versus 4.0% for bypass surgery (
P
<0.01 for both). After accounting for revascularization status as a time-dependent covariate, country was no longer a significant predictor of long-term mortality. These results were confirmed in a propensity-matched analysis.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest, for the first time, that the more conservative pattern of care with regard to early revascularization in Canada for ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction may have a detrimental effect on long-term survival. Our results have important policy implications for cardiac care in countries and healthcare systems wherein use of invasive procedures is similarly conservative.
Declines in Mortality From Acute Myocardial Infarction in Successive Incidence and Birth Cohorts of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Krishnan Eswar , Lingala Vijaya Bharathi , Singh Gurkirpal
Published: September 2004

Background—

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at high risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has become more intensive over the past 2 decades, resulting in tighter control of inflammation and lower levels of disability. The impact of this on atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases is not known.

Methods and Results—

Death rates from AMI in a cohort of 3862 patients with rheumatoid arthritis followed up from 1980 to 1997 were studied. Time trends in AMI mortality among successive incidence and birth cohorts were examined by use of multivariable Poisson regression models and by comparing standardized mortality ratios. The mean age was 56 years in this predominantly female cohort (76%), and median disease duration was 6.5 years. During the period of observation, the use of methotrexate increased substantially, whereas that of prednisone was relatively stable. Over the 22 209 person-years of observation, there were 157 deaths as a result of AMI, with a death rate of 7.06 per 1000 person-years. Mortality rates were higher in older age groups and in men. After adjustment for age, sex, race, and disease duration, the risk of AMI declined in successive incidence years (relative risk, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.96). Patients with rheumatoid arthritis incident after 1990 did not have excess AMI mortality compared with general population. Declines in mortality trends were observed in successive birth cohorts as well.

Conclusions—

Mortality as a result of AMI among patients with rheumatoid arthritis has declined over time.
Mechanism of Pacing-Induced Ventricular Fibrillation in the Infarcted Human Heart
Authors: Chow Anthony W.C. , Segal Oliver R. , Davies D. Wyn , Peters Nicholas S.
Published: September 2004

Background—

The mechanisms by which ventricular fibrillation (VF) is initiated in the infarcted human heart have not been defined.

Methods and Results—

Left ventricular noncontact mapping of 8 episodes of pacing-induced VF in 6 patients (age 64.8±7.9 years, with previous myocardial infraction and left ventricular ejection fraction of 36±4%) undergoing ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation revealed a consistent mechanism of VF induction. Whether during VT or sinus rhythm, the first of a train of paced extrastimuli to capture the LV produced an arc or arcs of functional block at regions bordering scar. With subsequent extrastimuli, the arcs elongated to circumscribe an enlarging area of increasingly late activation, with reentry through part of this functional (unidirectional) block leading to wavefront fragmentation and VF. These regions had longer fibrillation intervals (263±63 ms) than remote LV regions (209±23.4 ms;
P
<0.0001), implying longer refractory periods, and in 6 of the 8 VF episodes, these regions correlated with VT exit sites. In each of the 2 patients with 2 episodes of VF, both episodes formed arcs of functional block in the same location, despite pacing from different sites.

Conclusions—

Pacing-induced VF in the infarcted human heart is initiated by the development of functional lines of block dictated by the properties of a particular region of myocardium characterized by longer refractory periods, at or near VT circuit exit sites. Identification of these characteristic properties may help stratify risk of arrhythmic death and explain the potential for VT ablation to modify risk of VF in the infarcted heart.
Blood Pressure and Adiposity in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Paradis Gilles , Lambert Marie , O’Loughlin Jennifer , Lavallée Claudette , Aubin Jacinthe , Delvin Edgard , Lévy Emile , Hanley James A.
Published: September 2004

Background—

Although obesity is associated with important hemodynamic disturbances, there are few data on population-wide blood pressure (BP) distribution in children and adolescents in this era of endemic pediatric obesity.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a school-based survey of a representative sample of youth aged 9, 13, and 16 years in Quebec, Canada. Resting BP was measured with an oscillometric device in 3589 subjects (80% response). Additional measures included height, weight, and subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness, an age-appropriate questionnaire, and a fasting blood draw. Mean (SD) systolic/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) levels in 9-, 13-, and 16-year-olds were 103 (9)/57 (6), 113 (12)/58 (7), and 124 (14)/61 (7) mm Hg in males and 103 (10)/57 (6), 111 (11)/60 (7), and 114 (11)/62 (7) mm Hg in females. The prevalence of high-normal or elevated SBP was 12%, 22%, and 30% among 9-, 13-, and 16-year-old males, respectively, and 14%, 19%, and 17% among same-aged females. The prevalence of high-normal or elevated DBP was <1%. In multiple linear regression analysis, body mass index was consistently associated with SBP and DBP in all age-gender groups.

Conclusions—

Mean SBP and the prevalence of high-normal and elevated SBP are elevated in children and adolescents. Public policy, public health programs, and clinical preventive measures are urgently needed to address the obesity epidemic and its hemodynamic consequences.
Role of Coronary Collaterals in Off-Pump and On-Pump Coronary Bypass Surgery
Authors: Nathoe Hendrik M. , Buskens Erik , Jansen Erik W.L. , Suyker Willem J.L. , Stella Pieter R. , Lahpor Jaap R. , van Boven Wim-Jan , van Dijk Diederik , Diephuis Jan C. , Borst Cornelius , Moons Karel G.M. , Grobbee Diederick E. , de Jaegere Peter P.T.
Published: September 2004

Background—

Collaterals limit infarct size, preserve viability, and reduce mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction. In patients with stable coronary disease, collaterals are associated with less angina and ischemia during angioplasty and fewer ischemic events during follow-up. The role of collaterals has not been studied in patients undergoing off-pump or on-pump bypass surgery.

Methods and Results—

The population consisted of the 281 patients randomized to off-pump or on-pump CABG in the Octopus Study. Collaterals were defined on the baseline angiogram with the Rentrop score and were present in 49% and 51% of the patients in the off-pump and on-pump group, respectively. Perioperative myocardial infarction was defined by a creatine kinase-MB to CK ratio >10% and occurred in 18.2% in the off-pump group and 32.5% in the on-pump group. The unadjusted OR of perioperative myocardial infarction in the presence of collaterals was 0.31 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.84) in the off-pump group and 1.06 (95% CI 0.29 to 3.85) in the on-pump group After adjustment for age, gender, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, multivessel disease, ventricular dysfunction, incomplete revascularization, and ischemic time, the OR was 0.34 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.84) in the off-pump group and 1.28 (95% CI 0.30 to 5.40) in the on-pump group, respectively. Kaplan-Meier estimates of event-free survival at 1 year were 87% in patients with and 69% in those without collaterals after off-pump CABG. These estimates were 66% and 63%, respectively, after on-pump CABG.

Conclusions—

Collaterals protect against perioperative myocardial infarction during off-pump surgery but not during on-pump surgery and are associated with a better 1-year event-free survival.
Efficacy of Quinidine in High-Risk Patients With Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Belhassen Bernard , Glick Aharon , Viskin Sami
Published: September 2004

Background—

Automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy is considered the only effective treatment for high-risk patients with Brugada syndrome. Quinidine depresses
I
to
current, which may play an important role in the arrhythmogenesis of this disease.

Methods and Results—

The effects of quinidine bisulfate (mean dose, 1483±240 mg) on the prevention of inducible and spontaneous ventricular fibrillation (VF) were prospectively evaluated in 25 patients (24 men, 1 woman; age, 19 to 80 years) with Brugada syndrome. There were 15 symptomatic patients (including 7 cardiac arrest survivors and 7 patients with unexplained syncope) and 10 asymptomatic patients. All 25 patients had inducible VF at baseline electrophysiological study. Quinidine prevented VF induction in 22 of the 25 patients (88%). After a follow-up period of 6 months to 22.2 years, all patients are alive. Nineteen patients were treated with quinidine for 6 to 219 months (mean±SD, 56±67 months). None had an arrhythmic event, although 2 had non–arrhythmia-related syncope. Administration of quinidine was associated with a 36% incidence of side effects that resolved after drug discontinuation.

Conclusions—

Quinidine effectively prevents VF induction in patients with Brugada syndrome. Our data suggest that quinidine also suppresses spontaneous arrhythmias and could prove to be a safe alternative to automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy for a substantial proportion of patients with Brugada syndrome. Randomized studies comparing these two therapies seem warranted.
Angiotensin-(1–7) Inhibitory Mechanism of Norepinephrine Release in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Gironacci Mariela M. , Valera María S. , Yujnovsky Irene , Peña Clara
Published: September 2004

Release of norepinephrine (NE) by the hypothalamic nuclei may contribute to regulation of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. Angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)] has an antihypertensive effect and may decrease SNS activity. We tested the hypothesis that Ang-(1–7) inhibits the release of NE in hypothalami, via the Ang-(1–7) and angiotensin II type 2 (AT
2
) receptors, acting through a bradykinin (BK)/NO-dependent mechanism. Hypothalami from normotensive controls and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were isolated and endogenous NE stores labeled by incubating the tissues with [
3
H]NE. [
3
H]NE release from the hypothalami was stimulated by KCl in the presence or absence of Ang-(1–7) alone or combined with various antagonists and inhibitors. Ang-(1–7) significantly attenuated K
+
-induced NE release by hypothalami from normotensive rats but was more potent in SHR. The Ang-(1–7) receptor antagonist [
d
-Ala
7
]Ang-(1–7), the AT
2
receptor antagonist PD 123319, and the BK B
2
receptor antagonist icatibant all blocked the inhibitory effect of Ang-(1–7) on K
+
-stimulated NE release in SHR. The inhibitory effect of Ang-(1–7) disappeared in the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester and was restored by the precursor of NO,
l
-arginine. The diminished NE release caused by Ang-(1–7) was blocked by a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor as well as by a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). We concluded that Ang-(1–7) decreases NE release from the hypothalamus via the Ang-(1–7) or AT
2
receptors, acting through a BK/NO-mediated mechanism that stimulates cGMP/PKG signaling. In this way, Ang-(1–7) may decrease SNS activity and exert an antihypertensive effect.
Measuring Adherence to Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension
Authors: Milchak Jessica L. , Carter Barry L. , James Paul A. , Ardery Gail
Published: September 2004

Adherence to practice guidelines is frequently used as a measure of quality of care. Numerous studies have evaluated physician adherence to hypertension guidelines by prescription data, physician survey data, or medical record review. However, most have methodological limitations that might underestimate physician adherence. Accurate and meaningful characterization of adherence rests on evaluation of varied components of hypertension care, use of explicit validated performance measures, incorporation of implicit and explicit review, and linkage of process measures to blood pressure outcomes.
Degenerin/Epithelial Na
+
Channel Proteins
Authors: Drummond Heather A. , Gebremedhin Debebe , Harder David R.
Published: September 2004

Mechanosensitive ion channels are thought to mediate stretch-induced contraction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs); however, the molecular identity of the mechanosensitive ion channel complex is unknown. Although recent reports suggest degenerin/epithelial Na
+
channel (DEG/ENaC) proteins may be mechanosensors in sensory neurons, their role as mechanosensors in vascular tissue has not been examined. We first tested whether DEG/ENaC subunits are expressed in cerebral blood vessels and VSMCs and then examined their role as mechanosensors in mediating the myogenic response in intact blood vessels. Using RT-PCR, we found ENaC transcripts expressed in rat cerebral arteries and freshly dissociated rat cerebral VSMCs. We also detected ENaC expression in isolated blood vessels and VSMCs by immunoblotting and immunolocalization. Moreover, inhibition of ENaC with amiloride (1 μmol/L) and benzamil (30 nmol/L, 1 μmol), an amiloride analog, blocked myogenic constriction in isolated rat cerebral arteries. These data suggest that DEG/ENaC proteins are required for vessel responses to pressure and are consistent with the evolutionary conservation of mechanosensory function of DEG/ENaC proteins.
Correlated Firing Improves Stimulus Discrimination in a Retinal Model
Authors: Kenyon Garrett T. , Theiler James , George John S. , Travis Bryan J. , Marshak David W.
Published: September 2004

Synchronous firing limits the amount of information that can be extracted by averaging the firing rates of similarly tuned neurons. Here, we show that the loss of such rate-coded information due to synchronous oscillations between retinal ganglion cells can be overcome by exploiting the information encoded by the correlations themselves. Two very different models, one based on axon-mediated inhibitory feedback and the other on oscillatory common input, were used to generate artificial spike trains whose synchronous oscillations were similar to those measured experimentally. Pooled spike trains were summed into a threshold detector whose output was classified using Bayesian discrimination. For a threshold detector with short summation times, realistic oscillatory input yielded superior discrimination of stimulus intensity compared to rate-matched Poisson controls. Even for summation times too long to resolve synchronous inputs, gamma band oscillations still contributed to improved discrimination by reducing the total spike count variability, or Fano factor. In separate experiments in which neurons were synchronized in a stimulus-dependent manner without attendant oscillations, the Fano factor increased markedly with stimulus intensity, implying that stimulus-dependent oscillations can offset the increased variability due to synchrony alone.
Predicting Axonal Response to Molecular Gradients with a Computational Model of Filopodial Dynamics
Authors: Goodhill Geoffrey J. , Gu Ming , Urbach Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2004

Axons are often guided to their targets in the developing nervous system by attractive or repulsive molecular concentration gradients. We propose a computational model for gradient sensing and directed movement of the growth cone mediated by filopodia. We show that relatively simple mechanisms are sufficient to generate realistic trajectories for both the short-term response of axons to steep gradients and the long-term response of axons to shallow gradients. The model makes testable predictions for axonal response to attractive and repulsive gradients of different concentrations and steepness, the size of the intracellular amplification of the gradient signal, and the differences in intracellular signaling required for repulsive versus attractive turning.
On the Uniqueness of Loopy Belief Propagation Fixed Points
Authors: Heskes Tom
Published: September 2004

We derive sufficient conditions for the uniqueness of loopy belief propagation fixed points. These conditions depend on both the structure of the graph and the strength of the potentials and naturally extend those for convexity of the Bethe free energy. We compare them with (a strengthened version of) conditions derived elsewhere for pairwise potentials. We discuss possible implications for convergent algorithms, as well as for other approximate free energies.
A Model of Playfulness and Flow in Virtual Reality Interactions
Authors: Reid Denise
Published: September 2004

This paper develops an integrated model of playfulness and flow in virtual reality (VR) computer interactions using constructs drawn from the fields of occupational therapy, social psychology, applied psychology, and cultural anthropology. The purpose of this paper is to describe some ongoing research in our lab with disabled children and adults. We propose some testable hypotheses linked to constructs in the model that we have done some preliminary research in, and we suggest other hypothesis testing for future research. Key elements in the model that have been tested in our lab include self-efficacy and volition. They are seen as necessary characteristics of an individual that will influence his or her playfulness with the activity of VR. Flow and playfulness were two other constructs in the model that we hypothesize are related to volition and self-efficacy. We studied how flow is related to playfulness. The findings supported previous research on self-efficacy and volition as children and adults reported that being in control was important and stressed the value of being able to do new things. Playfulness was expressed as being able to feel presence with the activity. We looked at how playfulness was related to creativity, another construct in the model believed to be an outcome of playfulness. These studies will be reported in more detail in the paper as well as recommendations for further research.
Desensitization of Camera-Aided Manipulation to Target Specification Errors
Authors: Küçük Haluk , Parker Gordon G. , Baumgartner Eric T. , Klymyshyn Nicholas A.
Published: September 2004

Applications of vision-based remotely operated robotic systems range from planetary exploration to hazardous waste remediation. For space applications, where communication time lags are large, the target selection and robot positioning tasks may be performed sequentially, differing from conventional telerobotic maneuvers. For these point-and-move systems, the desired target must be defined in the image plane of the cameras either by an operator or through image processing software. Ambiguity of the target specification will naturally lead to end-effector positioning errors. In this paper, the target specification error covariance is shown to transform linearly to the end-effector positioning error. In addition, a methodology for optimal estimation of camera-view parameters of a vision-based robotic system based on target specification errors is presented. The proposed strategy is based on minimizing the end-effector error covariance matrix. Experimental results are presented demonstrating an increase in end-effector positioning, compared to traditional view parameter estimation by up to 32%.
Transformed Social Interaction: Decoupling Representation from Behavior and Form in Collaborative Virtual Environments
Authors: Bailenson Jeremy N. , Beall Andrew C. , Loomis Jack , Blascovich Jim , Turk Matthew
Published: September 2004

Computer-mediated communication systems known as collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) allow geographically separated individuals to interact verbally and nonverbally in a shared virtual space in real time. We discuss a CVE-based research paradigm that transforms (i.e., filters and modifies) nonverbal behaviors during social interaction. Because the technology underlying CVEs allows a strategic decoupling of rendered behavior from the actual behavior of the interactants, conceptual and perceptual constraints inherent in face-to-face interaction need not apply. Decoupling algorithms can enhance or degrade facets of nonverbal behavior within CVEs, such that interactants can reap the benefits of nonverbal enhancement or suffer nonverbal degradation. Concepts underlying transformed social interaction (TSI), the ethics and implications of such a research paradigm, and data from a pilot study examining TSI are discussed.
Teaching Virtual Reality: Why and How?
Authors: Burdea Grigore C.
Published: September 2004

This article looks at the teaching aspects of virtual reality, as opposed to the use of virtual reality as a teaching tool (in virtual teaching environments). It is motivated by a perceived need for clarity, focus, and dialogue that are lacking within the VR community of developers, instructors, and end users. The market for visualization/3D computer graphics/simulations has seen a steady growth over the last decade. Yet, despite success stories in oil exploration, military training, car manufacturing, and other sectors, the VR curriculum has been fragmented and heterogeneous. The most longevity and success has been shown by programs that are designed to satisfy a societal need, such as the MOVES Institute at the Naval Postgraduate School (USA). The difficulty in adequately teaching VR may be related to the expense of setting up dedicated laboratories, and the lack of supporting textbooks in the 1990s. Yet such laboratories and books are key to gaining true understanding of the VR domain. An informal worldwide survey shows that only 3% of universities offer such courses, with half being in the USA. A listing of courses in Core (VR, VE technology) and Related (human factors, interface design, arts, architecture) areas is included in the Appendix. It is hoped that this article will spark a much-needed dialog within the VR community on ways to better teach VR to address societal needs.
How Colorful Was Your Day? Why Questionnaires Cannot Assess Presence in Virtual Environments
Authors: Slater Mel
Published: September 2004

This paper argues that a scientific basis for “presence” as it's usually understood in virtual environments research, can not be established on the basis of postexperience presence questionnaires alone. To illustrate the point, an arbitrary mental attribute called “colorfulness of the experience” is conjured up, and a set of questions administered to 74 respondents with an online questionnaire. The results suggested that colorfulness of yesterday's experiences was associated with the extent to which a person accomplished their tasks, and also associated with yesterday being a “good”, “pleasant”, but not frustrating day. The meaning lessness of this analysis illustrates that the equivalent methodology used by presence researchers, may, similarly, bring into being the idea of presence in the minds of VE participants. However, it is argued that there can be no evidence on this methodological basis that presence played any role in their actual mental activity or behavior at the time of the experience. It is concluded that presence researchers must move away from heavy reliance on questionnaires in order to make any progress in this area.
Perceived Instability of Virtual Haptic Texture. I. Experimental Studies
Authors: Choi Seungmoon , Tan Hong Z.
Published: September 2004

This paper presents a quantitative characterization of the instability that a human user often experiences while interacting with a virtual textured surface rendered with a force-reflecting haptic interface. First, we quantified the degree of stability/ instability during haptic texture rendering through psychophysical experiments. The stiffness of the virtual textured surface upon detection of instability was measured under a variety of experimental conditions using two texture rendering methods, two exploration modes, and various texture model parameters. We found that the range of stiffness values for stable texture rendering was quite limited. Second, we investigated the attributes of the proximal stimuli experienced by a human hand while exploring the virtual textured surface in an attempt to identify the sources of perceived instability. Position, force, and acceleration were measured and then analyzed in the frequency domain. The results were characterized by sensation levels in terms of spectral intensity in dB relative to the human detection threshold at the same frequency. We found that the spectral bands responsible for texture and instability perception were well separated in frequency such that they excited different mechanoreceptors and were, therefore, perceptually distinctive. Furthermore, we identified the high-frequency dynamics of the device to be a likely source of perceived instability. Our work has implications for displaying textured surfaces through a force feedback device in a virtual environment.
The Child Manifestation of Śiva in Contemporary Hindu Popular Prints
Authors: Jacobsen Knut
Published: September 2004

God posters have become one of the most visible aspects of popular religious culture in South Asia. In this article I argue that the God poster industry has created opportunities for iconographic innovations, but that the God posters nevertheless build on traditional sacred narratives and conceptions of the Hindu gods found especially in the Hindu epics and the Purānas.. Even if the iconographic representation of the child manifestations of Śiva is something new, these God posters rely on the presence of the child manifestations of Śiva in the sacred narratives of the Hindu tradition. While only some of the episodes of Śiva as a child till now have been depicted in the God posters, it is not unreasonable to expect that more episodes involving the manifestation of Śiva as a child will be depicted in God posters in the future.
The Early Spread of Vedanta Societies: An Example of "Imported Localism"
Authors: Beckerlegge Gwilym
Published: September 2004

Sri Ramakrishna, in whose name the Ramakrishna Math and Mission were created, and Swami Vivekananda, the disciple largely responsible for their organization, have been recognized as early examples of the "global gurus" who, over the last hundred years or so, have attracted both Hindus and those not born into Hinduism. This article will examine the establishment of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in the United States and London. As a consequence of its attachment to the ideal of an emergent universal religion, but one linked to the claim that Hinduism is the "mother of religions," the movement has looked to the Hindu tradition for authoritative paradigms. This tendency has been matched by an expectation on the part of followers not born into Hinduism that the movement's belief and ritual activity should reflect practice in India. It will be argued that this pattern cannot be explained adequately in terms of existing theoretical understandings of the interaction between globalization and localization. Instead, it will be argued that Vivekananda's teaching led to the emergence of the related yet distinct phenomenon of "imported localism," which has been at odds with the ideal of a universal religion.
Usages Privés Et Publics De L'incubation D'après Les Textes Hittites
Authors: Mouton Alice
Published: September 2004

An incubation is a ritual during which one sleeps and sometimes tries to get a special dream. The Hittite texts describe two different kinds of incubation: a divinatory one (in order to get a message-dream) and a therapeutic one (in order to heal the sleeper). The contexts in which the divinatory incubation occurs seem different from the ones in which the therapeutic incubation is used.
The Origin of Apollo
Authors: Beekes Robert
Published: September 2004

We shall argue that Burkert's etymology deriving the name Apollo from a Dorian word for 'assembly', απελλα, is linguistically and historically impossible. This means that the possibility of Anatolian origin is open again. It is argued that Apollo is a Pre-Greek-Anatolian name. The expected proto-form of this name is found in the name Appaliunas, a god of Wilusa/Ilios mentioned in a Hittite letter. This strongly suggests Anatolian origin of the name. This is confirmed by the Homeric epithet αυκηγενηζ, which has long been recognised as an archaic formation meaning 'born in Lycia'. This fits well with the strong Anatolian connections of Apollo as well as his mother Leto and his sister Artemis. L'étymologie proposée par Burkert du mot Apollon comme dérivé du mot apella, 'assemblée', est impossible, pour des raisons linguistiques et historiques. Il est donc possible que le mot, et le dieu, est d'origine anatolienne. Le nom est pré-grecanatolien. La proto-forme expectée est trouveé dans le nom Appaliunas, dieu de Wilusa / Ilios mentionné dans une lettre hittite, ce qui est une belle confirmation d'une origine anatolienne. Ceci est confirmé par l'épithéte homérique Lukégenés, 'né en Lycie'. Une origine anatolienne est en accord avec les liens d'Apollon lui meme, sa mére Leto et sa soeur Artemis avec l'Anatolie.
Economic Globalization, Domestic Politics, and Income Inequality in the Developed Countries
Authors: Mahler Vincent A.
Published: September 2004

This article assesses the impact of economic globalization and domestic political factors on income inequality and state redistribution in the developed countries over the past two decades, using household-level data from the Luxembourg Income Study that are more detailed, accurate, and cross-nationally comparable than those used in previous empirical work. It examines three major modes of international integration—trade, direct foreign investment, and international financial flows—as well as four domestic political variables—the partisan balance of national cabinets, electoral turnout, union density, and the centralization of wage-setting institutions. The study finds only scattered relationships between global integration and income distribution or redistribution but reasonably strong positive relationships between several domestic political variables and an egalitarian distribution of income and/or extensive state redistribution. These findings are consistent with a growing number of studies that emphasize the resilience of domestic political factors in the face of economic globalization.
Psychiatric Symptoms, Social Disability, Low Wellbeing and Need for Treatment: Data from a Population-Based Study
Authors: Forsell Yvonne
Published: September 2004

Background: Identifying need for treatment due to mental problems is necessary for rational health care planning. The aim of this study was to study reports of psychiatric symptoms, social disability and low wellbeing as indicators of meetable need of care.

Methods: An extensive questionnaire was sent out to a representative adult population in Stockholm, Sweden. Psychiatric symptom scales, social disabilities due to psychological distress and wellbeing were included. Of the 10,442 persons that answered 1093 were interviewed by psychiatrists. Meetable need of care was assessed and psychiatric diagnoses were made according to DSM-IV.

Results: Reports of psychiatric symptoms, social disabilities and low wellbeing were all associated with being female, younger, single, manual work and unemployed. Somatic disorders, a lower degree of social network and more negative life events were also associated. Of the interviewees persons with low well-being had the highest risk for being regarded as having meetable need of care. Additionally they were more likely to fulfil the criteria for a psychiatric disorder accordingtoDSM-IV.

Conclusion: Persons with low wellbeing had a higher risk of having meetable need of care than persons with psychiatric symptoms and/or social disabilities had.
Quality of Life of Schizophrenic Psychiatric Outpatients as a Criterion for Treatment Planning in Psychiatric Institutions
Authors: Schmidt Kai , Staupendahl Anika , Vollmoeller Wolfgang
Published: September 2004

Background: Subjective quality of life (QoL) is an indispensable part of the current concept of health. Therefore it should serve as a criterion for treatment planning in social psychiatric institutions.

Aim: We looked at the QoL of our outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia in order to identify possible areas of life that might need further attention in treatment planning.

Methods: We used the short German version of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (BLEP-KF) to evaluate the QoL of 164 schizophrenic outpatients. All patients were diagnosed with the International Diagnostic Checklists (IDCL) for ICD-10. Demographic and treatment data are analysed cross-sectionally in relation to their QoL.

Results: The majority of patients was moderately happy with their general QoL. They were least satisfied in the domains of job and financial situation, mental health and sexuality. Psychopathology and especially the quality of individual care had a significant influence on the evaluation of QoL.

Conclusion: This result supports an argument in favour of more individual patient-centred forms of case management to reduce the burden of severe psychopathological symptoms experienced in everyday activities by patients suffering from schizophrenia.
Still Excluded? An Update on the Status of African American Scholars in the Discipline of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Authors: Gabbidon Shaun L. , Greene Helen Taylor , Wilder Kideste
Published: September 2004

This article reexamines the exclusion of African Americans in the discipline of criminology and criminal justice. Young and Sulton raised this issue in their important article that focused on the role of African American scholars in various aspects of the field. The article revisits several areas investigated in the original article, including the integration of African American scholarship in assorted scholarly outlets, race of editorial board members of the major criminal justice journals, race of grant recipients, use of African American criminologists as experts for media stories, and as consultants in the policymaking process. In addition, the authors’ analysis examines criminology and criminal justice programs at historically Black colleges and universities. The results from these analyses show moderate progress within the past decade. Nevertheless, the authors conclude that in the next decade, much more needs to be accomplished in many of the areas examined to facilitate the integration of African Americans in criminology and criminal justice and to ensure that gains that have been made are not lost.
Reintegrative Shaming and Predatory Delinquency
Authors: Zhang Lening , Zhang Sheldon
Published: September 2004

This study represents an attempt to test Braithwaite’s theory of reintegrative shaming with an operationalization scheme of two variables—disapproval of delinquent behavior (shaming) and forgiveness of the transgressor (reintegration) by parents and peers. The study combines measures of delinquency disapproval and forgiveness of the transgressor by parents and peers to capture the concept of reintegrative shaming. Using data collected from the first two waves of the National Youth Survey, the study finds no effect of either parental reintegrative shaming or peer reintegrative shaming on predatory delinquency in either wave when the effects of other important variables are held constant. However, the data reveal that parental forgiveness and peer shaming alone have significant and negative effects on the likelihood of being involved in predatory offenses in both waves. In contrast, peer forgiveness shows a significant and positive effect on predatory offense involvement in the first wave. The findings provide support to some elements of Braithwaite’s theory but not to the key hypothesis, assuming that reintegrative shaming is a significant predictor of predatory offenses. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Changements démographiques et religieux chez les hispaniques des Etats-Unis
Authors: Espinosa Gastón
Published: September 2004

The author explores the debate over US Latino religious affiliation. Depending on whom you believe, Latino Catholic affiliation in the United States runs from 77 to as low as 50%. After reviewing the limitations of previous studies, the author draws on the Hispanic Churches in American Public Life (HCAPL) national survey (n = 2060) to explore six demographic shifts in US Latino religions: (1) Catholic defections; (2) mass conversions to Protestantism; (3) mainline Protestant market share loss; (4) Pentecostal growth and the Pentecostalization of Latino Christianity; (5) growth of alternative Christian traditions; and (6) growth of world religions, metaphysical traditions and non-denominationalism. By breaking down Latino Protestantism into mainline, evangelical, and Pentecostal, the author challenges the theory that Latinos convert for status advantage and upward mobility. These shifts suggest that the future of US Latino religions is not only going to remain Catholic, but will also increasingly be Pentecostal/charismatic, alternative Christian, “heterodox”, and other non-denominational.
De la soupe au poulet pour nourrir l’âme des Noirs: la négociation d’une identité chez les Afro-américains convertis au judaïsme
Authors: Rubel Nora L.
Published: September 2004

The author examines African-American converts to Judaism and the delicate negotiation of an identity as both black and Jewish in the United States. A group often neglected by scholars of both African-American religion and Jewish studies, these persons who occupy a cultural space in both “black” and “Jewish” communities challenge the rigid socially imposed categories of “black” and “Jewish” that can alternatively refer to ethnic, racial, religious and political loyalties. Drawing on personal narratives from black Jews by choice, the author addresses the process of negotiating an identity with regard to external pressure from the greater Jewish and African American communities. In order to comprehend the way in which this negotiation takes place, the author will explore three factors: (1) the reaction from the black community to black Jews by choice; (2) the reaction from the largely white Jewish community; and (3) the way that black Jews perceive and respond to these outside influences.
The Effect of Surface Treatment of Barium Sulphate on the Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene-Barium Sulphate Composites
Authors: Abd El-Hakim A. A. , Badran A. S. , Essawy H. A.
Published: September 2004

Polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by compounding PP with untreated, as well as treated barium sulphate. Barium sulphate filler had been treated with different surface modifiers such as sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 60) and oleic acid. The mechanical properties of the prepared composites were evaluated. It was found that the filler treatment with SDBS enhanced the tensile yield strength and hardness of the resulting composites and also the elongation at rupture for most of the composites. Tween 60 and oleic acid as treating agents for the filler had the same effect on the tensile yield strength, while increasing their amounts on the surface decreased the elongation properties of the composites.
Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Nylon-1010-filled Rigid Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Yin Bo , Li Zhong-Ming , Quan Hui , Yang Ming-Bo , Zhou Qiu-Ming , Tian Chun-Rong , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: September 2004

A preliminary study on the influences of the nylon-1010 powder, as a new candidate for fillers, on the cellular structure and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) is presented. By observation of the scanning electron micrographs, it was found that the cells of the nylon powder-filled RPUF were mainly spheroid. When the nylon content was 5 wt%, the nylon particles were dispersed rather uniformly, whereas when the nylon content exceeded 10 wt%, the particles were hard to disperse in the matrix, and formed agglomerates. The compressive and tensile strengths of the unfilled RPUF exhibited a power-law dependence with respect to density of the foam: *1/4 (*) n. The measured tensile modulus of the unfilled RPUF was described well by a simple geometric model. The compressive modulus was also found to follow a power-law behavior with respect to foam density. Addition of 5 wt% nylon powder increased the tensile modulus and strength, but without a change in the density dependence. It can be found that the tensile modulus of the foam with 5 and 10 wt% nylon powder fit the predicted model well, but, at the filler concentration of 15 and 20 wt%, the power-law behavior did not work.
Bureaucratic Autonomy, Organizational Culture, and Habituation
Authors: Yesilkagit Kutsal
Published: September 2004

What really does change when a bureaucratic agency is created? What will the nature of a new agency’s interactions be with political and administrative actors in its environment? Despite the large interest in administrative reform during the past few decades, there has been only little attention given to institutionalization processes that follow the creation of independent public agencies. This article formulates a model of political-bureaucratic adaptation between politicians and newly established agencies. It is built on the concepts of bureaucratic autonomy, administrative culture, and habituation. The model is illustrated with the case of Independent Administrative Bodies in the Netherlands.
The Effects of Internet Use on Political Participation
Authors: Stanley J. Woody , Weare Christopher
Published: September 2004

We seek to clarify the relationship between Internet use and political participation. Although early theorists touted the potential mobilizing effects of the Internet, existing empirical studies have failed to find support for such a relationship. We challenge these findings through the analysis of an experimental use of an online discussion forum in anagency strategic planning exercise. The Web-based discussion run in parallel to the traditional docket attracted new individuals to participate in the decision-making process and influenced the range of topics discussed. These results suggest that extending opportunities for participation can attract new voices, thereby changing decision makers’information environment.