bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Career Style Interview on Individuals With Career Concerns
Authors: Rehfuss Mark C. , Corso Jennifer Del , Galvin Kevin , Wykes Scott
Published: August 2011

A total of 18 participants ranging in age from 20 to 55 were administered the career style interview (CSI) and completed a follow-up interview 2 weeks later. Consensual qualitative research analysis of follow-up interview data indicated that after completing the CSI, participants generally felt helped and also typically experienced awareness, self-confidence, direction, confirmation, and a sense of encouragement related to their career concern. Most participants' occupational narratives demonstrated a change from pre-CSI to post-CSI, moving toward more specification. Participants primarily recalled role models as the most meaningful aspect of the CSI, and integration of Holland code typology within the CSI produced higher rates of recall than previous studies. This study addresses implications of these findings for theory, practice, and research.
Validation of a Four-Factor Model of Career Indecision
Authors: Brown Steven D. , Hacker Jason , Abrams Matthew , Carr Andrea , Rector Christopher , Lamp Kristen , Telander Kyle , Siena Anne
Published: August 2011

Two studies were designed to explore whether a meta-analytically derived four-factor model of career indecision (Brown & Rector, 2008) could be replicated at the primary and secondary data levels. In the first study, an initial pool of 167 items was written based on 35 different instruments whose scores had loaded saliently on at least one factor in the Brown and Rector meta-analysis. These items were then administered to a sample of undergraduate college students and the resultant inter-item correlation matrix was subjected to principal axis factoring with oblique rotations. A four-factor solution was uncovered that resembled the four-factor meta-analytically derived solution but with a few theoretically and practically interesting exceptions. A second study used two existing correlation matrices derived from Gati and colleagues’ cognitive and personality/emotional models of career indecision. Exploratory factor analyses of these matrices revealed that the current four-factor model could, in part, be uncovered from these matrices as well. The theoretical and counseling implications of the results are discussed and future research directions are articulated.
Work Values Across Generations
Authors: Hansen Jo-Ida C. , Leuty Melanie E.
Published: August 2011

Mainstream publication discussions of differences in generational cohorts in the workplace suggest that individuals of more recent generations, such as Generation X and Y, have different work values than do individuals of the Silent and Baby Boom generations. Although extant research suggests that age may influence work values, few of the assertions about generation differences have been tested by empirical research. The present study investigated work values, as measured by the Minnesota Importance Questionnaire, across three generations (Silent Generation, N = 371; Baby Boom, N = 1179; and Generation X, N = 139) while accounting for age. Results suggested that workers from the Silent Generation placed more importance on Status and Autonomy than did Baby Boom or Generation X workers. More recent generations (Baby Boom and Generation X) were found to place more importance on Working Conditions, Security, Coworkers, and Compensation. Additional analyses suggest that, while the measured differences among the three generations are small, generation influences work values more so than does age.
Adult Career Counseling Using Possible Selves—A Quasi-Experimental Field Study in Naturalistic Settings
Authors: Plimmer Geoff
Published: August 2011

This study examined the effectiveness of an adult career development program designed to reflect the diversity and demands of career choices, the low level of comfort many have with career choices, and the limited resources available to resolve complex adult career problems. A possible selves process was used, delivered through a blend of computer and one-on-one counseling. Compared with a control group offered general career counseling, the program was particularly effective in raising participants’ level of comfort with career direction, particularly for those with very low scores on this dimension. Similarly, the possible selves process was effective in increasing the level to which participants were decided about their career direction. Interviews with practitioners found the computerized possible selves-based approach to be effective in engaging clients where career and personal issues were intertwined, and in helping clients find solutions to career problems.
Comparison of Different Test Construction Strategies in the Development of a Gender Fair Interest Inventory Using Verbs
Authors: Wetzel Eunike , Hell Benedikt , Pässler Katja
Published: August 2011

Three test construction strategies are described and illustrated in the development of the Verb Interest Test (VIT), an inventory that assesses vocational interests using verbs. Verbs might be a promising alternative to the descriptions of occupational activities used in most vocational interest inventories because they are context-independent, timesaving, and applicable across educational levels. Three test construction strategies are implemented and compared. The first construction method follows the rules of classical test theory (CTT), the second is within the framework of CTT as well but also takes gender differences in mean scores into account, and the third strategy is guided by item response theory (IRT) and controls for differential item functioning for men and women. The three VIT versions resulting from the different construction methods are compared regarding their construct and criterion validity. For practical use and career counseling, test development following the IRT approach seems most useful since it allows maximal occupational exploration and precise trait estimation.
Personality Traits, Vocational Interests, and Career Exploration: A Cross-Cultural Comparison Between American and Hong Kong Students
Authors: Fan Weiqiao , Cheung Fanny M. , Leong Frederick T. L. , Cheung Shu Fai
Published: August 2011

This study compared the pattern of relationships among personality, vocational interests, and career exploration within an integrated framework between 369 American and 392 Hong Kong university students. The first hypothesis predicted differential contributions of the universal and indigenous personality dimensions based on the Cross-cultural (Chinese) Personality Assessment Inventory-2 (CPAI-2) to career exploration of the American and Hong Kong students. The second hypothesis predicted that vocational interests mediated the association between personality and career exploration of the students. Cultural differences were found between the personality predictors for Hong Kong and American students, supporting the first hypothesis. The CPAI-2 indigenous personality dimensions derived in the Chinese cultural context predicted career exploration of Hong Kong students only. The second hypothesis was partially supported: Enterprise interest type mediated the association between Social Potency and career exploration in the Hong Kong sample; Artistic interest type was the mediator in the American sample. The contributions of personality and vocational interests to students’ career exploration, and the implications to cross-cultural career counseling were discussed.
Concurrent Supplement of Estradiol and Progesterone Reduces the Cardiac Sensitivity to D,L-Sotalol-Induced Arrhythmias in Ovariectomized Rabbits
Authors: Cheng Jianhua , Su Dan , Ma Xiaohong , Li Hanyi
Published: August 2011

Background: Although the difference in the modulation of estradiol and dihydrotesterone on ventricular repolarization has been intensively studied, little information is available concerning the role of the different ovarian hormones in the modulation of repolarization in the female. Methods: The chronic modulation of female hormones, estradiol, and progesterone, on cardiac repolarization and the susceptibility to d,l-sotalol, a class III antiarrhythmic agent, were studied in female rabbits by ovariectomy and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) through recording and analyzing of electrocardiograms. Results: The corrected QT interval (QTc) measured 2 weeks after ovariectomy was not significantly different from that in the time-matched control rabbits. After 2 weeks of HRT, the QTc in the ovariectomized rabbits treated with estradiol alone (group E) was not significantly different from that in the control (group C); whereas in the ovariectomized rabbits treated with estradiol plus progesterone (group E + P), it was significantly shorter than those in groups E ( P < .05) and C ( P < .01), respectively. The corrected Tpeak-end interval (Tpec), an indicator of global dispersion of ventricular repolarization, was also significantly reduced in group E + P compared with that of group C ( P < .01). In group E, d,l-sotalol-induced prolongation of QTc and the rate and the severity of arrhythmias were significantly higher, while the dose of sotalol to initiate arrhythmias was significantly lower than those in groups C or E + P, respectively ( P < .05 or P < .01). Conclusion: Estradiol potentiates QTc prolonging effects of d,l-sotalol and increases the susceptibility to d,l-sotalol-induced arrhythmias without significantly altering QTc itself, whereas progesterone may accelerate the process of repolarization and protect the females from drug-induced arrhythmias, thus counteracting the effect of estradiol.
Improving Employee Selection With a Revised Resume Format
Authors: Wright Edward W. , Domagalski Theresa A. , Collins Ronald
Published: August 2011

This study investigates the acceptance of a prototype resume that includes candidate personality assessment information. Data were obtained from hiring managers and human resource professionals in regional chapters of the Society for Human Resource Management. Respondents found the new content useful and that the new information added value when compared with a traditional resume. This study suggests the possibility of improving the effectiveness of candidate screening and selection with the inclusion of such data in a standard resume and may be useful for instructing new business school graduates in the preparation of their professional resumes.
Ethics and Ethos in Financial Reporting
Authors: Crawford Camiciottoli Belinda
Published: August 2011

In response to ongoing concerns about financial ethics, this study analyzes the speech of company executives in quarterly earnings conference calls to understand strategic usage of ethics-related language. Against the backdrop of the recent global financial crisis, the Aristotelian concept of ethos provides a framework to investigate linguistic features that express ethical stance. Text analysis software was used to produce frequency profiles of features that were then further interpreted qualitatively. Results showed that the executives used a variety of more or less explicit terms to maintain a strong focus on trustworthiness and commitment to moving forward. The findings can inform the development of teaching materials that help learners become more effective communicators in the context of IT-mediated financial reporting.
The Rhetoric of Industrial Espionage
Authors: Jameson Daphne A.
Published: August 2011

When Starwood Hotels charged Hilton Hotels with industrial espionage, the case hinged on an employment agreement that two executives had violated. The rhetoric of the employment agreement contrasted greatly with that of the corporation’s own code of business conduct. Whereas the private agreement stressed narrow self-interest, the public code emphasized a much broader network of ethical business relationships. This article analyzes the differences between these two types of business discourse in order to help business practitioners align espoused and enacted values.
My Favorite Assignment
Authors: Whalen D. Joel
Published: August 2011

The seven Favorite Assignments featured in this article were originally presented at the 2010 ABC Annual Convention, Chicago, Illinois. The reader can consider a variety of learning objectives from team building to persuasion, application of electronic media to face-to-face communication, and much more. Some Favorite Assignments take a full semester to complete; others can be done within a single class. Each assignment reflects the individual author’s passion for active learning that stimulates practical skill-building, judgment, and communication skills.
Eportfolios in Business Communication Courses as Tools for Employment
Authors: Okoro Ephraim A. , Washington Melvin C. , Cardon Peter W.
Published: August 2011

Eportfolios are a powerful tool for business students to gain self-awareness and take control of their learning experiences. Ideally, they can be used as online profiles in the job application process, allowing more authenticity, personalization, and completeness than traditional résumés. In our colleges, eportfolios help students reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and form goals for professional development. Overall, however, our students’ eportfolios lack the professional touch of their résumés. We believe extensive coordination within a college is required to help business students create eportfolios that they can use to market themselves for professional positions.
Eportfolios and Cognitive Storytelling
Authors: Brammer Charlotte
Published: August 2011

Authentic reflections are critical components of strong portfolios, and students often struggle with this important task. Students in our program have found success through carefully constructed steps of collecting, selecting, and reflecting on artifacts from their coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities. Working in peer groups as well as meeting individually with the instructor are key parts of the entire process.
Early Degeneration of a Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve Complicated by a Large Left Atrial Thrombus
Authors: Connors Christopher W. , Christie Angus A. , Weldner Paul W.
Published: August 2011

The authors report the case of a patient with symptomatic early bioprosthetic mitral valve deterioration in the setting of calcium supplementation. This was further complicated by a large left atrial thrombus despite supratherapeutic anticoagulation and a previously oversewn left atrial appendage. As mechanical valves are less predisposed to calcification in comparison with bioprosthetic implants, the patient underwent a mechanical mitral valve replacement in addition to a left atrial thrombectomy.
Detection of Left Ventricular Apical Thrombus With Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Puskas Ferenc , Cleveland Joseph C. , Singh Ramesh , Weitzel Nathaen S. , Reece T. Brett , Shull Robert , Salcedo Ernesto E. , Seres Tamas
Published: August 2011

Objective. Left ventricular (LV) thrombosis persists as a clinical challenge in echocardiographic diagnosis and is an important risk factor for perioperative embolic events in cardiac surgery. Appropriate detection and monitoring when thrombus is suspected is critical in surgical planning and in avoiding catastrophic patient outcomes. Case Presentation. The authors present a case of a laminated LV apical thrombus, which was discovered intraoperatively by real-time 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography. Clinical Challenges. The clinical challenges were ( a) LV thrombosis impact on surgical management, ( b) key echocardiographic challenges in diagnosing LV thrombosis, and ( c) role of 3D echocardiography in the diagnostic algorithm. Conclusion. Because of the lack of a gold standard, 2D transthoracic echocardiography remains the imaging modality of choice in assessment; however, there is increasing evidence that 3D technology can be more accurate in intracardiac mass detection and should be considered in the diagnostic algorithm.
Indoor Environmental Satisfaction in Two LEED Offices and its Implications in Green Interior Design
Authors: Gou Zhonghua , Lau Stephen Siu-Yu , Shen Jie
Published: August 2011

The green building movement is an attempt to address IEQ and occupant health concerns by providing healthier building environments. As improved IEQ is the stated goal of green design, we question how green offices are in fact performing in comparison to non-green buildings, from the occupants’ perspectives. The findings of this research showed there was no significant difference in the overall satisfaction with IEQ between the two LEED offices and conventional offices in the same city. The most influential IEQ aspect of overall satisfaction was lighting satisfaction. One LEED office had good satisfaction with the noise environment but poor satisfaction with the lighting environment; the other LEED office had good satisfaction with the lighting environment. The IEQ characteristics in the two LEED offices are discussed to generate design implications in green interior projects and IEQ improvements.
Subjective and Objective Evaluation of the Thermal Environment in a Three-Star Green Office Building in China
Authors: Gou Zhonghua , Lau Stephen Siu-Yu , Chen Fengna
Published: August 2011

A post-occupancy study was carried out to investigate the thermal environment in a high-standard office building certified by China Three-star Green Building Label. The study included a subjective evaluation of the indoor environment quality and work performance. A total of 182 office workers responded to the questionnaire survey based on the Building Use Studies (BUS) Occupant Survey and Reporting Method. Objective measurements of the thermal environment (temperature and relative humidity) under mechanically and naturally ventilated conditions were also carried out in the building. Although the thermal environment satisfied the majority of respondents, 12% and 20% reported dissatisfaction with summer and winter temperatures, respectively. The complaint on summer temperature was mainly from those working close to the chilled air outlets of the air-conditioners. The perception of cold winter temperatures revealed the potential shortcomings of sustainable building design in humid subtropical climates, where natural ventilation and passive cooling would predominate in the sustainable design while cold air in winter would tend to be neglected. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons why green buildings succeeded or failed to meet occupants’ perception and this could have an implication in the design decisions for green building practice.
Sensor Validation for Monitoring Indoor Air Quality in a Subway Station
Authors: Liu Hongbin , Kim MinJeong , Kang OnYu , Sankararao B. , Kim JeongTai , Kim Jo-Chun , Yoo Chang Kyoo
Published: August 2011

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important factor, which can influence the health and comfort of passengers in subway stations. Various types of hazardous pollutants, such as particulate matters, remain accumulated in the subway space due to overcrowding and inadequate ventilation system. Subway stations are extremely crowded during rush hours and indoor air of the subway stations could be strongly affected, which in turn, affects passengers’ respiratory system. In this study, several key air pollutants data were collected every minute by the air sampler and tele-monitoring system (TMS) to effectively monitor and control IAQ in subway stations. The quality of the online measurement could decide the failure and success in environmental process assessment. Therefore, prompt detection of the occurrence of sensor faults and identification of those locations are of primary importance for efficient monitoring and control of IAQ. In this paper, Principal components analysis based approach is used to detect, identify and reconstruct the sensor faults in monitoring IAQ. Four types of sensor failures, namely, bias, drifting, complete failure and precision degradation are tested for monitoring IAQ. Several test results of a real subway TMS showed that the developed sensor validation technique can work well for the four kinds of sensor faults.
The triple articulation of media technologies in teenage media consumption
Authors: Courtois Cédric , Mechant Peter , Paulussen Steve , De Marez Lieven
Published: August 2011

This study explores the meaning of teenagers’ media consumption in terms of identity formation and autonomy attainment. In domestication theory, media consumption is conceptualized as the interplay of both media object and content. However, in practical applications, the notion of object has usually been snowed under by contextual descriptions. In response, this article draws upon the concept of a triple articulation that, next to media text, separates the object and the context. Using a multi-method study, we empirically demonstrate the relevance of separating the object and context dimensions in understanding media consumption. This is especially relevant in the current age of convergence in which media scholars are confronted with a changing media landscape, characterized by content that is increasingly device- and context-independent, while a broad range of devices are appropriated in a multitude of contexts.
(Web)sites of memory and the rise of moral mnemonic agents
Authors: Ashuri Tamar
Published: August 2011

This article underscores the ethical dimension of collective memory and examines how the advent of digital networked technologies challenges the mechanisms society employs to deny memories of immoral acts. The study will be grounded on an analysis of two organizations’ websites. The first was designed by members of Machsom Watch – an all-female organization whose members monitor the human rights of Palestinians at checkpoints set up by the Israeli Army. The second website was established by Shovrim Shtika – an all-male organization of veteran Israeli soldiers who collect testimonies of their comrades-in-arms who served in the Occupied Territories. The study shows that by producing (web)sites of memory in which members of the organizations store, and by which they disseminate personal memories, they establish a new archival formation that feeds into social practice. The on-line archives they create become an eminently social practice, a space of living memory and a sphere of moral engagement.
Corporate governance in small firms: The need for cross-cultural analysis?
Authors: Wong Loong
Published: August 2011

The extant literature on family firms has concentrated on succession planning and typically, on the experiences of western industrialized countries. This has skewed research and impeded our understanding of the dynamics of family firms, particularly their growth, evolution, processes and the exercise of power within the firm. In recent years, as family firms reform their organizational structure and processes, professionals and ‘outsiders’ are now brought into the firm to better ‘manage’ and oversee the firm and its activities. These effects are however not well understood and we do not know how they affect the governing process. Through the development of case studies of Chinese family firms in Malaysia, this paper seeks to map out the critical processes and the actors, including the function of non-executive directors, enabling a better understanding of the dynamics underpinning Chinese family firms and their growth. The paper also argues that the effectiveness of any given board structure is not predetermined but open to processes and mobilizing interests within the firm.
Gender and culture in family business: A ten-nation study
Authors: Lerner Miri , Malach-Pines Ayala
Published: August 2011

The current study focused on the role played by culture and gender differences in family business: to what extent are family businesses different across cultures, to what extent are family businesses owned by women different from family businesses owned by men and is there a culture by gender interaction? These questions were examined using data collected as part of the adult population surveys of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) in 10 countries including four Anglo-Saxon countries (US, UK, Australia, New Zealand), three European countries (Spain, Sweden, Hungary), one Latin American country (Brazil), one East Asian country (Singapore) and one Mediterranean country (Israel). Results showed consistently big cross-cultural differences between the owners of family businesses in the ten countries and far smaller and less consistent differences between male and female owners of family businesses. These findings offer a strong support for social theories of gender and a much weaker support for evolutionary theory.
Study on the electrical and surface properties of Polyamide 6 woven fabrics using pen-type radio frequency plasma treatment
Authors: Cheng Kou-Bing , Liu Jen-Yung , Hwang Jin-Fong , Lee Mei-Hui , Hsieh Chien-Cheng
Published: August 2011

This study showed an improvement in how functional groups activate on to the polymer surface by using the pen-type plasma treatment. These functional groups will graft on to the original polymer bonds and activate the surfaces of polymer products such as synthetic fabrics, films, and plastics. This research discussed the modifications of the hydrophilicity and conductivity in Polyamide 6 woven fabrics prior to and following the surface plasma treatment. First, without considering any processing, such as calendering, fabrics with the same denier but different numbers of filament were compared after the plasma treatment. The analysis of the experiment verifies that after the plasma treatment, the finer the filament the fiber has, the better improvements are obtained in the surface properties, such as hydrophilicity and surface resistivity. Next, after including the factor of calendering, the experiment also confirmed that the Polyamide 6 fabric processed with calendering exhibits better modification affects than those without it. In addition, the hydrophilicity modification result increases with irradiation time for fabrics treated with pen-type plasma, where the hydrophilicity modification benefit improves by 20–30%. Moreover, fabrics coated with poly-3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) are tested by washing. It has been confirmed that the washing resistance of the conductivity benefit appears to improve with the number of calendering times and irradiation time. The spectra show formation of COOH-groups (3300–2400 cm−1), after impregnated acrylic acid process, and also show formation of O–H (alcohol) groups (3650–3200 cm−1), after PEDOT coating.
Brief, Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Food Refusal Secondary to Emetophobia
Authors: Williams Keith E. , Field Douglas G. , Riegel Katherine , Paul Candace
Published: August 2011

Emetophobia, a fear of vomiting, has been reported in both adults and children but is not well documented. This study describes the treatment of an 8-year-old girl who developed emetophobia and food refusal after an acute illness. The intervention consisted of an exposure-based treatment conducted over 7 days at a feeding program. The girl was discharged consuming all of her nutrition by mouth, and her gastrostomy tube feedings were eliminated.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections in Hospitalized HIV Patients in Baltimore City
Authors: Hodowanec Aimee , Nayak Seema , Charurat Manhattan , Vaughan Leroy , Kanno Mettassebia , Fantry Lori
Published: August 2011

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are known to promote the transmission of HIV. Diagnosing these infections can identify patients engaging in high-risk behaviors and provides an opportunity for intervention and education. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends STI screening as part of routine HIV care. Ninety HIV-infected inpatients admitted to the University of Maryland Hospital were screened for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. None of the nucleic acid amplification probes were positive for gonorrhea, and 1 was positive for chlamydia. A total of 8 rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests were positive, 2 of which are believed to be associated with new infection or treatment failure. Rapid plasma reagin positivity was found to be associated with men who have sex with men (MSM), low CD4 count, and high HIV viral load. Routine inpatient screening for asymptomatic STIs in HIV-infected patients may be beneficial, particularly patients not engaged in routine outpatient care.
Moving from Viral Suppression to Comprehensive Patient-Centered Care
Authors: Broom Jennifer , Sowden David , Williams Merran , Taing Kuong , Morwood Karen , McGill Karen
Published: August 2011

HIV clinicians today need to move from focusing on viral suppression to a chronic disease model in which comorbid conditions and risk factors are comprehensively identified and addressed to reduce rates of serious non-AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of comorbid conditions in an Australian HIV-positive population. Of 180 patients included, there was a median CD4 count of 0.520 cells/mm3. The majority (88%) of patients were currently receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). There were high rates of failure to attend clinical appointments (30%), current smoking (42%), hypertension (16%), and dyslipidemia (17%). Significant rates of dipstick-positive proteinuria (16%) and elevated blood glucose (15%) were recorded. Risk factors were commonly not addressed by the treating clinician. There is an urgent need to systematize detection and management of high-prevalence comorbid conditions to prevent premature mortality associated with serious non-AIDS events.
Historicizing CSI and its Effect(s): The Real and the Representational in American Scientific Detective Fiction and Print News Media, 1902–1935
Authors: Littlefield Melissa M.
Published: August 2011

Over the past decade, CBS’s hit television show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has been characterized as novel and innovative, as one of the first times forensic science was made palatable to a popular audience. Because of its subject matter and its popularity, the show has also sparked debates about the effects of scientific representations. In this essay, I contend that both CSI and its potential effects would be better understood as part of a longer genealogy, one that accounts for debates concerning the real and the representational in American scientific detective fiction. Using a mixed methods approach from literature and science studies, I contextualize CSI via several other cultural ‘texts’: American scientific detective fiction (1909–1919) and a historical newspaper archive concerning anxieties about fictional portrayals of scientific detective work (1894–1935). By triangulating CSI and its effects with earlier representations of scientific detective work and their uptake in print news media, I draw attention to similarities between historical and contemporary debates: the relative worth of the real and the representational, the role of the media in identifying and/or constructing American anxiety about forensic science and detective work, the relative authority of (forensic) science and the police, and the differing standards of judgment for science and law.
The practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in gastroenterology: discrepancies between EBM familiarity and EBM competency
Authors: Buscaglia Jonathan , Nagula Satish , Yuan Jay , Bucobo Juan Carlos , Kumar Atul , Forsmark Chris E. , Draganov Peter V.
Published: August 2011

Introduction: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has become increasingly important in the practice of gastroenterology and endoscopy, and the training of future gastroenterology physicians. The objectives were to assess the attitudes/opinions of gastroenterology specialists towards EBM, and evaluate possible gaps in education for certain EBM-related concepts.

Methods: An internet-based survey was emailed to 4073 gastroenterology specialists. The main outcome measurements were physicians’ endorsement of EBM, impact of EBM on clinical practice, utilization of EBM-specific resources, self-assessed understanding of EBM concepts (EBM familiarity score), and actual knowledge of EBM concepts (EBM competency score).

Results: A total of 337 gastroenterology specialists participated. On a sale of 1–10, there was widespread agreement that EBM improves patient care (median score = 9, interquartile range (IQR) = 7–10), and physicians should be familiar with techniques for critical appraisal of studies (median = 9, IQR = 8–10). Most (64.0%) utilized the EBM-related resource UpToDate™ regularly, as opposed to PubMed™ (47.1%) or Clinical Evidence™ (5.4%). The mean EBM familiarity score was 3.4 ± 0.6 on a scale of 1–4. Out of a maximum 49 points, the mean EBM competency score was 35 ± 4.9. There was poor concordance among EBM familiarity and competency scores ( r = 0.161; p = 0.005). Academic practice ( p < 0.001), research/teaching ( p < 0.001), advanced degree ( p = 0.012), and recent EBM training ( p = 0.001) were all associated with improved EBM competency.

Conclusion: The attitudes and opinions of EBM are extremely favorable among gastroenterology physicians. Although gastroenterology physicians report familiarity with most EBM-related concepts, there is poor correlation with their actual knowledge of EBM. Further educational initiatives should be undertaken to address methods in which EBM skills are reinforced among all gastroenterology practitioners.
Partnership tools for health promotion: are they worth the effort?
Authors: Joss Nerida , Keleher Helen
Published: August 2011

In health promotion and community sector programs, working through partnerships has become a key strategy for capacity building and infrastructure development that is intended to achieve better health outcomes. Government and funding agencies are providing significant support for partnership work in the apparent belief that partnerships are more likely to improve sustainability of programs and their outcomes than single agencies working alone.

Online partnership analysis tools are designed for organisations to measure the effectiveness of their collaborative endeavours, and to demonstrate to funding bodies that the partnership was worthwhile. The tools are predominantly self-assessment evaluation tools but there is a lack of clarity about what these tools actually set out to measure. Self-assessment tools assist partners to recognise strengths and weaknesses in their practice, but analysis of their intentions indicates that there are significant problems with the ‘snapshot’ data that is generated in terms of analysing effectiveness. Partnership work is complex, dynamic and context specific with varying synergistic rewards which cannot always be represented in survey tools. This article reports analysis of online self-assessment partnership tools which have data-generating capacity, to determine just what they measure and to understand how effective they can be in evaluating collaborative practice. Criteria for analysis were developed from a review of the existing literature. The review and analysis has highlighted that practitioners must consider what they are measuring and for what purpose they seek to evaluate before utilising and implementing a partnership analysis tool.
Substance use prevention through school and community-based health promotion: a transdisciplinary approach from Iceland
Authors: Sigfusdottir Inga Dora , Kristjansson Alfgeir L. , Gudmundsdottir Margret L. , Allegrante John P.
Published: August 2011

During the last decade, Iceland has made impressive progress in reducing adolescent substance use. By engaging schools, youth organizations, and other community stakeholders concerned with youth development, Iceland has developed local partnerships that have worked assiduously to reduce risk factors and strengthen school and community-level protective factors for adolescent substance use that peaked in 1998. The nationwide implementation of this transdisciplinary approach to health promotion has led to a 60% decline in both experimentation and use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. This article describes the key components of the Icelandic approach to school and community-based health promotion. The potential for adapting elements of this approach to advance school-based healthcare policy and practice to prevent substance use and other health-compromising behaviors in other countries is discussed.
Turning the Hands of Time
Authors: Topolinski Sascha , Sparenberg Peggy
Published: August 2011

The omnipresent abstract symbol for time progression and regression is clockwise versus counterclockwise rotation. It was tested whether merely executing and seeing clockwise (vs. counterclockwise) movements would induce psychological states of temporal progression (vs. regression) and according to motivational orientations toward the future and novelty (vs. the past and familiarity). Supporting this hypothesis, participants who turned cranks counterclockwise preferred familiar over novel stimuli, but participants who turned cranks clockwise preferred novel over old stimuli, reversing the classic mere exposure effect (Experiment 1). Also, participants rotating a cylinder clockwise reported higher scores in the personality measure openness to experience than participants rotating counterclockwise (Experiment 2). Merely passively watching a rotating square had similar but weaker effects on exposure and openness (Experiment 3). Finally, participants chose more unconventional candies from a clockwise than from a counterclockwise Lazy Susan, that is, a turntable (Experiment 4).
Faith and Nature
Authors: Vess Matthew , Arndt Jamie , Cox Cathy R.
Published: August 2011

A common theme among many religions, particularly those with Abrahamic roots, is that humans are separate from the rest of nature. Though empirical support is lacking, such themes do suggest that religiosity may play a role in shaping the ways that people relate to the natural world. The present research used terror management theory to address this issue. It was hypothesized that death-relevant concerns would moderate the relationship between religious fundamentalism and feelings of connectedness to nature. Across three studies, religious fundamentalism negatively predicted feelings of connectedness to nature when death-relevant thoughts were activated. No such relationship emerged in the absence of death-relevant thought. The implications of these findings for better understanding the role of religion in human/nature relationships and current ecological issues are discussed.
Output feedback control with H∞ performance for saturated linear systems with magnitude and rate constraints
Authors: Chen P-C , Wu S-L , Chang K-Y
Published: August 2011

The dynamic behaviour of controlled systems depend significantly on the allowable magnitude and change rate of the control efforts, which need to be considered during controller design. The controller design algorithm investigated in this paper can independently address both the magnitude and rate constraints and their effect on actuator dynamics. The integral dynamics are augmented to the systems actuator. The original control effort is formulated as new states in the augmented dynamics formulation, and the inputs of the integrator represent the rate of the control effort. The feedback gain is then designed to obtain suitable actuator dynamics such that the desired H∞ performance can be optimized and the magnitude of the rate constraints can be satisfied. Using satellite attitude control and aircraft longitudinal control as case studies, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified through achievable H∞ performance and time response simulations with various chosen constraints on the magnitude and rate of the control.
Let Your Eyes Predict
Authors: Tressoldi Patrizio E. , Martinelli Massimiliano , Semenzato Luca , Cappato Sara
Published: August 2011

This study investigates the prediction accuracy of anticipatory pupil dilation responses in humans prior to the random presentation of alerting or neutral sounds. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the autonomous nervous system may react prior to the presentation of random stimuli. A total of 80 participants, who were matched according to gender to take into account individual differences, were asked to listen to a random sequence of 10 neutral and 10 alerting sounds. Their pupil dilation was continuously recorded and the diameter of their pupils was used to predict the category of sound, alerting, or neutral. The pupil dilation of both males and females predicted alerting sounds approximately 10% more accurately than would be expected by chance, whereas neutral sounds were predicted at the chance level. This result was confirmed using a frequentist and a Bayesian statistical approach. Following the results of the study, practical and theoretical implications of these results are discussed.
Chuvash polycythemia VHLR200W mutation is associated with down-regulation of hepcidin expression
Authors: Gordeuk Victor R. , Miasnikova Galina Y. , Sergueeva Adelina I. , Niu Xiaomei , Nouraie Mehdi , Okhotin Daniel J. , Polyakova Lydia A. , Ammosova Tatiana , Nekhai Sergei , Ganz Tomas , Prchal Josef T.
Published: August 2011

Hypoxia is known to reduce the expression of hepcidin, the master regulator of iron metabolism. However, it is not clear whether this response is primarily related to increased erythropoiesis driven by hypoxically stimulated erythropoietin or to a more direct effect of hypoxia on hepcidin expression. The germline loss-of-function VHLR200W mutation is common in Chuvashia, Russia, and also occurs elsewhere. VHLR200W homozygotes have elevated hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and HIF-2α levels, increased red cell mass, propensity to thrombosis, and early mortality. Ninety VHLR200W homozygotes and 52 controls with normal VHL alleles from Chuvashia, Russia, were studied under basal circumstances. In univariate analyses, serum hepcidin concentration was correlated positively with serum ferritin concentration and negatively with homozygosity for VHLR200W. After adjustment for serum erythropoietin and ferritin concentrations by multiple linear regression, the geometric mean (95% confidence interval of mean) hepcidin concentration was 8.1 (6.3-10.5) ng/mL in VHLR200W homozygotes versus 26.9 (18.6-38.0) ng/mL in controls (P < .001). In contrast, a significant independent relationship of serum erythropoietin, hemoglobin, or RBC count with hepcidin was not observed. In conclusion, up-regulation of the hypoxic response leads to decreased expression of hepcidin that may be independent of increased erythropoietin levels and increased RBC counts.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics of hydroxyurea treatment for children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Ware Russell E. , Despotovic Jenny M. , Mortier Nicole A. , Flanagan Jonathan M. , He Jin , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Kimble Amy C. , Aygun Banu , Wu Song , Howard Thad , Sparreboom Alex
Published: August 2011

Hydroxyurea therapy has proven laboratory and clinical efficacies for children with sickle cell anemia (SCA). When administered at maximum tolerated dose (MTD), hydroxyurea increases fetal hemoglobin (HbF) to levels ranging from 10% to 40%. However, interpatient variability of percentage of HbF (%HbF) response is high, MTD itself is variable, and accurate predictors of hydroxyurea responses do not currently exist. HUSTLE (NCT00305175) was designed to provide first-dose pharmacokinetics (PK) data for children with SCA initiating hydroxyurea therapy, to investigate pharmacodynamics (PD) parameters, including HbF response and MTD after standardized dose escalation, and to evaluate pharmacogenetics influences on PK and PD parameters. For 87 children with first-dose PK studies, substantial interpatient variability was observed, plus a novel oral absorption phenotype (rapid or slow) that influenced serum hydroxyurea levels and total hydroxyurea exposure. PD responses in 174 subjects were robust and similar to previous cohorts; %HbF at MTD was best predicted by 5 variables, including baseline %HbF, whereas MTD was best predicted by 5 variables, including serum creatinine. Pharmacogenetics analysis showed single nucleotide polymorphisms influencing baseline %HbF, including 5 within BCL11A, but none influencing MTD %HbF or dose. Accurate prediction of hydroxyurea treatment responses for SCA remains a worthy but elusive goal.
Vaccine-induced antibodies linked to bovine neonatal pancytopenia (BNP) recognize cattle major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I)
Authors: Deutskens Fabian , Lamp Benjamin , Riedel Christiane M , Wentz Eveline , Lochnit Günter , Doll Klaus , Thiel Heinz-Jürgen , Rümenapf Till
Published: August 2011

A mysterious disease affecting calves, named bovine neonatal pancytopenia (BNP), emerged in 2007 in several European countries. Epidemiological studies revealed a connection between BNP and vaccination with an inactivated vaccine against bovine virus diarrhea (BVD). Alloantibodies reacting with blood leukocytes of calves were detected in serum and colostrum of dams, which have given birth to calves affected by BNP. To understand the linkage between vaccination and the development of alloantibodies, we determined the antigens reacting with these alloantibodies. Immunoprecipitation of surface proteins from bovine leukocytes and kidney cells using sera from dams with a confirmed case of BNP in their gestation history reacted with two dominant protein species of 44 and 12 kDa. These proteins were not detected by sera from dams, free of BVDV and not vaccinated against BVD, and from sera of animals vaccinated with a different inactivated BVD vaccine. The 44 kDa protein was identified by mass spectrometry analysis as MHC I, the other as β-2-microglobulin. The presence of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) in the vaccine was confirmed by Western blot using a MHC I specific monoclonal antibody. A model of BNP pathogenesis is proposed.