bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes of Community Developmental Services Agency Staff Toward Issues of Inclusion for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Jones Jessica , Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , Vilela Tania , Brown Hilary
Published: December 2008

In many countries, the shift in policy surrounding intellectual disabilities (ID) from segregation to inclusion has resulted in the closure of large‐scale institutions in favor of integrated community programs and living accommodations. Because the success of the community inclusion movement lies in the hands of the staff who implement these programs, it is important to determine the consistency of their attitudes with the philosophies that underlie policy directions. Using the Community Living Attitudes Scale‐Mental Retardation, Short Form, the current study describes the attitudes of 241 staff working in the field of ID in Ontario, Canada, and examines demographic characteristics that are related to differences in their attitudes toward inclusion. The study found that male staff members' attitudes were less supportive of inclusion than were those of female staff. Moreover, staff members with only a high school education were less likely than those with university or college training to think that individuals with ID were similar to themselves. Finally, older staff members were more likely than younger staff to think that persons with ID should be sheltered from harm. The study showed that many community agency staff members do not hold attitudes that are entirely consistent with the inclusion philosophy and that differences in attitude are associated with their demographic characteristics. This study highlights the need for education and training targeted at particular “at‐risk” staff groups in order to ensure the successful implementation of the goals of the inclusion movement.
Relationships Among Risk, Sense of Coherence, and Well‐Being in Parents of Children With and Without Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Olsson Malin B. , Larsman Pernilla , Hwang Philip C.
Published: December 2008

The authors studied the nature and function of the relationships of the comparative level of risk, sense of coherence (SOC), and well‐being, over time, in mothers and fathers of preschool children with and without intellectual disabilities (IDs). The hypothesis that SOC functions as a moderator between risk and well‐being was tested. Parents of children with IDs (mothers: n = 62 (46 at follow‐up) and fathers: n = 49 (37 at follow‐up)) and control parents (mothers: n = 178 (131 at follow‐up) and fathers: n = 141 (97 at follow‐up)) answered self‐report measures on risk factors (i.e., child behavior problems, negative impact on the family and socioeconomic situation) and sense of coherence. Well‐being and quality of life were used as outcomes, and were measured at baseline and at a one‐year follow‐up. The hypothesis of moderation was tested conducting multiple linear regression analyses. The level of well‐being was moderately stable over the two time points, with parents of children with ID having lower level of well‐being than control parents both initially and after one year. Well‐being was also related to level of SOC and cumulative risk with parents experiencing lower SOC or more risk also reporting lower well‐being. The hypothesis of SOC acting as a moderator in the relation between cumulative risk and well‐being found some support in the longitudinal analyses, but only for well‐being (BDI‐2r) among control mothers.
Relationship Between Mobility Limitations and the Places Where Older Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Live
Authors: Cleaver Shaun , Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , Hunter Duncan
Published: December 2008

As the population ages, mobility limitations are associated with increased mortality and negative health‐related states both in the general population and among people with intellectual disabilities. The influence of mobility limitations upon the lives and lifestyles of people with intellectual disabilities remains poorly understood. Specifically, the extent to which mobility limitations might limit residential options for individuals and families has not been evaluated. To determine the relationship between mobility limitations and place of residence for adults with intellectual disabilities, age 45 and older, a proxy‐response telephone survey was completed for 128 adults with intellectual disabilities in Southeastern Ontario. A participant's place of residence was categorized as being “high support” (group homes and nursing homes) or “low support” (living alone, with family, roommates, or host family). People with a score of 12 or less on the Rivermead Mobility Index were considered to have a mobility limitation. The relationship between mobility limitations and high‐support residential settings was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. After adjusting for age, sex, and presence of cerebral palsy, communication problems and behavior problems, people with mobility problems had 3.6 times greater odds of living in high‐support settings. Authors concluded that mobility limitations are associated with residence in “high‐support” settings and that further investigation is needed to determine the direction of causality and to create programs and services that equalize opportunities.
Biochemical insights into the mechanisms central to the response of mammalian cells to cold stress and subsequent rewarming
Authors: Roobol Anne , Carden Martin J. , Newsam Ray J. , Smales C. Mark
Published: December 2008

Mammalian cells cultured in vitro are able to recover from cold stress. However, the mechanisms activated during cold stress and recovery are still being determined. We here report the effects of hypothermia on cellular architecture, cell cycle progression, mRNA stability, protein synthesis and degradation in three mammalian cell lines. The cellular structures examined were, in general, well maintained during mild hypothermia (27–32 °C) but became increasingly disrupted at low temperatures (4–10 °C). The degradation rates of all mRNAs and proteins examined were much reduced at 27 °C, and overall protein synthesis rates were gradually reduced with temperature down to 20 °C. Proteins involved in a range of cellular activities were either upregulated or downregulated at 32 and 27 °C during cold stress and recovery. Many of these proteins were molecular chaperones, but they did not include the inducible heat shock protein Hsp72. Further detailed investigation of specific proteins revealed that the responses to cold stress and recovery are at least partially controlled by modulation of p53, Grp75 and eIF3i levels. Furthermore, under conditions of severe cold stress (4 °C), lipid‐containing structures were observed that appeared to be in the process of being secreted from the cell that were not observed at less severe cold stress temperatures. Our findings shed light on the mechanisms involved and activated in mammalian cells upon cold stress and recovery.
Overactive Bladder Is Associated with Erectile Dysfunction and Reduced Sexual Quality of Life in Men
Authors: Irwin Debra E. , Milsom Ian , Reilly Kate , Hunskaar Steinar , Kopp Zoe , Herschorn Sender , Coyne Karin S. , Kelleher Con J. , Artibani Walter , Abrams Paul
Published: December 2008

Introduction

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED), is greater in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including overactive bladder (OAB), than in men without LUTS.

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of ED, the impact of urinary symptoms on sexual activity and sexual enjoyment, and sexual satisfaction in men with OAB.

Methods

A nested case-control analysis was performed on data from a subset of men with (cases) and without (controls) OAB frequency-matched for age (5-year age strata) and country from the EPIC study. Respondents were asked about OAB symptoms (using the 2002 International Continence Society [ICS] definitions) and sexual activity. Sexually active respondents were asked about ED, sexual enjoyment, and overall satisfaction with their sex lives. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with ED.

Main Outcome Measures

The percentage of cases and controls reporting ED, a reduction in the frequency of sexual activity or enjoyment of sexual activity because of urinary symptoms, and overall satisfaction with their sex lives was determined for cases and controls.

Results

A total of 502 cases and 502 controls were matched for age strata and country. Significantly more cases (14%) reported reduced sexual activity because of urinary symptoms compared with controls (4%; P ≤ 0.05). Among sexually active respondents, cases were significantly more likely to have ED than were controls (prevalence odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.2); the prevalence of ED was similar to that for men with hypertension or diabetes. Significantly more cases (15%) reported decreased enjoyment of sexual activity because of urinary symptoms relative to controls (2%; P ≤ 0.05), and significantly fewer cases were satisfied with their sex lives (81% vs. 90%; P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

OAB, as defined by the ICS, was significantly associated with increased prevalence of ED, reduced sexual activity and sexual enjoyment because of urinary symptoms, and reduced sexual satisfaction.
PCOS, Sexuality, and Clitoral Vascularisation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Nappi Rossella E. , Mancini Fulvia , Cianciosi Arianna , Persico Nicola , Busacchi Paolo , Facchinetti Fabio , Sisti Giovanni
Published: December 2008

Introduction

In polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women, the changes in body appearance (mainly obesity and hirsutism) may influence the feminine identity of the patients with consequent depression and sexual disturbances.

Aim

To evaluate if lean PCOS patients present an increased incidence of depression and sexual dysfunction in comparison with controls and if clitoral volume and vascularization are influenced by circulating androgens levels.

Methods

25 lean PCOS women (Group I) and 18 healthy nonhirsute volunteers (Group II) were submitted, on day 3–5 of the cycle, to ultrasonographic and Doppler analyses, and to hormonal and biochemical evaluations.

Main Outcome Measures

Utero-ovarian and clitoral ultrasonographic analysis, and color Doppler evaluation of the uterine, stromal ovarian, and dorsal clitoral arteries. Hormonal and nitrites/nitrates plasma concentrations were analyzed. Each woman filled in the 2-factor Italian McCoy female questionnaire (MFSQ) and the Beck's Depression Inventory questionnaire (BDI).

Results

Androgens resulted, as expected, more elevated in PCOS patients than in controls. However, the ultrasonographic (US) assessment of the clitoral body volume evidenced no significant differences between PCOS (0.72 ± 0.41 mL) and control (0.62 ± 0.20 mL) patients. The resistances registered at the level of the dorsal clitoral artery did not show any difference between Group I (PI = 1.55 ± 0.40) and Group II (PI = 1.79 ± 0.38). The 2-factor Italian MFSQ and the BDI did not show any difference between PCOS women and controls.

Conclusions

In PCOS women, probably, the moderate hirsutism and hyperandrogenism do not induce the sense of loss of feminine identity and have no impact on sexual self-worth and sexual satisfaction.
Severe Vascular Complication after Implantation of a Three-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis
Authors: Deho' Federico , Henry Gerard D. , Marone Enrico M. , Sacca' Antonino , Chiesa Roberto , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco
Published: December 2008

Deho' F, Henry GD, Marone EM, Sacca' A, Chiesa R, Rigatti P, and Montorsi F. Severe vascular complication after implantation of a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis. J Sex Med **;**:**–**

We report a case of acute arterial ischemia and deep venous thrombosis due to compression of the external iliac vein and artery by the reservoir of a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis.
Identification of new variants within the two functional genes CCL3 and CCL3L encoding the CCL3 (MIP‐1α) chemokine: implications for HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Paximadis M. , Mohanlal N. , Gray G. E. , Kuhn L. , Tiemessen C. T.
Published: December 2008

The CC chemokine CCL3 is encoded by two functional genes, namely CCL3 and CCL3L, and has been identified as a key chemokine in HIV‐1 susceptibility and disease progression. The complete CCL3 and CCL3L genes and core promoters of 43 African mother–infant pairs (86 samples) and 28 Caucasian adults in South Africa were sequenced and extensively analysed for genetic variations. Africans were found to be more polymorphic in both genes with 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CCL3 gene and 14 gene copy number single nucleotide polymorphisms (gcnSNPs) in the CCL3L gene, compared to nine CCL3 SNPs and eight CCL3L gcnSNPs in Caucasians. A total of 14 polymorphisms across the two genes were newly identified in this study, most (12/14) of which were exclusive to the African population. In addition, two indels were identified and characterized in the CCL3 and CCL3L genes of a small number of individuals. Of the numerous unique intragenic haplotypes found in the two genes, none were shared by the two population groups. A newly identified five‐SNP CCL3 haplotype (Hap‐C1) found in a high frequency in Caucasians, however, seems to be evolutionarily related to the most prevalent newly identified African seven‐SNP CCL3 haplotype (Hap‐A1). Hap‐A1 also includes an SNP in the core promoter region and previous CCL3 haplotypes that have been reported to be associated with HIV‐1 infection appear to be smaller haplotypes within Hap‐A1. We thus propose Hap‐A1 as a likely candidate for influencing levels of CCL3 production and in turn outcomes of HIV‐1 infection.
RAPID MULTIPLEX PCR ASSAY FOR SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION OF MAJOR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE DETERMINANTS IN CLINICAL ISOLATES OF BACTEROIDES FRAGILIS
Authors: PUMBWE LILIAN , CURZON MATTHEW , WEXLER HANNAH M.
Published: December 2008

This study developed a rapid and cost‐effective multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay (M‐PCR) for simultaneous detection of major clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes in Bacteroides fragilis. The M‐PCR optimized amplification conditions with primers designed for detection of five resistance genes: carbapenems (cfiA) and cephalosporins (cepA), clindamycin (ermF), metronidazole (nimA‐F) and tetracycline (tetQ), plus a set of primers for the B. fragilis 16S rRNA gene (positive control). An initial single PCR was performed for each gene, followed by a gradient PCR to determine the optimal PCR conditions for each primer set. This was followed by several test M‐PCRs using the Qiagen multiplex PCR kit (Valencia, CA) with 60 ng of a template DNA mastermix containing all genes of interest and 0.2 µM of each primer set. Multiplex PCR products were detectable at annealing temperatures ranging from 53–57C for 30–35 cycles. The final optimized M‐PCR was then used to evaluate 21 different B. fragilis isolates from various patients. Eleven different M‐PCR genotypes were obtained, which correlated with phenotypic antibiograms and nitrocefin β‐lactamase production assays. This M‐PCR provides an accurate, rapid, sensitive and cost‐effective tool for detecting clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes in B. fragilis, and owing to its high sensitivity, it could also be used to investigate the prevalence of such genetic determinants in mixed bacterial specimens.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The current study provides an easy and rapid method for detecting antibiotic resistance determinants in bacteria. This will in turn enhance treatment methods and development of novel therapeutic strategies.
DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTIPLEX PCR METHOD FOR DETECTION OF THE GENES ENCODING 16S rRNA, COAGULASE, METHICILLIN RESISTANCE AND ENTEROTOXINS INSTAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
Authors: FAN YILING , PAN FENG , PAOLI GEORGE C. , XIAO YONGHONG , SHENG HAIHUI , SHI XIANMING
Published: December 2008

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed for simultaneous detection of the genes encoding methicillin resistance (mecA), SEs A, B and C (sea, sebandsec), coagulase (coa), and 16S rRNA. The primers for amplification of the 16S rRNA gene were specific forStaphylococcusspp., and the primers forcoawere specific forStaphylococcus aureus.Based on the results, the multiplex PCR was accomplished at an optimal Mg2+concentration of 1.0 mM and at an annealing temperature of 56C. This multiplex PCR method was performed with 71 strains ofS. aureusand 51 strains of six other bacterial species. Among theS. aureusstrains tested, 40.0% (28/71) were found to contain themecAgene. One of the 28mecA+strains was not resistant to methicillin. Thesea, sebandsecgenes were present in 47.9% (34/71), 5.6% (4/71) and 8.5% (6/71) ofS. aureusstrains, respectively. The sensitivity of this multiplex PCR method was approximately 104.5 pg of genomic DNA per reaction, which was equivalent to an estimated 2.4 × 103cfu ofS. aureus or3.64 × 104copies of genome equivalent.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The developed multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method will be a useful tool for the detection and identification ofStaphylococcus aureusfrom foods, clinical samples and environmental surveys. In particular, the routine use of this multiplex PCR method for the detection of foodborneS. aureuscould be used to monitor the presence of enterotoxins and the emergence of methicillin resistance in a population that, to date, has had a relatively low incidence of methicillin resistance.
An Examination of Vertical Accretion of Floodplain Sediments in the Labasa River Sugarcane Belt of Northern Fiji: Rates, Influences and Contributing Processes
Authors: TERRY J.P. , LAL R. , GARIMELLA S.
Published: December 2008

The 137Cs (caesium‐137) method was used to investigate medium‐term rates of sediment deposition on the floodplain of the Labasa River, on Vanua Levu island in northern Fiji. The Labasa basin is commercially important for sugarcane farming, which provides much revenue and sustains the economy in the greater Labasa area. Alluvium was sampled at three riverbank sites in vertical increments of 30 mm. Measured net vertical accretion rates, based on analysis of depth‐profiles of 137Cs activity, ranged from 10 mm yr−1 at a low‐lying site near a tributary confluence with the main river, to 60 mm yr−1 on a levée that was elevated slightly above the adjacent floodplain. These rates of accretion are high, but in general agreement with rates recorded using similar methods in other tropical Pacific island river systems. Soil erosion under sugarcane on hilly parts of the lower Labasa basin is an important factor in rapid floodplain development. Observations made during Cyclone Ami, which traversed Vanua Levu island in early 2003, illustrate the major contribution of severe storm events to floodplain sediment supply, by triggering numerous landslides on catchment slopes and in‐channel debris floods, and by generating large‐magnitude overbank floods.
Bio‐Traps Coupled with Molecular Biological Methods and Stable Isotope Probing Demonstrate the In Situ Biodegradation Potential of MTBE and TBA in Gasoline‐Contaminated Aquifers
Authors: Busch‐Harris Jennifer , Sublette Kerry , Roberts Kenneth P. , Landrum Carla , Peacock Aaron D. , Davis Greg , Ogles Dora , Holmes William E. , Harris David , Ota Christopher , Yang Xiaomin , Kolhatkar Arati
Published: December 2008

Biofilms characteristic of aquifer conditions can be rapidly and efficiently collected using in situ microcosms or “bio‐traps” containing Bio‐Sep® beads (25% Nomex and 75% powdered activated carbon [PAC]) (University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma). Bio‐Sep beads can be “baited” with a variety of organic compounds by vapor‐phase adsorption onto the PAC component of the beads under reduced pressure. In the aquifer, the bait or the amendment does not substantially leach into the aquifer but is available to the bacteria as a carbon source within the bead. When the organic compound is labeled with 13C, phospholipids may be extracted from bead biofilms postincubation and derived fatty acid methyl esters analyzed for 13C. Incorporation of 13C into biomass provides proof of current in situ degradation potential. We have now Bio‐Sep beads with 13C‐labeled methyl‐tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) and tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA). Deployment of these 13C‐amended bio‐traps has been coupled with molecular biological methods and stable isotope probing to demonstrate the biodegradation of MTBE and TBA in an anaerobic gasoline plume in southern California. Nonamended bio‐traps were deployed at the same site as a preexperiment to determine if spatial variations in microbial community structure could be linked to concentrations of oxygenates or other electron donors. Analysis of biofilm phospholipids and DNA from nonamended bio‐traps demonstrated a clear relationship between various aspects of the subsurface microbial community structure and the concentration of TBA. There was no correlation of any phospholipid fatty acid or DNA attributes with the concentrations of MTBE; benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX); or gasoline range total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHg). Deployment of 13C‐MTBE‐ or 13C‐TBA‐amended bio‐traps in the plume clearly demonstrated the degradation of both MTBE and TBA under aquifer conditions through incorporation of 13C into membrane phospholipids.
Binge drinking in college‐aged women: Framing a gender‐specific prevention strategy
Authors: Kelly‐Weeder Susan
Published: December 2008

Purpose: To provide an overview of binge drinking in college‐aged women and to suggest strategies for nurse practitioners (NPs) to assist women in preventing the negative consequences associated with this behavior.

Data sources:

Original research articles and comprehensive review articles identified through Medline, CINAHL, and OVID databases.

Conclusions:

Researchers have shown that the rates of binge drinking in college‐aged women are increasing, which places these women at increased risk for the long‐term complications associated with alcohol use.

Implications for practice:

NPs must be aware of this phenomenon and carefully screen women for high‐risk alcohol use. Prevention strategies are reviewed and include the use of brief motivational interviews delivered during individual client encounters as well as through Web‐based programs.
A REAPPRAISAL OF THE OVERLAP OF VIOLENT OFFENDERS AND VICTIMS*
Authors: SCHRECK CHRISTOPHER J. , STEWART ERIC A. , OSGOOD D. WAYNE
Published: December 2008

Because research shows a close association between offending and victimization, recent work has argued that theories that account for crime should explain victimization as well. The current study uses a new approach to examine the extent of the overlap between offenders who commit violent crime and victims of violence to determine whether it is worthwhile to pursue separate theories to account for these phenomena. Specifically, we take the statistical approach that Osgood and Schreck (2007) developed for analyzing specialization in violent versus property offending and apply it to analyzing tendencies to gravitate toward violent offending versus victimization. In doing so, we treat the differentiation into victim and offender roles as an individual‐level latent variable while controlling for confounding between the likelihood that individuals will take either role in violent acts and their overall numbers of encounters with violence (as either offender or victim). Our purpose is to examine 1) whether significant differentiation can be observed between the tendency to be an offender versus the tendency to be a victim, 2) whether any such differential tendency is stable over time, and 3) if it is possible to predict whether individuals will tend toward violent offending versus victimization. Using two waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to explore these objectives, we find significant and stable levels of differentiation between offenders and victims. Moreover, this differentiation is predictable with explanatory variables.
WHEN MISSING DATA ARE NOT MISSING: A NEW APPROACH TO EVALUATING SUPPLEMENTAL HOMICIDE REPORT IMPUTATION STRATEGIES*
Authors: WADSWORTH TIM , ROBERTS JOHN M.
Published: December 2008

The Supplemental Homicide Reports (SHR) are widely used in criminological research and inform a broad range of research topics and subsequent policy applications. A serious issue with the SHR is missing information about the offender and incident in many recorded homicides. Although it is convenient to discard cases with missing data before analysis, such discarding is not theoretically justified and can lead to incorrect substantive conclusions. Recently, several techniques for imputing missing SHR data have been proposed, but it is difficult to evaluate their effectiveness. This research presents a new approach to testing and evaluating SHR imputation techniques.

Offender data that are missing in the SHR are often found in police records available for individual cities. We examine similarities and differences among cases with known offender characteristics in the SHR, cases with such information missing in the SHR but available in police records, and cases with such information missing in both sources. We then use these data sets to evaluate four different imputation techniques suggested in the literature (Fox, 2004; Messner, Deane, and Beaulieu, 2002; Pampel and Williams, 2000; Regoeczi and Riedel, 2003). We apply each imputation technique to the SHR, and for cases with information missing in the SHR but known in the police records, we see how well the imputed values correspond both with the individual known values and with the overall distributions in the police records. We discuss the outcome of our assessment of these strategies, and we outline important implications this assessment has for research using SHR data.
THE ROLE OF RACE AND ETHNICITY IN PAROLE DECISIONS*
Authors: HUEBNER BETH M. , BYNUM TIMOTHY S.
Published: December 2008

The parole board plays an integral part in the reentry of offenders into the community from prison in most states; yet, little is known about the decision‐making practices of this group. In particular, few studies have used quantitative data to examine parole among a large group of offenders, and less is known about the direct and joint effects of race and ethnicity on this decision point. We extend previous work by considering variation in parole timing among a sample of young, serious offenders incarcerated in one state. Results from a series of proportional hazard models reveal substantial variation in parole timing. Consistent with the existing theoretical research on parole, parole actors are most concerned with community protection and heavily weigh measures of the current offense, institutional behavior, and the official parole guidelines score. The direct effects of race and ethnicity were also revealed. Black offenders spent a longer time in prison awaiting parole compared with white offenders, and the racial and ethnic differences are maintained net of legal and individual demographic and community characteristics. These findings provide important insight into the parole process and augment the existing theoretical work on disparities in decision making.
The effect of number of lengthening contractions on rat isometric force production at different frequencies of nerve stimulation
Authors: Willems M. E. T. , Stauber W. T.
Published: December 2008

Aim:  To test the effect of 3, 10, 60 and 240 lengthening contractions (LC) on maximal isometric force of rat plantar flexor muscles at different stimulation frequencies.

Methods:  Using a dynamometer and electrical nerve stimulation, maximally active skeletal muscles were stretched by ankle rotation to produce LC of the plantar flexor muscles in intact female rats. After the lengthening contraction protocols, maximal isometric force was measured at different frequencies of nerve activation to obtain frequency‐dependent force deficits (weakness).

Results:  The magnitude of the force deficit, measured 1 h after the protocols at 80 Hz, increased as a function of repetition number (three LC, 33.3 ± 1.7%; 10 LC, 37.2 ± 2.3%; 60 LC, 67.6 ± 1.5%; 240 LC, 77.7 ± 1.2%). Force deficits were also measured at each stimulation frequency tested (5:120 Hz). Using a ratio of isometric force at 20:100 Hz stimulation, the relative depression of force at low frequency was determined. The relative depression of isometric force at low frequency was most prominent during the early repetitions.

Conclusion:  As low‐frequency force depression appears to result primarily from excitation–contraction (E–C) coupling failure, the early LC in a series of repeated contractions probably contribute most to damage of the cellular components involved in E–C coupling.
America's Uninsured: The Statistics and Back Story
Authors: Rowland Diane , Shartzer Adele
Published: December 2008

This article defines the problem of the uninsured. It begins with an overview of why health insurance matters and presents a profile of the uninsured. It then discusses the roles and limits of private and public health insurance as sources of coverage for the nonelderly population. The article concludes with reflections on the current health insurance environment and prospects for reform.

The large and growing number of uninsured people is of concern because health coverage makes a difference in whether and when people get necessary medical care, where they get their care, and ultimately how healthy people are. About a quarter of uninsured adults (26 percent) say that they have postponed seeking care in the past year because of its cost, compared to about 6 percent of privately insured adults (Figure 1). In addition, more than half of uninsured adults (54 percent) have no usual source of care, compared to 1 in 10 adults (10 percent) with other types of coverage. Similarly, uninsured children are more likely to lack a usual source of care, delay care, or to have unmet medical needs than children with insurance. The uninsured are less likely to receive timely preventive and outpatient care and are more likely to be hospitalized for avoidable health problems. Improved access to care through health insurance ultimately has an impact on people’s health and lives: an estimated 22,000 excess deaths occurred among adults aged 25-64 in 2006 as a result of lack of health coverage.
The Corporate Transformation of Medical Specialty Care: The Exemplary Case of Neonatology
Authors: Kinney Eleanor D.
Published: December 2008

With new, effective, and expensive health care services, the American health care sector has become an even greater source of business and wealth opportunities. All kinds of health care providers and suppliers are competing for patients and dollars. The key to wealth in today’s health care sector is the physician. Only physicians can certify to third-party payers that health care services, medical devices, or pharmaceutical products are necessary for patient care. That certification initiates the process by which the item, service, or treatment modality is ordered, delivered, and paid for. Thus, organizations that can exert control over physicians stand to gain financially.
Neonatal Pain Relief and the Helsinki Declaration
Authors: Van Howe Robert S. , Svoboda J. Steven
Published: December 2008

The Helsinki Declaration, first published in 1964, is the universally accepted standard for ethical behavior in research involving human subjects. The Declaration was formulated in response to the abuses of human subjects by the scientists in Nazi Germany and to update the Nuremberg Code. Amended in 1975, 1983, 1989, 1996, and 2000, the Declaration provides the foundation for the United States federal regulations for research involving human subjects.

To conform to standards developed in the Declaration, a researcher must fulfill the following: (1) respect the autonomy of the individual; (2) promote and safeguard the individual’s health; (3) provide informed consent without coercion; (4) take special measures with vulnerable populations; (5) compare new therapies to the best current therapies; (6) have a thorough scientific knowledge of the subject; (7) assess risk versus benefit of the intervention; (8) perform studies that will ultimately benefit the population involved in the research; (9) accurately report their findings; and (10) fully disclose ethical concerns in their research protocols.
Preliminary Study of the Optimum Dietary Ascorbic Acid Level in Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka)
Authors: Okorie Okorie Eme , Ko Su Hong , Go Sugeun , Lee Seunghyung , Bae Jun Young , Han Kyungmin , Bai Sungchul C.
Published: December 2008

A 14‐wk feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the optimum dietary ascorbic acid (AA) level in juvenile sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus. Sea cucumbers averaging 1.49 ± 0.07 g (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into 18 rectangular plastic tanks of 20 L capacity in a recirculating system (20 animals per tank). Six semipurified experimental diets were formulated to contain 0 (l‐ascorbyl‐2‐monophosphate [AMP]; AMP0), 30 (AMP24), 60 (AMP48), 120 (AMP100), 240 (AMP206), and 1200 (AMP1045) mg AA/kg diet in the form of AMP using casein as the main protein source. Sea cucumbers were fed each of the six experimental diets in triplicate groups. At the end of 14 wk of feeding trial, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency (FE) of sea cucumbers fed AMP100, AMP206, and AMP1045 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of animals fed AMP0, AMP24, and AMP48. However, there were no significant differences in WG, SGR, and FE among sea cucumbers fed AMP100, AMP206, and AMP1045 and among animals fed AMP0, AMP24, and AMP48. Whole‐body vitamin C concentration increased with AA content of the diets. Broken‐line analysis of WG showed an optimum dietary AA level of 105.3 mg AA/kg diet in sea cucumber. These results indicated that the optimum dietary vitamin C level in sea cucumber in the form of AMP could be greater than 100 mg AA/kg diet but less than 105.3 mg AA/kg diet.
Interactive Effects of Different Temperatures and Salinities on Growth, Feed Conversion Efficiency, and Blood Physiology in Juvenile Spotted Wolffish, Anarhichas minor Olafsen
Authors: Magnussen Anders B. , Imsland Albert K. , Foss Atle
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different salinities and temperatures and their possible interactive effect on growth performance, feeding parameters, and blood physiology in juvenile spotted wolffish, Anarhichas minor, reared at different temperature (7 and 10 C) and salinity (15, 25, and 34‰) combinations. There was a significant interactive effect between temperature and salinity on growth, as a growth‐enhancing effect was seen at intermediate and full salinities at higher temperature, whereas the reciprocal trend was seen at lower temperature. Mean total feed consumption, daily feeding rate, and feed conversion efficiency were all highest at the intermediate salinity at 10 C, whereas at 7 C, the feeding parameters were highest at low and intermediate salinities. Blood plasma sodium content was lowest at 15‰, whereas the opposite trend was seen in partial pressure of CO2 and bicarbonate in blood where the highest concentrations were seen at 15‰. This study demonstrates that spotted wolffish has a high osmoregulatory and acclimatory capacity. In an aquaculture context, growth of juvenile spotted wolffish can be improved by rearing the species at high temperature and intermediate salinity combinations at least in a limited period of the juvenile phase.
PI3K Signaling in Glioma—Animal Models and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Cheng Christine K. , Fan Qi‐Wen , Weiss William A.
Published: December 2008

The PI3 kinase (PI3K) family plays a complex role in cell biology and metabolism. Signaling through the PI3Ks is frequently activated in many human cancers, including glioblastoma, because of gain‐of‐function mutations in PIK3CA or loss of PTEN. Experiments involving genetic mouse models and small molecule inhibitors have helped to elucidate the roles of the regulatory and catalytic subunits of PI3K in metabolism and cancer. Downstream of PI3K is Akt, a critical effector of growth, proliferation and survival. The suggested dependence of glioblastoma tumors on PI3K signaling implies that PI3K inhibitors should lead to effective killing of these cancer cells, but that has been shown not to be the case. The engagement of other survival pathways in response to PI3K inhibition prompts the need to develop combination therapies that promote cytotoxicity in cancer cells.
Basic Process Capability Indices: An Expository Review
Authors: Anis Mohammed Z.
Published: December 2008

A review of the four basic process capability indices has been made. The interrelationship among these indices has been highlighted. Attention has been drawn to their drawbacks. The relation of these indices to the proportion nonconforming has been dwelt upon and the requirement of the adequate sample size has been emphasized. Cautionary remarks on the use of these indices in the case of nonnormal distributions, skewed distributions, and autocorrelated data are also presented. The effect of measurement error on process capability indices has been dealt with in great detail.
Imagined Intergroup Contact: Theory, Paradigm and Practice
Authors: Crisp Richard J. , Stathi Sofia , Turner Rhiannon N. , Husnu Senel
Published: December 2008

In this article, we outline a new implementation of intergroup contact theory: imagined intergroup contact. The approach combines 50 years of research into the effects of contact with recent advances in social cognition. It represents both a versatile experimental paradigm for investigating the extended and indirect impacts of social contact, as well as a flexible and effective tool for practitioners and policy makers in their efforts to promote tolerance for multicultural diversity. We describe the theoretical basis for imagined contact effects, document emerging empirical support, and provide a practical guide for researchers wishing to adopt the paradigm. Finally, we discuss the potential application of imagined contact in educational contexts, and how it could be integrated with existing approaches to provide maximally effective strategies for improving intergroup relations.
Examining Relationships Between Perceived Psychological Need Satisfaction and Behavioral Regulations in Exercise
Authors: Wilson Philip M. , Todd Rogers W.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the proposition that psychological need satisfaction plays a role in the motives regulating exercise behavior. Participants completed self‐report instruments assessing perceived psychological need satisfaction and exercise regulation at the outset and end of a 12‐week structured exercise class. Greater perceived psychological need satisfaction predicted endorsement of more self‐determined exercise regulations in the structural equation modeling analysis. Change score analyses revealed that increased perceived need fulfillment was positively correlated with more self‐determined exercise regulations, although this pattern was most prominent for competence and autonomy. Collectively, these findings indicate perceptions of competence and autonomy—and to a lesser extent relatedness—and represent important factors shaping exercise motivation. Continued investigation of basic psychological need fulfillment via exercise appears justified.
The Positive Exerciser Stereotype: The Role of Gender Stereotype of the Activity
Authors: Drouin Breanne , Varga Heather , Gammage Kimberley L.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine if the positive exerciser stereotype exists when participating in opposite‐gender stereotyped activities. Participants (N = 313) were randomly assigned to read a paragraph about one of eight targets (female or male, participating in a masculine‐stereotyped activity, feminine‐stereotyped activity, gender‐neutral activity, or control). They then rated the target on personality and physical dimensions. A multivariate analysis of variance for personality attributes showed only one difference: The male target was rated as more masculine than the female target. For physical attributes, significant differences were found for target gender and activity type. In general, exercisers were rated more positively than controls regardless of exercise type. This study found that the positive exerciser stereotype occurred regardless of gender stereotype of the activity.
The Associations Between Basal Salivary Cortisol and Illness Symptomatology in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Torres‐Harding Susan , Sorenson Matthew , Jason Leonard , Reynolds Nadia , Brown Molly , Maher Kevin , Fletcher Mary Ann
Published: December 2008

Hypocortisolism has been reported in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), with the significance of this finding to disease etiology unclear. This study examined cortisol levels and their relationships with symptoms in a group of 108 individuals with CFS. CFS symptoms examined included fatigue, pain, sleep difficulties, neurocognitive functioning, and psychiatric status. Alterations in cortisol levels were examined by calculation of mean daily cortisol, and temporal variation in cortisol function was examined by means of a regression slope. Additionally, deviation from expected cortisol diurnal pattern was determined via clinical judgment. Results indicated that fatigue and pain were associated with salivary cortisol levels. In particular, variance from the expected pattern of cortisol was associated with increased levels of fatigue. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Managerial Response to the May 2003 Dividend Tax Cut
Authors: Brav Alon , Graham John R. , Harvey Campbell R. , Michaely Roni
Published: December 2008

We survey 328 financial executives to determine the effects of the May 2003 dividend tax cut. We find that the tax cut led to initiations and dividend increases at some firms. However, executives say that among the factors that affect dividend policy, the tax rate reduction is less important than the stability of future cash flows, cash holdings, and the historic level of dividends. Tax effects have roughly the same importance as attracting institutional investors and the availability of profitable investments. We also find that press releases only occasionally mention the dividend tax cut as the reason for an initiation.
How Did the 2003 Dividend Tax Cut Affect Stock Prices?
Authors: Amromin Gene , Harrison Paul , Sharpe Steven
Published: December 2008

We test the hypothesis that the 2003 dividend tax cut boosted US stock prices and thereby lowered the cost of equity capital. Using an event‐study methodology, we attempt to identify an aggregate stock market effect by comparing the behavior of US common stock prices with that of foreign equities and the equities of real estate investment trusts (REITs). We also examine the relative cross‐sectional response of prices of high‐ and low‐dividend‐paying stocks. We do not find any imprint of the dividend tax cut news on the value of the aggregate US stock market. On the other hand, high‐dividend stocks outperformed low‐dividend stocks by a few percentage points over the event windows, suggesting that the tax cut may have induced asset reallocation within equity portfolios. Finally, the positive abnormal return on nondividend paying US stocks in 2003 does not appear to be tied to tax cut news.
Stock Splits as a Manipulation Tool: Evidence from Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Guo Shourun , Liu Mark H. , Song Weihong
Published: December 2008

We document that acquiring firms are more likely than nonacquiring firms to split their stocks before making acquisition announcements, especially when acquisitions are financed by stock and when the deals are large. Our findings support the hypothesis that some acquiring firms use stock splits to manipulate their equity values prior to acquisition announcements. Using earnings quality as a proxy for firms' intention to manipulate, we find that acquirers with low earnings quality (i.e., acquirers that are more likely to use stock splits to manipulate their stock values) have lower long‐run stock returns compared with their benchmarks, especially when the deals are financed with stock. In contrast, acquirers with high earnings quality do not show that pattern. Our evidence complements and extends the findings in the literature that some acquirers manipulate their stock prices before stock‐swap acquisitions. This study suggests that target shareholders should use information such as earnings quality and stock splits to discriminate among acquirers and ensure that exchanges are conducted on fair terms.
Macular blood flow measured by blue‐field entoptoscopy and Heidelberg retinal flowmetry: comparison of two techniques in type 1 diabetes women during pregnancy
Authors: Loukovaara Sirpa , Harju Mika , Immonen Ilkka
Published: December 2008

Purpose:  This study compared macular capillary leucocyte velocity values measured with a psychophysical blue‐field entoptic simulation (BFS) technique and confocal scanning laser Doppler flowmetry.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was performed where macular capillary leucocyte velocity was measured by BFS using an Oculix BFS‐2000 V2.1 psychophysical system and by confocal scanning laser Doppler flowmetry using Heidelberg retinal flowmetry (HRF) in 35 type 1 diabetes women during the second trimester.

Results:  The macular leucocyte velocities measured with BFS correlated significantly with the 50th percentile (r = 0.345, p = 0.042, n = 35, Spearman’s non‐parametric correlation), the 75th percentile (r = 0.432, p = 0.009) and the 90th percentile (r = 0.373, p = 0.027) of HRF flow values during the second trimester. However, there was no correlation between BFS velocity and the 25th percentile of HRF measurements.

Conclusions:  Blue‐field simulation is known to be an experimental technique that provides a quantitative measure of flow in the perifoveal capillary network. By contrast, HRF imaging reflects quantitative, multispectral, objective and non‐invasive measurements in a two‐dimensional projection of a three‐dimensional retinal capillary bed. Our study showed that BFS velocity was correlated with HRF values in a group of women with diabetes during pregnancy. The positive correlation between BFS and HRF values suggests that the psychophysical BFS and scanning laser‐based HRF measure similar functions in the retina.