bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunocompromised Patients with HBsAg a Determinant Mutants: Comparison of HBsAg Diagnostic Assays
Authors: Veropalumbo E. , Marrone A. , Vallefuoco L. , Perruolo G. , Orlando R. , Scordino F. , Tosone G. , Zampino R. , Trani B. , Genovese A. , Spadaro G. , D’Orio C. , Portella G.
Published: March 2010

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is considered the best marker for the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Mutations of the s gene involving amino acid substitutions within the a determinant could affect the sensitivity of diagnostic tests. In the present study, HBsAg mutants were detected in 3 immunocompromised patients, previously found to be HBsAg negative and anti-HBs positive. All patients had high levels of HBV-DNA, whereas HBsAg tests gave discordant results. Immunosuppression can cause viral reactivation of occult HBV infection in these patients and favour the selection of HBsAg a determinant mutants.
Derivation and Validation of a Clinical System for Predicting Pneumonia in Acute Stroke
Authors: Chumbler Neale R. , Williams Linda S. , Wells Carolyn K. , Lo Albert C. , Nadeau Steven , Peixoto Aldo J. , Gorman Mark , Boice John L. , Concato John , Bravata Dawn M.
Published: March 2010

Aims: We derived and validated a clinical prediction rule that can be used to predict post-stroke pneumonia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to hospital with a stroke. The cohort was subdivided into a derivation group and a validation group. Within the derivation group, a point scoring system was developed to predict pneumonia based on a logistic regression model. The point scoring system was then tested within the validation group. Results: Of the 1,363 patients with stroke, 10.5% of patients experienced new pneumonia. The most points were assigned for abnormal swallowing result and history of pneumonia (4 points), followed by greater NIHSS score (3 points), patient being ‘found down’ at symptom onset (3 points), and age >70 years (2 points). A 3-level classification system was created denoting low, medium and high risks of pneumonia, which accurately predicted pneumonia in the validation group. The discriminatory accuracy of the 3-level clinical prediction rule exceeded the acceptable range in both the derivation group (c statistic: 0.78) and validation group (c statistic: 0.76). Conclusion: A simple scoring system was derived and validated. This clinical scoring system may better identify stroke patients who are at high risk of developing new pneumonia.
Fasting Plasma Insulin, C-Peptide and Cognitive Change in Older Men without Diabetes: Results from the Physicians’ Health Study II
Authors: Okereke Olivia I. , Kurth Tobias , Pollak Michael N. , Gaziano J. Michael , Grodstein Francine
Published: March 2010

Background: Type 2 diabetes has been associated with diminished late-life cognition; less is known about relations of insulin levels and insulin secretion to cognitive change among persons without diabetes. We examined prospectively relations of fasting insulin levels and insulin secretion to cognitive decline among healthy, community-dwelling older men without diabetes. Methods: Fasting plasma insulin and C-peptide (insulin secretion) levels were measured in 1,353 nondiabetic men, aged 60–92 years (mean = 71.3 years), in the Physicians’ Health Study II, who participated in cognitive testing an average of 3.3 years later. Two assessments were administered 2 years apart (range = 1.5–4.0 years) using telephone-based tests (general cognition, verbal memory and category fluency). Primary outcomes were the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), global cognition (averaging all tests) and verbal memory (averaging 4 verbal tests). Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the relations of insulin and C-peptide to cognitive decline. Results: Higher fasting insulin was associated with a greater decline on all tests, after adjustment. Findings were statistically significant for the TICS and category fluency, e.g. the multivariable-adjusted mean difference (95% CI) in decline for men with the highest versus lowest insulin levels was –0.62 (–1.15, –0.09) points on the TICS (p for trend = 0.04); this difference was similar to that between men 7 years apart in age. Similarly, there was a greater decline across all tests with increasing C-peptide, but the findings were statistically significant only for the global score (p for trend = 0.03). Conclusions: Higher fasting insulin and greater insulin secretion in older men may be related to overall cognitive decline, even in the absence of diabetes.
Ethnic Disparities in First Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Northern Israel
Authors: Telman Gregory , Hlebtovsky Alexander , Sprecher Elliot , Zaaroor Menashe , Kouperberg Efim
Published: March 2010

Background: Ethnic differences among first primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PICH) patients in an Israeli biethnic population have not yet been studied. Patients and Methods: We included in the study 546 patients (counting warfarin-related hemorrhages) hospitalized during the period from December 1999 through June 2008. Results: The mean age was 71.1 ± 14 years for the Jewish patients and 63.3 ± 13.9 years for the Arab patients (p < 0.0001). Diabetes and smoking were significantly more frequent among the Arab patients. No difference was found between groups by location, extent, or ventricular involvement of PICH. Although the in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher among the Jewish patients, adjustment of the model combining multiple risk factors for PICH eliminated this difference. Conclusions: There are differences in the demographic and vascular risk factor profiles between Arab and Jewish PICH patients, with the Arabs found to be younger and to suffer more from diabetes. The location and extent of intracerebral hemorrhage as well as functional outcome were similar between the two groups. The apparent higher in-hospital mortality in the group of Jewish patients was eliminated when the influence of multiple covariates other than ethnicity, main vascular risk factors and international normalized ratio level were taken into consideration.
A Prospective 1-Year Study of Changes in Neuropsychological Functioning After Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Surgery
Authors: Hallas Claire N. , Burke Julie L. , White David G. , Connelly Derek T.
Published: March 2010

Background—

The testing of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), through the induction of repeated episodes of ventricular fibrillation, has been associated with disturbances in cerebral activity and increased levels of cytoplasmic enzymes. However, the neuropsychological outcomes of cerebral changes and their quality-of-life implications are unknown.

Methods and Results—

Fifty-two ICD recipients completed standardized validated neuropsychological tests 1 to 3 days before ICD surgery and then 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. They also completed psychometric tests measuring anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Between 31% and 39% of patients showed a significant neuropsychological impairment from their baseline function 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Ten percent of patients had late-onset deficits at 12 months only. Frequent areas of impairment were auditory and visual memory and attention. Neuropsychological impairment was not related to mood or quality of life at follow-up, although anxiety and depression predicted reduced quality of life.

Conclusions—

ICD implantation is associated with neuropsychological impairment that dissipates for the majority of recipients after 12 months. Short-term memory function and attention are particularly vulnerable to changes in oxygen during ICD testing. Although anxiety and depression are prevalent, there is little evidence for the direct impact of mood on cognition, and deficits appear not to be associated with reduced quality of life. These results provide evidence for longitudinal outcomes of ICD surgery and have implications for patient rehabilitation and adjustment.
Doppler Echocardiography in Advanced Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Temporelli Pier Luigi , Scapellato Francesco , Eleuteri Ermanno , Imparato Alessandro , Giannuzzi Pantaleo
Published: March 2010

Background—

Although several studies have demonstrated a good correlation between Doppler echocardiographic and invasive measurements of single hemodynamic variables, the accuracy of echocardiography in providing a comprehensive assessment in individual patients has not been validated. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and clinical applicability of Doppler echocardiography in determining the entire hemodynamic profile in stable patients with advanced systolic heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Doppler echocardiography and Swan-Ganz catheterization were simultaneously performed in 43 consecutive patients with advanced heart failure. Echocardiographic data required for estimation of right atrial, pulmonary artery systolic, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures; cardiac output; and pulmonary vascular resistance were obtained and compared with hemodynamic data. For all variables, invasive and noninvasive hemodynamic values were highly correlated (
P
<0.0001), with very low bias and narrow 95%confidence limits. In 16 patients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (>3 Wood U) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (>20 mm Hg) at baseline, hemodynamic and Doppler measurements were simultaneously repeated after unloading manipulations. Absolute values and changes of pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures after unloading were still accurately predicted (
r
=0.96 and
r
=0.92, respectively).

Conclusions—

Doppler echocardiography may offer a valid alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization for the comprehensive hemodynamic assessment of patients with advanced heart failure, and it may assist in monitoring and optimization of therapy in potential heart transplant recipients.
Prevalence of Left Ventricular Regional Dysfunction in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia
Authors: Jain Aditya , Shehata Monda L. , Stuber Matthias , Berkowitz Seth J. , Calkins Hugh , Lima João A.C. , Bluemke David A. , Tandri Harikrishna
Published: March 2010

Background—

Although arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) predominantly affects the right ventricle (RV), genetic/molecular and histological changes are biventricular. Regional left ventricular (LV) function has not been systematically studied in ARVD.

Methods and Results—

The study population included 21 patients with suspected ARVD who underwent evaluation with MRI including tagging. Eleven healthy volunteers served as control subjects. Peak systolic regional circumferential strain (Ecc, %) was calculated by harmonic phase from tagged MRI based on the 16-segment model. Patients who met ARVD Task Force criteria were classified as definite ARVD, whereas patients with a positive family history who had 1 additional minor criterion and patients without a family history with 1 major or 2 minor criteria were classified as probable ARVD. Of the 21 ARVD subjects, 11 had definite ARVD and 10 had probable ARVD. Compared with control subjects, probable ARVD patients had similar RV ejection fraction (58.9�6.2% versus 53.5�7.6%,
P
=0.20), but definite ARVD patients had significantly reduced RV ejection fraction (58.9�6.2% versus 45.2�6.0%,
P
=0.001). LV ejection fraction was similar in all 3 groups. Compared with control subjects, peak systolic Ecc was significantly less negative in 6 of 16 (37.5%) segments in definite ARVD and 3 of 16 segments (18.7%) in probable ARVD (all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

ARVD is associated with regional LV dysfunction, which appears to parallel degree of RV dysfunction. Further large studies are needed to validate this finding and to better define implications of subclinical segmental LV dysfunction.
Intravascular Ultrasound Classification of Plaque Distribution in Left Main Coronary Artery Bifurcations
Authors: Oviedo Carlos , Maehara Akiko , Mintz Gary S. , Araki Hiroshi , Choi So-Yeon , Tsujita Kenichi , Kubo Takashi , Doi Hiroshi , Templin Barry , Lansky Alexandra J. , Dangas George , Leon Martin B. , Mehran Roxana , Tahk Seung Jea , Stone Gregg W. , Ochiai Masahiko , Moses Jeffrey W.
Published: March 2010

Background—

Angiographic classifications of the location and severity of disease in the main vessel and side branch of coronary artery bifurcations have been proposed and applied to distal left main coronary artery (LMCA) bifurcation.

Methods and Results—

We reviewed 140 angiograms of distal LMCA and ostial left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex (LCX) artery lesions with preintervention intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of both the LAD and LCX arteries as well as the LMCA. Of 140 patients, 92.9% had at least 1 cross section with ≥40% IVUS plaque burden versus 57.2% of patients with an angiographic diameter stenosis ≥50%. Contrary to angiographic classifications, IVUS showed that bifurcation disease was rarely focal and that both sides of the flow divider were always disease-free. Continuous plaque from the LMCA into the proximal LAD artery was seen in 90%, from the LMCA into the LCX artery in 66.4%, and from the LMCA into both the LAD and LCX arteries in 62%. Plaque localized to either the LAD or LCX ostium and not involving the distal LMCA was seen in only 9.3% of LAD arteries and 17.1% of LCX arteries. Plaque distribution was not influenced by the LAD/LCX angiographic angle, lesion severity, LMCA length, or remodeling. We proposed an IVUS classification for bifurcation lesions illustrating longitudinal and circumferential spatial plaque distribution.

Conclusions—

Angiographic classification of LMCA bifurcation lesions is rarely accurate. IVUS shows that the carina is always spared and that the disease is diffuse rather than focal.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00180466.
Meta-Analyses of Septal Reduction Therapies for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Leonardi Robert A. , Kransdorf Evan P. , Simel David L. , Wang Andrew
Published: March 2010

Background—

Septal reduction for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be performed by surgical myectomy or alcohol septal ablation (ASA). Unlike surgical myectomy, ASA creates an intramyocardial scar that may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Methods and Results—

Systematic reviews for ASA and surgical myectomy were performed. Study selection and data extraction were completed independently by 2 investigators. Comparative data analyses were completed using a random effects model and regression analysis. Kappa statistics for agreement on initial study inclusion were high for both ASA (0.78; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.88) and surgical myectomy studies (0.95; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.0). Nineteen ASA studies (2207 patients) and 8 surgical myectomy studies (1887 patients) were included. Median follow-up was shorter for ASA than for myectomy studies (51 versus 1266 patient-years;
P
<0.001). For ASA and surgical myectomy, unadjusted rates (events/patient-years) of all-cause mortality (0.021 versus 0.018, respectively;
P
=0.37) and SCD (0.004 versus 0.003, respectively;
P
=0.36) were similar. Patients treated with ASA were older (weighted mean, 55 versus 44 years;
P
<0.001) and had less septal hypertrophy (weighted mean, 21 versus 23 mm;
P
<0.001) compared with those treated with myectomy. After adjustment for available baseline characteristics, odds ratios for treatment effect on all-cause mortality and SCD were 0.28 (95% CI, 0.16 to 0.46) and 0.32 (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.97), respectively, favoring ASA.

Conclusions—

Rates of all-cause mortality and SCD after both ASA and surgical myectomy were similarly low. Adjusted for baseline characteristics, the odds ratios for treatment effect on all-cause mortality and SCD were lower in ASA cohorts compared with surgical myectomy cohorts.
Arterial Intima-Media Thickness, Endothelial Function, and Apolipoproteins in Adolescents Frequently Exposed to Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Kallio Katariina , Jokinen Eero , Saarinen Maiju , Hämäläinen Mauri , Volanen Iina , Kaitosaari Tuuli , Rönnemaa Tapani , Viikari Jorma , Raitakari Olli T. , Simell Olli
Published: March 2010

Background—

Exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with markers of preclinical atherosclerosis in adults, but its effect on arterial structure in adolescents is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Healthy 13-year-old adolescents from the atherosclerosis prevention trial STRIP were studied. Maximum carotid and aortic intima-media thickness and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation were measured in 494 adolescents using high-resolution ultrasound. Serum lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I and B concentrations were determined using standard methods. Exposure to tobacco smoke was measured annually between ages 8 and 13 years using serum cotinine concentrations, analyzed with gas chromatography. To define longitudinal exposure, cotinine values of children having serum cotinine measured 2 to 6 times during follow-up were averaged and divided into tertiles (exposure groups): low (n=160), intermediate (n=171), and high (n=163). Adolescents with higher longitudinal exposure to tobacco smoke had increased carotid intima-media thickness (exposure groups [mean±SD]: low, 0.502±0.079 mm; intermediate, 0.525±0.070 mm; high, 0.535±0.066 mm;
P
<0.001) and increased aortic intima-media thickness (exposure groups: low, 0.527±0.113 mm; intermediate, 0.563±0.139 mm; high, 0.567±0.126 mm;
P
=0.008). The flow-mediated dilation decreased when cotinine level increased (exposure groups: low, 10.43±4.34%; intermediate, 9.78±4.38%; high, 8.82±4.14%;
P
=0.004). Moreover, ApoB (
P
=0.014) and ApoB/ApoA-I ratio (
P
=0.045) increased with increase in cotinine level. The associations between tobacco smoke exposure and ultrasound variables were unchanged after adjusting for traditional atherosclerosis risk factors and for ApoB.

Conclusions—

Frequent exposure to tobacco smoke is independently associated with arterial changes of preclinical atherosclerosis and increased ApoB levels among healthy adolescents.

Clinical Trial Registration—

clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT00223600.
Intraseasonal Variability of Satellite-Derived Rainfall and Vegetation over Southern Africa
Authors: Chikoore Hector , Jury Mark R.
Published: March 2010

Satellite-derived rainfall and vegetation [normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] data for the period 1981–2000 are used to reveal spatial and temporal interrelationships via principal component analysis. The unimodal seasonal cycle peaks in austral summer over the Zambezi Valley and interior plateau. Spectral analysis indicates major cycles of intraseasonal rainfall events at ∼20 and 40 days in response to atmospheric wave forcing that is partially phase locked to the annual cycle. The spatial loadings exhibit a “center of action” along the eastern edge of the Kalahari (±23°E), extending from the western Zambezi toward central South Africa, spanning 20° of latitude. The loading pattern is consistent with tropical–temperate troughs and associated northwest (NW) cloud bands. Twenty-day rainfall oscillations occur over the Agulhas Current and Angola, hence NW cloud bands are a slower terrestrial harmonic of the faster modes at either end. NDVI also exhibits intraseasonal cycles operating near 40 days with spatial loadings collocated with the slow rainfall mode at a 10–20-day lag. It is postulated that an earlier rainfall event and subsequent “greening” results in a moisture flux that promotes the next rainfall event. This is reflected in a composite analysis of low-level velocity potential. The vegetation draws airflow toward itself in a self-sustaining way.
Cellular Statistical Models of Broken Cloud Fields. Part I: Theory
Authors: Alexandrov Mikhail D. , Marshak Alexander , Ackerman Andrew S.
Published: March 2010

A new analytical statistical model describing the structure of broken cloud fields is presented. It depends on two parameters (cell size and occupancy probability) and provides chord distributions of clouds and gaps between them by length, as well as the cloud fraction distribution. This approach is based on the assumption that the structure of a cloud field is determined by a semiregular grid of cells (an abstraction of the atmospheric convective cells), which are filled with cloud with some probability. First, a simple discrete model is introduced, where clouds and gaps can occupy an integer number of cells, and then a continuous analog is developed, allowing for arbitrary cloud and gap sizes. The influence of a finite sample size on the retrieved statistics is also described.
Numerical Simulations of Low-CAPE Flows over a Mountain Ridge
Authors: Miglietta Mario Marcello , Rotunno Richard
Published: March 2010

In a recent study, the authors performed numerical simulations of conditionally unstable flows past a mesoscale mountain ridge in order to investigate the statistically stationary features of the solution precipitation characteristics for intermediate-to-high values of convective available potential energy (CAPE). That study proposed a functional dependence of the rain rate on three parameters, related respectively to the triggering and the orographic forcing of convection and to the ratio of the advective to convective time scales. The present study extends that analysis to cover larger regions of the parameter space, including experiments corresponding to a wider range of CAPE. It is found here that the low-CAPE, moderate-wind experiments do not fit the functional dependence for rain rate amount and location proposed in the authors’ previous study. The analysis of the present solutions suggests that two additional nondimensional parameters should be taken into account.
Performance of the New NCAR CAM3.5 in East Asian Summer Monsoon Simulations: Sensitivity to Modifications of the Convection Scheme
Authors: Chen Haoming , Zhou Tianjun , Neale Richard B. , Wu Xiaoqing , Zhang Guang Jun
Published: March 2010

The performance of an interim version of the NCAR Community Atmospheric Model (CAM3.5) in simulating the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is assessed by comparing model results against observations and reanalyses. Both the climate mean states and seasonal cycle of major EASM components are evaluated. Special attention is paid to the sensitivity of model performance to changes in the convection scheme. This is done by analyzing four CAM3.5 runs with identical dynamical core and physical packages but different modifications to their convection scheme, that is, the original Zhang–McFarlane (ZM) scheme, Neale et al.’s modification (NZM), Wu et al.’s modification (WZM), and Zhang’s modification (ZZM). The results show that CAM3.5 can capture the major climate mean states and seasonal features of the EASM circulation system, including reasonable simulations of the Tibetan high in the upper troposphere and the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) in the middle and lower troposphere. The main deficiencies are found in monsoon rainfall and the meridional monsoon cell. The weak meridional land–sea thermal contrasts in the model contribute to the weaker monsoon circulation and to insufficient rainfall in both tropical and subtropical regions of EASM. The seasonal migration of rainfall, as well as the northward jump of the WPSH from late spring to summer, is reasonably simulated, except that the northward jump of the monsoon rain belt still needs improvement. Three runs using modified schemes generally improve the model performance in EASM simulation compared to the control run. The monsoon rainfall distribution and its seasonal variation are sensitive to modifications of the ZM convection scheme, which is most likely due to differences in closure assumptions. NZM, which uses a convective available potential energy (CAPE)-based closure assumption, performs better in tropical regions where the rainfall is closely related to CAPE. However, WZM and ZZM, which use quasi-equilibrium (QE) closure, have more realistic subtropical rainfall in the mei-yu/baiu/changma front region, mainly because the rainfall in the subtropics is more sensitive to the rate of destabilization by the large-scale flow.
Informative Regress: Critical Antecedents in Comparative Politics
Authors: Slater Dan , Simmons Erica
Published: March 2010

How can political scientists best uncover historical causation without committing infinite regress? This article introduces a revised framework for historical analysis that can help systematically capture the deepest causal factors in political development. It improves on the familiar “critical juncture” framework by specifying the precise causal or noncausal status of the “antecedent conditions” preceding critical junctures. After disaggregating antecedent conditions into four logical types, the authors argue that scholars should be especially mindful of critical antecedents: factors or conditions preceding a critical juncture that combine in a causal sequence with factors operating during that juncture to produce divergent outcomes. Through analytic reviews of a wide array of major works, the authors illustrate how critical antecedents can clarify causal claims and enhance knowledge accumulation in comparative politics.
Can Relative Strength Between the Back and Knees Differentiate Lifting Strategy?
Authors: Kang Li  , Xudong Zhang
Published: March 2010

Objective: This study investigated whether relative strength between the back and knees can differentiate and predict lifting strategy and the effects of gender, load magnitude, and knowledge of strength on the strategy. Background: Although muscular strength is thought to play a vital role in the mechanics of lifting, how localized joint strengths and their relations influence lifting strategy remains unclear. Method: Thirty-two participants (16 men and 16 women) underwent isokinetic strength tests and were then divided into two groups: one provided with the knowledge of their strength test results and the other not. They subsequently performed the same set of simulated lifting tasks while their lifting kinematics were being recorded. Postural indices to quantify the lifting strategies were derived from the kinematic data. Results: The ratio of back strength versus total knee strength and gender had significant effects on measures quantifying the lifting strategy. A statistical model incorporating gender, strength, and anthropometry achieved an R 2 value of .64 and predicted correctly 76% of lifting strategies used by individual participants. Conclusion: Individuals with back strength greater than their total knee strength tended to use a back-preferred lift strategy, and vice versa, suggesting that muscular strength is a determining factor of lifting strategy. Application: An emphasis on additional knee strengthening in a training program may change the tendency of using and overstressing the back. Application of modeling and simulation technology for ergonomics design can be enhanced by more individually and accurately specified lifting strategies based on anthropometry and strength profiles.
Analyzing the gender pay gap in transition economies: How much does personality matter?
Authors: Semykina Anastasia , Linz Susan J
Published: March 2010

We estimate the personality-earnings relation in Russia, Armenia and Kazakhstan and examine how much of the gender pay gap can be explained by locus of control (LOC). We use data from an employee survey conducted in 2005 and employ Oaxaca-Blinder-Neumark decomposition. Among Russian and Armenian survey participants, men are more likely to exhibit an internal LOC (attribute success to own actions), and individuals with an internal LOC tend to earn more than individuals who attribute success to fate or other external forces (exhibit an external LOC). In Kazakhstan, gender differences in LOC and the estimated effects of LOC on earnings are small and statistically insignificant. Gender differences in LOC explain 5.5 percent of the gender pay gap in Armenia, 7 percent in Russia, and 2.7 percent in Kazakhstan. Our findings suggest that personality plays an important role in explaining the pay gap.
The strategic formation of project networks: A relational practice perspective
Authors: Manning Stephan
Published: March 2010

This article develops a relational practice perspective on the strategic formation of project networks as organizational forms, based on structuration theory and an in-depth case study of a European researcher and his project network. Project networks are defined as strategically coordinated sets of longer-term, project-based relationships. As project entrepreneurs advance in their careers from project partners to coordinators, they learn to apply and combine certain practices through which they gradually transform part of their emerging professional networks into project networks with increased coordination capacity. These practices include: making and renewing project-based contacts, pooling potential project partners, and maintaining core project partnerships. This study advances our understanding of the institutional embeddedness of network agency and the micro-foundations of networks as organizational forms in project businesses and beyond.
The battered apple: An application of stressor-emotion-control/support theory to teachers’ experience of violence and bullying
Authors: Fox Suzy , Stallworth Lamont E
Published: March 2010

This study looked at factors that moderate responses to violence, bullying, and other stressors among public school teachers in the US. Grounded in stressor-emotion-control/ support (SEC/S) theory, the study emphasized the relevance of specific forms of control and support to specific stressors in analyzing moderation effects. A total of 779 teachers completed an online survey of their perceptions of their work environments. Pervasive bullying and violent acts were associated with strains in zero-order correlations, but when regressed, pervasive bullying rather than violence was associated with strains. Relations between violent acts and strains were moderated by satisfaction with the administrations’ handling of violent acts.This has important implications for the development of public and educational policy. Finally, co-worker social support interacted with supervisory/principal bullying, but, contrary to expectations, showed a reverse buffering effect.
A Comparison of Levels of Burden in Indian and White Parents With a Son or Daughter With Schizophrenia
Authors: Lloyd Helen , Singh Pratima , Merritt Rowena , Shetty Adarsh , Yiend Jenny , Singh Swaran , Burns Tom
Published: March 2010

Background: Caregiver burden in mental illness is believed to differ between ethnic groups, but few studies have examined this in schizophrenia in the UK.

Aim: To measure burden in British North Indian Sikh and white British parents with a son or daughter with established schizophrenia managed in outpatient care.

Method: A cross-cultural cohort study measuring family factors, patient psychopathology and levels of burden and distress.

Results: Overall levels of burden were low with no significant differences between the groups. Burden subscale scores showed Indian parents were more affected by psychotic behaviours than white parents. The groups also differed on several sociodemographic variables.

Conclusion: In stabilized community patients, the overall extent of burden experienced by both Indian and white parents is low and comparable. However, Indian parents were more burdened by psychotic behaviours. This may be a result of co-residence as Indian patients are more likely to live with their families. Social and economic factors in the country of residence and levels of acculturation may also influence levels of burden and the illness behaviours found most bothersome by parents.
How Black African and White British Women Perceive Depression and Help-Seeking: a Pilot Vignette Study
Authors: Brown June S.L. , Casey Sarah J. , Bishop Amanda J. , Prytys Marta , Whittinger Naureen , Weinman John
Published: March 2010

Background: The detection of psychological problems of black African people has been found to be substantially lower, compared with white British and black Caribbean people. This may be due to differences in patients’ perceptions of illness. Little research has been carried out on factors that may influence the help-seeking behaviour of black Africans.

Aims: To assess differences in the perceptions of depression of black African and white British women that may influence lower detection and to investigate whether there are ethnic group differences in reasons for not seeking formal help.

Methods: A short quantitative illness perception measure, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), was used in a community survey, using a standard text vignette methodology to control for variations in previous experiences of depression. Responses from women who indicated that they would not seek formal help for depressive symptoms were qualitatively analyzed.

Results: Differences in perceptions of depression were found between black African ( n = 73) and white British groups ( n = 72) on five of the nine BIPQ dimensions. Black women were more likely to perceive depression to have less serious consequences; to be associated with fewer symptoms; to be less chronic; to be less amenable to treatment; and more frequently attributed depression to social factors. Over half the participants ( n = 74) said they would not seek formal help for depressive symptoms. Six qualitative response categories emerged to explain non-consultation. The most common factor for both groups related to GP consultation difficulties. Significantly more white women cited preferring alternative help sources as a reason for non-consultation. The greater number of black women citing anti-medication beliefs was marginally significant. There were no differences between the ethnic groups in their use of the remaining three categories: illness characteristics; service constraints; and stigma/shame.

Conclusion: Differing perceptions of depression among black and white women could help explain GPs’ lower detection rates of depressive problems of black women. Differences in views about the formal help available may explain ethnic differences in help-seeking.
Does Clinical Experience or Professional Training Have an Impact On What Symptoms Are Thought To Be Important Features of Depression?
Authors: Forkmann Thomas , Eberle Nicole , Boecker Maren , Wirtz Markus , Norra Christine , Gauggel Siegfried
Published: March 2010

Background: Concerning diagnostics of mental disorders, increasing time and cost pressure in the clinical practice often requires an ad hoc and intuitive holistic examination of the patient’s clinical presentation instead of the application of standardized diagnostic instruments. This study examined whether attributes of mental healthcare professionals (professional training, clinical experience, socio-demographic variables) affect their implicit weighing of symptoms they encounter in such unstandardized diagnostic situations.

Methods: Twenty psychiatrists and 28 clinical psychologists rated the relevance of 241 items for the diagnosis of a depressive episode. Items referred to the nine A-criteria of DSM-IV and associated features. Intraclass correlations (ICC), regression analysis and t-tests were calculated.

Results: Clinicians agreed largely in their relevance judgements on the different items ( ICC = 0.97, F183,8784 = 44.29, p < 0.001). Stepwise regression analyses with profession, clinical experience, age and gender as predictors for each DSM-IV A-criterion revealed no significant β-coefficient except for one: ‘profession’ was a significant predictor for the mean relevance judgement on items that could not be assigned to an A-criterion. This effect turned out to be caused by only one item (obsessive-compulsive behaviour).

Conclusions: Clinical experts agree highly in their implicit weighing of depression symptoms regardless of their age, gender, clinical experience and professional training.
Dependence of Thermal Properties of Expandable Polystyrene Particle Foam on Cell Size and Density
Authors: Schellenberg Jürgen , Wallis Mario
Published: March 2010

An approach to improve the efficiency of the thermal insulation behavior of expandable polystyrene (EPS) particle foams by diminishing the thermal conductivity is the reduction of the radiation term of the thermal conductivity by an adjusted enlargement of the cell size of the particle foam. This correlation was investigated in detail by the determination of the dependences of cell size and thermal conductivity on the densities of the particle foam over a wider range using samples of expandable polystyrene particle foams showing conventional fine cell size as well as enlarged cell sizes. Based on the dependence of cell size on foam density of fine cell EPS foams, an equation is given also covering foams of larger cells. At the same mean diameter of the foam cells, the thermal conductivity of the EPS foam is increasing with a decrease in foam density in the whole range of diameters investigated from about 50—350 µm. At the same foam density, the thermal conductivity is in general independent of the mean cell diameter of the EPS foam at high foam densities, whereas at lower foam densities, the thermal conductivity is decreasing with increasing mean cell diameter of the foam, in a range of foam densities from about 10—35 g/L. Subsequently, a practical model to describe the dependence of thermal conductivity of expandable polystyrene particle foam on cell size and foam density is proposed and discussed.
Cellular Structure of EVA/ATH Halogen-free Flame-retardant Foams
Authors: Román-Lorza S. , Rodriguez-Perez M.A. , De Saja Sáez J.A. , Zurro J.
Published: March 2010

Composites of etylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) (up to 70 wt%) were foamed to create new materials with good fire retardancy properties and low weight, proving the feasibility of developing cellular structures when high levels of halogen-free flame retardants (HFFR) are included. An experimental study was carried out to explore the effects of chemical composition on cellular structure as well as the effect of structure on thermal stability, mechanical and combustion properties. Sample fabrication was carried out using an improved compression molding route consisting of polymer compounding, precursor preparation and foaming under pressure. The polymer matrix consisted of EVA as well as certain amount of linear low-density polyethylene-maleic anhydride as coupling agent. The inorganic filler used was ATH ranging from 0 wt% to 70 wt%. Furthermore, azodicarbonamide was used as chemical blowing agent. Foamed samples with cell sizes below 100 µm were produced. These samples showed similar fire retardancy than their solid precursors. The compatibilization was proved indispensable to achieve a good adhesion between mineral filler and polymer and to improve the cellular structure. The increase of the amount of filler has an interesting effect on the cellular structure, going from a closed-cell (up to 50 wt% of ATH) to an open-cell cellular structure (60 wt% of ATH or more). The feasibility of producing HFFR cellular materials has been demonstrated as a result of this investigation, leading to a notable reduction of material compared to the solid one and to new properties which can result in new applications.
High Functionality Polyether Polyols Based on Polyglycerol
Authors: Ionescu Mihail , Petrović Zoran S.
Published: March 2010

Polyglycerol (PGL) is a polyhydroxyl compound obtained by selfcondensation of glycerol in the presence of alkaline catalysts. It is a very attractive polyol as a starter for the synthesis of polyether polyols for rigid polyurethane foams. It is liquid, easy to handle and has a very high average functionality of 4—20 (or more) hydroxyl groups/mol. By propoxylation of PGL or PGL—sucrose mixtures, we obtained new polyether polyols with very high functionalities, which are very difficult or impossible to obtain by other methods. A new technology for PGL-based polyether polyols preparation was investigated. In the first step the self-polycondensation of glycerol to PGL in the presence of potassium hydroxide or potassium methoxide as a catalyst was carried out. In the second step, the crude alkaline PGL was alkoxylated with PO without removing the catalyst, followed by purification of the resulting polyether polyols. Rigid polyurethane foams prepared from the synthesized PGL-based polyether polyols and crude MDI displayed good physical and mechanical properties, excellent dimensional stability, and low friability.
The Ambivalent Nature of Ethnic Segregation in France’s Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods
Authors: Pan Ké Shon Jean-Louis
Published: March 2010

To achieve a better understanding of life conditions in the suburbs ( banlieues) that erupted in the 2005 riots, segregation in France is here evaluated for the first time. The apparent reduction in class segregation between two most recent full censuses and the contrary rise in ethnic segregation are shown. Using longitudinal data and observing the residential mobility of residents in the ‘sensitive neighbourhoods’, it is shown that: most who move out are upwardly mobile; Africans find it harder to move out and are three times more likely to move into the least-advantaged neighbourhoods; the more the neighbourhood is disadvantaged, the more its residents move into another equally disadvantaged neighbourhood.
Living in a Mixed-Income Development: Resident Perceptions of the Benefits and Disadvantages of Two Developments in Chicago
Authors: Joseph Mark , Chaskin Robert
Published: March 2010

Policy-makers in several countries are turning to income- and tenure-mixing strategies in an attempt to reverse decades of social and economic isolation in impoverished urban areas. In the US city of Chicago, all high-rise public housing developments across the city are being demolished, public housing residents are being dispersed throughout the metropolitan area and 10 new mixed-income developments are being created on the footprint of former public housing complexes. Findings are presented from in-depth interviews with residents across income levels and tenures at two mixed-income developments and the paper explores residents’ perceptions of the physical, psychological and social impacts of the mixed-income setting on their lives.
Single‐Dose Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Food Effects Studies of Compound Naphthoquine Phosphate Tablets in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Qu Heng Yan , Gao Hong Zhi , Hao Guang Tao , Li Yuan Yuan , Li Hai Yan , Hu Jin Chao , Wang Xiao Fang , Liu Wei Li , Liu Ze Yuan
Published: March 2010

The compound naphthoquine phosphate is a novel antimalaria drug tablet containing a fixed‐dose combination of naphthoquine phosphate and artemisinin in a 1:2.5 ratio. A randomized, open study on the safety and tolerability was conducted in 28 healthy male volunteers using a single oral dose of 350 mg, 700 mg, 1400 mg, or 2100 mg of artemisinin‐naphthoquine phosphate. Pharmacokinetics at the last 3 doses were examined in 30 volunteers. Food effects were also determined. Serial blood samples up to 216 hours after single oral dose administration were analyzed for plasma concentrations using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry assay. The compound was well tolerated at single doses up to 2100 mg. Increased exposure to naphthoquine phosphate and artemisinin was less than dose proportional and linear. The half‐life of naphthoquine phosphate was approximately 255 hours. The combination increased the AUC0‐t and Cmax of both artemisinin (by 71% and 49%) and naphthoquine phosphate (by 135% and 104%) compared with monotherapy. Food intake greatly increased the AUC0‐t of artemisinin with a ratio of 77% and reduced that of naphthoquine phosphate from 955 ± 352 μg·h/L under the fasted state to 446 ± 231 μg·h/L in the fed condition. The pharmacokinetics and safety profile of the drug support its continued investigation in future clinical studies.
Does the Long Plasma Half‐Life of 4β‐Hydroxycholesterol Impact Its Utility as a Cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) Metric?
Authors: Yang Zheng , Rodrigues A. David
Published: March 2010

Plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol (4βHC) has been proposed as an endogenous marker of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). To assess its utility as a CYP3A metric, a pharmacokinetic model, assuming no alteration in cholesterol plasma concentrations, was developed to simulate the effect of CYP3A induction and inhibition on 4βHC plasma levels under different treatment durations. By incorporating the long plasma half‐life of 4βHC (∼17 days) into the model, the inductive effect of 2 known inducers (carbamazepine and rifampicin) reported in the literature was adequately described. Furthermore, the simulations showed that it was possible to resolve none, weak, moderate, and potent inducers within 2 weeks of dosing. On the other hand, simulations indicated that at least 2 weeks of dosing would be needed to detect the potent inhibition of CYP3A (maximal ∼40% decrease in 4βHC plasma levels). Greater differentiation of weak, moderate, and potent CYP3A inhibitors would require a longer duration of dosing (≥1 month). When considering 4βHC as a metric, one should take into account assay precision, the anticipated magnitude of the effect, and the feasibility of dosing beyond 2 weeks. In addition, the 4βHC metric needs to be normalized with the corresponding cholesterol plasma level in the same subject.
Perceptions of Harm
Authors: Sheridan Lorraine , Scott Adrian J.
Published: March 2010

Three studies employing student and community samples in the United Kingdom (total N = 514) explored the effects of verbal versus physical abuse upon judgments of seriousness, responsibility, and consequences in stalking scenarios. The first study manipulated verbal and physical abuse, the second manipulated presence and type of verbal threat, and the third manipulated physical injury. The findings confirmed that situational factors are at least as important an influence on judgments of stalking cases as are individual factors and that physical abuse was preeminent in decision making. Gender was also examined, and previous findings that female stalkers are wrongly perceived as less dangerous were again supported. It was concluded that because stalking is by nature diffuse, observers are readily influenced by what is most tangible in a stalking case.
Evaluating the Measurement Properties of Procedural Justice in a Correctional Setting
Authors: Henderson Howard , Wells William , Maguire Edward R. , Gray Jameel
Published: March 2010

Research and theory on the effects of fair procedures has gained popularity over the past decade. This is understandable given the inherent appeal of these ideas and the supporting evidence. Research suggests that authorities are able to secure compliance from subordinates when they use fair procedures and when they are viewed as legitimate. Unfortunately, empirical studies of procedural justice and legitimacy are hampered by weak measures of key theoretical constructs. The purpose of this study is to examine the measurement properties of procedural justice in a sample of inmates. Results show that a one-factor model of procedural justice fits the data well, though the authors find evidence of a method effect. Results also demonstrate important differences between the use of a summated procedural justice scale and a scale derived from a factor analysis. These findings illustrate the importance of paying careful attention to construct validity in measures of procedural justice.