bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiential Learning and Research Ethics
Authors: Teixeira-Poit Stephanie M. , Cameron Abigail E. , Schulman Michael D.
Published: May 2011

How can instructors use experiential learning strategies to enhance student understanding of research ethics and responsible research conduct? In this article, the authors review literature on using experiential learning to teach research ethics and responsible research conduct. They present a three-step exercise for teaching research ethics and responsible research conduct using experiential learning strategies. Their primary teaching and learning objective is to broaden student understanding of ethical behavior beyond notions of “right” and “wrong” to a conception of ethical behavior involving thinking critically about all stages of the research process. The authors present assessment data that suggest that participation in the exercise increased knowledge about ethical guidelines and broadened understandings of ethical behavior.
Doing Poverty
Authors: Steck Laura West , Engler Jennifer N. , Ligon Mary , Druen Perri B. , Cosgrove Erin
Published: May 2011

This article discusses an application of the Lewinian/Kolb experiential learning model in the context of undergraduate participation in the Missouri Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) program. CAPS is designed to simulate common, everyday experiences among people living in poverty as participants take on the roles of family members working to make ends meet. The creators of CAPS emphasize that “CAPS is not a game” but “a unique tool that community action agencies are able to use to educate everyone, from policy makers to community leaders, about the day to day realities of life with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress.” The authors facilitated the CAPS program with two large groups of undergraduate students enrolled in sociology, gerontology, and psychology courses at a medium-sized private college in south-central Pennsylvania. The analysis examines the experiential learning outcomes of the students as they reflect on their participation in the simulation. Following participation in CAPS, the students demonstrated an increased awareness of the material conditions of everyday life among families living in poverty.
Corporal Punishment’s Influence on Children’s Aggressive and Delinquent Behavior
Authors: Morris Sara Z. , Gibson Chris L.
Published: May 2011

Studies show that children subjected to corporal punishment may engage in more aggression and delinquent behaviors than those who are not. Past research, however, is limited methodologically. This is largely the result of a lack of matched corporally punished and nonpunished children. To address this limitation, a propensity score matching analysis was used to estimate the effects of corporal punishment on children’s behaviors. Using data from the longitudinal study of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, findings indicate that (a) a large amount of selection bias exists, indicating that child and family characteristics of those subjected to corporal punishment are substantially different from characteristics of those not punished, and (b) when children exposed to corporal punishment (vs. those who are not) are matched on their propensities of being punished, the relationship between punishment and subsequent aggression and delinquency become statistically nonsignificant and substantively small. Findings are discussed in light of past research on corporal punishment, and limitations of the current study and ways of overcoming them in the future are discussed.
Do Pharmacological and Behavioral Interventions Differentially Affect Treatment Outcome for Children With Social Phobia?
Authors: Scharfstein Lindsay A. , Beidel Deborah C. , Finnell Laura Rendon , Distler Aaron , Carter Nathan T.
Published: May 2011

In a randomized trial for children with social phobia (SP), Social Effectiveness Therapy for Children (SET-C; a treatment consisting of exposure and social skills training) and fluoxetine were more effective than pill placebo in reducing social distress and behavioral avoidance, but only SET-C demonstrated significantly improved overall social skill and social competence. In the current study, the authors examined the specific social skills enhanced by SET-C using a recently developed coding schema. At posttreatment, children treated with SET-C displayed a more effective ability to manage the conversational topic (pragmatic social behaviors) and more appropriate motor movement, facial orientation, and posture (paralinguistic social behaviors) than children treated with fluoxetine or placebo. In contrast, children treated with fluoxetine displayed no more pragmatic or paralinguistic skill than children given a pill placebo. There were no group differences on ratings of voice volume and vocal inflection (speech and prosodic social behaviors). Furthermore, only children treated with SET-C improved from pre- to posttreatment on all three skill variables. Findings suggest that pharmacological interventions that only target reduction in anxious arousal may not have an impact on social skill deficits and may not be adequate to optimally treat SP. The relationship of social skill to social avoidance and the importance of social skills training to enhance social competence in the treatment of childhood SP are discussed.
Affirming the Self to Promote Agreement With Another
Authors: Ward Andrew , Atkins David C. , Lepper Mark R. , Ross Lee
Published: May 2011

Two studies investigated the capacity of a self-affirmation intervention to lower a psychological barrier to conflict resolution. Study 1 used a role-play scenario in which a student negotiated with a professor for greater rewards for work on a collaborative project. A self-affirmation manipulation, in which participants focused on an important personal value, significantly reduced their tendency to derogate a concession offered by the professor relative to one that had not been offered. Study 2 replicated this effect and showed that the phenomenon did not depend on the self-affirmed participant’s experience of a heightened sense of deservingness or a tendency to make positive attributions about the professor. Distraction and explicit mood enhancement were also ruled out as mediators of the self-affirmation effect, which appears to stem from motivational rather than explicit cognitive processes.
How Lead Founder Personality Affects New Venture Performance
Authors: de Jong Ad , Song Michael , Song Lisa Z.
Published: May 2011

This empirical study of 323 new ventures examines how task and relationship conflict in the founding top management team mediates the effect of lead founder personality on new venture performance. The results reveal that (1) openness and agreeableness increase task conflict, whereas conscientiousness decreases it, and (2) openness, extraversion, and conscientiousness decrease relationship conflict, whereas neuroticism increases it. Furthermore, task conflict increases venture performance, whereas relationship conflict decreases venture performance and weakens the positive effect of task conflict. In addition, task and relationship conflict do not mediate the effect of extraversion, and they only partially mediate the effects of openness and neuroticism on new venture performance. Openness and neuroticism exert a direct impact on new venture performance, in addition to their indirect impact through task and relationship conflict.
Recognition by family members that relatives with neurodegenerative disease are likely to die within a year: A meta-ethnography
Authors: Hubbard G , McLachlan K , Forbat L , Munday D
Published: May 2011

Objective: To synthesize evidence of family members recognizing that their relative is likely to die within the year, and identifying the need for palliative care.

Design: A meta-ethnography of studies of family members in multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and motor neuron disease (MND).

Review methods: Systematic search in electronic databases; thematic synthesis guided by the principles of meta-ethnography, which is a method for thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

Results: Nine articles were included. The results of the synthesis identified two key themes. First, family members are intimately aware of changes in their relative’s health and well-being. Sub-themes include family member awareness of different and progressive stages of the disease, noticing deterioration, noticing decline in functional abilities and recognizing that their relative will die. The second key theme is dilemmas of being involved in prognostication. Sub-themes include family member ambivalence toward hearing about prognostication, health professionals not being knowledgeable of the disease and family reluctance to receive palliative care.

Conclusions: Family members monitor and recognize changes in their relative with PD, MND and MS and in themselves. Thus, drawing on the expertise of family members may be a useful tool for prognostication.
Does Management Performance Impact Citizen Satisfaction?
Authors: Im Tobin , Lee Seung Jong
Published: May 2011

This article aims to examine the relationship between internal management performance and citizen satisfaction in the public sector. Top-down style evaluations emphasize improving the internal managerial performance of an agency, but few studies examine the relationship between the internal management of a governmental agency and citizen satisfaction. Our case study of government management in Seoul city attempts to address this deficiency by using data from the Seoul Service Index. Our results demonstrate a positive correlation between management performance and citizen satisfaction. We also found that the level of citizen satisfaction that helped trigger improvements in management practices varies according to the type of service. The implication of these results is that the managers of public organizations who wish to improve citizens’ satisfaction with the particular service offered by their organization must seek to strategically reform their bureaucracy’s internal management.
Cortical inhibition at rest and under a focused attention challenge in adults with migraine with and without aura
Authors: Maier Joachim , Sebastian Imke , Weisbrod Matthias , Freitag Christine M , Resch Franz , Bender Stephan
Published: May 2011

Objectives: We aimed to further elucidate the functional and attentional regulation of cortical excitability in migraine patients.

Methods: We investigated the cortical silent period (CSP) after transcranial magnetic stimulation as a measure of cortical inhibition under three conditions: resting condition, cortical preactivation during reaction preparation, and during the post-processing of a motor response using a visual contingent negative variation paradigm in adults with migraine with aura, migraine without aura and healthy controls.

Results: CSP was reduced in individuals with migraine with aura and unaffected in those with migraine without aura under resting conditions. Along with the intensity of transcranial magnetic stimulation, CSP increased equally in all groups (equal slopes). Furthermore, the functional challenge by a contingent negative variation task requiring focused sustained attention led to a comparable reduction of CSP duration in all groups.

Discussion: Our data provide further hints towards the conclusion that a specific cortical inhibition deficit in migraine with aura but not migraine without aura is due to a tonic imbalance and not related to increased reactions to phasic stressors. Given that CSP at rest is related to GABA-ergic inhibition whereas the CSP reduction during late contingent negative variation is thought to be related to dopaminergic disinhibition in the basal ganglia, our results point towards reduced GABA-ergic cortical inhibition related to dysfunctional thalamo-cortical loops, especially in migraine with aura.
Effect of zein on biodegradable inserts for the delivery of tetracycline within periodontal pockets
Authors: de Sousa Fábio Oliveira , Blanco-Méndez Jose , Pérez-Estévez Antonio , Seoane-Prado Rafael , Luzardo-Álvarez Asteria
Published: May 2011

Treatment with antibiotics within the periodontal pocket against bacterial infections represents a useful and adjunctive tool to conventional therapy for healing and teeth preservation. With this function in view, an implantable, tetracycline delivery device for the treatment of periodontal disease was developed. The aim of this study was to develop biodegradable, tetracycline-loaded microparticles made of two polymers: PLGA and zein which were compressed into monolithic devices. In this polymer delivery system, the encapsulation efficiency, release characteristics, drug–polymer interaction, and antibacterial activity of loaded drug were investigated. The interaction of tetracycline with the corn protein zein was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction. The hydrophobic interaction of tetracycline with zein in the formulations was deduced from the NMR studies, whereas X-ray diffraction studies showed a new crystalline state of the drug in the presence of the protein. Zein was not denatured by preparation of inserts. Sustained release of tetracycline was obtained, and the proportion of zein in the inserts had a great impact on the drug release. Finally, an effective tetracycline release from inserts against Staphylococcus aureus was achieved over 30 days. In conclusion, the PLGA:zein delivery system described in this study was found to be effective in controlled delivery of tetracycline, and hence may be suitable for intra-pocket delivery of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of periodontitis.
Static and dynamic instability characteristics of curved laminates with internal damage subjected to follower loading
Authors: Biswas S , Datta P K , Kong C D
Published: May 2011

This article deals with the study of vibration, buckling, and dynamic instability characteristics in damaged cross-ply and angle-ply curved laminates under uniform, uniaxial follower loading, using finite element approach. First-order shear deformation theory is used to model the doubly curved panels and is formulated according to Sandars' first approximation. Damage is modelled using an anisotropic damage formulation. Analysis is carried out on plate and three types of curved panels to obtain vibration, buckling, and dynamic instability (flutter) behaviour. The effect of damage on natural frequency, critical buckling load, flutter load, and flutter frequency is studied. The results show that the introduction of damage influences the flutter characteristics of panels more profoundly than the free-vibration or buckling characteristics. The results also indicate that, compared to undamaged panels, heavily damaged panels show steeper deviations in stability characteristics than mildly damaged ones.
Global Social Identity and Global Cooperation
Authors: Buchan Nancy R. , Brewer Marilynn B. , Grimalda Gianluca , Wilson Rick K. , Fatas Enrique , Foddy Margaret
Published: May 2011

This research examined the question of whether the psychology of social identity can motivate cooperation in the context of a global collective. Our data came from a multinational study of choice behavior in a multilevel public-goods dilemma conducted among samples drawn from the general populations of the United States, Italy, Russia, Argentina, South Africa, and Iran. Results demonstrate that an inclusive social identification with the world community is a meaningful psychological construct that plays a role in motivating cooperation that transcends parochial interests. Self-reported identification with the world as a whole predicts behavioral contributions to a global public good beyond what is predicted from expectations about what other people are likely to contribute. Furthermore, global social identification is conceptually distinct from general attitudes about global issues, and has unique effects on cooperative behavior.
Security, equality and opportunity: attitudes and the sustainability of social protection
Authors: Taylor-Gooby Peter
Published: May 2011

Welfare states face pressures from various directions. This paper uses data from the 2008 European Social Survey to consider whether citizen attitudes will provide continuing support for the welfare state in more difficult times. Sustainability requires current support for the idea that government should be responsible for provision. It also depends upon trust that government can and will continue to deliver good quality services that will meet people’s needs in an uncertain future. The analysis takes into account the extent to which welfare states are successful in providing citizens with security, equality of outcome and better opportunities, using multi-level models. Individual characteristics are most important in explaining both support and trust. At the national level, the data indicate that opportunity is understood more in terms of collective policies to mitigate disadvantage rather than individual policies to strengthen incentives. Support for and trust in the welfare state pull in opposite directions: greater security weakens support but reinforces trust. Pressures on state welfare may diminish the feeling of security so that support for state provision grows, but does so in a climate of more equivocal trust in government services.
Hold the croissant! The European Union declares war on obesity
Authors: Kurzer Paulette , Cooper Alice
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we argue that EU institutions have demonstrated an interest in diet/nutrition for some time, but only in the last five years has obesity risen to the top of the agenda. How did the Commission and European parliament become involved in fighting obesity? It is not because national governments or societal interest groups or public health agencies pushed EU officials to reduce the body mass of European citizens. Rather, drawing on the literature on transnational policy actors, we show that the current attention to obesity is heavily influenced by WHO research reports. Moreover, the WHO's recommendations on obesity supply EU institutions with a new agenda, which in turn mobilizes pan-European groups and private sector interests. Obesity provides a further example of entrepreneurial Commission officials pursuing alliances with international institutions in order to take advantage of their scientific expertise and to carve out a new EU agenda.
Explaining convergence of OECD welfare states: a conditional approach
Authors: Schmitt Carina , Starke Peter
Published: May 2011

Existing studies have found only limited empirical evidence of welfare state convergence. Moreover, although there are good theoretical reasons both for and against welfare state convergence, there are virtually no studies that have explicitly tested the assumed effects. We argue that the concept of conditional convergence helps to both better describe and explain the phenomenon. By applying error correction models, we examine conditional convergence of various types of social expenditure in 21 OECD countries between 1980 and 2005. Our empirical findings go beyond the existing literature in two respects. First, we show that there is very strong evidence of convergence across all categories of social expenditure when conditional factors are taken into account. Second, we demonstrate that the speed of convergence is highly driven by globalization and European Union membership and shaped by existing welfare state structures.
A paradigm of information literacy for Greek high school teachers
Authors: Korobili Stella , Malliari Aphrodite , Daniilidou Eugenia , Christodoulou George
Published: May 2011

This research examines the level of information literacy skills in high school teachers and the extent of information literacy instruction in the western province of Thessaloniki. A census survey was conducted, which resulted in 500 structured questionnaires that were processed and analysed statistically using multivariate methods. The findings indicated that most of the teachers did not use any electronic sources, especially e-sources, and they were probably poor at helping children attain a level of information literacy. It was also found that men, teachers with a Masters or a PhD and teachers with less working experience were more likely to be frequent users of sources and especially e-sources. Therefore, it is suggested that teachers should attend information literacy training seminars.
Stop, Think, Proceed
Authors: Isbell Jackie S. , Jolivette Kristine
Published: May 2011

Prevalence reports indicate approximately half of all children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a mild form of the disorder such as high-functioning autism, Asperger syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified. These disorders are referred to collectively as high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASD). Students with HFASD often receive their academic instruction in the general education setting. Social skills deficits, challenging behaviors, and the underlying cognitive characteristics related to the behaviors may limit students’ ability to function independently in the complex social environment of a typical high school. Strategy instruction is a promising intervention for helping students acquire skills to become effective social problem solvers, which may lead to improved adaptive functioning and independence. Special education teachers can use the self-regulation strategy development (SRSD) model to design a strategy for solving problems in the real world as part of a comprehensive social skills training program.
Building an Effective School-Based Mentoring Program
Authors: Smith Cindy Ann , Stormont Melissa A.
Published: May 2011

Many youth are at risk for failure in school due to various school, family, and community characteristics. To provide more support for youth at risk, school-based mentoring programs have become increasingly popular. However, this seemingly simple intervention is actually quite complex and must be implemented with integrity and fidelity. Although still in emergent stages, key foundational components have been suggested by research to increase the chances of positive outcomes for students. This article discusses the process of building an effective, sustainable mentoring program. Information on specific tools available for program developers and administrators is provided.
A Collaborative Approach to Diabetes Management
Authors: Bobo Nichole , Wyckoff Leah , Patrick Kathleen , White Cathy , Glass Sue , Carlson Jessie Parker , Perreault Christine
Published: May 2011

Students with diabetes deserve a school nurse who can effectively manage the disease. Tensions between the school and families sometimes emerge when a child with diabetes goes to school. To resolve these tensions in Colorado, stakeholders collaborated to implement a statewide program to meet the needs of students with diabetes. Colorado school nursing leadership partnered with the National Association of School Nurses to adapt components of the Managing and Preventing Diabetes and Weight Gain Program (MAP), funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Healthy Learner Model for Chronic Condition Management, integral to MAP, provided guidance for the Colorado Collaborative to design the Diabetes Resource Nurse Program. The program supports the practicing school nurse, and facilitates collaboration between the family, school, and health care provider. This article describes how stakeholders in Colorado chose to collaborate when faced with rising tensions over how to best manage students with diabetes.
Psychometric Properties of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Depressed Adults and Development of a Short Form
Authors: Bohlmeijer Ernst , ten Klooster Peter M. , Fledderus Martine , Veehof Martine , Baer Ruth
Published: May 2011

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in therapies that include the learning of mindfulness skills. The 39-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) has been developed as a reliable and valid comprehensive instrument for assessing different aspects of mindfulness in community and student samples. In this study, the psychometric properties of the Dutch FFMQ were assessed in a sample of 376 adults with clinically relevant symptoms of depression and anxiety. Construct validity was examined with confirmatory factor analyses and by relating the FFMQ to measures of psychological symptoms, well-being, experiential avoidance, and the personality factors neuroticism and openness to experience. In addition, a 24-item short form of the FFMQ (FFMQ-SF) was developed and assessed in the same sample and cross-validated in an independent sample of patients with fibromyalgia. Confirmatory factor analyses showed acceptable model fit for a correlated five-factor structure of the FFMQ and good model fit for the structure of the FFMQ-SF. The replicability of the five-factor structure of the FFMQ-SF was confirmed in the fibromyalgia sample. Both instruments proved highly sensitive to change. It is concluded that both the FFMQ and the FFMQ-SF are reliable and valid instruments for use in adults with clinically relevant symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The Impact of School Suspension on Student Tobacco Use
Authors: Hemphill Sheryl A. , Heerde Jessica A. , Herrenkohl Todd I. , Toumbourou John W. , Catalano Richard F.
Published: May 2011

Context: School suspension may have unintended consequences in contributing to problem behaviors, including dropping out from school, substance use, and antisocial behavior. Tobacco use is an early-onset problem behavior, but prospective studies of the effects of suspension on tobacco use are lacking. Method: Longitudinal school-based survey of students drawn as a two-stage cluster sample, administered in 2002 and 2003, in Washington State, United States, and Victoria, Australia. The study uses statewide representative samples of students in Grades 7 and 9 ( N = 3,599). Results: Rates of tobacco use were higher for Victorian than Washington State students. School suspension remained a predictor of current tobacco use at 12-month follow-up, after controlling for established risk factors including prior tobacco and other drug use for Grade 7 but not Grade 9 students. Conclusions: School suspension is associated with early adolescent tobacco use, itself an established predictor of adverse outcomes in young people. Findings suggest the need to explore process mechanisms and alternatives to school suspensions as a response to challenging student behavior in early adolescence.
Age and Ethnic Differences in Cold Weather and Contagion Theories of Colds and Flu
Authors: Sigelman Carol K.
Published: May 2011

Age and ethnic group differences in cold weather and contagion or germ theories of infectious disease were explored in two studies. A cold weather theory was frequently invoked to explain colds and to a lesser extent flu but became less prominent with age as children gained command of a germ theory of disease. Explanations of how contact with other people causes disease were more causally sophisticated than explanations of how cold weather causes it. Finally, Mexican American and other minority children were more likely than European American children to subscribe to cold weather theories, a difference partially but not wholly attributable to ethnic group differences in parent education. Findings support the value of an intuitive or naïve theories perspective in understanding developmental and sociocultural differences in concepts of disease and in planning health education to help both children and their parents shed misconceptions so that they can focus on effective preventive actions.
Searching for the Noninvasive Biomarker Holy Grail: Are Urine Proteomics the Answer?
Authors: Voss Joachim , Young Ah Goo  , Cain Kevin , Woods Nancy , Jarrett Monica , Smith Lynne , Shulman Robert , Heitkemper Margaret
Published: May 2011

Recently, biobehavioral nursing scientists have focused their attention on the search for biomarkers or biological signatures to identify patients at risk for various health problems and poor disease outcomes. In response to the national impetus for biomarker discovery, the measurement of biological fluids and tissues has become increasingly sophisticated. Urine proteomics, in particular, may hold great promise for biobehavioral focused nursing scientists for examination of symptom-and syndrome-related research questions. Urine proteins are easily accessible secreted proteins that provide direct and indirect windows into bodily functions. Advances in proteomics and biomarker discovery provide new opportunities to conduct research studies with banked and fresh urine to benefit diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluation of outcomes in various disease populations. This article provides a review of proteomics and a rationale for utilizing urine proteomics in biobehavioral research. It addresses as well some of the challenges involved in data collection and sample preparation.
Thermoregulation and Thermography in Neonatal Physiology and Disease
Authors: Knobel Robin B. , Guenther Bob D. , Rice Henry E.
Published: May 2011

Introduction: Infrared thermal imaging, or thermography, is a technique used to measure body surface temperature in the study of thermoregulation. Researchers are beginning to use this novel methodology to study cancer, peripheral vascular disease, and wound management. Methods: The authors tested the feasibility of using an FLIR SC640 uncooled, infrared camera to measure body temperature in neonates housed in heated, humid incubators. The authors examined thermograms to analyze distributions between central and peripheral body temperature in extremely low birth weight infants. The authors have also used this technology to examine the relationship between body temperature and development of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. Results: Handheld, uncooled, infrared cameras are easy to use and produce high-quality thermograms that can be visualized in grayscale or color palettes to enhance qualitative and quantitative analyses. Conclusion: Future research will benefit from the use of this noninvasive, inexpensive measurement tool. Nurse researchers can use this methodology in adult and infant populations to study temperature differentials present in pathological conditions.
The 6-Min Walk Test
Authors: Vuckovic Karen M. , Fink Anne M.
Published: May 2011

The 6-min walk (6MW) is a self-paced test for measuring functional capacity. Lower 6MW distances have been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure. The purpose of this article is to describe the history of the 6MW test and to evaluate its reliability, validity, and predictive value as well as the responsiveness of the test to therapies. In the literature we reviewed, reliability was affected by several factors including learning effects and protocol deviations. The 6MW distance was moderately correlated with peak oxygen consumption derived from cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing. In some studies the 6MW distance was predictive of hospitalization and mortality. In pharmacological and cardiac resynchronization trials the 6MW distance did not consistently detect clinical improvements. Despite limitations, the 6MW test is a viable alternative to stress testing for objectively evaluating functional capacity in some settings. We provide recommendations for using the 6MW test in future studies.
Effect of Obesity on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in African American Women
Authors: Henry-Okafor Queen , Cowan Patricia A. , Wicks Mona N. , Rice Muriel , Husch Donna S. , Khoo Michelle S. C.
Published: May 2011

Obesity is a growing health care concern with implications for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Obesity and CVD morbidity and mortality are highly prevalent among African American women. This pilot study examined the association between obesity and the traditional and emerging CVD risk factors in a sample of African American women. Participants comprised 48 women (27 obese, 21 normal weight) aged 18–45. with no known history of CVD. The women completed demographic and 7-day physical activity recall questionnaires. Height and weight were used to determine body mass index (BMI). Hypertension risk was assessed using the average of two resting blood pressure (BP) measurements. Lipid profile, blood glucose, fibrinogen, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and E-selectin (eSel) levels were assessed using fasting blood samples. Laboratory findings were interpreted using the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III reference guidelines as well as manufacturers’ reference ranges for the novel CVD risk factors. The most common traditional risk factors were physical inactivity (72.9%), positive family history of CVD (58.3%), and obesity (56.3%). Obese individuals had elevated systolic BP ( p = .0002), diastolic BP ( p = .0007) and HDL-cholesterol ( p = .01), triglyceride ( p = .02), hs-CRP ( p = .002), and fibrinogen ( p = .01), when compared with normal-weight women. The findings suggest an association between obesity and higher prevalence of both traditional and emerging CVD risk factors in young African American women.
The Effect of Music Therapy on Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients’ Anxiety, Finger Temperature, and Electroencephalography
Authors: Yang Chyn-Yng , Chen Chiung-Hua , Chu Hsin , Chen Wen-Chun , Lee Tso-Ying , Chen Shyi-Gen , Chou Kuei-Ru
Published: May 2011

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety in hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Methodology: The authors used a randomized clinical trial design and randomly allocated the 24 enrolled participants to the experimental or the control group. Patients in the experimental group received music therapy in a therapy room at a set time for 30 min each morning for 11 days. The authors administered the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and measured skin temperature and brain waves to determine anxiety level before, during, and after music therapy. Results: Experimental group participants had lower scores on the BAI than control participants, after the music therapy ( z = −2.0, p < .05) and at 1-week follow-up ( z = −2.2, p < .05), indicating that they were experiencing significantly less anxiety. The mean BAI anxiety score fell in the experimental group from 23.9 ( SD = 9.9) at baseline to 13.9 ( SD = 8.8), after music therapy, and 12.7. ( SD = 10.5) at follow-up. The experimental group demonstrated a significant elevation in the average alpha electroencephalographic (EEG) percentage (from 38.1% to 46.7%) and a reduction in the average beta EEG percentage (from 61.9% to 53.4%) after the music therapy. After adjusting for change in patient finger temperature on the first day, mean change in finger temperature did not differ significantly between the experimental and control groups. Conclusions: Music therapy can relieve anxiety in hospitalized psychiatric patients and help them achieve a state of relaxation.
Biomarkers for Cognitive Aging Part I
Authors: Insel Kathleen C. , Merkle Carrie J. , Hsiao Chao-Pin , Vidrine Amy N. , Montgomery David W.
Published: May 2011

Chronological age is used as a marker for age-associated changes in cognitive function. However, there is great interindividual variability in cognitive ability among people of the same age. Physiological age rather than chronological age should be more closely associated with age-related cognitive changes because these changes are not universal and are likely dependent on several factors in addition to the number of years lived. Cognitive function is associated with successful self-management, and a biological marker that reflects physiological age and is associated with cognitive function could be used to identify risk for failure to self-manage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between telomere length, a known biomarker of age; blood pressure; cognitive assessments; and adherence to antihypertensive medication among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. The authors administered a battery of cognitive assessments to 42 participants ( M = 69 years of age), collected blood samples, and isolated peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes for genomic DNA. The authors determined relative telomere length using Cawthon’s method for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and measured medication adherence using an electronic medication monitoring system (MEMS by Aardex) over 8 weeks. Findings indicate that telomere length was inversely associated with systolic blood pressure ( r = −.38, p < .01) and diastolic blood pressure ( r = −.42, p < .01) but not with cognitive assessments or adherence. The authors discuss the nonsignificant findings between telomere length and cognitive assessments including the potential modifying role of gender.
Trends in annualized relapse rates in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and consequences for clinical trial design
Authors: Nicholas Richard , Straube Sebastian , Schmidli Heinz , Schneider Simon , Friede Tim
Published: May 2011

Background: Sample size calculation is a key aspect in the planning of any trial. Planning a randomized placebo-controlled trial in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) requires knowledge of the annualized relapse rate (ARR) in the placebo group.

Objectives: This paper aims (i) to characterize the uncertainty in ARR by conducting a systematic review of placebo-controlled, randomized trials in RRMS and by modelling the ARR over time; and (ii) to assess the feasibility and utility of blinded sample size re-estimation (BSSR) procedures in RRMS.

Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out by searching PubMed, Ovid Medline and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. The placebo ARRs were modelled by negative binomial regression. Computer simulations were conducted to assess the utility of BSSR in RRMS.

Results: Data from 26 placebo-controlled randomized trials were included in this analysis. The placebo ARR decreased by 6.2% per year ( p < 0.0001; 95% CI (4.2%; 8.1%)) resulting in substantial uncertainty in the planning of future trials. BSSR was shown to be feasible and to maintain power at a prespecified level also if the ARR was misspecified in the planning phase.

Conclusions: Our investigations confirmed previously reported trends in ARR. In this context adaptive strategies such as BSSR designs are recommended for consideration in the planning of future trials in RRMS.
Examining the benefits of combining two learning strategies on recall of functional information in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Goverover Yael , Basso Michael , Wood Hali , Chiaravalloti Nancy , DeLuca John
Published: May 2011

Background: Forgetfulness occurs commonly in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but few treatments alleviate this problem.

Objective: This study examined the combined effect of two cognitive rehabilitation strategies to improve learning and memory in MS: self-generation and spaced learning. The hypothesis was that the combination of spaced learning and self-generation would yield better learning and memory recall performance than spaced learning alone.

Method: Using a within groups design, 20 participants with MS and 18 healthy controls (HC) were presented with three tasks (learning names, appointment, and object location), each in three learning conditions (Massed, Spaced Learning, and combination of spaced and generated information). Participants were required to recall the information they learned in each of these conditions immediately and 30 min following the initial presentation.

Results: The combination of spaced learning and self-generation yielded better recall than did spaced learning alone. In turn, spaced learning resulted in better recall than the massed rehearsal condition.

Conclusions: These findings reveal that the combination of these two learning strategies may possess utility as a cognitive rehabilitation strategy.
Sudden cardiac death in multiple sclerosis caused by active demyelination of the medulla oblongata
Authors: Hengstman GJD , Kusters B
Published: May 2011

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is not uncommon in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is related to the involvement of the vegetative areas of cardiac innervations in the medulla oblongata. It has been suggested that this may contribute to the occurrence of sudden death in MS. In this case report, we present a patient with active relapsing–remitting MS who died unexpectedly due to the sudden onset of cardiac arrythmias. Post-mortem examination showed the presence of active demyelinating lesions in the medulla oblongata. As far as we know, this is the first case report clearly linking sudden cardiac death to active MS on the histopathological level.
The adoption of direct primaries in the United States
Authors: Lawrence Eric , Donovan Todd , Bowler Shaun
Published: May 2011

This article asks why, and when, the process of nominating candidates in the United States changed from conventions to direct primaries. We conduct an event history analysis to investigate rival explanations for why the rules governing nominations changed. One credits reformist pressures that were largely external to the interests of the major political parties. Another proposes that party elites adopted direct primaries to protect their internal interests. We produce some results consistent with each explanation, but find the weight of our evidence supports the idea that rules changed in response to anti-party reform pressures.
Attitudes and experiences: qualitative perspectives on erectile dysfunction from the female partner
Authors: O’Connor Elodie J. , McCabe Marita P. , Conaglen Helen M. , Conaglen John P.
Published: May 2011

This study explored the woman’s experience of her partner’s erectile dysfunction (ED) focusing particularly on sexual experiences, relationship satisfaction, and communication. One hundred women completed a semi-structured interview, providing information about how ED impacted her relationship with her partner. For some women, there was a sense of hopelessness and frustration surrounding their sex lives, while for others, her partner’s ED had led to efforts towards increasing non-physical intimacy and sexual communication. These findings demonstrate the importance of the relationship, including communication between the partners, in a women’s experience of her partners’ ED.
Longitudinal changes in Scores on the Autism Diagnostic Interview—Revised (ADI-R) in pre-school children with autism
Authors: Soke Gnakub Norbert , Philofsky Amy , Diguiseppi Carolyn , Lezotte Dennis , Rogers Sally , Hepburn Susan
Published: May 2011

We prospectively examined mean changes in Autism Diagnostic Interview—Revised (ADI-R) Total and Domains scores and stability of the ADI-R diagnostic classification in 28 children with autism initially assessed at age 2—4 years and reassessed 2 years later. Mean Total, Social Interaction, and Communication scores decreased significantly from Time 1 to Time 2 Restricted/repetitive Domain mean scores did not change over time. The ADI-R diagnostic classification was stable in 67% of children using the current published criteria. The stability increased to 78% when a modified criterion was used in the Restricted/repetitive Domain and to 88% when the broader ASD criteria were used. Among pre-schoolers with autism, parent-reported symptoms decreased significantly at two-year follow-up in Social and Communication Domains but not in the Restricted/repetitive Domain. However, ADI-R diagnostic classification remained relatively stable over time. Revising ADI-R diagnostic criteria in the Restricted/repetitive Domain or including the broader ASD criteria may improve its sensitivity and diagnostic stability in younger children.
‘Representing’ the pain of others
Authors: Padfield Deborah
Published: May 2011

This article argues that visual images, particularly photographs, can provide an alternative visual language to communicate pain. It suggests that selected photographs of pain placed between clinician and patient can help trigger a more collaborative approach to dialogue within the consulting room. The participatory roles of artist and clinician as well as patient in the co-construction of meaning and narrative are acknowledged. Comparing images from two projects, Perceptions of Pain and face2face, the article uses Barthes’ distinction between a ‘denoted’ and ‘connoted’ message to suggest the possibility of an underlying generic iconography for pain. By drawing on selected images and audio recordings from both projects, the article demonstrates how visual images re-invigorate verbal language and vice versa. It highlights how, in placing a photograph between two people, meaning is created within a social context as much as via the configuration of signs within the photographic surface. It is suggested that a resource of pain images, such as that created in both the projects described here, could be a valuable communication tool for use in NHS pain clinics.
Speaking to the dead: Images of the dead in contemporary art
Authors: O'Neill Mary
Published: May 2011

In this article I explore works by three artists in which we can see images that relate to bereavement. In the work of the first two, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook and Andres Serrano, we can see photographic images (still and moving) of human corpses, which have been criticized as morbid and unhealthy. However I argue that it is not in fact images of death or the dead that are problematic but those images which present or evoke evidence of the emotions associated with death, and create a situation where we imagine the circumstances of our own deaths or the death of those we love. Images of the dead are acceptable as long as they do not cause pain to the living, as in a video game fantasy or a fiction, or are seen as other and distant. In the second group of works, by Gustgav Metzger, The Absent Dead: The Surrogate Body, the body is not present either because the death has taken place at a distance, either in time or geographically, or both, and a new site must be created. In this section, I discuss Metzger’s auto-destructive art and argue that these works, through their ephemerality, embody a form of ‘meaning making’ and a possibility of the benefits of grief as described by Parkes.
Do drug policies affect cannabis markets? A natural experiment in Switzerland, 2000-10
Authors: Killias Martin , Ly Isenring Giang , Gilliéron Gwladys , Vuille Joëlle
Published: May 2011

Scholars and policymakers have long debated whether drug policies have any impact on demand for, supply of and prices for illegal substances. Switzerland’s recent experience with changing policies offers an opportunity to study this issue. During the 1990s, the production and sale of this substance became increasingly tolerated. As a result, visible market structures (producers as well as shops) emerged. In 2004, however, traditional repressive policies were resumed and visible structures of production and distribution of cannabis disappeared again. During these critical years, market structures were monitored by a mail survey among cannabis shops and two ‘fake client’ studies. The results suggest that the policy shift led to decreased availability of the substance, higher prices and lower levels of cannabis use, particularly among the youngest age groups. Despite the illegal status of cannabis, other substances are still not available from the same dealers.