bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventive Effect of Erythropoietin on Cardiac Dysfunction in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Longhu , Takemura Genzou , Li Yiwen , Miyata Shusaku , Esaki Masayasu , Okada Hideshi , Kanamori Hiromitsu , Khai Ngin Cin , Maruyama Rumi , Ogino Atsushi , Minatoguchi Shinya , Fujiwara Takako , Fujiwara Hisayoshi
Published: January 2006

Background—

Doxorubicin is a highly effective antineoplastic drug, but its clinical use is limited by its adverse side effects on the heart. We investigated possible protective effects of erythropoietin against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

Cardiomyopathy was induced in mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin (15 mg/kg). In some cases, human recombinant erythropoietin (5000 U/kg) was started simultaneously. Two weeks later, left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction were apparent in mice given doxorubicin but were significantly attenuated by erythropoietin treatment. Erythropoietin also protected hearts against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte atrophy and degeneration, myocardial fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and downregulation of expression of GATA-4 and 3 sarcomeric proteins, myosin heavy chain, troponin I, and desmin. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression was upregulated in doxorubicin-treated hearts, and that, too, was attenuated by erythropoietin. No doxorubicin-induced apoptotic effects were seen, nor were any changes seen in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α or transforming growth factor-β1. Antiatrophic and GATA-4 restoring effects of erythropoietin were demonstrated in the in vitro experiments with cultured cardiomyocytes exposed to doxorubicin, which indicated the direct cardioprotective effects of erythropoietin beyond erythropoiesis. Cardiac erythropoietin receptor expression was downregulated in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy but was restored by erythropoietin. Among the downstream mediators of erythropoietin receptor signaling, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase was reduced by doxorubicin but restored by erythropoietin. By contrast, erythropoietin was ineffective when administered after cardiac dysfunction was established in the chronic stage.

Conclusions—

The present study indicates a protective effect of erythropoietin against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.
Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin as a Bridging Anticoagulant Early After Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement
Authors: Meurin Philippe , Tabet Jean Yves , Weber Hélène , Renaud Nathalie , Driss Ahmed Ben
Published: January 2006

Background—

After mechanical heart valve replacement (MHVR), long-term use of unfractionated heparin is sometimes required because vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are temporarily contraindicated or because the time to reach the target international normalized ratio is long. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of low-molecular-weight heparin treatment in these patients.

Methods and Results—

This work was conducted as a prospective study. We selected all patients (n=695) who underwent MHVR and were transferred to a postoperative cardiac rehabilitation center between January 2000 and January 2005. The study focused on patients who had not yet started VKA therapy or who had a below-target international normalized ratio despite VKA therapy. Unfractionated heparin was replaced by enoxaparin (100 IU/kg BID) until VKA treatment was fully effective. Two hundred fifty patients (60±11 years old) were enrolled 16±11 days after surgery (aortic valve replacement, n=190; mitral valve replacement, n=34; double valve replacement, n=26). Of these, 50% had permanent or transient atrial fibrillation, 40% had hypertension, 13% had diabetes, and 19% had a history of cardiac surgery. The mean duration of low-molecular-weight heparin treatment was 8.3±6.0 days. Patients were followed for 90 days, during which there were two major and three minor bleeding episodes and one transient ischemic attack. There were no cases of valve thrombosis and no deaths.

Conclusions—

After MHVR, one third of patients leave the cardiac surgery unit before VKA treatment is fully effective. Bridging anticoagulation therapy with enoxaparin appears to be feasible during this high-risk period for thromboembolism and could shorten the length of hospital stay.
Gender Differences in Outcomes After Hospital Discharge From Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Guru Veena , Fremes Stephen E. , Austin Peter C. , Blackstone Eugene H. , Tu Jack V.
Published: January 2006

Background—

There are few comparative data regarding long-term nonfatal outcomes for women versus men after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study compares gender differences in cardiac events in a population of hospital survivors up to 11 years after isolated CABG surgery in Ontario, Canada.

Methods and Results—

A population-based cohort study (n=68 774 patients, 15 043 women) between September 1, 1991, and April 1, 2002, was assembled with linked clinical and administrative databases. Cox modeling and propensity score matching were used to compare death, cardiac readmission (angina, heart failure, myocardial infarction), repeat revascularization (angioplasty or CABG), and stroke readmission between men and women. Women were older (65±17 versus 62±13 years), more likely to present with urgent or emergent status (64% versus 56%), and less likely to receive arterial grafts (70% versus 78%). Women had a higher rate of cardiac readmission in the first year after surgery (hazard ratio [HR] of 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36 to 1.56), and this increased risk persisted after 1 year (HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.31). This was primarily due to readmissions for unstable angina (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.38) and congestive heart failure (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.21). Propensity-matched women had similar rates of death (HR 0.9, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.98) and repeat revascularization (HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.06).

Conclusions—

Women have a more complex clinical preoperative presentation and are more likely to be readmitted with unstable angina and congestive heart failure after CABG but experience survival similar to those seen in men. Gender differences in outcomes may be improved through durable revascularization strategies and close postoperative follow-up care targeted to women.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Khairy Paul , Ouyang David W. , Fernandes Susan M. , Lee-Parritz Aviva , Economy Katherine E. , Landzberg Michael J.
Published: January 2006

Background—

Pregnant women with congenital heart disease are at increased risk for cardiac and neonatal complications, yet risk factors for adverse outcomes are not fully defined.

Methods and Results—

Between January 1998 and September 2004, 90 pregnancies at age 27.7±6.1 years were followed in 53 women with congenital heart disease. Spontaneous abortions occurred in 11 pregnancies at 10.8±3.7 weeks, and 7 underwent elective pregnancy termination. There were no maternal deaths. Primary maternal cardiac events complicated 19.4% of ongoing pregnancies, with pulmonary edema in 16.7% and sustained arrhythmias in 2.8%. Univariate risk factors included prior history of heart failure (odds ratio [OR], 15.5), NYHA functional class ≥2 (OR, 5.4), and decreased subpulmonary ventricular ejection fraction (OR, 7.7). Independent predictors were decreased subpulmonary ventricular ejection fraction and/or severe pulmonary regurgitation (OR, 9.0) and smoking history (OR, 27.2). Adverse neonatal outcomes occurred in 27.8% of ongoing pregnancies and included preterm delivery (20.8%), small for gestational age (8.3%), respiratory distress syndrome (8.3%), intraventricular hemorrhage (1.4%), intrauterine fetal demise (2.8%), and neonatal death (1.4%). A subaortic ventricular outflow tract gradient >30 mm Hg independently predicted an adverse neonatal outcome (OR, 7.5). Cardiac risk assessment was improved by including decreased subpulmonary ventricular systolic function and/or severe pulmonary regurgitation (OR, 10.3) in a previously proposed risk index developed in pregnant women with acquired and congenital heart disease.

Conclusions—

Maternal cardiac and neonatal complication rates are considerable in pregnant women with congenital heart disease. Patients with impaired subpulmonary ventricular systolic function and/or severe pulmonary regurgitation are at increased risk for adverse cardiac outcomes.
Factors Affecting the Evolution of Hurricane Erin (2001) and the Distributions of Hydrometeors: Role of Microphysical Processes
Authors: McFarquhar Greg M. , Zhang Henian , Heymsfield Gerald , Halverson Jeffrey B. , Hood Robbie , Dudhia Jimy , Marks Frank
Published: January 2006

Fine-resolution simulations of Hurricane Erin are conducted using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) to investigate roles of thermodynamic, boundary layer, and microphysical processes on Erin’s structure and evolution. Choice of boundary layer scheme has the biggest impact on simulations, with the minimum surface pressure (Pmin) averaged over the last 18 h (when Erin is relatively mature) varying by over 20 hPa. Over the same period, coefficients used to describe graupel fall speeds (Vg) affect Pmin by up to 7 hPa, almost equivalent to the maximum 9-hPa difference between microphysical parameterization schemes; faster Vg and schemes with more hydrometeor categories generally give lower Pmin. Compared to radar reflectivity factor (Z) observed by the NOAA P-3 lower fuselage radar and the NASA ER-2 Doppler radar (EDOP) in Erin, all simulations overpredict the normalized frequency of occurrence of Z larger than 40 dBZ and underpredict that between 20 and 40 dBZ near the surface; simulations overpredict Z larger than 25 to 30 dBZ and underpredict that between 15 and 25 or 30 dBZ near the melting layer, the upper limit depending on altitude. Brightness temperatures (Tb) computed from modeled fields at 37.1- and 85.5-GHz channels that respond to scattering by graupel-size ice show enhanced scattering, mainly due to graupel, compared to observations. Simulated graupel mixing ratios are about 10 times larger than values observed in other hurricanes. For the control run at 6.5 km averaged over the last 18 simulated hours, Doppler velocities computed from modeled fields (Vdop) greater than 5 m s−1 make up 12% of Erin’s simulated area for the base simulation but less than 2% of the observed area. In the eyewall, 5% of model updrafts above 9 km are stronger than 10 m s−1, whereas statistics from other hurricanes show that 5% of updrafts are stronger than only 5 m s−1. Variations in distributions of Z, vertical motion, and graupel mixing ratios between schemes are not sufficient to explain systematic offsets between observations and models. A new iterative condensation scheme, used with the Reisner mixed-phase microphysics scheme, limits unphysical increases of equivalent potential temperature associated with many condensation schemes and reduces the frequency of Z larger than 50 dBZ, but has minimal effect on Z below 50 dBZ, which represent 95% of the modeled hurricane rain area. However, the new scheme changes the Erin simulations in that 95% of the updrafts are weaker than 5 m s−1 and Pmin is up to 12 hPa higher over the last 18 simulated hours.
X-band Polarimetric Radar Rainfall Measurements in Keys Area Microphysics Project
Authors: Anagnostou Emmanouil N. , Grecu Mircea , Anagnostou Marios N.
Published: January 2006

The Keys Area Microphysics Project (KAMP), conducted as part of NASA’s Fourth Convective and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-4) in the lower Keys area, deployed a number of ground radars and four arrays of rain gauge and disdrometer clusters. Among the various instruments is an X-band dual-polarization Doppler radar on wheels (XPOL), contributed by the University of Connecticut. XPOL was used to retrieve rainfall rate and raindrop size distribution (DSD) parameters to be used in support of KAMP science objectives. This paper presents the XPOL measurements in KAMP and the algorithm developed for attenuation correction and estimation of DSD model parameters. XPOL observations include the horizontal polarization reflectivity ZH, differential reflectivity ZDR, and differential phase shift ΦDP. Here, ZH and ZDR were determined to be positively biased by 3 and 0.3 dB, respectively. A technique was also applied to filter noise and correct for potential phase folding in ΦDP profiles. The XPOL attenuation correction uses parameterizations that relate the path-integrated specific (differential) attenuation along a radar ray to the filtered-ΦDP (specific attenuation) profile. Attenuation-corrected ZH and specific differential phase shift (derived from filtered ΦDP profiles) data are then used to derive two parameters of the normalized gamma DSD model, that is, intercept (Nw) and mean drop diameter (D0). The third parameter (shape parameter μ) is calculated using a constrained μ–Λ relationship derived from the measured raindrop spectra. The XPOL attenuation correction is evaluated using coincidental nonattenuated reflectivity fields from the Key West Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D), while the DSD parameter retrievals are statistically assessed using DSD parameters calculated from the measured raindrop spectra. Statistics show that XPOL DSD parameter estimation is consistent with independent observations. XPOL estimates of water content and Nw are also shown to be consistent with corresponding retrievals from matched ER-2 Doppler radar (EDOP) profiling observations from the 19 September airborne campaign. Results shown in this paper strengthen the applicability of X-band dual-polarization high resolution observations in cloud modeling and precipitation remote sensing studies.
Targeting and Data Assimilation Studies during Hurricane Humberto (2001)
Authors: Aberson Sim D. , Etherton Brian J.
Published: January 2006

Two operational synoptic surveillance missions were conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration into Hurricane Humberto (2001). Forecasts from two leading dynamical hurricane track forecast models were improved substantially during the watch and warning period before a projected landfall by the assimilation of the additional dropwindsonde data. Feasibility tests with a barotropic model suggest that further improvements may be obtained by the use of the ensemble transform Kalman filter for assimilating these additional data into the model. This is the first effort to assimilate data into a hurricane model using the ensemble transform Kalman filter.
Rapid Filamentation Zones in Intense Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Rozoff Christopher M. , Schubert Wayne H. , McNoldy Brian D. , Kossin James P.
Published: January 2006

Intense tropical cyclones often possess relatively little convection around their cores. In radar composites, this surrounding region is usually echo-free or contains light stratiform precipitation. While subsidence is typically quite pronounced in this region, it is not the only mechanism suppressing convection. Another possible mechanism leading to weak-echo moats is presented in this paper. The basic idea is that the strain-dominated flow surrounding an intense vortex core creates an unfavorable environment for sustained deep, moist convection. Strain-dominated regions of a tropical cyclone can be distinguished from rotation-dominated regions by the sign of S21 + S22 − ζ2, where S1 = ux − υy and S2 = υx + uy are the rates of strain and ζ = υx − uy is the relative vorticity. Within the radius of maximum tangential wind, the flow tends to be rotation-dominated (ζ2 > S21 + S22), so that coherent structures, such as mesovortices, can survive for long periods of time. Outside the radius of maximum tangential wind, the flow tends to be strain-dominated (S21 + S22 > ζ2), resulting in filaments of anomalous vorticity. In the regions of strain-dominated flow the filamentation time is defined as τfil = 2(S21 + S22 − ζ2)−1/2. In a tropical cyclone, an approximately 30-km-wide annular region can exist just outside the radius of maximum tangential wind, where τfil is less than 30 min and even as small as 5 min. This region is defined as the rapid filamentation zone. Since the time scale for deep moist convective overturning is approximately 30 min, deep convection can be significantly distorted and even suppressed in the rapid filamentation zone. A nondivergent barotropic model illustrates the effects of rapid filamentation zones in category 1–5 hurricanes and demonstrates the evolution of such zones during binary vortex interaction and mesovortex formation from a thin annular ring of enhanced vorticity.
Warm Core Structure of Hurricane Erin Diagnosed from High Altitude Dropsondes during CAMEX-4
Authors: Halverson J. B. , Simpson J. , Heymsfield G. , Pierce H. , Hock T. , Ritchie L.
Published: January 2006

A combination of multiaircraft and several satellite sensors were used to examine the core of Hurricane Erin on 10 September 2001, as part of the Fourth Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-4) program. During the first set of aircraft passes, around 1700 UTC, Erin was still at its maximum intensity with a central pressure of 969 hPa and wind speed of 105 kt (54 m s−1).

The storm was moving slowly northwestward at 4 m s−1, over an increasingly colder sea surface. Three instrumented aircraft, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) P3 with radar, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ER-2 at 19 km, newly equipped with GPS dropwindsondes, and the NASA DC-8 with dropwindsondes flew in formation across the eye at about 1700 UTC and again 2.5 h later around 1930 UTC. The storm had weakened by 13 m s−1 between the first and second eye penetrations. The warm core had a maximum temperature anomaly of only 11°C, located at 500 hPa, much weaker and lower than active hurricanes. The core appeared to slant rearward above 400 hPa. Even on the first penetration, airborne radar showed that the eyewall cloud towers were dying. The tops fell short of reaching 15 km and a melting band was found throughout. The tropopause had a bulge to 15.8-km elevation (environment ∼14.4 km) above the dying convection.

The paper presents a consistent picture of the vortex in shear interaction from a primarily thermodynamic perspective. A feature of Erin at this time was a pronounced wavenumber-1 convective asymmetry with all convective activity being confined to the forward quadrants on the left side of the shear vector as calculated from analyses. This is similar to that predicted by the mesoscale numerical models, which also predict that such small amounts of shear would not affect the storm intensity. In Erin, it is remarkable that relatively small shear produced such a pronounced asymmetry in the convection. From the three-dimensional analysis of dropsonde data, horizontal asymmetries in lower and middle tropospheric warming were identified. The warm anomalies are consistent with the pattern of mesoscale vertical motions inferred from the shear-induced wavenumber-1 asymmetry, dipole in rain intensity, and surface convergence.
Ice Microphysics Observations in Hurricane Humberto: Comparison with Non-Hurricane-Generated Ice Cloud Layers
Authors: Heymsfield Andrew J. , Bansemer Aaron , Durden Stephen L. , Herman Robert L. , Bui T. Paul
Published: January 2006

Measurements are presented that were acquired from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) DC-8 aircraft during an intensive 3-day study of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Humberto on 22, 23, and 24 September 2001. Particle size distributions, particle image information, vertical velocities, and single- and dual-wavelength Doppler radar observations were obtained during repeated sampling of the eyewall and outer eye regions. Eyewall sampling temperatures ranged from −22° to −57°C and peak updraft velocities from 4 to 15 m s−1.

High concentrations of small ice particles, in the order 50 cm−3 and above, were observed within and around the updrafts. Aggregates, some larger than 7 mm, dominated the larger sizes. The slope of the fitted exponential size distributions λ was distinctly different close to the eye than outside of that region. Even at low temperatures, λ was characteristic of warm temperature growth (λ < 30 cm−1) close to the eye and characteristic of low temperature growth outside of it as well (λ > 100 cm−1).

The two modes found for λ are shown to be consistent with observations from nonhurricane ice cloud layers formed through deep convection, but differ markedly from ice cloud layers generated in situ. It is shown that the median, mass-weighted, terminal velocities derived for the Humberto data and from the other datasets are primarily a function of λ.

Microphysical measurements and dual wavelength radar observations are used together to infer and interpret particle growth processes. Rain in the lower portions of the eyewall extended up to the 6- or 7-km level. In the outer eye regions, aggregation progressed downward from between 8.5 and 11.9 km to the melting layer, with some graupel noted in rainbands. Homogeneous ice nucleation is implicated in the high concentrations of small ice particles observed in the vicinity of the updrafts.
Validation of Rain-Rate Estimation in Hurricanes from the Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer: Algorithm Correction and Error Analysis
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Black Peter G. , Zipser Edward J. , Marks Frank D. , Uhlhorn Eric W.
Published: January 2006

Simultaneous observations by the lower fuselage (LF) radar, the tail (TA) radar, and the Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR) on board the NOAA WP-3D aircraft are used to validate the rainfall rate estimates from microwave emission measurements of SFMR in tropical cyclones. Data collected in Hurricane Bonnie (1998) and Hurricane Humberto (2001) with a total of 820 paired samples are used in the comparisons. The SFMR 10-s path-integrated rain rates are found to have an overestimate in light rain and an underestimate in heavy rain relative to radar rainfall estimates. Examination of the existing SFMR algorithm shows that the coefficient should be changed in the attenuation—rain-rate relationship used in the inversion algorithm. After this correction, a linear regression result with a correlation coefficient of 0.8 and a slope close to 1 is obtained. But an overall high bias of 5 mm h−1 of the SFMR rainfall estimate relative to radar is also found. The error analysis shows that the bias is nearly independent of rain type, a result confirming Jorgensen and Willis’s conclusion that the drop size distributions between convective and stratiform rain in hurricanes are similar. It is also shown that the bias is a weak function of wind speed, as well as a weak inverse function of radial distance to the hurricane center. Temperature dependence has been ruled out as the main explanation. After doing sensitivity tests, the authors conclude that the bias results from a combination of two factors: an underestimate of the freezing-level height, and a downward increase of radar reflectivity in the high wind regions. If the true downward increase is 1–2 dBZ km−1, a 0.5-km underestimate of the freezing-level height could account for up to a 3–5 mm h−1 bias.
Classification of Tropical Oceanic Precipitation using High-Altitude Aircraft Microwave and Electric Field Measurements
Authors: Hood Robbie E. , Cecil Daniel J. , LaFontaine Frank J. , Blakeslee Richard J. , Mach Douglas M. , Heymsfield Gerald M. , Marks Frank D. , Zipser Edward J. , Goodman Michael
Published: January 2006

During the 1998 and 2001 hurricane seasons of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer (AMPR), the ER-2 Doppler (EDOP) radar, and the Lightning Instrument Package (LIP) were flown aboard the NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft as part of the Third Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3) and the Fourth Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-4). Several hurricanes, tropical storms, and other precipitation systems were sampled during these experiments. An oceanic rainfall screening technique has been developed using AMPR passive microwave observations of these systems collected at frequencies of 10.7, 19.35, 37.1, and 85.5 GHz. This technique combines the information content of the four AMPR frequencies regarding the gross vertical structure of hydrometeors into an intuitive and easily executable precipitation mapping format. The results have been verified using vertical profiles of EDOP reflectivity and lower-altitude horizontal reflectivity scans collected by the NOAA WP-3D Orion radar. Matching the rainfall classification results with coincident electric field information collected by the LIP readily identifies convective rain regions within the precipitation fields. This technique shows promise as a real-time research and analysis tool for monitoring vertical updraft strength and convective intensity from airborne platforms such as remotely operated or uninhabited aerial vehicles. The technique is analyzed and discussed for a wide variety of precipitation types using the 26 August 1998 observations of Hurricane Bonnie near landfall.
Informal Social Support and Use of a Specialized Transportation System by Chronically Ill Older Adults
Authors: Nasvadi Glenyth E. , Wister Andrew V.
Published: January 2006

Aging is commonly associated with an increase in chronic disease and disability, affecting access to transportation. This study examines factors that contribute to the decision to use Handy Dart transportation (a handicap-specialized service) among 869 elderly, chronically ill residents of a metropolitan region in British Columbia. Drawing on Chappell’s complementary model of support, the authors hypothesized that informal social support will be positively associated with specialized transportation service use. The authors employ the Andersen-Newman model of health use to help organize the other expected predictors. Results of logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of regular social support, a positive attitude about Handy Dart helpfulness, being retired, disability because of arthritis, and perceived ill health were the strongest predictors of use. Age, gender, marital status, knowledge, and number of comorbid illnesses did not predict use of the service. The results are discussed within the context of changing needs for specialized transportation services.
Ethnic Identity Formation During Adolescence
Authors: Umaña-Taylor Adriana J. , Bhanot Ruchi , Shin Nana
Published: January 2006

An ecological model of ethnic identity was examined among 639 adolescents of Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Salvadoran descent. Using structural equation modeling and, specifically, multiple group comparisons, findings indicated that familial ethnic socialization (FES) played a significant role in the process of ethnic identity formation for all adolescents, regardless of ethnic background. Specifically, adolescents’ reports of FES were significantly and positively associated with their reports of exploration, commitment, and affirmation and belonging toward their ethnic background. These results are consistent with empirical work that has found familial socialization to be a central component of ethnic identity formation among children, and with theoretical work on adolescents, which has emphasized the important role of families in the process ethnic identity formation.
Long Work Hours and Family Life
Authors: Wharton Amy S. , Blair-Loy Mary
Published: January 2006

Work-family conflict is a pressing research and policy issue. The authors extend previous scholarship on this issue by studying elite employees’worries about the effects of longwork hours on those in their personal life. This issue is researched cross-nationally in a sample of managers and professionals based in the United States, London, and Hong Kong, all of whom work for one division of a high-commitment, global, financial services firm. Hong Kong respondents are more likely than those in the United States and in England to worry about work-family conflict when controlling for job and family characteristics. The authors argue that the meaning of family varies by national context, in part because of the emphasis in Hong Kong on the extended family as a robust institution with intense ties and obligations. In all three countries, women experience higher levels of work-family conflict than men do.
Parents' and Children's Perceptions of Privacy Rights In China
Authors: Tang Shengming , Dong Xiaoping
Published: January 2006

This study employs a Chinese sample to explore children's privacy rights within the family. For the purpose of comparison, parental views of children's privacy rights and children's own perceptions are examined. Privacy rights are defined to include three spheres—spatial, physical, and mental. Results show that age differences in perceptions of privacy rights exist not only between generations but also between the junior high and senior high school students. However, the three cohorts are relatively consistent in their ratings of aspects of privacy rights. Gender differences are manifest in the mental sphere of privacy and move in the opposite directions, with the male students valuing their privacy rights less but the male parents respecting them more. Perceptions of privacy rights also differ dependent on whether privacy is defined as rights or secrets. Developmental and cultural perspectives are employed to examine these findings.
Filial Piety, Patrilineality, and China's One-Child Policy
Authors: Deutsch Francine M.
Published: January 2006

This study examined the effects of China's one-child policy on two traditional aspects of Chinese family life: filial piety and patrilineality. Eighty-four graduating university seniors, who were part of the first cohort born under the onechild policy, were interviewed about their life plans. Comparisons between only children and those with siblings showed that only children were as likely to plan on helping their parents as were those with siblings and were more likely to intend to reside in the same city. The only children seemed to feel especially responsible for their parents’ happiness because of their singleton status. Among only children and those with siblings, patrilineal norms seemed weak. Students’mentions of family structure to explain their decisions suggest that the one-child policy is undermining patrilineal norms.
Symptoms Underlying Unawareness of Memory Impairment in Patients With Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kazui Hiroaki , Hirono Nobutsugu , Hashimoto Mamoru , Nakano Yoko , Matsumoto Keiji , Takatsuki Yohoko , Mori Etsuro , Ikejiri Yoshitaka , Takeda Masatoshi
Published: January 2006

Patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are often unaware of their cognitive impairment. This unawareness might have a multifactorial etiology, including impairment of cognitive domains and psychiatric symptoms. We conducted this study to determine the factors underlying unawareness of memory impairment (UMI) in patients with AD. In 103 patients with mild AD, the UMI was quantified as the difference between the patient’s self-rating and the rating of the patient’s caregiver on a standardized memory questionnaire system, the Everyday Memory Checklist. We then examined the relationships between UMI and memory, attention, language, visuospatial/constructive perception, frontal lobe function, and psychiatric symptoms. UMI was positively associated with memory impairment and delusions when effects of age, sex, and education were partialled out, suggesting that these symptoms are involved in the formation of UMI in the patients. Thus, existing treatments for memory impairment and delusions may be beneficial for increasing the awareness of mild AD patients of their cognitive impairment.
Psychosocial Predictors of Dementia Caregiver Desire to Institutionalize: Caregiver, Care Recipient, and Family Relationship Factors
Authors: Spitznagel Mary Beth , Tremont Geoffrey , Davis Jennifer Duncan , Foster Suzanne M.
Published: January 2006

Several factors influence dementia caregiver desire to institutionalize; however, little is known about differences in caregivers who desire institutionalization versus those who do not. The current study compares predictors of desire to institutionalize in dementia caregivers. Seventy-two caregivers completed the Desire to Institutionalize Scale (DIS) and several psychosocial measures, including burden, dementia knowledge, self-efficacy, depression, health, care recipient daily functioning and memory/behavior problems, family functioning, and social support. Based on DIS responses, caregivers were divided into No DI versus DI groups. DI caregivers had significantly higher burden, greater dementia knowledge, more family dysfunction, and decreased social support compared with No DI caregivers. Findings emphasize the importance of caregiver and family relationship variables in DIS, suggesting potentially modifiable targets for caregiver interventions. Dementia knowledge was associated with higher DIS, suggesting that educational programs alone may not be helpful to delay institutionalization.
Hippocampal Volume Is Associated With Physician-Reported Acute Cognitive Deficits After Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Lekwauwa Ruby , McQuoid Douglas , Steffens David C.
Published: January 2006

Predicting memory problems in older depressed patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is difficult. In this study, hippocampal volume and acute memory outcomes were examined in 15 patients following an index course of ECT. Smaller hippocampal volume was associated with poorer ECT-related memory outcomes. These results add to a growing literature on memory, ECT, and the hippocampus. Although the findings are significant, the sample size in the study is small, so future studies with more complex modeling of key variables that may influence memory are warranted.
A Comparison of Depressive Mood of Older Adults in a Community, Nursing Homes, and a Geriatric Hospital: Factor Analysis of Geriatric Depression Scale
Authors: Onishi Joji , Suzuki Yusuke , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Endo Hidetoshi , Kawamura Takashi , Iguchi Akihisa
Published: January 2006

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)-15 was used in 607 adults aged 65+ years living in a community, nursing homes, and a general hospital to explore characteristics of depressive mood in different care settings. Factor analysis of GDS-15 extracted 4 factors labeled unhappiness, apathy and anxiety, loss of hope and morale, and energy loss. The scale scores labeled unhappiness, apathy and anxiety, and loss of hope and morale were negatively correlated with the Barthel Index and the Mini-Mental State Examination scores. The results classified the depressive patterns into 2 types, one fitting the nursing home residents and the other fitting the hospital patients. The dominant factors of the nursing-home type were unhappiness and loss of hope and morale, and the hospital type was highly related with apathy and anxiety. The results indicate an extended utility of the GDS-15 for a deeper understanding of depressive mood in various care settings.
Impaired Visual Acuity as a Risk Factor for Visual Hallucinations in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Matsui Hideaki , Udaka Fukashi , Tamura Akiko , Oda Masaya , Kubori Tamotsu , Nishinaka Kazuto , Kameyama Masakuni
Published: January 2006

Pathophysiology of hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease is poorly understood. This study investigated relationships between visual hallucinations and visual acuity. Twenty-six consecutive patients with Parkinson’s disease participated in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with visual hallucinations (VH group) and those without visual hallucinations (no-VH group). Unaided and corrected eyesight was evaluated in all patients, and if frequent use of prescription glasses or contact lenses was involved, eyesight using these lenses was also measured as the patient’s own best eyesight. If a patient did not use prescription glasses or contact lenses, the patient’s own best eyesight was defined as the unaided eyesight. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that agonist use and best eyesight were different after the backward elimination method. Visual hallucinations were closely related not to uncorrected eyesight or unaided eyesight but to the patient’s best eyesight. It is suggested that impaired visual acuity is a risk factor for visual hallucinations.
Canine Visitation (Pet) Therapy
Authors: Sobo Elisa J. , Eng Brenda , Kassity-Krich Nadine
Published: January 2006

Purpose:To explore the effectiveness of canine visitation therapy (CVT) in pediatric pain management in a tertiary care children's hospital, a descriptive pilot study was conducted. Method:A convenience sample of 25 English-speaking children ages 5 to 18 years who underwent surgery and experienced acute postoperative pain participated in a standard, one-time CVT intervention. Each child completed a pre-post survey and a postintervention interview. Findings: Quantitative pre-post findings indicate that CVT significantly reduced perceived pain. Qualitative findings suggest that one mechanism that makes CVT effective may be cognitive. That is, CVTdistracts children from pain-related cognition and possibly activates comforting thoughts regarding companionship or home. Conclusion:The study findings suggest that CVT may be a useful adjunct to traditional pain management for children. Implications:Nurses may better serve their patients when CVT is an option.
Called to Nursing
Authors: Prater Lyn , McEwen Melanie
Published: January 2006

Purpose:This study uncovers reasons students report for wanting to become nurses, to quantify those who feel that they are called to nursing, and to learn what “being called” means to them. Method:A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted with all students enrolled in nursing courses at one program in a private, faith-based university. Findings:Most students decided to go to nursing school while in high school or college and chose nursing because they had a desire to help others. The most common personal characteristics they identified that will be helpful in nursing were being caring or compassionate. Almost two thirds of the students indicated they were “called” by God to become nurses. Conclusion and Implications:Findings can help nursing educators and leaders determine howto better recruit and retain individuals into the nursing profession and howto support and encourage caring and compassionate qualities in all nurses.
The Process of Empowerment
Authors: Weis Darlene , Schank Mary Jane , Matheus Rosemarie
Published: January 2006

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to describe the services of parish nurse empowerment, of client empowerment and empowerment outcomes for nurses and clients. Method:A sample of 28 parish nurses participated in one of three focus groups. Based on analysis of qualitative data from focus group discussions, empowerment themes were identified for nurses and clients. Findings:Six items were identified as sources of parish nurse empowerment and client empowerment. Conclusion:The study showed that empowerment is a reciprocal process between the parish nurse and clients characterized by recognition of a higher power. Implications:To practice in a holistic manner, the spiritual dimension of person is a critical element of care.
Spirituality, Chronic Illness, and Rural Life
Authors: Craig Carol , Weinert Clarann , Walton Joni , Derwinski-robinson Barbara
Published: January 2006

Purpose:The purpose of this article is to report the findings of an exploration of the associations among spirituality, hope, depression, social support, and well-being in rural dwelling people who have one or more chronic conditions. Method:A mail survey was completed by 111 rural-dwelling people with chronic illness in two rural western states. Findings:Spirituality, hope, depression, and social support had overlapping influence on well-being, although spiritualitywas not shown to have an independent effect. Participants reported unexpectedly high levels of hope and lowlevels of depression despite living with chronic illness. Conclusions:Although spirituality did not have an independent effect, the group as a whole had active spiritual and religious lives, possibly influencing the high levels of hope and low levels of depression found. Implications:The positive picture of rural people with chronic illness needs further investigation for possible mitigating effects of spirituality on problems associated with chronic illness.
Hope and Probability: Patient Perspectives of the Meaning of Numerical Information in Cancer Communication
Authors: Thorne Sally , Hislop T. Gregory , Kuo Margot , Armstrong Elizabeth-Anne
Published: January 2006

Although the complexities inherent in human communication make it a difficult target for empirical investigation and systematic interpretation, it is well recognized that patientprovider communication can have either a powerfully negative or positive influence on the experience of cancer. Drawing on an extensive data set derived from interviews with 200 cancer patients, the authors examine the impact of information provided in numerical form within cancer care communications from the patient perspective. In this context, they present findings related to various uses and abuses of numbers within cancer care communication, and illustrate how numerical information constitutes a specialized communication form with considerable potency for shaping the cancer experience. In particular, accounts of the thematic relationship between numbers and hope, from the perspective of those on the receiving end of cancer care, provide a unique perspective from which to interpret issues of compassion, caring, and informed consent.
The Publication of Qualitative Research Findings
Authors: Dahlberg Karin
Published: January 2006

The publication of research findings is sometimes considered almost unrelated to the research, as something “coming after,” when the research is complete. The essence of this short article is an argument against this idea. However, a common problem is that the form of publication is ruled not by the research but by, for example, research tradition. In Sweden, it has been common to publish extensive findings in the social sciences as reports, whereas in medicine and in nursing science linked with medicine faculties, publication in the form of international articles is the dominant style. The author discusses the “pro” and “cons” of these two publication styles. As a conclusion, she argues that we need to make explicit the internal paradigmatic demands on qualitative research regarding validity, generalization, number of informants, and, not least, publication, instead of allowing the old, positivistic paradigm to continue to determine the styles of publication.
Proving or Improving: On Health Care Research as a Form of Self-Reflection
Authors: Mol Annemarie
Published: January 2006

As it is, clinical trials are the gold standard of health care research, employed to prove that the care practices they study are good. Here, the author suggests that we would do better to develop research methods that work toward another goal: to improve care practices. This requires that we no longer foreground the effectiveness but, instead, investigate the various effects of interventions. If undesirable, they might then be tinkered with. As a part of this, the effects on bodily parameters and on the intricacies of daily lives should not be separated out but studied in connection. With examples drawn from studies into care practices for patients with diabetes or atherosclerosis, the author argues that instead of trying to turn the clinic into a laboratory, we should strive to support and strengthen clinical ways of working.
Does Targeting Minor Offenses Reduce Serious Crime? A Provisional, Affirmative Answer Based on an Analysis of County-Level Data
Authors: Worrall John L.
Published: January 2006

The research reported here sought to determine whether there is a connection between arrests for minor offenses and subsequent reductions in serious crime, using county-level data collected from the state of California between the years 1989 and 2000. Results from a series of fixed effects regression models suggest that arrests for disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and public drunkenness can reduce certain crimes, notably felonious assault and burglary. Moreover, the results suggest that assault appears to decline immediately, whereas burglary declines with a delay.
Interdiction Day: Covert Surveillance Operations, Drugs, and Serious Crime in an Inner-City Neighborhood
Authors: Nunn Samuel , Quinet Kenna , Rowe Kelley , Christ Donald
Published: January 2006

This article describes a drug trafficking interdiction in the Brightwood neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana. It defines terminology and effects of police crackdowns, interventions, and interdictions. The interdiction effort is empirically linked to decreases in crime (calls for service [CFS]) in the interdiction neighborhood over and above change in the control neighborhood— with one exception: drug CFS. The findings support the accumulation of evidence that interdictions based on problem-oriented policing can be successful. Short, largely invisible interdictions of this type can have positive impacts on reported neighborhood crime and in so doing might improve inner-city development options.
CCTV and Citizen Guardianship Suppression: A Questionable Proposition
Authors: Surette Ray
Published: January 2006

An untested hypothesis regarding closed-circuit television (CCTV) is that the use of CCTV surveillance systems causes the loss of informal citizen guardianship activities in camera-surveilled public spaces. This hypothesized effect is empirically tested in two ways. In the first approach, an examination of survey responses between respondents who were aware, without prompting, of a public space surveillance camera system (24.4% of the respondents) and those who were not aware of the cameras is undertaken. The expectation is that preexisting knowledge of the cameras will be associated with attitudes associated with a self-reported reduced willingness to exercise guardianship actions. In the second approach, time series data sets of calls for service in a CCTV-surveilled area and a comparison control zone are examined. Neither method revealed empirical evidence of a degrading of informal citizen guardianship activities following the installation of CCTV cameras.
Stable COPD: predicting benefit from high-dose inhaled corticosteroid treatment
Authors: Leigh R. , Pizzichini M. M. M. , Morris M. M. , Maltais F. , Hargreave F. E. , Pizzichini E.
Published: January 2006

The role of inhaled corticosteroids in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether sputum eosinophilia (defined as eosinophils ≥3%) predicts clinical benefit from inhaled corticosteroid treatment in patients with smoking-related clinically stable moderate-to-severe COPD.

Forty consecutive patients with effort dyspnoea (mean age 67 yrs; 52 pack-yr smoking history; post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) <60% predicted, consistent with moderate-to-severe smoking-related chronic airflow limitation) were enrolled. Subjects were treated with inhaled placebo followed by inhaled budesonide (Pulmicort Turbuhaler® 1,600 µg·day−1), each given for 4 weeks. While the treatment was single-blind (subject level), sputum cell counts before and after treatment interventions were double-blind, thus removing bias. Outcome variables included spirometry, quality-of-life assessment and 6-min walk test.

Sputum eosinophilia was present in 38% of subjects. In these, budesonide treatment normalised the eosinophil counts and, in comparison to placebo treatment, resulted in clinically significant improvement in the dyspnoea domain of the disease-specific chronic respiratory questionnaire (0.8versus0.3) and a small but statistically significant improvement in post-bronchodilator spirometry (FEV1100 mLversus0 mL; p<0.05).

In conclusion, sputum eosinophilia predicts short-term clinical benefit from high-dose inhaled corticosteroid treatment in patients with stable moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.