bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct-contact co-culture between smooth muscle and endothelial cells inhibits TNF-α-mediated endothelial cell activation
Authors: Wallace Charles S. , Truskey George A.
Published: May 2010

We used a direct-contact endothelial cell-smooth muscle cell (EC-SMC) co-culture to examine whether quiescent SMCs regulate the EC inflammatory response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. ECs were cultured under static and physiological flow conditions. Compared with TNF-α-treated ECs in monoculture, TNF-α-treated ECs in co-culture had less NF-κB nuclear translocation; less intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin surface protein expression; no change in TNF receptor expression, but greater Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) gene expression. After flow preconditioning for 24 h at 15 dyne/cm2, and exposure of ECs to flow and TNF-α for 4.5 h, ECs in co-culture had less ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin surface protein expression. Exposure to flow greatly increased KLF2 gene expression levels in both EC cultures; as a result, ECs in co-culture and monoculture had similar levels of post-flow KLF2 gene expression. The reduced levels of TNF-α-induced adhesion molecule expression in co-culture required the presence of quiescent SMCs; adhesion to decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) or co-culture with fibroblasts produced only a modest reduction in EC adhesion molecule expression. Furthermore, co-culture of quiescent SMCs and ECs on the opposite side of a 10-μm-thick porous membrane did not alter the TNF-α-mediated ICAM-1 surface protein expression. Although the ECM produced by SMCs plays some role in reducing TNF-α-mediated inflammation, these results suggest that the direct contact between ECs and quiescent SMCs is required to inhibit TNF-α-mediated activation.
Procoagulant and prothrombotic activation of human erythrocytes by phosphatidic acid
Authors: Noh Ji-Yoon , Lim Kyung-Min , Bae Ok-Nam , Chung Seung-Min , Lee Sang-Wook , Joo Kyung-Mi , Lee Sin-Doo , Chung Jin-Ho
Published: May 2010

Increased phosphatidic acid (PA) and phospholipase D (PLD) activity are frequently observed in various disease states including cancers, diabetes, sepsis, and thrombosis. Previously, PA has been regarded as just a precursor for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and diacylglycerol (DAG). However, increasing evidence has suggested independent biological activities of PA itself. In the present study, we demonstrated that PA can enhance thrombogenic activities in human erythrocytes through phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure in a Ca2+-dependent manner. In freshly isolated human erythrocytes, treatment of PA or PLD induced PS exposure. PA-induced PS exposure was not attenuated by inhibitors of phospholipase A2or phosphatidate phosphatase, which converts PA to LPA or DAG. An intracellular Ca2+increase and the resultant activation of Ca2+-dependent PKC-α appeared to underlie the PA-induced PS exposure through the activation of scramblase. A marginal decrease in flippase activity was also noted, contributing further to the maintenance of exposed PS on the outer membrane. PA-treated erythrocytes showed strong thrombogenic activities, as demonstrated by increased thrombin generation, endothelial cell adhesion, and erythrocyte aggregation. Importantly, these procoagulant activations by PA were confirmed in a rat in vivo venous thrombosis model, where PA significantly enhanced thrombus formation. In conclusion, these results suggest that PA can induce thrombogenic activities in erythrocytes through PS exposure, which can increase thrombus formation and ultimately contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Serotonin activates murine alveolar macrophages through 5-HT2Creceptors
Authors: Mikulski Zbigniew , Zasłona Zbigniew , Cakarova Lidija , Hartmann Petra , Wilhelm Jochen , Tecott Laurence H. , Lohmeyer Juergen , Kummer Wolfgang
Published: May 2010

Serotonin (5-HT), known as neuromodulator, regulates immune responses and inflammatory cascades. The expression and function of 5-HT receptors on alveolar macrophages (AM), which are the major fraction of pulmonary immune cells, remain elusive. Therefore, we determined the expression of 5-HT type 2 receptors and investigated the effects evoked by stimulation with 5-HT in AM compared with alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed expression of the receptors 5-HT2Aand 5-HT2Bin AEC and of 5-HT2Cin AM. In AM, 5-HT (10−5M) induced a rise in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) that was initiated by release of Ca2+from intracellular stores and depended on extracellular Ca2+in a sustained phase. This 5-HT-induced increase in [Ca2+]iwas not observed in AM treated with the 5-HT2C-selective inhibitor RS-102221 and in AM derived from 5-HT2C-deficient mice. AM stimulated with 5-HT (10−5M) showed increased expression of CCL2 (MCP-1) mRNA as assayed by qPCR at 4 h and augmented production of CCL2 protein as determined by dot-blot assay and ELISA at 24 h. Notably, in 5-HT2C-deficient AM, CCL2 production was not induced by 5-HT treatment. Moreover, transcriptional responses to 5-HT exposure assayed by microarray experiments were only observed in AM from wild-type animals and not in AM derived from 5-HT2C-deficient mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate the presence of functional 5-HT2Creceptors on AM and suggest a role of 5-HT as novel modulator of AM function. These effects are exclusively driven by the 5-HT2Creceptor, thereby providing the potential for selective intervention.
Pulmonary vascular and alveolar development in preterm lambs chronically colonized with Ureaplasma parvum
Authors: Polglase Graeme R. , Dalton Richard G. B. , Nitsos Ilias , Knox Christine L. , Pillow J. Jane , Jobe Alan H. , Moss Timothy J. M. , Newnham John P. , Kallapur Suhas G.
Published: May 2010

Ureaplasma species, the most commonly isolated microorganisms in women with chorioamnionitis, are associated with preterm delivery. Chorioamnionitis increases the risk and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns. It is not known whether the timing of exposure to inflammation in utero is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We hypothesized that chronic inflammation would alter the pulmonary air space and vascular development after 70 days of exposure to infection. Pregnant ewes were given intra-amniotic injection of Ureaplasma parvum serovars 3 or 6 at low (2 × 104cfu) or high doses (2 × 107cfu) or media (controls) at 55 days gestational age. Fetuses were delivered at 125 days (term = 150 days). U. parvum was grown from the lungs of all exposed fetuses, and neutrophils and monocytes were increased in the air spaces. Lung mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-8, but not IL-6, was modestly increased in U. parvum -exposed fetuses. U. parvum exposure increased surfactant and improved lung gas volumes. The changes in lung inflammation and maturation were independent of serovar or dose. Exposure to U. parvum did not change multiple indices of air space or vascular development. Parenchymal elastin and collagen content were similar between groups. Expression of several endothelial proteins and pulmonary resistance arteriolar media thickness were also not different between groups. We conclude that chronic exposure to U. parvum does not cause sustained effects on air space or vascular development in premature lambs.
Absence of the Inhibitory G-Protein Gα
i2
Predisposes to Ventricular Cardiac Arrhythmia
Authors: Zuberi Zia , Nobles Muriel , Sebastian Sonia , Dyson Alex , Lim Shiang Y. , Breckenridge Ross , Birnbaumer Lutz , Tinker Andrew
Published: May 2010

Background—

We explored the role that inhibitory heterotrimeric G-proteins play in ventricular arrhythmia.

Methods and Results—

Mice with global genetic deletion of Gα
i2
[Gα
i2
(−/−)] were studied and found, based on telemetry, to have a prolonged QT interval on surface ECG when awake. In vivo electrophysiology studies revealed that the Gα
i2
(−/−) mice have a reduced ventricular effective refractory period and a predisposition to ventricular tachycardia when challenged with programmed electrical stimulation. Neither control nor combined global deletion of Gα
i1
and Gα
i3
mice showed these abnormalities. There was no evidence for structural heart disease at this time point in the Gα
i2
(−/−) mice as assessed by cardiac histology and echocardiography. The absence of Gα
i2
thus leads to a primary electrical abnormality, and we explored the basis for this finding. With patch clamping, single isolated ventricular cells showed that Gα
i2
(−/−) mice had a prolonged ventricular action potential duration (APD) but steeper action potential shortening as the diastolic interval was reduced in restitution studies. Gene expression studies showed increased expression of L-type Ca
2+
channel subunits, and patch clamping revealed an increase in these currents in Gα
i2
(−/−) mice. There were no changes in K
+
currents.

Conclusions—

The absence of inhibitory G-protein signaling mediated through Gα
i2
is a substrate for ventricular arrhythmias.
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony by Onset of Active Myocardial Force Generation
Authors: Russell Kristoffer , Opdahl Anders , Remme Espen W. , Gjesdal Ola , Skulstad Helge , Kongsgaard Erik , Edvardsen Thor , Smiseth Otto A.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Better clinical tools for measuring left ventricular electrical dyssynchrony are needed. The present study investigates if onset of active myocardial force generation (AFG) may serve as a measure of electrical dyssynchrony.

Methods and Results—

In anesthetized dogs, we evaluated left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony by 2 different approaches. First, we measured timing of peak myocardial shortening velocity and strain. Second, we measured the first sign of tension development by onset AFG as defined by the myocardial pressure-segment length loop upward shift from its passive-elastic state. Electrical dyssynchrony was measured by intramyocardial electromyograms (IM-EMG). Dyssynchrony was quantified as peak intersegment time difference and as standard deviation of timing for 6 to 8 myocardial segments. During baseline, reduced preload and myocardial ischemia shortening velocity and strain indicated segmental mechanical heterogeneity, whereas onset AFG and onset R in IM-EMG indicated synchronous activation of all segments. After induction of left bundle-branch block, all methods indicated dyssynchrony. Peak intersegment time difference for shortening velocity and strain showed weak correlations (
r
=0.17 and 0.16) and weak agreements (mean differences, −48±27 ms and −28±27 ms, respectively) with IM-EMG. Onset AFG by pressure-segment length loops, however, correlated well with IM-EMG (
r
=0.93), and agreement was good (mean difference, −0.6±6.8 ms). Results were similar for standard deviation of timing. Onset AFG from pressure-strain analysis by echocardiography showed accuracy similar to sonomicrometry.

Conclusions—

Onset AFG was an accurate marker of myocardial electrical activation and was superior to shortening velocity and strain. Identification of electrical dyssynchrony by onset AFG may be feasible clinically using left ventricular pressure-strain analysis.
Carotid Atherosclerosis Progression in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Patients
Authors: Vergeer Menno , Zhou Rong , Bots Michiel L. , Duivenvoorden Raphaël , Koglin Joerg , Akdim Fatima , Mitchel Yale B. , Huijgen Roeland , Sapre Aditi , de Groot Eric , Sijbrands Eric J.G. , Pasternak Richard C. , Gagné Claude , Marais A. David , Ballantyne Christie M. , Isaacsohn Jonathan L. , Stalenhoef Anton F. , Kastelein John J.P.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Until recently, patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) were considered the best subjects for the assessment of changes in carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in randomized intervention trials. Our aims were to investigate whether contemporary statin-treated HeFH patients still show accelerated cIMT increase and to assess the impact of statin treatment, before and after random assignment, on atherosclerosis progression.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively evaluated cIMT change, and prior statin treatment and postbaseline LDL-C change as predictors of cIMT change, in 1513 HeFH patients who were randomly assigned to the statin arms of the early ASAP and more recent RADIANCE 1, CAPTIVATE, and ENHANCE studies. In the 3 recent studies combined, mean cIMT increased at only 33%of the rate of the simvastatin-treated patients in the ASAP study (0.014 mm/2 years [95% confidence interval, −0.0003–0.028] versus 0.041 mm/2 years [95% confidence interval, 0.020–0.061];
P
<0.05). Patients whose statin therapy could be intensified, as evidenced by an LDL-C decrease after the initiation of on-trial statin therapy, showed cIMT decrease in the first 6 to 12 months and a much lower cIMT increase measured over the full 2 years. In line with this, previously statin-naive HeFH patients showed a lower overall cIMT increase.

Conclusions—

Over the years, intensification of statin therapy in HeFH patients has resulted in an impressive decrease in carotid atherosclerosis progression. In studies that assess other antiatherosclerotic modalities, statin therapy may still induce rapid changes in cIMT. For future cIMT studies, our analyses suggest that patient populations other than intensively pretreated HeFH patients should be selected and that the statin regimen should not be changed on study initiation.
The Regional Situation in South and Central Asia in the Context of the Afghanistan Issue
Authors: Shaumyan Tatiana
Published: May 2010

This article attempts a comprehensive account of the various actors—including both regional and global powers—their motivations and the intricacies of the interactions between them in Afghanistan. Given that the democratic governments have put particular emphasis on human rights and political freedoms, there would be some implications for the dictatorships or tyrant-regimes in Central Asia. The desire of the US to push the Russians out and minimise the Chinese presence in the region could not be entirely ruled out as a factor in the increasing importance of India in the US strategy, their agreement on nuclear cooperation pointed to some changes in the US’ South Asia strategy. The stand taken by the governments in the Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan and also Uzbekistan (which had recently withdrawn from the EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) was especially significant. The author pointed out that the US deployment in Afghanistan was very extensive, with the largest number of troops in the south and east; the US was also the largest aid giver. Pakistan is far from stable and India–Pakistan ties are problematic, as also Pakistan–Afghanistan relations. The Pak–Taliban linkages have been corroborated from various sources but there are some disagreements between the US and the UK on the ways and methods of dealing with the situation, the latter favouring negotiations. All these factors will have to be thoroughly analysed in reconciling the different forces and promoting peace in Afghanistan.
Minority Stress and Psychological Distress Among Asian American Sexual Minority Persons 1Ψ7
Authors: Szymanski Dawn M. , Sung Mi Ra
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine multiple minority stressors (i.e., heterosexist events, racist events, heterosexism in communities of color, racism in sexual minority communities, race-related dating and relationship problems, internalized heterosexism or homophobia, outness to family, and outness to world) as they relate to the psychological distress of 144 Asian American lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) persons. When examined concomitantly, these minority stress variables accounted for approximately one third of the variance in psychological distress scores. Results indicate that heterosexism in communities of color, race-related dating and relationship problems in the LGBTQ community, internalized heterosexism, and outness to world were the only significant and unique predictors of Asian American LGBTQ persons’ psychological distress. In addition, no support was found for the moderating or mediating roles of outness in the internalized heterosexism-distress link.
The Role of Public and Self-Stigma in Predicting Attitudes Toward Group Counseling
Authors: Vogel David L. , Shechtman Zipora , Wade Nathaniel G.
Published: May 2010

Public and self-stigmas have been implicated as factors in the underutilization of individual counseling. However, group counseling is also underutilized, and yet scholars know very little about the role of different types of stigma on attitudes toward seeking group counseling. Therefore, the current study examined the relationships between public and self-stigma and attitudes toward group counseling among a sample of 491 U.S. college students. Results of structural equation modeling analyses indicated that public stigma is internalized as self-stigma and self-stigma is then negatively related to attitudes toward group counseling. Furthermore, public stigma and self-stigma explained 52% of the variance in attitudes toward seeking help.
The Ambivalence of Attitudes Toward Urban Green Areas: Between Proenvironmental Worldviews and Daily Residential Experience
Authors: Bonnes Mirilia , Passafaro Paola , Carrus Giuseppe
Published: May 2010

The ambivalence of attitudes toward urban green areas is investigated through a cross-sectional survey carried out in the city of Rome ( N = 500). First, the dimensional structure, and then the personal tendency to hold ambivalent attitudes were analyzed in relation to: (a) broader human values and environmental worldviews (such as biospheric value orientations, ecocentrism vs. anthropocentrism) and (b) specific daily residential experience about urban green areas (perceived quality of neighborhood green areas and self-reported frequency of use of green areas). Results show two separate dimensions (moderately correlated) for attitudes toward urban green areas. The two dimensions are interpreted as measuring appreciation and devaluation of the presence of nature in the city, respectively. They showed different patterns of correlations with the other social-psychological factors considered. Moreover, people with more anthropocentric and apathic worldviews and with egoistic values manifested higher degrees of ambivalence in attitudes toward urban green areas, whereas a less straightforward relationship was found with daily residential experience. The implications of these results for the understanding of people’s relationship with urban green areas are discussed.
Employment at Closure Is Associated With Enhanced Quality of Life and Subjective Well-Being for Persons With Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Chapin Martha H. , Holbert Donald
Published: May 2010

This study assessed whether persons with spinal cord injuries who had been successfully rehabilitated into employment following receipt of rehabilitation services had better quality of life and subjective well-being than the unsuccessfully rehabilitated who did not obtain employment following receipt of rehabilitation services. Persons who were successfully rehabilitated had a significantly higher overall quality of life and health and higher quality of life in their physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental domains than the unsuccessfully rehabilitated. The successfully rehabilitated also had higher psychological, financial, and physical well-being than the unsuccessfully rehabilitated. Rehabilitation counselors can use quality of life and subjective well-being measures to provide more focused interventions during rehabilitation and as an outcome measure in addition to employment upon completion of rehabilitation services.
Automatic Detection of Structure Parameters of Yarn-dyed Fabric
Authors: Ruru Pan  , Weidong Gao  , Jihong Liu  , Hongbo Wang  , Xiaoting Zhang
Published: May 2010

In this study, an automatic recognition system based on image analysis is constructed to identify the density, the color effect, the layout of color yarns, and the woven pattern of yarn-dyed fabric. To inspect the density, first the skew angles of yarns are detected by Hough transform and then the texture and boundary information of yarns are enhanced by steering filter and graygrads image. The yarns and floats are located in the enhanced images with gray-projection method. To get the color effect, FCM algorithm is used to classify the floats with the color features extracted from each float and the number of yarn colors obtained with cluster validity analysis. The color effect is then extracted from the color pattern obtained from the float classification results. To detect the layout of color yarns, a novel method is proposed in this study. The woven pattern of the yarn-dyed fabric is recognized based on woven fabric pattern database. Experiments on actual yarn-dyed fabrics show that the recognition system proposed in this study is effective for detecting the structure parameters of yarn-dyed fabric.
Shifting Standards and the Inference of Incompetence: Effects of Formal and Informal Evaluation Tools
Authors: Biernat Monica , Fuegen Kathleen , Kobrynowicz Diane
Published: May 2010

The authors distinguish between minimum and confirmatory standards of incompetence and hypothesize that for groups stereotyped as relatively competent (or deficient in incompetence), minimum standards of incompetence are lower (suspicion of incompetence is triggered sooner) but confirmatory standards are higher, relative to groups stereotyped as relatively incompetent. An initial study demonstrated this evidentiary pattern for male versus female targets. In Studies 2 and 3, participants were exposed to a poor-performing male or female (Study 2) or Black or White male (Study 3) trainee and were asked to record “notable” behaviors in either their “informal notes” (instantiating a minimum standard) or a “formal performance log” (instantiating a confirmatory standard). Consistent with predictions, fewer incompetent behaviors were recorded in the formal log than in informal notes for White male trainees. Firing decisions generally mimicked these patterns and in Study 3 were partially mediated by the accessibility of incompetent behaviors.
Beyond Collective Entities: Multilevel Research on Organizational Routines and Capabilities
Authors: Salvato Carlo , Rerup Claus
Published: May 2010

Organizational routines and capabilities are thorny constructs, but their complexity has been largely underappreciated. In this article, the authors illustrate how new and more complex understandings of organizational routines and capabilities can be generated. They do so by breaking them into parts and mapping their interrelationships. Because component parts of routines and capabilities exist at different levels of analysis, the proposal to investigate their multiple relationships contributes to bridging the micro—macro divide in management. Specifically, the authors show how new analytical and methodological techniques can catalyze future research.
Scientific Nonknowledge and Its Political Dynamics: The Cases of Agri-Biotechnology and Mobile Phoning
Authors: Böschen Stefan , Kastenhofer Karen , Rust Ina , Soentgen Jens , Wehling Peter
Published: May 2010

While in the beginning of the environmental debate, conflicts over environmental and technological issues had primarily been understood in terms of ‘‘risk’’, over the past two decades the relevance of ignorance, or nonknowledge, was emphasized. Referring to this shift of attention to nonknowledge the article presents two main findings: first, that in debates on what is not known and how to appraise it different and partly conflicting epistemic cultures of nonknowledge can be discerned and, second, that drawing attention to nonknowledge in technology conflicts results in significant institutional effects and new constellations of actors in public debates. To illustrate and substantiate this political dynamics of nonknowledge we draw upon examples from the areas of agri-biotechnology and mobile phoning. In a first step, we develop in greater detail the concept of scientific cultures of nonknowledge and identify three such cultures involved in the social conflicts within the two areas. Subsequently, we analyze the specific dynamics of the politicisation of nonknowledge looking at the variety of actors involved and the pluralisation of perceptions and evaluations of what is not known. Then, we point out some of the institutional reactions to the political and cultural dynamics of scientific nonknowledge. We argue that the equal recognition of the diverse cultures of nonknowledge is a key prerequisite for socially legitimate and ‘‘robust’’ decision-making under conditions of politicised scientific nonknowledge.
Knowledge on Stage: Scientific Policy Advice
Authors: Kropp Cordula , Wagner Jost
Published: May 2010

The paper provides a deeper insight into institutionally given opportunities for and limitations to reflexive, dialogue-centered, and risk-sensitive knowledge exchange between scientific experts and agro-political decision makers, especially under the conditions of a significant degree of complexity, far-reaching uncertainties and potential impacts. It focuses on the practical orientations, guiding expectations and selection criteria shaping expertise in processes of science policy consulting. In doing so, two perspectives will be discussed: first the orientation of the knowledge production process by different concepts of ‘‘usable knowledge.’’ Second, the influence of specific constellations on different stages of the political process, which shape the institutional conditions for the transfer and the use of scientific knowledge within the policy consulting process. Both perspectives help to come to a closer understanding of the demanding and very heterogeneous process of science policy consulting, which - if successful - leads to the interactive production of a very special form of ‘‘orientational knowledge.’’
Postictal headache in South African adult patients with generalised epilepsy in a tertiary care setting: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Botha Stephanus Schmidt , Schutte Clara-Maria , Olorunju Steve , Kakaza Mandisa
Published: May 2010

Postictal headache (PIH), although it occurs in 34–59% of epilepsy patients, has not been adequately studied. This study aims to describe clinical characteristics and associations of PIH in generalised epilepsy in a South African tertiary neurology clinic.

Methods: Two-hundred consecutive adults with generalised epilepsy underwent semi-structured interviews, dividing them into study (with PIH) and control patients (no PIH), and data was statistically analysed.

Results: PIH occurred in 104/200, with 63% having headache after every seizure. Pain duration was 4–24 hours in 43% and pain intensity severe in 55%. The criteria of the International Headache Society (2004), International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition (ICHD-II) classified 47% as migraine, 38% tension-type and 15% unclassified (but 13% probable migaine). Self-medication occurred in 81% and interictal headache was significantly associated with PIH—present in 64% of study patients versus 5% of control patients.

Conclusion: PIH occurs commonly in generalised epilepsy, mostly as migraine headache, with interictal headache a specific risk factor. PIH is underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to self-medication. Optimal management should be elucidated in future studies.
Failure to Launch, Failure to Achieve Criteria for Adulthood?
Authors: Kins Evie , Beyers Wim
Published: May 2010

In the West it is not until the mid-20s or 30s people reach an adult status. Becoming an adult signifies being independent from others (especially from parents) and learning to stand alone as a self-sufficient person. This study investigates whether the attainment of such individual qualities are affected by emerging adults’ living circumstances. Results indicate that though independent living is associated with an accelerated achievement of certain criteria for adulthood, continued coresidence with parents during emerging adulthood slows down the process by which an individual moves toward becoming a self-sufficient and independent adult. Because success in the achievement of an adult status also positively predicts emerging adults’ well-being, delayed home-leaving during this stage of life is an issue that requires special attention.
Witnessing Versus Experiencing Direct Violence in Childhood as Correlates of Adulthood PTSD
Authors: Kulkarni Madhur R. , Graham-Bermann Sandra , Rauch Sheila A. M. , Seng Julia
Published: May 2010

Research has established that childhood violence exposure plays a considerable role in the development of deleterious outcomes in childhood and adulthood. However, important gaps remain in understanding the complex relationships between early violence exposure, adulthood trauma exposure, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigates whether two specific types of childhood violence exposure (witnessing domestic violence and experiencing child abuse) are uniquely associated with PTSD while controlling for additional trauma experience. In a community sample of pregnant women, this study finds that childhood abuse only and combined exposure to abuse and witnessing abuse correlated to current and lifetime PTSD diagnoses, but witnessing alone did not. In addition, adult nonviolence trauma histories account for more variance in PTSD than did any early violence exposure type.
Associating Pregnancy With Partner Violence Against Chinese Women
Authors: Ko Ling Chan  , Brownridge Douglas A. , Tiwari Agnes , Fong Daniel Y. T. , Wing Cheong Leung  , Pak Chung Ho
Published: May 2010

The present study discusses if pregnancy is a risk factor for intimate partner violence using a large, representative sample containing detailed information on partner violence including physical and sexual abuse as well as perpetrator-related risk factors. Data from a representative sample of 2,225 men were analyzed. The self-reported prevalence of men’s violence against their female partners was computed and compared in terms of demographic, behavioral, and relationship characteristics. The preceding-year prevalence of physical assault, sexual violence, and “any violence or injury” among the group whose partners were pregnant was 11.9%, 9.1%, and 18.8%, respectively. This is significantly higher than the nonpregnant group. Pregnancy was significantly associated with increased odds of violence, including physical assault, sexual violence, and “any violence or injury” (ORs = 2.42, 2.42, and 2.60, respectively). Having controlled for relationship characteristics including social desirability, social support, in-law conflict, dominance, and jealousy of male perpetrators, pregnancy was significantly associated with “any violence or injury.” Demographic and behavioral variables accounted for pregnant women’s significantly higher odds of having been abused in the year preceding the data collection. This study provides preliminary findings on the association between pregnancy and partner violence. Our findings underscore the need to screen for violence among pregnant women in clinical health care settings as well as in communities. Perpetrator-related risk factors should be included in the assessment of risk for partner violence against pregnant women. For the prevention of intimate partner violence, family-based intervention is needed to work with victims as well as perpetrators.
The 10 Keys to Healthy Aging: Findings From an Innovative Prevention Program in the Community
Authors: Newman Anne B. , Bayles Constance M. , Milas Carole N. , McTigue Kathleen , Williams Kathy , Robare Joseph F. , Taylor Christopher A. , Albert Stephen M. , Kuller Lewis H.
Published: May 2010

Objective: To develop and evaluate a novel, comprehensive prevention program for older adults designed to assess and improve adherence to preventive health care goals. Method: In McKeesport, Pennsylvania, 389 men and women aged 65 and older were enrolled. We assessed adherence to 10 preventive health goals, provided education and counseling, and reevaluated after 12 months. Results: At baseline, adherence varied. After 12 months, proportions of participants meeting goals were improved for several areas. Overall, improvements were seen for the proportion of participants meeting goals for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (+43%), blood pressure control in hypertensives (+17%), blood glucose control in diabetics (+50%), and colon cancer screening (+13%). Among those without prior vaccination, influenza vaccine increased by 25% and pneumonia vaccine by 20%. Discussion: This comprehensive prevention program had short-term benefits for improving adherence to established prevention guidelines in older adults. This low-cost effective program could be disseminated nationwide.
Utilization of Internet Technology by Low-Income Adults
Authors: Jensen Jakob D. , King Andy J. , Davis LaShara A. , Guntzviller Lisa M.
Published: May 2010

Objectives: To examine whether low-income adults’ utilization of Internet technology is predicted or mediated by health literacy, health numeracy, and computer assistance. Method: Low-income adults ( N = 131) from the midwestern United States were surveyed about their technology access and use. Results: Individuals with low health literacy skills were less likely to use Internet technology (e.g., email, search engines, and online health information seeking), and those with low health numeracy skills were less likely to have access to Internet technology (e.g., computers and cell phones). Consistent with past research, males, older participants, and those with less education were less likely to search for health information online. The relationship between age and online health information seeking was mediated by participant literacy. Discussion: The present study suggests that significant advances in technology access and use could be sparked by developing technology interfaces that are accessible to individuals with limited literacy skills.
Older Adults’ Expectations to Move: Do They Predict Actual Community-Based or Nursing Facility Moves Within 2 Years?
Authors: Sergeant Julie F. , Ekerdt David J. , Chapin Rosemary K.
Published: May 2010

Objectives: This study examined the relationship between older adults’ expectations to move and actual residential relocation in the community or to a nursing facility within 2 years. Method: Two waves of data (2000, 2002) from the Health and Retirement Study were used to compare expectations with subsequent moves. Logistic regression techniques were used to analyze the association between decision outcomes and expectations to move, health and functioning, physical environment, informal supports, and formal services. Results: Findings indicated that expectations to move did predict community-based moves but did not predict moves to nursing facilities. Additional factors had significant effects but did not diminish relationships between expectations and actual moves. Discussion: Results support the residential decision process as a dynamic one based on the cumulative effect of factors from an ecological model. Findings will inform policy makers and practitioners as they work to support older adults’ preferences to remain living in their homes.
Is the Emergence of Functional Ability Decline in Early Old Age Related to Change in Speed of Cognitive Processing and Also to Change in Personality?
Authors: Wahl Hans-Werner , Schmitt Marina , Danner Daniel , Coppin Antonia
Published: May 2010

Objective: To test whether the onset of functional ability decline in early old age is related to change in speed of cognitive processing and personality characteristics. Method: Among 500 randomly sampled participants, the 230 cases that did not show impairment in functional ability were selected. Mean age at Time 1 was 62.4 years. For this subsample, the emergence of functional ability decline was tracked across a 12-year observation period. Results: The emergence of functional ability decline was related to change in speed of cognitive processing. Decline in functional ability was also related to increased neuroticism and external control, whereas this was not the case regarding extraversion and internal control. Discussion: Cognitive processing speed was shown to be a predictor of functional disability decline; in addition, the results provided initial evidence that functional ability decline in the early aging phase could be accompanied by changes in personality, particularly neuroticism and external control.
Volunteering Versus Managerialism: Conflict Over Organizational Identity in Voluntary Associations
Authors: Kreutzer Karin , Jäger Urs
Published: May 2010

This qualitative field study examines how volunteering and managerialism shape the organizational identity of six patient organizations from six different European countries. Volunteers represent a large part of the workforce in most voluntary associations. Even though the phenomenon of volunteering is becoming more and more important for organizations and society alike, so far it has only been studied at the individual level. The authors draw on the theoretical concept of dual organizational identities to describe the two differing collective self-descriptions that were present in the patient organizations. Drawing on 34 narrative interviews and focus groups, the authors document the differing perceptions of volunteers and paid staff about their organization’s identity and show how the conflicting dimensions— volunteer identity and managerial identity —result in intraorganizational conflict.
The Pending Challenges in Global Financial Regulation Reform
Authors: Suarez Javier
Published: May 2010

The financial crisis which began in the summer of 2007 has its roots in the under-estimation of systemic risk, in turn due to the absence of a macroprudential approach to the design of financial regulation and macroeconomic policies, as well as the excessively optimistic judgment of the originate-to-distribute model of banking. The ongoing process of reform of the global financial system aims to correct these mistakes. After a brief overview of the challenges ahead, this paper focuses on issues regarding the regulatory treatment of liquidity risk, looking at them through the eyes of the liquidity insurance arrangement proposed in Perotti and Suarez (2009).
Enhancing International Research and Development-Project Activity on University Campuses
Authors: Koehn Peter H. , Deardorff Darla K. , Bolognese Kerry D.
Published: May 2010

In the interconnected world of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, the ability of higher-education institutions to contribute to and benefit from international research undertakings, sustainable-development-project activity, and capacity-building endeavors requires transnational involvement. While the potential benefits are many, universities in the global North face institutional and financial constraints that limit their involvement in cross-border ventures. The article explores and places in comparative perspective the views of 40 U.S. senior international officers (SIOs) on changes they believe would enhance their university’s involvement in international research and overseas development-assistance projects. One important objective of this report is to generate awareness and further discussion regarding ways in which higher-education administrators can promote institutional involvement in international research and development projects. While a majority of the SIOs at non-Ph.D.-conferring institutions and at universities with enrollments of 15,000 and less believe that improvement in some dimension of their external environment would be most helpful in encouraging greater involvement in international research and development-project activity on their campus, three-fourths or more of their counterparts at Ph.D.-conferring institutions and at universities with enrollments that exceed 15,000 students identified an internal change as most needed. Viewed in totality, these exploratory findings suggest the need for diversified and long-term additionality in both internal and external financial support for campus-based international research, development-project, and capacity-building initiatives. Additional campus-based and external support will enable planned international research and development initiatives in less-connected regions of the world, such as Africa, to go forward.
Assessing Group-Level Constructs Under Missing Data Conditions: A Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Maloney Mary M. , Johnson Scott G. , Zellmer-Bruhn Mary E.
Published: May 2010

The authors reviewed recently published research on small groups and teams to understand how within-team nonresponse is reported and handled. They used Monte Carlo simulation to investigate how data-handling choices affect measurement reliability and hypothesis testing under conditions of random and systematic nonresponse. More complete reporting of nonresponse is recommended by the authors, and they propose guidelines for analyzing team-level constructs using data from teams without full response.
Social Ostracism in Task Groups: The Effects of Group Composition
Authors: Wittenbaum Gwen M. , Shulman Hillary C. , Braz Mary E.
Published: May 2010

Social ostracism—being ignored or excluded—threatens needs for self-esteem, belongingness, control, and meaningful existence. In the conventional laboratory paradigms, a lone participant is ostracized by either confederates or imagined group members and then completes measures of threatened needs. This approach prohibits asking questions about the group dynamics involved in ostracism situations, such as conditions under which sources of ostracism choose to ignore targets and the communication between them. This new paradigm for studying social ostracism uses unstructured group discussions in which an uninformed member is ignored. In an experiment using three-person, mixed-gender groups, we found that the psychological threat associated with being ignored during group discussion depended on the group’s composition. Being a target of ostracism hurt more when the pair of sources included one in-group (same sex) and one out-group (opposite sex) member compared with when both sources belonged to the out-group (opposite sex).
Is a Good Deed Constructive Regardless of Intent? Organization Citizenship Behavior, Motive, and Group Outcomes
Authors: Banki Sara
Published: May 2010

This article develops a theory about how motives behind organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) affect the amount of OCB reciprocated, group cohesion, and group performance. First, the article investigates the interpersonal exchange between peers and how motive perceived by the receiver affects his or her level of reciprocation. Second, it examines the individual attribute of interdependence self-construal as a factor that shifts the severity of this reaction. Third, the article considers OCB and motive at the group level and examines how OCB with impression management motives can be dysfunctional to groups. Specifically, this article argues that OCB with an impression management motive harms group cohesion and group performance.
Continuum of Conflict and Control: A Conceptualization of Intimate Partner Violence Typologies
Authors: Carlson Ryan G. , Dayle Jones K.
Published: May 2010

Typologies of intimate partner violence were developed to describe the heterogeneity of abusive men. They contrast with the traditional feminist ideology of abuser etiology that holds all violence is the result of power and control. Over the past 15 years, a large body of knowledge about typologies has amassed, mostly in sociology journals. Thus, very little typology research has been published in counseling journals. This article synthesizes empirically based typological research and introduces the continuum of conflict and control—a conceptual training model to help couples counselors understand the differences among violence within relationships.
Localization of Vibrations in Blade Assemblies
Authors: Avramov K.V. , Awrejcewicz J.
Published: May 2010

A simple model of blade interactions through an elastic disk is suggested in this paper. The elasticity of a disk is modeled using a ring on an elastic foundation. The linear discrete model of a bladed disk is obtained using the flexibility matrix. The asymptotic procedure is used to analyze the localization of vibration eigenmodes and to obtain eigenfrequencies. The eigenfrequencies loci veering phenomena are treated. The results of the asymptotic analysis are compared with the data of the direct numerical simulations.
Galerkin Method and Weighting Functions Applied to Nonlinear H∞ Control with Output Feedback
Authors: Ferreira Henrique Cezar , Sales Roberto Moura , Da Rocha Paulo Henrique
Published: May 2010

This paper considers two aspects of the nonlinear H∞ control problem: the use of weighting functions for performance and robustness improvement, as in the linear case, and the development of a successive Galerkin approximation method for the solution of the Hamilton—Jacobi—Isaacs equation that arises in the output-feedback case. Design of nonlinear H∞ controllers obtained by the well-established Taylor approximation and by the proposed Galerkin approximation method applied to a magnetic levitation system are presented for comparison purposes.
Synchronization and Controlling Chaos in a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Chang Shun-Chang
Published: May 2010

In most situations, the high performance of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) depends on an absence of chaos; consequently, suppressing chaos becomes quite important. Therefore, this study confirms the chaotic motion and then applies synchronization to a chaotic PMSM system to control chaos. Rich dynamics of the PMSM system are studied using a bifurcation diagram, phase portraits, a Poincaré map, frequency spectra and Lyapunov exponents. First, the largest Lyapunov exponent is estimated using synchronization to identify periodic and chaotic motions. Next, complex nonlinear behaviors are thoroughly observed throughout a range of parameter values in the bifurcation diagram. Finally, a proposed continuous feedback control method based on synchronization characteristics eliminated chaotic oscillations. Numerical simulations are utilized to verify the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed control technique.
Comorbidity of ADHD and Substance Use Disorder (SUD): A Neuroimaging Perspective
Authors: Frodl Thomas
Published: May 2010

Introduction: ADHD has a high comorbidity with substance use disorders (SUD). Both diseases have profound social, psychological, and economic consequences and are therefore highly relevant for health systems. The high comorbidity indicates some shared underlying neurobiological substrates. Knowing these substrates may increase the understanding of the disease and help identify therapeutic processes. Method: Neuroimaging studies of ADHD were reviewed and similarities with SUD identified. For this a PubMed research was conducted with the search terms ADHD, SUD, MRI or positron emission tomography (PET) or spectroscopy or imaging. Results: Similarities were found, in both PET and fMRI studies, between patients with ADHD and those with addiction-related craving. Results from structural MRI and MR spectroscopy do not support a common pathophysiological background, probably because of the lack of studies on craving. Discussion: ADHD and SUD-related craving share some neurobiological similarities. One reason may be that patients with addiction show more craving when they also suffer from ADHD. The present review thus supports the conclusion from an earlier meta-analysis of clinical studies which found that adequate treatment of ADHD reduces craving and relapse into substance use.