bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘‘We’re not living together:’’ Stayover relationships among college-educated emerging adults
Authors: Jamison Tyler B. , Ganong Lawrence
Published: November 2010

Rapid and widespread changes in relationship formation and dissolution over the past 50 years have revealed new patterns in romantic and sexual relationships, particularly among emerging adults. In this study, grounded theory methods were used to investigate the role of one such pattern, stayovers, in the development of romantic relationships among 22 college students and college graduates. The results indicated that some young couples stay overnight between three and seven nights per week while living in separate homes. This arrangement functioned as a comfortable and convenient alternative to forming more lasting, and therefore riskier, commitments such as full-time cohabitation and marriage. Stayovers served as a stopgap measure between casual dating and making more formal commitments.
The specific importance of communicating about sex to couples’ sexual and overall relationship satisfaction
Authors: Montesi Jennifer L. , Fauber Robert L. , Gordon Elizabeth A. , Heimberg Richard G.
Published: November 2010

This study examined the impact of general and sexual communication on couples’ overall and sexual satisfaction. Data were collected from 116 heterosexual, monogamous couples in relationships of at least three months’ duration. Open sexual communication accounted for unique variance in both sexual and overall relationship satisfaction; general communication effectiveness did so only for overall satisfaction. The relationship between open sexual communication and overall satisfaction was stronger for males, and the relationship between open sexual communication and sexual satisfaction was stronger for couples who had been together longer. The three-way interaction of open sexual communication, relationship length, and gender significantly predicted overall relationship satisfaction but not sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction mediated the relationship between open sexual communication and overall satisfaction.
ICT adoption and ebusiness development
Authors: Beckinsale Martin , Ram Monder , Theodorakopoulos Nicholas
Published: November 2010

This paper builds upon a series of studies that have identified the comparatively low uptake of ICT amongst EMBs ( Ram and Smallbone, 1999 ; Foley and Ram 2002 ; Allinson et al., 2004 ). Existing studies have only tentatively considered the causal factors for this lower adoption rate in comparison to non-EMBs. Within the context of a pilot study, aiming to understand ICT adoption amongst EMBs, an action research approach is adopted as a means of influencing, evaluating and underpinning ICT adoption ( Beckinsale and Ram, 2006 ). The approach is methodologically distinctive in its utilization of action research with a critical realist approach as a means of policy evaluation; this is conducive to ‘policy learning’, and the understanding of causal mechanisms in the EMBs. Actors involved in the implementation were interviewed, as well as the business owners themselves. Another distinguishing feature is the application of Yap et al.’s (1992) schema to identify causal mechanisms, to examine actions and experiences and to understand the impact on the EMBs studied. The findings highlight the complex interaction and relationships of internal and external factors in shaping approaches to ICT implementation. Factors such as size, strategy and business age are germane but so too, albeit to a lesser degree, are cultural influences such as involvement in co-ethnic networks. Significantly, changes to particular causal mechanisms such as business support altered adoption and implementation of ICT. Distinct issues for Chinese and Asian-owned business and potentially more broadly EMBs are identified providing a framework for other EMBs.
Effects of peri-operative glucose levels on adverse outcomes in infants receiving open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Song Lou  , Fan Ding  , Cun Long  , Jinping Liu  , Ju Zhao  , Zhengyi Feng
Published: November 2010

O bjective: Studies designed to evaluate the association of hyperglycemia and adverse events in pediatric patients receiving open cardiac surgery have yielded inconsistent results. The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to evaluate the effects of peri-operative glucose levels on adverse events in infants receiving open-heart surgery with CPB. Methods: From Nov 2009 through Dec 2009, 100 infants undergoing open-heart surgery were enrolled. All glucose values during the operation and intensive care unit stay were documented. Metrics of glucose control, including mean, peak and minimum glucose levels were calculated. Hyperglycemia was defined as a mean glucose above 150mg/dl. Hypoglycemia was defined as minimum glucose below 65mg/dl. Multivariable regression analyses were used to determine relationships between these metrics of glucose control and a composite morbidity-mortality outcome after controlling for multiple variables known to influence early outcomes after congenital heart surgery.

Results: According to our definition, 43 patients (43%) developed hyperglycemia and 9 patients (9%) developed at least one episode of hypoglycemia. A total of 58 patients reached the overall composite morbidity-mortality end point at some point during the study period. After adjusting the effects of age, cross-clamp time and pre-operative percutaneous oxygen saturation by multivariable analysis, euglycemia, defined as mean glucose ≤150mg/dl, was found to be a significant predictor for morbidity, with an odds ratio of 5.1(95% confidence interval 1.5-17.5).

Conclusion: In contrast to adult critically ill patients, data from the present study did not prove that hyperglycemia was detrimental to infants receiving open-heart surgery with CPB. The existing literature and findings of our present study warranted future clinical studies of strict glycemic control in critically ill children, considering a more permissive glycemic range as a desirable target.
Myocardial perfusion imaging using a technetium-99m Sestamibi in asymptomatic and low risk for coronary artery disease patients with diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Baharfard Nastaran , Mohammad Kazem Shiroodi  , Fotoohi Freidoon , Samangooie Shahdokht , Isa Neshandar Asli  , Eghtesadi-Araghi Payam , Javadi Hamid , Semnani Shahryar , Amini Azam , Assadi Majid
Published: November 2010

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate technetium-99m sestamibi single photon emission tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and its association with some clinical and laboratory parameters in an asymptomatic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) population.

Materials and Methods : Twenty-one subjects with SLE and no suspected or documented coronary artery disease (CAD) accomplished myocardial perfusion imaging. Some SLE and CAD parameters were also evaluated in association with myocardial SPECT.

Results: Twenty-one women with a diagnosis of SLE (mean age 36.9 ± 12.8) entered the study. All patients were in the low-risk category for CAD pretest; however, abnormal myocardial perfusion results were found in eight (38%) patients. Amongst the traditional CAD risk factors, there was a significant association between the presence of dyslipidemia and myocardial perfusion abnormalities (P= 0.047). However, we found no significant association between other traditional and SLE-specific risk factors.

Conclusion: This study’s significant finding was that asymptomatic CAD is common in SLE patients, even in those thought to be low risk for CAD and in the absence of cardiac symptoms.
Expression of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor on monocytes and granulocytes is modulated by cardiac surgery
Authors: Krejsek Jan , Kolackova Martina , Kunes Pavel , Jankovicova Karolina , Mandak Jiri , Andrys Ctirad
Published: November 2010

Aims: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is linked to the induction of the blood coagulation/fibrinolysis cascade, which is an integral component of inflammation induced by cardiac surgery. We followed the modulation of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor uPAR (CD87) separately for monocytes and granulocytes in blood of cardiac surgery patients.

Methods: Expression of uPAR, analyzed as Median Fluorescence Intensity (MFI), on blood monocytes and granulocytes was determined by flow cytometry. Changes in uPAR expression in patients undergoing CABG using standard cardiopulmonary bypass (“on-pump”) were compared to the changes in uPAR expression in patients undergoing CABG using mini-invasive cardiopulmonary bypass (“mini on-pump”).

Results: In “on-pump” patients, the median of uPAR expression on granulocytes before surgery was 18.1 (InterQuartile Range (IQR): 15.6-20.4). uPAR expression was significantly decreased after surgery (p<0.001), on the first postoperative day (p<0.001), and on the third postoperative day (p<0.05). In “mini on-pump” patients, the median of uPAR expression on granulocytes before surgery was 15.2 (IRQ: 13.8-19.4). The significantly decreased uPAR expression was found only at the end of surgery (p<0.05). The similar pattern of uPAR expression was also found for monocytes. The preoperative level in “on-pump” patients was 23.3 (IRQ: 18.9-30.2). There was significantly decreased uPAR expression at the end of surgery (p<0.01) and at the first postoperative day (p<0.05). In “mini on-pump” patients, the preoperative uPAR expression was 16.9 (IQR: 14.5-20.2). Expression of uPAR was significantly decreased only after surgery (p<0.05). When comparing “onpump” patients to “mini on-pump” patients, no significant differences in the expression of uPAR were found.

Conclusion: uPAR expression on granulocytes and monocytes is significantly modulated by cardiac surgery.
Using systemic approaches, methods and techniques in rehabilitation medicine
Authors: Ward Christopher D , Smith Alison , James Helen , Novelle Lesley , Bruder Mel
Published: November 2010

This series of articles for rehabilitation in practice aims to cover a knowledge element of the rehabilitation medicine curriculum. Nevertheless they are intended to be of interest to a multidisciplinary audience. The competency addressed in this article is ‘The trainee demonstrates a knowledge of benefits and limitations of counselling approaches, specifically in this article systemic family therapy.’
Habitual physical activity can be increased in people with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Bania Theofani , Dodd Karen J , Taylor Nicholas
Published: November 2010

Objective: To determine if habitual physical activity could be increased in people with cerebral palsy.

Data sources: We searched electronic databases until February 2010 using key words related to concepts of cerebral palsy and physical activity. This search was supplemented with citation tracking.

Methods: Studies had to include participants with cerebral palsy who have habitual physical activity measured over at least one day after a therapy intervention. Two reviewers independently assessed study quality with the PEDro scale (quantitative studies) and Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research (qualitative studies). For quantitative studies standardized mean differences were calculated and meta-analysis conducted. Qualitative data were synthesized thematically.

Results: Three randomized controlled trials (96 participants) and two qualitative studies (21 participants) were reviewed. Four studies evaluated exercise programmes, and one study an online educational and support programme. Meta-analysis showed that exercise programmes could increase habitual physical activity (δ = 1.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28 to 1.72). This result was reinforced by reports of increased daily activity in two qualitative studies. The online programme increased weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (d = 0.81; 95% CI 0.17 to 1.45), and weekly step counts (d = 0.62; 95% CI 0.0 to 1.25). Positive effects were not maintained after programmes stopped. There was insufficient evidence to determine if demographic factors or programme characteristics, such as intensity and setting, were associated with outcomes.

Conclusion: Preliminary evidence suggests that exercise programmes and online support programmes can increase habitual physical activity in people with cerebral palsy, but effects are not maintained when programmes stop.
The effects of verbal instructions on gait in people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized trials
Authors: Fok Pamela , Farrell Michael , McMeeken Joan , Kuo Yi-Liang
Published: November 2010

Objective: To collate and appraise empirical evidence relating to the effects of verbal instructions (verbal commands given by another person) on stride length, gait velocity and stride variability in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Data sources: Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PEDro, PsycINFO and Web of Science.

Review methods: Independent reviewers extracted data from eligible studies and assessed methodological quality. The level of evidence was determined by best evidence synthesis based upon the experimental design, methodological quality and statistical findings of individual studies.

Results: One randomized controlled study and 12 non-controlled studies fulfilled the selection criteria and involved 149 participants. Five types of verbal instructions were examined which included ‘take big steps’, ‘walk fast’, ‘swing arms when walking’, ‘count rhythm when walking’ and ‘walk fast with big steps’. Best evidence synthesis found indicative evidence in support of the use of the instruction to take big steps in walking training for stride length improvement in people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease who are without cognitive impairment. There was insufficient evidence in support of effects on gait velocity and stride variability. There was also insufficient evidence in support of effects of other instructions on any of the gait variables.

Conclusion: The empirical evidence in support of the benefits from verbal instructions is weak. The evidence is limited to short-term stride length improvement from the use of the instruction to take big steps in walking training.
Perceived Popularity During Early Adolescence: Links to Declining School Adjustment Among Aggressive Youth
Authors: Troop-Gordon Wendy , Visconti Kari J. , Kuntz Kayla J.
Published: November 2010

Although positive peer relationships have been shown to promote healthy school involvement and academic achievement, subpopulations of perceived popular (i.e., socially prominent, high status), but aggressive, youth have been identified who exhibit poor school functioning. The objective of this study was to examine whether attainment of perceived popularity may be a contributing factor in the school difficulties of these aggressive youth. Data were collected from 208 early adolescents (95 boys; 113 girls) during the fall and spring of their fourth- and fifth-grade years. Latent growth curve analyses indicated that, for children with above-average levels of aggression, perceived popularity predicts trajectories of increasing school avoidance and declining academic performance. These results were significant even after accounting for how integrated children were in their social network (i.e., how many friends they had), providing further support to the contention that for aggressive youth, social status serves as a risk factor for school maladjustment.
African American and European American Students’ Peer Groups During Early Adolescence: Structure, Status, and Academic Achievement
Authors: Wilson Travis , Karimpour Ramin , Rodkin Philip C.
Published: November 2010

Focusing on a sample of 382 African American (206 female) and 264 European American (132 female) students in diverse fourth and fifth grade classrooms, this study investigated three questions concerning the connections between peer groups and academic achievement during early adolescence: (a) How is group structure (i.e., hierarchy and cohesion) associated with group centrality (i.e., status) in the classroom? (b) Does group structure predict academic achievement? and (c) Do peer-group status systems support or undermine academic achievement? Results were similar for African American and European American students. Group hierarchy was positively associated with group centrality but negatively associated with individual academic achievement. Individual status was positively associated with academic achievement. Discussion focuses on multifaceted peer-group influences on academic achievement and implications for educational practice.
Peer Relationships and Academic Adjustment During Early Adolescence
Authors: Ryan Allison M.
Published: November 2010

Motivation, engagement, and achievement decline for many children during early adolescence. There is increasing attention to the role peer relationships play in changes in academic adjustment during this stage of life. The articles in this special issue advance knowledge on this topic. This introductory article provides an overview of the articles in the special issue, noting key findings and commenting on important contributions. Ideas for future research on peer relationships and academic adjustment are discussed.
Experimental Classical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
Authors: Simmons M. M. , Spiropoulos J. , Webb P. R. , Spencer Y. I. , Czub S. , Mueller R. , Davis A. , Arnold M. E. , Marsh S. , Hawkins S. A. C. , Cooper J. A. , Konold T. , Wells G. A. H.
Published: November 2010

Tissues from sequential-kill time course studies of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) were examined to define PrP immunohistochemical labeling forms and map disease-specific labeling over the disease course after oral exposure to the BSE agent at two dose levels. Study was confined to brainstem, spinal cord, and certain peripheral nervous system ganglia—tissues implicated in pathogenesis and diagnosis or disease control strategies. Disease-specific labeling in the brainstem in 39 of 220 test animals showed the forms and patterns observed in natural disease and invariably preceded spongiform changes. A precise temporal pattern of increase in labeling was not apparent, but labeling was generally most widespread in clinical cases, and it always involved neuroanatomic locations in the medulla oblongata. In two cases, sparse labeling was confined to one or more neuroanatomic nuclei of the medulla oblongata. When involved, the spinal cord was affected at all levels, providing no indication of temporal spread within the cord axis or relative to the brainstem. Where minimal PrP labeling occurred in the thoracic spinal cord, it was consistent with initial involvement of general visceral efferent neurons. Labeling of ganglia involved only sensory ganglia and only when PrP was present in the brainstem and spinal cord. These experimental transmissions mimicked the neuropathologic findings in BSE-C field cases, independent of dose of agent or stage of disease. The model supports current diagnostic sampling approaches and control measures for the removal and destruction of nervous system tissues in slaughtered cattle.
Valuing the Older Person in the Context of Delivery and Receipt of Home Support
Authors: Byrne Kerry , Frazee Krista , Sims-Gould Joanie , Martin-Matthews Anne
Published: November 2010

Client perspectives of home support (i.e., assistance with daily activities that help to maintain a safe and supportive home) have not been considered in relation to personhood: “a standing or status that is bestowed upon one human being, by others, in the context of relationship and social being.” Personhood and positive person work interactions conceptually guided our secondary analysis of data from a generic qualitative study including 82 semi-structured interviews with older adult home support clients in British Columbia, Canada. Findings revealed clients value a “focus on the person,” “preservation of autonomy,” and interactions characterized by recognition, validation, collaboration, and negotiation. Individuals involved in the delivery of home support services are in a key position to support the personhood of older adult clients.
Investigations of natural attenuation in groundwater near a landfill and implications for landfill post-closure
Authors: Hubé Daniel , Gourcy Laurence , Gourry Jean-Christophe , Guyonnet Dominique
Published: November 2010

The controlled landfill technology is now adopting passive attenuation techniques as an increasing number of landfill sites reach the post-closure phase. During the post-closure phase, landfill operators need to convince environmental authorities that landfills no longer pose a threat to health or the environment. The demonstration of acceptable risk should rely in particular on data collected during environmental monitoring in addition to modelling of possible future evolutions of environmental concentrations. One difficulty that is typically encountered in France is related to the fact that groundwater monitoring systems around landfills are often insufficiently detailed to provide conclusive evidence of natural attenuation mechanisms. This paper presents data on groundwater quality in the vicinity of an old landfill located in a complex aquifer system. While isotopic data show a signature of the landfill leachate in the groundwater in the vicinity of the landfill, chemical analyses do not suggest a strong influence, which could be indicative of natural attenuation mechanisms in the groundwater. However, the complexity of the groundwater system in this area is such that it cannot be excluded that a pollutant flux is being overlooked. Implications of demonstrating natural attenuation during the landfill post-closure phase, with respect to groundwater monitoring, are discussed.
A Study on the Performance of Intumescent Flame-retarded Polypropylene with Nano-ZrO2
Authors: Xinlong Wang  , Lianghu Wu  , Jin Li
Published: November 2010

Melamine polyphosphate and pentaerythritol were used as intumescent flame retardants to improve the flame retardance (FR) of polypropylene. As a synergistic agent, nano-ZrO2 was incorporated into the composites at different proportions. The synergistic effects of nano-ZrO2 were studied by cone calorimeter tests and thermal gravimetric analysis. Based on Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, it was evident that nano-ZrO2 efficiently promoted the formation of charred layers with phosphocarbonaceous structures and enhanced the FR of the composites.
Consensus Statement on Standard of Care for Congenital Muscular Dystrophies
Authors: Wang Ching H. , Bonnemann Carsten G. , Rutkowski Anne , Sejersen Thomas , Bellini Jonathan , Battista Vanessa , Florence Julaine M. , Schara Ulrike , Schuler Pamela M. , Wahbi Karim , Aloysius Annie , Bash Robert O. , Béroud Christophe , Bertini Enrico , Bushby Kate , Cohn Ronald D. , Connolly Anne M. , Deconinck Nicolas , Desguerre Isabelle , Eagle Michelle , Estournet-Mathiaud Brigitte , Ferreiro Ana , Fujak Albert , Goemans Nathalie , Iannaccone Susan T. , Jouinot Patricia , Main Marion , Melacini Paola , Mueller-Felber Wolfgang , Muntoni Francesco , Nelson Leslie L. , Rahbek Jes , Quijano-Roy Susana , Sewry Caroline , Storhaug Kari , Simonds Anita , Tseng Brian , Vajsar Jiri , Vianello Andrea , Zeller Reinhard
Published: November 2010

Congenital muscular dystrophies are a group of rare neuromuscular disorders with a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. Recent advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of congenital muscular dystrophy have enabled better diagnosis. However, medical care for patients with congenital muscular dystrophy remains very diverse. Advances in many areas of medical technology have not been adopted in clinical practice. The International Standard of Care Committee for Congenital Muscular Dystrophy was established to identify current care issues, review literature for evidence-based practice, and achieve consensus on care recommendations in 7 areas: diagnosis, neurology, pulmonology, orthopedics/rehabilitation, gastroenterology/ nutrition/speech/oral care, cardiology, and palliative care. To achieve consensus on the care recommendations, 2 separate online surveys were conducted to poll opinions from experts in the field and from congenital muscular dystrophy families. The final consensus was achieved in a 3-day workshop conducted in Brussels, Belgium, in November 2009. This consensus statement describes the care recommendations from this committee.
Varieties of US Post-Cold War Imperialism: Anatomy of a Failed Hegemonic Project and the Future of US Geopolitics
Authors: de Graaff Naná , van Apeldoorn Bastiaan
Published: November 2010

Seeking to explain the changes — within underlying continuities — that have taken place in US geopolitical strategy since the early 2000s, this article analyses the dialectical interplay between political agency — in turn linked to specific social forces — and changing structural conditions within the global political economy. Geopolitical strategy is thus seen as constructed through a network of actors whose practices are shaped by their own social positions as well as by the broader global structural context. Analysing these networks with social network analysis we show how neoconservative intellectuals — linked to dominant sections of US capital — came to formulate a hegemonic project for the preservation of US primacy in the context of the rising contradictions of US-led neoliberal globalization. The ultimate failure of this hegemonic project subsequently set the structural context in which the network around Obama is now trying to formulate a more effective strategy.
The Impact of Local Authority Procurement on Local Economies
Authors: Peck Frank , Cabras Ignazio
Published: November 2010

Public procurement has a significant impact on economic development in regions and localities. Previous research in the UK has focused on variations in government spending across regions, the effects of competitive tendering processes and EU State Aid rules on regional economies. Empirical studies of procurement at the level of local authorities have received less attention. Increasing pressure to be ‘efficient and effective’ in use of public resources can contradict the need to support local communities, particularly through a period of economic downturn. Until recently, there has been a paucity of relevant data at a local level to examine the impacts of procurement. This paper analyses the combined patterns of spend of eight Local Authorities in the County of Cumbria in North West England. The characteristics of the supply base are investigated using a two-stage survey of businesses that secure local authority contracts. Results show the characteristics of suppliers and their level of dependency on local authority contracts. Managers’ evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of contracting with the public sector are also analysed. The findings suggest that many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Cumbria rely upon local authority contracts for business stability. The interviews confirm the vulnerability of SMEs to the current trend towards more formal approaches to public procurement and the use of a narrow definition of ‘value for money’. The paper concludes by considering the implications of the findings for the extent to which local authorities have retained a capacity to act to support local economic development.
What Makes a Technocrat?
Authors: Ribbhagen Christina
Published: November 2010

This article challenges the assertion that civil servants with technical training can be assumed to be technocrats. Contrary to previous findings, the article argues that type of higher education is not a key determinant of variations in technocratic mentality among elite bureaucrats; instead, post-socialization provides a better explanation. One suggested post-socialization mechanism is politicisation, so the more politicized a ministry is, the less technocratic the mentality of the bureaucrats working in it. These suggestions are tested empirically by both re-analysing Putnam’s data from the late 1970s and analysing data from a total survey of elite bureaucrats working in the Government Offices of Sweden. As well as demonstrating that the ‘type of training hypothesis’ is poorly supported, the empirical analysis demonstrates that the technocratic mentality of bureaucrats varies depending on ministerial affiliation. Furthermore, the level of politicisation is connected to the degree of technocratic mentality among the bureaucrats, though not exactly as hypothesized: more politicisation indeed leads to higher ‘tolerance for politics’ among bureaucrats but, counter intuitively, also makes bureaucrats more likely to advocate neutrality rather than political advocacy among civil servants.
Museums, Galleries, Politics and Management
Authors: Gray Clive
Published: November 2010

Politics takes diverse forms within the museums sector, from the effect of national government policies and funding decisions to the manner in which the contents of museums are presented to the public. This diversity of political forms leads to the creation of a range of administrative and managerial contexts within which museums operate. This paper explores the relationship of political practices and administrative and managerial regimes for the manner in which museums and galleries in the United Kingdom undertake the functions that they are responsible for, and indicates the possibilities and problems for museum and gallery practice that are associated with different political forms.
Multiscalarity and Neighbourhood Governance
Authors: Somerville Peter
Published: November 2010

This article deploys a concept of multiscalarity to criticise current theoretical approaches to governance and to make sense of neighbourhood governance. Drawing on Kooiman’s distinction between hierarchical, self- and co-governance, it is argued, first, that state strategies need to be re-examined in the light of the multiscalarity of governance. Using the example of the neighbourhood and evidence from the author’s own research, the article then provides a detailed illustration of governance multiscalarity. The article has two notably original findings: empirically, only community and residents’ associations have sufficient independence to resist governmental forces on the neighbourhood scale (and these associations have to scale up their activities in order to have any chance of success); and theoretically, the societal predominance of hierarchical governance can be explained largely in terms of asymmetry in the conditions for trans-scalar organisation, with coordination from top downwards being typically easier to achieve than from bottom upwards.
The Challenging Pupil in the Classroom
Authors: Houts Renate M. , Caspi Avshalom , Pianta Robert C. , Arseneault Louise , Moffitt Terrie E.
Published: November 2010

Teaching children requires effort, and some children naturally require more effort than others. In this study, we tested whether teacher effort devoted to individual children varies as a function of each child’s personal characteristics. In a nationwide longitudinal study of 1,102 pairs of twins followed for 7 years, between the ages of 5 and 12 years, we asked teachers about the effort they invested in each child in our study. We found that teacher effort was a function of heritable child characteristics, that a child’s challenging behavior assessed at 5 years of age predicted teacher effort toward the same child at 12 years of age, and that challenging child behavior and teacher effort share a common etiology with respect to children’s genes. We found that child effects accounted for a significant proportion of variance in teacher effort, but also observed variation in effort exerted by teachers that could not be attributed to children’s behavior. Treating children who exhibit challenging behavior and enhancing teachers’ skills in managing such behavior could increase the time and energy teachers have to deliver their curriculum in class.
“You Talkin’ to Me?”
Authors: Stoyanova Raliza S. , Ewbank Michael P. , Calder Andrew J.
Published: November 2010

In humans, direct gaze typically signals a deliberate attempt to communicate with an observer. An auditory signal with similar signal value is calling someone’s name. We investigated whether the presence of this personally relevant signal in the auditory modality would influence perception of another individual’s gaze. Participants viewed neutral faces displaying different gaze deviations while hearing someone call their own name or the name of another person. Results were consistent with our predictions, as participants judged faces with a wider range of gaze deviations as looking directly at them when they simultaneously heard their own name. The influence of this personally relevant signal was present only at ambiguous gaze deviations; thus, an overall response bias to categorize gaze as direct when hearing one’s own name cannot account for the results. This study provides the first evidence that communicative intent signaled via the auditory modality influences the perception of another individual’s gaze.
Gradual Remapping Results in Early Retinotopic and Late Spatiotopic Inhibition of Return
Authors: Mathôt Sebastiaan , Theeuwes Jan
Published: November 2010

Here we report that immediately following the execution of an eye movement, oculomotor inhibition of return resides in retinotopic (eye-centered) coordinates. At longer postsaccadic intervals, inhibition resides in spatiotopic (world-centered) coordinates. These results are explained in terms of perisaccadic remapping. In the interval surrounding an eye movement, information is remapped within retinotopic maps to compensate for the retinal displacement. Because remapping is not an instantaneous process, a fast, but gradual, transfer of inhibition of return from retinotopic to spatiotopic coordinates can be observed in the postsaccadic interval. The observation that visual stability is preserved in inhibition of return is consistent with its function as a “foraging facilitator,” which requires locations to be inhibited across multiple eye movements. The current results support the idea that the visual system is retinotopically organized and that the appearance of a spatiotopic organization is due to remapping of visual information to compensate for eye movements.
The Wolfpack Effect
Authors: Gao Tao , McCarthy Gregory , Scholl Brian J.
Published: November 2010

Imagine a pack of predators stalking their prey. The predators may not always move directly toward their target (e.g., when circling around it), but they may be consistently facing toward it. The human visual system appears to be extremely sensitive to such situations, even in displays involving simple shapes. We demonstrate this by introducing the wolfpack effect, which is found when several randomly moving, oriented shapes (darts, or discs with “eyes”) consistently point toward a moving disc. Despite the randomness of the shapes’ movement, they seem to interact with the disc—as if they are collectively pursuing it. This impairs performance in interactive tasks (including detection of actual pursuit), and observers selectively avoid such shapes when moving a disc through the display themselves. These and other results reveal that the wolfpack effect is a novel “social” cue to perceived animacy. And, whereas previous work has focused on the causes of perceived animacy, these results demonstrate its effects, showing how it irresistibly and implicitly shapes visual performance and interactive behavior.
When Giving Feels Good
Authors: Kogan Aleksandr , Impett Emily A. , Oveis Christopher , Hui Bryant , Gordon Amie M. , Keltner Dacher
Published: November 2010

Who benefits most from making sacrifices for others? The current study provides one answer to this question by demonstrating the intrinsic benefits of sacrifice for people who are highly motivated to respond to a specific romantic partner’s needs noncontingently, a phenomenon termed communal strength. In a 14-day daily-experience study of 69 romantic couples, communal strength was positively associated with positive emotions during the sacrifice itself, with feeling appreciated by the partner for the sacrifice, and with feelings of relationship satisfaction on the day of the sacrifice. Furthermore, feelings of authenticity for the sacrifice mediated these associations. Several alternative hypotheses were ruled out: The effects were not due to individuals higher in communal strength making qualitatively different kinds of sacrifices, being more positive in general, or being involved in happier relationships. Implications for research and theory on communal relationships and positive emotions are discussed.
Personality Neglect
Authors: Quoidbach Jordi , Dunn Elizabeth W.
Published: November 2010

The present research provides the first evidence that people neglect their own personalities when they envision their future emotional lives. In Study 1, students ignored the impact of their dispositional happiness in predicting how they would feel 2 weeks after receiving grades. Yet dispositional happiness played an important role in shaping actual emotional experiences. Similarly, exhibiting personality neglect, participants in Study 2 overlooked their trait levels of neuroticism and optimism when forecasting their reaction to Barack Obama’s election, though these personality dimensions were related to their actual emotional reactions. Because they overlooked the influence of their own dispositions, individuals incorrectly predicted their future feelings. Ironically, as a result of this personality neglect, more optimistic individuals were less likely to see their emotional future in an overly rosy light, whereas more neurotic individuals were more likely to overestimate the pleasure that the future would bring.
An imperfect feminist journey: Reflections on the process to develop an effective sexual assault resistance programme for university women
Authors: Senn Charlene Y
Published: November 2010

The work of feminist researchers to develop sexual assault resistance education programmes for women builds on the early work by feminist activists, self-defence instructors and other educators who stressed the importance of self-defence training for women. My research programme is strongly allied with this feminist herstory. My goals when I began were: to put feminist and social psychological theories into practice; to expand and reinforce young women’s knowledge and skills so that they are better able to defend themselves against sexual coercion and assault by known men; and to facilitate broader social change on sexual assault, at least on my own campus and city. There have been four major areas where anticipated and unanticipated conflicts or dilemmas between my feminist values and beliefs and my practice arose. These were: (1) keeping responsibility on male perpetrators while designing and offering programmes for women; (2) making male responsibility and female empowerment palatable to young women; (3) facing the limitations of an individual approach to a social problem; and (4) making the research conform to granting agency expectations. This article is my attempt to make visible the feminist struggles and successes that I encountered on the journey.
Global DNA methylation, DNMT1, and MBD2 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Liu CC , Ou TT , Wu CC , Li RN , Lin YC , Lin CH , Tsai WC , Liu HW , Yen JH
Published: November 2010

To investigate the associations of DNA methylation levels and mRNA expressions of DNA cytosine-5-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and methyl CpG-binding domain 2 (MBD2) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 108 patients with SLE and 97 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. DNA and total RNA were extracted from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the SLE patients and the controls. The global methylation levels of DNA were measured in 63 patients with SLE and 68 healthy controls by the ELISA method. DNMT1 and MBD2 mRNA were also detected in 108 SLE patients and 97 controls using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method. The global methylation level of DNA was significantly decreased in the SLE patients in comparison with that in the controls ( p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.1573–0.5052). The patients with SLE have higher expressions of DNMT1 and MBD2 mRNA than the controls ( p < 0.001, 95% CI = −0.0049 – −0.0019 and p = 0.001, 95% CI = −0.0119 – −0.0029, respectively). We also found that there were no significant differences in the methylation level and the expression of DNMT1 and MBD2 mRNA between the active and the inactive SLE patients. A positive correlation was also found between DNMT1 and MBD2 mRNA expressions in the SLE patients ( p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that the patients with SLE had a significantly lower level of DNA methylation than the controls. The expression of both DNMT1 and MBD2 mRNA was significantly increased in the SLE patients compared with the controls. This study also showed a positive correlation between DNMT1 and MBD2 mRNA levels in the patients with SLE.
The association between the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis update
Authors: Lea WW , Lee YH
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to determine whether the functional protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor 22 (PTPN22) C1858T polymorphism (rs2476601) confers susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in ethnically different populations. A meta-analysis was conducted on the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism across 11 comparative studies. Meta-analysis showed an association between the PTPN22 1858T allele and SLE in all study subjects (odds ratio (OR) 1.560, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.336, 1.822, p = 2.0 × 10−8). Analysis after stratification by ethnicity indicated that the PTPN22 1858T allele was significantly associated with SLE in Europeans and Hispanics (OR 1.490, 95% CI 1.280, 1.735, p = 2.0 × 10−8; OR 2.355, 95% CI 1.644, 3.373, p = 2.9 × 10−6). The meta-analysis showed that the C/T + T/T genotype was associated with susceptibility to SLE in all study subjects, Europeans, and Hispanics populations, and an association between the T/T genotype with SLE in Europeans. African Americans had a much lower prevalence of the T allele (2.2%) than any other population studied, and Europeans had the highest frequency (9.5%). In conclusion, this meta-analysis confirms that the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism is associated with SLE susceptibility in different ethnic groups, and that its prevalence is ethnicity dependent.
Association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in FOXP3 gene with systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility: a case–control study
Authors: Lin Y-C , Lee J-H , Wu A S-H , Tsai C-Y , Yu H-H , Wang L-C , Yang Y-H , Chiang B-L
Published: November 2010

Foxp3, encoded by the human FOXP3 gene, is a transcription factor that regulates regulatory T-cell (Treg) development and function. Associations have been reported between FOXP3 gene variants and autoimmune endocrinopathy and non-endocrine autoimmune disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the FOXP3 gene on genetic predisposition to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study cohort comprised 172 SLE patients and 181 controls, who were genotyped for the FOXP3 gene variants. Of five SNPs identified, the FOXP3 −6054 ATT carrier was shown to be associated with renal disorder (odds ratio [OR] 3.26, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.33–8.03, p = 0.0077). Furthermore, lower anti-dsDNA levels were found in patients with the −3279 A carrier ( p = 0.0109). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the association of FOXP3 SNPs with susceptibility to SLE, as well as sub-phenotype susceptibility. Although the exact role of Foxp3 and FOXP3 gene variations in SLE is still not clear, the present data support the importance of variations in the FOXP3 gene region for the etiology of certain manifestations of SLE.
Elevation of serum CXCL13 in SLE as well as in sepsis
Authors: Schiffer L , Kielstein JT , Haubitz M , Lührs H , Witte T , Haller H , Kümpers P , Schiffer M
Published: November 2010

Recent studies have demonstrated that CXCL13 serum levels correlate significantly with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity. However, experimental studies show that CXCL13 production can also be induced by bacterial exposure as well as in response to inflammatory cytokines. This report asks whether CXCL13 serum levels are elevated in patients with evidence of bacterial infections and whether there is a correlation with the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels or the severity of illness in critically ill patients. CXCL13 levels were compared in 39 patients with active SLE (without concomitant infection), 40 non-SLE patients with sepsis, and 40 healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology. We also tested storage conditions and freeze–thaw cycles for stability of CXCL13 in serum samples. Our studies demonstrated that the median CXCL13 serum levels were significantly elevated in patients with SLE [median 83 pg/ml (interquartile range 38–366)] or sepsis [359 pg/ml (151–459)] compared with healthy controls [32 pg/ml (27–41), p < 0.001]. The CXCL13 serum levels correlated with disease activity in SLE (CXCL13 vs. SLEDAI r = 0.65, p < 0.001), but were not associated with severity of illness score in critically ill patients (CXCL13 vs. SOFA r = −0.15, p = 0.35). However, CXCL13 serum levels were clearly associated with CRP levels in both sepsis ( r = 0.45, p = 0.003) and SLE ( r = 0.39, p = 0.02). In conclusion, CXCL13 is a stable serum marker for disease activity in SLE patients, but concomitant infections can also lead to increased CXCL13 levels.
Public participation in genomics research in the Netherlands: Validating a measurement scale
Authors: Dijkstra Anne M. , Gutteling Jan M. , Swart Jac. A.A. , Wieringa Nicolien F. , van der Windt Henny J. , Seydel Erwin R.
Published: November 2010

Nowadays, new technologies, like genomics, cannot be developed without the support of the public. However, although interested, the public does not always actively participate in science issues when offered the opportunity via public participation activities. In a study aimed at validating a measurement scale, first, we investigated if public participation existed, and, secondly, we investigated how levels of public participation in genomics research varied among groups. Finally, we studied which factors predicted public participation. Results were based on a questionnaire with four subsamples. Results confirmed, first of all, the internal consistency of the measurement scale to assess levels of public participation. Secondly, the groups differed significantly with regard to their levels of participation in genomics research. Finally, the findings revealed that information-seeking behaviour, knowledge and education were main predictors of public participation, while interest, social involvement, and trust and influence had some influence together with age and gender.