bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulations of the Postsunrise Reorganization of a Nocturnal Mesoscale Convective System during 13 June IHOP_2002
Authors: Trier Stanley B. , Marsham John H. , Davis Christopher A. , Ahijevych David A.
Published: July 2011

A convection-permitting numerical model is used to simulate the postsunrise reorganization of a nocturnal mesoscale convective system (MCS) observed over western and central Oklahoma on 13 June 2002 during the International H2O (IHOP_2002) Field Experiment. The MCS reorganization consists of a transition from northwest–southeast-oriented convective rainbands near sunrise to a single northeast–southwest (NE–SW)-oriented convective rainband with trailing stratiform precipitation later in the morning.

Results indicate the importance of environmental preconditioning on MCS reorganization. In particular, the development of the NE–SW rainband that redefines the MCS organization is facilitated by a similarly oriented zone of antecedent mesoscale upward motion, which increases the depth of large water vapor mixing ratios. This allows convective updrafts to be fed primarily by moist and conditionally unstable air from 1 to 2.5 km AGL in the NE–SW-oriented rainband, which lacks a surface cold pool during its incipient postsunrise stage.

The MCS develops a strong surface cold pool from latent cooling–induced downdrafts by midmorning and evolves into an upshear-tilted squall-type system. These downdrafts and the resulting cold pool are not necessary for the overall reorganization and maintenance of the MCS in this environment where earlier mesoscale ascent has occurred. However, the latent cooling from downdrafts does influence the MCS strength, vertical structure, and horizontal motion by early in the postsunrise stage. In contrast, surface heating of the preconvective environment has little effect on the strength and structural characteristics of the MCS until midday, by which time the convection has become primarily surface based.
North Atlantic Power Dissipation Index (PDI) and Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE): Statistical Modeling and Sensitivity to Sea Surface Temperature Changes
Authors: Villarini Gabriele , Vecchi Gabriel A.
Published: July 2011

This study focuses on the statistical modeling of the power dissipation index (PDI) and accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) for the North Atlantic basin over the period 1949–2008, which are metrics routinely used to assess tropical storm activity, and their sensitivity to sea surface temperature (SST) changes. To describe the variability exhibited by the data, four different statistical distributions are considered (gamma, Gumbel, lognormal, and Weibull), and tropical Atlantic and tropical mean SSTs are used as predictors. Model selection, both in terms of significant covariates and their functional relation to the parameters of the statistical distribution, is performed using two penalty criteria. Two different SST datasets are considered [the Met Office’s Global Sea Ice and Sea Surface Temperature dataset (HadISSTv1) and NOAA’s extended reconstructed SST dataset (ERSSTv3b)] to examine the sensitivity of the results to the input data.

The statistical models presented in this study are able to well describe the variability in the observations according to several goodness-of-fit diagnostics. Both tropical Atlantic and tropical mean SSTs are significant predictors, independently of the SST input data, penalty criterion, and tropical storm activity metric. The application of these models to centennial reconstructions and seasonal forecasting is illustrated.

The sensitivity of North Atlantic tropical cyclone frequency, duration, and intensity is examined for both uniform and nonuniform SST changes. Under uniform SST warming, these results indicate that there is a modest sensitivity of intensity, and a decrease in tropical storm and hurricane frequencies. On the other hand, increases in tropical Atlantic SST relative to the tropical mean SST suggest an increase in the intensity and frequency of North Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes.
Assimilation of Tropical Cyclone Advisory Minimum Sea Level Pressure in the NCEP Global Data Assimilation System
Authors: Kleist Daryl T.
Published: July 2011

The assimilation of official advisory minimum sea level pressure observations has been developed and tested in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) to address forecaster concerns regarding some tropical systems being far too weak in operational Global Forecast System (GFS) analyses. The assimilation of these observations has been operational in the GFS since December 2009. Using the T574 version of the NCEP GFS model, it is demonstrated that the assimilation of these observations results in a substantial reduction in the initial intensity bias for tropical systems, resulting in improved track and intensity guidance for lead times out to 5 days.
Do Consumers Make Too Much Effort to Save on Cheap Items and Too Little to Save on Expensive Items?
Authors: Azar Ofer H.
Published: July 2011

The article presents an experiment that illustrates a behavior denoted “relative thinking.” Subjects in the experiment revealed the minimal price difference for which they were willing to spend 20 minutes and go to a cheaper store. Five goods and nine prices were used in a between-subjects design. Subjects showed striking positive correlation between the good’s price and their valuation of their time as it was reflected in their decisions. The experiment suggests that subjects think about both the relative and the absolute price differences, even though according to economic theory they should only consider the absolute price difference. Quantifying the effect suggests that consumers’ valuation of their time is approximately proportional to the square root of the price of the good they want to purchase. Studying economics courses seems to mitigate relative thinking. Several alternative explanations for the observed behavior are suggested and discussed, but the conclusion is that only the relative thinking explanation can account for the experimental results. Finally, several implications of relative thinking for business strategy are discussed.
Game Harmony
Authors: Zizzo Daniel John , Tan Jonathan H. W.
Published: July 2011

Game harmony describes how harmonious (nonconflictual) or disharmonious (conflictual) the interests of players are in a game, as embodied in the game’s raw payoffs. It departs from the traditional game-theoretic approach in that it is a nonequilibrium behavioral approach that can be psychologically founded. The authors experimentally test the predictive power of basic game harmony measures on a variety of well-known 2 × 2 games and randomly generated 2 × 2 and 3 × 3 generic games. The findings support its all-rounded predictive power. Game harmony provides an alternative tool that is both powerful and parsimonious, as it does not require information on a player’s degree of rationality, social preferences, beliefs, and perceptions.
Compound Anchors and Their Subsequent Effects on Judgments
Authors: Sailors John J. , Heyman James E.
Published: July 2011

In this article, the authors first demonstrate the applicability of a standard anchoring paradigm to situations where both the anchor and subsequent target are compound concepts (Study 1). They next show that systematically varying the target so that it is increasingly different from the anchor leads to diminishing anchoring effects (Study 2). Finally, they demonstrate that the degree to which the anchoring effect occurs as such targets vary from anchors depends on which concept of the compound is made to vary from its analogue in the anchor (Studies 2 and 3).
Maternal Controlling Feeding Styles During Early Infancy
Authors: Gross Rachel S. , Mendelsohn Alan L. , Fierman Arthur H. , Messito Mary Jo
Published: July 2011

This study sought to determine the relationship between maternal controlling feeding styles and maternal perception of their infant’s ability to regulate feeding and infant weight. A cross-sectional survey of 208 mothers with infants between 2 weeks and 6 months old was performed in a private pediatric office. The authors assessed the relationship between restrictive and pressuring feeding styles with ( a) maternal perception of the infant’s ability to regulate feeding and ( b) infant weight (both actual and perceived). Restrictive feeding style was associated with the perception that infants could not recognize their own hunger or satiety and with concern that the infant would become overweight in the future. Pressuring feeding style was associated with the perception that the baby’s appetite is less than other babies and with concern that the infant would become underweight in the future. Maternal perceptions of infant feeding and weight should be incorporated into early obesity prevention strategies.
Acanthosis Nigricans as a Clinical Marker to Detect Insulin Resistance in Caucasian Children From West Virginia
Authors: Aswani Rohit , Lochow Amy , Dementieva Yulia , Lund Vicki A. , Elitsur Yoram
Published: July 2011

The accuracy of acanthosis nigrcans (AN) as a dermatological clinical marker to predict insulin resistance (IR) has not been well established in children. A cohort of obese Caucasian children was prospectively recruited. Demographic data, body mass index values, and laboratory data were compared for the presence or absence of AN. A total of 76 children participated. In all, 46 (60.5%) children had AN, and 34 (44.7%) children were positive for IR (>3.16); 25 (32.9%) children were positive for both AN and IR. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy level for AN to detect IR in the obese children who participated in this study were 73.5%, 50%, 54.3%, 70%, and 49%, respectively. The correlation between insulin and fasting glucose levels in AN-negative or AN-positive patients was low ( R2 = 13% to 17%). Acanthosis nigricans was only a surrogate marker for IR. It is concluded that IR should be examined in every obese West Virginian child irrespective of his or her AN status.
A Bioecological Model of Mass Trauma
Authors: Hoffman Mary Ann , Kruczek Theresa
Published: July 2011

Biopsychosocial consequences of catastrophic events create an ongoing need for research that examines the effects of mass traumas, developing psychosocial interventions, and advocacy to address the needs of affected individuals, systems, and communities. Because it is neither possible nor necessarily desirable to intervene with all touched by disasters at an individual level, a systems approach that allows conceptualization and response at the individual, family, community, and societal levels seems optimal. Many of the models commonly used in counseling psychology to explain coping with difficult events focus on individual effects and do not adequately capture the complex, multisystemic effects of large-scale catastrophic events and disasters. A bioecological model of mass trauma, which provides a conceptual framework for understanding the effects, intervening in the aftermath, addressing prevention, and researching aspects of large-scale disasters, catastrophes, and mass traumas, is presented. Relevant literature and illustrative examples from three categories of mass traumas or catastrophic events (disasters, war, and terrorism or violence) that currently contribute to a persistent atmosphere of stress for many are reviewed using the bioecological model. Recommendations for future research are provided.
The Co-occurrence of Reading Disorder and ADHD
Authors: Sexton Chris C. , Gelhorn Heather L. , Bell Jill A. , Classi Peter M.
Published: July 2011

The co-occurrence of reading disorder (RD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has received increasing attention. This review summarizes the epidemiology, treatment strategies, psychosocial impact, and economic burden associated with the co-occurrence of these conditions. Common genetic and neuropsychological deficits may partially explain the high degree of overlap between RD and ADHD. Children who face the additive problems of both disorders are at greater risk for academic failure, psychosocial consequences, and poor long-term outcomes that persist into adulthood. However, few studies have evaluated interventions targeted to this patient population, underscoring the importance of identifying effective multimodal treatments that address the neuropsychological deficits of RD and ADHD through carefully planned clinical research.
Social Science Theories on Adolescent Risk-Taking
Authors: Vermeersch Hans , T’Sjoen Guy , Kaufman Jean-Marc , Van Houtte Mieke
Published: July 2011

The major social science theories on adolescent risk-taking—strain, social control, and differential association theories—have received substantial empirical support. The relationships between variables central to these theories and individual differences in temperament related to risk-taking, however, have not been adequately studied. In a sample of adolescents, this study examines how behavioral inhibition and activation relate to variables central to social control, strain, and differential association theories and how interactions between behavioral inhibition and activation and these theories predict aggressive and nonaggressive forms of risk-taking. The results of this study suggest that (a) BIS (behavioral inhibition system) and BAS (behavioral approach system) are related to strain, social control, and differential associations; (b) the effects of these social science and personality variables are, at least partially, additive; and (c) significant interactions exist between BIS/BAS and social control and differential association. Combining social science and personality concepts therefore could advance the understanding of differences in risk-taking.
Reputation Enhancement and School Delinquency
Authors: Smith-Adcock Sondra , Lee Sang Min , Kerpelman Jennifer , Majuta Aaron , Young Choi Bo
Published: July 2011

High school delinquency, adolescent behaviors ranging from repeated school misconduct to being arrested, is a critical concern in the United States. Though widely believed that reputation is related to adolescent behavior, few studies have addressed the relationship between adolescent reputation and delinquency. Using the National Educational Longitudinal Study: 88 (NELS), the current study examined adolescents’ individual characteristics, reputation enhancement, peer affiliation, parent involvement, and school delinquency. Results showed that peer affiliation and school bonding had strong indirect effects on high school delinquency through reputational constructs. Practice implications for school settings are included.
Acculturation Attitudes and Perceptions of Collective Narratives
Authors: Ayalon Ariel , Sagy Shifra
Published: July 2011

The relationship between acculturation attitudes and attitudes toward collective narratives is explored in the context of Palestinian adolescents, citizens of the State of Israel. Employing Berry’s acculturation framework, we expected that approaching the hegemonic Israeli Jewish culture would be related to higher acceptance of its collective narrative concerning main historical events. We further expected that retaining the Palestinian culture would be related to higher acceptance of the Palestinian narrative of the same events. Data were collected from a sample of 365 teenagers in six Israeli Arab high schools. Generally, the results tend to support our hypotheses regarding relationships between acculturation and attitudes toward collective narratives. Majority of the adolescents endorsed a separation strategy and expressed rejection of the Israeli Jewish collective narrative while endorsing the Palestinian one. The findings suggest that acculturation attitudes may be composed of different behavioral, cognitive, and emotional components, and those components may not be well correlated.
Families, Neighborhood Socio-Demographic Factors, and Violent Behaviors among Latino, White, and Black Adolescents
Authors: Estrada-Martínez Lorena M. , Caldwell Cleopatra Howard , Schulz Amy J. , Diez-Roux Ana V. , Pedraza Silvia
Published: July 2011

Youth violence is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among Blacks and Latinos. Violent behaviors within Latino subgroups and the reasons for subgroup differences are not well understood. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health ( N = 16,615), this study examined the risk for violent behaviors among an ethnically diverse sample of youth, with special attention to different Latino subgroups. Family dynamics were examined as moderators between neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and violent behaviors who lived in neighborhoods with different racial/ethnic compositions. Results indicated that neighborhood SES was positively associated with risk for violent behaviors among youth living in predominately Black and Latino neighborhoods, but negatively in predominately White neighborhoods. Additionally, family cohesion, parental engagement, and adolescent autonomy differentially impacted the relationship between neighborhood SES and youth violent behaviors for youth living in predominately Latino neighborhoods.
A Review of Diabetes Mellitus–Specific Family Assessment Instruments
Authors: Song MinKyoung , Deatrick Janet A. , Feetham Suzanne L. , Levin Amy
Published: July 2011

Family dynamics and attributes are increasingly recognized as affecting management of diabetes mellitus (DM); however, little research has been done on the validity and usefulness of family assessment instruments (FAIs). This article reviewed the literature that employs DM-specific FAIs and evaluates whether the instruments comprehensively captured family attributes/processes and were robust enough to be useful in understanding the relationship between family attributes/issues and DM-related health care. Studies using eight instruments were identified through a search of literature published from 1982 to 2010 and were analyzed with criteria derived from the measurement and family literatures. The findings of this study revealed that DM-specific FAIs yield useful data about family-related phenomenon; however, some domains of DM-specific care, such as family dynamics/functioning, were not overtly measured. Suggestions for improving DM-specific FAIs are provided and a rationale for why DM-specific and non-DM-specific FAIs is needed to fully measure family issues related to family dynamics/attributes on DM patient care.
Combined analysis of CHRNA5, CHRNA3 and CYP2A6 in relation to adolescent smoking behaviour
Authors: Rodriguez Santiago , Cook Derek G , Gaunt Tom R , Nightingale Claire M , Whincup Peter H , Day Ian NM
Published: July 2011

CYP2A6 influences smoking uptake in adolescence. Genetic variation in the CHRNA5–CHRNA3 region influences smoking behaviour in adults. However, their combined effects on smoking in adolescence have not been tested to date. We present data on 1450 adolescents from the Ten Towns Heart Health Study (TTHHS) extensively phenotyped for smoking-related traits during adolescence. Single nucleotide polymorphisms from CHRNA5 and CHRNA3 (previously associated with smoking), were typed in our study population, previously genotyped for CYP2A6. Association analyses between each genotype and both smoking status and behavioural markers of smoking were performed. rs16969968 in CHRNA5 was associated both at 13–15 years and 18 years with current smoking amongst adolescents who had tried smoking (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.10–3.01, p = 0.02 at age 13–15; OR = 2.39, CI = 1.37–4.17, p = 0.002 at age 18). No association was found for rs578776 in CHRNA3. The effects of CHRNA5 and CYP2A6 genotypes in TTHHS appeared to be independent, with each approximately doubling the odds of being a regular smoker by age 18 years. CYP2A6 genotype insufficiency increases adolescent likelihood of being a regular smoker but increases later life quitting likelihood and reduces average consumption. In contrast, CHRNA5 genotype, acting recessively, affects smoking similarly in adolescents and older adults. These contrasting actions, in digenic combination, illustrate behavioural genetic complexity.
The Effect of Medial Opening and Lateral Closing High Tibial Osteotomy on Leg Length
Authors: Magnussen Robert A. , Lustig Sébastien , Demey Guillaume , Neyret Philippe , Servien Elvire
Published: July 2011

Background: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a common treatment for medial compartment arthritis of the knee in younger, more active patients. An HTO also potentially affects leg length. Mathematical models predict that the osteotomy type (medial opening-wedge vs lateral closing-wedge) and the magnitude of the correction determine the change in leg length, but no in vivo studies have been published.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to quantify and compare leg-length change after opening-wedge and closing-wedge HTO.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Thirty-two medial opening-wedge and 32 lateral closing-wedge HTOs were selected from patients treated at the authors’ institution. Preoperative and postoperative coronal plane alignment and leg length were measured and surgical details were collected.

Results: The 64 osteotomies were performed at an average age of 57 years. The mean opening wedge was 9.3 mm and the mean closing wedge was 8.0 mm. Mean knee alignment changed from 174° preoperatively to 183° postoperatively in both groups. In the medial opening-wedge group, entire leg length changed from 836.3 ± 63.5 mm to 841.8 ± 64.1 mm, an increase of 5.5 ± 4.4 mm ( P < .0001). Tibia length changed from 368 ± 30.9 mm to 372.3 ± 31.2 mm, an increase of 4.3 ± 2.3 mm ( P < .0001). In the lateral closing-wedge group, entire leg length changed from 840.6 ± 51.5 mm preoperatively to 837.9 ± 52.0 mm postoperatively, a decrease of 2.7 ± 4.0 mm ( P = .0008). Tibia length changed from 365.1 ± 23.2 mm to 361 ± 22.9 mm, a decrease of 4.1 ± 2.9 mm ( P < .0001). The difference in mean leg-length change between opening-wedge and closing-wedge osteotomies was 8.2 ± 5.9 mm ( P < .0001).

Conclusion: Both medial opening-wedge and lateral closing-wedge HTO can result in significant leg-length change, but changes are generally less than mathematical models predict.
The Characteristics of Methamphetamine Markets and Their Impact on Communities
Authors: Taylor Bruce G. , Brownstein Henry H. , Mulcahy Timothy M. , Fernandes-Huessy Johannes , Woods Daniel J. , Hafford Carol
Published: July 2011

Using a national sample of state and local law enforcement agencies, we collected survey data about local methamphetamine (meth) markets and related problems, in terms of public safety, health, and the local economy, from narcotic officers in these agencies. Our hypotheses related to the importance of the structural and interactional organization of meth markets for assessing their impact on the community; the salience of market instability and its potential for leading to more uncertainty for meth buyers, more market conflict, and related community problems; and the relevance of the types of characteristics of the market (e.g., the presence of import or locally supplied meth markets, general market criminality, and use of technology by the market participants) to community public safety, health, and economic problems. The authors found that markets characterized by both imports and locally produced meth are associated with higher levels of problems compared to local-only markets but import-only markets are associated with fewer problems. Meth markets characterized by more criminal activity and greater use of technology by the market participants are significantly associated with higher levels of community problems but market instability and interactional organization were not significant. Also, the market’s structural organization was related to community problems.
Extubation of the Difficult Airway
Authors: Faris Khaldoun , Zayaruzny Maksim , Spanakis Spiro
Published: July 2011

Managing the airway in the intensive care unit (ICU) is complicated by a wide array of physiologic factors. Difficult airway may be a consequence of patient’s anatomy or airway edema developed during the ICU stay and mechanical ventilation. The incidence of failed airways and of cardiac arrest related to airway instrumentation in the ICU is much higher than that of elective intubations performed in the operating room. In this article, we will provide a framework for identifying a difficult airway, criteria for safe extubation, as well as review the devices that are available for airway management in the ICU. Proficiency in identifying a potentially difficult airway and thorough familiarity with strategies and techniques of securing the airway are necessary for safe practice of critical care medicine.
Protecting Participants of Clinical Trials Conducted in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Flanagan Brigid M. , Philpott Sean , Strosberg Martin A.
Published: July 2011

Research in the intensive care unit (ICU) raises a number of scientific and ethical challenges. Potential participants in critical care studies are likely to be considered particularly vulnerable—they may lack sufficient capacity to make informed decisions about trial participation, their health care proxies may lack legal authority to enroll them in research trials or may not know their true intent, and the life-threatening nature of the illness may make them or their surrogates more susceptible to therapeutic misconception. Because of this, critical care investigators must exercise extreme caution when designing and conducting studies in the ICU. In this article, we review the key literature addressing the various scientific and ethical issues raised by critical care research, including questions of equipoise and the selection of control groups, informed consent, therapeutic misconception, conflict of interest, and quality improvement projects. We also describe the current status of key policy or regulatory initiatives designed to address these issues, particularly in light of recent controversies involving critical care studies like the ARDSNet trial.
Engaging Empire at Home and in the Field: The Politics of Home-Front Ethnography in States of Emergency
Authors: Wall Tyler
Published: July 2011

This article is a reflexive engagement on the politics of ethnography on the US home-front in violent contexts of US empire-building and death dealing. Specifically, my concern is with reconciling ethnographic accountability to the populations home-front ethnographers ‘study’ locally while remaining accountable to the geographically and subjectively distant lives that are ‘over there’—out of sight, out of mind, so to speak. It is suggested that the home-front is not separated from distant battle-fronts, but linked through relations of violence, hence problematizing notions of ethnographic responsibility and loyalty. To do this, I draw from my experiences conducting a near two-year ethnography of the US home-front, particularly a rural county in southern Indiana that is both a research ‘fieldsite’ and my childhood ‘hometown’.
Addressing disaster risk reduction through community-rooted interventions in the Philippines: experience of the Homeless People’s Federation of the Philippines
Authors: Carcellar Norberto , Co Jason Christopher Rayos , Hipolito Zarina O
Published: July 2011

This paper describes the support programme developed by the Homeless People’s Federation Philippines, Inc. (HPFPI) for disaster-affected communities, working with its support NGO, the Philippine Action for Community-led Shelter Initiatives, Inc. (PACSII). The programme developed in response to six major disasters and includes: community-rooted data gathering (assessing the severity and scope of destruction and victims’ immediate needs); trust and contact building; support for savings; the registering of community organizations; and identifying needed interventions, including building materials loans for house repairs. It also includes negotiating for land for transit housing and land acquisition for permanent housing construction. The paper also discusses the limits to community processes without government support, and through a case study in the city of Iloilo shows the scale and scope of what can be achieved when local government works with community organizations. The HPFPI and PACSII are also developing disaster risk reduction initiatives by profiling at-risk communities and establishing what can be done to reduce disaster risk. These efforts find impetus in enabling national policies and practice that have shifted from disaster response to disaster risk reduction, and funding for disaster response that can be drawn on for pre-disaster risk reduction.
An optimal regulator for stabilization of multi-joint reaching movements under DOF redundancy: a challenge to the Bernstein problem from a control-theoretic viewpoint
Authors: Arimoto S , Sekimoto M
Published: July 2011

An optimal regulator problem for multi-joint reaching movements of redundant manipulators is solved from the non-linear control-theoretic viewpoint. Given a target point that the manipulator endpoint should reach, a task-space position feedback with joint damping is introduced, which enables stabilization of reaching movements even if the degrees-of-freedom of the manipulator is greater than the dimension of task space and the inverse kinematics is ill-posed. Usually, the speed of convergence is slow, depending on choice of feedback gains for joint damping. Hence, to speed up the convergence without incurring further energy consumption, an optimal control design for minimizing the integral of a quadratic form of task-space control input and velocity output for an interval [ t0, t1] plus a quadratic function at t =  t1 are introduced. This leads to the derivation of a Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation that is solvable in control variables. It is shown that, in the case of infinite time horizon [ t0, ∞), the optimal control reduces to a task-space velocity feedback, and the Hamilton–Jacobi equation becomes solvable in an explicit quadratic form. Finally, a functional relationship of the optimal regulator with the passivity of the closed-loop dynamics is presented.
Music Activities for Mama, Mama and Papa, Papa
Authors: Cardany Audrey Berger
Published: July 2011

Jean Marzollo creates two beautiful texts using a child’s first words, “Mama, Mama” and “Papa, Papa” as a recurring theme. Wildlife artist, Laura Regan, illustrates Marzollo’s poetry with loving images of parents and children in the animal kingdom. Poetry and illustrations highlight the tenderness and care of Mama and Papa as they bond with their babies. General Music Today columnist, Cardany, provides a soothing melody for Marzollo’s texts and suggests related music activities to enhance young children’s musical development in a classroom music setting and in the home environment.
National Priorities Partnership Focus on Eliminating Overuse
Authors: Ballard David J. , Leonard Bradley M.
Published: July 2011

As one of several initiatives to transform health care delivery across the United States, the National Priorities Partnership has identified “eliminating overuse while ensuring the delivery of appropriate care” as a top priority. Cardiac revascularization procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), constitute one area of focus for reduction of overuse. Despite the multiyear development of clinical guidelines to define appropriate use of cardiac revascularization, substantial variability in the application of these procedures is observed. Concurrent data collection tools to support real-time clinical decision making regarding appropriateness are needed and can be used, along with financial incentives such as pay-for-performance programs and public reporting of performance information, to support more appropriate use of cardiac revascularization. Efforts to achieve more rational use of CABG and PCI should be made carefully and with the goal that patients receive the most appropriate and effective care.
Social Insurance and Income Redistribution in a Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Esarey Justin , Salmon Tim , Barrilleaux Charles
Published: July 2011

Why do some voters support income redistribution while others do not? Public assistance programs have two entangled effects on society: they equalize wealth, but they also cushion people against random catastrophes (like natural disasters). The authors conduct a laboratory experiment to determine how individuals’ responses to the environment are related to their self-expressed political ideology and their self-interest. The findings support the hypothesis that ideology is associated with a person’s willingness to use redistribution to reduce income inequality that is caused by luck, but it is not related to preferences for inequality that are not related to luck.
Visitor Centers, Collaboration, and the Role of Local Food and Beverage as Regional Tourism Development Tools
Authors: Alonso Abel Duarte , Liu Yi
Published: July 2011

Past research highlights the importance of collaboration as a critical element in the development of regional tourism. In this context of collaborative relationships, the role of visitor centers in promoting and in raising awareness of existing tourism-related activities, including those with a food and beverage theme is vital. The present study examines the extent to which visitor centers in an emerging tourist destination with a farming background, the Blackwood River Valley in Western Australia, use these tools to develop their local tourism. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among representatives of four visitor centers. Respondents acknowledge much collaboration (as opposed to competition), not only within the region but also with other neighboring regions in their present and future development efforts. Despite being a rural region with a tradition in horticultural farming, raising cattle, fishing, and more recently being home to a burgeoning wine sector, respondents recognize that not enough emphasis is placed on promoting food-, wine-, and farm-related tourism themes. Thus, an argument is made that the traditional farming sectors could also play a key role in raising the profile of the tourism in this area and draw quality visitors.
High frequency of co-infection by Epstein–Barr virus types 1 and 2 in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Santón Almudena , Cristóbal Eva , Aparicio María , Royuela Ana , Villar Luisa M. , Álvarez-Cermeño José C
Published: July 2011

Background: The existence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) strains specifically associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a matter of controversy. Little is also known about the prevalence of EBV types 1 and 2 in MS patients and the presence of co-infections by both strains.

Objective: To make EBV strain type assignment and compare the frequencies of types 1, 2 and co-infections by both in MS patients and healthy controls.

Methods: Blood samples from 75 consecutive MS patients and 186 controls were collected. EBV was simultaneously detected and typed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which amplified a strain-specific sequence in the EBV nuclear antigen 2.

Results: EBV was detected in 70 out of 75 patients (93.3%) and in 123 of 186 controls (66.1%). Among positive cases, type 1 was found in 6 patients (8.6%) and 40 controls (32.5%), type 2 in 1 patient (1.4%) and 37 controls (30.1%), and dual-infections by both EBV types were detected in 63 patients (90%) and 46 controls (37.4%). Logistic regression models showed that MS was significantly associated with the presence of EBV ( p < 0.001) and also with dual type infections ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study provides molecular evidence associating co-infection of type 1 and 2 EBV with MS.
Can the functional assessment of multiple sclerosis adapt to changing needs? A psychometric validation in patients with clinically isolated syndrome and early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Acaster S , Swinburn P , Wang C , Stemper B , Beckmann K , Knappertz V , Pohl C , Sandbrink R , Gondek K , Edan G , Kappos L , Freedman M , Hartung H-P , Arnason B , Comi G , Filippi M , Jeffery D , O’Connor P , Cook S , Lloyd AJ
Published: July 2011

Background: The Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (FAMS) is widely used in clinical trial programmes; however, it was developed before the rise in trials targeted at early stage multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the FAMS within two clinically distinct populations, CIS and early relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), and discern the appropriateness of the FAMS within these populations.

Methods: Secondary analysis was conducted on FAMS data from two clinical trials assessing interferon beta–1b in early RRMS and CIS. The statistical analysis assessed the scale acceptability, reliability, validity and responsiveness of the FAMS. Item response theory (IRT) was also conducted on the early RRMS sample in order to assess how well the FAMS discriminated amongst individuals with less severe MS.

Results: Results from both trials demonstrated an improvement in the FAMS psychometric properties with increased baseline disease severity. However, high ceiling effects were evident amongst less severe patients, and there was an overall lack of responsiveness to improvement and poor construct validity. IRT also demonstrated its lack of discrimination/sensitivity in early RRMS.

Conclusions: In trials involving patients with early stage RRMS and CIS, modifications to the FAMS based on a qualitative assessment of its content validity in these populations would be required in order to potentially improve the FAMS psychometric properties and sensitivity.
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy for at-risk adolescents: The influence on self-image, self-control and trust
Authors: Bachi Keren , Terkel Joseph , Teichman Meir
Published: July 2011

This article describes the theoretical-conceptual frame of equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) for adolescents at-risk, the unique components of this intervention, and its implementation in an evaluation study. The study was conducted at a residential treatment facility for adolescents at-risk. We examined the outcomes of EFP on self-image, self-control, trust and general life satisfaction. Fourteen resident adolescents comprised the treatment group, and were compared with a matched group of 15 residents who did not receive EFP (control). The treatment comprised a weekly individual EFP session over a period of seven months. The study found a trend of positive change in all four research parameters within the treatment group. Additional indications of the intervention’s positive influence were also found and are discussed.
The influence of family environment on dissociation in pediatric injury patients
Authors: Nugent Nicole R. , Sledjeski Eve M. , Christopher Norman C. , Delahanty Douglas L.
Published: July 2011

Emerging support for the roles of both early trauma and family environment in the development of dissociative symptomatology is complicated by the frequent co-occurrence of dysfunctional family environments and childhood maltreatment. The present investigation prospectively examined the influence of family environment on dissociative symptom course in 82 youths (8–18 years) who experienced accidental injury. The primary caretaker reported on six-week family environment (including family cohesion and adaptability) and on youth symptoms of dissociation prior to injury at six weeks and at six months; dissociation prior to injury was assessed via retrospective parent account at the six-week timepoint. Adolescents (aged 11–18) also reported on their own dissociative symptoms at six weeks. Latent growth modeling indicated that youth in more cohesive family environments evidenced decreased symptoms of dissociation at the six-week intercept ( z = −2.80). Furthermore, parent income was negatively related to symptoms of dissociation at intercept ( z = −1.96) and parent education was associated with a decrease in youth dissociation symptoms over time ( z = −2.57). The present findings provide support for the importance of acute family environment in pediatric post-injury adjustment and further highlight the importance of parent resources, including income and education, in post-injury adjustment.
Citizenship and punishment: Situating death penalty jury sentencing
Authors: Kaufman Sarah Beth
Published: July 2011

Although capital punishment in the United States is subject to much social scientific scrutiny, there has been little ethnographic study of death penalty trials. This is not only an empirical lacuna, but also a theoretically and politically important one: by failing to take capital trials as primary objects of inquiry, the practices of lawyers, witnesses, judges, and others are viewed as products of, rather than implicated in, the institution of criminal justice. Based on an ethnography of fifteen death penalty sentencing trials across the United States during 2007, 2008, and 2009, this article seeks to understand the role of juries in capital trials. While judges customarily make sentencing decisions in American criminal cases, capital cases require jury sentencing. Key to understanding this unusual requirement is the recruitment of potential jurors into a role I term punitive citizenship. Through the process of choosing ‘death qualified’ jurors for trial, capital jurors are asked to call upon their own moral positions in conjunction with their responsibility to the collective to decide on appropriate punishments for defendants who are singled out for capital prosecution by the state. This ensures that capital jurors take personal responsibility for the punishment decision. The article argues that this process blurs the lines between state and citizen action, solidifies the types of homicides that are designated worthy of capital punishment, and allows the state to neutralize some of the historic problems with state-sponsored death sentences.
Reflections on social values, offending and desistance among young adult recidivists
Authors: Shapland Joanna , Bottoms Anthony
Published: July 2011

Within the human life-span, the decade of the 20s (age 20—29) is known to manifest the fastest deceleration of offending. This article reports findings concerning the social and moral values of a sample of recidivist offenders at the start of this age-range. Most reported surprisingly conformist values, for example with regard to future aspirations (employment, housing, etc.) and to the importance of staying within legal boundaries. Nevertheless, longitudinal data showed that these conformist values often did not prevent some continued offending (though within the sample, taking steps towards desistance was associated with more conformist values). This dissonance between values and behaviour was not explained by neutralizations, but rather (1) by complex processes of maturation, in which intentions to ‘go straight’ co-exist with lapses into learned (habitual) criminal responses; and (2) by the spontaneous character of much offending, with for example invitations to offend by criminal friends being common. Thus, those seriously wishing to desist (to bring their behaviour into line with their social values) face an obstacle-strewn process of lifestyle change, though one often supported by partners and relatives. To assist lifestyle change, many would-be desisters adopt tactics of ‘diachronic self-control’, attempting to avoid future situations of criminal temptation. If the criminal justice system wishes to assist desistance among this age-group, it is vital that these complex processes are understood and supported.
Support for the death penalty: Chinese and American college students compared
Authors: Yuning Wu  , Sun Ivan Y. , Zongxian Wu
Published: July 2011

While a substantial number of studies have examined public opinion on the death penalty in the USA, very little research effort has been devoted to assessing Chinese attitudes toward the death penalty in general or comparing Chinese and American attitudes in particular. Using survey data collected from college students in several universities, this study compares and contrasts Chinese and American attitudes toward the death penalty and identifies factors that have similar or distinctive effects on such attitudes. The results indicate that Chinese students display a higher level of support for capital punishment than their US counterparts. Gender, victimization, and criminal justice-oriented concerns significantly shape both Chinese and American students’ attitudes toward the death penalty. Country differences are also identified, with fear of crime influencing Chinese but not American students’ support for the death penalty and crime control orientation affecting American but not Chinese support for the ultimate punishment. Implications for policy and future research are discussed.
Expanding the boundaries of work—family research: A review and agenda for future research
Authors: Shaffer Margaret A. , Joplin Janice R. W. , Hsu Yu-Shan
Published: July 2011

Given the dominance of work—family research within the context of the United States and a disparate and fractured understanding of the dynamic interplay between work and family for those who live and work beyond the borders of the United States, we review and synthesize 219 empirical work—family studies that have targeted employees outside of the United States. Our review answers four questions about international work—family research. First, what constitutes the work—family interface and is there consensus about how to measure it? Second, what theories have researchers used to explain the work—family interface? Third, which antecedents and consequences of the work—family interface are common across countries and which are unique to particular countries? Fourth, what can we learn from this review that will inform future research in this area? Based on our review, a universal theoretical framework that integrates both work—family conflict and facilitation is provided. Future research directions are also discussed.
Women in Turkish family businesses: Drivers, contributions and challenges
Authors: Karataş-Özkan M. , Erdoğan A. , Nicolopoulou K.
Published: July 2011

The number and importance of women in family businesses have increased in the recent years. This is reflected in the growing academic and practitioner interest in the topic. In this paper, we have explored the role of women in family business in the context of Turkey by examining the key drivers for their active involvement, their contribution and the challenges they face. The conceptual framework of the article presents key drivers and challenges identified in the extant literature and introduces additional angles on the problematisation of the topic, mainly issues of succession, conflict and balance of work-life relationships. Drawing on empirical material collected through semi-structured interviews with participant Turkish women, we have highlighted importance of cultural dynamics in analysing drivers, contributions and challenges.
The moderating effect of face values: Information sharing and initiative encouragement in China’s civil service
Authors: Wang Karen Yuan , Fang Yongqing , Teo Stephen T.T.
Published: July 2011

Despite previous studies on face values across a number of disciplines, there is limited research on how face values influence manager-subordinate relationships in China’s civil service. This study examines the role of managers’ face values in the relationship between their trust in subordinate loyalty and willingness to empower subordinates. The findings of our study indicate that superior face-saving and face-enhancing values moderate the relationships between information sharing, initiative encouragement, and their trust in subordinate loyalty.