bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature Inversions in the Subarctic North Pacific
Authors: Ueno Hiromichi , Yasuda Ichiro
Published: January 2006

Hydrographic data from the World Ocean Database 2001 and Argo profiling floats were analyzed to study temperature inversions in the subarctic North Pacific Ocean. The frequency distribution of temperature inversions [F(t-inv)] at a resolution of 1° (latitude) × 3° (longitude) was calculated. Temperature inversions seldom occurred around 50°N in the eastern subarctic North Pacific but were more common in the northern Gulf of Alaska and the southeastern subarctic North Pacific (42°–48°N, 140°–170°W). Large temperature inversions occurred throughout the year in the western and central subarctic North Pacific (north of 42°N and west of 180°) except near the Aleutian and Kuril Islands. Near those islands, F(t-inv) was characterized by pronounced seasonal variations forced by surface heating/cooling and strong tidal mixing.
Destruction of Potential Vorticity by Winds
Authors: Thomas Leif N.
Published: January 2006

The destruction of potential vorticity (PV) at ocean fronts by wind stress–driven frictional forces is examined using PV flux formalism and numerical simulations. When a front is forced by “downfront” winds, that is, winds blowing in the direction of the frontal jet, a nonadvective frictional PV flux that is upward at the sea surface is induced. The flux extracts PV out of the ocean, leading to the formation of a boundary layer thicker than the Ekman layer, with nearly zero PV and nonzero stratification. The PV reduction is not only active in the Ekman layer but is transmitted through the boundary layer via secondary circulations that exchange low PV from the Ekman layer with high PV from the pycnocline. Extraction of PV from the pycnocline by the secondary circulations results in an upward advective PV flux at the base of the boundary layer that scales with the surface, nonadvective, frictional PV flux and that leads to the deepening of the layer. At fronts forced by both downfront winds and a destabilizing atmospheric buoyancy flux FBatm, the critical parameter that determines whether the wind or the buoyancy flux is the dominant cause for PV destruction is (H/δe)(FBwind/FBatm), where H and δe are the mixed layer and Ekman layer depths, FBwind = S2τo/(ρof ), S2 is the magnitude of the lateral buoyancy gradient of the front, τo is the downfront component of the wind stress, ρo is a reference density, and f is the Coriolis parameter. When this parameter is greater than 1, PV destruction by winds dominates and may play an important role in the formation of mode water.
A Comparison of Alternative Models for Testlets
Authors: Li Yanmei , Bolt Daniel M. , Fu Jianbin
Published: January 2006

When tests are made up of testlets, standard item response theory (IRT) models are often not appropriate due to the local dependence present among items within a common testlet. A testlet-based IRT model has recently been developed to model examinees' responses under such conditions (Bradlow, Wainer, & Wang, 1999). The Bradlow, Wainer, and Wang model introduces separate testlet factors to account for this dependence and applies a common item discrimination parameter to both the general ability and testlet factor. This study investigates several alternative ways of accounting for local dependence that make different assumptions regarding the influence of testlet factors on item performance. The authors implement several Bayesian model selection criteria to compare models using several real test data sets that have a testlet structure. Results suggest that an alternative model in which separate discrimination parameters are applied to the general ability and testlet factors provides a better fit to these data despite its greater complexity. Index terms: item response theory, Bayesian model comparison, Markov chain Monte Carlo, testlets
DIF Identification Using HGLM for Polytomous Items
Authors: Williams Natasha J. , Beretvas S. Natasha
Published: January 2006

The relationship between the hierarchical generalized linear model (HGLM) and item response theory (IRT) models has been demonstrated for dichotomous items. The current study demonstrated the use of the HGLM for polytomous items (termed PHGLM) for identification of differential item functioning (DIF). First, the algebraic equivalence between parameterizations of a constrained form of Muraki's rating scale model and PHGLM was demonstrated. Next, as a precursor to using the PHGLM for DIF identification, a simulation was conducted to compare estimation of item and person latent trait parameters using HLM 5 and PARSCALE software. The resulting PHGLM and IRT parameter estimates were comparable. Last, a simulation was conducted that compared the performance of PHGLM with that of the generalized Mantel-Haenszel statistic for DIF identification. Both approaches performed similarly. Benefits and limitations of using PHGLM for DIF identification are presented. Index terms: hierarchical linear modeling, item response theory, polytomous items, parameter estimation, differential item functioning, attitude measurement.
The Modified Bristow Procedure for Anterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Schroder David T. , Provencher Matthew T. , Mologne Timothy S. , Muldoon Michael P. , Cox Jay S.
Published: January 2006

Background

Many procedures have been proposed for the correction of anterior shoulder instability. Some of these procedures address the problem anatomically, such as the Bankart procedure, and some prevent instability nonanatomically, such as the Bristow-Latarjet procedure. A modified Bristow procedure was the procedure of choice for anterior shoulder instability among midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy from 1975 to 1979.

Hypothesis

The modified Bristow procedure for anterior shoulder instability provides good shoulder function and stability in the long term.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

There were 52 shoulders in 49 patients reviewed at a mean follow-up of 26.4 years. The Rowe score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index were used to assess outcomes.

Results

The mean Rowe score was 81.8 (range, 5-100), and the mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was 82.9 (range, 30-100), with an overall Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation of 71.2% (37 of 52 shoulders) rated as good and excellent. The mean Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index was 376 of 2100 (range, 0-1560). Overall, recurrent instability occurred in 8 of 52 shoulders (15.4%), with recurrent dislocation in 5 shoulders (9.6%) and recurrent subluxation in 3 shoulders (5.8%). The mean time to recurrent dislocation was 7.0 years.

Conclusion

This study represents the longest follow-up in the literature of the modified Bristow procedure. The authors have shown nearly 70% good and excellent results and recurrent instability comparable with other long-term follow-up studies of open instability procedures.
Peak Torque and Rotational Stiffness Developed at the Shoe-Surface Interface
Authors: Livesay Glen A. , Reda Dawn R. , Nauman Eric A.
Published: January 2006

Background

Shoe-surface interactions have been implicated in the high number of noncontact knee injuries suffered by athletes at all levels.

Purpose

To examine shoe-surface interactions on newer field designs and compare these with more traditional shoe-surface combinations. The peak torque and rotational stiffness (the rate at which torque is developed under rotation) were determined.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

A device was constructed to measure the torque versus applied rotation developed between different shoe-surface combinations. Data were collected on 5 different playing surfaces (natural grass, Astroturf, 2 types of Astroplay, and FieldTurf), using 2 types of shoes (grass and turf), under a compressive load of 333 N.

Results

The highest peak torques were developed by the grass shoe–FieldTurf tray and the turf shoe–Astroturf field combinations. The lowest peak torques were developed on the grass field. The turf shoe–Astroturf combination exhibited a rotational stiffness nearly double that of any other shoe-surface combinations.

Conclusion

The differences in the rotational stiffness across all 10 shoe-surface combinations were greater than those of the peak torques. It is possible that rotational stiffness may provide a new criterion for the evaluation of shoe-surface interface.

Clinical Relevance

An improved understanding of shoe-surface interactions remains a critical need to improve the design of shoe-surface combinations with the goal of meeting player needs while minimizing injury potential.
Increasing Parent Limits on Novice Young Drivers
Authors: Simons-Morton Bruce G. , Hartos Jessica L. , Leaf William A. , Preusser David F.
Published: January 2006

This report describes intervention effects on parent-imposed driving limits on novice young drivers at licensure. Parent-adolescent dyads (4,344) completed baseline surveys at permit and were randomly assigned to intervention or comparison groups. Intervention families received persuasive communications related to protection motivation theory variables including threat appraisal regarding high-risk adolescent driving and coping appraisal regarding restrictions on high-risk driving conditions during the early months of adolescent licensure. Comparison families received standard information on driving, vehicles, and road safety. Among the 4,344 families, 3,786 adolescents obtained licenses, and 3,398 parent-adolescent dyads completed surveys at licensure. Significant treatment group differences favoring the Checkpoints Program were found at licensure for driving limits, perceived risk, expected limits, and outcome expectations. Perceived risk and outcome expectations partially mediated and expected limits fully mediated treatment effects. The results provide evidence that persuasive materials can alter threat and coping appraisal and expectations, thereby increasing parent-imposed driving limits at licensure.
“Peers I Can Monitor, It’s Media That Really Worries Me!”
Authors: Padilla-Walker Laura M.
Published: January 2006

The current study examines proactive parenting strategies used to deal with potentially conflicting messages of values presented by agents outside the family. Forty European American mothers with children ages 11 to 16 participate in semistructured, in-depth interviews. Quantitative and qualitative findings reveal that parental strategy choice varies depending on the source of influence parents are combating, with parents using more controlling strategies in response to media influences than peer influences. Findings also suggest that parental cognitions of the degree of threat to values, the child’s susceptibility, and the importance of values are differentially predictive of parental strategy choice as a function of the source of influence. Parental goals have the most consistent influence on strategy choice, with more controlling goals consistently predicting more controlling parenting strategies. The current study adds to our knowledge of parenting in the face of conflicting sources of values and provides important questions for future research.
Intimacy and Distancing
Authors: Korobov Neill , Thorne Avril
Published: January 2006

This study examinedhow 32 pairs of 19-to 22-year-oldEuro-Americanmale friends constructed intimacy when telling romantic-relationship stories in casual conversations. Analyses centered on the emergence of two types of conversational positions: intimate positions and distancing positions. Intimate positions constructed young men as warm, caring, and emotionally vulnerable; distancing positions functioned to diminish intimacy, care, and vulnerability. Although intimate positions were present, they did not arise in a straightforward or unmarked way. Instead, intimate positions were often eclipsed or supplanted by distancing positions. The findings provide a conversationally nuanced understanding of how young men practice intimacy by constructing themselves as moving both toward and away from close relationships with women. For emerging adult males, we suggest that such shifting positions can help to develop a clearer sense of what one wants, and does not want, in a love relationship.
Are Group Consensus in Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and Shared Work Values Related to Organizational Outcomes?
Authors: Schyns Birgit
Published: January 2006

Leader-member exchange (LMX) refers to the relationship quality between leader and follower. Mostly, LMX is rated individually and related to outcomes. In this study, the focus is on consensus of LMX within a team. However, a high consensus in followers’ perception of their leader does not necessarily mean that performance is in line with company expectations. Consequently, it is proposed that high work values moderate the relationship between consensus and performance. The hypotheses were tested using a sample of employees in German banks and insurance companies. Results indicate some support for the proposed relationship between consensus in contribution and job satisfaction as well as the relationship between consensus in contribution and commitment. In addition, moderating effects of work values emerged. This indicates that consensus with respect to LMX is influential in organizations and suggests that leaders should strive toward having a similar relationship with all followers.
Interpersonal Affect and Peer Rating Bias in Teams
Authors: Taggar Simon , Brown Travor C.
Published: January 2006

This study assessed the consequences of performance feedback received from peers on a team member’s subsequent ratings of others, and the mediating influence of interpersonal affect. Undergraduate participants ( N = 142) working in 30 teams during a 7-week period were assigned collective bargaining and arbitration tasks. We found that a team member’s prior positive or negative peer feedback resulted in increased leniency or severity, respectively, and increased restriction in range when these same members subsequently rated fellow team members. Interrater agreement on ratings of peers at Time 3 was higher when raters received similar feedback (i.e., both received positive or negative feedback) from their peers at the Time 1. The mechanism through which feedback at Time 1 influenced rating biases at Time 3 was found to be interpersonal affect (measured at Time 2).
Olfactory Aversion and Directed Masturbation in the Modification of Deviant Preferences
Authors: Marshall W. L.
Published: January 2006

A description is provided of the use of olfactory aversion and directed masturbation with a chronic child molester. Evidence of changes assessed by phallometry demonstrated the effectiveness of these procedures in reducing deviant sexual interests and in enhancing the sexual attractiveness of consensual sex with an adult partner. Attitude change procedures were also employed to facilitate the client's ability to act on these changed sexual preferences. Follow-up data revealed the enduring nature of the changed preferences and there was no evidence of further sexual misconduct.
Ammonia Aversion With an Exhibitionist
Authors: Marshall W. L.
Published: January 2006

This case study illustrates the effectiveness of a simple aversion procedure. Having an exhibitionist use smelling salts as an aversive agent effectively reduced the frequency and intensity of urges to expose and as a result, eliminated acts of exposing. Furthermore, these reductions in exhibitionistic behaviors markedly improved the client's mood and strengthened his self-confidence, thereby allowing him to expand his social life, begin a relationship, and plan educational upgrading to obtain a secure job. Suggestions aremade for the clinical use of the procedure.
Single Session Treatment of Nontraumatic Fear of Flying With Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
Authors: Newgent Rebecca A. , Paladino Derrick A. , Reynolds Cynthia A.
Published: January 2006

Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) was originally developed to treat traumaticmemories. Since its development, the application of EMDRhas proliferated to various disorders. Asingle session utilizing the EMDRapproach applied to the treatment of nontraumatic fear of flying is presented. For this study, the EMDR process was adapted tomeet the needs of the client. The purpose of this study is to provide an example of the in-flight application of a single session of EMDR to nontraumatic or small “t” fear of flying. The case of a client successfully treated with in-flight EMDR is presented. Pre-September 11 and post-September 11 follow-up with the client is also documented.
An Integrative Therapeutic Approach to the Treatment of a Depressed American Indian Client
Authors: Kenny Maureen C.
Published: January 2006

This case demonstrates an integrative approach to the treatment of an American Indian. The client, a 37-year-old female, presented with felings of depression and a past history of alcohol dependence. She was residing on a reservation and had strong ties to her culture. The treatment consisted of an integrative approach utilizing client-centered, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and psychopharmacological approaches as well as participation in self-help support groups. Therapist sensitivity to cultural factors was critical throughout treatment.
Using Control Mastery Therapy to Treat Major Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Pole Nnamdi , Bloomberg-Fretter Polly
Published: January 2006

We present the successful application of Control Mastery Therapy, a cognitivepsychodynamichumanistic therapy, to the 16-session treatment of major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The client was a 41-year-old European American womanwho was the victim ofmultiple traumas including severe neglect, childhood incest, rape during adolescence, and physical and sexual abuse in adulthood. Her major goal for therapy was to get help in achieving her lifelong dream of becoming an artist, a dream that was initially interrupted by rape trauma and that had subsequently been difficult to attain because of psychological factors. The case outlines the pre-therapy assessment, case formulation, treatment (including verbatim transcript material), post-therapy assessment, and follow-up assessments for 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months post-therapy. The client met her major therapy goals and achieved clinically significant reduction in her depression and PTSD symptoms.
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Nicotine Dependence for a Female With a History of Alcohol and Respiratory Problems
Authors: Cohen Lee M. , McChargue Dennis E.
Published: January 2006

This case study describes the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for nicotine dependence among smokers with comorbid alcohol dependence and severe respiratory difficulties. Although clinical practice guidelines exist for the treatment of nicotine dependence, smokers with complicated psychological and medical histories remain resilient to recommended treatments. Successfulsmoking cessation programs for these patients require a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment as well as a tailored treatment approach. A theoretical and empirically based rationale for cognitive-behavioral treatment is provided followed by the development of a case conceptualization, course of treatment, use of assessment data, and recommendations.
Growth inhibition and apoptosis in human Philadelphia chromosome-positive lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines by treatment with the dual PPARα/γ ligand TZD18
Authors: Liu Hongyu , Zang Chuanbing , Fenner Martin H. , Liu Dachuan , Possinger Kurt , Koeffler H. Phillip , Elstner Elena
Published: January 2006

Treatment of adult Philadelphia chromosome-positive lymphocytic leukemia is rarely successful. We report here the effects of TZD18, a novel dual ligand specific for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and γ (PPARα/γ) on Ph+ lymphocytic leukemia cell lines BV173, SD1, and SupB-15. Exposure of these cells to TZD18 resulted in growth inhibition in a dose- and time-dependent manner that was associated with G1 cell cycle arrest. This effect was much stronger than that mediated by the PPARγ ligand pioglitazone (PGZ), which also belongs to the thiazolidinediones (TZD) class of ligands. However, it may not be mediated through PPARγ or PPARα activation because antagonists of PPARγ and PPARα cannot reverse it. Study of the key regulators of cell cycle progression by Western blot analysis showed that the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p27kip1, but not that of p21cip1, was enhanced, whereas that of c-Myc, cyclin E, cyclin D2, and cyclin-dependent kinases 2 and 4 (CDK-2 and CDK-4) was decreased when these cells were treated with TZD18 (10 or 20 μM). Therefore, the up-regulation of p27kip1 and the down-regulation of CDK-2 and CDK-4 may, at least in part, account for the G1 cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, a remarkable induction of apoptosis was observed in the cells treated with this dual ligand. No obvious alteration of bcl-2 protein level occurred, but bax was up-regulated in these TZD18-treated cells. Activation of caspase 8 and caspase 9 by TZD18 was also observed. Importantly, NF-κB DNA-binding activity was markedly decreased by the TZD18 treatment. In addition, TZD18 enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of imatinib, a specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapeutically used in the treatment of Ph+ leukemia. Overall, our findings strongly suggest that TZD18 may offer a new therapeutic approach to aid in the treatment of Ph+ lymphocytic leukemia.
HTLV-1 Tax protects against CD95-mediated apoptosis by induction of the cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP)
Authors: Krueger Andreas , Fas Stefanie C. , Giaisi Marco , Bleumink Marc , Merling Anette , Stumpf Christine , Baumann Sven , Holtkotte Denise , Bosch Valerie , Krammer Peter H. , Li-Weber Min
Published: January 2006

The HTLV-1 transactivator protein Tax is essential for malignant transformation of CD4 T cells, ultimately leading to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). Malignant transformation may involve development of apoptosis resistance. In this study we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which HTLV-1 Tax confers resistance toward CD95-mediated apoptosis. We show that Tax-expressing T-cell lines derived from HTLV-1–infected patients express elevated levels of c-FLIPL and c-FLIPS. The levels of c-FLIP correlated with resistance toward CD95-mediated apoptosis. Using an inducible system we demonstrated that both resistance toward CD95-mediated apoptosis and induction of c-FLIP are dependent on Tax. In addition, analysis of early cleavage of the BH3-only Bcl-2 family member Bid, a direct caspase-8 substrate, revealed that apoptosis is inhibited at a CD95 death receptor proximal level in Tax-expressing cells. Finally, using siRNA we directly showed that c-FLIP confers Tax-mediated resistance toward CD95-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, our data suggest an important mechanism by which expression of HTLV-1 Tax may lead to immune escape of infected T cells and, thus, to persistent infection and transformation.
Quantitative PCR on 5 genes reliably identifies CTCL patients with 5% to 99% circulating tumor cells with 90% accuracy
Authors: Nebozhyn Michael , Loboda Andrey , Kari Laszlo , Rook Alain H. , Vonderheid Eric C. , Lessin Stuart , Berger Carole , Edelson Richard , Nichols Calen , Yousef Malik , Gudipati Lalitha , Shang Meiling , Showe Michael K. , Showe Louise C.
Published: January 2006

We previously identified a small number of genes using cDNA arrays that accurately diagnosed patients with Sézary Syndrome (SS), the erythrodermic and leukemic form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). We now report the development of a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay that uses expression values for just 5 of those genes: STAT4, GATA-3, PLS3, CD1D, and TRAIL. qRT-PCR data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) accurately classified 88% of 17 patients with high blood tumor burden and 100% of 12 healthy controls in the training set using Fisher linear discriminant analysis (FLDA). The same 5 genes were then assayed on 56 new samples from 49 SS patients with blood tumor burdens of 5% to 99% and 69 samples from 65 new healthy controls. The average accuracy over 1000 resamplings was 90% using FLDA and 88% using support vector machine (SVM). We also tested the classifier on 14 samples from patients with CTCL with no detectable peripheral involvement and 3 patients with atopic dermatitis with severe erythroderma. The accuracy was 100% in identifying these samples as non-SS patients. These results are the first to demonstrate that gene expression profiling by quantitative PCR on a selected number of critical genes can be employed to molecularly diagnosis SS.
Depolymerized holothurian glycosaminoglycan and heparin inhibit the intrinsic tenase complex by a common antithrombin-independent mechanism
Authors: Sheehan John P. , Walke Erik N.
Published: January 2006

Depolymerized holothurian glycosaminoglycan (DHG) is a fucosylated chrondroitin sulfate that possesses antithrombin-independent antithrombotic properties and inhibits factor X activation by the intrinsic tenase complex (factor IXa–factor VIIIa). The mechanism and molecular target for intrinsic tenase inhibition were determined and compared with inhibition by low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). DHG inhibited factor X activation in a noncompetitive manner (reduced Vmax(app)), with 50-fold higher apparent affinity than LMWH. DHG did not affect factor VIIIa half-life or chromogenic substrate cleavage by factor IXa–phospholipid but reduced the affinity of factor IXa for factor VIIIa. DHG competed factor IXa binding to immobilized LMWH with an EC50 35-fold lower than soluble LWMH. Analysis of intrinsic tenase inhibition, employing factor IXa with mutations in the heparin-binding exosite, demonstrated that relative affinity (Ki) for DHG was as follows: wild type > K241A > H92A > R170A > > R233A, with partial rather than complete inhibition of the mutants. This rank order for DHG potency correlated with the effect of these mutations on factor IXa–LMWH affinity and the potency of LMWH for intrinsic tenase. DHG also accelerated decay of the intact intrinsic tenase complex. Thus, DHG binds to an exosite on factor IXa that overlaps with the binding sites for LMWH and factor VIIIa, disrupting critical factor IXa–factor VIIIa interactions.
Clofarabine and cytarabine combination as induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients 50 years of age or older
Authors: Faderl Stefan , Verstovsek Srdan , Cortes Jorge , Ravandi Farhad , Beran Miloslav , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Estrov Zeev , O'Brien Susan , Koller Charles , Giles Francis J. , Wierda William , Kwari Monica , Kantarjian Hagop M.
Published: January 2006

Outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are older than 60 years of age remains unsatisfactory, with low remission rates and poor overall survival. We have previously established the activity of clofarabine plus cytarabine in AML relapse. We have now conducted a phase 2 study of clofarabine plus cytarabine in patients aged 50 years or older with previously untreated AML. Clofarabine was given at 40 mg/m2 as a 1-hour intravenous infusion for 5 days (days 2 to 6) followed 4 hours later by cytarabine at 1 g/m2/d as a 2-hour intravenous infusion for 5 days (days 1 to 5). Of 60 patients, 29 (48%) had secondary AML, 30 (50%) had abnormal karyotypes (monosomy 5 and/or 7 in 15 [25%]), and 11 (21%) showed FLT3 abnormalities. The overall response (OR) rate was 60% (52% CR, 8% CRp). Four patients (7%) died during induction. Adverse events were mainly grade 2 or lower and included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, mucositis, skin reactions, liver test abnormalities, and infusion-related facial flushing and headaches. Myelosuppression was common. Clofarabine plus cytarabine has activity in adult AML, achieving a good CR rate. However, survival does not appear to be improved compared with other regimens. Modifications of this combination in AML therapy of older patients warrant further evaluation. (Blood. 2006;108:45-51)
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide fever is initiated via Toll-like receptor 4 on hematopoietic cells
Authors: Steiner Alexandre A. , Chakravarty Sumana , Rudaya Alla Y. , Herkenham Miles , Romanovsky Andrej A.
Published: January 2006

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a well-known bacterial pyrogen, is recognized by several receptors, including the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), on various cells. Which of these receptors and cells are linked to fever production is unknown. By constructing 4 mouse chimeras and studying their thermoregulatory responses, we found that all 3 phases of the typical LPS fever depend on TLR4 signaling. The first phase is triggered via the TLR4 on hematopoietic cells. The second and third phases involve TLR4 signaling in both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells.
Concept of Operations for Triage of Mechanical Ventilation in an Epidemic
Authors: Hick John L. , O'Laughlin Daniel T.
Published: January 2006

The recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome and the growing potential of an influenza pandemic force us to consider the fact that despite great advances in critical care medicine, we lack the capacity to provide intensive care to the large number of patients that may be generated in an epidemic or multisite bioterrorism event. Because many epidemic and bioterrorist agent illnesses involve respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation is a frequently required intervention but one that is in limited supply. In advance of such an event, we must develop triage criteria that depend on clinical indicators of survivability and resource utilization to allocate scarce health care resources to those who are most likely to benefit. These criteria must be tiered, flexible, and implemented regionally, rather than institutionally, with the backing of public health agencies and relief of liability. This report provides a sample concept of operations for triage of mechanical ventilation in epidemic situations and discusses some of the ethical principles and pitfalls of such systems.
Course Enrichment and the Job Characteristics Model
Authors: Catanzaro Diane
Published: January 2006

This article describes how the job characteristics model, used by industrial-organizational psychologists to enhance the motivating potential of jobs in industry, can be applied to enhance the motivating potential of psychology courses. The job characteristics model describes the relation among the core job characteristics of skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, feedback, and employee intrinsic job motivation. Empirical support for the job characteristics model has been established in organizational research. Application of this model to course design provides a framework for enriching course design to increase student motivation. This conceptual framework can be used to strengthen teaching methods, evaluation methods, policies, and other aspects of how a course is structured.
The Garbage-Can Illusion as a Teaching Demonstration
Authors: Cavalier Robert , Wesp Richard
Published: January 2006

The height but not the width of a classroom garbage can was overestimated by 27 of 31 introductory psychology students. The average estimate was nearly 50% larger than the actual height of the garbage can. We argue that demonstrations that emphasize the ecological validity of laboratory conceptualizations of illusions can help to stimulate student interest in and understanding of perception.
Undergraduate Psychology Curricula in North Carolina
Authors: Messer Wayne S.
Published: January 2006

To provide information on psychology curricula in North Carolina, college catalog descriptions of the 42 undergraduate psychology programs in the state were examined. Although most programs (79%) offered only a general psychology baccalaureate degree, 21% offered specially designated degrees and within-degree concentrations, usually in addition to a general degree. When the 63 degree options of these 42 programs were examined, the modal minimum introductory, methodological, and capstone requirements were found to be a 1–term introductory course, a 1–term statistics course, a 1–term experimental design course, and I integrative experience, which was most often a history and systems course or a senior seminar. These components are very similar to those of the model undergraduate curriculum recommended by Brewer et al. (1993).
A Computerized Demonstration of the False Consensus Effect
Authors: Clement Russell W. , Sinha Rashmi R. , Krueger Joachim
Published: January 2006

Students in an advanced undergraduate laboratory course on social cognition replicated an experiment on the false consensus effect (Krueger & Clement, 1994). Interacting with a computer program, students viewed 40 statements. For each statement, they indicated whether they personally endorsed it, estimated the proportion of the population that would endorse it, and rated its social desirability. Half the students received feedback on the actual consensus in the population after making each consensus estimate, and the remaining students did not. Students analyzed data using a spreadsheet program. They found the traditional false consensus effect as item endorsers gave higher consensus estimates than did nonendorsers. They also found reliable within-subjects correlations between item endorsements and estimation errors, demonstrating the truly false consensus effect. Students also learned that feedback about the actual consensus does not reduce bias.
Using Biographies of Adults over 65 Years of Age to Understand Life-Span Developmental Psychology
Authors: Neysmith-Roy Joan M. , Kleisinger Carmel L.
Published: January 2006

Students in an undergraduate life-span developmental psychology course either wrote a traditional term paper or conducted a project that required interaction with a mentally alert adult over 65 years of age (senior citizen). Those who chose the project assisted a senior citizen in writing his or her own life story. Along with the life log, students submitted a paper demonstrating how their particular senior citizen experienced and worked through each of the life stages. By assisting their senior citizen to organize memories and interpret decisions that had shaped his or her life, the young adult students experienced those stages that they themselves had not yet lived through. Students evaluated the project positively as a theoretical learning experience and as a personal growth experience.
Taking a Course in Research Methods Improves Reasoning about Real-Life Events
Authors: VanderStoep Scott W. , Shaughnessy John J.
Published: January 2006

We examined the extent to which students who take a course in research methods improve their reasoning about real-life events. Because social science majors improve their methodological and statistical reasoning during 4 years of college (Lehman & Nisbett, 1990), a logical source of this improvement in psychology would be the Research Methods course. We tested students in Research Methods and in Developmental Psychology on methodological and statistical reasoning at the beginning and the end of the term. As expected, reasoning scores of Research Methods students improved more than did scores of Developmental Psychology students. These results have implications for teaching because they support our intuitive notions that what we are teaching has real-life value.
Using a Senior Seminar for Assessing the Major
Authors: Morgan Betsy Levonian , Johnson Emily J.
Published: January 2006

We designed a senior seminar to address many theoretical and practical issues involved with, multidimensional assessment. We describe the structure of the course and various assessment measures used to tap student knowledge and student experiences. This course allowed us to accomplish several assessment and pedagogical goals. The course served as an integrative and self-reflective vehicle for students. As students became actively involved in identifying the body of knowledge that defines psychology, they also gained a better sense of the intricacies of assessment. Faculty gained information that can be directly applied to improving teaching and learning. We provide recommendations for using a seminar for assessment.
Psychological Distress and the “Medical Student Syndrome” in Abnormal Psychology Students
Authors: Hardy Marjorie S. , Calhoun Lawrence G.
Published: January 2006

We investigated psychological distress and the “medical student syndrome” in a group of undergraduate Abnormal Psychology students. Students planning to major in psychology reported more worry about their psychological health than those planning to major in some other field. Also, students who reported a history of psychological treatment were more likely to intend to pursue an advanced degree in counseling or psychotherapy. Although the process of learning about various psychological disorders decreased students' anxiety about their own mental health, it increased their anxiety about the mental health of family members. After completing course work in abnormal psychology, students were more willing to seek help from campus mental health services for personal psychological distress.
Identifying Imagoes: A Personality Exercise on Myth, Self, and Identity
Authors: Dunn Dana S.
Published: January 2006

To make personality psychology personally involving, I developed an exercise based on imagoes, the characters that McAdams (1985, 1993) argued dominate life storks and personal myths. An imago is an idealized and personified self-concept we form in early or midadulthood. Broader than roles played in daily life, imagoes serve a unifying function: to make our stories and myths coherent. While keeping a journal, students identify individual myths and major life events, and then they write about the imagoes most frequently used to make sense out of their lives.
Demonstrations of the Size-Weight Illusion
Authors: Homer David T. , Robinson K. Desix
Published: January 2006

The size-weight illusion occurs when a person lifts 2 equal-weight objects differing in size and perceives the large object as lighter than the small object. Varying the availability of visual and haptic information influences the strength of the illusion. This article describes several inexpensive techniques for demonstrating the size-weight illusion and some relevant issues concerning the illusion.
We've Been So Long at the Fair: Two Decades of Psychology on Display
Authors: Keith Kenneth D. , Fawl Clifford L. , Ahlum Mary Beth , Olson Christopher T. , Meerdink Jo Ellen , Bullock Heather E.
Published: January 2006

Since 1975, Nebraska Wesleyan University has conducted a biennial psychology fair. Undergraduate psychology students present a wide variety of laboratory exhibits and displays for the benefit of high-school psychology students and their teachers, and distinguished visiting psychologists give lectures and meet with high-school teachers. More than 15,000 high-school visitors have participated in the fair, which aims to provide public education, career information, resources and networking for high-school psychology teachers, and educational opportunity for undergraduates.
Developing a Brochure on Positions Held by Psychology Alumni
Authors: Lawson Timothy J. , Jordan-Fleming Mary Kay , Upton Robin M.
Published: January 2006

We outline the development of a brochure that describes the positions obtained by our psychology alumni. The purpose of this brochure is to inform prospective majors, current majors, parents, faculty, and admissions personnel about the career-related activities of our alumni and about the versatility and career potential of a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Computers in Teaching
Authors: Goolkasian Paula
Published: January 2006

In this article, I describe a process-oriented course designed to teach psychology majors about information technology. The course centers around hands-on experience with computer software, and it is directed toward upper division undergraduate and graduate students. Tables 1 and 2 show a sample syllabus and a listing of software, respectively.
Psychology on a Disk: Then What?
Authors: Brothen Thomas
Published: January 2006

Psychology On A Disk is a set of 13 computer-assisted exercises designed for the introductory student. The generally interesting exercises are easy to use and instructors can grade them by checking off a software-generated printout. The exercises are pedagogically sound and could add significantly to student learning, but instructors must make several decisions about how to integrate them into their courses.
A Computer Tutorial on Consequences in Operant Learning
Authors: Graham Robert B.
Published: January 2006

This article describes a computer tutorial that teaches the fundamentals of consequences and contingencies in operant teaming. The tutorial content is appropriate for courses in general psychology, learning, and behavioral programming. Applications to animal and human situations are emphasized. The software repeats questions until the student is able to provide the correct answer, but spaces its repetitions to maximize retention. It saves student records as a basis for assignment of course credit. Student reaction to this form of presentation was very favorable. Questionnaire data showed that the students perceived the tutor as more useful in preparing for a test than a text or study guide would have been.
Guided Notes and Interactive Methods for Teaching with Videotapes
Authors: Kreiner David S.
Published: January 2006

Fifty-seven college students matched a videotape and then took a comprehension test. Participants in the control group watched without taking notes, those in the notes group took notes while watching, those in the guided notes group took notes on questions given in advance, and those in the interactive group orally replied to questions while watching. There was a significant effect of viewing method (p < .05). Comprehension was higher in the guided notes and interactive groups, and a significant interaction (p < .05) showed that this advantage occurred for implicit but not explicit questions. Videotape viewing methods that focus students on relevant concepts and encourage active participation appear to be most effective.
A Classroom Demonstration of Single-Subject Research Designs
Authors: Carr James E. , Austin John
Published: January 2006

This article provides a brief overview of single-subject designs and describes a classroom demonstration useful in teaching these designs to undergraduate psychology majors. Using a reversal design as a methodological frame, students collect repeated measures of their own behavior, and they graph and visually interpret the data.
Teaching about Unintentional Racism in Introductory Psychology
Authors: Ford Thomas E. , Grossman Robert W. , Jordan Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2006

This article describes a case study technique for teaching unintentional racism in the introductory psychology course. A case study followed by a lecture generated rich discussions on the nature of racism. Strategies for moderating discussions and student responses to the unit are elaborated. Finally, we present preliminary evidence that this activity promotes awareness of subtle forms of racism and may ameliorate negative racial attitudes.
Demonstrations of Color Perception and the Importance of Contours
Authors: Horner David T.
Published: January 2006

A series of easily and inexpensively produced demonstrations provides examples of color perception after receptor cells have adapted to a stimulus. Visual performance under these conditions reveals phenomena that theories of color vision must explain. Students report their impressions of visual stimuli, and a discussion of trichromatic and opponent-process theories follows. These phenomena generate a second series of demonstrations showing the importance of contour information for perception.
A Humorous Demonstration of in Vivo Systematic Desensitization: The Case of Eraser Phobia
Authors: Lawson Timothy J. , Reardon Michael
Published: January 2006

We present a technique for demonstrating in vivo systematic desensitization in an engaging, humorous, and informative manner. It involves role playing the treatment of a student who ostensibly has a phobia of chalkboard erasers (hence the reason he or she always sits at the back of the room). Students enjoyed the demonstration and believed it enhanced their understanding of systematic desensitization.
Teaching Psychotherapy Outcome Research Methodology Using a Research-Based Checklist
Authors: Osberg Timothy M.
Published: January 2006

Contemporary psychotherapy has been besieged by demands calling far evidence of its efficacy and far greater accountability of those who practice it. Thus, it is important for students to understand the special methodological problems associated with this type of research and to appreciate the important link between research and practice. This article summarizes a checklist of guidelines I use to teach students the basics of psychotherapy outcome research in several courses (e.g., abnormal, clinical, and even introductory psychology). The checklist is research-based and draws on techniques employed in recent representative psychotherapy outcome research studies. I suggest several variations in the pedagogical use of the checklist. Student evaluations support the usefulness of the checklist as a teaching tool.
Teaching Statistics with the Internet
Authors: Varnhagen Connie K. , Drake Sean M. , Finley Gary
Published: January 2006

The Internet is a popular tool for accessing information and enhancing communication. We used components of the Internet to administer the laboratory portion of an intermediate statistics course offered to psychology honors students. Using an online questionnaire, we evaluated students' perceived effectiveness of using the Internet to offer the course. Students found the communication components of the Internet laboratory more useful than the information components, perceived few barriers to their learning, and rated the value of the system positively.
Publication Bias: A Computer-Assisted Demonstration of excluding Nonsignificant Results from Research Interpretation
Authors: Riniolo Todd C.
Published: January 2006

This article describes a computer-assisted classroom demonstration illustrating the consequences of excluding nonsignificant findings from interpreting published literature. This demonstration, based on tenets of the Central Limit Theorem, simulates research interpretation when the full range of results are available compared with the subsample of significant results only. Results demonstrated that (a) exclusion of nonsignificant findings positively biases research interpretation and (b) smaller sample sizes are prone to greater bias when nonsignificant results are excluded from research interpretation.
Pavlov in the Classroom: An Interview with Robert A. Rescorla
Authors: Freeman James E.
Published: January 2006

James E. Freeman (JF) is Associate Professor of Psychology and Associate Director of Academic Computing at Denison University (Granville, OH). He teaches courses in research methods, behavioral science statistics, general psychology, learning, and psychology of Blacks. Robert A. Rescorla (RR) is the James Skinner Professor of Science and Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA). He teaches undergraduate classes in learning and research experience as well as graduate seminars for the psychology department. Rescorla has served as president of the Eastern Psychological Association and is well-known for his experimental and theoretical work on classical conditioning.