bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes Following an Early Parenting Center Residential Parenting Program
Authors: Treyvaud Karli , Rogers Susan , Matthews Jan , Allen Beverley
Published: October 2009

Outcomes for maternal well-being and behavior as well as difficult child behavior following participation in a 5-day early parenting center residential parenting program were explored. Participants were 44 mothers and their children, the majority presenting with child sleeping difficulties. Data were collected at four stages: intake (2-4 weeks prior to the program), the first day of the program, the last day of the program, and 4 weeks after the program. Measures included questionnaires, monitoring sheets, and videotaped observations of parent— child interactions. Improvements were seen in mothers’ behavior during parent—child interaction over the week they attended the program. Maternal symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were lower after the program. The perceived frequency and seriousness of maternal reported difficult child behavior decreased over the measurement period, and 52% of parents had achieved 80% or more of their behavioral goal for their children. Implications for future research in early parenting centers are discussed.
The Role of Domination in Newcomers’ Legitimation as Entrepreneurs
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Voronov Maxim
Published: October 2009

Drawing on Bourdieu’s social theory, we theorize two facets of legitimacy bestowed upon newcomers entering a field: institutional legitimacy, which represents the extent to which newcomers conform with the field’s current power arrangements (‘fit in’) and innovative legitimacy, which pertains to the extent to which newcomers challenge these arrangements (‘stand out’). We conceptualize newcomers’ ability to be endowed with these two facets of legitimacy by field incumbents as a necessary condition to be legitimized as ‘entrepreneurs’ and highlight the forces of domination inherent in this process. We further discuss the intricate and possibly conflicting relationship between incumbents’ expectations about the need for newcomers to fit in and stand out and how newcomers can artfully navigate between these two demands by artfully managing the meaning associated with their and others’ activities. Finally, we discuss the relationship between newcomers’ endowment with legitimacy and the reproduction or transformation of the field’s power arrangements.
Domination in Organizational Fields: It’s Just Not Cricket
Authors: Wright April L.
Published: October 2009

This article demonstrates how deep engagement with Bourdieu’s theory of the field enriches scholarly understanding of institutional processes. A historical narrative of institutional formation and change in firstclass County cricket in England as a field of restricted cultural production is presented. The narrative illustrates how focusing attention on the position of agents within the field, the relations of production within the field, and the social context, which includes social class, provides a path for analysis of institutional processes which is dynamic, multi-level and nuanced. Bourdieu’s conception of fields as a struggle for capital between agents strategizing to improve field position illuminates the importance of social class to institutional processes, an effect that has been under reported by the most popular approaches to institutionalization in the extant literature.
The Endless Fields of Pierre Bourdieu
Authors: Friedland Roger
Published: October 2009

Laying out the logic of Bourdieu’s approach to institutional fields, this essay argues that Bourdieu’s theorization of the logic of practice is a generic contest for domination in a plurality of homologously organized fields. Bourdieu aligns all practices through the logic of domination, which allows him to homologize group relations in every field. This homologization depends on a homogenization of fields, the sociological effacement of their cultural specificity. The essay then contrasts Bourdieu’s model of the practical logic of fields to Friedland’s understanding of the institutional logic of practice.
Analysing, Accounting for and Unmasking Domination: On Our Role as Scholars of Practice, Practitioners of Social Science and Public Intellectuals
Authors: Golsorkhi Damon , Leca Bernard , Lounsbury Michael , Ramirez Carlos
Published: October 2009

Over the last 30 years, there has been an increasing interest in organizational analysis for the work of Pierre Bourdieu. However, the consequent body of literature often lacks an integrated comprehension of Bourdieusian theory and therefore fails to fully exploit its potentialities. In this essay, we argue for a more systematic engagement with the work of Bourdieu by organizational scholars and emphasize the opportunity to develop cumulative research on domination within and between organizations. The means by which systems of domination are reproduced without conscious intention by agents is a central issue for Bourdieu and arguably the primary reason for the development of his theoretical framework. It is thus through the study of domination that one can acquire a panoramic vision of Bourdieusian concepts that have been otherwise too often tackled separately. Moreover, domination is also a key entry to the understanding of how social scientists produce their own knowledge and of their role as members of society. We emphasize that as scholars, we have a moral responsibility to be reflexive about our practice and the social worlds we study in order to ultimately use the knowledge we produce to inform and direct social progress.
How information foraging styles relate to tourism demographics and behaviours
Authors: Murphy Jamie , Olaru Doina
Published: October 2009

Scholars have investigated information search in tourism for decades and recently, the web’s role in information search. Rather than information search with a particular source, this study adds to the literature by focusing on information foraging across multiple sources including the web. Drawing on an analogy of animals foraging among different foods, tourists forage among different information sources. A cluster analysis of 882 tourists’ information foraging prior to visiting Yellowstone National Park reveals three styles. One cluster has little hunger for information; the two other clusters tend to forage for information aggressively or passively. The aggressive foragers resemble sharks and hunt constantly for information, particularly external information. The passive foragers resemble spiders, waiting for personal information that comes their way or drawing on internal information. Similar to past information gathering research, the three clusters differ signifi cantly in demographic and behavioural characteristics. Finally, rather than being a distinct source, the web serves as an additional and complementary food in the sharks’ information diet.
Optimum stimulation level and consumer attitudes toward time share second homes
Authors: Hansen Håvard , Mehmetoglu Mehmet
Published: October 2009

This article simultaneously examines how a set of common key drivers of consumer attitudes affect consumers’ attitude toward Time share second homes, and how these effects may be moderated by the personality trait Optimum Stimulation Level (OSL). The findings support the main thesis that effects of the drivers of consumer attitudes toward Time share concepts depend on the OSL-level of consumers. That is, effects of the three drivers of consumer attitudes (value perception, risk perception, and knowledge possession) appear indeed to be different for Low and High OSL consumer groups. Value perception seems to be more important for High OSL consumers whereas risk perception and knowledge possession play a more salient role for Low OSL consumers. Theoretical and practical implications are also provided.
Structural relationships among involvement, destination brand equity, satisfaction and destination visit intentions: The case of Japanese outbound travelers
Authors: Kim Soon-Ho , Han Hye-Sook , Holland Stephen , Byon Kevin K.
Published: October 2009

The concept of involvement and destination brand equity and its relationship to satisfaction, intention to revisit, and willingness to spend money was explored in a sample of 369 international tourists. Applying structural equation modeling, this study focused on the effects that destination brand equity had as a potentially significant mediating variable in the involvement → destination brand equity → satisfaction → intention to revisit and willingness to spend money relationships. Findings indicate managers should understand destination brand equity as an essential antecedent of satisfaction and they need to manage the factors associated with destination brand equity. Of the factors contributing to destination brand equity, destination managers should maximize their promotional mix to improve their target groups’ preferences, value, popularity and price premiums identified as the more important factors.
Tourism-related business failures: the case of The Spice Islands Restaurant
Authors: Leiper Neil , Stear Lloyd
Published: October 2009

The Spice Islands Restaurant’s strategy targeted tourists. The strategy failed and the business failed. The proprietors made mistakes in strategy and in operations, and the case can serve to illustrate many things that restaurant proprietors should avoid if their businesses are to survive and possibly flourish. A seminal mistake in this case was not distinguishing flows of tourists and stocks of tourists in a market appraisal for the feasibility study and business plan: this mistake seriously distorted those instruments. The same mistake can confuse other proprietors in certain types of tourist-related businesses, such as hotels, where stocks are more relevant than flows. Knowledge about the causes of business failure, gained from case histories, can help proprietors avoid mistakes and thus the incidence of failure can be reduced. Educational courses on tourism should include topics on business failures. To date this seems relatively rare.
Crossed Evaluations of Temptation to Drink, Strain and Adjustment in Couples with Alcohol Problems
Authors: Antoine Pascal , Christophe Véronique , Nandrino Jean-Louis
Published: October 2009

The aim was to describe discrepancies between patients’ and spouses’ dyadic adjustment scores, spouse strain and patients’ temptation to drink during abstinence. Patients overestimated the dyadic adjustment scores of their partner and spouses underestimated patients’ scores. Spouses overestimated patients’ temptation to drink. Correlations between patients’ and spouses’ scores were generally high (.61 to .78) except for five measures of spouse strain which were lower (.31 to .50). Results show discrepancies concerning marital function and the temptation to drink which could be important when planning treatment and prevention of relapse.
How Do People Change Their Diet?
Authors: Chapman Katarzyna , Ogden Jane
Published: October 2009

The present study explored how people change their diet over the course of their lifespan and what factors facilitate this process. Twenty participants’ narratives were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The participants’ narratives indicated that diet changes can occur either with or without the individual’s active involvement. We labelled these the active path and the passive path. Four themes emerged denoting the mechanisms of change: accumulation of evidence; trigger to action; imposed change; and seamless change. These results indicate that dietary changes may not be as infrequent and difficult as often assumed and highlight an array of new mechanisms which could be explored further to promote behaviour change.
Changing Nutrition, Physical Activity and Body Weight among Student Nurses and Midwives
Authors: Luszczynska Aleksandra , Haynes Catherine
Published: October 2009

The study tested if effects of a planning intervention on fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity and body weight may be moderated by self-efficacy. Student nurses and midwives ( N = 182) were randomly assigned to the planning or the control condition. The intervention included action and coping plans and was followed by two booster sessions. Follow-up took place at two months after last booster session. The intervention affected fruit and vegetable intake. Additionally, body mass index of overweight participants was reduced. Baseline self-efficacy moderated the effects of the intervention: only respondents reporting strong efficacy beliefs improved their diet and exercise.
Fathers’ Views and Understanding of their Roles in Families with a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Hill Karalyn , Higgins Aiveen , Dempster Martin , McCarthy Anthony
Published: October 2009

This study explored how fathers of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) perceived and understood the roles they had within their family over the course of their child’s illness and treatment. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with five fathers. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The major themes that emerged were: adjusting to the diagnosis; the experience of maternal gate-keeping; striving for normalization; experiences of giving and receiving support. Overall, the fathers perceived themselves as having significant responsibility in helping their child and family cope with the illness experience. Clinical implications, including the need for professionals to recognize and more openly acknowledge the father’s position, are considered.
Mirrors and Resistance Exercise, Do They Influence Affective Responses?
Authors: Chmelo Elizabeth A. , Hall Eric E. , Miller Paul C. , Sanders Kristin N.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine affective responses during and following resistance exercise in a mirrored environment. Thirty-two females completed three sessions. During session one, exercise intensity was determined for the subsequent two sessions. During the next two sessions participants performed eight exercises either with or without mirrors. Affect was measured prior to, during, immediately following and 15 minutes post-exercise. Affect was more pleasant and activated during and following exercise, but did not differ by condition. The inability to find a difference in mirrored condition may be a result of participants using the mirrors for technique as opposed to self-evaluation purposes.
Protection Motivation Theory and Physical Activity
Authors: Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Rhodes Ryan E. , Trinh Linda
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) to predict physical activity (PA) behaviour in a large, population-based sample of adults. One thousand six hundred and two randomly selected individuals completed two telephone interviews over two consecutive six-month periods assessing PMT constructs. PMT explained 35 per cent and 20 per cent of the variance in intention and behaviour respectively. Coping cognitions as moderators of threat explained 1 per cent of the variance in intention and behaviour. Age and gender as moderators of threat did not provide additional variance in the models. We conclude that salient PMT predictors (e.g. self-efficacy) may guide the development of effective PA interventions in the general population.
Using the Constructive Narrative Perspective to Understand Physical Activity Reasoning Schema in Sedentary Adults
Authors: Buman Matthew P. , Giacobbi Peter R. , Yasova L. Daphna , McCrae Christina S.
Published: October 2009

We used the Constructive Narrative Perspective (CNP), a three-level, progressively complex reasoning schema, to examine how individuals perceive barriers to physical activity. Sedentary adults ( N = 23) aged 50 years and older ( M = 65.23; SD = 6.03) participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their reasons for physical inactivity. The results provided initial support for using the CNP framework. Level II (self-relevant) and Level III (cognitive-affective schema-related) reasons were most commonly reported. Level I (evidence-based) reasons were less commonly reported. The CNP framework could become a useful tool in tailoring intervention strategies based upon progressively more complex reasoning schema.
The individual health burden of acne
Authors: Hassan Judith , Grogan Sarah , Clark-Carter David , Richards Helen , Yates Victoria M.
Published: October 2009

This study examined appearance-related distress in patients with acne. One hundred and thirty-two people attending a specialist acne clinic completed questionnaires including the Derriford Appearance Scale and three self-rated acne scales covering more (facial) and less visible (chest, back) acne sites. Women with acne demonstrated greater self-consciousness of appearance and negative self-concept than men. Subjective rating of severity of facial acne was significantly associated with increased social self-consciousness in women, but not in men. Back acne was significantly associated with sexual and bodily self-consciousness of appearance in both men and women. Patients 20 years and above were significantly more likely to suffer appearance-related distress than 16—19-year-olds. Although not a key focus of this study, ethnicity was also implicated in appearance concern arising from acne.
Interrelationships of Adult Attachment Orientations, Health Status and Worrying among Fibromyalgia Patients
Authors: Oliveira Paula , Costa Maria Emilía
Published: October 2009

This study examined associations between adult attachment dimensions, perceived health status and worrying (coping strategy with chronic pain), and explored whether worrying mediated observed relationships between attachment dimensions and health outcomes within a sample of 128 Portuguese female fibromyalgia patients. Physical health status was inversely correlated with dependence and worrying; mental health status was positively correlated with trust, and inversely related to attachment-related ambivalence, dependence and worrying. Finally, worrying mediated relationships between dependence and both physical and mental health status; moreover, worrying partially mediated the relationship between ambivalence and mental health status. Implications of the findings are discussed.
‘Football Is Good for Your Sleep’
Authors: Brand Serge , Beck Johannes , Gerber Markus , Hatzinger Martin , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith
Published: October 2009

It is commonly assumed that physical activity exerts a favorable impact on sleep, although scientific evidence is lacking. This study investigated the impact of football sports on the sleep patterns of 36 male chronic and intense football players and 34 controls. Participants completed a sleep log for seven consecutive days. Compared to controls, football players reported shorter sleep onset latency, fewer awakenings, higher scores of sleep quality and a lower variability of sleep from weekdays to weekends. The findings suggest that football sports activity is positively associated with both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of sleep.
Predictors of Familism in the Caregiver Role
Authors: Parveen Sahdia , Morrison Val
Published: October 2009

This study aimed to investigate whether age, gender and ethnicity were predictive of familism in caregivers; and whether familism was associated with coping. Forty-five British South-Asian and 43 British Caucasian caregivers completed a cross-sectional questionnaire of demographics, the brief Cope and the Heller Familism scale. Asian and younger caregivers endorsed higher levels of familsim than Caucasian and older caregivers. In the final model, demographic variables, humour, religious, active and instrumental coping explained 41 per cent of the variance in caregiver familism. The findings suggest the need to consider familism values when providing caregiver services to minimize the potential negative impact of caregiving.
Sleep Apnea and Psychological Functioning in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Libman Eva , Creti Laura , Baltzan Marcel , Rizzo Dorrie , Fichten Catherine S. , Bailes Sally
Published: October 2009

Objectives were to explore: (1) whether sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) should be considered a chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) comorbidity, rather than a diagnostic exclusion criterion; and (2) to compare sleep/wake/ psychopathology in individuals with CFS, controls and another illness. Participants (CFS, SAHS, controls) completed questionnaires and were evaluated for SAHS; 68 percent were subsequently diagnosed with SAHS. CFS participants with and without SAHS did not differ. Both clinical groups were less well adjusted than controls. We conclude that SAHS should not be an exclusion criterion for CFS and that psychological problems in CFS seem a consequence of coping with illness.
Representations of voluntary childlessness in the UK press, 1990—2008
Authors: Giles David , Shaw Rachel L. , Morgan William
Published: October 2009

Representations of voluntary childlessness — the declaration by an individual that he or she does not wish to bear or raise children — were studied in 116 articles published in British national newspapers in the period 1990—2008. Media framing analysis was used to examine broad patterns of framing of the topic, identifying four frames: voluntary childlessness as an individual rights issue, as a form of resistance, as a social trend, and as a personal decision. These frames, it is argued, may act as potential ‘scripts’ for newspaper readers who are debating the decision to start a family.
Evolution of microstructure and texture during annealing of two high strength interstitial free steels containing Nb and or Ti
Authors: Podder A. Saha , Bhattacharjee D. , Chatterjee Sudin , Ray R. K.
Published: October 2009

Interstitial free steel containing Nb, recrystallised at a slower rate compared to Ti stabilised steel. The coincidence site lattice boundaries of the type Σ3, Σ13b and Σ39a appear to play a major role during the first stage of grain growth in both the Nb + Ti and Ti containing interstitial free steels. They do not seem to have any major role in the development of final texture in these materials. The distribution of grain boundary misorientation angles also changes with annealing time and show two maxima close to the misorientation angles 60° and 20–40°.
Interpretation of self‐talk and post‐lecture affective states of higher education students: A self‐determination theory perspective
Authors: Oliver Emily J. , Markland David. , Hardy James.
Published: October 2009

Background

Self‐determination theory posits that informational versus controlling interpretations of intra‐personal events have positive and negative implications, respectively, for well‐being. Self‐talk represents an intra‐personal event that could be interpreted as informational or controlling and may attenuate or exacerbate the negative effects of a stressful experience.

Aims

The present study investigated relationships between students' informational and controlling interpretations of self‐talk, and their post‐lecture affective state. An interactive hypothesis, whereby self‐talk would be more strongly associated with well‐being when students reported experiencing the lecture as stressful, was also tested.

Sample

Participants were 146 male and female undergraduate students (M age = 19.25, SD = 2.57) enrolled on research methods/statistics modules.

Methods

Immediately post‐lecture, participants completed a measure of informational and controlling self‐talk, short forms of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and self‐report measures of their experience and understanding of the lecture.

Results

Findings from moderated hierarchical regression analyses indicated that informational self‐talk was positively associated with positive affect regardless of students' experience or understanding of a lecture. Significant interactions were found between controlling self‐talk and experience and understanding, in that a negative experience or poor understanding predicted higher state anxiety and negative affect when students used high, but not low, levels of controlling self‐talk.

Conclusions

The functional significance of students' self‐talk may have implications for affect in higher education, suggesting that providers should promote the use of self‐talk that emphasizses students' autonomy and competence.
Do image descriptions underlie word recognition in reading?
Authors: Legge Gordon E. , Tjan Bosco S. , Chung Susana T. L. , Bigelow Charles
Published: October 2009

This article is a commentary on ‘The utility of image descriptions in the initial stages of vision: A case study of printed text’ (Watt & Dakin, 2010).
An exploration of the presence and content of metacognitive beliefs about depressive rumination in Pakistani women
Authors: Rafique Zounish
Published: October 2009

Objectives. To explore the experience of depression in Pakistani women, the coping strategies employed, and the presence and content of metacognitive beliefs about rumination.

Methods. Seven semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Pakistani women and analysed using template analysis with the inclusion of a priori themes.

Results. Women's experiences of depression consisted of descriptions of physical, behavioural, and psychological symptoms, as well as their understandings of depression including being alone with their problems and the factors that caused their depression. Coping strategies they employed included talking to someone, distraction; using antidepressant medication and positive self‐talk. Consideration of rumination included descriptions of the content being largely past‐focused and around ‘why?’. Both negative and positive beliefs about rumination were revealed.

Conclusions. Depression was seen as a very lonely experience, which had an impact on their physical and psychological health. Women demonstrated an understanding of the interplay between their emotional experience, ways of thinking, physical health, and behaviour. On the whole, results were consistent with the clinical metacognitive model of depression in that both positive and negative beliefs about rumination were evident for most of the women. However, positive beliefs did not appear to be as universally endorsed as previous findings have found – possible explanations are discussed. Clinical implications and ideas for future research are outlined.
Young adults' social drinking as explained by an augmented theory of planned behaviour: The roles of prototypes, willingness, and gender
Authors: Zimmermann Friederike , Sieverding Monika
Published: October 2009

Objective. This study focused on young adults' alcohol consumption in social contexts. A dual‐process model (including reasoned action and social reaction) was applied by combining the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the prototype/willingness model. A key question was whether willingness and actor and abstainer prototype variables would augment the TPB by increasing explained variance.

Design. Participants completed questionnaires prior to spending an evening socializing over the weekend (Time 1). Behavioural data were obtained by telephone interviews a few days after the social drinking occasion (Time 2).

Method. N =300 people (mean age 25 years) took part in the study. The outcome measure of pure alcohol in grams was calculated based on participants' reports about their consumed drinks. Multigroup path analyses were conducted because of sex differences on behavioural and psychological variables.

Results. The TPB explained 35% of the variance in men's and 41% in women's alcohol consumption. Augmentation with prototype perception and willingness contributed significantly to the prediction of intention (ΔR2=.07) and alcohol consumption for men (ΔR2=.14). A significant interaction implied that willingness led to heavy drinking particularly among those men who made negative evaluations of the abstainer prototype.

Conclusion. Women's alcohol consumption is explained by TPB variables via a more controlled reasoned‐action path only, whereas additional processes (e.g., pursuing the actor image intentionally, rejecting the abstainer image more intuitively) are important for men. The moderating role of gender is discussed in light of traditional gender roles and recent trends in alcohol consumption.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels Among US Children Aged 1 to 11 Years: Do Children Need More Vitamin D?
Authors: Mansbach Jonathan M. , Ginde Adit A. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: Single-center studies have suggested that hypovitaminosis D is widespread. Our objective was to determine the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) in a nationally representative sample of US children aged 1 to 11 years.

METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2001–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Serum 25(OH)D levels were determined by radioimmunoassay and categorized as <25, <50, and <75 nmol/L. National estimates were obtained by using assigned patient visit weights and reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: During the 2001–2006 time period, the mean serum 25(OH)D level for US children aged 1 to 11 years was 68 nmol/L (95% CI: 66–70). Children aged 6 to 11 years had lower mean levels of 25(OH)D (66 nmol/L [95% CI: 64–68]) compared with children aged 1 to 5 years (70 nmol/L [95% CI: 68–73]). Overall, the prevalence of levels at <25 nmol/L was 1% (95% CI: 0.7–1.4), <50 nmol/L was 18% (95% CI: 16–21), and <75 nmol/L was 69% (95% CI: 65–73). The prevalence of serum 25(OH)D levels of <75 nmol/L was higher among children aged 6 to 11 years (73%) compared with children aged 1 to 5 years (63%); girls (71%) compared with boys (67%); and non-Hispanic black (92%) and Hispanic (80%) children compared with non-Hispanic white children (59%).

CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of a nationally representative sample of US children aged 1 to 11 years, millions of children may have suboptimal levels of 25(OH)D, especially non-Hispanic black and Hispanic children. More data in children are needed not only to understand better the health implications of specific serum levels of 25(OH)D but also to determine the appropriate vitamin D supplement requirements for children.
Disability Among Internationally Adopted Children in the United States
Authors: Kreider Rose M. , Cohen Philip N.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to estimate disability rates for internationally adopted children in the United States.

METHODS: We conducted an analysis of restricted-access data from the complete long form of Census 2000 for internationally adopted children aged 5 to 15 in 2000, estimating disability rates by country of origin, controlling for gender, age at adoption, current age, and parental characteristics.

RESULTS: Internationally adopted children have disability rates similar to those adopted domestically (11.7% vs 12.2%, respectively) and more than twice the rate for all children in that age range (5.8%). The adjusted odds of disability relative to domestic adoptees range from one half or less (China and Korea) to twice as large or more (Romania, Bulgaria, other Eastern Europe, and other Western Europe).

CONCLUSIONS: The population of internationally adopted children is relatively small and diverse, posing challenges for researchers who hope to reach generalizable conclusions. Nevertheless, health, education, and social service professionals, as well as adoptive and prospective adoptive parents, should be aware of the risk for disabilities among internationally adopted children to devote the resources necessary to addressing them.
Interinstitutional Variation in Prediction of Death by SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II Among Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Dammann Olaf , Shah Bhavesh , Naples Mary , Bednarek Francis , Zupancic John , Allred Elizabeth N. , Leviton Alan ,   for the ELGAN Study Investigators
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Illness severity scores predict death among infants admitted to NICUs. We know of no study limited to a population defined by an extremely low gestational age.

METHODS: A total of 1467 infants born before the 28th postmenstrual week at 14 institutions were given Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II (SNAP-II) and Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension II (SNAPPE-II) values based on data collected within the first 12 postnatal hours. All deaths in the intensive care nursery were identified.

RESULTS: The rate of death before postnatal day 28 was 13% (interinstitutional range: 7%–20%), whereas the overall mortality rate was 18% (8%–31%). SNAP-II values, SNAPPE-II values, and mortality rates tended to decrease with increasing gestational age. Even within gestational age strata, however, the risk of death decreased with decreasing SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II values. The positive predictive values of most SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II cutoff levels were close to 30%. In general, institutions' mortality rates increased with the proportions of infants whose SNAP-II values were ≥30.

CONCLUSION: The physiologic instability in the first 12 postnatal hours that is identified by illness severity scores conveys information about the risk of death among infants at the lowest gestational ages.
Neurobehavior in Term, Small-for-Gestational Age Infants With Normal Placental Function
Authors: Figueras Francesc , Oros Daniel , Cruz-Martinez Rogelio , Padilla Nelly , Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Botet Francesc , Costas-Moragas Carme , Gratacos Eduard
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to evaluate the neurobehavioral outcomes of term, small-for-gestational age (SGA) newborns with normal placental function.

METHODS: A cohort of consecutive term SGA newborns with normal prenatal umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound findings was created and compared with a group of term infants with size appropriate for gestational age, who were sampled from our general neonatal population. Neonatal behavior was evaluated at corrected age of 40 ± 1 weeks with the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. The effect of the study group on each Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale area was adjusted, through multivariate analysis of covariance, for smoking during pregnancy, maternal BMI, socioeconomic level, onset of labor, mode of delivery, use of epidural anesthetic medication, gestational age at delivery, postnatal age (in days) at evaluation, and gender.

RESULTS: A total of 202 newborns (102 SGA and 100 appropriate for gestational age) were included. All of the neurobehavioral areas studied were poorer in the SGA group, with significance for attention, habituation, motor, social-interactive, and regulation of state. The average mean differences in scores between the study groups were 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.38–1. 14) for attention, 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.13–1.14) for habituation, 0.52 (95% confidence interval: 0.31–0.74) for motor, 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.54–1.37) for social-interactive, and 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.23–1.13) for regulation of state. These differences remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders.

CONCLUSION: Term SGA newborns with no signs of placental insufficiency had poorer neurobehavioral competencies, which suggests delayed neurologic maturation.
A Pilot Trial of Pramlintide Home Usage in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Kishiyama Christopher M. , Burdick Patricia L. , Cobry Erin C. , Gage Victoria L. , Messer Laurel H. , McFann Kim , Chase H. Peter
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of home pramlintide use in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, 28-day pilot trial of pramlintide (maximum dose: 30 μg per meal) in 10 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. End points included changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values, body weight, and postprandial peak blood glucose levels and area under the curve on continuous glucose monitoring.

RESULTS: Changes in HbA1c values, body weight, and total insulin dose declined in the treatment group compared with the control group (bootstrapped, P ≤ .02 for each). The treatment group also demonstrated lower average dinner area under the curve (P = .02) and lower maximum breakfast (P = .03) and dinner (P = .02) postprandial blood glucose values.

CONCLUSIONS: Pramlintide can help some adolescents to decrease postprandial hyperglycemia, HbA1c values, body weight, and insulin dosages. Additional large-scale trials should now be considered.
Complex Multifactorial Nature of Significant Hyperbilirubinemia in Neonates
Authors: Watchko Jon F. , Lin Zhili , Clark Reese H. , Kelleher Amy S. , Walker M. Whit , Spitzer Alan R. ,   for the Pediatrix Hyperbilirubinemia Study Group
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), uridine-diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1), and hepatic solute carrier organic anion transporter 1B1 (SLCO1B1) gene variants occur at greater frequency in neonates with significant hyperbilirubinemia.

METHODS: Infants with gestational ages of ≥37 weeks and ages of <7 days were studied. Case subjects had ≥1 bilirubin level above the 95th percentile (high-risk zone), whereas control subjects had bilirubin levels of <40th percentile (low-risk zone) at study entry.

RESULTS: A total of 153 case subjects (median bilirubin level: 15.7 mg/dL) and 299 control subjects (median bilirubin level: 4.6 mg/dL) were evaluated. There were no statistical differences in the frequencies of G6PD, UGT1A1, and SCLO1B1 gene variants between case and control subjects (G6PD: 5.2% vs 3.3%; UGT1A1: 14.4% vs 9.4%; SLCO1B1: 73.2% vs 73.6%). However, coexpression of the G6PD African A− mutation with UGT1A1 and/or SLCO1B1 variants was seen more frequently for case subjects. Case subjects more often demonstrated ≥2 factors contributing to hyperbilirubinemia, including ABO blood group heterospecificity in which the mother had blood group O (47.7% vs 11.4%), positive direct Coombs test results (33.3% vs 4%), sibling treated with phototherapy (16.3% vs 5.4%), maternal circulating blood group antibodies (10.5 vs 0.7%), maternal diabetes mellitus (13.1% vs 6.4%), and maternal East Asian ethnicity (6.5% vs 1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS: Clinical contributors to hyperbilirubinemia were identified more frequently for case subjects but individually G6PD, UGT1A1, and SLCO1B1 variants were not. Coexpression of the G6PD African A− mutation with UGT1A1 and SLCO1B1 variants was seen more often for case subjects.
Aluminum Exposure From Parenteral Nutrition in Preterm Infants: Bone Health at 15-Year Follow-up
Authors: Fewtrell Mary S. , Bishop Nick J. , Edmonds Caroline J. , Isaacs Elizabeth B. , Lucas Alan
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: Aluminum has known neurotoxicity and may impair short-term bone health. In a randomized trial, we showed reduced neurodevelopmental scores in preterm infants who were previously exposed to aluminum from parenteral nutrition solutions. Here, in the same cohort, we test the hypothesis that neonatal aluminum exposure also adversely affects long-term bone health, as indicated by reduced bone mass.

METHODS: Bone area (BA) and bone mineral content (BMC) of lumbar spine, hip, and whole body were measured with dual radiograph absorptiometry in 13- to 15-year-olds who were born preterm and randomly assigned standard or aluminum-depleted parenteral nutrition solutions during the neonatal period.

RESULTS: Fifty-nine children (32% of survivors) were followed. Those who were randomly assigned to standard parenteral nutrition solution had lower lumbar spine BMC, apparently explained by a concomitant decrease in bone size. In nonrandomized analyses, children who were exposed to neonatal aluminum intakes above the median (55 μg/kg) had lower hip BMC (by 7.6% [95% confidence interval 0.21–13.8]; P = 0.02), independent of bone (or body) size.

CONCLUSIONS: Neonates who are exposed to parenteral aluminum may have reduced lumbar spine and hip bone mass during adolescence, potential risk factors for later osteoporosis and hip fracture. These findings need confirmation in larger, more detailed studies. Nevertheless, given our previous finding of adverse developmental outcome in these individuals and the sizeable number of contemporary infants who undergo intensive neonatal care and are still exposed to aluminum via parenteral feeding solutions, the potential adverse long-term consequences of early aluminum exposure now deserve renewed attention.
Effect of Sn concentration on massive spalling in high-Pb soldering reaction with Cu substrate
Authors: Tsai M.H. , Lin Y.W. , Chuang H.Y. , Kao C.R.
Published: October 2009

The massive spalling of Cu3Sn in the soldering reaction between high-Pb solders and Cu substrates was studied to identify the mechanism behind this rather interesting and frequently observed phenomenon. Four different alloys (99.5 Pb 0.5 Sn, 99 Pb 1S n, 97 Pb 3 Sn, and 95 Pb 5 Sn, in wt%) were soldered at 350 °C for durations ranging from 10 s to 600 min. At low Sn concentration (0.5 or 1 Sn), massive spalling occurred as early as 20 min. However, at high Sn concentration (3 or 5 Sn), massive spalling was not completed even after 600 min. To the best of our knowledge, these results are the most detailed observations ever reported on the sequence of events that occur during massive spalling. The Pb–Sn–Cu phase diagram is used to rationalize the phenomenon.
Synthesis of nitrogen-doped ZnO particles by decomposition of zinc nitrate hexahydrate in molten ammonium salts
Authors: Uekawa Naofumi , Kojima Takashi , Kakegawa Kazuyuki
Published: October 2009

The N-doped ZnO was prepared by heating a mixture of zinc nitrate hexahydrate [Zn(NO3)2·6 H2O] and ammonium salt at 623 K for 1 h in air. The mixture of zinc nitrate hydrate and ammonium salt formed a homogeneous molten salt at 623 K, and the homogeneous dispersion of the metal ions and ammonium ions contributed to the N-doping. In particular, when the mixture of zinc nitrate hydrate and ammonium acetate (CH3COONH4) was heated at 623 K, the doped amount of nitrogen was higher than with the mixture of zinc nitrate hydrate and NH4NO4. The acetate anion (CH3COO−) restricted the oxidation reaction of nitrate anion (NO3−). Furthermore, Al- and N-co-doped ZnO particles were obtained by heating the mixture of zinc nitrate hydrate, aluminum nitrate hydrate, and ammonium acetate. The Al and N co-doping effectively increased the doped amount of nitrogen. The spontaneous formation of ZnO lattice and the nitrogen source in the molten salt and the homogeneous dispersion of Zn2+ ions and Al3+ ions contributed to the increase in the amount of doped nitrogen.
Nanostructure development in photodeposited, titania-based thin films
Authors: Musgraves J. David , Potter B.G. , Boyle Timothy J.
Published: October 2009

Ultraviolet irradiation (λ = 248 nm) was used to photocatalyze a solution of the heteroleptic titanium alkoxide (OPy)2Ti(TAP)2 [where OPy = pyridine carbinoxide and TAP = 2,4,6 tris(dimethylamino)phenoxide], leading to the deposition of a titania-based thin film only in the exposed region. The effect of water addition to the (OPy)2Ti(TAP)2 pyridine solution on the properties of the final photodeposited film structure was examined by using vibrational spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Under consistent optical exposure conditions, the amount of water added altered the nanoscale porosity of the final material produced. Films deposited from a solution with a 1:1 H2O/Ti content exhibited surface pores ∼100 nm in diameter, whereas a 4:1 ratio yielded 10-nm pores, and material produced from a 8:1 solution appeared fully condensed. In addition, the effect of postdeposition thermal treatments on the nanostructure and chemistry of the photodeposited films was examined.
Therapeutic Monitoring of Vancomycin in Adults
Authors: Rybak Michael J. , Lomaestro Ben M. , Rotschafer John C. , Moellering Robert C. , Craig William A. , Billeter Marianne , Dalovisio Joseph R. , Levine Donald P.
Published: October 2009

Vancomycin is a commonly used antibiotic due to its effectiveness in treating serious gram‐positive infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. As commercial drug assays and a multitude of pharmacokinetic data from a variety of patient populations are widely available, therapeutic monitoring of serum vancomycin concentrations is frequently performed by clinicians, with the expectation that targeting the concentrations within a relatively narrow range can minimize toxicity yet still achieve therapeutic success. Much debate exists, however, over the value of routine therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin levels because of conflicting evidence regarding the ability of serum concentrations to predict effectiveness or prevent toxicity. In addition, studies have suggested that the potential for nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity with vancomycin monotherapy is minimal at conventional dosages of 1 g (15 mg/kg) every 12 hours. However, increased rates of nephrotoxicity have recently been reported with doses of 4 g/day or higher. The American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists published a consensus statement on therapeutic monitoring of serum vancomycin levels in adults. These organizations established an expert panel to review the scientific data and controversies associated with vancomycin monitoring and to make recommendations based on the available evidence. As the members of this panel, we summarize the conclusions and highlight the recommendations from the consensus statement. We determined that the area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC):minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio is the most useful pharmacodynamic parameter to predict vancomycin effectiveness and suggested a target ratio of 400 or greater to eradicate S. aureus. In addition, trough serum concentration monitoring is the most accurate and practical method to monitor vancomycin serum levels. Increasing trough concentrations to 15–20 mg/L to attain the target AUC:MIC ratio may be desirable but is currently not supported by clinical trials. Alternative therapies should be considered in patients with S. aureus infections that demonstrate a vancomycin MIC of 2 mg/L or greater because the target AUC:MIC ratio ( 400) is unlikely to be achieved in this setting. Increasing the dosage to result in higher trough concentrations may increase the potential for toxicity; however additional clinical experience is required to determine the extent.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing: A Primer for Clinicians
Authors: Kuper Kristi M. , Boles Deborah M. , Mohr John F. , Wanger Audrey
Published: October 2009

Appropriate use of antimicrobials in health care continues to be a challenge. Reliable and reproducible antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods are necessary to provide the clinician with valuable information that can be translated into positive clinical outcomes at the bedside. However, there are nuances with these testing methods that, if unrecognized, could lead to misinterpretation of results and inappropriate antibiotic selection. This primer describes the common antimicrobial susceptibility tests used in the clinical microbiology laboratory and reviews how subtle differences in testing methods and technique can influence reported results. Clinicians who have a thorough understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods, automated susceptibility testing systems, and commonly used screening and confirmatory tests for antibiotic‐resistant organisms can strengthen institutional antibiotic stewardship programs and improve patient outcomes.