bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE AMPHORAE, STONE BALLAST AND STOWAGE MATERIALS OF THE SHIPS FROM THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF PISA–SAN ROSSORE, ITALY: INFERENCES ON THEIR PROVENANCE AND POSSIBLE TRADING ROUTES*
Authors: PECCHIONI E. , CANTISANI E. , PALLECCHI P. , FRATINI F. , BUCCIANTI A. , PANDELI E. , RESCIC S. , CONTICELLI S.
Published: February 2007

In December 1998, during excavation for the construction of a new building near San Rossore railway station in Pisa, the remains of ancient ships were discovered. These findings have been dated (radiocarbon) to between the end of the 10th century bc and the fifth century ad (

Belluomini et al. 2002
). Several transport amphorae belonging to the Hellenistic ship, samples of rocks (stone ballast) belonging to ships B, D and the Hellenistic ship, and stowage materials belonging only to ship B have been analysed. The mineralogical and petrographic data of the investigated samples provided information on the possible provenance of the raw materials utilized in the manufacture of the ceramic amphorae, as well as on the provenance of the rock materials found in the ships as ballast and stowage. The compositional data (obtained through XRD, XRF, OM and EPMA) and their statistical analyses suggest that the provenance of the Dressel amphorae belonging to the Hellenistic ship was the Middle Tyrrhenian coast of Italy, and more precisely the area between Tarquinia and Naples, according to the numerous kilns and wine production sites found in this area. The provenance of the volcanic rocks was from southern Tuscany, northern Latium and possibly the Pontine Islands, whereas the intrusive rock possibly comes from the Calabrian–Tyrrhenian coast and/or the Peloritani area. The impure limestones and the dolostone come from southern Tuscany and the Latium coast; the semi‐metamorphic rocks could come from the coast of southern Tuscany, the Tuscan Archipelago or possibly also from the Ligurian coast; only the sample of mylonitized granitoid possibly comes from either the Calabria–Peloritani arc or the Tuscan Archipelago. The stowage materials, consisting of lapilli and scoria of a pyroclastic nature, are sourced from the Neapolitan area. These data might shed some light on the centres of production of the amphorae and of the trading routes followed by the ships, according to the ports of call.
IN SEARCH OF ETRUSCAN COLOURS: A SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF A PAINTED TERRACOTTA SLAB FROM CERI*
Authors: BORDIGNON F. , POSTORINO P. , DORE P. , GUIDI G. F. , TROJSI G. , BELLELLI V.
Published: February 2007

Painted terracotta slabs, which are characteristic of Etruscan art, are much less known than the funerary frescoes of the Etruscan necropolis, and have never been studied by advanced diagnostic techniques. To get information on the manufacturing methodology of these important works of art, detailed micro‐Raman and X‐ray diffraction measurements were performed on a polychrome terracotta slab representing a warrior, found in the ancient Etruscan town of Ceri. We have found that the terracotta slab, which was made using a calcium‐poor clay, was fired at a temperature in excess of 800°C. For the polychrome, we have identified red ochre, azurite, yellow ochre, burnt umber and carbon black pigments, and we propose the use of kaolin as a white pigment, thus providing a reliable, although not definitive, description of the colour palette. On the basis of the obtained results, which do not reveal the presence of organic binders, we propose that a second firing procedure was carried out on the work of art at between 250°C and 300°C, in order to fix the pigmented layers.
Child‐rearing Anxiety and Its Correlates Among Japanese Mothers Screened at 18‐Month Infant Health Checkups
Authors: Arimoto Azusa , Murashima Sachiyo
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: To examine the level of child‐rearing anxiety and to explore the variables correlated with child‐rearing anxiety in a city in Japan.

Design: Cross‐sectional study.

Sample: From July to September 2003, 371 mothers who visited community health centers in a city in Tokyo Metropolis for their child's 18‐month health checkups.

Measurements:

Child‐rearing anxiety was measured by the child‐rearing anxiety scale. Questions in a self‐reported questionnaire were on maternal variables, including maternal background information, child variables, and family system variables such as the presence of social support, and utilization of parenting support services. Also included within the questionnaire was the General Health Questionnaire‐12.

Results: Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that mothers with higher child‐rearing anxiety had less childcare satisfaction, more depressive symptoms, more worries about the child, less support from the husband, and less social support.

Conclusion: To identify mothers with high child‐rearing anxiety in Japan, the infant health checkups should be utilized as an opportunity for screening, focusing on variables regarding mothers. Public health nurses can provide the necessary support after gaining an understanding of issues confronting mothers to prevent child‐rearing anxiety and child abuse.
Injury Rates, Predictors of Workplace Injuries, and Results of an Intervention Program Among Community Health Workers
Authors: Craib Kevin J.P. , Hackett Georgina , Back Chris , Cvitkovich Yuri , Yassi Annalee
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT
Background: Few incidence studies of workplace injuries among community health workers exist, and evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions in this population is lacking.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of workplace injury among community health workers in British Columbia; to identify predictors of injury; and to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention program in this population.

Methods: Data were collected from an intervention study of 648 community health workers from six agencies to calculate injury rates. Interventions included an education and training module, a risk assessment tool and resource guide, and a lift equipment registry.

Results: The majority of injuries were attributed to overexertion and falls. Annual incidence rates were 20.7% for reported injuries, and 8.1% for time‐loss injuries. A history of previous injuries and working full time were predictors of time to first injury report. Participants who received an intervention were significantly more likely to report workplace injuries than participants in the comparison group, but were less likely to incur a time‐loss injury.

Conclusions: The interventions used in this study led to increased awareness and an increase in reported injuries but resulted in fewer time‐loss injuries. The mechanisms that led to these findings need to be explored further.
Effect of Resin Luting Film Thickness on Fracture Resistance of a Ceramic Cemented to Dentin
Authors: Prakki Anuradha , Cilli Renato , Da Costa Alcides U. , De Paiva Gonçalves Sergio E. , Lia Mondelli Rafael F. , Pereira Jose C.
Published: February 2007

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of ceramic plates cemented to dentin as a function of the resin cement film thickness.

Materials and Methods: Ceramic plates (1 and 2 mm thicknesses) were cemented to bovine dentin using resin composite cement. The film thicknesses used were approximately 100, 200, and 300 μm. Noncemented ceramic plates were used as control. Fracture loads (N) were obtained by compressing a steel indenter in the center of the ceramic plates. ANOVA and Tukey tests (α= 0.05) were used for each ceramic thickness to compare fracture loads among resin cement films used.

Results: Mean fracture load (N) for 1‐mm ceramic plates were: control—26 (7); 100 μm—743 (150); 200 μm—865 (105); 300 μm—982 (226). Test groups were significantly different from the control group; there was a statistical difference in fracture load between groups with 100 and 300 μm film thicknesses ( p < 0.01). Mean fracture load for 2‐mm ceramic plates were: control—214 (111); 100 μm—1096 (341); 200 μm—1067 (226); 300 μm—1351 (269). Tested groups were also significantly different from the control group ( p < 0.01). No statistical difference was shown among different film thicknesses.

Conclusions: Unluted specimens presented significantly lower fracture resistance than luted specimens. Higher cement film thickness resulted in increased fracture resistance for the 1‐mm ceramic plates. Film thickness did not influence the fracture resistance of 2‐mm porcelain plates.
Value of Tissue Doppler Myocardial Velocities of Tricuspid Lateral Annulus for the Diagnosis of Right Heart Failure in Patients with COPD
Authors: Turhan Sibel , Dinçer Irem , Ozdol Cagdas , Rahimov Uzeyir , Kılıçkap Mustafa , Altın Timucin , Tulunay Cansın , Akgun Güneş , Erol Cetin
Published: February 2007

Objective: Aim of this study was to investigate the value of systolic indices of tricuspid valve annular motion measured by tissue Doppler imaging for the diagnosis right ventricular failure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Patients with COPD with right heart failure symptoms and/or right ventricular dilatation were enrolled for the study. The control group consisted of age and sex matched patients referred to the echocardiography laboratory who had normal echocardiographic examination. Tricuspid valve annulus peak systolic velocity and myocardial acceleration during isovolumic contraction were recorded by tissue Doppler imaging. Results: IVA and Sa wave velocities were found to be significantly decreased in patients with right ventricular failure. For the prediction of right heart failure IVA <3.8 m/sec2 had 91% sensitivity, 80% specificity, 90% positive predictive value (PPV), and 82% negative predictive value (NPV) and Sa wave velocity <9.2 cm/sec had 80% sensitivity, 62% specificity, 75% PPV, and 68% NPV. Conclusion: Tricuspid valve annular velocities measured by tissue Doppler imaging especially IVA, offer potential diagnostic value for the diagnosis of right heart failure in patients with COPD.
Laboratory assessment of sea lamprey larvae burrowing performance
Authors: Quintella B. R. , Andrade N. O. , Dias N. M. , Almeida P. R.
Published: February 2007

Abstract –  To study the burrowing behaviour and performance of larval sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus L.), 120 ammocoetes were collected and observed in the laboratory. Burrowing movements of ammocoetes placed in an aquarium with sediments of differing grain size were video recorded. The video was reviewed and, for each larva, the total time spent moving, the number of stops during the burrowing movement, the total time spent stopped and total time elapsed until complete withdrawal below the substrate surface was registered. Smaller ammocoetes had lower burrowing performance than larger individuals, across all substrate types, but the differences were greater in coarser substrates. Additionally, coarser sediment particles increased the time spent on burrowing regardless of larval size.
Field observations and laboratory experiments on growth and lipid content of young‐of‐the‐year perch
Authors: Borcherding J. , Hermasch B. , Murawski P.
Published: February 2007

Abstract –  Differences in growth and allocation of energy of young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) perch (Perca fluviatilis) were studied in relation to both quantity and quality of food. Feeding on fish and Mysidacea, the mean size of YOY perch after the first growing season in Lake Pfeiffer was 152 mm. In contrast, YOY perch grew to 107 mm in Lake Speldrop and 83 mm in Lake Reeser Meer while mainly feeding on zooplankton. In correlation with food uptake and growth, the lipid content of YOY perch was significantly highest in Lake Pfeiffer and lowest in Lake Reeser Meer, assuming that YOY perch from Lake Pfeiffer should be able to survive starvation periods during their first winter better then those from Lake Speldrop and Lake Reeser. While feeding on fish, mean highest growth rates were 1.31 mm·day−1 in the laboratory. Growth in weight started when food uptake exceeded 66 J·g WW−1·day−1, while an increase of lipid content required food input of 175 J·g WW−1·day−1. Increased growth potential associated with the availability of energetically profitable food is assumed as an important factor that could have far‐reaching consequences for the fish community.
Melatonin and its synthesizing enzymes (arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase‐like and hydroxyindole‐O‐methyltransferase) in avian eggs and early embryos
Authors: Bożenna Olszańska , Paweł Majewski , Bogdan Lewczuk , Urszula Stępińska
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  The presence of melatonin and the enzymes (transcripts and activities) involved in its synthesis, i.e. arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (AA‐NAT) and hydroxyindole‐O‐methyltransferase (HIOMT), was investigated in the eggs and early embryos of Japanese quail at Hamburger‐Hamilton stages 1–10. Melatonin was present in the egg yolk (∼70 pg/g) and albumen (∼20 pg/g). The average content of melatonin was approximately 416 pg/egg. AA‐NAT and HIOMT transcripts were present in the oocytes, blastoderms, and ovarian follicles. AA‐NAT‐like and HIOMT activities were detected in quail egg yolk. The activity of AA‐NAT in yolk was comparable with that found in the pineal gland when calculated per milligram of yolk or pineal gland, but was significantly lower when re‐calculated per milligram of protein in the yolk or pineal gland. AA‐NAT‐like activity was also identified in the ovarian follicles. Low HIOMT activity was detected in yolk, but not in the ovarian follicle. Both enzymes were essentially absent from early embryos although some residual activities, probably of yolk origin, were present in the stage 1 embryo. Melatonin and all the constituents needed for its synthesis (serotonin, AA‐NAT and HIOMT activities) are contained within the avian yolk and could be used by the embryo from the very beginning of its development. The role of extrapineal melatonin in early avian development may be in protecting the embryo from the action of free radicals formed during intensive embryonic metabolism and/or it may participate (together with serotonin) in a ‘diffuse neuroendocrine system’ acting at early developmental stages, before differentiation of the nervous system.
Transient Soil Vapor Extraction from a Pressure‐Controlled Well
Authors: Perina Tomas , Lee Tien‐Chang
Published: February 2007

New semianalytical solutions for transient soil vapor extraction are developed for P (pressure) or P2 linearizations of the governing air flow equation. Our method treats flow rate and wellhead pressure as two distinct variables instead of customarily coupling them together. An extraction well can be either pressure or flow rate controlled with uniform applied pressure along the screen and nonuniform radial flux. The two linearizations yield different solutions for subsurface pressures; the difference increases with applied wellhead pressure. This increasing difference serves as a constraint on the magnitude of the wellhead pressure used in a test. The P equation is preferred for simulating the vadose zone pressure because it allows for more flexible implementation of boundary conditions. The solutions cover the common field test condition of unrestricted flow of atmospheric air into the vadose zone and can be readily modified for a leaky confining layer or time‐varying pressure at the ground surface. Analysis of field test data showed that the new model can closely simulate transient subsurface pressure distribution and revealed mutual dependence of porosity θ, and permeability krand kzfor the problem analyzed. The estimated kz/krwas greater than 1, higher than would be expected for natural soil in the absence of secondary effects on permeability, such as vertical cracks.
Inhibition of Intrinsic Interferon-γ Function Prevents Neointima Formation After Balloon Injury
Authors: Kusaba Ken , Kai Hisashi , Koga Mitsuhisa , Takayama Narimasa , Ikeda Ayami , Yasukawa Hideo , Seki Yukihiko , Egashira Kensuke , Imaizumi Tsutomu
Published: February 2007

It is still controversial whether intrinsic interferon (IFN)-γ promotes or attenuates vascular remodeling in hyperproliferative vascular disorders, such as neointima formation after balloon injury. Thus, we investigated whether inhibition of intrinsic IFN-γ function prevents neointima formation. For this purpose, naked DNA plasmid encoding a soluble mutant of IFN-γ receptor α-subunit (sIFNγR; an IFN-γ inhibitory protein) or mock plasmid was injected into the thigh muscle of male Wistar rats 2 days before balloon injury (day −2). sIFNγR gene transfer significantly elevated serum levels of sIFNγR protein for 2 weeks. In mock-treated rats, balloon injury induced smooth muscle cell proliferation in the neointima with a peak at day 7 and produced thick neointima at day 14. sIFNγR treatment reduced the number of proliferating intimal smooth muscle cells by 50% at day 7 and attenuated neointima formation with a 45% reduction of the intima/media area ratio at day 14. In mock-treated rats, at day 7, balloon injury induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 and upregulations of IFN regulatory factor-1 (a transcription factor mediating IFN-γ signal). Balloon injury also upregulated the key molecules of neointima formation, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and platelet-derived growth factor β-receptor. These changes were suppressed by sIFNγR treatment. In conclusion, it is suggested that intrinsic IFN-γ promotes neointima formation probably through IFN regulatory factor-1/intercellular adhesion molecule-1–mediated and platelet-derived growth factor–mediated mechanisms. Thus, inhibition of IFN-γ signaling may be a new therapeutic target for prevention of neointima formation of hyperproliferative vascular disorders.
Use of a Constitutively Active Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Transgene as a Therapeutic Strategy in No-Option Critical Limb Ischemia Patients
Authors: Rajagopalan Sanjay , Olin Jeffrey , Deitcher Steven , Pieczek Ann , Laird John , Grossman P. Michael , Goldman Corey K. , McEllin Kevin , Kelly Ralph , Chronos Nicolas
Published: February 2007

Background—

Critical limb ischemia, a manifestation of severe peripheral atherosclerosis and compromised lower-extremity blood flow, results in a high rate of limb loss. We hypothesized that adenoviral delivery of a constitutively active form of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (ie, Ad2/HIF-1α/VP16 or HIF-1α) into the lower extremity of patients with critical limb ischemia would be safe and might result in a durable clinical response.

Methods and Results—

This phase I dose-escalation program included 2 studies: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and an open-label extension study. In total, 34 no-option patients with critical limb ischemia received HIF-1α at doses of 1×10
8
to 2×10
11
viral particles. No serious adverse events were attributable to study treatment. Five deaths occurred: 3 in HIF-1α and 2 in placebo patients. In the first (randomized) study, 7 of 21 HIF-1α patients met treatment failure criteria and had major amputations. Three of the 7 placebo patients rolled over to receive HIF-1α in the extension study. No amputations occurred in the 2 highest-dose groups of Ad2/HIF-1α/VP16 (1×10
11
and 2×10
11
viral particles). The most common adverse events included peripheral edema, disease progression, and peripheral ischemia. At 1 year, limb status observations in HIF-1α patients included complete rest pain resolution in 14 of 32 patients and complete ulcer healing in 5 of 18 patients.

Conclusions—

HIF-1α therapy in patients with critical limb ischemia was well tolerated, supporting further, larger, randomized efficacy trials.
Renal Insufficiency Following Contrast Media Administration Trial (REMEDIAL)
Authors: Briguori Carlo , Airoldi Flavio , D’Andrea Davide , Bonizzoni Erminio , Morici Nuccia , Focaccio Amelia , Michev Iassen , Montorfano Matteo , Carlino Mauro , Cosgrave John , Ricciardelli Bruno , Colombo Antonio
Published: February 2007

Background—

Volume supplementation by saline infusion combined with
N
-acetylcysteine (NAC) represents an effective strategy to prevent contrast agent–induced nephrotoxicity (CIN). Preliminary data support the concept that sodium bicarbonate and ascorbic acid also may be effective in preventing CIN.

Methods and Results—

Three hundred twenty-six consecutive patients with chronic kidney disease, referred to our institutions for coronary and/or peripheral procedures, were randomly assigned to prophylactic administration of 0.9% saline infusion plus NAC (n=111), sodium bicarbonate infusion plus NAC (n=108), and 0.9% saline plus ascorbic acid plus NAC (n=107). All enrolled patients had serum creatinine ≥2.0 mg/dL and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate <40 mL · min
−1
· 1.73 m
−2
. Contrast nephropathy risk score was calculated in each patient. In all cases, iodixanol (an iso-osmolar, nonionic contrast agent) was administered. The primary end point was an increase of ≥25% in the creatinine concentration 48 hours after the procedure (CIN). The amount of contrast media administered (179±102, 169±92, and 169±94 mL, respectively;
P
=0.69) and risk scores (9.1±3.4, 9.5±3.6, and 9.3±3.6;
P
=0.21) were similar in the 3 groups. CIN occurred in 11 of 111 patients (9.9%) in the saline plus NAC group, in 2 of 108 (1.9%) in the bicarbonate plus NAC group (
P
=0.019 by Fisher exact test versus saline plus NAC group), and in 11 of 107 (10.3%) in the saline plus ascorbic acid plus NAC group (
P
=1.00 versus saline plus NAC group).

Conclusions—

The strategy of volume supplementation by sodium bicarbonate plus NAC seems to be superior to the combination of normal saline with NAC alone or with the addition of ascorbic acid in preventing CIN in patients at medium to high risk.
Punitiveness and U.S. Elite Support for the 1991 Persian Gulf War
Authors: Liberman Peter
Published: February 2007

There is a substantial moralistic streak in U.S. elite attitudes about war against states perceived as evil. Among opinion leaders, death penalty supporters were substantially more likely than opponents to support the 1991 Gulf War, condone the Iraqi death toll, and favor escalating the war to topple Saddam Hussein. These relationships persist after controlling for ideology, nationalism, and instrumental beliefs about force and thus probably result from individual differences in retributiveness and humanitarianism, moral values known to underlie death penalty attitudes. Foreign policy expertise moderated this effect only on the regime change issue, and then only moderately, suggesting that “moral punitiveness” might also influence the thinking of decision makers. President George H. W. Bush evidently felt real moral outrage during the crisis about Iraq’s aggression, but he refrained from escalating the war to punish Saddam more severely for it.
Time Bombs
Authors: Allen Susan Hannah
Published: February 2007

Advancements in technology coupled with the perception of diminished public tolerance for casualties have increased the prominence and popularity of aerial bombing as a coercive tool, particularly for the United States. Despite interest from policy makers and support from the public, there has been little scholarly assessment of these coercive episodes. How successful are air campaigns, and what are the prospects for the future? In this article, I focus on the factors that cause bombing campaigns to end. To explore what leads to campaign termination, I highlight the theoretical significance of the political characteristics of both the attacker and the adversary. Using competing risks duration analysis to examine both failed and successful bombing campaigns from 1917 through 1999, I find that a democratic government on either side of the coercive equation increases the likelihood of campaigns ending.
Rational Terrorists and Optimal Network Structure
Authors: Enders Walter , Su Xuejuan
Published: February 2007

After the events of 9/11, U.S. counterterrorism became more proactive in that the Patriot Act allowed the authorities far more freedom to directly attack terrorist network structures. We argue that rational terrorists will attempt to thwart such policies and restructure themselves to be less penetrable. We model the trade-off between security and intragroup communication faced by terrorists. The model is used to derive the anticipated changes in network structure and the consequent changes in the type, complexity, and success rate of potential terrorist attacks.
Appearing Smart: The Impression Management of Intelligence, Person Perception Accuracy, and Behavior in Social Interaction
Authors: Murphy Nora A.
Published: February 2007

Intelligence is an important trait that affects everyday social interaction. The present research utilized the ecological perspective of social perception to investigate the impression management of intelligence and strangers' evaluations of targets' intelligence levels. The ability to effectively portray an impression of intelligence to outside judges as well as interaction partners was appraised and the effect of impression management on the accurate judgment of intelligence was assessed. In addition, targets' behavior was studied in relation to impression management, perceived intelligence, and actual measured intelligence. Impression-managing targets appeared more intelligent to video judges but not to their interaction partner as compared to controls. The intelligence quotient (IQ) of impression-managing targets was more accurately judged than controls' IQ. Impression-managing targets displayed distinct nonverbal behavioral patterns that differed from controls. Looking while speaking was a key behavior: It significantly correlated with IQ, was successfully manipulated by impression-managing targets, and contributed to higher perceived intelligence ratings.
Resisting Persuasion by Illegitimate Means: A Metacognitive Perspective on Minority Influence
Authors: Tormala Zakary L. , DeSensi Victoria L. , Petty Richard E.
Published: February 2007

The present research tests a new metacognitive perspective on resistance in minority influence situations. It is proposed that when people initially resist persuasive messages from sources in the numerical minority, they can lose attitude certainty if they perceive that they have based their attitudes on the source's minority status and also believe this is an illegitimate basis for resistance. In three studies, participants were presented with a message from a minority source. In Study 1, participants became less certain of their attitudes after resisting this message. In Study 2, this effect only emerged when participants were led to believe they had based their attitudes on the source's minority status and this was an illegitimate thing to do. In Study 3, this effect was shown to have implications for persuasion in response to a second message. The implications of these findings for classic minority influence effects are discussed.
Distinctiveness is Key: How Different Types of Self-Other Similarity Moderate Social Comparison Effects
Authors: Stapel Diederik A. , Marx David M.
Published: February 2007

In relevant research to date, the impact of self-other similarity on the outcome of social comparison effects is not well understood. The authors argue that the extent to which this similarity is distinctive is a key to understanding such effects. In two experiments, they demonstrate that when self-other similarity is distinctive (unique), assimilation is more likely, whereas when self-other similarity is nondistinctive (common), contrast is more likely. These results suggest that what matters is the type rather than the quantity of similarity: Similarity on one distinctive dimension more readily leads to assimilation than similarity on numerous nondistinctive dimensions. Importantly, these assimilation effects are especially likely to occur when the comparison dimension is unimportant. Contrast is more likely to occur when the comparison dimension is important. Thus, these findings both replicate and extend Tesser's (1988) Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Empathy-Related Responding in Adolescence: The Role of Maternal Support
Authors: Soenens Bart , Duriez Bart , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Goossens Luc
Published: February 2007

This study proposed and tested an integrated model of the intergenerational transmission of empathy-related responding in adolescence. This model included maternal support as a mediator of the intergenerational transmission of empathy and examined friendship quality as an outcome of adolescent empathy. In a sample of middle adolescents and their mothers (N = 177), maternal support significantly predicted the empathy dimensions perspective taking and sympathy and mediated the mother–child concordance of perspective taking but not sympathy. Adolescent empathy (and perspective taking in particular) predicted adolescent friendship quality and served as an intervening variable in the relation between maternal support and friendship quality. Implications of the present study for research on the socialization of empathy-related responding and social adjustment in general are outlined.
Attachment and Information Seeking in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Rholes W. Steven , Simpson Jeffry A. , Tran Sisi , Martin A. McLeish , Friedman Mike
Published: February 2007

Testing predictions derived from attachment theory, this research investigated how adult attachment orientations are associated with selective exposure to information about the self, one's partner, and one's relationship. The results of two studies revealed that (a) more avoidantly attached individuals have limited interest in knowing their partner's intimate thoughts and feelings, (b) more anxiously attached individuals selectively prefer information on intimate topics pertaining to their partner and relationship and focus on information that highlights their own as well as their partner's shortcomings, and (c) regardless of attachment orientation, individuals express interest in learning about the negative relationship behaviors and characteristics of their insecurely attached partners. These findings suggest that selective information seeking may have important effects on relationships and may help explain how attachment orientations affect important relationship outcomes.
Constructing Participation in Genetic Databases
Authors: Tutton Richard
Published: February 2007

This paper discusses the discourse of ‘participation’ in the context of genetic databases. Focusing on UK Biobank, it suggests that this discourse can be seen as a reflexive institutional response to public ambivalence towards science and expertise. Drawing on empirical evidence from focus groups, I explore how people from various backgrounds constructed and contested two different kinds of participation in UK Biobank. The first relates to people providing research materials to genetic databases and the second to people becoming ‘co-decision makers’ in these projects. My analysis highlights how focus groups positioned themselves and others in relation to UK Biobank and drew on a variety of ‘discursive repertoires’, such as altruism, public ignorance, expertise, and lay empowerment. I conclude that discourses of participation reflect the way people position themselves and others - as experts, publics, patients, or research subjects - in relation to the opportunities and uncertainties of new biomedical research.
The Legitimation and Dissemination Processes of the Innovation System Approach
Authors: Albert Mathieu , Laberge Suzanne
Published: February 2007

A new approach in science policy making named the innovation system (IS) approach has been developed during the past three decades. Its primary goal is to better understand the processes through which scientific knowledge is produced and transferred to businesses to improve their competitiveness and develop national and/or regional economies. This approach has been adopted as an analytical framework and guideline for science policy making by numerous public sector organizations around the world. Using a case study of the Canadian and Québec public sectors, our research seeks to understand why the IS approach has gained the adherence of government employees and how it has been disseminated from international organizations down to regional civil servants. Findings show that adherence to the IS approach stems from the prestige of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and its associated epistemic community, and from the cultural authority science exerts on government employees; these two factors bestow cultural authority onto the IS approach. The perceived scientific validity of the IS approach also leads government employees to consider its underlying economistic worldview as an unquestionable reality.
The Effect of Common Ground on How Speakers Use Gesture and Speech to Represent Size Information
Authors: Holler Judith , Stevens Rachel
Published: February 2007

Past research has investigated the impact of mutual knowledge on communication by focusing mainly on verbal communication. This study uses a wider focus, which includes speech and gesture. Speakers completed a referential communication task with recipients who did or did not share with them knowledge about the size of certain entities. The results showed that when such common ground exists between interlocutors, speakers' use of gesture and speech is affected. The main finding was that when speakers talked to recipients for whom the size information was new information, they represented this information predominantly in gesture only or in gesture and speech. However, when speakers talked to recipients with whom they shared knowledge about the entities' size, speakers encoded this information mainly verbally but not gesturally. The results are interpreted with respect to past research into common ground and language use, the pragmatics of gesture, and theories of gesture production.
Powerless Language Markers and the Correspondence Bias
Authors: Blankenship Kevin L. , Craig Traci Y.
Published: February 2007

The present research examines the effect of tag questions and hedges on attributions of a target's attitude and the confidence related to the target's behavior (i.e., writing a message). In Study 1, a message containing tag questions and hedges attenuated the correspondence bias when the target was constrained in his or her behavior. This attenuation was mediated by participants' perceptions of the target's confidence in his or her attitude toward the message topic. Study 2 replicated the attenuation effect and found attitudinal confidence rather than general confidence mediated the attenuation. It was further found that tag questions (rather than hedges) were responsible for the bias attenuation (Study 3), which was again mediated by participants' perceptions of the target's confidence.
Is Diagnostic Evidence on the Dilution Effect Weakened When Nondiagnostic Objections Are Added? A Response to Igou (2007)
Authors: Kemmelmeier Markus
Published: February 2007

Kemmelmeier (2007) challenges the notion of conversational basis of the dilution effect by providing a reanalysis of Igou and Bless (2005), new data, and a metaanalysis. Responding to this evidence, Igou (2007) raises a number of objections that are demonstrated to be without merit against the conclusion that the dilution effect is not the result of the applicable conversational norms. However, Igou points to an unanswered question concerning the role of processing motivation in the emergence of the dilution effect.
Sustainable Development and Global Governance
Authors: George Clive
Published: February 2007

The difficulties of achieving sustainable development reflect several internal tensions in the three-pillar approach: The adoption of economic development as a separate pillar from social development challenges the view that the purpose of one is to achieve the other; economic valuation of the environment removes the distinction between environmental and economic goals; and no distinction is drawn between the development of developing countries and the development of developed ones. These tensions are shown to be symptomatic of difficult issues being avoided. A closer examination revives doubts about whether the conservation of the global commons and the development of developing countries can both be achieved without major changes in economic structures and governance systems, nationally as well as globally. It is concluded that the development of more appropriate systems requires imaginative research in every discipline of the social sciences, with a vital role for cooperation between American and Chinese institutions.
Local Governments as Policy Entrepreneurs
Authors: Chapin Timothy S.
Published: February 2007

One centerpiece of Florida’s landmark 1985 growth management legislation was the concept of concurrency, a requirement that new development not proceed unless specific services are in place to service the development. Whereas many analysts have critiqued Florida’s concurrency mandate, these studies have usually focused on concurrency as a concept and not concurrency as actually implemented and practiced by local governments. For this article, we investigated the concurrency practices of 66 local governments in Florida, finding substantial variation in concurrency practices. Beyond this review of local government concurrency practices, the author also draws on the policy implementation literature to learn from Florida’s concurrency experiment.
Boomburb “Buildout”
Authors: Lang Robert , LeFurgy Jennifer
Published: February 2007

Many “boomburbs”—large, fast-growing suburbs—are nearing their “buildout,” the point at which development has reached a city’s borders or has exhausted large-scale greenfield options. Boomburbs will soon face a decision: Do they stop booming once they reach their current limits or develop a new growth model that more intensively uses existing land? Or will they annex more space for continuing greenfield development? The authors surveyed 140 boomburb governments about their buildout plans. The respondents provided information on several variables, including future density, the amount of space left to build on, and the mixture of land uses that will fill this space. The answers varied widely, with some places looking to become far more urbanized, while others rush to build even lower-density development. Yet most boomburbs expect to grow denser as they build out. The article concludes with a discussion on two policy implications of buildout: annexation and governance.
Teaching African American Women’s Experiences With Intimate Male Partner Violence
Authors: Nash Shondrah Tarrezz
Published: February 2007

In earlier research on religious coping and intimate male partner violence, the author interviewed African American women who had experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse by a spouse. This article describes how she uses these narrative accounts to help university students empathically experience the women’s responses to spousal abuse. Interview data, researcher accounts, and gender violence literature combine to validate both the universal and uncommon nature of Black women’s struggle with intimate male partner violence. Black feminist principles are used as a framework for exposing the multiple dynamics that intersect abused African American women’s experiences and worldviews.
New Forms of Transformative Education
Authors: Curry-Stevens Ann
Published: February 2007

Questions abound in the literature and in practice about how best to advance social justice among groups who are content to ignore the chorus of marginalized voices pressing for social change. This qualitative study of 20 community-based practitioners explored how to assist the transformation of privileged learners on issues of race, class, and gender when they are in the training rooms. Pedagogy for the privileged presents an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of adult educators who work with privileged learners on a daily basis in antiracism and diversity training, human rights development, leadership training, sensitivity training, and organizational development workshops. This article describes how grassroots educators understand the transformation process, including its ethical dimensions, and presents a new model for this pedagogy based on confidence shaking and confidence building.
Validity of the SS-QOL in Germany and in Survivors of Hemorrhagic or Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ewert Thomas , Stucki Gerold
Published: February 2007

Objective. The Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) is a recently developed measure to assess health-related quality of life in stroke patients. The objective of this study was to translate the American version of the SS-QOL and examine the validity of the German proxy version, in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke survivors.

Methods. The translation was conducted according to published guidelines. The validation was performed in consecutive adult stroke survivors. Data were obtained 1 year after discharge. To examine the dimensionality of the SS-QOL, factor analyses were conducted. The validity was examined by the associations of the subscales with the Functional Independence Measure and Short Form 36.

Results. The literal translation revealed no major changes between the American and the German versions of the SS-QOL. Three hundred seven stroke survivors were included in the study. Unlike the 1st validation study, most of the variance could be explained by 8 instead of 12 factors; therefore, the 8-factor solution was further examined. The validity of the SS-QOL total score and “observable” scales such as “activities” was shown.

Conclusions. For the German proxy version of the SS-QOL, an 8-factor solution was found to be the most appropriate. The psychometric properties of these 8 subscales were good or excellent with respect to internal consistency. The validity of the total score was shown, but some subscales (energy, mood, and thinking) failed the hypothesized associations. Therefore, the SS-QOL needs to be further explored in other settings and populations.
Resistance Training With Creatine Monohydrate Improves Upper-Body Strength in Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Hass Chris J. , Collins Mitchell A. , Juncos Jorge L.
Published: February 2007

Background. Persons with Parkinson disease (PD) exhibit decreased muscular fitness including decreased muscle mass, muscle strength, bioenergetic capabilities and increased fatigability.

Objective. This purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of resistance training with and without creatine supplementation in patients with mild to moderate PD.

Methods. Twenty patients with idiopathic PD were randomized to receive creatine monohydrate supplementation plus resistance training (CRE) or placebo (lactose monohydrate) plus resistance training (PLA), using a double-blind procedure. Creatine and placebo supplementation consisted of 20 g/d for the first 5 days and 5 g/d thereafter. Both groups participated in progressive resistance training (24 sessions, 2 times per week, 1 set of 8-12 repetitions, 9 exercises). Participants performed 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) for chest press, leg extension, and biceps curl. Muscular endurance was evaluated for chest press and leg extension as the number of repetitions to failure using 60% of baseline 1-RM. Functional performance was evaluated as the time to perform 3 consecutive chair rises.

Results. Statistical analyses (ANOVA) revealed significant Group × Time interactions for chest press strength and biceps curl strength, and post hoc testing revealed that the improvement was significantly greater for CRE. Chair rise performance significantly improved only for CRE (12%, P = .03). Both PLA and CRE significantly improved 1-RM for leg extension (PLA: 16%; CRE: 18%). Muscular endurance improved significantly for both groups.

Conclusions. These findings demonstrate that creatine supplementation can enhance the benefits of resistance training in patients with PD.
Boolean networks using the chi-square test for inferring large-scale gene regulatory networks
Authors: Kim Haseong , Lee Jae K , Park Taesung
Published: February 2007

Background

Boolean network (BN) modeling is a commonly used method for constructing gene regulatory networks from time series microarray data. However, its major drawback is that its computation time is very high or often impractical to construct large-scale gene networks. We propose a variable selection method that are not only reduces BN computation times significantly but also obtains optimal network constructions by using chi-square statistics for testing the independence in contingency tables.

Results

Both the computation time and accuracy of the network structures estimated by the proposed method are compared with those of the original BN methods on simulated and real yeast cell cycle microarray gene expression data sets. Our results reveal that the proposed chi-square testing (CST)-based BN method significantly improves the computation time, while its ability to identify all the true network mechanisms was effectively the same as that of full-search BN methods. The proposed BN algorithm is approximately 70.8 and 7.6 times faster than the original BN algorithm when the error sizes of the Best-Fit Extension problem are 0 and 1, respectively. Further, the false positive error rate of the proposed CST-based BN algorithm tends to be less than that of the original BN.

Conclusion

The CST-based BN method dramatically improves the computation time of the original BN algorithm. Therefore, it can efficiently infer large-scale gene regulatory network mechanisms.
Plasma levels of alpha1-antichymotrypsin and secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor in healthy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects with and without severe α1-antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Hollander Camilla , Westin Ulla , Wallmark Anders , Piitulainen Eeva , Sveger Tomas , Janciauskiene Sabina M
Published: February 2007

Background

Individuals with severe Z α1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency have a considerably increased risk of developing chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). It has been hypothesized that compensatory increases in levels of other protease inhibitors mitigate the effects of this AAT deficiency. We analysed plasma levels of AAT, α1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in healthy (asymptomatic) and COPD subjects with and without AAT deficiency.

Methods

Studied groups included: 71 asymptomatic AAT-deficient subjects (ZZ, n = 48 and SZ, n = 23, age 31 ± 0.5) identified during Swedish neonatal screening for AAT deficiency between 1972 and 1974; age-matched controls (MM, n = 57, age 30.7 ± 0.6); older asymptomatic ZZ (n = 10); healthy MM (n = 20, age 53 ± 9.6); and COPD patients (ZZ, n = 10, age 47.4 ± 11 and MM, n = 10, age 59.4 ± 6.7). Plasma levels of SLPI, AAT and ACT were analysed using ELISA and immunoelectrophoresis.

Results

No significant difference was found in plasma ACT and SLPI levels between the healthy MM and the ZZ or SZ subjects in the studied groups. Independent of the genetic variant, subjects with COPD (n = 19) had elevated plasma levels of SLPI and ACT relative to controls (n = 153) (49.5 ± 7.2 vs 40.7 ± 9.1 ng/ml, p < 0.001 and 0.52 ± 0.19 vs 0.40 ± 0.1 mg/ml, p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings show that plasma levels of ACT and SLPI are not elevated in subjects with genetic AAT deficiency compared MM controls and do not appear to compensate for the deficiency of plasma AAT.