bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabatically Induced Secondary Flows in Tropical Cyclones. Part I: Quasi-Steady Forcing
Authors: Pendergrass Angeline G. , Willoughby Hugh E.
Published: September 2008

The Sawyer–Eliassen Equation (SEQ) is here rederived in height coordinates such that the sea surface is also a coordinate surface. Compared with the conventional derivation in mass field coordinates, this formulation adds some complexity, but arguably less than is inherent in terrain-following coordinates or interpolation to the lower physical boundary. Spatial variations of static stability change the vertical structure of the mass flow streamfunction. This effect leads to significant changes in both secondary-circulation structure and intensification of the primary circulation. The SEQ is solved on a piecewise continuous, balanced mean vortex where the shapes of the wind profiles inside and outside the eye and the tilt of the specified heat source can be adjusted independently. A series of sensitivity studies shows that the efficiency with which imposed heating intensifies the vortex is most sensitive to intensity itself as measured by maximum wind and to vortex size as measured by radius of maximum wind. Vortex shape and forcing tilt have impacts 20%–25% as great as intensity and size, suggesting that the aspects of tropical cyclones that predispose them to rapid intensification are environmental or thermodynamic rather than kinematic.
Predictors of First-Year Student Retention in the Community College
Authors: Fike David S. , Fike Renea
Published: September 2008

This study analyzed predictors of fall-to-spring and fall-to-fall retention for 9,200 first-time-in-college students who enrolled in a community college over a four-year period. Findings highlight the impact of developmental education programs and internet-based courses on student persistence. Additional predictors include financial aid, parents' education, the number of semester hours enrolled in and dropped during the first fall semester, and participation in the Student Support Services program.
Making the Case for a Positive Approach to Improving Organizational Performance in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Shults Christopher
Published: September 2008

Increasingly hostile and turbulent environments have rendered top-down, problem-focused management structures inadequate for competing in the ever-changing postsecondary knowledge industry. The community college abundance model (CCAM), a strengths-based approach to performance enhancement in community colleges, is presented as a viable alternative. The CCAM draws on positive psychology, positive organizational scholarship, and positive organizational behavior.
Chief Academic Officers' Demographics and Educational Backgrounds
Authors: Keim Marybelle C. , Murray John P.
Published: September 2008

The impending retirements of many community college leaders creates a need to better understand who the chief academic officers (CAOs) are and the paths they followed to become CAOs. Nonetheless, researchers have paid relatively little attention to this important leadership position. To address this gap in the literature, the authors undertook a national study of 300 randomly selected community college CAOs. The intent was to determine the educational backgrounds and demographic characteristics of public 2-year college academic deans or vice presidents and compare these findings to those of previous studies to determine trends.
Oxytocin enhances processing of positive versus negative emotional information in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Di Simplicio M , Massey-Chase R , Cowen PJ , Harmer CJ
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Animal studies have shown the role of oxytocin in affiliation and attachment, and recent evidence suggests that oxytocin is also involved in human models of approach behaviour, possibly by modulating the processing of emotionally valenced stimuli. Although oxytocin administration has been reported to decrease neural responses to facial emotional information, the effects on a wider range of behavioural measures of emotional processing shown to be sensitive to antidepressant manipulation have not been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether intranasally administered oxytocin affects the processing of positive and negative affective information in healthy male volunteers across tasks measuring attention, perception and memory. Twenty-nine male healthy volunteers were randomly allocated to receive a single dose of oxytocin nasal spray (24 UI) or placebo. 50 min later, participants completed a battery of psychological tests measuring emotional processing. A single dose of intranasally administered oxytocin slowed reaction time to correctly identify fearful facial expressions and reduced the misclassification of positive emotions as negative ones. These effects occurred in the absence of significant differences in subjective ratings of mood and anxiety. These results suggest that oxytocin modulates emotion processing in healthy male volunteers. This action may contribute to the emerging role of the neuropeptide in promoting affiliative and approach behaviours by reducing the salience of potentially ambiguous and threatening social stimuli.
Better sexual acceptability of agomelatine (25 and 50 mg) compared with paroxetine (20 mg) in healthy male volunteers. An 8-week, placebo-controlled study using the PRSEXDQ-SALSEX scale
Authors: Montejo AL , Prieto N. , Terleira A. , Matias J. , Alonso S. , Paniagua G. , Naval S. , Parra DG , Gabriel C. , Mocaër E. , Portolés A.
Published: September 2008

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common and underestimated effect of antidepressants. Healthy volunteers are the most adequate group to study this adverse event avoiding influence of depression itself. Sexual acceptability of agomelatine (a melatonergic agonist and 5HT2C antagonist) paroxetine and placebo by using the Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Salamanca Sex Questionnaire (PRSEXDQ-SALSEX) was explored. A total of 92 healthy male volunteers were randomised to agomelatine (25 or 50 mg), paroxetine 20 mg or placebo for 8 weeks. SD, defined as at least one sexual impairment in one of the following PRSEXDQ-SALSEX items (decreased libido, delayed orgasm/ejaculation, anorgasmia/no ejaculation and erectile dysfunction), was evaluated at baseline and after 2, 4 and 8 weeks. At the last post-baseline assessment, SD was significantly lower in each agomelatine group (22.7% on 25 mg and 4.8% on 50 mg) than in the paroxetine group (85.7%; p < 0.0001). In the placebo group, 8.7% of volunteers reported a SD. The percentages of volunteers with moderate or severe SD were 4.5% for agomelatine 25 mg, 4.8% for agomelatine 50 mg, 61.9% for paroxetine 20 mg and 0% in the placebo group (p ≤ 0.0001 agomelatine versus paroxetine). There is a much lower risk of having SD with agomelatine than paroxetine in healthy male volunteers, which confirms the better sexual acceptability profile of agomelatine compared with the SSRIs.
Review: Intravenous anti-obsessive agents: a review
Authors: Ravindran LN , Jung SM , Ravindran AV
Published: September 2008

Oral antidepressants are currently the first-line pharmacotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but response rates can often be low and with delayed onset of therapeutic action. Some reports have suggested that intravenous (i.v.) anti-obsessive agents may have faster onset of action and greater efficacy. A Medline search was conducted for all reports pertaining to the use of i.v. antidepressants for OCD. Search terms included: ‘intravenous’, ‘clomipramine’, ‘selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor’, ‘tricyclic’, ‘citalopram’, ‘sertraline’, ‘paroxetine’, ‘fluvoxamine’, ‘SSRIs’ and ‘intravenous antidepressants’. Relevant articles mainly investigated clomipramine (CMI) with one open trial examining citalopram. Intravenous agents appear to be well-tolerated, particularly in those who have failed oral agents, and may act more rapidly to produce initial clinical response, although this advantage is often lost over time. Preliminary evidence suggests subgroups of patients with severe treatment-refractory OCD may benefit from i.v. anti-obsessive agents, CMI and citalopram. Larger, controlled trials are needed for more definitive conclusions.
Cannabidiol was ineffective for manic episode of bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Zuardi AW , Crippa JAS , Dursun SM , Morais SL , Vilela JAA , Sanches RF , Hallak JEC
Published: September 2008

The pharmacological profile of cannabidiol (CBD) has several characteristics in common with drugs known to benefit bipolar affective disorder (BAD), leading to the hypothesis that CBD may have therapeutic properties in BAD. Therefore, the aim of the present report was to directly investigate for the first time the efficacy and safety of CBD in two patients with BAD. Both patients met DSM IV criteria for bipolar I disorder experiencing a manic episode without comorbid conditions. This was an inpatient study, and the efficacy, tolerability and side effects were assessed. Both patients received placebo for the initial 5 days and CBD from the 6th to 30th day (initial oral dose of 600 mg reaching 1200 mg/ day). From the 6th to the 20th day, the first patient (a 34-year-old woman) received adjunctive olanzapine (oral dose of 10—15 mg). On day 31, CBD treatment was discontinued and replaced by placebo for 5 days. The first patient showed symptoms improvement while on olanzapine plus CBD, but showed no additional improvement during CBD monotherapy. The second patient (a 36-year-old woman) had no symptoms improvement with any dose of CBD during the trial. Both patients tolerated CBD very well and no side-effects were reported. These preliminary data suggest that CBD may not be effective for the manic episode of BAD.
Olanzapine-induced hyperglycaemic coma and neuroleptic malignant syndrome: case report and review of literature
Authors: Ahuja N. , Palanichamy N. , Mackin P. , Lloyd AJ
Published: September 2008

Although the relationship between antipsychotic medication, particularly second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), and metabolic disturbance is increasingly accepted, there is an important, but little recognised, potential interaction between this and the other important serious adverse effect of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). We report a case of a 35-year old female who developed new onset type II diabetes mellitus with hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic coma and acute renal failure following treatment with a SGA for a first manic episode. The history is strongly suggestive of concurrent NMS. This case raises important questions about non-ketotic, hyperosmolar diabetic coma with antipsychotics, the possible association between hyperglycaemia and hyperthermia, and the direction of causality in this, the recognition of either syndrome when they co-exist and management issues in such patients. These questions are considered in the context of currently available literature.
Liking and wanting of drug and non-drug rewards in active cocaine users: the STRAP-R questionnaire
Authors: Goldstein RZ , Woicik PA , Moeller SJ , Telang F. , Jayne M. , Wong C. , Wang GJ , Fowler JS , Volkow ND
Published: September 2008

Few studies have examined the subjective value attributed to drug rewards specifically as it compares with the value attributed to primary non-drug rewards in addicted individuals. The objective of this study is to assess ‘liking’ and ‘wanting’ of expected ‘drug’ rewards as compared to ‘food’ and ‘sex’ while respondents report about three different situations (‘current’, and hypothetical ‘in general’, and ‘under drug influence’). In all, 20 cocaine-addicted individuals (mean abstinence = 2 days) and 20 healthy control subjects were administered the STRAP-R (Sensitivity To Reinforcement of Addictive and other Primary Rewards) questionnaire after receiving an oral dose of the dopamine agonist methylphenidate (20 mg) or placebo. The reinforcers’ relative value changed within the addicted sample when reporting about the ‘under drug influence’ situation (drug > food; otherwise, drug < food). This change was highest in the addicted individuals with the youngest age of cocaine use onset. Moreover, ‘drug’ ‘wanting’ exceeded ‘drug’ ‘liking’ in the addicted subjects when reporting about this situation during methylphenidate. Thus, cocaine-addicted individuals assign the highest subjective valence to ‘drug’ rewards but only when recalling cue-related situations. When recalling this situation, they also report higher ‘drug’ ‘wanting’ than hedonic ‘liking’, a motivational shift that was only significant during methylphenidate. Together, these valence shifts may underlie compulsive stimulant abuse upon pharmacological or behavioural cue exposure in addicted individuals. Additional studies are required to assess the reliability of the STRAP-R in larger samples and to examine its validity in measuring the subjective value attributed to experienced reinforcers or in predicting behaviour.
Voluntary exercise alters GABAA receptor subunit and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 gene expression in the rat forebrain
Authors: Hill LE , Droste SK , Nutt DJ , Linthorst ACE , Reul JMHM
Published: September 2008

Voluntary exercise improves stress coping and lowers anxiety. Because of the role of GABA in these processes, we investigated changes in the central GABAergic system in rats with free access to a running wheel for 4 weeks. The control animals had no access to a running wheel. Using insitu hybridisation histochemistry, we studied changes in gene expression of various GABAA receptor subunits as well as the GABA-synthesising enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 (GAD67) in the forebrain. There were region-specific decreases in α2, β3 and γ2 subunit mRNA expression and region-specific increases in β1 subunit expression. The α5 and δ subunits, in the forebrain specifically associated with extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in the hippocampus, showed differential increases in expression levels. Expression of GAD67 mRNA was increased in many forebrain regions including all hippocampal cell layers, peri-paraventricular nucleus, bed nucleus stria terminalis, nucleus accumbens core and motor cortex, suggesting that long-term voluntary exercise enhances forebrain GABA synthesis capacity but in a region-specific manner. Thus, regular performance of exercise results in extensive changes in the forebrain GABAergic system that may be implicated in the changes in stress sensitivity and emotionality observed in exercising subjects.
Mechanical Properties of Coir/Glass Fiber Phenolic Resin Based Composites
Authors: Kumar N. Mithil , Reddy G. Venkata , Naidu S. Venkata , Rani T. Shobha , Subha M.C.S.
Published: September 2008

Phenolic resin based coir/glass hybrid composites were developed using compression molding followed by hand lay-up technique. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural properties of coir based hybrid composites were investigated as a function of fiber content and fiber volume fraction. This study is focused on the mechanical performance of coir based and its hybrid composites. Results showed that tensile properties increase with increasing fiber content. Mechanical properties of composites with increased glass fiber content have high values. The effect of alkali-treatment of fibers on the mechanical properties was also studied. Significant improvement in coir based composites by alkali-treatment was observed. Overall studies indicated that the short coir/ glass fabric hybrid polyester composites are promising candidates for structural applications where high strength and stiffness is required.
Enhanced Mechanical Strength of BFRP Composite Using Modified Bamboos
Authors: Kushwaha Pradeep , Kumar Rakesh
Published: September 2008

In the present study epoxy and polyester resins have been reinforced with physically modified (alkali treated) bamboos strip matting to develop bamboo fiber-reinforced plastic (BFRP) composites. Bamboo mats were treated with 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% concentration of NaOH in distilled water for 30 min at 20°C (room temperature). The mechanical properties of the alkali treated bamboo composites (tensile strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, toughness, and impact strength) were determined. Optimum results have been obtained by bamboos treated with 5% NaOH solutions. Higher percentages of NaOH concentration result in poor mechanical properties of composites. The morphology analysis reveals that the bamboo treated with 5% NaOH exhibited better compatibility with the epoxy and polyester resins than the untreated bamboo. The improvements in tensile strength and flexural strength were higher by 55.15 and 43.92%, respectively, for composites with epoxy matrix. In the case of alkali-treated composites with polyester matrix, the tensile strength and flexural strength were higher by 69 and 59%, respectively.
A Study of Transition Wear Behavior of Alumina Particle Reinforced Al-6061 MMCs
Authors: Yuvaraja C. , Sharma K.V.
Published: September 2008

The main objective of the article is to provide a deeper understanding of the wear and wear transition of Al-6061/alumina particulate composite. Detailed experiments were performed under unlubricated conditions within a load range of 10—150 N and a sliding speed range of 1.25—10 m/s. A mild wear region and a severe wear region have been observed during the experiment. At mild wear, mechanical mixture layer (MML) are formed on the worn surface mainly in composites, which plays a vital role in reducing the wear rate and delaying the transition to severe wear. It is observed that the transition to severe wear occurs when severe plastic deformation induces the wear. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to identify and classify the wear regions in wear mechanism.
Use of Drotrecogin Alfa in Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Case Report and Pharmacologic Review
Authors: Bland Christopher M. , Frizzi James D. , Reyes Angel
Published: September 2008

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a devastating subset of necrotizing soft tissue infections that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Although often occurring in patients with impaired host defense mechanisms (diabetes mellitus, systemic immunosuppression, malignancy, etc.), NF may also present in the immunocompetent following a cutaneous lesion or break. Patients with NF often progress to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome or multiorgan system failure that demands advanced critical care practices. We present a case of NF in an immunocompetent patient and the subsequent use of drotrecogin alfa (Xigris). A review of the pharmacologic treatment of streptococcal NF is included. The addition of drotrecogin alfa to operative debridement and penicillin G/clindamycin therapy may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis due to group A streptococcus.
Seeding Osteoblastic Cells into a Macroporous Biodegradable CaP/PLGA Scaffold by a Centrifugal Force
Authors: Beloti Marcio Mateus , Tambasco De Oliveira Paulo , Perri De Carvalho Paulo Sergio , Rosa Adalberto Luiz
Published: September 2008

This study aims to construct a hybrid biomaterial by seeding osteoblastic cells into a CaP/PLGA scaffold by a centrifugal force. Constructs are evaluated with respect to potential application in bone tissue engineering. Cells adher, spread, and form a layer of tissue lining the scaffold and are capable of migrating, proliferating, and producing mineralized matrix. We have demonstrated that the centrifugal force is highly efficient for constructing a hybrid biomaterial, which acts similarly to bone explants in a cell culture environment. In this way, these constructs could mimic an autogenous bone graft in clinical circumstances. Such a strategy may be useful for bone tissue engineering.
Surface Modification of Bioactive Glasses and Preparation of PDLLA/Bioactive Glass Composite Films
Authors: Gao Yuan , Chang Jiang
Published: September 2008

In order to improve the homogeneous dispersion of particles in the polymeric matrix, 45S5, mesoporous 58S, and 58S bioactive glasses were surface modified by esterification reactions with dodecyl alcohol at reflux temperature of 260°C (named as m-45S5, m-mesoporous 58S, and m-58S, respectively). The modified particles showed better hydrophobicity and longer time of suspension in organic matrix. The PDLLA/bioactive glass composite films were fabricated using surface modified bioactive glass particles through solvent casting-evaporation method. Surface morphology, mechanical property, and bioactivity were investigated. The results revealed that the inorganic particle distribution and tensile strength of the composite films with modified bioactive glass particles were significantly improved while great bioactive properties were maintained. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation illustrated that the modified bioactive glass particles were homogeneously dispersed in the PDLLA matrix. The maximum tensile strengths of composite films with modified bioactive glass particles were higher than that of composite films with unmodified bioactive glass particles. The bioactivity of the composite films were evaluated by being soaked in the simulated body fluid (SBF) and the SEM observation of the films suggested that the modified composite films were still bioactive in that they could induce the formation of HAp on its surface and the distribution of HAp was even more homogeneous on the film. The results mentioned above indicated that the surface modification of bioactive glasses with dodecyl alcohol was an effective method to prepare PDLLA/bioactive glass composites with enhanced properties. By studying the comparisons of modification effects among the three types of bioactive glasses, we could get the conclusion that the size and morphology of the inorganic particles would greatly affect the modification effects and the properties of composites.
Caring for a Critically Ill Amish Newborn
Authors: Gibson Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2008

This article describes a neonatal nurse's personal experience in working with a critically ill newborn and his Amish family in a newborn intensive care unit in Montana. The description includes a cultural experience with an Amish family with application to Madeleine Leininger's theory of culture care diversity and universality.
An Automotive SMA Mirror Actuator: Modeling, Design, and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Williams Eric , Elahinia Mohammad H.
Published: September 2008

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) provide compact and effective actuation for a variety of mechanical systems. Automotive applications of these materials, although very attractive, have not been fully explored. The lack of activities in this area is partly due to the complex thermomechanical behavior of these materials. In this work a two degree of freedom SMA actuator has been developed to orient the position of a rearview mirror for automotive applications. This paper presents the design, modeling, and experimental evaluation of this SMA mirror actuator. To evaluate the performance of the actuator a prototype SMA actuated mirror is designed and fabricated. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the SMA actuator in positioning the mirror.
Piezoresistive Cement-based Strain Sensors and Self-sensing Concrete Components
Authors: Jinping Ou  , Baoguo Han
Published: September 2008

A type of embedded piezoresistive cement-based strain sensors (PCSS) is proposed for monitoring local compressive strain of concrete structures. A four-pole arrangement of embedded gauze electrode is used to eliminate the contact resistance between electrodes and piezoresistive cement-based material thereby improving the measuring accuracy of the output signal of PCSS. Both carbon fiber and carbon black are added into cement-based materials to improve the reproducibility of piezoresistivity in PCSS. A compensation circuit in PCSS is incorporated to reduce the effect of temperature and humidity on the output of PCSS. PCSS are embedded in concrete beams and columns to monitor the compressive strain of beams and columns under field conditions. Experimental results indicate that a sensitivity of 0.0138%/με, a resolution of 0.007 με, a linearity of 4.25%, a repeatability of 4.36% and a hysteresis of 3.63% can be achieved using the proposed PCSS. It is therefore concluded that the self-sensing concrete components embedded with PCSS can be used to monitor their compressive strain.
Just Passing Through
Authors: DeJordy Rich
Published: September 2008

The scant literature on invisible stigmatized social identities, and most research on specific cases such as sexual orientation, generally focuses on “coming out,” promoting the benefits and attempting to identify antecedents of revealing or disclosure. In reality, many individuals with invisible stigmatized social identities consciously and deliberately decide not to reveal them in organizational settings context. The author offers a model of passing in organizational contexts, focusing specifically on the unintended consequences of the decision to pass. Leveraging existing theories, the author posits mediators of lowered self-verification leading to disengagement from the social context; self-regulation and heightened situational awareness, which deplete cognitive and intrapsychic resources; and cognitive dissonance potentially leading to an altered perception of the organizational setting. All of these mediating factors have organizationally relevant outcomes for the individual.
Culture Clash Invades Miami
Authors: García David G.
Published: September 2008

Using a critical race theory (CRT) framework, this article compares the playwriting methods of the Chicano—Latino theater trio, Culture Clash, to a counterstorytelling methodology. The author uncovers the tenets of a critical race theater in the trio's site-specific ethnographic play, Radio Mambo: Culture Clash Invades Miami. He argues that this performance art consciously challenges social and racial injustice by illuminating the lives and histories of diverse urban communities. Grounded in a Chicana/o teatro rasquache aesthetic, Culture Clash's theatrical ethnographies speak to a broad array of audiences about race, class, culture, gender, and identity.
The Taming of the Shrew
Authors: Borochowitz Dalit Yassour
Published: September 2008

Constructing a life story is a need shared by all humans to give their lives meaning and coherence. This article explores some of the narrative devices that batterers use to achieve a sense of coherence when telling their stories and justifying their violent behavior. A central theme that emerged from these stories centered on the men's perception of their wives as the embodiment of their own emotions and inner world. Two narrative strategies were identified in this context: (a) The construction of a “couple narrative” that focused on an idealized marital relationship rather than “allowing” the wife her story and (b) constructing a story around the theme of “she's not the same woman I married,” which portrays the wife as “a shrew” and the violence as an attempt to discipline her. The stories of 18 batterers were used for this analysis, and two narratives were used to illustrate these strategies.
Health-Related Quality of Life After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Gorman Koch Colleen , Khandwala Farah , Blackstone Eugene H.
Published: September 2008

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessments are designed to reflect a patient's perspective of how a disease has affected their overall health status. Patient-centered outcomes are of value both for risk assessment and as an outcome measure. Strategies for analyzing HRQOL data are inconsistent primarily because the data frequently do not meet underlying assumptions of traditional methods for statistical analyses and require a careful analytic approach.
An Introduction to Statistical Methods Used in Binary Outcome Modeling
Authors: Nathanson Brian H. , Higgins Thomas L.
Published: September 2008

Logistic regression is a cornerstone of epidemiology and the method of choice for risk adjustment models in cardiac surgery and critical care. Although linear regression methods may be satisfactory to evaluate relationships between independent (predictor) variables and a outcome that is continuous, a more complex mathematical approach is required when the outcome is binary (yes/no; alive/dead). Although the odds are 4 to 1 that finding an antilogarithm may sound intimidating, once you get past the initial equations and terminology, we go on to discuss how to select variables for a model, how to deal with collinearity and interaction terms, how to use diagnostic tests to ensure the model is not adversely affected by a small number of observations, and how to assess a model's discrimination and calibration. A full understanding of how logistic models are developed is useful when assessing the medical literature on risk assessment.
Risk Stratification Models for Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Granton Jeff , Cheng Davy
Published: September 2008

A wide variety of risk stratification systems have been developed to quantify the risk of cardiac surgery. Generally, the focus has been on mortality; however, more recently models have been developed that allow the preoperative prediction of the incidence of morbidity, including renal failure, infection, prolonged ventilation, and neurologic deficit. Many of these risk stratification models are developed from large databases of cardiac surgical patients. Patient and surgical factors that are present preoperatively are assessed for their predictive value for postoperative complications. Risk factors that are found to be significant are assigned a specific weight in the overall summation of risk. These models have been used as tools to compare surgeon's results, institutional outcomes, individual patient risk, and within quality improvement programs. This article will focus on the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, the Parsonnet score, Cleveland Clinic Model, the Bayes model, and the Northern New England Score.
Screening for autism spectrum disorders in primary care settings
Authors: Robins Diana L.
Published: September 2008

The need for autism-specific screening during pediatric well-child visits has been established. However, additional support for specific screening instruments is needed. The current study used the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M—CHAT) and the M—CHAT Follow-Up Interview to screen 4797 children during toddler checkups. Of the 4797 cases, 466 screened positive on the M—CHAT; of the 362 who completed the follow-up interview, 61 continued to show risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). A total of 41 children have been evaluated; 21 children have been diagnosed with ASD, 17 were classified with non-ASD delays, and three were typically developing. The PPV of M—CHAT plus interview was .57. It is notable that only four of the 21 cases of ASD were flagged by their pediatrician. These findings suggest that the M—CHAT is effective in identifying ASD in primary care settings. Future research will follow this sample longitudinally.
Screening for autism in older and younger toddlers with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers
Authors: Pandey Juhi , Verbalis Alyssa , Robins Diana L. , Boorstein Hilary , Klin Ami , Babitz Tammy , Chawarska Katarzyna , Volkmar Fred , Green James , Barton Marianne , Fein Deborah
Published: September 2008

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M—CHAT) was used to screen younger (16—23 months) versus older (24—30 months) high- and low-risk toddlers. Refusal rates for follow-up interview showed no group differences, but parents of younger/low-risk children were more likely to refuse evaluation than parents of high-risk children. PPP for an ASD diagnosis was: younger/high-risk 0.79, older/high-risk 0.74, younger/low-risk 0.28, and older/low-risk 0.61, with PPP differing by age within the low-risk group. Most of the children in all groups, however, were diagnosed with a developmental disorder. Symptom severity generally did not differ among groups. Cognitive and adaptive measures showed minimal group differences. Therefore, older and younger toddlers had similar symptomatology and developmental delays; PPP for ASD is better at 24 than 18 months for low-risk children; however, these children are still highly likely to show a developmental disorder. Clinical decision making should balance early identification against the lower specificity of M—CHAT screening for the younger/low-risk group.
Reaction to diagnosis and parenting styles among mothers of young children with ASDs
Authors: Wachtel Karen , Carter Alice S.
Published: September 2008

When a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) parents often experience a range of difficult feelings, which typically are not addressed in child-focused interventions. This study examined the relationship between a mother's acceptance of and sense of resolution regarding her child's diagnosis of an ASD and maternal interaction style, controlling for child competence, autism symptoms and maternal depression. Participants included 63 children with an ASD between 20 and 50 months of age and their mothers. Mothers who were more emotionally resolved were rated as higher in Cognitive Engagement and Supportive Engagement in play interactions, reflecting greater verbal and nonverbal scaffolding to enhance the child's play and attention to activities and greater reciprocity and mutual enjoyment. This study highlights the importance of considering a mother's resolution about her child's diagnosis, suggesting that maternal emotions and cognitions associated with the diagnosis may be potential targets for intervention.
Use of the Screening Tool for Autism in Two-Year-Olds (STAT) for children under 24 months
Authors: Stone Wendy L. , McMahon Caitlin R. , Henderson Lynnette M.
Published: September 2008

The study examined the properties of the Screening Tool for Autism in Two-Year-Olds (STAT) for children under 24 months. The STAT provides a standard context for observing social-communicative behavior in play, imitation, and communication. Seventy-one children received the STAT between 12 and 23 months of age and a follow-up diagnostic evaluation after 24 months. All had an older sibling with an autism spectrum diagnosis ( n = 59) or had been referred for evaluation for concerns about autism ( n = 12). Signal detection analysis resulted in a cut score of 2.75 for this sample, which yielded a sensitivity of 0.95, specificity of 0.73, positive predictive value of 0.56, and negative predictive value of 0.97. False positives were highest for the 12- to 13-month-old age group; STAT screening properties were improved when the sample was limited to children 14 months and older. Implications for using the STAT with children under 24 months are discussed.
Rehabilitation of Gait Speed After Stroke: A Critical Review of Intervention Approaches
Authors: Dickstein Ruth
Published: September 2008

Purpose. Walking speed is a cardinal indicator of poststroke gait performance; however, no consensus exists regarding the optimal treatment method(s) for its enhancement. The most widely accepted criterion for establishing the contribution of treatment to walking speed is the gain in speed. The actual speed, however, at the end of the intervention (final speed) may be more important for functional community ambulation. This review examines the contribution of the prevailing methods for gait rehabilitation to final walking speed. Method. Walking speed information was derived from studies included in meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines. Recent references, not included in the mentioned sources, were incorporated in cases when gait speed was an outcome variable. Final speed was assessed by the reported speed values and by inferring the capacity for functional community walking at the end of the intervention period. Results. Similar outcomes for final walking speed were found for the different prevailing treatment methods. Treatment gains were likewise comparable and generally insufficient for upgrading patients' functional community walking capacity. Conclusions. Different treatment methods exist for poststroke gait rehabilitation. Their availability, mode of application, and costs vary, yet outcomes are largely similar. Therefore, choosing an appropriate method may be guided by a pragmatic approach. Simple “low technology” and conventional exercise to date is at least as efficacious as more complex strategies such as treadmill and robotic-based interventions.
Harnessing the Power of Advocacy–Research Collaborations
Authors: Haviland Mary , Frye Victoria , Rajah Valli
Published: September 2008

The advocacy–research partnership has been identified as a key method of conducting the feminist and activist research that is important to domestic violence. However, these partnerships are often fraught with challenges that may jeopardize their development, sustainability, and potential impact on policy. Previous commentators have identified key challenges to engaging in advocate–researcher collaborations. This article takes particular care to set forth an advocate perspective through the authors' experience of planning and executing a collaborative study on the effects of mandatory arrest. The authors use a study that was specifically designed to affect policy to offer insight into the challenges faced and to make recommendations for successfully incorporating social action in advocacy–researcher collaborations.
Electrophysiological changes of cardiac function during antidepressant treatment
Authors: Sala Michela , Lazzaretti Matteo , De Vidovich Giulia , Caverzasi Edgardo , Barale Francesco , d'Allio Giorgio , Brambilla Paolo
Published: September 2008

Some antidepressant agents can cause electrophysiological changes of cardiac function leading to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. However, antidepressants have also protective effects on the heart through their capacity to modulate cardiac autonomic-mediated physiological responses. Heart rate variability and QTc length are two strictly linked parameters that allow us to appreciate the effects of different drugs on cardiac physiology. Heart rate variability reflects functioning of the autonomic nervous system and possibly also regulation by the limbic system. Autonomic regulation of cardiac activity influences also cardiac repolarization and QT length, both directly and via its effects on heart rate. In this review we present the methodologies adopted to study the effect of antidepressant drugs on QT length and heart rate variability and we summarize data on electrophysiological changes related to antidepressant treatment. Clinical implications for the choice of different antidepressants in different clinical populations are discussed.
Arab Journalists as Cultural Intermediaries
Authors: Mellor Noha
Published: September 2008

This article argues that despite the recent increase in the number of publications about Arab news media, little has been revealed about Arab journalism as a professional and social field.This article suggests the incorporation of Bourdieu's notion of “cultural intermediaries” and Zelizer's view of journalists as an “interpretive community” to re-conceptualize the role of Arab journalists, particularly in pan-Arab media. The article also provides a critical review of recent studies on Arab journalists, showing their shortcomings and their tendency to sidestep the analysis of power distribution among journalists. It provides examples of the themes that may guide this new research confining the discussion to pan-Arab media, particularly news satellite channels. It argues for seeing Arab journalists as an interpretive community, examining the way these journalists perceive their “professional identity” and how they define the power they share in their community of practitioners.
Systemic Effects of Televised Candidates' Debates
Authors: Blais André , Perrella Andrea M. L.
Published: September 2008

Almost an entire generation of election survey data was pooled together from the United States and Canada to assess the systemic effects of televised debates. Four questions were posed: (1) Is there a general tendency for evaluations of candidates to improve or deteriorate after a debate? (2) Do evaluations of one candidate negatively correlate with changes in evaluations of opponents? (3) Do debates disadvantage incumbents? (4) Do debates advantage less popular candidates? Using “feeling thermometer” items to measure voter evaluations, four patterns are revealed. First, candidates generally gain points.The supposed mudslinging that characterizes a debate appears not to feed into any notion of cynicism. Instead, voters appear to gain an appreciation for the debaters. Second, a candidate's gain is not earned at the expense of those deemed to have “lost” the match. Third, a debate does not disadvantage an incumbent. A candidate with a record to defend stands about as much chance of benefiting from a debate as a challenger.And fourth, any evaluation gaps before a debate become narrower following a debate. This final effect, which is particularly true of American presidential debates, may reflect a debate's ability to raise awareness of less popular candidates.
Dimensions of Political News Cultures: Sound Bite and Image Bite News in France, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States
Authors: Esser Frank
Published: September 2008

This study offers the first systematic analysis of sound bites and image bites across countries and across time. It goes beyond traditional sound bite research by extending the scope of analysis also to visuals and by analyzing both sound and image bites not only with regard to their length but also with regard to their content and editorial packaging. Based on these findings, contours of three different political news cultures emerge: a strongly interventionist U.S. American approach, a moderately interventionist Anglo-German approach, and a noninterventionist French approach. Adopting an explicitly cross-national comparative perspective, the study introduces a theoretical model that explains sound bite news in divergent media systems and links it to the concept of media culture. It derives seven hypotheses from the model and tests them on three levels of analysis—organizational, national, and transnational. Despite a growing transnational convergence, multivariate data analysis shows evidence of the enduring importance that national parameters continue to exert. Conclusions for comparative political communication research are drawn.
Journalism in Central Asia: A Victim of Politics, Economics, and Widespread Self-censorship
Authors: Kenny Timothy , Gross Peter
Published: September 2008

Significant efforts to develop an independent journalism have stumbled badly in Central Asia, where politics, economics and the unforeseen consequence of widespread self-censorship have derailed development of a Western-style media and the democracy it serves. What is worse, from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, prospects for developing a believable, fact-based journalism look grim. Much of this trouble can be laid at the doorstep of self-censorship, which flourishes across the region with uncommon vigor. Central Asian journalism is in worse shape than the rest of the post-Communist world, largely because the socioeconomic and political situations in this relatively remote region remain in flux from a backwardness that modernity is only of late and slowly affecting. One of the most confounding elements that stymie the evolution of Central Asia journalism is a culture that drives the new post-Communist institutions and the mentalities of the region's sociopolitical, economic, and cultural elites. Consequently, those who endeavor to aid the evolution of Central Asian media should look to the history and culture of the region and then impart a more complete understanding of Western journalism's mission, values, roles, and sound news business practices before addressing journalistic techniques.
The Media and Politics in Zimbabwe: Turning Left while Indicating Right
Authors: Mano Winston
Published: September 2008

This commentary debates the disjuncture between Mugabe's and the Zimbabwe African Union (ZANU) Patriotic Front's (PF) Marxist ideology and actual policies with regard to public service media. The first part examines the implications of referring to ruling party officials as “Comrades” in public news media, even though ZANU has been openly implementing Western-backed market reforms since 1991. The contradictions surrounding the use of “Comrade” in national media are indicative of ZANU PF's radical agenda, which remains unfulfilled decades after independence. The second part illustrates the ways in which ZANU's Marxist-inspired media policies have resulted in a narrowly defined national news space. Looking ahead, the post—August 2008 political arrangement offers a good opportunity to genuinely democratize the country's media.
Estrogen inhibits dendritic cell maturation to RNA viruses
Authors: Escribese Maria M. , Kraus Thomas , Rhee Esther , Fernandez-Sesma Ana , López Carolina B. , Moran Thomas M.
Published: September 2008

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in initiating and polarizing the immune response. Therefore, DC maturation represents a key control point in the shift from innate to adaptive immunity. It is suspected that during pregnancy, hormones are critical factors that modulate changes reported to occur in maternal immunity. Here we examined the effect of 17-β-estradiol (E2) on the maturational response triggered by virus in human DCs and its influence on their ability to activate naive T cells. We developed an in vitro system to measure the response of DCs to virus infection with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) after a 24-hour E2 treatment. Using this system, we demonstrated that E2 pretreatment down-regulated the antiviral response to RNA viruses in DCs by profoundly suppressing type I interferon (IFN) synthesis and other important inflammatory products. In addition, the DCs capacity to stimulate naive CD4 T cells was also reduced. These results suggest an important role for E2 in suppressing the antiviral response and provide a mechanism for the reduced immunity to virus infection observed during pregnancy.
Can semi-automated image cytometry on induced sputum become a screening tool for lung cancer?
Authors: Marek W. , Kotschy-Lang N. , Muti A. , Köhler Ch. , Nielsen L. , Topalidis Th. , Atay Z. , Nakhosteen J.A.
Published: September 2008

The correlations between semi-automated sputum cytometry (ASC), conventional cytology and the final diagnosis was investigated in industrially-exposed workers. Slides of sputum samples from 201 former uranium miners with silicosis, 100 patients with asbestosis, 103 workers resected for lung cancer, and 200 controls (50% smokers), were stained using the Papanicolaou (Pap) method and the Feulgen reaction with thionin. Cytometry was performed using the Cyto-Savant automated system.

Atypical nuclei were found in 72 of 404 patient samples, 327 samples were normal and five were inadequate for ASC analysis. Thirteen tumours (Pap IV, Pap V) and 11 cases of severe dysplasia were identified by cytology. Lung cancer was confirmed in 20 patients. Compared to the final diagnosis of lung cancer, the sensitivity of ASC was 75% (15 out of 20) and specificity 89.8% (520 out of 579). The results represent a diagnostic efficiency of 89.3%. The combination of ASC with cytology increased sensitivity to 80% (16 out of 20) without significant loss of specificity (89.7% or 523 out of 581).

In this investigation of a limited number of patients with occupational radon or asbestos exposure, semi-automated sputum cytometry appears to be sensitive and reliable for the detection of malignant changes in the tracheobronchial mucosa. Together with conventional cytology, it would be reasonable to test the validity of the combined methods in a large-scale feasibility study of early lung cancer detection.