bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoperiod and Reproductive Condition Are Associated with Changes in RFamide-Related Peptide (RFRP) Expression in Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Mason Alex O. , Duffy Sean , Zhao Sheng , Ubuka Takayoshi , Bentley George E. , Tsutsui Kazuyoshi , Silver Rae , Kriegsfeld Lance J.
Published: May 2010

To conserve scarce energetic resources during winter, seasonal breeders inhibit reproduction and other nonessential behavioral and physiological processes. Reproductive cessation is initiated in response to declining day lengths, a stimulus represented centrally as a long-duration melatonin signal. The melatonin signal is not decoded by the reproductive axis directly, but by an unidentified neurochemical system upstream of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMH) has been implicated in seasonal changes in reproductive function in Syrian hamsters ( Mesocricetus auratus), although the specific-cell phenotype decoding photoperiodic information remains unknown. RFamide-related peptide (RFRP; the mammalian homolog of the gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) gene identified in birds) has emerged as a potent inhibitory regulator of the reproductive axis and, significantly, its expression is localized to cell bodies of the DMH in rodents. In the present study, the authors explored the relationship between RFRP expression, photoperiod exposure, and reproductive condition/hormonal status. In male hamsters that respond to short days with reproductive inhibition, RFRP-ir and mRNA expression are markedly reduced relative to long-day animals. Replacement of testosterone in short-day animals did not affect this response, suggesting that alterations in RFRP expression are not a result of changing sex steroid concentrations. A subset of the hamster population that ignores day length cues and remains reproductively competent in short days (nonresponders) exhibits RFRP-ir expression comparable to long-day hamsters. Analysis of cell body and fiber density suggests a potential interplay between peptide production and release rate in differentially regulating the reproductive axis during early and late stages of reproductive regression. Together, the present findings indicate that photoperiod-induced suppression of reproduction is associated with changes in RFRP and mRNA expression, providing opportunity for further exploration on the role that RFRP plays in this process.
Living up to Expectations: The Strengths and Challenges Experienced by Chinese Canadian Students
Authors: Costigan Catherine L. , Hua Josephine M. , Su Tina F.
Published: May 2010

This article reviews qualitative and quantitative studies related to the academic achievement of youth from immigrant Chinese families. Overall, the literature suggests that Chinese Canadian students demonstrate high levels of achievement and that this academic success is associated with factors such as stronger feelings of ethnic identity, better English language skills in the family, Chinese cultural values, parental emphasis on schooling, and access to social networks that support achievement. Barriers to high achievement are created by stress in the home, experiences of peer discrimination, cultural differences in school-related expectations, and obstacles to parental involvement in schooling. Importantly, despite high average levels of achievement, the reviewed literature also highlights the psychological and social struggles that many Chinese youth experience. High achievement for some Chinese Canadian adolescents comes at a cost of other aspects of their well-being. In particular, intense parental expectations for these youth, as well as the extremely high standard set by the “model minority” stereotype of Chinese youth, contribute to students’ psychological distress and alienation from parents and peers. Furthermore, the almost exclusive attention to high achievement among Chinese youth ignores those Chinese youth who are not high achievers. Implications are discussed for educational policy and practice related to the schooling of Chinese Canadian youth specifically, as well as youth from families with diverse ethnic backgrounds more generally.
Modified Chitosan Cross-linked Starch Polymers for Oral Insulin Delivery
Authors: Mahkam Mehrdad
Published: May 2010

A chitosan, with citric acid cross-linked CMS grafted with methacrylic acid and poly(ethyleneglycol monomethyl ether methacrylate), was prepared for oral delivery of insulin. Increases in chitosan content increased the bioadhesivity. The equilibrium swelling and in vitro release profiles in enzyme-free simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal fluids (SIF) by the insulin entrapped gels were established. Increasing the chitosan content in the copolymer enhanced the hydrolysis in the SIF. In all cases, the biological activity of insulin was retained. The antimicrobial activity of hydrogels was examined against a Staphylococcus aureus. Based on these results, new designs to improve insulin release behavior are being carried out.
Biocompatibility of Poly(Acrylic Acid) Thin Coatings Electro-synthesized onto TiAlV-based Implants
Authors: De Giglio E. , Cafagna D. , Ricci M.A. , Sabbatini L. , Cometa S. , Ferretti C. , Mattioli-Belmonte M.
Published: May 2010

The protection of metal orthopedic implants against corrosion is a crucial medical problem. It was found that electrochemical polymerization of thin, passive poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) films on titanium and TiAlV substrates provides good anti-corrosion properties. In this work, an investigation of anti-corrosion features was carried out to clarify the hypothesis of the presence of an electrostatic contribution to the performance of a PAA coating. Ion release tests were performed at three different pHs; the pH dependence of the polymer swelling was examined by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, to establish the role of this phenomenon on the polymer barrier properties. The potential application of these PAA thin films as biocompatible protective coatings for metal implants and compatibility towards MG-63 human osteoblast-like cells was assessed.
Review of a Large Clinical Series: The Value of Routinely Obtained Chest Radiographs on Admission to a Mixed Medical—Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kager Liesbeth Martine , Kröner Anke , Binnekade Jan M. , Gratama Jan-Willem , Spronk Peter E. , Stoker Jaap , Vroom Margreeth B. , Schultz Marcus J.
Published: May 2010

Background and objectives: The efficacy of routinely obtained chest radiographs (CXRs) on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) is largely unknown. The current study investigated the efficacy of routinely obtained admission CXRs and determined whether the value of this diagnostic test was dependent on patient category. Materials and Methods: Prospective nonrandomized controlled study. including 1081 admission CXRs of 1330 patients admitted to a 28-bed mixed medical—surgical university-affiliated ICU, over a 10-month period. To determine the value of admission CXRs, 2 categories of efficacy were used: diagnostic efficacy (the number of CXRs with a new or progressive major finding divided by the total number of CXRs) and therapeutic efficacy (the number of CXRs resulting in a change in clinical management divided by the total number of CXRs). Efficacy <15% was considered low. Patients were subclassified into subcategories on the basis of type of admission. Results: Of all admission CXRs, 227 were clinically indicated and 854 were routinely obtained to establish a baseline prior to admission to ICU. Diagnostic efficacy of routinely obtained admission CXRs was 11%. The majority of abnormalities were malposition of invasive devices and severe pulmonary congestion. Therapeutic efficacy of routinely obtained admission CXRs was only 5%. Subgroup analysis showed highest efficacy in nonsurgical patients. Conclusions: In our mixed medical—surgical ICU the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of routinely obtained admission CXRs is low, though not completely negligible. Highest efficacy of CXRs was found in nonsurgical patients. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether abolishing this diagnostic test is a safe strategy.
Words, Numbers, and Visual Heuristics in Web Surveys: Is There a Hierarchy of Importance?
Authors: Toepoel Vera , Dillman Don A.
Published: May 2010

Respondents follow simple heuristics in interpreting the visual features of questions. The authors carried out two experiments in two panels to investigate how the effect of visual heuristics affects the answers to survey questions. In the first experiment, the authors varied the distance between scale points in a 5-point scale to investigate whether respondents use the conceptual or visual midpoint of a scale. In the second experiment, the authors used different end point labels of a 5-point scale, by adding different shadings of color and numbers that differed both in sign and value (2 to -2), to study whether options that are similar of appearance are considered conceptually closer than when they are dissimilar in appearance. The authors predicted that there is a hierarchy of features that respondents attend to, with verbal labels taking precedence over numerical labels, and numerical labels taking precedence over visual cues. The results confirmed the hypothesis: the effect of spacing of response options and different end points was only apparent in polar point scales and not in fully labeled scales. In addition, this study on two panels, with one consisting of extremely trained respondents and the other of relatively fresh respondents, shows that trained respondents are affected by the distance between response options whereas relatively new respondents are not. To reduce the effect of visual cues, taking into account the robustness of results, the authors suggest it is better to use fully labeled 5-point scales in survey questions.
Mandatory Superannuation and Self-Sufficiency in Retirement: An Application of the APPSIM Dynamic Microsimulation Model
Authors: Keegan Marcia
Published: May 2010

One of the most significant concerns about the aging population in Australia is the impact on pension costs. Mandatory occupational superannuation was introduced in 1993 to reduce future pension costs: a person with moderate to high levels of superannuation can provide for themselves to some extent and thus has a reduced pension entitlement. The ability of mandatory superannuation to reduce future pension costs is best modeled by dynamic microsimulation, as this takes into account the effect of numerous factors such as disability, child rearing, employment history, and life expectancy on superannuation levels. This article uses the Australian Population and Policy Simulation Model (APPSIM), a dynamic microsimulation model (DMSM), to estimate and simulate the distributional impact on superannuation savings of four different policy scenarios: higher labor force participation across the board; reduced disability among over-40s; higher labor force participation among primary carers of children; and an increase in the mandatory superannuation contribution rate.
Violent Onset Offenders: Do Initial Experiences Shape Criminal Career Dimensions?
Authors: Mazerolle Paul , Piquero Alex R. , Brame Robert
Published: May 2010

Research on criminal careers has increased in scope and sophistication over the past 15 years. One interesting aspect of criminal career research concerns the role of offending onset and whether it influences other criminal career dimensions. Although most prior research in this area has been concerned with the timing of offending onset, few studies have addressed whether the nature of initial offending shapes future criminal activity. The current study examines this issue for violence using data drawn from a sample of youthful offenders in Queensland, Australia. The key question addressed is whether offenders who onset with violence have distinct criminal career dimensions from offenders whose initial offending involves nonviolence. Specifically, the study examines whether violent onset offenders have more frequent, chronic, serious, and persistent criminal careers. Moreover, we explore whether this relationship is influenced by the timing of onset (early vs. late). Implications are discussed in light of current theories and research on criminal careers.
Life Span Offending Trajectories of Convicted Dutch Women
Authors: Blokland Arjan , van Os Rianne
Published: May 2010

While a growing number of longitudinal studies contribute to our knowledge on the development of offending over the life span, the landscape of research on women’s criminal careers remains sparsely populated. Consequently, relatively little is known about female criminal development—especially during the adult years—and extant developmental and life-course theories generally are tailored to explain patterns in male offending. This article examines the criminal trajectories of the 432 women in the Criminal Career and Life-course Study (CCLS) a representative sample of Dutch offenders convicted in 1977. The CCLS includes information on registered criminal behavior spanning a period of up to 60 years. Trajectory analyses show that four developmental pathways can be distinguished among female offenders. We characterize these different pathways in terms of the type of crimes committed and the personal characteristics of women following them. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Criminal Lifestyle Specialization: Female Offending in England and Wales
Authors: Francis Brian , Jiayi Liu  , Soothill Keith
Published: May 2010

In criminal careers research, specialization has usually been defined through prespecifying spheres of criminal activity (violent/nonviolent or sexual, violent, burglary, theft, etc.) and then determining the amounts of criminal activity lying within these spheres over a certain time period. However, there is increasing recognition that some offenders work in well-defined domains of offending, which cut across these groups. Thus, some offenders might be involved in both burglary and theft, but unwilling to engage in violent activity, whereas others might also be involved in violence. The authors propose an alternative approach to specialization using latent transition analysis. This approach seeks to identify such domains of activity, which would represent criminal lifestyles. Offenders staying within a domain over time can be defined as lifestyle specialized; those moving between domains are lifestyle versatile. The criminal lifestyles themselves can represent different degrees of diversity. The concept is assessed on England and Wales birth cohort data on female court convictions and comparisons are made with traditional measures of specialization. The authors identify that some females engage in one criminal lifestyle and move to non-offending, others will progress to more diverse lifestyles as they age. Late starters will also tend to engage in diverse patterns of offending.
Sox9 Expression Is Not Limited to Chondroid Neoplasms: Variable Occurrence in Other Soft Tissue and Bone Tumors With Frequent Expression by Synovial Sarcomas
Authors: Cajaiba Mariana M. , Jianhua Luo  , Goodman Mark A. , Fuhrer Kimberly A. , Rao Uma N. M.
Published: May 2010

The transcription factor Sox9 is known to play a crucial role in normal chondrogenesis, and antibodies against Sox9 have been proposed as a diagnostic tool for neoplasms with chondroid differentiation. However, the pattern of Sox9 immunohistochemical expression by other bone and soft tissue neoplasms, as well as its diagnostic specificity, remain unexplored. The authors have performed immunohistochemistry with antibodies against Sox9 in 106 chondroid and nonchondroid bone and soft tissue neoplasms. Moderate to intense Sox9 nuclear staining was observed in 14/20 chondrosarcomas (70%), and in 24/81 (29.6%) cases from a multitumor tissue microarray, which included 16/18 synovial sarcomas, 4/15 osteosarcomas, 2/5 peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)/Ewing sarcomas, 1/1 mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, and 1/1 chondroblastoma. The results suggest that Sox9 usefulness in the diagnosis of chondroid tumors may be limited because of low sensitivity and specificity. The finding of Sox9 expression by 88.9% of synovial sarcomas represents a novel and striking observation, which deserves further investigation.
Detection of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Polyomavirus in Mucosal Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Karen N. , McCue Peter A. , Berger Adam , Spiegel Joseph R. , Wang Zi-Xuan , Witkiewicz Agnieszka K.
Published: May 2010

A 61-year-old woman presented with solitary lymphadenopathy suspicious for lymphoma. An excisional biopsy of a right inguinal lymph node demonstrated metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). No skin lesions were detected, but a primary nasopharyngeal mass was identified. A microscopic examination of the nasopharyngeal tumor and the lymph node metastasis showed a monotonous population of small- to intermediate-sized, round blue cells with vesicular nuclei, finely granular and dusty chromatin, and multiple nucleoli. Immunohistochemistry showed perinuclear dot-like staining for cytokeratins AE1/AE3 and CK20. Microscopic appearance and immunohistochemical stains were consistent with MCC. MCC was recently shown to harbor a novel polyomavirus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), in the majority of cases. In this case, MCPyV was detected in the primary tumor and metastasis using polymerase chain reaction and CM2B4 immunohistochemical stain. This is the first report to demonstrate the presence of MCPyV and CM2B4 in a mucosal MCC and its metastasis.
Assessing Certification as Governance: Effects and Broader Consequences for Coffee
Authors: Auld Graeme
Published: May 2010

Nonstate certification programs have emerged as a new tool for steering the use and exchange of natural resources. Yet, despite being innovative, certification remains controversial. Questions surround how best to engage mainstream businesses in certification and respond to the proliferation of schemes. Examining the coffee sector, this article engages these debates to discuss whether certification can be a tool for change and what type of change that is likely to be. It argues that certification programs alone struggle to account for the great diversity of production systems by which and social contexts in which coffee is grown.The innovative dynamism of certain companies and nongovernmental organizations supported by public awareness for ethical and environmental coffee may, therefore, be a great strength facilitating constant adaptation and learning. Certification’s potential will, in other words, turn on how it intersects with other private and government-led initiatives addressing coffee-sector challenges.
Green Credit, Green Stimulus, Green Revolution? China’s Mobilization of Banks for Environmental Cleanup
Authors: Aizawa Motoko , Chaofei Yang
Published: May 2010

To tackle China’s profound environmental problems, Chinese leaders are now incorporating environmental targets in 5-year plans and experimenting with market-based mechanisms to supplement their traditional command and control mechanisms for environmental protection. In the recent years, China has produced a series of green policies, including green tax, green procurement, as well as green policies relevant to the financial sector, namely, green credit, insurance, and security policies. Of the three, the green credit policy is the most advanced, with three agencies (the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Peoples’ Bank of China, and the China Banking Regulatory Commission) sharing the responsibility for implementation. The policy, approaching its fourth year of implementation, has proved resistant to China’s massive economic upheaval following the global financial crisis. Its future success depends on effective environmental data collection and dissemination, technical guidance, and provision of true financial incentives for banks. The continued success in implementation could potentially provide China with the experience and confidence to address new challenges, such as the environmental and social conduct of its enterprises overseas.
Review: Will Warfarin Ever Be Replaced?
Authors: Ruff Christian T. , Braunwald Eugene
Published: May 2010

Arterial and venous thromboembolism account for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Warfarin, and other vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), have been the only class of oral anticoagulants currently in clinical use and have been so for over 50 years. Although warfarin is effective in preventing thromboembolism, its use is limited by its narrow therapeutic index that necessitates frequent monitoring and dose adjustments resulting in considerable inconvenience to patients and clinicians. There are now several orally administered anticoagulants in late stages of clinical development that may offer effective, safer, and more convenient anticoagulation. This review summarizes and compares data on novel anticoagulants in the prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism, acute coronary syndromes, and the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Fractional Optimal Control Problems with Several State and Control Variables
Authors: Agrawal Om P. , Defterli Ozlem , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: May 2010

In many applications, fractional derivatives provide better descriptions of the behavior of dynamic systems than other techniques. For this reason, fractional calculus has been used to analyze systems having noninteger order dynamics and to solve fractional optimal control problems. In this study, we describe a formulation for fractional optimal control problems defined in multi-dimensions. We consider the case where the dimensions of the state and control variables are different from each other. Riemann—Liouville fractional derivatives are used to formulate the problem. The fractional differential equations involving the state and control variables are solved using Grünwald—Letnikov approximation. The performance of the formulation is shown using an example.
Evidence in Context: Bayes’ Theorem and Investigations
Authors: Pete Blair J. , Rossmo D. Kim
Published: May 2010

Investigations require that detectives interpret what evidence tells them about the probability that a suspect committed a crime. Unfortunately, a large body of research suggests that people are generally unable to accurately assess what a specific element of information tells them about the likelihood of an outcome. Bayes’ Theorem, however, can be used to overcome this difficulty. This article explores the use of Bayes’ Theorem to assess the question, “What does evidence tell us about the probability that someone is guilty?” A variety of analyses are presented, the results of which are not always intuitive. Policy implications are discussed.
On the force potential of strategy texts: a critical discourse analysis of a strategic plan and its power effects in a city organization
Authors: Vaara Eero , Sorsa Virpi , Pälli Pekka
Published: May 2010

Despite increasing interest in the discursive aspects of strategy, few studies have examined strategy texts and their power effects. We draw from Critical Discourse Analysis to better understand the power of strategic plans as a directive genre. In our empirical analysis, we examined the creation of the official strategic plan of the City of Lahti in Finland. As a result of our inductive analysis, we identified five central discursive features of this plan: self-authorization, special terminology, discursive innovation, forced consensus and deonticity. We argue that these features can, with due caution, be generalized and conceived as distinctive features of the strategy genre. We maintain that these discursive features are not trivial characteristics; they have important implications for the textual agency of strategic plans, their performative effects, impact on power relations and ideological implications.
Epstein-Barr virus-specific antibody response in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Castellazzi Massimiliano , Tamborino Carmine , Cani Alice , Negri Elena , Baldi Eleonora , Seraceni Silva , Tola Maria Rosaria , Granieri Enrico , Contini Carlo , Fainardi Enrico
Published: May 2010

Cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels and intrathecal synthesis of anti-Epstein—Barr virus (EBV) IgG were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 80 relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis patients grouped according to clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of disease activity. Eighty patients with other inflammatory neurological disorders (OIND) and 80 patients with non-inflammatory neurological disorders (NIND) served as neurological controls. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations were higher in OIND than in multiple sclerosis ( p < 0.0001) and NIND ( p < 0.01) for anti-viral-capsid-antigen (anti-VCA) IgG, in multiple sclerosis than in NIND ( p < 0.01) and in OIND than in NIND ( p < 0.05) for anti-EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) IgG. Serum levels were more elevated in OIND than in multiple sclerosis ( p < 0.05) and in MRI inactive than in MRI active multiple sclerosis ( p < 0.0001) for anti-VCA IgG, and in multiple sclerosis than in OIND and NIND ( p < 0.01) for anti-EBNA-1 IgG. Serum titres of anti-VCA and anti-EBNA-1 IgG were also positively ( p < 0.05) and inversely ( p < 0.001) correlated, respectively, with the Expanded Disability Status Scale. An intrathecal IgG production of anti-VCA and anti-EBNA-1 IgG, as indicated by Antibody Index, was present only in a limited number of multiple sclerosis patients and controls (range from 1.3 to 6.3%). These findings do not support a direct pathogenetic role of EBV-targeted humoral immune response in multiple sclerosis.
Mealtime problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their typically developing siblings: A comparison study
Authors: Nadon Geneviève , Feldman Debbie Ehrmann , Dunn Winnie , Gisel Erika
Published: May 2010

Many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have mealtime problems. Diagnosis and the social environment may influence eating behaviours. We examined whether children with ASD have more mealtime problems than their typically developing siblings, and whether age and sex are associated with mealtime problems. Forty-eight families participated in this cross sectional study by completing a questionnaire (Eating Profile) for their child with ASD, 3 to 12 years of age. A second Eating Profile was completed for the sibling nearest in age without ASD. Children with ASD had a mean of 13.3 eating problems, with lack of food variety predominating. Siblings had 5.0 problems. Children with ASD had more eating problems as infants. Older children tended to have fewer problems than younger children. This study points to the importance of screening for mealtime problems. Children with ASD had significantly more mealtime problems than their sibling living in the same social environment.
Computational prosodic markers for autism
Authors: Van Santen Jan P.H. , Prud'hommeaux Emily T. , Black Lois M. , Mitchell Margaret
Published: May 2010

We present results obtained with new instrumental methods for the acoustic analysis of prosody to evaluate prosody production by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Typical Development (TD). Two tasks elicit focal stress — one in a vocal imitation paradigm, the other in a picture-description paradigm; a third task also uses a vocal imitation paradigm, and requires repeating stress patterns of two-syllable nonsense words. The instrumental methods differentiated significantly between the ASD and TD groups in all but the focal stress imitation task. The methods also showed smaller differences in the two vocal imitation tasks than in the picture-description task, as was predicted. In fact, in the nonsense word stress repetition task, the instrumental methods showed better performance for the ASD group. The methods also revealed that the acoustic features that predict auditory-perceptual judgment are not the same as those that differentiate between groups. Specifically, a key difference between the groups appears to be a difference in the balance between the various prosodic cues, such as pitch, amplitude, and duration, and not necessarily a difference in the strength or clarity with which prosodic contrasts are expressed.
Seems stupid until you try it: press coverage of Twitter, 2006-9
Authors: Arceneaux Noah , Schmitz Weiss Amy
Published: May 2010

While critics of Twitter, the most popular microblogging application, dismiss the service as frivolous, proponents tout a variety of educational, political and commercial uses. Drawing from social construction theories of technology, this research uses the grounded theory approach to analyze press coverage of this emerging technology from 2006 through the first months of 2009. While the specifics of Twitter may be new, this research demonstrates that the public response to this web tool is similar to the public reaction to earlier communication technologies including the telegraph, radio and the internet. Despite vocal skepticism from some, the research shows newspapers, magazines and blogs have promoted and actively encouraged Twitter’s diffusion.
The impact of email on collective action: a field application of the SIDE model
Authors: Chan Michael
Published: May 2010

A field experiment conducted in a church community tested the counterintuitive notion that individuals were more likely to respond affirmatively to donation requests made through email than face to face. According to social identity perspectives of computer-mediated communication, email increases the salience of group attributes and reduces cognitive perceptions of interpersonal differences. These processes depersonalize individuals who then become more sensitive to group norms and expectations. Analyses demonstrated that the predicted positive interaction was moderated by the degree of in-group identification, such that low identifiers were more likely to respond to email calls when the salience of social identity was heightened.
Between Remembering and Forgetting
Authors: Band-Winterstein Tova , Eisikovits Zvi , Koren Chaya
Published: May 2010

‘Lived experiences’ of forgiveness of older abused women throughout a life in intimate partner violence are described and analysed from a phenomenological perspective. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 older abused Jewish women in Northern Israel. The data were analysed along two dimensions: one related to the need to explore who forgives whom; the other to various ways of forgiving, starting from not forgetting and not forgiving, moving through forgiveness experienced as burden, the struggle between forgetting and remembering as an obstacle to forgiveness at the same time, remembering without verbalizing violence, ‘giving in’, and ending with forgiving and not forgetting. The discussion deals with the ways forgiveness enables the bridging between suffering, martyrdom, strength resulting from wisdom of age and survival. The meaning of being an older abused woman in the light of this duality is explored.
Max Weber and the moral idea of society
Authors: Stone Liam
Published: May 2010

Methodological individualism has always been a focal point in the secondary literature on Max Weber. Some of the recent literature has endeavoured to extend this focus to individual autonomy and freedom in Weber’s political thought, and a part of this endeavour has attempted to portray his comparative studies of religion as evidence of his promotion of North American civil society at home in Germany. However, whilst this literature has provided us with a very high standard of research into the context of Weber’s work, little has been written about the conceptualizations of society that he made outside of his magnum opus, Economy and Society. This article concentrates on the scholarly approach to the social world and society that Weber adopted in his contributions to the social question, in his encounter with an organic concept of society, and in his rejection of holistic reifications of society. The focus is on a complex idea of morality in Weber’s work. Despite his contempt for organicism and what we might now term holism,Weber developed an ideal-type of morality that encompassed a role for ‘society’, as a symbol of consensus, to function at a sociological, psychological, and biological level to encourage people to believe in a unified moral world. Weber ultimately developed this ideal-type as an aid to his sociological assessment of the press.
Toward a Theory of Personal Politics
Authors: Fritsch Jocelyn
Published: May 2010

The ability to effectively navigate organizational politics to achieve one’s goals has long been recognized as necessary for individuals to experience success within their organizations. Many studies have linked the effective use of political behaviors to increased individual performance. As such, many scholars within HRD and other disciplines have created practitioner techniques and models to guide individuals in their pursuit of personal success within an organization. Although these tools are useful, there is no common theoretical framework that can ground these practices into theory and explain why some individuals can be successful in the pursuit of personal goals within the organization whereas others are not. This article introduces a cross-disciplinary framework for a theory of personal politics (TPP). TPP contends that individuals achieve their goals within an organization because they understand how the forces of multiple actors on multiple levels of analysis shape (drive or constrain) actor interactions within varying contexts. The creation of this framework and the ongoing development of the theory are based on the theory of international politics (TIP) authored by Kenneth Waltz, an international relations (IR) theorist for nearly 60 years.
The Role of Stent Grafts in the Management of Traumatic Tibial Artery Pseudoaneurysms: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Joglar Fernando , Kabutey Nii-Kabu , Maree Andrew , Farber Alik
Published: May 2010

Tibial artery pseudoaneurysms can occur in the setting of trauma. Operative exposure and repair of these injuries can be challenging, and surgical management options include direct arterial repair, interposition grafting, or arterial ligation. Other techniques including duplex-guided compression, thrombin injection, and endovascular intervention have been described. We present the case of a 39-year-old man who sustained blunt trauma to his right lower extremity and developed a delayed symptomatic pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery. He was successfully managed with endovascular stent graft exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm. Endovascular stent-grafting techniques can be successfully applied to the management of traumatic tibial pseudoaneurysms.
Impact of Aggressive Endovascular Recanalization Techniques on Success Rate in Chronic Total Arterial Occlusions (CTOs)
Authors: Sharafuddin Melhem J. , Hoballah Jamal J. , Kresowik Timothy F. , Nicholson Rachael M. , Sharp William J.
Published: May 2010

Purpose: To report experience with aggressive recanalization approaches in chronic total arterial occlusion (CTO). Methods: Chronic total arterial occlusion recanalization was attempted on 112 limbs in 99 consecutive patients between January 1999 and December 2006. Results: There were 63 iliac arteries, 45 femoropopliteal arteries, and 4 occluded stents. Mean occlusion length was 8.7 ± 4.7 cm. Conventional recanalization was attempted first and was successful in 71 limbs (70%). Probing with the guidewire’s stiff end was attempted in 33 of the 41 procedures where conventional techniques failed and was successful in 18 (54%), improving the overall procedural success rate to 80%. For the remaining 15 limbs, home-made directional sharp needle recanalization was attempted in 11 and was successful in 9 (82%), further improving the overall recanalization success to 88%. Procedural complications were self-limited or managed nonoperatively. Conclusions: Aggressive recanalization techniques in CTO following failure of traditional means are safe and can substantially improve procedural success rates.
Polysplenia/Heterotaxy Syndrome Associated With Aortic Coarctation and Multiple Venous Anomalies: Multidetector Computed Tomography Findings
Authors: Karadeniz Aysegul , Oysu Aslihan Semiz , Sahin Sinan
Published: May 2010

Polysplenia/heterotaxy syndrome is a rare condition involving multiple gastrointestinal, vascular, and cardiac malformations. We present a previously unreported association of aortic coarctation, double superior vena cava, a left-hand side inferior vena cava with hemiazygos vein continuation and a right retroaortic renal vein with polysplenia/heterotaxy syndrome. Multidetector computed tomography with multiplanar reconstruction images were useful in the detection of these abnormalities.
The Interactive Effects of Psychological Capital and Organizational Identity on Employee Organizational Citizenship and Deviance Behaviors
Authors: Norman Steven M. , Avey James B. , Nimnicht James L. , Graber Pigeon Nancy
Published: May 2010

We studied 199 working adults from a cross section of organizations in the United States to examine the relationship between positive psychological capital and organizational identity on employee deviance and organizational citizenship behaviors. Organizational identity was found to moderate the relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and both employee deviance and organizational citizenship behaviors such that employees highest in PsyCap and most strongly identified with the organization were most likely to engage in organizational citizenship behaviors and least likely to engage in deviance behaviors. We discuss implications for research and practice in the areas of PsyCap and employee identification with the organization.
Empowerment, Predisposition to Resist Change, and Support for Organizational Change
Authors: Lamm Eric , Gordon Judith R.
Published: May 2010

This article investigates the extent to which empowerment and dispositional characteristics contribute to behavioral support for organizational change.The study is the first to use a comprehensive intrapersonal variable—psychological empowerment— to represent the interaction between an individual and his or her work environment. Furthermore, by examining the influence of predisposition to resist change, the study contributes to the understanding that change content, change process, change context, and individual differences all contribute differentially to organizational change. Results from data collected from part-time MBA students as well as employees of a nonprofit organization confirmed two hypothesized predictions.
Relationships Between Leadership and Followers’ Quitting Intentions and Job Search Behaviors
Authors: Hughes Larry W. , Avey James B. , Nixon Don R.
Published: May 2010

A model was developed and tested in which quality of leader—member exchange mediated the relationship between followers’ perceptions of transformational leadership behavior and their (a) intentions to quit the organization and (b) job search behaviors. The key contribution of this study was that the exchange relationship between leader and follower explained the majority of the relationship between transformational leadership and job search behaviors. A transformational leader may take individual followers’ motivations into consideration and so attempt to stimulate personal development, but the exchange between the two explains the action of seeking another employment situation. Limitations and implications are discussed.
The Effect of Religious Leaders’ Emotional and Social Competencies on Improving Parish Vibrancy
Authors: Boyatzis Richard , Brizz Terry , Godwin Lindsey
Published: May 2010

Pastoral leaders of parishes have an effect on people’s lives and communities. Improvement in parishioner satisfaction and support (i.e., donations and attendance) over 3 years were assessed with the Parish Vibrancy Study of 135 parishes in a Catholic Diocese. In 52 of the parishes of this diocese, the priest’s demonstration of emotional and social competencies as seen by others had a positive effect on improvement of parishioner satisfaction but not on their support. The behavioral expressions of power and humility in the form of Influence versus Inspirational Leadership and Transparency versus Self-Confidence competencies were related to improvement in parishioner satisfaction. Size of the parish was related to improvement in parishioner support only.
Discursively Constructing the Art of Silent Hill
Authors: Kirkland Ewan
Published: May 2010

This article explores the construction of Silent Hill—Konami’s survival horror video game series—as art. Adopting a discursive approach to the notion of ‘‘art,’’ the extent to which traditional formations of cultural value are mobilized is explored across three aspects of the series’ first four installments. The Silent Hill game texts are examined as evoking formal devices of art cinema, including realism, ambiguity, psychological complexity, and self-reflexivity. Next the games’ advertising is considered as emphasizing these qualities, privileging narrative over ludic gaming aspects. Finally the games’ representation in the documentary ‘‘The Making of Silent Hill 2’’ is discussed as positioning the series within frameworks of artistry and authorship.
Do African American Men Have Lower Survival From Prostate Cancer Compared With White Men? A Meta-analysis
Authors: Sridhar Gayathri , Masho Saba W. , Adera Tilahun , Ramakrishnan Viswanathan , Roberts John D.
Published: May 2010

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men. This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between race and survival from prostate cancer. A systematic review of articles published from 1968 to 2007 assessing survival from prostate cancer was conducted. Analysis of unadjusted studies reported that African American men have an increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31-1.65, p < .001). However, examination of adjusted studies identified no difference (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.94-1.22, p = .308). No statistically significant difference was observed in prostate cancer—specific survival in both analyses using unadjusted (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.94-1.31, p = .209) and adjusted studies (HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.95-1.41, p = .157). This meta-analysis concludes that there are no racial differences in the overall and prostate cancer—specific survival between African American and White men.
Symptoms of Acute Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Prostate Cancer Patients Following Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Anastasiou Ioannis , Yiannopoulou Konstantina G. , Mihalakis Anastasios , Hatziandonakis Nikolaos , Constantinides Constantinos , Papageorgiou Charalambos , Mitropoulos Dionisios
Published: May 2010

Psychological morbidity is increasingly reported in cancer survivors. The authors’ objective was to determine the presence of acute posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in prostate cancer (PC) patients following radical prostatectomy. Fifteen patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer were assessed for the presence of PTSD-related symptoms by completing the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), a month following the procedure. A group of 20 patients who underwent surgery for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) served as the control group. PTSD total scores were significantly higher in PC patients when compared with BPH patients, whose PTSD scores did not differ from those reported in the general population (32.6 ± 18.5 vs. 11.3 ± 9.7, p = .001) . PTSD did not vary among PC patients when adjusted for educational status. PTSD symptoms are common among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and independent of their educational level. Research investigating these aspects of posttreatment psychological adjustment is needed for developing well-targeted psychological interventions.
Acculturation Strategies in Migration Stress Among Kurdish Men in Sweden: A Narrative Approach
Authors: Taloyan Marina , Johansson Leena Maria , Saleh-Stattin Nuha , Al-Windi Ahmad
Published: May 2010

Acculturation is defined as cultural changes and consequences of long contact between two different cultural groups. A total of 10 Kurdish men, aged from 24 to 60 years, were interviewed face-to-face to explore the acculturation pattern reported by them through their individual life stories during the whole migration process. The analysis was based on the narrative methodology. The adjustment strategies identified were contributing to Kurdish culture and the home country, getting an education, creating one’s own society/building a family, achieving inner security and balance, being active and occupied, and coping with ongoing political instability in the country of origin. The majority of them respond actively to stressful situations in their lives, and it is important for these Kurdish men to be included and acknowledged as individuals.
Aging Men and Lipids
Authors: Kolovou Genovefa , Bilianou Helen , Marvaki Apostolia , Mikhailidis Dimitri P.
Published: May 2010

Many theories aim at explaining the mechanisms of aging and death in humans. Decreased levels of androgens, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor accompany natural aging in men. Androgens influence the growth and maturation of men in various stages of their life. The action of androgens is performed by binding or not binding to androgen receptors. However, various actions of androgens were clarified after the discovery and genotyping of the androgen receptor. The influence of androgens on the lipid profile was reported by several researchers. This negative influence of androgens in men and the positive influence of estrogens in women are responsible for the higher impact of atherogenesis in men compared with women. In aging men, this negative influence of androgens on the lipid profile is more pronounced. This review considers the influence of age on lipid metabolism in men.
Bite-Size Science
Authors: Haslam Nick
Published: May 2010

Critics have argued that publishing in psychology must become quicker and leaner. In response, some journals have adopted short article formats alongside regular articles. The citation impact of these formats was compared in a study of 1,735 articles published in Psychological Science, Cognition, and the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology over a 6-year period. Short articles received fewer citations on average but more citations on a per-page basis. They were only slightly less likely to have high impact. Short articles appear to garner scientific influence more efficiently than standard articles, supporting calls for their widespread adoption.
Alcohol Myopia Revisited
Authors: Giancola Peter R. , Josephs Robert A. , Parrott Dominic J. , Duke Aaron A.
Published: May 2010

The alcohol myopia model (AMM; Steele & Josephs, 1990 ) is reviewed in light of its unique ability to account for a variety of alcohol and nonalcohol-related disinhibited behaviors, particularly aggression. The AMM posits that alcohol has a narrowing, or a “myopic,” effect on one’s ability to attend to competing instigatory and inhibitory cues. Disinhibited behavior is presumed to occur when attention is directed toward salient provocative or instigatory cues rather than inhibitory cues. AMM research is reviewed with regard to stress and anxiety, risky sexual behavior, drinking and driving, suicide, disinhibited eating, smoking, and alcohol-related aggression. The AMM is also expanded by proposing five key mechanisms (i.e., negative affect, angry affect, hostile cognitive rumination, self-awareness, and empathy) that are likely to explain how the model is specifically involved in the alcohol-aggression relation. Finally, a number of public health interventions, extrapolated from the AMM, are proposed to stimulate future research directed at reducing the prevalence of alcohol-related violence.