bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Intervening Task Method: Implications for Measuring Mediation
Authors: Jamieson Jeremy P. , Harkins Stephen G.
Published: March 2011

To study mediation, investigators sometimes examine the effect of an independent variable on an unrelated filler task that precedes the focal task. This approach assumes that the same psychological process drives performance on both tasks. The authors tested this assumption in a stereotype threat paradigm by manipulating whether or not the intervening task was described as relevant to the gender-math stereotype. When performance was relevant to the stereotype, females outperformed controls on an intervening Stroop task, but not when it was irrelevant (Experiment 1). In fact, females anticipating taking a math test under threat withdrew effort and performed more poorly on the intervening task when performance was irrelevant (Experiment 2). These findings suggest that different processes may drive performance on irrelevant and relevant intervening tasks. As a result, performance on irrelevant filler tasks may actually tell scholars little about mediating mechanisms.
Searching for Outcomes of Leadership: A 25-Year Review
Authors: Hiller Nathan J. , DeChurch Leslie A. , Murase Toshio , Doty Daniel
Published: March 2011

A significant question in management research is, “What criteria should be used to evaluate the effects of leadership?” In this review, the authors systematically summarize various ways the field of leadership has (and has not) sought to answer questions about whether, when, and how leadership affects outcomes. A total of 1,161 empirical studies over 25 years, spanning micro- and macro-oriented perspectives, were content coded to answer six basic questions that set the scope of leadership science. The authors first descriptively summarize these criterion issues in the empirical literature and draw comparisons across areas (e.g., To what extent have leader-member exchange, transformational, and strategic leadership research differentially examined various outcomes?). Second, the authors explore the implications of criterion selection issues for the further advancement of leadership theory and offer concrete recommendations for future leadership research.
Parent/peer relationship patterns among Mexican-origin adolescents
Authors: Davidson Alice J. , Updegraff Kimberly A. , McHale Susan M.
Published: March 2011

This study examined patterns of mothers’ and fathers’ acceptance and youths’ friendship intimacy among 246 Mexican-origin 7th graders. Three patterns were identified using mixture modeling: (a) low mother and father acceptance, and average friendship intimacy (Low Parent Profile); (b) average mother acceptance, high father acceptance and friendship intimacy (Positive Profile); and (c) high mother acceptance, average father acceptance, and low friendship intimacy (Low Friend Profile). Profiles differed with respect to cultural characteristics and youth adjustment. Findings demonstrated the benefit of a person-oriented approach to illuminate how parental and peer experiences are connected in different ways for different youth and are linked with youth adjustment. Results highlighted the need for research to attend to the unique cultural experiences of minority youth.
Emotional separation and detachment as two distinct dimensions of parent—adolescent relationships
Authors: Ingoglia Sonia , Lo Coco Alida , Liga Francesca , Grazia Lo Cricchio Maria
Published: March 2011

The study examined adolescents’ emotional separation and detachment from parents, analyzing their relations with connectedness and agency, with some aspects of self—other boundary regulation and with problem behavior. The participants were 331 Italian adolescents, aged from 16 to 19 years (mean age = 17.40, SD = 1.14). Separation and detachment were positively related; they were negatively related to connectedness; detachment was also negatively associated to agency. Emotional separation was negatively predicted by empathic concern, perspective-taking and separate self; emotional detachment was negatively predicted by empathic concern and self—other differentiation. Separation negatively predicted internalizing behavior, and detachment positively predicted internalizing and externalizing behavior. Globally, findings showed that emotional separation and detachment are two distinct dimensions of the parent—adolescent relationship.
Cystic Fibrosis and Sinusitis in Children
Authors: Kovell Lara C. , Wang Jiangxia , Ishman Stacey L. , Zeitlin Pamela L. , Boss Emily F.
Published: March 2011

Objectives

Although chronic sinusitis is prevalent in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), little is known regarding pulmonary outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Furthermore, lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with increased morbidity in children with CF. The investigators evaluated the impact of surgery and SES on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in children with CF and rhinosinusitis.

Study Design

Longitudinal, retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Urban tertiary CF center.

Subjects and Methods

Children with CF ages 0 to 21 evaluated for sinusitis between 1998 and 2008 were analyzed. Children were grouped according to surgery status (ESS or no ESS). Medicaid (MA) insurance was used as a proxy for lower SES. PFTs (percent predicted forced vital capacity [FVC%predicted] and percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1%predicted]) were recorded over 2 years. Multivariate linear regression models and interaction terms (ESS and MA) were used to analyze PFTs.

Results

Of 62 patients evaluated, 21 (34%) underwent ESS, and 16 (26%) had MA. Polyps were more common in the ESS group (86% vs 32%, P <. 001). FEV1%predicted and FVC%predicted were lower at all times for children with MA (P <. 001). After adjustment for MA, mean FEV1%predicted was higher for the ESS group at all time points (P <. 02), and mean FVC%predicted was higher at 1 and 2 years (P =. 02, P =. 01). Compared with the nonsurgical group, children without MA undergoing ESS had higher mean FEV1%predicted at all 3 follow‐up visits (P ≤. 05). Children with MA who underwent ESS had higher mean FVC%predicted at 1 year (P =. 04) and higher mean FEV1%predicted preoperatively and at 1 year (P ≤. 01).

Conclusions

Children with CF and sinusitis who undergo ESS experience some increase in PFTs over time, although this change is not uniform. Children with CF and sinusitis who are from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have lower PFTs over time regardless of surgical intervention.
Hearing Evaluation in Patients with Exfoliative and Primary Open‐Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Paliobei Vassiliki P. , Psillas Georgios K. , Mikropoulos Dimitrios G. , Haidich Anna‐Bettina , Constantinidis Jannis , Konstas Anastasios G. P.
Published: March 2011

Objective

The aim of this prospective study was to audiologically evaluate consecutive glaucoma patients with or without exfoliation.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Glaucoma Unit and Audiology Department at a university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Consecutive subjects with exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) or primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) aged between 50 and 70 years were enrolled. Auditory thresholds at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 Hz were measured bilaterally. Cochlear activity was assessed by recording distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOEs). Functional changes in the retrocochlear auditory pathway were evaluated by auditory brainstem responses (ABRs).

Results

One hundred and ten patients with XFG and 85 patients with POAG who presented in a glaucoma clinic were investigated. The mean age of study patients was 66.2 ± 5.6 years; range, 50‐70 years). The odds of pathologic ABR central transmission time (interpeak latencies I‐III, III‐V, and I‐V and waves I, III, and V) were 4.34 times higher in patients with XFG than in patients with POAG (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.22‐8.49; P <. 001). This significant association remained after adjusting for sex and age (odds ratio [OR] 4.12; 95% CI, 2.07‐8.22; P <. 001). Furthermore, the odds of ABR remained significantly higher in patients with XFG than in patients with POAG (OR 4.36; 95% CI, 2.10‐9.06; P <. 001) after controlling for systemic diseases (arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, and stroke).

Conclusion

In the first study to compare XFG and POAG monitoring of the peripheral and central auditory pathway, it has been documented that XFG patients show a greater prevalence of retrocochlear pathology.
Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Miller Mia E. , Elashoff David A. , Abemayor Elliot , St. John Maie
Published: March 2011

Objective

To analyze outcomes in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the tonsil from the years 1998 to 2006. To assess factors that may affect disease‐specific survival, such as patient characteristics and/or treatment modality.

Study Design and Setting

National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program.

Subjects and Methods

The SEER database was used to perform a population‐based cohort analysis for patients diagnosed with SCCA of the tonsil from 1998 to 2006. Disease‐specific survival was correlated with sex, age, ethnicity, year of diagnosis, and treatment modality in a univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis and a multiple Cox‐regression model with and without interaction effect.

Results

Applied inclusion criteria resulted in 8378 patients. Of this patient cohort, 80% were male and 85% were white. The mean patient age at diagnosis was 58.1 years. On univariate and multivariate analyses, ethnicities other than white carried a significantly higher rate of disease‐specific death (hazard ratio = 1.71, P <. 001). Each additional year of age at the time of diagnosis carried approximately a 4% increase in likelihood of disease‐specific death. With each passing year of time at diagnosis, patients carried a decreased risk of disease‐specific death (P <. 001); this value was significant in all 3 statistical models. Patients who underwent external‐beam radiation had a higher likelihood of disease‐specific survival with each passing year at time of diagnosis.

Conclusion

Population analysis based on the SEER database reveals increased disease‐specific survival from tonsillar SCCA in more recent years. This may be because of earlier diagnosis, an increase in less aggressive subtypes of SCCA, and more effective treatment modalities.
Review essay: Taiwanese academic publishing in sociology
Authors: Li William
Published: March 2011

This essay examines the current state of academic publishing of sociology in Taiwan. Journal publications and books are analysed separately. Under each type of publication the author looks at the commercial sector and the university sector. The essay first provides a brief overview of the development of sociology in Taiwan to show how the discipline is proceeding towards institutionalization in the country. This, it is argued, has been critical to the development of the discipline as well as to its publication activities. In a critical review of recent publication in journals and book publishing respectively, the author argues that both journal publishing and book production has been increasing in the discipline, and this is closely related to a changing academic environment.
Exploring access to rehabilitation services from allied health professionals for patients with primary high-grade brain tumours
Authors: McCartney Aileen , Butler Claire , Acreman Sue
Published: March 2011

Primary brain tumours account for less than 2% of cancer diagnoses in the UK but more people under 40 die from a brain tumour than from any other cancer. Despite developments in some treatment options, survival remains poor and patients suffer with considerable functional and cognitive deficits. Rehabilitation for patients with primary brain tumours produces statistically and clinically significant improvements in function. When compared, similar functional gains are made following rehabilitation for brain tumour patients and for those following stroke and traumatic brain injury. There have been very few studies looking at access to rehabilitation for this group of patients as a primary objective. However, existing studies and clinical experience suggest that patients with brain tumours do not access rehabilitation services frequently or easily, either locally or nationally. Therefore, this qualitative study addressed the reasons for this through semi-structured interviews of healthcare professionals, investigating their experiences of rehabilitation for this patient group and describing commonly identified barriers under key themes. The interviews gauged the views of eight healthcare professionals representing three professions in different settings, including hospital and community based. The resultant barriers fell under the following themes: professional knowledge and behaviours; services and systems; and the disease and its effects. Suggested solutions were wide ranging and included education, multidisciplinary meetings and specialist clinicians to co-ordinate care. The barriers to accessing rehabilitation for this group of patients are complex, but some of the solutions could be reached through education and co-ordination of services. Further research into the benefits of, and access to, rehabilitation for this group of patients is essential to ensure that patients with brain tumours are given opportunity to gain from the benefits of rehabilitation in the same way as other diagnoses, both cancer and non-cancer.
Natural Language Processing Improves Identification of Colorectal Cancer Testing in the Electronic Medical Record
Authors: Denny Joshua C. , Choma Neesha N. , Peterson Josh F. , Miller Randolph A. , Bastarache Lisa , Li Ming , Peterson Neeraja B.
Published: March 2011

Background. Difficulty identifying patients in need of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening contributes to low screening rates. Objective. To use Electronic Health Record (EHR) data to identify patients with prior CRC testing. Design. A clinical natural language processing (NLP) system was modified to identify 4 CRC tests (colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood testing, and double contrast barium enema) within electronic clinical documentation. Text phrases in clinical notes referencing CRC tests were interpreted by the system to determine whether testing was planned or completed and to estimate the date of completed tests. Setting. Large academic medical center. Patients. 200 patients ≥50 years old who had completed ≥2 non-acute primary care visits within a 1-year period. Measures. Recall and precision of the NLP system, billing records, and human chart review were compared to a reference standard of human review of all available information sources. Results. For identification of all CRC tests, recall and precision were as follows: NLP system (recall 93%, precision 94%), chart review (74%, 98%), and billing records review (44%, 83%). Recall and precision for identification of patients in need of screening were: NLP system (recall 95%, precision 88%), chart review (99%, 82%), and billing records (99%, 67%). Limitations. Small sample size and requirement for a robust EHR. Conclusions. Applying NLP to EHR records detected more CRC tests than either manual chart review or billing records review alone. NLP had better precision but marginally lower recall to identify patients who were due for CRC screening than billing record review.
Property Rights Design and Market Process: Implications for Market Theory, Marketing Theory, and S-D Logic
Authors: Haase Michaela , Kleinaltenkamp Michael
Published: March 2011

This article highlights the relevance of property rights theory for the development of market and marketing theory from the perspective of service-dominant (S-D) logic. The outcome that market actors promise to cocreate depends on the property rights arrangement characterizing a transaction. Within the institutional framework of an economy, and based on an analysis of contract types and transaction arrangements, the authors explain how property rights both enable and constrain the achievement of the actors’ objectives. In addition, the authors discuss the consequences of property rights designs for the domain of marketing theory and elucidate the implications for S-D logic that can be derived from a property rights perspective.
Time Course of Reendothelialization of Stents in a Normal Coronary Swine Model
Authors: de Prado A. Pérez , Pérez-Martínez C. , Cuellas-Ramón C. , Gonzalo-Orden J. Manuel , Regueiro-Purriños M. , Martínez B. , García-Iglesias M. J. , Ajenjo J. M. , Altónaga J. R. , Diego-Nieto A. , de Miguel A. , Fernández-Vázquez F.
Published: March 2011

Late thrombosis of coronary drug-eluting stents is an infrequent but serious complication of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The best predictor of this event is the lack of endothelialization of stent struts. The objective of this study is to characterize and quantify the time course of endothelialization of different stents implanted in nonatherosclerotic swine coronary arteries. Thirty-three Carbofilm-coated stents were implanted percutaneously in 11 anesthetized domestic, crossbred pigs (weight 25 ± 3 kg, 2 months old). Each animal received 1 stainless steel stent (SS), 1 cobalt-chromium stent (CCS), and 1 tacrolimus-eluting stent (TES) in each coronary artery. Follow-up periods were 1 day (n = 9 stents), 3 days (n = 9 stents), and 7 days (n = 15 stents). Longitudinal sections of the stented vessels were examined using scanning electron microscopy. At 1 day, there was scarce, patchy endothelialization with areas of fibrin; the endothelialization rate was similar for all the stents (SS, 29% ± 23%; CCS, 29% ± 24%; TES, 31% ± 25%; P = .9). At 3 days, there were more endothelial cells but with immature features and giant cells over fibrin; the endothelialization was greater in SS and CCS than in TES (SS, 79% ± 14%; CCS, 81% ± 17%; TES, 46% ± 9%; P = .007). At 7 days, arteries showed better endothelialization with few giant cells; the endothelialization was greater in SS and CCS than in TES (SS, 95% ± 4%; CCS, 98% ± 4%; TES, 79% ± 9%; P = .01). In conclusion, the described model is useful for the analysis of endothelialization of coronary stents and facilitates measurement of its rate of formation and characterization of the involved cell types.
Eye movements and reading comprehension while listening to preferred and non-preferred study music
Authors: Johansson Roger , Holmqvist Kenneth , Mossberg Frans , Lindgren Magnus
Published: March 2011

In the present study 24 university students read four different texts in four conditions: (1) while listening to music they preferred to listen to while studying; (2) while listening to music they did not prefer to listen to while studying; (3) while listening to a recording of noise from a café; and finally (4) in silence. After each text they took a reading-comprehension test. Eye movement data were recorded for all participants in all conditions.

A main effect for the reading-comprehension scores revealed that the participants scored significantly lower after they had been listening to the non-preferred music while reading, compared with reading in silence. No significant effects were found between the other conditions. No significant differences between conditions were found for the traditional eye movement measures in reading (fixation duration, saccadic amplitude, regressions, and first-pass and second-pass reading time). It is suggested that this result is a consequence of participants not being aware that their reading processes are disrupted by a non-preferred musical background. They do not make the necessary changes to the processes involved in reading required to compensate for increased cognitive load. The results are discussed in relation to study/reading habits, extraversion, arousal and working memory capacity.
Seeing the Unseen
Authors: Becker Julia C. , Swim Janet K.
Published: March 2011

Three experiments were conducted in the United States and Germany to test whether women and men endorse sexist beliefs because they are unaware of the prevalence of different types of sexism in their personal lives. Study 1 ( N = 120) and Study 2 ( N = 83) used daily diaries as a method to encourage individuals “to see the unseen.” Results revealed that encouraging women to pay attention to sexism, in comparison to attention to other social interactions, led to a stronger rejection of Modern Sexist, Neosexist, and Benevolent Sexist beliefs (Studies 1 and 2) and to negative evaluations of Modern and Benevolent Sexist men described in profiles as well as to more engagement in collective action on behalf of women (Study 2). In contrast, for men, paying attention to sexism did not have these effects. Results from Study 2 suggest, and from Study 3 ( N = 141) confirm, that men’s endorsement of Modern and Neosexist beliefs can be reduced if attention to sexism and emotional empathy for the target of discrimination is encouraged. Finally, a follow-up survey indicated that the attitude change in women and men was stable over time. The implications of these findings for interventions to reduce women’s versus men’s endorsement of sexist beliefs are discussed.
Method validation for aflatoxin M1 determination in yoghurt using immunoaffinity column clean-up prior to high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Tabari Mahsa , Karim Guity , Ghavami Mehrdad , Chamani Mohammad
Published: March 2011

Yoghurt is a popular dairy product in Iran because of its beneficial influence on human health and nutritional value. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the metabolite of potential carcinogen aflatoxin B1, which can contaminate milk through the feed and is not eliminated by common processing heat treatment. An analytical method using immunoaffinty column for extraction and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quantification was developed for AFM1 in this study. An HPLC method with fluorimetric detection for the determination of AFM1 in yoghurt milk has been optimized and validated according to Commission Decision BS EN ISO 14501: 2007 by using the conventional validation approach. The procedure for determining selectivity, recovery, precision, decision limit (CCα) and detection capability (CCβ) of the method has been reported. The results of the validation process demonstrate the agreement of the method with the provisions of Commission Regulation 401: 2006:EC. A new HPLC method with fluorescence detection was developed to determine aflatoxin M1. The detection limit was 1 ng/kg for yoghurt. The calibration curve was linear from 0.1 to 3.0 μg l-1 injected. The method includes a preliminary clean-up and the average recoveries determined on three different days at the concentration levels of 0.025, 0.050 and 0.075 μg kg-1 were in the range of 72.57%—86.66% with RSD in the range of 2.56%—8.41%. The interday and interlevel mean recovery value, which has been used to correct routine analysis results, was 80%. The method is rapid, easily automatable and therefore useful for accurate and precise screening of aflatoxin M1 in yoghurt.
Characterization of Immunocompetent Cells in Human Milk of Han Chinese
Authors: Jin Ying-Ying , Wei Zhao  , Cao Rui-Ming , Xi Wang  , Wu Sheng-Mei , Chen Tong-Xin
Published: March 2011

Immunocompetent cells in colostrum and mature breast milk (42 days after delivery) of 64 Chinese females of Han ethnic background were characterized. The total cell numbers in colostrum and mature breast milk were 593 ± 205 × 106/L and 1.74 ± 0.97 × 106/L, respectively. NK cell is the predominant lymphocyte subtype (12.69%). T cells in colostrum express CD40L and CD25 without stimulation, indicating memory T cells in nature. The CD45RA +CD45RO+ subsets of CD4+ T cells are present in both colostrum and mature human milk. The percentage of NK cells and the absolute number of CD4+CD45RO+ T cells in colostrum of atopic mothers were significantly lower than those of mothers without atopy ( P = .006 and .026, respectively). The absolute numbers of CD4 + T lymphocytes and their expression of CD40L were significantly reduced in breast milk of mothers who had undergone cesarean section versus vaginal delivery ( P < .05), indicating that atopy and cesarean delivery are associated with the phenotypes of lymphocytes in colostrum. J Hum Lact. 27(2):155-162.
Balancing Work and Family
Authors: Ogbuanu Chinelo , Glover Saundra , Probst Janice , Hussey James , Liu Jihong
Published: March 2011

This article describes an investigation of the effect of postpartum employment and occupational type on breastfeeding initiation and duration. Data were from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort. Postpartum employment status was classified as full-time, part-time, and not employed. Among postpartum workers, occupational type was classified as management, professional, service, sales, administrative, and “other.” In adjusted analysis, professional women had a 20% greater likelihood of initiating breastfeeding than administrative workers (risk ratio [RR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.30). Full-time workers had a 10% lower likelihood of initiating breastfeeding than those not employed (RR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.97). Among breastfeeding initiators, full-time workers had a 19% lower likelihood of any breastfeeding beyond 6 months than those not employed (RR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.65-0.99). To improve breastfeeding initiation and duration in the United States, part-time options may be an effective solution for working mothers.
The changing Public Service Bargain in the federal administration in Belgium
Authors: De Visscher Christian , Hondeghem Annie , Montuelle Caroline , Van Dorpe Karolien
Published: March 2011

Successive waves of reforms in government have caused radical changes in the relations between top civil servants and politicians. This article examines the extent to which politico—administrative relations have changed in the Belgian federal administration, as a result of the Copernicus reform. Using the concept of Public Service Bargain (PSB), we look at changes in reward, competency and loyalty/responsibility. Research is conducted among the highest ranking officials by means of a questionnaire and interviews. The main research findings reveal the emergence of a ‘hybrid’ public service bargain, instead of the expected ‘managerial’ bargain. The article concludes with some theoretical explanations for these findings.
Holistic Processing Predicts Face Recognition
Authors: Richler Jennifer J. , Cheung Olivia S. , Gauthier Isabel
Published: March 2011

The concept of holistic processing is a cornerstone of face-recognition research. In the study reported here, we demonstrated that holistic processing predicts face-recognition abilities on the Cambridge Face Memory Test and on a perceptual face-identification task. Our findings validate a large body of work that relies on the assumption that holistic processing is related to face recognition. These findings also reconcile the study of face recognition with the perceptual-expertise work it inspired; such work links holistic processing of objects with people’s ability to individuate them. Our results differ from those of a recent study showing no link between holistic processing and face recognition. This discrepancy can be attributed to the use in prior research of a popular but flawed measure of holistic processing. Our findings salvage the central role of holistic processing in face recognition and cast doubt on a subset of the face-perception literature that relies on a problematic measure of holistic processing.
Activity contracts and directives in everyday family politics
Authors: Aronsson Karin , Cekaite Asta
Published: March 2011

In theorizing on family life, children’s agency is a feature of a modern type of family, marked by free choice and inter-generational negotiations rather than parental authority. A video ethnography of Swedish everyday family life documents directive sequences and inter-generational negotiations, including what is here called activity contracts: agreements that form a type of inter-generational account work around target activities (e.g. cleaning one’s room). Within local family politics, contracts and revised contracts emerge as parts of such account work. The analyses focus on how contracts emerge within successive downgradings and upgradings of parental directives. Activity contracts regulate mutual rights and obligations, invoking family rule statements and local moral order, drawing on an array of verbal and nonverbal resources, ranging from parents’ mitigated requests and children’s time bargaining to nonverbal escape strategies and gentle shepherding.
The place of Eastern European researchers in international discourse: Critical discourse analysis applied to corpora from specialized journals
Authors: Tarasheva Elena
Published: March 2011

The present study explores relations of domination in publishing research papers. It assesses the production of articles by authors from the former communist bloc, called here symbolically ‘the East’, against influences from ‘the West’. Knowing that in the past the research scene differed significantly in the two parts of the world, we ask how researchers from the former Eastern bloc fare nowadays on the international scene: do they publish research which brings its own specific contribution; do they differ from their Western colleagues in terms of methodology, in the authorities they quote etc.? We also engage in an analysis of the circumstances of those who contribute to journals to establish factors which stimulate publications. The conclusions concern the place of Eastern European researchers in international linguistics discourse and the sociolinguistic factors shaping the situation.
Exploratory Factor Analysis of African Self-Consciousness Scale Scores
Authors: Bhagwat Ranjit , Kelly Shalonda , Lambert Michael C.
Published: March 2011

This study replicates and extends prior studies of the dimensionality, convergent, and external validity of African Self-Consciousness Scale scores with appropriate exploratory factor analysis methods and a large gender balanced sample ( N = 348). Viable one- and two-factor solutions were cross-validated. Both first factors overlapped significantly and were labeled “Embracing African Heritage.” The second subscale of the two-factor solution was labeled “Refusal to Deny African Heritage.” Only the structural validity of the first factor of the two-factor solution was fully consistent with prior findings. Partial evidence of convergent validity was found for all factors, and only the second factor of the two-factor solution received external validity support. Implications for usage of the African Self-Consciousness Scale and recommendations for further investigation are discussed.
Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index in a Sample of Croatian Adults
Authors: Jurin Tanja , Jokic-Begic Natasa , Korajlija Anita Lauri
Published: March 2011

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) refers to a person’s tendency to fear anxiety-related symptoms due to the belief that these symptoms may have harmful consequences. The most widely used operationalization of AS in adults is the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI). The factor structure, gender stability, and psychometric properties of the ASI in a sample of Croatian adults ( N = 984) were evaluated. Results confirm the multidimensional and hierarchical structure of the ASI, which consisted of three lower-order factors (Physical Concerns, Psychological Concerns, and Social Concerns) and a single higher-order factor, AS. Furthermore, the achievement of normative scores for the ASI in a Croatian adult sample demonstrates the cross-national stability of the ASI. Reliability coefficients for the ASI, Physical Concerns, and Psychological Concerns are high and satisfactory in the total sample and for both genders. Overall, the results confirmed the cross-national stability, gender stability, reliability, and validity of the ASI in a sample of Croatian adults.
On Individual Differences in Person Perception: Raters’ Personality Traits Relate to Their Psychopathy Checklist-Revised Scoring Tendencies
Authors: Miller Audrey K. , Rufino Katrina A. , Boccaccini Marcus T. , Jackson Rebecca L. , Murrie Daniel C.
Published: March 2011

This study investigated raters’ personality traits in relation to scores they assigned to offenders using the Psychopathy Checklist—Revised (PCL-R). A total of 22 participants, including graduate students and faculty members in clinical psychology programs, completed a PCL-R training session, independently scored four criminal offenders using the PCL-R, and completed a comprehensive measure of their own personality traits. A priori hypotheses specified that raters’ personality traits, and their similarity to psychopathy characteristics, would relate to raters’ PCL-R scoring tendencies. As hypothesized, some raters assigned consistently higher scores on the PCL-R than others, especially on PCL-R Facets 1 and 2. Also as hypothesized, raters’ scoring tendencies related to their own personality traits (e.g., higher rater Agreeableness was associated with lower PCL-R Interpersonal facet scoring). Overall, findings underscore the need for future research to examine the role of evaluator characteristics on evaluation results and the need for clinical training to address evaluators’ personality influences on their ostensibly objective evaluations.
Pravastatin Versus Simvastatin for Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Muñoz Monica A. , Maxwell Pamela R. , Green Kay , Hughes Darrel W. , Talbert Robert L.
Published: March 2011

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with long-term morbidity, mortality, and increased health care costs. It has been suggested that statins have pleiotropic effects countering inflammatory and oxidative stress involved in CIN. Several studies support this theory; however, previously published studies have not evaluated the potential differences between statins in reducing the incidence of CIN. The purpose of this retrospective, single-center trial was to compare the incidence of CIN in patients receiving simvastatin or pravastatin therapy undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 261 patients were included (145 received simvastatin and 116 received pravastatin) with the majority undergoing elective PCI. The population was predominantly male (65%), Hispanic (65%), and diabetic (62%), with a mean age of 59 years and a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 85 mg/dL. No significant differences were found between groups for risk factors or prophylactic strategies (eg, hydration). Contrast-induced nephropathy occurred in 26 patients (17.9%) in the simvastatin group versus 10 (8.6%) in the pravastatin group (P < .05). No patients required dialysis as a result of contrast administration. Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 21 patients (14.5%) in the simvastatin group compared to 8 (6.9%) in the pravastatin group (P < .05). In multivariate analysis, the difference between statins remained an independent predictor for the development of CIN. In conclusion, patients on pravastatin had a significantly lower incidence of CIN compared to patients on simvastatin.
The Healthy Teen Girls Project: Comparison of Health Education and STD Risk Reduction Intervention for Incarcerated Adolescent Females
Authors: Robertson Angela R. , St. Lawrence Janet , Morse David T. , Baird-Thomas Connie , Liew Hui , Gresham Kathleen
Published: March 2011

Adolescent girls incarcerated in a state reformatory ( N = 246) were recruited and assigned to an 18-session health education program or a time-equivalent HIV prevention program. Cohorts were assigned to conditions using a randomized block design separated by a washout period to reduce contamination. Post intervention, girls in the HIV risk reduction program demonstrated the acquisition of risk-reduction behavioral skills and improved condom application skill. At a follow-up assessment approximately 9 months after release from the correctional facility, girls in both conditions reported fewer unprotected sexual intercourse occasions and less sex while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
The Power Card Strategy
Authors: Campbell Abbi , Tincani Matt
Published: March 2011

The Power Card strategy is a strength-based intervention to promote social skills of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by capitalizing on their special interests. Although preliminary studies have shown that the Power Card strategy is a promising approach to teach social skills, additional research is needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Power Card strategy in teaching direction following to three first-grade students with ASD within a multiple-baseline across participants design. The Power Card strategy was implemented as prescribed by Gagnon (2001), including functional behavioral assessment of students’ problem responses, determination of students’ special interests, reading of the Power Card scenario, and implementation of the Power Card reminder. The Power Card strategy effectively increased two students’ direction following above baseline levels; these gains maintained 8 weeks following withdrawal of the Power Card reminder. For the third student, the Power Card strategy increased direction following; however, the target behavior returned to baseline levels until the Power Card reminder was reintroduced in the last phase of the study. Classroom staff reported that the Power Card strategy was reasonable to implement and effective in promoting social skills. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are described.
Towards understanding what Australia’s Muslims really think
Authors: Rane Halim , Nathie Mahmood , Isakhan Ben , Abdalla Mohamad
Published: March 2011

Over the past decade, issues concerning Islam and Muslims have featured prominently in public and media discourse. Much of this discourse is stereotypical, anecdotal and often unsubstantiated. Indeed, relative to the extent of comment on Islam and Muslims, few factual data exist on what Muslims really think. This article presents the views and opinions of the Queensland Muslim community based on the findings of a survey conducted at the 2009 Muslim Eid Festival in Brisbane. The findings of this research contradict many of the assumptions made about Australia’s Muslims concerning their views and opinions on a range of social and political issues. The research shows that Muslims highly value Australia’s key social and political institutions, including its democracy, judiciary, education and health-care systems. However, Muslims do express a lack of trust in certain institutions, namely the mass media. Also, consistent with the views of people globally, Muslims are deeply concerned about conflicts in the Middle East as well as the environmental crisis. This article suggests the need for a shift in public discourse to more accurately reflect the commonality, rather than incongruity, between Muslim views, opinions and concerns and those of the wider society.
Polymorphisms of renin-angiotensin system genes as a risk factor for high-altitude pulmonary oedema
Authors: Stobdan Tsering , Ali Zahara , Amjad Pervez Khan  , Nejatizadeh Azim , Ram Rekhbala , Thinlas Tashi , Mohammad Ghulam , Norboo Tsering , Himashree Gidugu , Qadar Pasha MA
Published: March 2011

The genes of the renin—angiotensin system (RAS) play an important role in the regulation of pulmonary vascular tone. Although studies on individual genes polymorphisms have reported association with high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE), studies on multiple genes or epistasis are lacking. We therefore investigated the association of the RAS polymorphisms with HAPE. In a case-control design, we screened 163 HAPE-resistant/controls (HAPE-r) and 160 HAPEpatients (HAPE-p) of Indian origin for eight polymorphisms of four RAS genes, ACE, AGT, AGTR1 and AGTR2. Significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies of the ACE I/D and AGT M235T polymorphisms was observed between HAPE-p and HAPE-r ( p < 0.05). In three-locus haplotype analysis of AGT the haplotype GTM was significantly higher in HAPE-p (29%) and haplotype GTT in HAPE-r (27%) after Bonferroni correction ( p < 0.006). The differences were insignificant for polymorphisms from AGTR1 and AGTR2. The MDR (multifactor dimensional reduction) approach for gene—gene interaction depicted individual polymorphism M235T as the best disease predicting model (cross validation consistency, CVC = 10/10). We found a significant association of D allele of ACE and M allele of AGT with HAPE. The findings are supported at the haplotypic level as well as through nested genetic interaction between the RAS gene polymorphisms using the MDR approach.
Efficacy of eplerenone added to renin-angiotensin blockade in elderly hypertensive patients: the Jichi-Eplerenone Treatment (JET) study
Authors: Yano Yuichiro , Hoshide Satoshi , Tamaki Noboru , Nagata Masahiko , Sasaki Kouji , Kanemaru Yoshimasa , Shimada Kazuyuki , Kario Kazuomi
Published: March 2011

Introduction: We assessed the additional effects of eplerenone to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) on 24-h blood pressure (BP) level, fibrinolytic activity, and cardiovascular protection in elderly (>60 years) hypertensive patients.

Materials and methods: In total, 20 patients (mean age 74 years, 25% men), whose BP was uncontrolled despite the use of anti-hypertensive drugs including ACEIs or ARBs (average 2.4 drugs), received eplerenone once daily (mean 37.5 mg) for 24 weeks.

Results: Eplerenone treatment significantly reduced mean 24-h systolic/diastolic BP levels (143/80 mmHg to 132/74 mmHg, both p < 0.002). The reduction of 24-h systolic BP levels, especially night-time BP, was significantly associated with the reduction of atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide levels (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, after eplerenone treatment, the mean plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen level was significantly reduced (35 ng/ml to 25 ng/ml, p < 0.05), and the median level of plasma procollagen type III aminoterminal peptide and the urinary albumin excretion rate were also significantly reduced (0.8 U/ml to 0.6 U/ml, p < 0.003 and 53 mg/g·Cr to 23 mg/g·Cr, p < 0.05, respectively). During the intervention, eplerenone treatment was well tolerated with no reports of hyperkalaemia or hypotension.

Conclusions: Addition of eplerenone to ACEIs or ARBs in elderly hypertensive patients offers significant benefits in terms of 24-h BP levels, fibrinolysis, and cardiovascular protection.
Impaired dipsogenic and renal response to repetitive intracerebroventricular angiotensin II (AngII) injections in rats
Authors: Zapparoli Adriana , Figueiredo José Francisco , Boer Patricia Aline , Rocha Gontijo José Antonio
Published: March 2011

The role of the central nervous system (CNS) in the control of blood pressure and hydrosaline homeostasis has been demonstrated by several studies. While circulating angiotensin II (AngII) tends to retain sodium by a direct renal action as well as through aldosterone release, stimulation of brain AngII receptors has been reported to induce natriuresis. Repetitive intracerebroventricular AngII injection was recently demonstrated to be capable of leading to desensitisation of the dipsogenic effect of AngII stimuli. The aim of the current study was to investigate a possible central desensitisation to AngII stimuli by observing the effects of a low-concentration solution of AngII on the dipsogenic and natriuretic mechanisms in conscious rats, compared with appropriate age-matched 0.15 M NaCl-injected subjects, as evaluated by lithium clearance. The present report confirmed earlier reports on the potent natriuretic and dipsogenic effects of central AngII receptor stimulation. Natriuresis is mediated by a decrease in sodium reabsorption in the proximal and post-proximal tubule segments of the nephron. The current findings lend further support to the idea that AngII, in the CNS, is instrumental in the regulation of body fluid homeostasis. The magnitude of the dipsogenic and renal response to AngII was significantly decreased by repetitive stimulus.
Remembering Popular Music, Documentary Style
Authors: Huber Alison
Published: March 2011

Over the past forty years, a growing number of television documentaries have attempted to produce a history of Anglo-American popular music for a wide audience. This article represents an attempt to come to terms with the particularity of the popular music documentary form and the different ways in which these documentaries present themselves as authoritative public texts that circulate understandings about popular music’s past. The argument is inspired by the landmark mid-1970s installment in this tradition: Tony Palmer’s epic seventeen-part narrative, All You Need Is Love. While this series makes strong historical claims—in Palmer’s words, it sets out to tell “nothing less than the entire history and development of popular music”—the author argues that the series is, in fact, based on the tropes and discourses of memory. Through an analysis of some of the particular formal and aesthetic characteristics of the series, this article reveals the ways in which talking and thinking about the past of popular music and its culture necessarily call on an experience of the senses that is simultaneously replayed and refracted as memory.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Authors: Fattal-Valevski Aviva
Published: March 2011

Thiamine (vitamin B 1) was the first B vitamin to have been identified. It serves as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in energy metabolism. The thiamine-dependent enzymes are important for the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and for the production of reducing substances used in oxidant stress defenses, as well as for the synthesis of pentoses used as nucleic acid precursors. Thiamine plays a central role in cerebral metabolism. Its deficiency results in dry beriberi, a peripheral neuropathy, wet beriberi, a cardiomyopathy with edema and lactic acidosis, and Wernicke—Korsakoff syndrome, whose manifestations consist of nystagmus, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia evolving into confusion, retrograde amnesia, cognitive impairment, and confabulation. Patients on a strict thiamine-deficient diet display a state of severe depletion within 18 days. The most common cause of thiamine deficiency in affluent countries is either alcoholism or malnutrition in nonalcoholic patients. Treatment by thiamine supplementation is beneficial for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Vitamin B6: Beyond Adequacy
Authors: Bender David A.
Published: March 2011

There is good agreement concerning average requirements and reference intakes for vitamin B6 but less agreement over safe upper levels from supplements. High-dose supplements cause sensory nerve damage. Supplements of vitamin B6 have been advocated for treatment of the premenstrual syndrome, with little evidence of efficacy. There are plausible mechanisms for an antidepressant action and protection against steroid hormone—dependent cancers but no evidence from clinical trials. Pyridoxamine reduces the glycation of proteins and so could be beneficial in preventing the adverse effects of poor glycemic control in diabetes. There are plausible mechanisms for an antihypertensive action but only suggestive evidence from small intervention trials. There is no evidence that supplements of vitamin B6 have any beneficial effect in hyperhomocysteinemia. There is neither a plausible mechanism nor any evidence from controlled trials for any effect of supplements of vitamin B6 in preventing a decline in cognitive function with aging, amelioration of dementia or autism, or improvement of the carpal tunnel syndrome.