bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children's Thinking about Traits: Implications for Judgments of the Self and Others
Authors: Heyman Gail D. , Dweck Carol S.
Published: August 2008

The relation between the way in which children interpret human behavior and their beliefs about the stability of human traits is investigated. In interviews with 202 7‐ and 8‐year‐olds across 2 studies, the belief that traits are stable predicted a greater tendency to make trait judgments, and an increased focus on outcomes and behaviors through which traits can be judged. In the academic domain, a belief in trait stability was associated with an emphasis on the evaluative meanings of performance outcomes, as opposed to mediating processes such as effort. In the sociomoral domain, the same belief was associated with an emphasis on the evaluative meanings of behaviors (e.g., whether the person is good or bad), as opposed to factors that mediate behavior, such as intention. Results suggest that beliefs about the stability of traits may serve an important role in thinking about and functioning within the academic and sociomoral domains.
Barriers to organizational learning: An integration of theory and research
Authors: Schilling Jan , Kluge Annette
Published: August 2008

This paper develops a theoretical foundation to describe and explain impediments to organizational learning (OL). Based on the expanded 4I model (Crossanet al. 1999.Academy of Management Review,24, 522–537), which was further developed byLawrenceet al. (2005.Academy of Management Review,30, 180–191), different learning barriers are categorized and discussed with regard to factors complicating or impeding OL. Finally, the paper analyses the impact of particular barriers on different kinds of organizational units, the relationship between OL barriers, single‐loop and double‐loop learning, as well as typical combinations of barriers and their respective impact on organizational performance.
Value creation through spin‐offs: A review of the empirical evidence
Authors: Veld Chris , Veld‐Merkoulova Yulia V.
Published: August 2008

This paper reviews the literature on the factors that influence the wealth effects associated with the announcements of corporate spin‐offs (also known as demergers). Meta‐analysis is used to summarize the findings of 26 event studies on spin‐off announcements. A significantly positive average abnormal return of 3.02% is found during the event window. Returns are higher for larger spin‐offs, for divestments that are tax or regulatory friendly and for spin‐offs that lead to an improvement of industrial focus. It is also found that spin‐offs that are later completed are associated with lower abnormal returns than non‐completed spin‐offs. The second part of the paper overviews studies on the long‐run stock price performance of spin‐offs. Even though early studies find a long‐run superior performance, this effect is no longer found in later studies that use more refined statistical tests.
Intra‐Organizational Constraints on Churches' Public Witness
Authors: NEIHEISEL JACOB R. , DJUPE PAUL A.
Published: August 2008

We examine the effects of some oft‐overlooked influences on clergy public speech, an important component of a church's public witness. While there are many studies of denominational conflict, few studies connect denominational‐level conflict with the ways in which clergy address salient public issues to their congregations. We also explore the impact that the presence of a congregant who has struggled with his or her sexuality, that is, the contact hypothesis, has on clergy speech. We test these ideas using 2004 survey data from clergy in Columbus, Ohio concerning their speech on the state's constitutional ban on gay marriage. We find that these intra‐organizational constraints shape opinions that in turn affect speech, tempering indirectly the ability of clergy to present concerns about the proposed ban.
Labelling fashion markets
Authors: Aspers Patrik
Published: August 2008

The present article discusses how an ethical and environmental labelling system can be implemented in fashion garment markets. Consumers act in markets that provide them with more information than their limited cognitive capacity allows them to handle. Ethical and environmental labelling in markets characterized by change, such as the fashion garment market, makes decision‐making even more complicated. The ethical and environmental labelling system proposed here is designed to alleviate firms' administrative burden and give consumers more choice. It proposes that information on ethical and environmentally friendly production should be combined to enable consumers to decide whether they want to contribute an extra sum for the item they purchase in the store, which would then be transferred to the workers or an environmental organization. The beneficiaries – garment workers in developing countries and environmental organizations – would decide what to do with the money. This is a simpler and more direct solution than those suggested by scholars and activists trying to solve the problems of ‘sweatshops’ and the environmental consequences of the production of fashion garments. It also reduces administration compared with existing systems. At the same time, it can be implemented alongside systems based on strict regulation of production.
Family and nation: Brazilian national ideology as contested transnational practice in Japan
Authors: GREEN PAUL
Published: August 2008

Studies of Brazilian Nikkeis (Japanese emigrants and their descendants) living in Japan tend to conceptualize ‘family’ and ‘nation’ as two distinct entities. Such distinctions are filtered through mutually exclusive discourses and understandings of national and ethnic identity. In this article, however, I view national attachments and migrant experiences in Japan through the lens of ideology, embodied experience and kinship relations. Treating national ideology as lived process sheds fresh light on the dynamics of state—society relations in transnational social spaces. I suggest that the ability of Brazilian state actors to impose social, moral and economic regulation on its citizens in Japan is compromised by the extent to which such discourses are ontologically grounded in the social relations of migrant family life. It is through these kin ties, I argue, that people set the tone and rules of play for state interests to encroach or otherwise on their everyday lives in these transnational social spaces.
Distant warriors, distant peace workers? Multiple diaspora roles in Sri Lanka's violent conflict
Authors: ORJUELA CAMILLA
Published: August 2008

This article provides a critical, empirically based analysis of the multiple ways in which diaspora communities participate in transnational politics related to their war‐affected former home countries. The case of Sri Lanka — and the Tamil and Sinhalese diasporas in the West — is used to illustrate how contemporary armed conflicts are increasingly waged in an international arena. Active diaspora groups have enabled an extension of nationalist mobilization, hostilities and polarization across the globe. Diaspora actors take part in propaganda work and fundraising in support of the belligerent parties in Sri Lanka, while the polarization between Sinhalese and Tamils is to a large extent replicated in the diaspora. However, there are also examples of diaspora groups that challenge war and militarism, for instance by calling for non‐violent conflict resolution, condemning atrocities by both sides, and engaging in cross‐ethnic dialogue. The article also argues that diaspora engagement in reconstruction of war‐torn areas can be a double‐edged sword, as it can reproduce — or reduce — grievances and inequalities that fuel the conflict. By discussing the many ways in which diasporas engage in homeland politics, the article challenges simplified understandings of diasporas as either‘warriors’or‘peace workers’ in relation to their homeland conflicts.
Occupational Attainment and Immigrant Economic Progress in Australia*
Authors: CHISWICK BARRY R. , MILLER PAUL W.
Published: August 2008

Using data from the 2001 Australian Census of Population and Housing, on adult men in full‐time employment, this paper augments a conventional human capital earnings function with information on occupations. It also estimates models of occupational attainment. The results from both the earnings function and model of occupational attainment indicate that the limited international transferability of human capital skills results in immigrants entering into relatively low status occupations when they first enter the Australian labour market. Comparison with similar research for the USA suggests that the different immigrant selection regimes (primarily family reunion in the USA, skill‐based immigration in Australia) do not impact on the negative association between current occupational status and pre‐immigration labour market experience.
Skilled Immigration and Wages in Australia*
Authors: ISLAM ASADUL , FAUSTEN DIETRICH K.
Published: August 2008

This paper investigates the impact of the relative growth of skilled migration on the structure of Australian wages. Unlike conventional approaches, the present study uses macro data to examine the response of wages to immigration flows. We use instrumental variable techniques to control for the potential endogeneity of immigration. The results, using alternative estimation strategies, are consistent with the dominant findings from existing empirical work. There is no robust evidence that a relative increase in skilled immigrants exerts any discernible adverse consequences on the wage structure in Australia.
The Distribution of Household Health Expenditures in Australia*
Authors: JONES GLENN , SAVAGE ELIZABETH , VAN GOOL KEES
Published: August 2008

Out‐of‐pocket health expenditures in Australia are high in international comparisons and have been growing at a faster rate than most other health costs in recent years. This raises concerns about the extent to which out‐of‐pocket costs have constrained access to health services for low income households. Using data from the ABS Household Expenditure Survey 2003–2004, we model the relationships between health expenditure shares and equivalised total expenditure for categories of out‐of‐pocket health expenditures and analyse the extent of protection given by concession cards. To allow for flexibility in the relationship we adopt Yatchew's semi‐parametric estimation technique. This is the first detailed distributional analysis of household health expenditures in Australia. We find mixed evidence for the protection health concession cards give against high out‐of‐pocket health expenditures. Despite higher levels of subsidy, households with concession cards do not have lower out‐of‐pocket expenditures than non‐cardholder households except for the highest expenditure quintile. Cards provide most protection for GP out‐of‐pocket expenditures.
Biodiversity Loss in Latin American Coffee Landscapes: Review of the Evidence on Ants, Birds, and Trees
Authors: PHILPOTT STACY M. , ARENDT WAYNE J. , ARMBRECHT INGE , BICHIER PETER , DIESTCH THOMAS V. , GORDON CALEB , GREENBERG RUSSELL , PERFECTO IVETTE , REYNOSO‐SANTOS ROBERTO , SOTO‐PINTO LORENA , TEJEDA‐CRUZ CESAR , WILLIAMS‐LINERA GUADALUPE , VALENZUELA JORGE , ZOLOTOFF JOSÉ MANUEL
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Studies have documented biodiversity losses due to intensification of coffee management (reduction in canopy richness and complexity). Nevertheless, questions remain regarding relative sensitivity of different taxa, habitat specialists, and functional groups, and whether implications for biodiversity conservation vary across regions. We quantitatively reviewed data from ant, bird, and tree biodiversity studies in coffee agroecosystems to address the following questions: Does species richness decline with intensification or with individual vegetation characteristics? Are there significant losses of species richness in coffee‐management systems compared with forests? Is species loss greater for forest species or for particular functional groups? and Are ants or birds more strongly affected by intensification? Across studies, ant and bird richness declined with management intensification and with changes in vegetation. Species richness of all ants and birds and of forest ant and bird species was lower in most coffee agroecosystems than in forests, but rustic coffee (grown under native forest canopies) had equal or greater ant and bird richness than nearby forests. Sun coffee (grown without canopy trees) sustained the highest species losses, and species loss of forest ant, bird, and tree species increased with management intensity. Losses of ant and bird species were similar, although losses of forest ants were more drastic in rustic coffee. Richness of migratory birds and of birds that forage across vegetation strata was less affected by intensification than richness of resident, canopy, and understory bird species. Rustic farms protected more species than other coffee systems, and loss of species depended greatly on habitat specialization and functional traits. We recommend that forest be protected, rustic coffee be promoted, and intensive coffee farms be restored by augmenting native tree density and richness and allowing growth of epiphytes. We also recommend that future research focus on potential trade‐offs between biodiversity conservation and farmer livelihoods stemming from coffee production.
Effects of Human Trampling on Populations of Soil Fauna in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: AYRES EDWARD , NKEM JOHNSON N. , WALL DIANA H. , ADAMS BYRON J. , BARRETT J. E. , BROOS EMMA J. , PARSONS ANDREW N. , POWERS LAURA E. , SIMMONS BREANA L. , VIRGINIA ROSS A.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Antarctic ecosystems are often considered nearly pristine because levels of anthropogenic disturbance are extremely low there. Nevertheless, over recent decades there has been a rapid increase in the number of people, researchers and tourists, visiting Antarctica. We evaluated, over 10 years, the direct impact of foot traffic on the abundance of soil animals and soil properties in Taylor Valley within the McMurdo Dry Valleys region of Antarctica. We compared soils from minimally disturbed areas with soils from nearby paths that received intermediate and high levels of human foot traffic (i.e., up to approximately 80 passes per year). The nematodes Scottnema lindsayae and Eudorylaimus sp. were the most commonly found animal species, whereas rotifers and tardigrades were found only occasionally. On the highly trampled footpaths, abundance of S. lindsayae and Eudorylaimus sp. was up to 52 and 76% lower, respectively, than in untrampled areas. Moreover, reduction in S. lindsayae abundance was more pronounced after 10 years than 2 years and in the surface soil than in the deeper soil, presumably because of the longer period of disturbance and the greater level of physical disturbance experienced by the surface soil. The ratio of living to dead Eudorylaimus sp. also declined with increased trampling intensity, which is indicative of increased mortality or reduced fecundity. At one site there was evidence that high levels of trampling reduced soil CO2 fluxes, which is related to total biological activity in the soil. Our results show that even low levels of human traffic can significantly affect soil biota in this ecosystem and may alter ecosystem processes, such as carbon cycling. Consequently, management and conservation plans for Antarctic soils should consider the high sensitivity of soil fauna to physical disturbance as human presence in this ecosystem increases.
Occlusal Plane Orientation: A Statistical and Clinical Analysis in Different Clinical Situations
Authors: Jayachandran Sivakumar , Ramachandran C. R. , Varghese Ranjith
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Orientation of the occlusal plane is important in a number of clinical situations. Using the reported soft and hard tissue landmarks is difficult and requires experience, as the landmarks are located on the face or by use of a cephalometric radiograph. Improper use of these landmarks may compromise the functional and esthetic result of prosthetic restorations. This study evaluated the reliability of the hamular notch/incisive papilla plane (HIP) in establishing the occlusal plane.

Materials and Methods: Ninety healthy, Indian adults (60 dentate, 30 edentulous) participated in this study. The occlusal plane of the subjects was compared with their HIPs. In dentate subjects, the maxillary stone cast was mounted on the Wills surveyor with HIP, which was made parallel to the horizontal plane using the tripoding method. The vertical distance between the occlusal plane and floor of the surveyor was measured at four points. When the measured values were equal, the two planes were confirmed to be parallel for that situation. In turn, this relation confirmed the parallelism between the occlusal plane and HIP. In the edentulous subjects, the occlusal plane, established clinically using the ala tragal line, was compared with the HIP radiographically using lateral cephalograms. Paired t‐test was used to test the equality of the mean differences at a 0.05 significance level.

Results: The mean differences from the right canine were: 0.055 cm at the left canine, 0.05 cm at the right molar, and 0.065 cm at the left molar in dentate subjects and 0.001 cm between the incisive papilla and hamular notch in edentulous subjects. The HIP appeared parallel to the occlusal plane as the paired t‐test showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: In the population tested, the HIP was parallel to the occlusal plane. Therefore, this may be a viable reference in complete denture prosthodontics.
Heart Rate Turbulence and Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Atrial Synchronous Ventricular Pacing
Authors: KILIC HARUN , KARAKURT OZLEM , AKDEMIR RAMAZAN , DOGAN MEHMET , BICER ASUMAN , ACIKEL SADIK , CAGIRCI GOKSEL , GUNDUZ HUSEYIN
Published: August 2008

Background:

Heart rate turbulence (HRT) and heart rate variability (HRV) have been shown to be independent and powerful predictors of mortality in a specific group of cardiac patients.
Pacing has unfavorable effects on autonomic function. Our aim is to investigate autonomic responses to atrial synchronous ventricular pacing (VDD) by evaluating HRT and HRV parameters.

Methods and Results:

The study groups comprised 12 control and 12 patients without organic heart disease and with normal sinus function who were implanted with a permanent VDD pacing system for high‐degree atrioventricular block. The HRV and HRT analysis were assessed from a 24‐hour Holter recording. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for HRV parameters. When HRT parameters were compared, turbulence onset was significantly higher in the cardiac paced group than the controls group (2.729 ± 8.818 vs –1.565 ± 8.301, P = 0.006), but no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups for turbulence slope (11.166 ± 10.034 vs 31.675 ± 28.107, P = 0.68). The number of patients who had abnormal HRT onset was significantly higher in the paced group than controls (9 vs 2, P = 0.004).

Conclusion:

Atrial synchronous pacing has unfavorable effects on autonomic function. Altered ventricular depolarization sequence may lead to changes in autonomic response. Although we found no difference in HRV parameters between the control and VDD patient groups, the HRT onset and number of patients with abnormal HRT onset was significantly higher in VDD patients. HRT onset can be a better way of noninvasive autonomic response predictor in VDD patients.
Effect of Atrial Lead Position on Atrial Automatic Capture Verification
Authors: BUTTER CHRISTIAN , ZHANG GENG , SEIFERT MARTIN , MINDEN HANS‐HEINRICH , KÖNIG ANDREAS , FLECK ECKART
Published: August 2008

Introduction: Optimizing atrial automatic capture verification based on atrial‐evoked response (AER) detection requires maximizing the signal artifact ratio (SAR), that is, AER to stimulation artifact (ART). This study evaluated the effect of bipolar atrial lead position on sensed AER, ART, and SAR.

Methods and Results: A custom‐made external research system (INSIGNIAAC, Boston Scientific Corp. St Paul, MN, USA) was used to perform an automatic voltage step‐down atrial pacing protocol at three different right atrial lead positions (A‐appendage, L‐lateral wall, and S‐septal wall) in each studied patient. The atrial pacing and the AER sensing configurations were independent. The pacing was unipolar in an Atip‐Can configuration while sensing was in Aring‐Indiff. Data from 16 patients (mean age 71.1 ± 9.6 years) and six‐lead models from five different manufacturers were analyzed. Study results show that with all lead types, the atrial lead placement had no significant effect on AERmin, ARTmax, and SARmin and only one patient had an SAR that was not sufficient to support successful automatic capture verification at all tested atrial pacing sites.

Conclusion: The atrial pacing site has minimal effect on AER sensing when using an independent pace/sense configuration. The leads placed at all tested sites were found to have the parameters sufficient to support the atrial automatic capture verification in all but one patient.
Hemodynamics Changes after Tilting and the Efficacy of Preventive Drugs
Authors: MINOURA YOSHINO , ONUKI TATSUYA , ITHO HIROYUKI , WATANABE NORIKAZU , ASANO TAKU , TANNO KAORU , KOBAYASHI YOUICHI
Published: August 2008

Background:

We investigated whether hemodynamics changes during head‐up tilt test (HUT) predict the efficacy of preventive drugs in neurally mediated syncope (NMS) patients, in order to clarify the differences between drug responders and nonresponders.

Method:

In 402 patients with syncope, we examined HUT. In 66 patients with induced NMS, we administered propranolol when heart rate (HR) > 60 and systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 100 mmHg. When HR ≤ 60 or SBP ≥ 100, we administered disopyramide. After administration of each drug we examined HUT test again.

Results:

Propranolol prevented NMS in 9/20 patients (propranolol responder group (pro‐res group)). In pro‐res group, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) at upright position (UP) before propranolol were significantly increased as compared to those at supine position (SP) (P < 0.05). But in propranolol nonresponder (pro‐nonres group) SBP was not increased. After propranolol, DBP and TPR at UP was not increased in pro‐nonres group. Propranolol inhibited the increase of low‐frequency/high‐frequency ratio (LF/HF) after tilting in pro‐res group. Disopyramide prevented NMS in 14/32 patients (disopyramide responder group (dis‐res group)). In dis‐res group, DBP and TPR at UP before disopyramide was significantly increased as compared to that at SP (DBP P < 0.0001, TPR P < 0.05). But in disopyramide nonresponder group (dis‐nonres group), DBP and TPR were not increased. After disopyramide, DBP and TPR at SP were significantly increased as compared to that before disopyramide in dis‐res group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The hemodynamics changes after tilting during HUT predict the efficacy of two preventive drugs for NMS induced by HUT.
A Latent Contingency Table Approach to Dose Finding for Combinations of Two Agents
Authors: Yin Guosheng , Yuan Ying
Published: August 2008

Summary Two‐agent combination trials have recently attracted enormous attention in oncology research. There are several strong motivations for combining different agents in a treatment: to induce the synergistic treatment effect, to increase the dose intensity with nonoverlapping toxicities, and to target different tumor cell susceptibilities. To accommodate this growing trend in clinical trials, we propose a Bayesian adaptive design for dose finding based on latent 2 × 2 tables. In the search for the maximum tolerated dose combination, we continuously update the posterior estimates for the unknown parameters associated with marginal probabilities and the correlation parameter based on the data from successive patients. By reordering the dose toxicity probabilities in the two‐dimensional space, we assign each coming cohort of patients to the most appropriate dose combination. We conduct extensive simulation studies to examine the operating characteristics of the proposed method under various practical scenarios. Finally, we illustrate our dose‐finding procedure with a clinical trial of agent combinations at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Identifiability and Estimation of Causal Effects in Randomized Trials with Noncompliance and Completely Nonignorable Missing Data
Authors: Chen Hua , Geng Zhi , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: August 2008

Summary In this article, we first study parameter identifiability in randomized clinical trials with noncompliance and missing outcomes. We show that under certain conditions the parameters of interest are identifiable even under different types of completely nonignorable missing data: that is, the missing mechanism depends on the outcome. We then derive their maximum likelihood and moment estimators and evaluate their finite‐sample properties in simulation studies in terms of bias, efficiency, and robustness. Our sensitivity analysis shows that the assumed nonignorable missing‐data model has an important impact on the estimated complier average causal effect (CACE) parameter. Our new method provides some new and useful alternative nonignorable missing‐data models over the existing latent ignorable model, which guarantees parameter identifiability, for estimating the CACE in a randomized clinical trial with noncompliance and missing data.
Magical Pursuits: Legitimacy and Representation in a Transnational Political Field
Authors: BAKER‐CRISTALES BETH
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT  In this article, I examine the strategies of Salvadoran state actors to contain and control transnational political subjects in the postwar period. The civil war in El Salvador (1980–92) precipitated massive emigration, most of it to the United States. Most Salvadoran migrants have been excluded from formal participation in national politics in both El Salvador and the United States. However, they have become important transnational political actors, owing in no small part to the increasing dependence of El Salvador on migrant remittances. This contradiction between their formal exclusion and their informal influence shapes an emergent regime of transnational governmentality, a system of domination that submits mobile subjects to the tactics of containment and control traditionally reserved for nonmobile citizens. This transnational governmentality depends on the appropriation of popular forms of organizing and expression associated with civil society as a way to mask the inequality at the heart of this relationship.
Drying Effect on Thermal Behavior and Structural Modifications of Hydrous Zirconia Gel
Authors: Dell'Agli Gianfranco , Mascolo Giuseppe , Mascolo Maria Cristina , Pagliuca Concetta
Published: August 2008

Adopting four different drying modalities on three single stocks of hydrous zirconia gel, 12 samples of pure zirconia xerogels were obtained. In particular, the following drying modalities were adopted: drying in air at room temperature, drying in air oven at 60° or 110°C, and, finally, drying by freeze‐drying. The resulting xerogels showed, on heating, very different reactivity, affecting the structural phase transformations of pure zirconia. The kinetics feature could be the key to explain the formation mechanism of the metastable phases of zirconia at room temperature. The experimental results show, in fact, that the metastable phase is favored by a fast crystallization rate, whereas the stable one, by a slow crystallization rate. These findings could resolve the conflicting results on the metastability of zirconia reported in the literature.
Challenges to reduce the ‘10/90 gap’: mental health research in Latin American and Caribbean countries
Authors: Razzouk D. , Gallo C. , Olifson S. , Zorzetto R. , Fiestas F. , Poletti G. , Mazzotti G. , Levav I. , Mari J. J.
Published: August 2008

Objective:  To analyze the status of mental health research in 30 Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC).

Method:  Medline and PsycInfo databases were searched to identify the LAC authors. Their publications were classified according to the topic, type of research and target population studied. Scientific indicators of these countries were assessed in other two different databases: Essential Scientific Information and Atlas of Science Project, both from Institute for Scientific Information.

Results:  Indexed‐publications were concentrated in six countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela. Most studies dealt with the burdensome mental disorders but neglected important topics such as violence and other mental health priorities.

Conclusion:  Mental health research is mostly concentrated in a few LAC countries, but these countries would contribute to reduce the research gap, if they provide research training to their neighbors and engage in bi‐ or multi‐lateral research collaboration on common region priorities.
Investigation of the neural substrates of voice recognition in Chinese schizophrenic patients with auditory verbal hallucinations: an event‐related functional MRI study
Authors: Zhang Z‐J. , Hao G‐F. , Shi J‐B. , Mou X‐D. , Yao Z‐J. , Chen N.
Published: August 2008

Objective:  Auditory hallucinations (AVHs), like real auditory perceptions, are often perceived as familiar voices. Given that neural correlates of AVHs involve the auditory cortex, it is likely that those brain regions responsible for recognition of voice identity are invoked during AVHs.

Method:  Schizophrenic patients with (n = 13) and without (n = 13) auditory hallucinations, and 13 healthy subjects performed a voice recognition task during functional magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T. In the task using prerecorded vocal stimuli, they classified voice as familiar and unfamiliar.

Results:  Under the familiar minus unfamiliar contrasts, cerebral activation pattern is different in the three groups and patients with auditory hallucinations showed less activation in the right temporal lobe than controls.

Conclusion:  Voice recognition was impaired in patients with AVHs. Our results support that auditory association cortices play a role in the perception of AVHs.
Neuropsychological profile in bipolar disorder: a preliminary study of monotherapy lithium‐treated euthymic bipolar patients evaluated at a 2‐year interval
Authors: Mur M. , Portella M. J. , Martínez‐Arán A. , Pifarré J. , Vieta E.
Published: August 2008

Objective:  To investigate the cognitive impairment of a sample of euthymic bipolar patients treated with lithium monotherapy at baseline in a 2‐year longitudinal study.

Method:  Fifteen DSM‐IV‐TR bipolar out‐patients and 15 healthy‐matched controls were cognitively assessed twice over a 2‐year follow‐up. All patients underwent lithium monotherapy on the first evaluation, and they were euthymic in both evaluations. Cognitive assessment was performed by means of a neuropsychological test battery tapping into the main cognitive domains (executive function, attention, processing speed, verbal memory and visual memory).

Results:  Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance showed that the bipolar disorder group was cognitively impaired in the executive domain, attention and processing speed, and such deficits were maintained over time.

Conclusion:  Our results showed that executive dysfunction is the main long‐term neuropsychological deficit of bipolar disorder. Also, the persistence of these deficits did not seem to be influenced by any clinical or pharmacological variables.
The role of the thalamus in sleep, pineal melatonin production, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders
Authors: Jan James E. , Reiter Russel J. , Wasdell Michael B. , Bax Martin
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  The thalamus has a strong nonphotic influence on sleep, circadian rhythmicity, pineal melatonin production, and secretion. The opening of the sleep gate for nonrapid eye movement sleep is a thalamic function but it is assisted by melatonin which acts by promoting spindle formation. Thus, melatonin has a modulatory influence on sleep onset and maintenance. A remarkable similarity exists between spindle behavior, circadian rhythmicity, and pineal melatonin production throughout life. Together, the thalamic and chronobiological control of sleep leads to a new and improved understanding of the pathophysiology of circadian rhythm sleep disorders and also of the principles of sleep hygiene interventions.
DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR MENISCAL TEARS IN DOGS AFFECTED WITH NATURALLY OCCURING CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE
Authors: BLOND LAURENT , THRALL DONALD E. , ROE SIMON C. , CHAILLEUX NADEGE , ROBERTSON IAN D.
Published: August 2008

A stifle magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol was developed based on the appearance of the cruciate ligaments and menisci in normal dogs. Proton density images were subjectively considered to have the highest likelihood of detecting a meniscal lesion. Following this initial evaluation, the accuracy of high‐field MR imaging to detect meniscal tears in dogs was evaluated in 11 dogs suffering from naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Dogs underwent MR imaging of the affected stifle before surgery. MR imaging and surgical findings were assessed independently, and then compared. Five tears of the medial meniscus were correctly diagnosed with MR imaging and 19 normal menisci were accurately characterized as such, based on MR images. In one medial meniscus, changes consistent with meniscal degeneration were seen on MR images but this was not seen at surgery. With regard to the lateral meniscus, one false positive diagnosis of a tear was made and this likely represented a normal variation. One other lateral meniscus had changes consistent with meniscal degeneration but, as with the similar lesion seen in the medial meniscus, this was not confirmed surgically. The global sensitivity of MR imaging for the diagnosis of a meniscal tear was 100% and the specificity was 94%. High‐field MR imaging is a reliable method to diagnose meniscal tears preoperatively and this may be useful in selecting the surgical approach to clinically abnormal joints and may decrease the need for arthrotomy.
EFFECT OF LEFT VS. RIGHT RECUMBENCY ON THE VERTEBRAL HEART SCORE IN NORMAL DOGS
Authors: GRECO ADELAIDE , MEOMARTINO LEONARDO , RAIANO VERA , FATONE GERARDO , BRUNETTI ARTURO
Published: August 2008

The effect of right vs. left recumbency on computation of the vertebral heart score (VHS) was assessed in 63 healthy dogs. The VHS was significantly higher in right lateral recumbency (9.8±0.6 vs. 9.5±0.8;P<0.0004). Gender and dog size did not significantly influence VHS values while there was more difference between left and right side measurements when considering the type of thorax (P=0.055).
IATROGENIC BRAINSTEM INJURY DURING CEREBELLOMEDULLARY CISTERN PUNCTURE
Authors: LUJÁN FELIU‐PASCUAL ALEJANDRO , GAROSI LAURENT , DENNIS RUTH , PLATT SIMON
Published: August 2008

Cerebrospinal fluid collection is fundamental to the investigation of central nervous system disorders although it carries potential risks. Herein we report the clinical signs and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings associated with needle injury to the brainstem during cerebellomedullary cistern puncture in four dogs. Three dogs were nonambulatory tetraparetic with cranial nerve deficits and one dog had unexplained left thoracic limb paresis. In MR images, there were conspicuous T2 hyperintensities in the myelencephalon in all dogs. In T2* gradient echo images, the lesions were hypointense in two dogs with multiple cranial nerve deficits, and hyperintense in another dog. One dog was euthanized due to sudden neurologic deterioration 12 days later, one died shortly after MR imaging, and a third was euthanized due to concurrent cervical spondylomyelopathy. The fourth dog recovered gradually. Diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically in one dog and was presumptive based on clinical signs and MR findings in three dogs. None of the dogs with cranial nerve deficits recovered, only the one dog with left thoracic limb paresis and concurrent syringomyelia.
Influences on Mothers' Employment When Children Have Disabilities
Authors: Gordon Meg , Cuskelly Monica , Rosenman Linda
Published: August 2008

Abstract Empirical research has highlighted the constraints on mothers' workforce participation when children have disabilities, but the policies and associated strategies needed to address these issues have received less attention. Greater attention to explanatory theory and associated research is needed. The authors' paper identifies major explanatory concepts in studies of women's workforce participation, and examines the extent to which these have been tested in studying the workforce participation of mothers of children with disabilities. They also identify constructs and empirical research findings from the latter body of research that have implications for theories ofallwomen's workforce participation. The analysis demonstrates that there are many potentially relevant constructs from theories of women's workforce participation that have not been applied to studies of mothers of children with disabilities. Similarly, some findings about the influence of disability‐related factors on mothers' workforce participation have implications for operational constructs associated with theories of women's workforce participation. The authors' examination of theoretical frameworks and empirical research underscored the importance of exchange and cross‐fertilization of ideas between disability‐oriented research and that concerned with women's labor force participation.
Brief Report: Applying an Indicator Set to Survey the Health of People With Intellectual Disabilities in Europe*
Authors: Walsh Patricia Noonan
Published: August 2008

Abstract  This report gives an account of applying a health survey tool by the Pomona Group that earlier documented the process of developing a set of health indicators for people with intellectual disabilities in Europe. The Pomona health indicator set mirrors the much larger set of health indicators prepared by the European Community Health Indicators group for the general population in Europe. The 18 indicators are classified under four categories: demographic characteristics, health status, health determinants, and health systems. After 3 years of collaborative project activity, key areas have been identified to heighten the visibility of people with intellectual disabilities in the public health domain so as to address evident health inequalities or disparities.
Product Safety Regulation as a Model for Financial Services Regulation
Authors: WARREN ELIZABETH
Published: August 2008

Because of product safety regulations, exploding toasters and other dangerous products are rare in the American marketplace. Despite the fact that financial products can also be dangerous, with terms as incomprehensible as an electrical wiring diagram, regulation is far less comprehensive. Most financial regulation turns on the identity of the issuer—federal bank, state thrift, and private issuer—rather than on the product itself. Instead of using safety experts, financial products are regulated mainly by agencies whose principal responsibility is to protect the profitability of the financial institutions that issue the products. A Financial Product Safety Commission would provide coherent regulation of financial products, eliminating their most dangerous features.
Caged Protein Prenyltransferase Substrates: Tools for Understanding Protein Prenylation
Authors: DeGraw Amanda J. , Hast Michael A. , Xu Juhua , Mullen Daniel , Beese Lorena S. , Barany George , Distefano Mark D.
Published: August 2008

Originally designed to block the prenylation of oncogenic Ras, inhibitors of protein farnesyltransferase currently in preclinical and clinical trials are showing efficacy in cancers with normal Ras. Blocking protein prenylation has also shown promise in the treatment of malaria, Chagas disease and progeria syndrome. A better understanding of the mechanism, targets and in vivo consequences of protein prenylation are needed to elucidate the mode of action of current PFTase (Protein Farnesyltransferase) inhibitors and to create more potent and selective compounds. Caged enzyme substrates are useful tools for understanding enzyme mechanism and biological function. Reported here is the synthesis and characterization of caged substrates of PFTase. The caged isoprenoid diphosphates are poor substrates prior to photolysis. The caged CAAX peptide is a true catalytically caged substrate of PFTase in that it is to not a substrate, yet is able to bind to the enzyme as established by inhibition studies and X‐ray crystallography. Irradiation of the caged molecules with 350 nm light readily releases their cognate substrate and their photolysis products are benign. These properties highlight the utility of those analogs towards a variety of in vitro and in vivo applications.
Primary Photophysical Properties of Moxifloxacin— A Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
Authors: Lorenzo Fernando , Navaratnam Suppiah , Edge Ruth , Allen Norman S.
Published: August 2008

The photophysical properties of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic moxifloxacin (MOX) were investigated in aqueous media. MOX in water, at pH 7.4, shows two intense absorption bands at 287 and 338 nm (ɛ = 44 000 and 17 000 dm3 mol−1 cm−1, respectively). The absorption and emission properties of MOX are pH‐dependent, pKa values for the protonation equilibria of both the ground (6.1 and 9.6) and excited singlet states (6.8 and 9.1) of MOX were determined spectroscopically. MOX fluoresces weakly, the quantum yield for fluorescence emission being maximum (0.07) at pH 8. Phosphorescence from the excited triplet state in frozen ethanol solution has a quantum yield of 0.046. Laser flash photolysis and pulse radiolysis studies have been carried out to characterize the transient species of MOX in aqueous solution. On laser excitation, MOX undergoes monophotonic photoionization with a quantum yield of 0.14. This leads to the formation of a long‐lived cation radical whose absorption is maximum at 470 nm (ɛ470 = 3400 dm3 mol−1 cm−1). The photoionization process releases hydrated electron which rapidly reacts (k = 2.8 × 1010 dm3 mol−1 s−1) with ground state MOX, yielding a long‐lived anion radical with maximum absorption at 390 nm (ɛ390 = 2400 dm3 mol−1 cm−1). The cation radical of MOX is able to oxidize protein components tryptophan and tyrosine. The bimolecular rate constants for these reactions are 2.3 × 108 dm3 mol−1 s−1 and 1.3 × 108 dm3 mol−1 s−1, respectively. Singlet oxygen sensitized by the MOX triplet state was also detected only in oxygen‐saturated D2O solutions, with a quantum yield of 0.075.
Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin to induce regression of aggressive retinal astrocytomas
Authors: Eskelin Sebastian , Tommila Petri , Palosaari Tapani , Kivelä Tero
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  To evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin on symptomatic, aggressive retinal astrocytomas.

Methods:  A prospective, interventional study in a tertiary referral centre. Two patients were treated with a single session of PDT using the standard parameters of the Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy (VIP) study: a 34‐year‐old man whose previously stationary juxtapapillary retinal astrocytoma, secondary to tuberous sclerosis, progressed within 7 months to involve the foveola; and a 68‐year‐old man whose acquired retinal astrocytoma progressed over 18 months in spite of standard photocoagulation. Both tumours were vascularized and had caused secondary lipid exudation and an exudative retinal detachment. Outcome measures were visual acuity, resorption of subretinal fluid, tumour height and fluorescein angiography.

Results:  The progressing, vascularized part of both retinal astrocytomas regressed, with little change in the poorly vascularized, stationary part of the congenital hamartoma. Visual acuity improved in the first patient and was unchanged in the second by 3 months, with stable vision in both and no sign of recurrence at 2 years. The exudative retinal detachments resolved completely. Tumour height reduced a median of 30%. Regression was associated with obliteration of tumour vessels within the progressing part of the lesion, with closure of some of the dilated retinal capillaries over the tumour. Intraretinal microvascular abnormalities and scattered haemorrhages appeared outside the treated area in the first patient.

Conclusion:  PDT with verteporfin can induce regression of progressive, vascularized, aggressive retinal astrocytomas and may prevent typical progression to total retinal detachment and enucleation, whether the astrocytoma is associated with tuberous sclerosis or not. PDT may be considered a first‐line treatment for aggressive retinal astrocytomas.
Rainbow-Like Spectra with a CD: An Active-Learning Exercise
Authors: Planinšič G. , Corona A. , Slisko J.
Published: August 2008

Rainbow-like spectra, produced by reflexive diffraction of white light on a CD, offer a spectacular visual effect as well as an excellent classroom opportunity for students to learn how physics works. In this paper we show that building a coherent qualitative explanation can be a challenging task that requires students to combine gained knowledge with observations and explorations.
Torsional Oscillations and Waves Projected on the Wall
Authors: Bartlett Albert A.
Published: August 2008

The article “Torsional Oscillations with Lorentz Force”1 by Paul Gluck provides a glimpse into the major world of ancient physics demonstrations in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. The apparatus that was described and similar pieces of apparatus are the basis for many memorable but long forgotten educational demonstrations. The apparatus described was a small hairpin loop of wire whose long axis is perpendicular to a constant magnetic field. The loop carries an alternating current in a dc magnetic field, so the loop experiences rotational oscillations about the long axis of the hairpin. A tiny mirror cemented to the loop reflects a laser beam onto a distant wall, so when an alternating current is passed through the loop, the mirror oscillates and the reflected beam spot on the wall moves up and down. The following are just small glimpses of the wonderful physics demonstrations that the “ancients” developed, based on this wonderful device.
The Gravitational Landscape of the Solar System
Authors: van den Berg Willem H.
Published: August 2008

The Sun's gravitational influence is of course much greater than that of any of the planets. Just how much greater can be dramatically illustrated by plotting their combined gravitational potential on the same graph.
Dealing with Resistance to Reform
Authors: Reif Marc
Published: August 2008

About the author: Any teacher, new or experienced, will at times face criticism, resistance, and even hostility from students, parents, and colleagues. An inexperienced teacher who runs a reformed classroom based on classroom discourse and “interactive engagement,” both of which may run counter to school culture, risks resistance or even outright revolt. In this essay, which grew out of discussions on the Modeling Instruction Program Listserv,1 Marc Reif shares some strategies that can be used to forestall or deal with classroom opposition.