bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of integrating a physical activity counsellor into the primary health care team: physical activity and health outcomes of the Physical Activity Counselling randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fortier Michelle S. , Hogg William , O’Sullivan Tracey L. , Blanchard Christopher , Sigal Ronald J. , Reid Robert D. , Boulay Pierre , Doucet Éric , Bisson Étienne , Beaulac Julie , Culver Diane
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this paper was to report the physical activity and health outcomes results from the Physical Activity Counselling (PAC) trial. Patients (n = 120, mean age 47.3 ± 11.1 years, 69.2% female) who reported less than 150 min of physical activity per week were recruited from a large community-based Canadian primary care practice. After receiving brief physical activity counselling from their provider, they were randomized to receive 6 additional patient-centered counselling sessions over 3 months from a physical activity counsellor (intensive-counselling group; n = 61), or no further intervention (brief-counselling group; n = 59). Physical activity (self-reported and accelerometer) was measured every 6 weeks up to 25 weeks (12 weeks postintervention). Quality of life was also assessed, and physical and metabolic outcomes were evaluated in a randomly selected subset of patients (33%). In the intent-to-treat analyses of covariance, the intensive-counselling group self-reported significantly higher levels of physical activity at 6 weeks (p = 0.009) and 13 weeks (p = 0.01). There were no differences in self-reported physical activity between the groups after the intervention in the follow-up period, nor was there any increase in accelerometer-measured physical activity. Finally, the intensive-counselling patients showed greater decreases in percent body fat and total fat mass from 13 weeks to 25 weeks. Results for physical activity depended on the method used, with positive short-term results with self-report and no effects with the accelerometers. Between-group differences were found for body composition in that the intensive-counselling patients decreased more. A multisite randomized controlled trial with a longer intensive intervention and follow-up is warranted.
Step-based translation of physical activity guidelines in the Lower Mississippi Delta
Authors: Harrington Deirdre M. , Tudor-Locke Catrine , Champagne Catherine M. , Broyles Stephanie T. , Harsha David W. , Kennedy Betty M. , Johnson William D. , Allen Ray , Katzmarzyk Peter T.
Published: August 2011

To determine how many steps·day–1 equate to current moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines in a population from the Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) of the United States, 58 overweight adults wore an Actigraph accelerometer (GT3X) for up to 2 weeks. Min·day–1 in MVPA was a good predictor of steps·day–1 (r2 = 0.62; p < 0.001; linear regression), such that 30 min of daily MVPA equated to 9154 steps·day–1 (mixed-model approach). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, sensitivity and specificity were optimized at 8357 steps·day–1. Results indicate that overweight residents of the LMD should be accumulating at least 8300–9100 steps·day–1 to meet the recommendation of 30 min·day–1 MVPA.
Edmonton Obesity Staging System: association with weight history and mortality risk
Authors: Kuk Jennifer L. , Ardern Chris I. , Church Timothy S. , Sharma Arya M. , Padwal Raj , Sui Xuemei , Blair Steven N.
Published: August 2011

We sought to determine whether the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS), a newly proposed tool using obesity-related comorbidities, can help identify obese individuals who are at greater mortality risk. Data from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (n = 29 533) were used to assess mortality risk in obese individuals by EOSS stage (follow-up (SD), 16.2 (7.5) years). The effect of weight history and lifestyle factors on EOSS classification was explored. Obese participants were categorized, using a modified EOSS definition, as stages 0 to 3, based on the severity of their risk profile and conditions (stage 0, no risk factors or comorbidities; stage 1, mild conditions; and stages 2 and 3, moderate to severe conditions). Compared with normal-weight individuals, obese individuals in stage 2 or 3 had a greater risk of all-cause mortality (stage 2 hazards ratio (HR) (95% CI), 1.6 (1.3–2.0); stage 3 HR, 1.7 (1.4–2.0)) and cardiovascular-related mortality (stage 2 HR, 2.1 (1.6–2.8); stage 3 HR. 2.1 (1.6–2.8)). Stage 0/1 was not associated with higher mortality risk. Lower self-ascribed preferred weight, weight at age 21, cardiorespiratory fitness, reported dieting, and fruit and vegetable intake were each associated with an elevated risk for stage 2 or 3. Thus, EOSS offers clinicians a useful approach to identify obese individuals at elevated risk of mortality who may benefit from more attention to weight management. Further research is necessary to determine what EOSS factors are most predictive of mortality risk, and whether these findings can be generalized to other obese populations.
THERMAL EFFECTS IN JAYNES–CUMMINGS MODEL DERIVED WITH LOW-TEMPERATURE EXPANSION
Authors: AZUMA HIROO , BAN MASASHI
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we investigate thermal effects of the Jaynes–Cummings model (JCM) at finite temperature with a perturbative approach. We assume a single two-level atom and a single cavity mode to be initially in the thermal equilibrium state and the thermal coherent state, respectively, at a certain finite low temperature. Describing this system with Thermo Field Dynamics formalism, we obtain a low-temperature expansion of the atomic population inversion in a systematic manner. Letting the system evolve in time with the JCM Hamiltonian, we examine thermal effects of the collapse and the revival of the Rabi oscillations by means of the third-order perturbation theory under the low-temperature limit, that is to say, using the low-temperature expansion up to the third-order terms. From an intuitive discussion, we can expect that the period of the revival of the Rabi oscillations becomes longer as the temperature rises. Numerical results obtained with the perturbation theory reproduce well this temperature dependence of the period.
A MODEL OF COLUMNAR JOINTING
Authors: JUNGEN MATHIAS
Published: August 2011

We propose to use nonlinear elasticity to model the propagation of cracks in cooling lava. In particular, our work aims to understand the enigmatic fracture process that leads to the formation of column joints. Column joints are plane fracture surfaces fragmenting a basalt flow into prismatic columns. These columns are characterized by their polygonal cross-section and usually exhibit a strikingly high degree of regularity. We present a variational model with the assumption that the fracture process seeks to minimize the total energy of the system. The expression for the elastic energy is simplified and the configuration of minimal energy is analytically determined by a rigorous derivation. Further, we study the behavior of the energy under Steiner and Schwarz symmetrization of the column cross-section. In particular, we prove that the minimum of the energy among all possible convex and bounded column cross-sections B ⊂ ℝ2 is attained when B is the two-disk. Our results thus give strong evidence supporting the conjecture that the minimal energy is attained for a regular hexagon when the column cross-section is further required to tile the plane.
ON TIKHONOV REGULARIZATION AND COMPRESSIVE SENSING FOR SEISMIC SIGNAL PROCESSING
Authors: WANG YANFEI , YANG CHANGCHUN , CAO JINGJIE
Published: August 2011

Using compressive sensing and sparse regularization, one can nearly completely reconstruct the input (sparse) signal using limited numbers of observations. At the same time, the reconstruction methods by compressing sensing and optimizing techniques overcome the obstacle of the number of sampling requirement of the Shannon/Nyquist sampling theorem. It is well known that seismic reflection signal may be sparse, sometimes and the number of sampling is insufficient for seismic surveys. So, the seismic signal reconstruction problem is ill-posed. Considering the ill-posed nature and the sparsity of seismic inverse problems, we study reconstruction of the wavefield and the reflection seismic signal by Tikhonov regularization and the compressive sensing. The l0, l1 and l2 regularization models are studied. Relationship between Tikhonov regularization and the compressive sensing is established. In particular, we introduce a general lp - lq (p, q ≥ 0) regularization model, which overcome the limitation on the assumption of convexity of the objective function. Interior point methods and projected gradient methods are studied. To show the potential for application of the regularized compressive sensing method, we perform both synthetic seismic signal and field data compression and restoration simulations using a proposed piecewise random sub-sampling. Numerical performance indicates that regularized compressive sensing is applicable for practical seismic imaging.
FRACTAL GROWTH PATTERNS AND OSCILLATIONS IN POTENTIAL DURING ELECTROPOLYMERIZATION OF ANILINE WITH MONO- AND MIXED SURFACTANTS
Authors: DAS ISHWAR , AGRAWAL NAMITA R. , CHOUDHARY RINKI , GUPTA SANJEEV KUMAR
Published: August 2011

Fractal growth patterns of polyaniline were developed during electropolymerization of aniline using the surfactants sodium dodecyl sulphate (NaDS) and NaDS containing cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Growth kinetics was studied and electric potential oscillations were monitored as a function of time. On addition of CTAB polymer growth was inhibited due to coordination of CTAB with the growing polyaniline chain. The average particle size of the polymer aggregate obtained from aniline- NaDS-H2O system was ~150 nm as evident by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) results. Polymer aggregates were characterized by electrical conductivity measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric (TG) studies. An interaction between NaDS and aniline was observed in the absence of electric field as evident by (i) electrical conductivity of aqueous solution of NaDS in the absence and presence of aniline, and (ii) their crystallization patterns on microslides. A mechanism for the development of fractal patterns and electrical potential oscillations is proposed on the basis of diffusion limited aggregation process.
Entity Type Disambiguation in User Queries
Authors: Bazzanella Barbara , Stoermer Heiko , Bouquet Paolo
Published: August 2011

Searching for information about individual entities such as persons, locations, events, is an important activity in Internet search today, and is in its core a very semantic-oriented task. Several ways for accessing such information exist, but for locating entity-specific information, search engines are the most commonly used approach. In this context, keyword queries are the primary means of retrieving information about a specific entity. We believe that an important first step of performing such a task is to understand what type of entity the user is looking for. We call this process Entity Type Disambiguation. In this paper, we present a Naive Bayesian Model for entity type disambiguation that explores our assumption that an entity type can be inferred from the attributes a user specifies in a search query. The model has been applied to queries provided by a large sample of participants in an experiment performing an entity search task. The beneficial impact of this approach for the development of new search systems is discussed.
BaRMS: A Bayesian Reputation Management Approach for P2P Systems
Authors: Long Xuelian , Joshi James
Published: August 2011

Current distributed Peer-to-Peer (P2P) applications offer a variety of flexible and convenient services through the Internet to users from different geographic locations and also support enhanced communications and interactions among them. However, security and trust are the key concerns in such applications as users in such an environment are typically unknown to each other. Trust management systems aim to decrease the risks in such applications and protect benign users from malicious users. In this paper, we introduce six attack models and propose a novel Bayesian Reputation Management System (BaRMS) for P2P environments using Bayesian probability and Markov Chain theories. BaRMS handles both positive and negative feedback. Through a case study, we show that this approach is better than the existing EigenTrust framework for P2P systems. Moreover, our simulation results of a P2P file sharing system also show that the proposed algorithm can greatly improve the performance over a system that does not include a trust management service under various attack models. We show that our proposed Bayesian Reputation Computation Algorithm (BaRCA) performs better than the EigenTrust algorithm under various models.
ON SWAPPING THE STATES OF TWO QUDITS
Authors: WILMOTT COLIN M.
Published: August 2011

The SWAP gate has become an integral component of quantum circuit architecture where its primary role is given to permuting the states of two qubits. We consider the question of whether a two-qudit quantum circuit composed entirely from instances of the generalized controlled-NOT gate can be constructed to permute the states of two qudits. Arguing via the signature of a permutation, we demonstrate the impossibility of such circuits for dimensions d ≡ 3 (mod 4).
Polyoligopeptides functionalized zinc(II)porphyrins: Step towards artificial hemes
Authors: Aly Shawkat M. , Guernon Hannah , Guérin Brigitte , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: August 2011

Two new zinc(II)porphyrin oligopeptide conjugates (zinc(II)-5,10,15,20-bis[4-(peptide)- phenyl]porphyrin (5) and -tetrakis[3,5-di(peptide)phenyl]porphyrin (9; peptide = -CH2(CO)Gly-Phe-Ala-CNH2) were prepared using the click chemistry with azides and ethynyl-containing precursors. The spectroscopic signature (S0→S1 and transient T1→Tn absorption, excitation and emission spectra) are typical for zinc(II)porphyrin and shows no perturbation upon anchoring the oligopeptides, whereas some small decreases in the photophysical parameters (𝜏F and ΦF), and larger decrease in T1 lifetimes are noted, which are attributable to the known "loose bolt" effect. The structure for 9 in solution was addressed qualitatively using computer modeling and the comparison of the bimolecular fluorescence quenching rate constants between 5 and 9 using C60 as a photooxidative agent. While 5 exhibits a totally accessible zinc(II)porphyrin unit for a C60 approach, 9 shows a slower quenching rate constant meaning some steric hindrance must be present.
Liver-brain inflammation axis
Authors: D'Mello Charlotte , Swain Mark G.
Published: August 2011

It is becoming increasingly evident that peripheral organ-centered inflammatory diseases, including chronic inflammatory liver diseases, are associated with changes in central neural transmission that result in alterations in behavior. These behavioral changes include sickness behaviors, such as fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. While such behaviors have a significant impact on quality of life, the changes within the brain and the communication pathways between the liver and the brain that give rise to changes in central neural activity are not fully understood. Traditionally, neural and humoral communication pathways have been described, with the three cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 receiving the most attention in mediating communication between the periphery and the brain, in the setting of peripheral inflammation. However, more recently, we described an immune-mediated communication pathway in experimentally induced liver inflammation whereby, in response to activation of resident immune cells in the brain (i.e., the microglia), peripheral circulating monocytes transmigrate into the brain, leading to development of sickness behaviors. These signaling pathways drive changes in behavior by altering central neurotransmitter systems. Specifically, changes in serotonergic and corticotropin-releasing hormone neurotransmission have been demonstrated and implicated in liver inflammation-associated sickness behaviors. Understanding how the liver communicates with the brain in the setting of chronic inflammatory liver diseases will help delineate novel therapeutic targets that can reduce the burden of symptoms in patients with liver disease.
Angiotensin II potentiates adrenergic and muscarinic modulation of guinea pig intracardiac neurons
Authors: Girasole Allison E. , Palmer Christopher P. , Corrado Samantha L. , Marie Southerland E. , Ardell Jeffrey L. , Hardwick Jean C.
Published: August 2011

The intrinsic cardiac plexus represents a major peripheral integration site for neuronal, hormonal, and locally produced neuromodulators controlling efferent neuronal output to the heart. This study examined the interdependence of norepinephrine, muscarinic agonists, and ANG II, to modulate intrinsic cardiac neuronal activity. Intracellular voltage recordings from whole-mount preparations of the guinea pig cardiac plexus were used to determine changes in active and passive electrical properties of individual intrinsic cardiac neurons. Application of either adrenergic or muscarinic agonists induced changes in neuronal resting membrane potentials, decreased afterhyperpolarization duration of single action potentials, and increased neuronal excitability. Adrenergic responses were inhibited by removal of extracellular calcium ions, while muscarinic responses were inhibited by application of TEA. The adrenergic responses were heterogeneous, responding to a variety of receptor-specific agonists (phenylephrine, clonidine, dobutamine, and terbutaline), although α-receptor agonists produced the most frequent responses. Application of ANG II alone produced a significant increase in excitability, while application of ANG II in combination with either adrenergic or muscarinic agonists produced a much larger potentiation of excitability. The ANG II-induced modulation of firing was blocked by the angiotensin type 2 (AT2) receptor inhibitor PD 123319 and was mimicked by the AT2 receptor agonist CGP-42112A. AT1 receptor blockade with telmasartin did not alter neuronal responses to ANG II. These data demonstrate that ANG II potentiates both muscarinically and adrenergically mediated activation of intrinsic cardiac neurons, doing so primarily via AT2 receptor-dependent mechanisms. These neurohumoral interactions may be fundamental to regulation of neuronal excitability within the intrinsic cardiac nervous system.
Pre- and postnatal differences in membrane, action potential, and ion channel properties of rostral nucleus of the solitary tract neurons
Authors: Suwabe Takeshi , Mistretta Charlotte M. , Krull Catherine , Bradley Robert M.
Published: August 2011

There is little known about the prenatal development of the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST) neurons in rodents or the factors that influence circuit formation. With morphological and electrophysiological techniques in vitro, we investigated differences in the biophysical properties of rNST neurons in pre- and postnatal rats from embryonic day 14 (E14) through postnatal day 20. Developmental changes in passive membrane and action potential (AP) properties and the emergence and maturation of ion channels important in neuron function were characterized. Morphological maturation of rNST neurons parallels changes in passive membrane properties. Mean soma size, dendritic branch points, neurite endings, and neurite length all increase prenatally. whereas neuron resting membrane potential, input resistance, and time constant decrease. Dendritic spines, on the other hand, develop after birth. AP discharge patterns alter in pre- and postnatal stages. At E14, neurons generated a single TTX-sensitive, voltage-gated Na+ AP when depolarized; a higher discharge rate appeared at older stages. AP amplitude, half-width, and rise and fall times all change during development. Responses to current injection revealed a number of voltage-gated conductances in embryonic rNST, including a hyperpolarization-activated inward current and a low-threshold Ca2+ current that initiated Ca2+ spikes. A hyperpolarization-activated, transient outward potassium current was also present in the developing neurons. Although the properties of these channels change during development, they are present before synapses form and therefore, can contribute to initial establishment of neural circuits, as well as to the changing electrophysiological properties in developing rNST neurons.
Modulation and transmission of peripheral inputs in monkey cuneate and external cuneate nuclei
Authors: Witham Claire L. , Baker Stuart N.
Published: August 2011

Somatosensory signals undergo substantial modulation in the dorsal column nuclei. We examined transmission of signals from forelimb afferents in primate cuneate and external cuneate nuclei. In anesthetized macaque monkeys, the median, ulnar, deep radial, and superficial radial nerves were electrically stimulated at 1.5–2× motor threshold with independent Poisson trains whereas extracellular recordings were made from 317 cells. Responses to peripheral stimulation included instances of both brief facilitation and long lasting suppression. A high proportion of cells (87%) responded to stimulation of two or more peripheral nerves, suggesting a large amount of convergence. Facilitated cells showed coherence with the peripheral stimulation across a broad frequency range; coherence was especially high in cells that responded with a burst of action potentials. Cells that responded with suppression also showed significant coherence, but this fell rapidly for frequencies above 25 Hz. Similar results were seen in both the main and external cuneate. When stimulation of one nerve was conditioned by a preceding nerve stimulus, the response to the second stimulus was attenuated for around 40 ms. This occurred independently of whether the first stimulus produced an initial facilitation or suppression or whether the same or a different nerve served as a conditioning stimulus. Mechanical stimulation of a receptive field suppressed responses to a second identical mechanical stimulus over a similar timescale. We conclude that the primate cuneate nucleus is capable of transmitting temporal information about stimuli with high fidelity; stimuli interact both temporally and spatially to modulate the onward transmission of information.
Exponential Decay to Thermoelastic Systems over Noncylindrical Domains
Authors: Fatori Luci Harue , Klaiber Michelle
Published: August 2011

This paper is concerned with linear thermoelastic systems defined in domains with moving boundary. The uniform rate of decay of the energy associated is proved.
Reduced Serum Caeruloplasmin Levels in Non-Wilsonian Movement Disorders
Authors: Ling Helen , Bhidayasiri Roongroj
Published: August 2011

Reduction in caeruloplasmin (Cp) levels is sometimes found in other sporadic movement disorders, not limited to Wilson’s disease (WD). Serum levels of Cp, copper, iron and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were measured in 71 patients with various diagnoses of movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), atypical parkinsonian disorders, tardive dyskinesia, essential tremor, and idiopathic focal dystonia, and compared with those of 26 healthy age- and gender-matched controls. The mean Cp level in the patient group was 20.5 ± 4.2 mg/dl , lower than in controls (23.5 ± 7.2 mg/dl; p = 0.005). In subgroup analysis, mean Cp level of PD patients (19.6 ± 3.0 mg/dl) was lower than that of controls (p = 0.045). In a group analysis as neurodegenerative movement disorders (NDD), their mean Cp level was 19.9 ± 3.0 mg/dl, lower than that of controls (p = 0.019). Linear regression analysis indicated that the presence of NDD was the main factor associated with lower Cp levels. The finding of reduced serum Cp level in non-Wilsonian movement disorders and selective reduction in the neurodegenerative subgroup supports the notion that Cp might be associated with the cascade of neurotoxicity in NDD. The variation in Cp level in other non-WD conditions highlights the fact that Cp level is a poor screening test for WD in the absence of clear clinical suspicion.
The Nigerian Armed Forces and Sexual Violence in Ogoniland of the Niger Delta Nigeria, 1990–1999
Authors: Odoemene Akachi
Published: August 2011

Ogoniland in the Niger Delta was subjected to excessive militarization during Nigeria’s military dictatorships. Nigerian Armed Forces used acts of violence and repression, including various forms of sexual violence, as instruments to intimidate the people and ultimately contain the “Ogoni insurgency.” This article reconstructs the history of the military occupation of Ogoniland and the acts of sexual violence perpetrated by Nigerian Armed Forces—an area in which little research has previously been conducted. It examines the factors contributing to acts of violence in the Ogoni conflicts committed with the active complicity of the State in the context of a nationalized conflict. Data for the study were derived from both primary and secondary sources, including in-person and focus group interviews. An imbalance of power relations was identified as the ultimate cause of violent acts, which were used as demonstrations of power and weapons of State terrorism. The wider sociocultural meanings and implications of these violations are diverse, deep-rooted, and altogether utterly destructive to the social fabric of Nigeria. Finally, the unwillingness of the State to engage with this historical episode in Ogoniland could lead to repeated violence in Ogoniland and elsewhere.
Examining Markets, Marketing, Consumers, and Society through Documentary Films
Authors: Belk Russell
Published: August 2011

Documentary film is over 100 years old and includes subgenres such as ethnography, historical film, docu-drama, propaganda, and advocacy videos. With numerous film archives, film festivals, special DVD issues of journals, inexpensive video recording and editing equipment, Internet distribution, and the phenomenal growth of archival Internet sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, there are now hundreds of millions of documentary films and videos available to the interested researcher. The author argues that the macromarketing field has greatly underutilized this vast resource and suggests examples of sources and uses for such material. The author also suggests some aids for acquiring critical visual literacy skills to inform such analyses. Just as we rely on our libraries and online access for books and print journals, we can readily do the same with documentary films. Such analytical projects can be presented as either video documentaries themselves, as text-based articles and books, or as multimedia combinations. Film, video, Internet, and television images arguably do more to influence public perceptions of marketing, consumption, and life than any other medium. There is thus a great opportunity to understand society through this window on the world.
Substance Use Disorders in Forensic Psychiatry
Authors: Kraanen Fleur L. , Scholing Agnes , Emmelkamp Paul M. G.
Published: August 2011

This is the first study that compared different types of offenders in forensic outpatient treatment (i.e., offenders of general violence [GV], intimate partner violence [IPV], sex crimes, and “other offenses” such as drug smuggling and property crimes) regarding the prevalence of substance use disorders at the time of the offense. In total, 35.8% of participants ( n = 187) were diagnosed with any substance use disorder. Specifically, 61.5% of GV perpetrators, 30.9% of IPV perpetrators, 9.1% of sex offenders, and 26.7% of “other offenders” were diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence. More GV offenders and less sex offenders fulfilled diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder. Furthermore, 29.9% of the offenders were intoxicated by substances at the moment they committed the offense (48.5% of GV perpetrators, 25.0% of IPV perpetrators, 17.4% of sex offenders, and 21.0% of other offenders). More GV perpetrators were intoxicated during the offense. As there is a clear association between substance abuse and criminal behavior, substance abuse in offenders should be assessed and, if present, be treated.
Stock returns and consumption factors in the Australian market: Cross-sectional tests
Authors: Li Bin , Liu Benjamin , Roca Eduardo
Published: August 2011

We test conditional consumption capital asset pricing models (CCAPMs) in the Australian equity market. The conditional variables used are Lettau and Ludvigson’s (2001a , b ) consumption–wealth ratio, Campbell and Cochrane’s (1999) surplus consumption ratio and Santos and Veronesi’s (2006) labour income to consumption ratio. We examine the cross-sectional implications of these variables using the Fama–French 25 size and book-to-market portfolios and Australian industry portfolios. The Fama–MacBeth (1973) cross-sectional regressions on the 25 size/book-to-market portfolios show that the conditional models perform better than the unconditional models. However, these conditional models cannot outperform the Fama–French three-factor model. The conditional CCAPM, with the labour income to consumption ratio as a scaling factor, can match more closely the performance of the Fama–French three-factor model. We also find that consumption growth is non-contemporaneously related to portfolio returns.
Dividend initiations and long-run IPO performance
Authors: How Janice CY , Ngo Kian , Verhoeven Peter
Published: August 2011

Dividend initiations are an economically significant event that has important implications for a firm’s future financial capacity. Given the market’s expectation of a consistent payout, managers of IPO firms must approach the initial dividend decision cautiously. We compare the long-run performance of IPO firms that initiated a dividend with that of similarly matched non-payers, and find robust results that firms which initiated a dividend perform significantly better up to five years after the initiation date. Further tests show that the post-initiation firm performance is explained mostly by dividend theory of signalling rather than free cash flow.
Impaired Social Behavior in Children With Benign Childhood Epilepsy With Centrotemporal Spikes
Authors: Genizi Jacob , Shamay-Tsoory Simone G. , Shahar Eli , Yaniv Shoshana , Aharon-Perez Judith
Published: August 2011

The aim of the present study was to assess the emotional and cognitive aspects of social cognition among patients with rolandic epilepsy. A computerized neuropsychological battery was used for cognitive evaluation. Affective and cognitive social cognition were evaluated using two computerized Theory of Mind tasks. Cognitive abilities and social behavior of 15 children, diagnosed with rolandic epilepsy, ages 7 to 13 years were assessed and compared with 15 age- and education-matched healthy controls. Compared with controls, the epileptic patients had lower scores on verbal and visual learning rate parameters and on verbal processing and were significantly impaired on “affective Theory of Mind” tasks but not on “cognitive Theory of Mind” conditions. Our findings raise the possibility that rolandic epilepsy may affect neural networks affecting cognition and mediating social cognition essential for social behavior, thus challenging the benign nature of the condition.
Stabilizing effects of European Works Councils: Examples from the automotive industry
Authors: Hertwig Markus , Pries Ludger , Rampeltshammer Luitpold
Published: August 2011

This article presents a theoretical model in order to understand and explain forms of cross-border interest representation by European Works Councils. It argues that both their structures and activities and their outcomes can be explained by drawing on four theoretical rationales: the structures and coordination patterns of the company concerned, cultural-institutional factors linked to the ‘country-of-origin effect’, historical trajectories and actors’ strategies. This argument is supported by empirical data from case study research in three automotive assembly companies.
Private sector career trajectories for women in Denmark and the USA: Welfare state services versus corporate diversity programmes
Authors: Knudsen Jette Steen
Published: August 2011

According to welfare state theories, women pursuing high-level careers benefit from access to maternity-leave programmes and child care. Yet this is not the complete picture. While theories exploring public policy highlight the contribution of welfare services to the relative productivity of women compared to men, these theories should be complemented with a focus on conditions internal to the firm and in particular the organization of human resources. I focus on IT and pharmaceutical firms in the USA and Denmark, and show that US companies manage compliance by setting clear goals for gender diversity while this is not the case in Denmark. Furthermore, US subsidiaries in Denmark view the US paradigm of equality of outcome as more attractive than the Danish paradigm of equality of opportunity. The Danish welfare state is increasingly seen by human resource managers as inadequate when it comes to promoting female managers in the private sector.
Histone modifications and methyl-CpG-binding domain protein levels at the TNFSF7 (CD70) promoter in SLE CD4+ T cells
Authors: Zhou Y , Qiu X , Luo Y , Yuan J , Li Y , Zhong Q , Zhao M , Lu Q
Published: August 2011

Abstract: In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), T lymphocytes overexpress CD70 ( TNFSF7 gene), leading to the synthesis of autoreactive IgGs. CD70 upregulation in SLE CD4+ T cells is associated with hypomethylation of TNFSF7 promoter. In this study, we explored histone modifications in the TNFSF7 promoter region in SLE CD4+ T cells, and characterized the effects of a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (5-azaC) and a histone deacetylase inhibitor (TSA) on CD70 expression. We found that CD70 mRNA was significantly increased in active lupus CD4+ T cells, and in control cells treated with 5-azaC, TSA, or both. Histone H3 acetylation and dimethylated H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me2) levels were significantly elevated in patients with lupus, and both factors correlated positively with disease activity. MeCP2 protein levels within the TNFSF7 promoter decreased in patients with active lupus. Treatment of CD4+ T cells with 5-azaC alone significantly raised H3K4 dimethyl levels at the TNFSF7 locus. TSA treatment significantly increased H3 and H4 acetylation levels, as well as levels of H3K4 dimethylation at the TNFSF7 locus. Treatment with 5-azaC plus TSA enhanced H3 acetylation levels. These findings indicate that aberrant histone modifications within the TNFSF7 promoter may contribute to the development of lupus by increasing CD70 expression in CD4+ T cells.
Twelve-Month Mortality Among Delirium Subtypes
Authors: DeCrane Susan K. , Culp Kennith R. , Wakefield Bonnie
Published: August 2011

This study used data from the Delirium Among the Elderly in Rural Long-Term Care Facilities Study and data from the National Death Index (NDI) to examine mortality among 320 individuals. Individuals were grouped into noncases, subsyndromal cases, hypoactive delirium, hyperactive delirium, and mixed delirium on the basis of scoring using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), NEECHAM Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Assessment of Confusion-A (CAC-A), and Vigilance A instruments. Risk ratios of mortality using “days of survival” did not reach statistical significance (α = .05) for any subgroup. Underlying cause of death (UCD) using International Classification of Disease, 10th version (ICD-10), showed typical UCD among older adults. There appeared to be clinical differences in UCD between delirium subgroups. Findings supported the conclusion that careful monitoring of patients with delirium and subsyndromal delirium is needed to avoid complications and injuries that could increase mortality.
Benign multiple sclerosis: a new definition of this entity is needed
Authors: Correale Jorge , Peirano Isabel , Romano Lucas
Published: August 2011

Background: To study a cohort of benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) patients beyond physical disability, including the evaluation of cognitive and social function, as well as fatigue, pain and MRI studies.

Methods: A cohort of 342 patients was prospectively followed for 10.9 ± 0.71 years. Forty-three patients (12.5%) met the BMS diagnosis criteria [Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) < 3 after at least 10 years’ disease duration], undergoing full neurological examination every 6 months. Neuropsychological status, pain, fatigue, social functioning and work-related disability, as well as brain MRIs, were assessed yearly.

Results: By the end of follow-up, 20 of 43 BMS patients (47%) had suffered cognitive impairment and 23 (53.3%) referred depression. Furthermore, 21 (48.8%) reported significant changes in pain intensity, with fatigue and environmental severity scores significantly increasing over time in 33–35% of patients. Finally, 32 BMS patients (74%) showed significant increase in the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions, gadolinium-enhanced lesions, and persistent black holes, without changes in EDSS. Thirty-five of 43 patients (81%) fulfilling the BMS diagnostic criteria showed significant worsening of cognitive function, fatigue, pain or depression during the 10-year follow-up.

Conclusions: Currently accepted criteria for BMS diagnosis may cause overestimation of true prevalence, underscoring the need for routine monitoring of non-motor symptoms and imaging studies, to help physicians improve diagnostic accuracy as well as therapeutic decision-making in this subgroup of MS patients.
Hypotheses-Based Study for Adapting LEED to a Qatari Green Metric for Tall Buildings
Authors: Ibrahim Hatem Galal A.
Published: August 2011

The market has identified Qatar, in the Arabian Gulf, as one of the busiest construction areas in the world. In line with this, tall buildings have arisen in Doha city because of economic necessity. Accordingly, government officials have revealed that Qatar will see the rise of about 800 tall buildings by 2016.

A hypothesis-based study has been conducted using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – (LEED) as a reference, to measure the green performance of Qatari buildings including the variables: sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design. These variables were analysed in accordance to the current needs of Qatar and its future plan. Using the LEED variables comparatively, this paper suggests adaptations to the weight assigned to these variables in the LEED scheme, to meet specific Qatari conditions for tall buildings in Qatar. The findings should encourage decision makers and local authorities who are interested in the subject to refine the knowledge related to the future development of the Qatari green scheme and contribute to the urgent need for research-based green criteria for Qatar by introducing knowledge and principles to be implemented in developing a green metric scheme for the tall buildings in Qatar.
The Distracted Driver
Authors: Hurts Karel , Angell Linda S. , Perez Miguel A.
Published: August 2011

This chapter investigates driver distraction, a pressing road safety issue. First, research findings regarding the demands placed on drivers by the primary driving tasks and various non-driving-related secondary tasks are reviewed. Second, promising theories and models are reviewed for characterizing how driver distraction is caused and how it affects the driving task. Third, a review is provided of current investigation and measurement methods used in distraction research, guidelines, standards, antidistraction devices, and antidistraction legislation. Fourth, the most important implications from this review are summarized for the various stakeholders in the driver distraction debate. And finally, some important issues for future research into driver distraction are discussed, as is the importance of considering driver distraction in the context of an integrated safety vision.
Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Jones Keith S. , Schmidlin Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2011

The widespread adoption of personal service robots will likely depend on how well they interact with users. This chapter was motivated by a desire to facilitate the design of usable personal service robots. Toward that end, this chapter reviews the literature concerning people interacting with personal service robots. First, ongoing research related to the design of personal service robots is discussed. This material is organized around generic activities that would take place when a user initiates interaction with a future personal service robot, for example, understanding the robot’s affordances or its cognitive capabilities, as well as when a personal service robot initiates interaction with a user, for example, understanding the user’s intent or engaging and communicating with the user. Second, research areas that deserve more attention from the human-robot interaction community are discussed, for example, understanding when people do and do not treat robots as if they were people. Throughout the chapter, recommendations for the design of future personal service robots are offered along with recommendations for future research.
Human Factors in Virtual Reality System Design for Mobility and Haptic Task Performance
Authors: Kaber David B. , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2011

In this chapter, we review research on the use of virtual reality (VR) and haptic technologies for studying human performance in tasks involving the tactile sense, including locomotion and upper-extremity motor-control training or rehabilitation. We present a general organizing framework of motor-control tasks and identify types of VR systems that have been developed for supporting the tactile sense in simulation of such tasks. We divide this coverage into gross motor tasks with a focus on locomotion and gait, in part because of the volume of research that has been conducted in this area, and fine motor skills with a focus on training for surgical tasks and upper-extremity rehabilitation. In covering VR technology, we review visual devices that facilitate hand-eye or body-eye coordination as well as physical task simulators (e.g., treadmill interfaces and haptic controllers). The directions of locomotion and motor-control task research exploiting these technologies are identified, and seminal studies representing each area are summarized. On this basis, we define a collection of VR simulation design recommendations from task and functional perspectives. The review also identifies the underlying cognitive and physical bases for specific observations on human performance made by previous research. Finally, the summaries of research studies are used as a basis for identifying future directions of research that should be addressed by the human factors community.
Life-course transitions, self-control and desistance from crime
Authors: Forrest Walter , Hay Carter
Published: August 2011

In recent years a number of studies have observed empirical associations between the occurrence of key life events such as marriage, employment, and military service, and desistance from crime. The relationships between these life-course transitions and changes in criminal behaviour have been cited as evidence in support of social control and social learning theories of delinquency and in contradiction to alternative theoretical perspectives that downplay the significance of life events in the development of criminal behaviour over the lifespan. In this paper we develop and test an alternative explanation for the apparent impact of marriage on criminal and delinquent behaviour. We argue that transitions such as marriage might also promote desistance, in part, by enabling offenders to develop and exercise increased self-control. We then test this hypothesis using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) and explore the implications of our findings for the study of desistance and for self-control theory.
Different yet complementary: Two approaches to supporting victims of sexual violence in the UK
Authors: Robinson Amanda , Hudson Kirsty
Published: August 2011

This article explores the strengths and limitations of two different types of settings that provide specialist support to victims of sexual violence in the UK: Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and voluntary sector organizations such as Rape Crisis. Qualitative data from six case study sites and quantitative data from 35 sexual violence projects in England and Wales revealed that the type of setting affected the types of referrals received and this, in turn, shaped the services required by victims and thus the nature of the work preformed. Consequently, each type of project had different emphases in their workload with which they were particularly well equipped to handle. Each type also had its own unique challenges; for example, while there were notable benefits from delivering support in partnership models, such as SARCs, their affiliation with statutory partners was perceived by some as a disadvantage, especially for those seeking support in relation to historical sexual abuse. On the other hand, those delivering support in voluntary sector projects had to work harder to establish and maintain relationships with other agencies, but their independence was seen to be greater and this was perceived as a strength for gaining access to victims and maintaining their confidence. Both approaches had notable benefits and, given the diverse array of sexual violence victims in any given area, providing these two different, yet complementary, approaches to supporting them is recommended.
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis in Recreational Athletes
Authors: Karagounis Panagiotis , Tsironi Maria , Prionas George , Tsiganos Georgios , Baltopoulos Panagiotis
Published: August 2011

Plantar fasciitis (PF) commonly causes inferior heel pain and occurs in up to 10% of the US population. Treatment protocols in most studies include the use of ice therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and stretching and strengthening protocols. The aim of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of 2 different therapeutic approaches on the treatment of PF in recreational athletes using the Pain and Disability Scale for the evaluation. A total of 38 participants with PF were randomly allocated to 2 different groups of 19 male participants in each group. Group 1 was treated with ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and a stretching and a strengthening program. Group 2 received the same therapeutic procedures as group 1, reinforced by acupuncture treatment. The primary outcomes, nominated a priori, were pain description and mobility-function at 1 and 2 months. Outcomes were measured with the pain scale for PF. The mean total score of the acupuncture group at the third measurement was statistically minor compared with the mean total score of the first group. Acupuncture should be considered as a major therapeutic instrument for the decrease of heel pain, combined with traditional medical approaches.
Nutritional Status of Adolescent Females in Estates in Haliela, Sri Lanka
Authors: Niranjala A. M. S. , Gunawardena Nalika S.
Published: August 2011

Nutrition indictors in estate sector in Sri Lanka are low. This study estimated prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among 13- to 16-year-old females in estates of Haliela in Sri Lanka. In a community-based study, 524 adolescents were assessed for height and weight, and information related to associated factors was obtained through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Prevalence of undernutrition was 39.1% (95% confidence interval = 34.9% to 43.3%). It showed a decreasing trend with increasing age. Among sociodemographic, sanitary/hygienic and diet/food-related factors, multivariate analysis showed that low socioeconomic strata (odds ratio [OR] = 35.0), low dietary diversity (OR = 1.6), food purchase at each meal/daily (OR = 2.1), and “poor” food availability (OR = 6.6), were associated with adolescent undernutrition. Undernutrition among female adolescents in estates is a public health problem. Improving availability of food to estate adolescent females through targeted programs and reducing poverty among estate dwellers are recommended to overcome the problem.