bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Attention Improves the Quality of Population Codes in Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Saproo Sameer , Serences John T.
Published: May 2010

Selective attention enables sensory input from behaviorally relevant stimuli to be processed in greater detail, so that these stimuli can more accurately influence thoughts, actions, and future goals. Attention has been shown to modulate the spiking activity of single feature-selective neurons that encode basic stimulus properties (color, orientation, etc.). However, the combined output from many such neurons is required to form stable representations of relevant objects and little empirical work has formally investigated the relationship between attentional modulations on population responses and improvements in encoding precision. Here, we used functional MRI and voxel-based feature tuning functions to show that spatial attention induces a multiplicative scaling in orientation-selective population response profiles in early visual cortex. In turn, this multiplicative scaling correlates with an improvement in encoding precision, as evidenced by a concurrent increase in the mutual information between population responses and the orientation of attended stimuli. These data therefore demonstrate how multiplicative scaling of neural responses provides at least one mechanism by which spatial attention may improve the encoding precision of population codes. Increased encoding precision in early visual areas may then enhance the speed and accuracy of perceptual decisions computed by higher-order neural mechanisms.
Different Immunosuppressive Combinations on T-Cell Regulation in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Fourtounas Costas , Dousdampanis Periklis , Sakellaraki Panagiota , Rodi Maria , Georgakopoulos Tassos , Vlachojannis Jannis G. , Mouzaki Athanasia
Published: May 2010

Background/Aims: Recent studies indicate that regulatory T-cells (Tregs) promote transplant tolerance. We studied Treg levels in 39 stable renal transplant recipients to determine the sizes of the Treg populations and the effects of treatment regimens thereof. Methods: All patients (19 with good graft function and 20 with chronic allograft nephropathy) received induction therapy (basiliximab) and were on triple immunosuppressive regimens with calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine or tacrolimus), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or everolimus and steroids. Twenty healthy subjects served as controls. Whole blood samples were stained with anti-CD4, CD25, CD127, and FoxP3 antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry to determine CD4+CD25highFoxP3± and CD4+ CD25highCD127–/low Treg levels. Results:All patients had significantly reduced CD4+CD25highFoxP3± but no CD4+ CD25highCD127–/low Treg levels compared to controls. Renal allograft function did not correlate with Treg levels. Statistically significant correlations between CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs and tacrolimus levels and CD4+CD25highFoxp3– Tregs and HLA-DR mismatching were detected. Patients receiving MMF had significantly higher CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs compared to patients on everolimus who were also receiving lower doses of calcineurin inhibitors. Conclusion:Overall, immunosuppression lowers CD4+CD25highFoxP3± Treg levels significantly in the periphery in renal transplant recipients. In addition, different immunosuppressive regimens have different impacts on CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ Tregs, a fact that may influence long-term allograft survival.
Association of Left Atrial Endothelin-1 With Atrial Rhythm, Size, and Fibrosis in Patients With Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Mayyas Fadia , Niebauer Mark , Zurick Andrew , Barnard John , Gillinov A. Marc , Chung Mina K. , Van Wagoner David R.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) promotes atrial remodeling and can develop secondary to heart failure or mitral valve disease. Cardiac endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression responds to wall stress and can promote myocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. We tested the hypothesis that atrial ET-1 is elevated in AF and is associated with AF persistence.

Methods and Results—

Left atrial appendage tissue was studied from coronary artery bypass graft, valve repair, and/or Maze procedure in patients in sinus rhythm with no history of AF (SR, n=21), with history of AF but in SR at surgery (AF/SR, n=23), and in AF at surgery (AF/AF, n=32). The correlation of LA size with atrial protein and mRNA expression of ET-1 and ET-1 receptors (ETAR and ETBR)was evaluated. LA appendage ET-1 content was higher in AF/AF than in SR, but receptor levels were similar. Immunostaining revealed that ET-1 and its receptors were present both in atrial myocytes and in fibroblasts. ET-1 content was positively correlated with LA size, heart failure, AF persistence, and severity of mitral regurgitation. Multivariate analysis confirmed associations of ET-1 with AF, hypertension, and LA size. LA size was associated with ET-1 and MR severity. ET-1 mRNA levels were correlated with genes involved in cardiac dilatation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis.

Conclusions—

Elevated atrial ET-1 content is associated with increased LA size, AF rhythm, hypertension, and heart failure. ET-1 is associated with atrial dilatation, fibrosis, and hypertrophy and probably contributes to AF persistence. Interventions that reduce atrial ET-1 expression and/or block its receptors may slow AF progression.
Myocardial Infarction Does Not Preclude Electrical and Hemodynamic Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Dyssynchronous Canine Hearts
Authors: Rademakers Leonard M. , van Kerckhoven Roeland , van Deursen Caroline J.M. , Strik Marc , van Hunnik Arne , Kuiper Marion , Lampert Anniek , Klersy Catherine , Leyva Francisco , Auricchio Angelo , Maessen Jos G. , Prinzen Frits W.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Several studies suggest that patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy benefit less from cardiac resynchronization therapy. In a novel animal model of dyssynchronous ischemic cardiomyopathy, we investigated the extent to which the presence of infarction influences the short-term efficacy of cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Methods and Results—

Experiments were performed in canine hearts with left bundle branch block (LBBB, n=19) and chronic myocardial infarction, created by embolization of the left anterior descending or left circumflex arteries followed by LBBB (LBBB+left anterior descending infarction [LADi; n=11] and LBBB+left circumflex infarction [LCXi; n=7], respectively). Pacing leads were positioned in the right atrium and right ventricle and at 8 sites on the left ventricular (LV) free wall. LV pump function was measured using the conductance catheter technique, and synchrony of electrical activation was measured using epicardial mapping and ECG. Average and maximal improvement in electric resynchronization and LV pump function by right ventricular+LV pacing was similar in the 3 groups; however, the site of optimal electrical and mechanical benefit was LV apical in LBBB hearts, LV midlateral in LBBB+LCXi hearts and LV basal-lateral in LBBB+LADi hearts. The best site of pacing was not the site of latest electrical activation but that providing the largest shortening of the QRS complex. During single-site LV pacing the range of atrioventricular delays yielding ≥70% of maximal hemodynamic effect was approximately 50% smaller in infarcted than noninfarcted LBBB hearts (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Cardiac resynchronization therapy can improve resynchronization and LV pump function to a similar degree in infarcted and noninfarcted hearts. Optimal lead positioning and timing of LV stimulation, however, require more attention in the infarcted hearts.
Reduced End-Systolic Pressure-Volume Ratio Response to Exercise
Authors: Jellis Christine L. , Jenkins Carly , Leano Rodel , Martin Jennifer H. , Marwick Thomas H.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Limitations in the predictive value of negative exercise echocardiography in type 2 diabetes mellitus has been linked to a reduced end-systolic pressure-volume response (ESPVR). We sought whether abnormal ESPVR reflected subclinical diabetic heart disease by examining the association between the ESPVR and markers of myocardial dysfunction and to establish if the change (Δ) or peak systolic blood pressure/end-systolic left ventricular volume ratio (SP/ESV) is a better marker of contractile reserve in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results—

Resting and exercise echocardiography was performed in 167 apparently healthy patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (97 men; age, 55±10 years) without ischemia, other cardiac disease, or noncardiac complications of diabetes. Standard echocardiographic and color tissue Doppler measures (early diastolic tissue velocity, strain, and strain rate) were acquired at baseline and peak stress in apical long-axis views. Calibrated integrated backscatter was calculated from a resting parasternal long-axis view. ΔSP/ESV was calculated as [(peak stress SP/ESV)−(rest SP/ESV)]. The 83 subjects who demonstrated a ΔSP/ESV ≤12 mm Hg/mL/m
2
after exercise were older and had lower peak heart rate, resting diastolic and stress systolic tissue velocity, stress ejection fraction, and exercise capacity than the remainder. There was no significant association between ΔSP/ESV and metabolic derangement or echocardiographic measures of deformation or backscatter. Change in Sm and stress ejection fraction were independent correlates of ΔSP/ESV.

Conclusions—

ΔSP/ESV ratio is associated with established features of subclinical diabetic heart disease as well as determinants of contractile reserve (peak hemodynamic response and stress systolic function). Peak ESPVR is poorly associated with markers of myocardial dysfunction.
The Effects of Viewer Attributes on Preference for Forest Scenes: Contributions of Attitudes, Knowledge, Demographic Factors, and Stakeholder Group Membership
Authors: Kearney Anne R. , Bradley Gordon A.
Published: May 2010

Although the primary focus on forest aesthetics research has been on identifying the relationships between landscape attributes and preference or scenic beauty, some studies have explored the relationships between viewer attributes and preference. Specifically, viewer responses to forested landscapes have been shown to vary by stakeholder group membership, demographic factors, knowledge, and attitudes. Most of these studies, however, have explored these viewer attributes in isolation. This study begins to look at the relative contributions of viewer attributes to forest preference across a range of forest scenes. The study specifically assessed the relationships between preference and: demographic factors, attitudes toward forest management, general forest management knowledge, and stakeholder group membership. Results show that attitudes toward forest management, and in particular whether or not one endorses a commodity/utilitarian perspective on forest management, had the strongest relationship with preference for forest scenes. The extent to which participants endorsed an ecosystem/amenities perspective on forest management, on the other hand, was not related to preference. Stakeholder group membership itself was not related to preference, after accounting for attitudes. Contrary to expectation, there was no significant relationship between knowledge about forest management and preference for forest scenes.
Rebuilding the Park: The Impact of Hurricane Katrina on a Black Middle-Class Neighborhood
Authors: Gafford Farrah D.
Published: May 2010

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina unveiled the legacy of racial and class stratification in New Orleans, Louisiana. Much of the Katrina-related research has focused primarily on how poor Black neighborhoods were disproportionately affected by the disaster. While this body of research makes valid claims, there has been very little research that examines how Black middle-class residents in New Orleans were impacted by Hurricane Katrina. This study examines how residents in Pontchartrain Park, a Black middle-class neighborhood, are responding to the disaster. The author uses in-depth interviews, ethnographic observations, and archival data to examine the barriers that residents are facing in the recovery process. She argues that the experiences of the Black middle class also have implications for the connectedness of race and class. The challenges discussed within the article are linked to a history of racial stratification.
Language in Action: Funk Music as the Critical Voice of a Post–Civil Rights Movement Counterculture
Authors: Morant Kesha M.
Published: May 2010

From work songs and spirituals during slavery to the gospel, soul, and funk of the civil rights movement, Black music offers a new historicist interpretation of the African American experience. Through Black popular music, the struggles, faith, and joys of a people are expressed. More than mere entertainers, Black musicians are the village griots, the revisionist historians, and the voice of a people. African American music solidifies messages of societal concerns, offering snapshots of social conditions and defining moments within a society. This research posits that funk music was the social protest discourse of poor and working-class Black youth after the euphoria of the civil rights movement faded in “the decade of the detached.” Music accompanied many prominent protest movements, including the civil rights and Black power movements. But with an apparent lull in protest activities in the 1970s and 1980s, research focused on the previous decade, leaving an absence of immediate post—civil rights scholarship. While large mainstream social protest movements were less apparent, a counter protest movement emerged through the rhetorical means of funk music. This form of creative communication used everyday experiences to challenge the dominant power structure and ideology of the time period. Consciously or unconsciously, the work of funk musicians recognized language as a form of social control, thus ending their blind consent to manipulation through language by developing a counterdiscourse that challenged accepted social norms. The functional approach to rhetorical social movements is applied to further support this claim.
Effect of High-frequency Vibration on the Drawing Behavior of Staple Fiber Strands
Authors: Ge Chen  , Youjiang Wang
Published: May 2010

This paper discusses fiber motion during roller drafting of staple fiber strands and its influence on the drafting force and drafting wave formation. It is well known that the dynamic friction coefficient of fibers is generally lower than the static friction coefficient, and the difference contributes to the “stick-slip” motion of fibers which causes the drafting waves in roller drafting. In this study a high-frequency vibration is introduced as a strand is attenuated in order to reduce the binding forces among fibers. Such reduction in drafting force is expected to improve strand uniformity by reducing the drafting waves. A roller drafting device capable of monitoring the strand drafting force has been designed and constructed. The experiments show that when a roving strand is subjected to lateral vibration, the force required to stretch the strand is significantly reduced. Average drafting force decreases with the increase in magnitude of the imposed vibration in the on-line drafting test. This study may lead to more efficient drafting systems for staple fiber processing.
A Study on Dimensional Properties of Wool Fabric Treated at 120°C
Authors: Qing Liao  , Brady P.R.
Published: May 2010

Fifteen maleic acid derivatives and two commercial wool protective agents were applied in the dyeing of wool at 120°C without dyestuff. The dimensional properties of the fabric were evaluated in terms of dyeing shrinkage, hygral expansion and fabric thickness. The results show that there is a good relativity among hygral expansion, dyeing shrinkage, and thickness. These chemicals were also found to provide beneficial effects on reducing dyeing shrinkage and limiting the amount of hygral expansion introduced during dyeing.
Experimental Analysis of the Tensile Properties of Fancy Loop Yarns: Part II
Authors: Grabowska Katarzyna Ewa
Published: May 2010

This article compares the tensile properties of real loop fancy yarns produced on a ring twisting machine with the results generated by mathematical models derived in Part I. The theoretical strength of the produced loop yarns was calculated on the basis of input variables of a mathematical model describing tensile strength of loop yarn, with the assumptions of lack of migration of fibers in component yarns and of full migration of fibers and with two assumptions of fiber length distribution in component yarns: trapezoidal and uniform. The test examinations were conducted on four different types of loop fancy yarns, with variable values of the twist of the loop fancy yarns produced on the ring twisting system. Every test was repeated 50 times. It has been found that the results generated by the mathematical model describing tensile strength of a loop yarn are the most consistent with experimental results when we accepted the assumptions of full migration of staple fibers in component yarns and of a trapezoidal distribution of staple fiber lengths in these yarns (a difference of about 5%).
Investigation of Some Handle Properties of Fabrics Woven with Two Folded Yarns of Different Spinning Systems
Authors: Ünal Pelin Gürkan
Published: May 2010

In this study, in order to observe the effect of spinning systems such as ring, rotor and vortex, and twist direction of the folded yarns on the fabric handle properties, single end yarns were produced in the same yarn count, yarn twist, and twist directions. After that, the single end yarns were folded on the same doubling machine in two twist directions of S and Z. These folded yarns were used as weft yarns in the woven fabrics. In addition to these parameters, four different weft insertion orders were tried (SSSS, ZZZZ, SSZZ, SZSZ) to be observed whether the insertion order makes any difference in the handle values of the fabrics. It was concluded from the study that handle properties of the fabrics produced with ring folded yarns are better than the ones produced with rotor and vortex folded yarns regardless of the weft insertion order. The fabrics produced with SSSS weft insertion order are the softest among all fabrics in all spinning systems. Besides, using the weft insertion order of SZSZ makes the fabric softer than SSZZ.
Effect of Weave Geometry on Surface Energy Modification of Textile Materials via Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Roth Kelly M. , Roberts Kim G. , Hyde G. Kevin
Published: May 2010

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has recently been demonstrated as a novel method for the creation of nanoscale coatings on fiber-based materials. The ALD process has proven effective in altering the surface energy of both woven and nonwoven materials. In this work, the effect of fabric weave geometry on the behavior of ALDmodified fabrics has been studied. Aluminum oxide ALD was used to modify a series of fabric weaves which were then analyzed using sessile contact angle measurements. The experimental results demonstrated the ability of the ALD process to modify the surface energy of a variety of weave structures, regardless of the inter-fiber spacing within the yarns. At the same time, the amount of fiber spacing, which is influenced by the weave geometry, changes the effect of the ALD coatings on fabric hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. The results of this work demonstrate the versatility of the ALD process when modifying woven fabric structures and its potential as a method for nanoscale textile finishing.
A Model for Glucose, Insulin, and Beta‐Cell Dynamics in Subjects With Insulin Resistance and Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ribbing Jakob , Hamrén Bengt , Svensson Maria K. , Karlsson Mats O.
Published: May 2010

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive, metabolic disorder characterized by reduced insulin sensitivity and loss of beta‐cell mass (BCM), resulting in hyperglycemia. Population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modeling is a valuable method to gain insight into disease and drug action. A semi‐mechanistic PKPD model incorporating fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity, and BCM in patients at various disease stages was developed. Data from 3 clinical trials (phase II/III) with a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor agonist, tesaglitazar, were used to develop the model. In this, a modeling framework proposed by Topp et al was expanded to incorporate the effects of treatment and impact of disease, as well as variability between subjects. The model accurately described FPG and fasting insulin data over time. The model included a strong relation between insulin clearance and insulin sensitivity, predicted 40% to 60% lower BCM in T2DM patients, and realistic improvements of BCM and insulin sensitivity with treatment. The treatment response on insulin sensitivity occurs within the first weeks, whereas the positive effects on BCM arise over several months. The semi‐mechanistic PKPD model well described the heterogeneous populations, ranging from nondiabetic, insulin‐resistant subjects to long‐term treated T2DM patients. This model also allows incorporation of clinical‐experimental studies and actual observations of BCM.
Oritavancin, a New Lipoglycopeptide Antibiotic: Results From a Thorough QT Study
Authors: Darpo Borje , Lee Sun K. , Moon Thomas E. , Sills Nancy , Mason Jay W.
Published: May 2010

Oritavancin is a lipoglycopeptide with broad activity against gram‐positive bacteria. To exclude an effect on cardiac repolarization, oritavancin was studied in a thorough QT study. In vitro assays have demonstrated a 10‐fold safety margin between the concentration that resulted in 50% block of the cardiac potassium current and therapeutic plasma levels in patients and no safety margin for block of the sodium currents. In a parallel‐group study, 240 male and female subjects received treatment with either the clinical dose (200 mg intravenously) or a supratherapeutic dose (800 mg intravenously) of oritavancin, placebo, or a positive control (400 mg of oral moxifloxacin). Electrocardiograms were recorded in triplicate at several time points after dosing. The primary end point was the largest baseline‐adjusted, placebo‐corrected QTcI observed at any point after oritavancin dosing. The study's sensitivity to demonstrate a sufficiently small QTc change was confirmed by the moxifloxacin effect. The baseline‐adjusted, placebo‐corrected QTcl was between −3 milliseconds and 3 milliseconds after 800 mg of oritavancin, and an effect exceeding 6 milliseconds was confidently excluded. Other electrocardiographic parameters were unaffected by the treatment. It was concluded that oritavancin did not cause QTc prolongation in this thorough QT study.
Cultural Variations in Motivational Responses to Felt Misunderstanding
Authors: Lun Janetta , Oishi Shigehiro , Coan James A. , Akimoto Sharon , Miao Felicity F.
Published: May 2010

Three studies examined cultural variations in the motivational consequences of being misunderstood by others. Study 1 found that European American students who felt misunderstood by others performed progressively better academically, whereas Asian and Asian American students who felt misunderstood by others performed progressively worse. In Studies 2 and 3, felt misunderstanding was experimentally manipulated, and motivational responses were measured with a handgrip task (Study 2) and prefrontal electroencephalography (EEG) asymmetry (Study 3). Across the two studies, Asians and Asian Americans showed more withdrawal-related responses but European Americans showed either no difference (Study 2) or more motivated responses (Study 3) after being misunderstood versus being understood. Together, these studies demonstrate systematic cultural variations in motivational responses to felt misunderstanding.
Psychological Distance and Priming: When Do Semantic Primes Impact Social Evaluations?
Authors: Henderson Marlone D. , Wakslak Cheryl J.
Published: May 2010

Semantic primes influence the impressions and evaluations people form of others. According to construal level theory (CLT), as stimuli get closer psychologically (e.g., physically, probabilistically), people construe stimuli in more concrete, localized, individuating terms. Across three studies, the authors present participants with individuals performing behaviors (skydiving, motor biking) that are ambiguous with respect to being either adventurous or reckless. Using a CLT framework, the authors show that people are more likely to assimilate their judgments of others to available semantic primes for psychologically close rather than distant targets (Studies 1 and 2). Conversely, they show that general, global attitudes drive evaluations more for distant rather than close targets (Study 3). Implications for priming more broadly are discussed.
Diverse Knowledges and Contact Zones within the Digital Museum
Authors: Srinivasan Ramesh , Becvar Katherine M. , Boast Robin , Enote Jim
Published: May 2010

As museums begin to revisit their definition of ‘‘expert’’ in light of theories about the local character of knowledge, questions emerge about how museums can reconsider their documentation of knowledge about objects. How can a museum present different and possibly conflicting perspectives in such a way that the tension between them is preserved? This article expands upon a collaborative research project between the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology at Cambridge University, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center to compare descriptions of museum objects by multiple expert communities. We found that narratives and objects in use are key omissions in traditional museum documentation, offering us several possibilities to expand our concept of digital objects. Digital objects will allow members of indigenous source communities to contribute descriptive information about objects to support local cultural revitalization efforts and also to influence how objects are represented in distant cultural institutions.
Interactions Among Domain-Specific Expectancies, Values, and Gender: Predictors of Test Anxiety During Early Adolescence
Authors: Selkirk Laura C. , Bouchey Heather A. , Eccles Jacquelynne S.
Published: May 2010

This research focuses on the interaction between students’ domain-specific expectancies and values as a predictor of test anxiety. A subsample of adolescents from the MSALT dataset are used in the current study; students complete measures during the spring of sixth grade and again during the spring of seventh grade. Overall, findings provide support for the predicted expectancy—value interaction. Those students who highly value success in math or English yet expect to do poorly in those subjects report the highest levels of test anxiety. Effect sizes are larger for math than English. Few gender differences emerge, but one prospective analysis reveals that girls who devalue English are more likely to maintain moderate levels of test anxiety across the transition to junior high school. Findings contribute novel information to the literature on test anxiety in young adolescents.
Experience of Hurricane Katrina and Reported Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Harville Emily W. , Taylor Catherine A. , Tesfai Helen , Xu Xiong  , Buekens Pierre
Published: May 2010

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been associated with stress, but few studies have examined the effect of natural disaster on IPV. In this study, the authors examine the relationship between experience of Hurricane Katrina and reported relationship aggression and violence in a cohort of 123 postpartum women. Hurricane experience is measured using a series of questions about damage, injury, and danger during the storm; IPV was measured using the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2). Multiple log-poisson regression was used to calculate relative risks (RRs), adjusted for potential confounders. Most participants report that they and their partners had explained themselves to each other, showed each other respect, and also insulted, swore, or shouted during conflicts with each other. A few participants report physical violence, sexual force, or destroying property, though in each case at least 5% endorse that it had happened at least once in the last 6 months. Another few report that they and their partners had carried out these actions. Experiencing damage due to the storm is associated with increased likelihood of most conflict tactics. Strong RRs are seen for the relationship between damage due to the storm and aggression or violence, especially being insulted, sworn, shouted, or yelled at (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.02-1.48); pushed, shoved, or slapped (aRR = 5.28, 95% CI = 1.93-14.45); or being punched, kicked, or beat up (aRR = 8.25, 95% CI = 1.68-40.47). Results suggest that certain experiences of the hurricane are associated with an increased likelihood of violent methods of conflict resolution. Relief and medical workers may need to be aware of the possibility of increased IPV after disaster.
Custody Evaluators’ Beliefs About Domestic Violence Allegations During Divorce: Feminist and Family Violence Perspectives
Authors: Haselschwerdt Megan L. , Hardesty Jennifer L. , Hans Jason D.
Published: May 2010

Approximately, 20% of divorcing couples in the United States require judicial intervention to reach a custody agreement. In such cases, courts often call on child custody evaluators to conduct comprehensive evaluations and recommend custody agreements and services that meet children’s best interests. Estimates suggest that allegations of domestic violence (DV) are raised and substantiated in about 75% of these cases. Custody evaluators are thus in a position to ensure that divorcing parents with DV receive effective services and enter into safe custody agreements. They are also in a position to minimize or deny the seriousness of DV and its relevance to custody decisions. The present study uses grounded theory methods to examine how custody evaluators’ theoretical perspectives on DV and beliefs about custody disputes in the context of DV are related to their evaluation process and recommendations.
Factors Associated With Perceived Effectiveness of Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs in New York and California
Authors: Estes Carroll L. , Lohrer Steven P. , Goldberg Sheryl , Grossman Brian R. , Nelson Milena , Koren Mary Jane , Hollister Brooke
Published: May 2010

Objectives: Long-term care (LTC) ombudsmen advocate for the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents in LTC facilities. This article examines factors associated with self-rated effectiveness of local LTC Ombudsman Programs (LTCOPs) in California and New York across the five statutorily mandated activities under the Older Americans Act: complaint investigation, resident/family education, community education, monitoring laws, and policy advocacy. Method: Data were collected from telephone interviews with coordinators of local LTCOPs in California and New York and from the National Ombudsman Reporting System. Analyses examined factors associated with effectiveness: program size, resource adequacy, organizational autonomy, interorganizational relationships, and program outputs. Results: Resource and autonomy measures are significantly associated with different effectiveness measures in each state. Staff full-time equivalencies and coordinator hours per week in New York and the quality of training in California are significantly associated with effectiveness in most mandated activities. Discussion: Findings highlight variability within and between the local LTCOPs in California and New York.
Physical Function and Health Status in Aging Puerto Rican Adults: The Boston Puerto Rican Health Study
Authors: Castaneda-Sceppa Carmen , Price Lori Lyn , Noel Sabrina E. , Bassett Midle Jennifer , Falcon Luis M. , Tucker Katherine L.
Published: May 2010

Objectives: This article describes physical function in Puerto Rican older adults and examines associations between health status and physical function. It also assesses relationships between physical function and disability. Method: This study uses a cross-sectional study of Puerto Ricans 45 to 75 years in Boston ( N = 1,357). Measures included performance-based physical function (handgrip strength, walking speed, balance, chair stands, foot tapping), health conditions (obesity, diabetes, depressive symptomatology, history of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and arthritis), and self-reported disability (activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living). Results: Older women (60-75 years) had the poorest physical function. Poor physical function was associated with obesity, diabetes, depression, history of heart attack, stroke, and arthritis, after adjusting for age, sex, education, income, and lifestyle ( p < .05). Physical function and disability were correlated ( p < .01). Discussion: Health status among Puerto Ricans appears to contribute to poor physical function. Targeted interventions to improve strength, endurance, and balance are needed to combat physical frailty and its consequences in this population.
Migration and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults: A Growth Curve Analysis Based on Panel Data From the Health and Retirement Study, 1996-2006
Authors: Bradley Don E. , Van Willigen Marieke
Published: May 2010

Purpose: A vibrant body of research examines migration among older adults. Existing research, however, grants scarce attention to the implications of later-life migration for the migrants themselves. Our research focuses on the impacts of migration on depressive symptomatology among older U.S. adults. Methods: Our analysis employs six waves of panel data from the Health and Retirement Study, 1996-2006. Growth curve modeling techniques are employed. Results: Net of other stressful life events, migration effects appear to vary significantly across persons. Findings highlight the particularly depressive impact of moves motivated by negative life events or circumstances. Results further suggest that later life moves may be especially stressful for women and as individuals age. Discussion: The stress of moving late in life may depend on social integration at destination. Further research should pursue this issue. Study limitations and additional directions for further research are delineated.
Ethnic Differences in the Dynamics of Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Older Americans
Authors: Xiao Xu  , Liang Jersey , Bennett Joan M. , Quiñones Ana R. , Wen Ye
Published: May 2010

Objective: This study examined differences in the trajectory of depressive symptoms between Hispanic, Black, and White Americans in middle and old age. Method: Data came from a national sample of Americans with up to 6 repeated assessments spanning 11 years. Hierarchical linear models with time-varying covariates were used. Results: Hispanics started with the worst depressive symptomatology, followed by Black Americans, whereas White Americans had the fewest symptoms. These differences, however, diminished over time. More importantly, net of socioeconomic and health differentials, the depressive symptoms trajectory did not differ between Blacks and Whites, whereas Hispanics still started with worse symptoms and had a greater rate of reduction in symptomatology compared to Whites. Discussion: Significant ethnic differences exist in both the intercept and rate of change in depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older Americans. These variations are substantially confounded by socioeconomic and health differentials.
Arterial Hypertension in the Elderly of Bridgetown, Barbados: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Rodrigues Barbosa Aline , Ferreti Borgatto Adriano
Published: May 2010

Objective: To determine the prevalence of and investigate factors associated with hypertension among elderly Barbadians. Method: This was a cross-sectional, population-based household survey. A total of 1,508 persons aged 60 and older were examined. The occurrence of hypertension was assessed by the following question: “Do you take any medication for high blood pressure?” Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 29.9% in men and 45.9% in women. Multivariable analysis (the hierarchical model) showed that alcohol consumption, arthritis, heart attack, and self-reported health presented, in women, an association with hypertension ( p < .05). Obesity and diabetes were associated with hypertension in both genders. Discussion: Sociodemographic variables, sedentary lifestyles, and smoking did not have a noticeable role in the chosen model for the determination of hypertension. Obesity was an especially noteworthy risk factor due to its high prevalence as well as the possibility of the latter being altered through intervention.
Re-entry Trauma: Asian Re-integration After Study in the West
Authors: Pritchard Rosalind
Published: May 2010

Many students who re-locate from host to home country are said to undergo a process of reverse culture shock akin to bereavement, involving stages of a grieving process. This has been likened to a ‘W-curve’ in which feelings fluctuate before reaching a more balanced state. The present study examined the re-acculturation of Taiwanese and Sri Lankan graduates after study in the West. It did not find evidence of re-entry trauma in the psychological sense already established in the literature, but it did find socio-political issues that were associated with the tension between modernism and traditionalism, or individualism and collectivism.
Expecting the Worst? The Dynamic Role of Competitive Expectations in Team Member Satisfaction and Team Performance
Authors: Rockmann Kevin W. , Northcraft Gregory B.
Published: May 2010

This study proposes that individual competitive expectations play a critical role in understanding team performance, as expectations shape individual reactions to team behaviors. Expectations, of course, do not always match behavior. When an individual thinks a team task is going to be easy and cooperative and instead meets with competitive rather than cooperative behaviors, that individual is likely to be frustrated and unwilling to work with others in the team. On the other hand, if an individual expects a difficult time in the team and meets with cooperative teammates, that individual could be suspicious and similarly unlikely to work collaboratively. Findings from a lab study using a team negotiation task support the argument that a match between competitive expectations and two emergent team behaviors—team strategy (what the team members say) and team communication tone (how the team members say it)—is critical in determining both team member satisfaction and team performance.
A Linearization Model for the Displacement Dependent Semi-active Hydraulic Damper
Authors: Go Cheer-Germ , Sui Chung-Huan , Shih Ming-Hsiang , Sung Wen-Pei
Published: May 2010

In earthquake engineering, a hydraulic damper is a kind of energy-dissipating device to reduce the structural response. Newly developed Displacement Dependent Semi-Active Hydraulic Damper (DSHD) is one of the hydraulic dampers. For this damper, the hydraulic cylinder is acting as a damper connector. This damper connector is like a flexible switch with tight-loose and close-open functions and is used to connect a structure and a resistance component. For a DSHD-added structure, to linearize the nonlinear behavior of DSHD is required for preliminary design. Using the damping ratio as a parameter, the DSHD is modeled as a fixture of a linear spring and linear viscous damper. This approach is valid for application in the engineering practice.
Sliding Mode Control of Vibration in Uncertain Time-delay Systems
Authors: Pai Ming-Chang
Published: May 2010

This paper presents a proportional-integral sliding mode control (PISMC) methodology for the robust control of vibration in a linear uncertain system with state and input delays. The systems are assumed to have structured, unmatched and time-varying parameter uncertainties. Based on Lyapunov stability theorem and linear matrix inequality (LMI) H∞ technique, a sufficient condition is derived to guarantee the global stability of the dynamics and achieve a prescribed H∞ norm bound of disturbance attenuation for all admissible uncertainties without the state predictor. Furthermore, this scheme assures robustness against state delays, input delays, parameter uncertainties and disturbances simultaneously. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed control methodology.
When Do People Rely on Affective and Cognitive Feelings in Judgment? A Review
Authors: Greifeneder Rainer , Bless Herbert , Pham Michel Tuan
Published: May 2010

Although people have been shown to rely on feelings to make judgments, the conditions that moderate this reliance have not been systematically reviewed and conceptually integrated. This article addresses this gap by jointly reviewing moderators of the reliance on both subtle affective feelings and cognitive feelings of ease-of-retrieval. The review revealed that moderators of the reliance on affective and cognitive feelings are remarkably similar and can be grouped into five major categories: (a) the salience of the feelings, (b) the representativeness of the feelings for the target, (c) the relevance of the feelings to the judgment, (d) the evaluative malleability of the judgment, and (e) the level of processing intensity. Based on the reviewed evidence, it is concluded that the use of feelings as information is a frequent event and a generally sensible judgmental strategy rather than a constant source of error. Avenues for future research are discussed.
Toxicological Evaluation of Z24, a Novel Indolin-2-Ketone Compound, in Cultured Human Liver Cells Using Toxicogenomic Techniques
Authors: Wang Quanjun , Zhao Jianyu , Yang Baohua , Jiang Ying , Wu Chunqi , Zheng Zhibing , Yu Shouzhong , Yuan Benli , Li Song , Liao Mingyang
Published: May 2010

The current study was designed to investigate the toxicity of 3Z-3-[(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-methylidene]-1-(1-piperidinylmethyl)-1, 3-2H-indol-2-one (Z24), a novel synthetic indolin-2-ketone small molecule compound, using toxicogenomic techniques (complementary DNA [cDNA] microarray). Bioinformatic analysis suggested that the main functions of genes with altered expression were consistent with liver cell regeneration, apoptosis, metabolism of energy and fat, and the death receptor (DR)-mediated apoptosis-signaling pathway. Death receptor 4, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, caspase 3, and cytochrome C, which are involved in the DR-mediated apoptosis-signaling pathway, were altered after Z24 treatment as determined by Western blotting analysis. When hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2 cells) treated with Z24 at 0.248 mmol/L for 24 hours, DNA fragmentation reached a maximum, and examination of cell morphology showed typical signs of apoptosis. These results indicate that Z24 can initiate apoptosis in hepatocytes, which in turn causes hepatotoxicity. A possible toxicological mechanism is that apoptosis was induced in hepatocytes by initiating the DR-mediated signal transduction pathway. Apoptosis of hepatocytes might lead to impairment of energy and lipid metabolism and provoke hepatocyte necrosis or inflammation, resulting in hepatotoxicity.
Relief of the pain of neuromas-in-continuity and scarred median and ulnar nerves in the distal forearm and wrist by neurolysis, wrapping in vascularized forearm fascial flaps and adjunctive procedures
Authors: Elliot D. , Lloyd M. , Hazari A. , Sauerland S. , Anand P.
Published: May 2010

This prospective study reports treatment by neurolysis then wrapping the nerves in vascularized forearm fascia and, when necessary, adjunctive procedures of twelve median and two ulnar nerves in continuity in the distal forearm with neurogenic pain. Preoperatively, all 14 patients had severe pain in at least one of the five modalities of pain analysed. There was complete resolution of all modalities of pain in eight of 14 patients following neurolysis and fascial nerve wrap surgery and two more patients had only mild pain in one or two modalities. After the addition of wrist pinning or arthrodesis alone or in conjunction with selective division of flexor tendons in four patients, there was complete resolution of all modalities of pain in nine of 14 patients. A further three patients had mild pain in three or less modalities and only one patient continued to have severe pain in one modality.
Service Innovation: Applying the 7-I Model to Improve Brand Positioning at the Taj Holiday Village Goa, India
Authors: Sengupta Aveek , Dev Chekitan S.
Published: May 2010

The transformation of the Taj Holiday Village Goa from a three-star to five-star property can be conceived as a seven-step innovation management process, the 7-I model. The process resulted in the Taj becoming a market leader in Goa. The case traces the process using the 7-I model: inspiration, insight, ideation, initiative, implementation, invigilation, and investigation. Focusing on the need to upgrade service by addressing and reducing customer complaints, Taj Holiday Village Goa began with the idea of using cell phones to text guest complaints immediately to the guest services department. The plan was subsequently modified to include communication of complaint reports to department managers and direct consultations between high-level managers and guests to personalize the service offering. The process identified additional issues that were resolve by establishing a new check-in time, reorganizing the breakfast room and kitchen, and the use of pictorial evidence to improve guestroom preparation. As a result of the successful implementation of these innovations, guest satisfaction scores increased by 20 percent, revenue per available room (RevPAR) rose to the highest in the market, and the RevPAR index increased from 0.96 to 1.17. Ultimately, the cost of this innovation was insignificant in comparison with the benefit resulting in a high return on innovation.
Influence of Calcium Oxide (Quicklime) On the Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance of Microporous Polyethylene Films
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsiang , Tsai I-Shou , Chu Wei-Cheng
Published: May 2010

The adverse effects of using calcium oxide (CaO) (quicklime) as a water absorber on polyethylene (PE) microporous film under actual production conditions are studied. A twin-screw extruder was used for compounding the calcium carbonate (CaCO3)/PE blend into pellets containing low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, ground calcium carbonate, antioxidants, and lubricant. Two dehumidifying methods, hot air and CaO absorber, were used before film casting in a production line equipped with a stretching unit. Physical properties of two microporous films were compared with hydrostatic pressure, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared analyses. The microporous film with CaO dehumidifier showed lower hydrostatic pressures on average with much greater variation and is prone to degradation versus the hot air dried resin. The results indicate that adverse effects occur due to the high alkaline basicity of CaO.