bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Imitation to Young Children With Disabilities: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Ledford Jennifer R. , Wolery Mark
Published: March 2010

Imitation is a primary means through which children learn new skills. Most children learn to imitate without being taught but some children with disabilities fail to develop or use imitation in the absence of direct instruction. The importance of teaching imitation to children with disabilities has been acknowledged, with studies appearing as early as the 1960s. Although recent studies regarding the nature of imitative abilities in children with disabilities have been published, relatively few intervention studies exist. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the literature on teaching young children with disabilities to imitate. Four distinct intervention types emerged. Suggestions for improving interventions include using specific prompting strategies; embedding instruction across activities; teaching imitation of multiple, salient models; and using reinforcing behaviors and materials. Future research is needed on questions regarding instructional sequence, effective instructional practices, and measurement and promotion of generalized imitation.
Effect of Background Case Characteristics on Decisions in the Delivery Room
Authors: Shen Ori , Rabinowitz Ron , Geist Ruth R. , Shafir Eldar
Published: March 2010

Background. The authors investigated whether obstetricians make different decisions about a medical test case depending on the characteristics of background cases that preceded the test case. Methods. Five hypothetical cases were sent to 1247 obstetricians. The outcome of interest was the proportion of physicians who elect to perform a cesarean on a borderline test case, presented with 4 background cases. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: 1) pathological background, in which the test case was preceded by abnormal cases, typically requiring cesarean; 2) physiological background, where the test case was preceded by relatively uncomplicated cases, often suggesting a less invasive treatment; and 3) control, where the test case appeared first. Results. A significantly higher proportion of respondents chose a cesarean when the test case was preceded by physiological cases (75.4%) than when it was preceded by pathological cases (52.2%). This tendency was observed among those actively and not actively involved in obstetrics and in physicians with different levels of training. Conclusions. A patient’s chances of undergoing cesarean section can be influenced by the immediately prior experience of the physician. This study with hypothetical vignettes found that background cases can influence physicians’ decisions. The test case was apparently perceived as more grave when it followed uncomplicated cases as compared to when it was preceded by abnormal cases. Such inconsistencies in decision making are unlikely to be fully resolved by expertise, as suggested by the lack of differences between physicians with different training levels. An understanding of such effects may contribute to more informed consideration of unappreciated influences in making decisions.
Statistical Analysis of EQ-5D Profiles: Does the Use of Value Sets Bias Inference?
Authors: Parkin David , Rice Nigel , Devlin Nancy
Published: March 2010

Health state profile data, such as those provided by the EQ-5D, are widely collected in clinical trials, population surveys, and a growing range of other important health sector applications. However, these profile data are difficult to summarize to give an overall view of the health of a given population that can be analyzed for differences between groups or within groups over time. A common way of short cutting this problem is to transform profiles into a single number, or index, using sets of weights, often elicited from the general public in the form of values. Are there any problems with this procedure? In this article, the authors demonstrate the underlying effects of the use of value sets as a means of weighting profile data. They show that any set of weights introduces an exogenous source of variance to health profile data. These can distort findings about the significance of changes in health between groups or over time. No set of weights is neutral in its effect. If a summary of patient-reported outcomes is required, it may be better to use an instrument that yields this directly (such as the EQ VAS) along with the descriptive instrument. If this is not possible, researchers should have a clear rationale for their choice of weights and be aware that those weights may exert a nontrivial effect on their analysis. This article focuses on the EQ-5D, but the arguments and their implications for statistical analysis are relevant to all health state descriptive systems.
Choice Set Size and Decision Making: The Case of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Authors: Bundorf M. Kate , Szrek Helena
Published: March 2010

Background. The impact of choice on consumer decision making is controversial in US health policy. Objective. The authors’ objective was to determine how choice set size influences decision making among Medicare beneficiaries choosing prescription drug plans. Methods. The authors randomly assigned members of an Internet-enabled panel age 65 and older to sets of prescription drug plans of varying sizes (2, 5, 10, and 16) and asked them to choose a plan. Respondents answered questions about the plan they chose, the choice set, and the decision process. The authors used ordered probit models to estimate the effect of choice set size on the study outcomes. Results. Both the benefits of choice, measured by whether the chosen plan is close to the ideal plan, and the costs, measured by whether the respondent found decision making difficult, increased with choice set size. Choice set size was not associated with the probability of enrolling in any plan. Conclusions. Medicare beneficiaries face a tension between not wanting to choose from too many options and feeling happier with an outcome when they have more alternatives. Interventions that reduce cognitive costs when choice sets are large may make this program more attractive to beneficiaries.
The Unconscious Thought Effect in Clinical Decision Making: An Example in Diagnosis
Authors: de Vries Marieke , Witteman Cilia L. M. , Holland Rob W. , Dijksterhuis Ap
Published: March 2010

The unconscious thought effect refers to improved judgments and decisions after a period of distraction. The authors studied the unconscious thought effect in a complex and error-prone part of clinical decision making: diagnosis. Their aim was to test whether conscious versus unconscious processing influenced diagnosis of psychiatric cases. They used case descriptions from the DSM-IV casebook. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to the conscious-processing-condition (i.e., consciously thinking about the information they read in the case description), the other half to the unconscious-processing condition (i.e., performing an unrelated distracter task). The main dependent measure was the total number of correct classifications. Compared to conscious processing, unconscious processing significantly increased the number of correct classifications. The results show the potential merits of unconscious processing in diagnostic decision making.
Factors That Hinder Offender Reentry Success: A View From Community Corrections Officers
Authors: Gunnison Elaine , Helfgott Jacqueline B.
Published: March 2010

Within the institutional correctional literature, much has been written about the differences in authority between correctional officers and inmates. Recently, researchers have begun exploring the differences in authority between ex-offenders and community corrections officers (CCOs). Emerging literature in the correctional field suggests that ex-offenders perceive CCOs as being socially distant from them and have doubt as to whether CCOs are genuine in their attempts to assist the ex-offenders in reintegrating back into the community. Using qualitative data from a sample of 132 federal and state corrections officers in Seattle, Washington, this investigation advances previous research by examining officers’ perceptions of social distance with their clients. Results from the survey responses and policy implications are presented.
Headache-associated dizziness in a headache population: Prevalence and impact
Authors: Bisdorff Alexandre , Andrée Colette , Vaillant Michel , Sándor Peter S
Published: March 2010

Headache is an underestimated burden on general health and social functioning. Accompanying symptoms of headache episodes might influence this impact. In a survey in a headache population in Luxembourg on the social and emotional impact of headaches, accompanying symptoms of headache episodes were evaluated. In 1909 participants with episodic (<15 days per month) headaches (77.1% women), visual symptoms (52.4%) and dizziness (51.1%) were frequent accompanying symptoms of headache episodes. Visual symptoms and dizziness were each independently associated with migraine in both genders and independently associated with greater headache-related disability (scored on the Migraine Disability Scale [MIDAS]), more severe depression, and higher disability as measured by the disease-independent World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS). We found that dizziness is a frequent accompanying symptom of headache, particularly in migraine. The presence of dizziness was found to have an exacerbating impact on disability and depression associated with headaches. The effect of dizziness was comparable in magnitude and independent from the presence of visual symptoms.
Repeatability of cold pain and heat pain thresholds: The application of sensory testing in migraine research
Authors: Sand Trond , Nilsen Kristian Bernhard , Hagen Knut , Stovner Lars Jacob
Published: March 2010

Normal heat pain threshold (HPT) and cold pain threshold (CPT) repeatability should be estimated in order to identify thermal allodynia in longitudinal studies, but such data are scarce in the literature. The aim of our study was to estimate normal HPT and CPT repeatability in the face, forehead, neck and hand. In addition, we reviewed briefly normative studies of thermal pain thresholds relevant for headache research. Thermal pain thresholds were measured on three different days in 31 healthy headache-free subjects. Coefficients of repeatability and normal limits were calculated. HPT and CPT were lowest in the face. Pooled across regions, the lower repeatability limit for the test/retest ratio was 63% for HPT and 55% for CPT. The upper normal CPT limit varied between 24.5°C and 29.7°C. Lower HPT limits ranged between 35.5°C and 40.8°C. Quantitative sensory methods provide useful information about headache and pain pathophysiology, and it is important to estimate the normal test/retest repeatability range in follow-up studies.
Headache diagnosis, disability and co-morbidities in a multi-ethnic, heterogeneous paediatric Asian population
Authors: Chong S-C , Chan Y-H , Ong H-T , Low P-S , Tay S K-H
Published: March 2010

This was a questionnaire survey on headache and migraine prevalence in 2873 Singaporean schoolchildren aged 6 to 16 years. ICHD-II headache classification, disability assessment with PedMIDAS and screening of psychosocial co-morbidities with the Paediatric Symptom Checklist were conducted. Lifetime headache prevalence was high at 80.6%, migraine prevalence was 8.6% and tension headache prevalence was 10.0%. Headache and migraine prevalence was high compared with that found in other Asian studies. Factors significantly associated with headache included adolescent age (OR = 1.5 [95% CI 1.3–1.9], p < .001), female gender at primary (OR = 1.4 [95% CI 1.1–1.8], p = .003) and secondary (OR = 1.8 [95% CI 1.3–2.5], p < .001) levels and Malay ethnicity at the primary level (OR = 2.8 [95% CI 1.6–4.9], p < .001). The average PedMIDAS score for headache disability was 3.2 ± 8.4, and migraine disability (PedMIDAS 8.1 ± 11.2–15.2 ± 29.6) was lower than in some studies. Self-medication (20.5%) and use of alternative therapy (59.0%) were high among chronic daily headache sufferers. Routine sleep and stress screening is recommended for children with headaches. Recognition of the influence of genetics, lifestyle and cultural factors on headache management should be emphasized.
Orbitofrontal disinhibition of pain in migraine with aura: An interictal EEG-mapping study
Authors: Lev Rina , Granovsky Yelena , Yarnitsky David
Published: March 2010

This study aimed to identify the cortical mechanisms underlying the processes of interictal dishabituation to experimental pain in subjects suffering from migraine with aura (MWA). In 21 subjects with MWA and 22 healthy controls, cortical responses to two successive trials of noxious contact-heat stimuli were analyzed using EEG-tomography software.

When compared with controls, MWA patients showed significantly increased pain-evoked potential amplitudes accompanied by reduced activity in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and increased activity in the pain matrix regions, including the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) ( p < .05). Similarly to controls, MWA subjects displayed an inverse correlation between the OFC and SI activities, and positive interrelations between other pain-specific regions. The activity changes in the OFC negatively correlated with lifetime headache duration and longevity ( p < .05).

Reduced inhibitory functioning of the prefrontal cortex is a possible cause for disinhibition of the pain-related sensory cortices in migraine. The finding of OFC hypofunction over the disease course is in keeping with current concepts of migraine as a progressive brain disorder.
Cluster headache responsive to indomethacin: Case reports and a critical review of the literature
Authors: Prakash Sanjay , Shah Nilima D , Chavda Bhavna V
Published: March 2010

Introduction: Response to indomethacin is an essential feature for the diagnosis of both paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) and hemicrania continua (HC). Cluster headache (CH) is widely considered to be a disease unresponsive to indomethacin.

Case reports: We report four patients with CH who responded to indomethacin. Two patients, who were refractory to the usual therapy for CH, fulfilled the criteria for chronic CH. Conversely, two patients had a history of episodic CH and showed response to both indomethacin and the usual therapy for CH.

Literature review: We also reviewed the literature for the presence of indomethacin response in patients with CH. We noted a large number of cases labeled as CH by the authors which showed a response to indomethacin.

Discussion: Many cases of definite or possible CH were wrongly labeled as PH because of patients' responding to indomethacin.

Conclusion: The response to indomethacin in patients with CH may not be as immediate as in other indomethacin-responsive headaches, and many patients may need larger doses.
Migraine and vertigo – a prospective diary study
Authors: Salhofer Sabine , Lieba-Samal Doris , Freydl Elisabeth , Bartl Sigrid , Wiest Gerald , Wöber Christian
Published: March 2010

The objective of the study was to examine migrainous vertigo prospectively by means of a diary. We included 146 patients with at least one migraine attack per month. All patients underwent a semistructured interview, completed questionnaires on depression, anxiety and quality of sleep and kept a diary covering detailed information on headache, vertigo and dizziness over a period of 30 days. A completed diary was returned by 116 patients (79.5%). Based on the diary migrainous vertigo (MV) was diagnosed in 18 patients (15.5%) and non-migrainous vertigo or dizziness (non-MV) in 35 patients (30.2%). MV was present on 65 of 3477 patient days (1.9%) and non-MV on 145 days (4.2%). MV occurred more often on days with headache ( P < 0.001). Its median duration was 3 h and it lasted longer on days with headache than on days without headache ( P < 0.001). The most prominent specific feature of MV was head motion intolerance. Patients with MV showed anxiety more often ( P < 0.001) and tended to have worse quality of sleep and higher depression scores. In conclusion, vertigo and dizziness are frequent symptoms in migraineurs. The 1-month prevalence of MV is 16% and that of non-MV 30% in patients with at least one migraine attack per month. Frequency of MV is higher and duration longer on days with headache. MV is a risk factor for co-morbid anxiety.
Clinical Results of Single-Tunnel Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using Autogenous Semitendinosus Tendon
Authors: Yoo Jae-Chul , Ahn Jin-Hwan , Yoon Jung-Ro , Yang Jae-Hyuk
Published: March 2010

Background

Over 60 repair/reconstruction techniques have been described for the treatment of coracoclavicular (CC) ligament injuries.

Purpose

To report the functional and radiological outcomes of single-tunnel CC ligament reconstruction using autogenous semitendinosus tendon.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Between August 2005 and January 2008, a total of 21 patients, 16 patients (14 men, 2 women) with a Rockwood type IV, type V, or a chronic type III acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation and 5 patients (4 men, 1 woman) with a painful nonunited distal clavicle fracture with CC separation, underwent CC reconstructive surgery using a semitendinosus autograft. All 21 patients were followed up clinically and radiographically. The mean follow-up was 33 months (range, 18-47), and the mean patient age was 39.8 years (range, 18-70). Chronic type III AC dislocations and nonunited distal clavicle fractures with CC separation were scored using preoperative AC scoring (AC Joint Separation Questionnaire). Constant, University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA), and AC scores were evaluated for all patients at final follow-up.

Results

At the final follow-up, 10 patients achieved an “excellent” result and 11 a “good” result according to the AC scoring scheme. Mean final Constant and UCLA scores were 84.7 (range, 67-94) and 30.0 (range, 23-35), respectively. In the anteroposterior (AP) plane, 17 (81%) of the 21 patients maintained complete reduction, and 1 of the remaining 4, a manual laborer, had complete reduction loss. Of the 17 patients with an axillary view at final follow-up, 1 patient (5.9%) showed partial subluxation, although no subluxation was observed in the AP radiograph. The other 16 patients (94.1%) had a complete reduction state in axillary view.

Conclusion

Single-tunnel CC reconstruction with an autogenous hamstring tendon graft after a mean follow-up of 33 months (range, 18-47) appears to be a satisfactory means of treating acute Rockwood type IV, V, chronic type III, and painful nonunited distal clavicle fractures with CC separation.
Computed Tomography Assessment of Hip Joints in Asymptomatic Individuals in Relation to Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Kang Alan C. L. , Gooding Andrew J. , Coates Mark H. , Goh Tony D. , Armour Paul , Rietveld John
Published: March 2010

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement has become a well-recognized entity predisposing to acetabular labral tears and chondral damage, and subsequently development of osteoarthritis of the hip joint. In the authors’ experience, it is common to see bony abnormalities predisposing to femoroacetabular impingement in the contralateral asymptomatic hips in patients with unilateral femoroacetabular impingement.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of bony abnormalities predisposing to femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic individuals without exposing study participants to unnecessary radiation.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Fifty individuals (100 hip joints), ranging from 15 to 40 years of age, who were seen at a local hospital between March and August 2008 with abdominal trauma or nonspecific abdominal pain in whom abdominal computed tomography was performed to aid diagnosis were prospectively studied. These patients were not known to have any history of hip-related problems. Raw data from the abdominal computed tomography scan, performed on a 64-slice multidetector computed tomography scanner, were reformatted using bone algorithm into several different planes. Several measurements and observations of the hip joints were made in relation to femoroacetabular impingement.

Results: The 100 hip joints from 50 patients with no history of hip problems demonstrated that 39% of the joints (31% of female, 48% of male joints) have at least 1 morphologic aspect predisposing to femoroacetabular impingement. The majority (66% to 100% ) of the findings were bilateral; 33% of female and 52% of male asymptomatic participants in our study had at least 1 predisposing factor for femoroacetabular impingement in 1 or both of their hip joints. Based on the data collected from this study, the acetabular crossover sign had a 71% sensitivity and 88% specificity for detecting acetabular retroversion. Nonquantitative assessment of the femoral head at the anterior, anterolateral, and lateral head/neck junctions demonstrated that 74% of the joints had an aspherical femoral head.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated substantial prevalence of bony characteristics predisposing to femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic individuals according to the established measurement parameters in current literature.
Stress Analysis of Fiber-reinforced Maxillary Dentures Under Different Loadings
Authors: Akan Ender , Gungor Mehmet Ali , Yilmaz Gokhan , Artunc Celal , Benli Semih
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to compare maxillary dentures having different reinforcing materials in terms of stress distribution under concentrated forces applied to anterior and posterior regions. For this purpose, stress analyses of finite element models of 3 mm thick maxillary denture-bone systems were performed by using ANSYS software. First, concentrated forces making various angles, such as 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°, with horizontal axis were applied to the anterior incisor and the posterior molar tooth regions of a maxillary denture without reinforcement material. The results show that the highest stress in critical zones occur at 75° and 45° angles, under loadings of 150 N to molar and 75 N to incisor region, respectively. Secondly, four different reinforcing materials including unidirectional and woven glass fibers, unidirectional carbon fibers, and alloyed chrome—cobalt fibers were placed in the denture in two different positions. Under vertical loadings, the σx stress distributions occurring in critical zones were investigated. It is concluded from the stress analyses that use of Cr—Co as a reinforcing material at the center of the maxillary denture gives the best results in terms of stress distribution and strength.
The Effects of the Paraphrasing Strategy on the Reading Comprehension of Young Students
Authors: Hagaman Jessica L. , Casey Kathryn J. , Reid Robert
Published: March 2010

Reading comprehension is an important component of academic success and a skill required for many activities in school. However, little is known about effective reading comprehension interventions for younger students. This study investigated the effects of the paraphrasing strategy taught using the self-regulated strategy development model. Participants were six third grade students identified as fluent readers who experienced difficulty with comprehension. All instruction for the six participants was one on one. Results indicate that the use of the RAP paraphrasing strategy increased reading comprehension as measured by the percentage of text recall and short-answer questions (RAP is a three-step strategy: Read a paragraph, Ask myself “What was the main idea and two details?” and Put it into my own words). Ideas for future research and implications are discussed.
The Personal Burden of Decreased Vision-Targeted Health-Related Quality of Life in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Elliott Amanda F. , Dreer Laura E. , McGwin Gerald , Scilley Kay , Owsley Cynthia
Published: March 2010

Objectives: To present the bother subscales of the Nursing Home Vision-Targeted Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (NHVQoL) and to examine their relationship to the original NHVQoL subscales and objective measures of visual function. Method: 395 nursing home residents completed the bother subscales. Associations between bother subscales and original subscales and objectively measured vision were evaluated. Results: Mean bother scores ranged from 1.97 to 2.30, reflecting an average rating of “a little” bother. For 20 NHVQoL items, more than 50% of participants reported “a lot” of bother. All NHVQoL original subscale scores were moderately correlated with bother subscales ( p < .0001). Bother subscales and visual acuity were not highly correlated. Discussion: Nursing home residents are bothered by reductions in vision-targeted health-related quality of life. The NHVQoL bother subscales may probe the personal burden of visual problems in this population that is not captured by the original subscales or objectively measuring visual function.
Ethnic solidarity as interactional accomplishment: An analysis of interethnic complaints in Romanian and Hungarian focus groups
Authors: Grancea Liana
Published: March 2010

This article examines ethnic solidarity as a phenomenon contingent on how ethnicity is formulated as a category of experience and deployed as a category of interpretation in interaction. Analysis of interethnic complaint sequences from Romanian and Hungarian group discussions — consisting of generic formulations of complaints as commonsense knowledge followed by personal experience stories offered as illustrations of the generic complaint — shows that the accomplishment of ethnic solidarity depends on the discursive practices implicated in constructing complaints by reference to commonsense knowledge or personal experience. By analyzing the discursive construction of commonsense and experience-based interethnic complaints and its implications for the achievement of group solidarity, this research extends the insights of the sociological and anthropological literature on the situational and contextual nature of ethnicity, and contributes to conversation analytic approaches to the deployment of shared knowledge and experience in interaction.
Gender and General Strain Theory: The Gendering of Emotional Experiences and Expressions
Authors: De Coster Stacy , Cornell Zito Rena
Published: March 2010

In their strain theory explanation for the gender gap in delinquency, Broidy and Agnew posit that the joint experience of anger and depression, which is more typical among females than males, should help explain gender differences in delinquency. The authors extend and test their claim using data from a southeastern middle school. Their findings show that females are more likely than males to experience anger and depression concomitantly and that the interaction between anger and depression is important for understanding the gender gap in delinquency. This is not because depression alleviates the impact of anger on delinquency among females, as suggested by gendered strain theory. Instead, depression exacerbates the effect of anger on delinquency among males. This article concludes that the key to understanding links between gender, emotions, and delinquency resides in gendered expressions of emotional responses to stress rather than in gendered experiences of emotions.
Symptom Burden in Hospitalized Patients With Cancer in Kuwait and the Need for Palliative Care
Authors: Alshemmari Salem , Ezzat Hanan , Samir Zainab , Sajnani Kamlesh , Alsirafy Samy
Published: March 2010

We conducted this study to describe the symptom burden among hospitalized patients with cancer in a Kuwaiti cancer center. Twenty physical symptoms were assessed in 45 patients with cancer. The majority (82%) of patients had an advanced incurable cancer and 42% were receiving best supportive care only. The median number of symptoms per patient was 6.4 ± 2.8. The most common symptoms were pain (82%), weakness/fatigue (80%), anorexia (67%), weight loss (49%), and dyspnea (42%). Pain was the most distressing symptom in 31% of patients, followed by dyspnea (24%) and weakness/fatigue (11%). The high prevalence of advanced disease and the demonstrated high symptom burden mandate the initiation and development of culturally sensitive palliative care models, especially hospital-based ones, to relieve the suffering of patients with cancer in Kuwait.
Personality Characteristics of Hospice Palliative Care Volunteers: The ‘‘Big Five’’ and Empathy
Authors: Claxton-Oldfield Stephen , Banzen Yana
Published: March 2010

The goal of this study was to examine the personality characteristics of hospice palliative care volunteers by measuring the so-called big five personality traits and 4 separate aspects of empathy. A total of 99 hospice palliative care volunteers completed the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) of Costa Jr and McCrae and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) of Davis. The vast majority (84%) of the volunteers were females. Compared to the norms for adult females on the NEO-FFI, female hospice palliative care volunteers scored significantly higher on the traits of agreeableness, extraversion, and openness and significantly lower on the trait of neuroticism. On the empathy measure, female hospice palliative care volunteers scored significantly higher on the empathic concern and perspective taking subscales compared to the female norms, and significantly lower on the personal distress and fantasy subscales. The results of this study may have implications for the recruitment and retention of hospice palliative care volunteers.
An Ecological Approach to Culturally Sensitive Intervention for Arab American Women and Their Families
Authors: Mourad Mariam R. , Abdella Carolan Marsha T.
Published: March 2010

An ecological perspective toward intervention recognizes the relevance of multiple influences and contexts on intervention with a given population. Ecological issues in psychotherapy with Arab American women would include both macro system issues such as historical events, internal and external culture, societal beliefs and stigmas and micro system issues such as family dynamics and community participation. The intersections of these systemic issues are also addressed in this article.
Personal, Relational, and Contextual Resources and Relationship Satisfaction in Same-Sex Couples
Authors: Pope Amber L. , Murray Christine E. , Mobley A. Keith
Published: March 2010

Despite previous research findings that suggest that same-sex couples often experience unique stressors within their relationships, other findings indicate that same-sex couples demonstrate similar levels of relationship satisfaction as compared with heterosexual couples. The study described in this article was conducted to examine the extent to which various personal, relationship, and contextual resources may contribute to relationship satisfaction among individuals in same-sex couples. The findings indicated that individuals in same-sex couples may have more variability in the levels of support they receive from contextual resources. In addition, relationship resources were predictive of relationship satisfaction among the study participants, although personal and contextual resources did not contribute any unique variance to relationship satisfaction. The article concludes with implications for theory, practice, and research in couple and family counseling.
Compensation of Time Delay Effect in Semi-active Controlled Suspension Bridges
Authors: Abdel-Rohman Mohamed , John Mariam J. , Hassan Mohamed F.
Published: March 2010

In order to increase the critical wind speed to avoid galloping of flexible suspension bridges, it is necessary to introduce additional damping. One of the feasible methods of introducing additional damping to suspension bridges is using semi-active tuned mass damper control mechanisms. The time delay in generating the active control action due to the actuator’s dynamics is, however, a major practical problem which may destabilize the semi-active controlled structure. In this paper, the effect of the time delay on the stability of a semi-active controlled suspension bridge is investigated. It is shown that when the time delay for the semi-active controlled suspension bridge is considered, the critical wind speed will be less than that determined when the time delay is neglected. The reduction in the critical wind speed due to time delay might cause the suspension bridge to gallop at normal wind speeds. The paper shows how to compensate for the time delay effect in order to ensure the galloping suppression. The time delay compensation is treated by two methods: the first method expresses the delayed control action using a truncated Taylor’s series in terms of the current control action and its derivatives1 the second method expresses the delayed control action as feedback of the delayed state variables. Both methods are applied on a linear model derived from the actual nonlinear model. The controlled response considering the delay is obtained by applying the designed active control on the actual nonlinear model. The results of both methods of time delay compensation are discussed and compared using a numerical example.
Primary Resonance Response of a Beam with a Differential Edge Settlement Attached to an Elastic Foundation
Authors: Al-Qaisia A.A. , Hamdan M.N.
Published: March 2010

In this work, we study, through one-mode simplification, the influence of frequency curve veering on the primary resonance response of an elastic Euler-Bernoulli attached to a linear Winkler elastic foundation. The beam is a hinged-hinged with one torsional spring at one end, has an initial 1/4 sine deflection shape due to a constant differential edge settlement and is subjected to a uniformly distributed vertical load which is harmonically varying with a time part and a large mean part. A combined numerical-analytical procedure which accounts for the nonlinear interdependence between the vertical deflection and induced axial force due to mid-plane stretching was used to determine the beam static deflection. The assumed single mode approach is used to obtain the reduced nonlinear temporal equation of motion about the static equilibrium deflection which contains quadratic and cubic nonlinear terms. The results of numerical simulation indicate that the coefficients of the quadratic and cubic nonlinear terms in the temporal problem can, depending on the selected range of system parameters, vary widely and take positive and negative values, and thus change the number and stability of equilibrium positions as well as the system behavior which can be a hardening or softening type. The harmonic balance and, for comparison purposes, the method of multiple-scales are used to obtain approximate analytical solution for the primary resonance response and its stability. The obtained primary frequency response results are presented over a selected range of system parameters near and away from veering points which show a significant change in response behavior. The obtained approximate-analytical results were compared with those obtained numerically.
Start-up Dynamic Analysis of a Rotor Supported by Fluid Film Bearings
Authors: Alnefaie K.
Published: March 2010

Start-up and steady-state dynamics of a rotor supported by fluid film bearings is studied. A rotor is assumed as a thin disk located on the middle of an elastic shaft, which is supported by fluid film bearings. The journal bearing is selected as a short-plain type and it is represented by direct and cross-coupling stiffness and damping coefficients, which are angular speed dependent. An electric motor accelerates the rotor and its speed is controlled by a second order transfer function. Simulation results show that for a certain angular speed range the system becomes unstable. The instability region has lower and upper limits. The journal bearings affect the rotor, the equivalent damping ratios and the natural frequencies in x and y directions differ and cause 2x-critical speed super-harmonic oscillations. Before the lower limit of the unstable region, the journal whirl speed is equal to one-half of the rotor angular speed and the equivalent natural frequencies of the rotor in x and y directions are equal to the critical speed. After the upper limit of the unstable region, the journal whirl speed is always equal to the critical speed and one of the equivalent natural frequencies of the rotor becomes one-half of the rotor angular speed. In this region high amplitude 2x-critical speed super-harmonic oscillations appear.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Torsional Waves in a Drill-string Model with Spatial Extent
Authors: Barton David A.W. , Krauskopf Bernd , Wilson R. Eddie
Published: March 2010

In this paper we investigate the dynamics and bifurcations of an oil-well drill-string model that takes the form of a neutral delay differential equation. We consider the torsional mode of the drill-string and investigate the associated stick-slip motion. To analyze the model we develop numerical continuation routines based on Fourier methods since existing routines based on polynomial approximations are unable to cope with the presence of arbitrarily weakly damped modes. We find “resonance peaks” in the dynamics where a high-frequency mode is superimposed on the underlying periodic behavior, causing large torsional waves in the drill-string. We show that the resonance peaks are robust to small perturbations in the friction parameters but disappear if static friction forces are neglected completely.
Understanding Adolescent Peer Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Man Yu Li  , Frieze Irene , Tang Catherine So-kum
Published: March 2010

This study examines intentions to take protective action against peer sexual harassment and abuse (PSHA). The theory of planned behavior (TPB) proposes that attitudes about protective action, perceptions of what others would think about doing this (subjective norms), and behavioral control would be important predictors. A total of 1,531 Chinese secondary school students (769 boys and 762 girls) from Hong Kong were surveyed to test this model. Results showed that the TPB model was predictive for girls, but only subjective norms and behavioral control significantly predicted boys’ intentions to protect themselves. Results supported the influence of subjective norms and perceived behavioral control on youths’ intentions to reject PSHA. These factors may be useful in guiding the development of an educational program for prevention of PSHA.
A Brief DSM-IV-Referenced Teacher Rating Scale for Monitoring Behavioral Improvement in ADHD and Co-Occurring Symptoms
Authors: Sprafkin Joyce , Mattison Richard E. , Gadow Kenneth D. , Schneider Jayne , Lavigne John V.
Published: March 2010

Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the 30-item teacher’s version of the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory Progress Monitor (CASI-PM-T), a DSM-IV-referenced rating scale for monitoring change in ADHD and co-occurring symptoms in youths receiving behavioral or pharmacological interventions. Method: Three separate studies were conducted to determine (a) which items from longer diagnostic instruments were most representative of ADHD and commonly occurring psychiatric syndromes in clinic-referred samples ( N = 406) aged between 3 and 18 years, (b) the reliability and validity of the CASI-PM-T in students enrolled in full-time special education programs at the elementary and middle school levels ( N = 169), and (c) the clinical utility of measuring behavioral change in a sample of outpatient ADHD children beginning treatment with stimulant medication. Results: Internal consistency reliabilities (.71-.94), 2-week test-retest reliabilities ( r = .70-.90), and interrater agreement ( r = .44-.78) for the CASI-PM-T symptom categories were comparable to the full-length CASI-4. Convergence was also found between corresponding CASI-PM-T categories and consultant diagnoses of ADHD and ODD as well as school functioning measures of grade-point average and suspensions. The CASI-PM-T also demonstrated sensitivity to stimulant medication treatment effects. Conclusion: Findings provide preliminary support for the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of the CASI-PM-T. ( J. of Att. Dis. 2011; 15(3) 235-245)
The United Nations world summits and civil society activism
Authors: Ghimire Kléber
Published: March 2010

Noting that UN summits are the most auspicious venue for non-state actors to popularize worldwide issues of concern, writings on international relations have emphasized the rise of a global civil society and its growing ability to use these events for influencing transnational politics. Based on findings of empirical research from six developing countries that hosted UN summits or important preparatory meetings (PrepComs), we suggest that national settings remain fundamental for civil society activism. We examine the outcome of UN summits on civil society in three dimensions: creation of political space, implementation of the summit’s agenda and alliance building. This study suggests that in each of these countries, the national processes of democratization and liberal economic reforms heavily influenced the outcome of these international conferences. In particular, the results reveal the paramount centrality of the state in the organization of the summit and in setting up parameters for civil society engagement during the follow-up process. While heterogeneity was an important trait of civil society, the UN bodies organizing the summits remained nearly absent in the post-summit period. A main conclusion emerging from the research is that, in addition to international connections, any major attempt on the part of civil society organizations (CSOs) to significantly participate in the political process, whether in the form of support or opposition, inescapably entails working with relation to the state in order to take advantage of the political opportunities available in the national context. Overall, the study results suggest that discussion on the rise of global civil society and international activism occurring in part thanks to UN summits needs to be supplemented by approaches that take into account national dynamics.
Review article: In search of new wars: The debate about a transformation of war
Authors: Mello Patrick A.
Published: March 2010

This article examines the literature on ‘new wars’ as it evolved in Germany, Great Britain and the USA. In order to gain an overview of this heterogeneous field of research five hypotheses are derived concerning characteristics of ‘new wars’: (1) the erosion of the state’s monopoly on the use of force; (2) the political economy of ‘new wars’; (3) ‘new wars’ as asymmetric wars; (4) ‘new wars’ as identity-based wars; and (5) terrorism within the framework of ‘new wars’. The concluding section addresses critiques, provides a brief summary and proposes future research.
Principal–agent theory and the World Trade Organization: Complex agency and ‘missing delegation’
Authors: Elsig Manfred
Published: March 2010

This article analyses the World Trade Organization within a principal–agent framework. The concept of complex agent is introduced to focus on the variety of actors that comprise an international organization. Special attention is paid to the relationship between contracting parties’ representatives and the Secretariat. In the empirical part, the article analyses the role of the Secretariat in assisting negotiations and presents evidence of declining influence. It is shown how principal–agent theory can contribute to addressing this puzzle of ‘missing delegation’. The article concludes with a cautionary note as to the ‘location’ of international organizations’ emerging pathologies and calls for additional research to address the relationship between material and social sources to explain behaviour of the key actors within the complex agency.
Cocaine and aortic dissection
Authors: Singh Avneet , Khaja Azamuddin , Alpert Martin A
Published: March 2010

Aortic dissection is a rare, potentially catastrophic vascular emergency. Early recognition of the clinical manifestations, rapid confirmation using imaging modalities, urgent administration of appropriate medication and expedient selection of definitive long-term therapy are key to preserving life and reducing morbidity. In recent years it has become increasingly clear that there is a relation between cocaine and aortic dissection. Cocaine serves as both a predisposing factor to aortic dissection due to its effect on aortic connective tissue and as a precipitating factor due to its propensity to produce abrupt and severe hypertension. While similarities exist in the clinical features and diagnostic methods between cocaine-related aortic dissection and aortic dissection unrelated to cocaine use, there are important differences in management between these two syndromes which are rooted in the pharmacology and physiology of cocaine. An understanding of these differences is key to effective early and long-term management of cocaine-related aortic dissection.
Dermatology in public health - a model for surveillance of common skin diseases
Authors: Stenberg Berndt , Meding Birgitta , Svensson Åke
Published: March 2010

Aims: The aim was to establish a baseline prevalence of skin conditions of public health importance in the general population and taking the validity of the questions into account. Our model is intended for future surveillance of skin conditions. Methods: The suggested questions have for the first time been used in Swedish population surveys. A random sample was taken from the general population aged 16 to 84 years of the participating areas. Results: During the past 12 months, hand eczema was reported by 9.4%, childhood eczema by 15.7% and nickel allergy by 13.7% of the population. Hand and childhood eczema questions have previously been validated. Taking the validity into account, the actual population prevalence of hand eczema (11.7%) is underestimated, and the prevalence of atopic childhood eczema (10.0%) is overestimated based on the results of the questionnaire. In addition to presenting prevalence, population survey results can be used for risk analyses. A 10-fold risk of hand eczema in individuals with childhood eczema and self-reported nickel sensitivity is shown in our study. Conclusions: Questionnaires can be used for epidemiologic surveillance so long as the questions are validated and that the validity is taken into account when estimating the occurrence of the conditions. Public health surveys such as this one lay the basis for future epidemiological surveillance of skin conditions that can be subject to interventions. We propose that these, or similar, questions should be used regularly in population surveys and supplemented by questions on skin exposure.