bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of exogenous insulin on blood pressure regulation in healthy and diabetic subjects.
Authors: Vierhapper H
Published: August 2012

To define the role of insulin in blood pressure regulation, the hormone's action on renal sodium handling, potassium balance, pressor reactivity, and the release of catecholamines and aldosterone are summarized. Insulin-stimulated renal sodium reabsorption induces expansion of the extracellular volume, increase in cardiac output, and ultimately, hypertension. On the other hand, the insulin-induced shift of potassium into the cell interior is transient and appears to be of little consequence for long-term blood pressure control. Although the release of norepinephrine is stimulated by insulin, a norepinephrine-mediated pressor effect is prevented in healthy men by a simultaneous norepinephrine-antagonistic action of insulin. The latter causes the fall in blood pressure seen after intravenous insulin in patients with autonomic dysfunction who lack the rise in norepinephrine release. Both in healthy and in diabetic men, exogenous insulin does not modify the pressor effect of angiotensin II, although it impairs the secretion of aldosterone during stimulation by supraphysiological doses of angiotensin II.
Is insulin the link between hypertension and obesity?
Authors: Christlieb A R , Krolewski A S , Warram J H , Soeldner J S
Published: August 2012

Oral glucose tolerance tests with plasma glucose and insulin determinations were performed on 195 patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Patients were divided into three groups according to blood pressure levels: normal, below 140/90 mm Hg; diastolic hypertension, diastolic pressure above 90 mm Hg; and systolic hypertension, systolic pressure above 140 and diastolic pressure below 90 mm Hg. Sex, age, and glucose levels were similar among the groups. By contrast, serum insulin levels were significantly elevated for the patients with diastolic hypertension (p less than 0.01). This difference persisted after correction for body weight. These results suggest a causal relationship between the level of circulating insulin and diastolic blood pressure, and support the concept that hyperinsulinemia may be the common link in the clustering of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Natural history of nephropathy in type I diabetes. Relationship to metabolic control and blood pressure.
Authors: Hasslacher C , Ritz E , Terpstra J , Gallasch G , Kunowski G , Rall C
Published: August 2012

In recent years, the respective roles of metabolic control and blood pressure on the development of nephropathy in patients with type I diabetes have been studied intensively. Based on our own retrospective analysis, we conclude that metabolic control, but not blood pressure, determines the onset of proteinuria in these patients. Once proteinuria has developed, concurrent metabolic control has little effect on the time interval to onset of renal failure. In contrast, blood pressure has great predictive value for the time interval to onset of both renal failure and proliferative retinopathy.
The relationship of the renin-angiotensin system in type I diabetes to microvascular disease.
Authors: Drury P L , Bodansky H J
Published: August 2012

There are conflicting data on the relationship between diabetes mellitus and its complications and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Much of this relates to the patient populations studied (those with types I and II diabetes) and the definitions of diabetic complications. We studied plasma renin activity and concentration, and factors involved in their control (age, blood pressure, and sodium excretion) in 40 healthy subjects (group 1), 18 patients with type I diabetes without complications (group 2), and 31 with type I diabetes with proliferative retinopathy (group 3). The groups were well matched for age, sex, and body weight, but patients in group 3 had higher supine blood pressures than those in the other two groups (133/78 mm Hg vs 118/74 group 1, p less than 0.01; 120/72 group 2, p less than 0.05). Median plasma renin activity, both supine and erect, was 60 to 120% higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p less than 0.001) and 55 to 75% higher than in group 2 (p less than 0.05). There was good evidence of a fall in both values with increasing age in all three groups. Patients in groups 1 and 2 showed evidence of inverse relationships of both blood pressure and urinary sodium with plasma renin activity/concentration ratio, but these relationships were not apparent in subjects in group 3. There is thus evidence of impaired regulation of renin secretion in persons with type I diabetes with proliferative retinopathy, the commonest form of microvascular disease. This may contribute to the relative hypertension and progression of complications.
Systolic blood pressure as a predictor for cardiovascular disease in diabetes. A 5-year longitudinal study.
Authors: Janka H U , Dirschedl P
Published: August 2012

Diabetic patients suffer from atherosclerotic diseases more often and at an earlier stage than nondiabetic persons. The factors predisposing those with diabetes to premature arteriosclerosis are not fully clarified. Data from a 5-year follow-up of 615 diabetic outpatients of the Schwabing Study are reported. Forty-six (8.5%) died from a cardiovascular cause of death, 13 (2.4%) suffered from stroke, 68 (12.5%) showed electrocardiographic changes indicative of significant coronary heart disease, and 11 (2.0%) exhibited an ischemic foot lesion. Univariate and multiple logistic analyses of baseline variables revealed systolic blood pressure as the most consistent risk factor for these events. The frequency of major cardiovascular events was as high in men as in women. It is concluded that systolic blood pressure has been seriously underestimated as a predictor for macrovascular events.
Glucose tolerance during antihypertensive therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Authors: Struthers A D , Murphy M B , Dollery C T
Published: August 2012

Many antihypertensive drugs have adverse effects on glycemic control when they are used in diabetic patients. This was noted for thiazide diuretics in 1960, and the mechanism of the effects remains uncertain. Indirect evidence suggests that changes in the serum potassium are at least contributory, although the principal mechanism of thiazide-induced hyperglycemia is probably a reduction in the insulin response to glucose. Beta blockers also adversely affect blood sugar control but only by a small margin. The main cause for concern with beta blockers, however, is their effect during hypoglycemia in which nonselective agents delay blood sugar recovery. In diabetic patients, the institution of antihypertensive therapy should be followed by a reassessment to note any changes in sugar, potassium, and lipids, or side effects.
Effect of β-Blocker Cessation on Chronotropic Incompetence and Exercise Tolerance in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Hirsh Benjamin J. , Mignatti Andrea , Garan A. Reshad , Uriel Nir , Colombo Paolo , Sims Daniel B. , Jorde Ulrich P.
Published: August 2012

Background—

Chronotropic incompetence is defined as the inability to reach 80% of heart rate (HR) reserve or 80% of the maximally predicted HR during exercise. The presence of chronotropic incompetence is associated with reduced peak oxygen consumption, and rate–responsive pacing therapy is under investigation to improve exercise capacity in heart failure (HF). However, uncertainty exists about whether chronotropic incompetence and reduced exercise tolerance in HF are attributable to β-blockade.

Methods and Results—

Subjects with HF and receiving long-term β-blocker therapy underwent cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance testing under 2 conditions in random sequence: (1) after a 27-hour washout period (Off-BB) and (2) 3 hours after β-blocker ingestion (On-BB). Norepinephrine levels were drawn at rest and at peak exercise. β1-response to norepinephrine was assessed using the chronotropic responsiveness index: ΔHR/Δlog norepinephrine. Nineteen patients with systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction, 22.8±7.7%) were enrolled. Mean age was 49.4±12.3 years. Average carvedilol equivalent dose was 29.1±17.0 mg daily. Peak HR off/on β-blockers was 62.7±18.7% and 51.4±18.2% HR reserve (
P
<0.01) and 79.1±11.0% and 70.3±12.3% maximally predicted HR (
P
<0.01). For the Off-BB and On-BB conditions, the respiratory exchange ratios were 1.05±0.06 and 1.05±0.10 (
P
=0.77), respectively, confirming maximal and near identical effort in both conditions. The peak oxygen consumption was 16.6±3.34 and 15.9±3.31 mL/kg/min (
P
=0.03), and the chronotropic responsiveness index was 19.3±7.2 and 16.2±7.1 (
P
=0.18).

Conclusions—

Acute β-blocker cessation does not normalize the chronotropic response to exercise in patients with advanced HF and chronotropic incompetence.
Myocardial Perfusion Reserve Assessed by T2-Prepared Steady-State Free Precession Blood Oxygen Level–Dependent Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Comparison to Fractional Flow Reserve
Authors: Walcher Thomas , Manzke Robert , Hombach Vinzenz , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Wöhrle Jochen , Bernhardt Peter
Published: August 2012

Background—

Blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has been shown to be able to detect myocardial perfusion differences. However, validation of BOLD CMR against fractional flow reserve (FFR) is lacking. The aim of our study was to analyze the potential diagnostic accuracy of BOLD CMR in comparison to invasively measured FFR, which served as gold standard for a hemodynamic significant coronary lesion.

Methods and Results—

BOLD image was performed at rest and during adenosine infusion in a 1.5-T CMR scanner. Thirty-six patients were analyzed for relative BOLD signal intensity increase according to the 16-segment model. Invasive FFR measurements were performed in the 3 major coronary arteries during adenosine infusion in all patients. An FFR≤0.8 was regarded to indicate a significant coronary lesion. Relative BOLD signal intensity increase was significantly lower in myocardial segments supplied by coronary arteries with an FFR≤0.8 compared with segments with an FFR>0.8 (1.1±0.2 versus 1.5±0.2;
P
<0.0001). Sensitivity and specificity yielded 88.2% and 89.5%, respectively.

Conclusions—

CMR BOLD imaging reliably detects hemodynamic significant coronary artery disease and is, thus, an alternative to contrast–enhanced perfusion studies.
Improvement in Coronary Blood Flow Velocity With Acute Biventricular Pacing Is Predominantly Due to an Increase in a Diastolic Backward-Travelling Decompression (Suction) Wave
Authors: Kyriacou Andreas , Whinnett Zachary I. , Sen Sayan , Pabari Punam A. , Wright Ian , Cornelussen Richard , Lefroy David , Davies D. Wyn , Peters Nicholas S. , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Mayet Jamil , Hughes Alun D. , Francis Darrel P. , Davies Justin E.
Published: August 2012

Background—

Normal coronary blood flow is principally determined by a backward-traveling decompression (suction) wave in diastole. Dyssynchronous chronic heart failure may attenuate suction, because regional relaxation and contraction overlap in timing. We hypothesized that biventricular pacing, by restoring left ventricular (LV) synchronization and improving LV relaxation, might increase this suction wave, improving coronary flow.

Method and Results—

Ten patients with chronic heart failure (9 males; age 65±12; ejection fraction 26±7%) with left bundle-branch block (LBBB; QRS duration 174±18 ms) were atriobiventricularly paced at 100 bpm. LV pressure was measured and wave intensity calculated from invasive coronary flow velocity and pressure, with native conduction (LBBB) and during biventricular pacing at atrioventricular (AV) delays of 40 ms, 120 ms, and separately preidentified hemodynamically optimal AV delay. In comparison with LBBB, biventricular pacing at separately preidentified hemodynamically optimal AV delay (BiV-Opt) enhanced coronary flow velocity time integral by 15% (7%–25%) (
P
=0.007), LV dP/dt
max
by 15% (10%–21%) (
P
=0.005), and
neg
dP/dt
max
by 17% (9%–22%) (
P
=0.005). The cumulative intensity of the diastolic backward decompression (suction) wave increased by 26% (18%–54%) (
P
=0.005). The majority of the increase in coronary flow velocity time integral occurred in diastole (69% [41%–84% ];
P
=0.047). The systolic compression waves also increased: forward by 36% (6%–49%) (
P
=0.022) and backward by 38% (20%–55%) (
P
=0.022). Biventricular pacing at AV delays of 120 ms generated a smaller LV dP/dt
max
(by 12% [5%–23% ],
P
=0.013) and
neg
dP/dt
max
(by 15% [8%–40% ];
P
=0.009) increase than BiV-Opt, against LBBB as reference; BiV-Opt and biventricular pacing at AV delays of 120 ms were not significantly different in coronary flow velocity time integral or waves. Biventricular pacing at AV delays of 40 ms was no different from LBBB.

Conclusions—

When biventricular pacing improves LV contraction and relaxation, it increases coronary blood flow velocity, predominantly by increasing the dominant diastolic backward decompression (suction) wave.
Loss of Perivascular Adipose Tissue on Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ Deletion in Smooth Muscle Cells Impairs Intravascular Thermoregulation and Enhances Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chang Lin , Villacorta Luis , Li Rongxia , Hamblin Milton , Xu Wei , Dou Chunyan , Zhang Jifeng , Wu Jiarui , Zeng Rong , Chen Y. Eugene
Published: August 2012

Background—

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounds most vessels and shares common features with brown adipose tissue (BAT). Although adaptive thermogenesis in BAT increases energy expenditure and is beneficial for metabolic diseases, little is known about the role of PVAT in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. We hypothesize that the thermogenic function of PVAT regulates intravascular temperature and reduces atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

PVAT shares similar structural and proteomics with BAT. We demonstrated that PVAT has thermogenic properties similar to BAT in response to cold stimuli in vivo. Proteomics analysis of the PVAT from mice housed in a cold environment identified differential expression in proteins highly related to cellular metabolic processes. In a mouse model deficient in peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ in smooth muscle cells (SMPG KO mice), we uncovered a complete absence of PVAT surrounding the vasculature, likely caused by peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ deletion in the perivascular adipocyte precursor cells as well. Lack of PVAT, which results in loss of its thermogenic activity, impaired vascular homeostasis, which caused temperature loss and endothelial dysfunction. We further showed that cold exposure inhibits atherosclerosis and improves endothelial function in mice with intact PVAT but not in SMPG KO mice as a result of impaired lipid clearance. Proinflammatory cytokine expression in PVAT is not altered on exposure to cold. Finally, prostacyclin released from PVAT contributes to the vascular protection against endothelial dysfunction.

Conclusions—

PVAT is a vasoactive organ with functional characteristics similar to BAT and is essential for intravascular thermoregulation of cold acclimation. This thermogenic capacity of PVAT plays an important protective role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Examining Trends in Satellite-Detected Tropical Overshooting Tops as a Potential Predictor of Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification
Authors: Monette Sarah A. , Velden Christopher S. , Griffin Kyle S. , Rozoff Christopher M.
Published: August 2012

A geostationary satellite–derived cloud product that is based on a tropical-overshooting-top (TOT) detection algorithm is described for applications over tropical oceans. TOTs are identified using a modified version of a midlatitude overshooting-top detection algorithm developed for severe-weather applications. The algorithm is applied to identify TOT activity associated with Atlantic Ocean tropical cyclones (TCs). The detected TOTs can serve as a proxy for “hot towers,” which represent intense convection with possible links to TC rapid intensification (RI). The purpose of this study is to describe the adaptation of the midlatitude overshooting-top detection algorithm to the tropics and to provide an initial exploration of possible correlations between TOT trends in developing TCs and subsequent RI. This is followed by a cursory examination of the TOT parameter’s potential as a predictor of RI both on its own and in multiparameter RI forecast schemes. RI forecast skill potential is investigated by examining empirical thresholds of TOT activity and trends within prescribed radii of a large sample of developing North Atlantic TC centers. An independent test on Atlantic TCs in 2006–07 reveals that an empirically based TOT scheme has potential as a predictor for RI occurring in the subsequent 24 h, especially for RI maximum wind thresholds of 25 and 30 kt (24 h)−1 (1 kt ≈ 0.5 m s−1). As expected, the stand-alone TOT-based RI scheme is comparatively less accurate than existing objective multiparameter RI prediction methods. A preliminary experiment that adds TOT-based predictors to an objective logistic regression-based scheme is shown to improve slightly the forecast skill of RI, however.
Comparing Ship-Track Droplet Sizes Inferred from Terra and Aqua MODIS Data
Authors: Kabatas Burcu , Menzel W. Paul , Bilgili Ata , Gumley Liam E.
Published: August 2012

In this study of ship tracks, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) measurements from late-morning (Terra) and early-afternoon (Aqua) Earth Observing System platforms are analyzed in five separate geographically distributed cases to compare estimates of the sizes (and their changes in time) of droplets associated with ship exhaust. Ship tracks are readily detected in near-infrared imagery as bright features, especially in 2.13-μm observations. The Terra “MOD06” and Aqua “MYD06” cloud products are used to determine the effective radius of the ship-track droplets; droplet age (time in the atmosphere) is estimated as a function of the distance from the ship. Terra and Aqua MODIS estimates of droplet sizes in ship-track plumes are found to be in agreement, with a correlation greater than 0.90; for the cases studied, droplet sizes in the ship plumes are between 6 and 18 μm. Moreover, the droplets’ size growth rates inferred from the length of the ship track were found to average between 0.5 and 1.0 μm h−1.
Examination of Effective Dielectric Constants of Nonspherical Mixed-Phase Hydrometeors
Authors: Liao Liang , Meneghini Robert
Published: August 2012

The validity of the effective dielectric constant ɛeff for nonspherical mixed-phase particles is tested by comparing the scattering parameters of ice–water mixtures for oblate and prolate spheroids obtained from the conjugate-gradient and fast Fourier transform (CGFFT) numerical scheme with those computed from the T matrix for a homogeneous particle with the derived ɛeff with the same size, shape, and orientation as that of the mixed-phase particle. The accuracy of the effective dielectric constant is evaluated by examining whether the scattering parameters of interest can reproduce those of the direct computations, that is, the CGFFT results. Computations have been run over a range of prolate and oblate spheroids of different axial ratios up to size parameters of 4. It is found that the effective dielectric constant, obtained from realizations of small particles, can be applied to a class of particle types if the fractional water content remains the same. Analysis of the results indicates that the effective dielectric constant approach is useful in computing radar and radiometer polarimetric scattering parameters of nonspherical mixed-phase particles.
Monitoring Drought Conditions and Their Uncertainties in Africa Using TRMM Data
Authors: Naumann G. , Barbosa P. , Carrao H. , Singleton A. , Vogt J.
Published: August 2012

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the uncertainties due to sample size associated with the estimation of the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and their impact on the level of confidence in drought monitoring in Africa using high-spatial-resolution data from short time series. To do this, two different rainfall datasets, each available on a monthly basis, were analyzed over four river basins in Africa—Oum er-Rbia, Limpopo, Niger, and eastern Nile—as well as at the continental level. The two precipitation datasets used were the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite monthly rainfall product 3B43 and the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre full-reanalysis gridded precipitation dataset. A nonparametric resampling bootstrap approach was used to compute the confidence bands associated with the SPI estimation, which are essential for making a qualified assessment of drought events. The comparative analysis of different datasets suggests that for reliable drought monitoring over Africa it is feasible to use short time series of remote sensing precipitation data, such as those from TRMM, that have a higher spatial resolution than other gridded precipitation data. The proposed approach for drought monitoring has the potential to be used in support of decision making at both continental and subcontinental scales over Africa or over other regions that have a sparse distribution of rainfall measurement instruments.
Assessment of Aerosol Modes Used in the MODIS Ocean Aerosol Retrieval
Authors: Wang Jiacheng , Zhao Qiang , Cui Shengcheng , Zhu Chengjie
Published: August 2012

Coastal and island Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sites are used to determine characteristic aerosol modes over marine environments. They are compared with the assumed modes used in the operational Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) ocean aerosol algorithm, and the results show that 1) the standard deviation values of three fine aerosol modes (0.6) and one dustlike aerosol mode (0.8) are much higher than the corresponding statistical AERONET modal values (0.45 and 0.6, respectively). The values of three sea salt aerosol modes (0.6) are somewhat lower than the corresponding statistical AERONET modal value (0.675). 2) The number median radius of the current fine and dustlike aerosol modes cannot span the dynamic range of corresponding aerosol distribution properly. 3) AERONET products show that the standard deviation and the number median radius exhibit an obvious negative correlation, especially for sea salt and dustlike aerosol modes. According to this, a refinement of the current aerosol modes is made. These revised modes are used in a version of the MODIS retrieval over ocean. Compared with the current aerosol modes: 1) more retrieved aerosol optical depths (AODs) from the revised aerosol modes lie within the expected error bars and 2) the linear regression lines of the retrievals from the revised aerosol modes and AERONET are closer to the 1:1 line.
A Predictable AMO-Like Pattern in the GFDL Fully Coupled Ensemble Initialization and Decadal Forecasting System
Authors: Yang Xiaosong , Rosati Anthony , Zhang Shaoqing , Delworth Thomas L. , Gudgel Rich G. , Zhang Rong , Vecchi Gabriel , Anderson Whit , Chang You-Soon , DelSole Timothy , Dixon Keith , Msadek Rym , Stern William F. , Wittenberg Andrew , Zeng Fanrong
Published: August 2012

The decadal predictability of sea surface temperature (SST) and 2-m air temperature (T2m) in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) decadal hindcasts, which are part of the Fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project experiments, has been investigated using an average predictability time (APT) analysis. Comparison of retrospective forecasts initialized using the GFDL Ensemble Coupled Data Assimilation system with uninitialized historical forcing simulations using the same model allows identification of the internal multidecadal pattern (IMP) for SST and T2m. The IMP of SST is characterized by an interhemisphere dipole, with warm anomalies centered in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre region and North Pacific subpolar gyre region, and cold anomalies centered in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current region. The IMP of T2m is characterized by a general bipolar seesaw, with warm anomalies centered in Greenland and cold anomalies centered in Antarctica. The retrospective prediction skill of the initialized system, verified against independent observational datasets, indicates that the IMP of SST may be predictable up to 4 (10) yr lead time at 95% (90%) significance level, and the IMP of T2m may be predictable up to 2 (10) yr at the 95% (90%) significance level. The initialization of multidecadal variations of northward oceanic heat transport in the North Atlantic significantly improves the predictive skill of the IMP. The dominant roles of oceanic internal dynamics in decadal prediction are further elucidated by fixed-forcing experiments in which radiative forcing is returned abruptly to 1961 values. These results point toward the possibility of meaningful decadal climate outlooks using dynamical coupled models if they are appropriately initialized from a sustained climate observing system.
Forecasting with Reference to a Specific Climatology
Authors: Wallace Emily , Arribas Alberto
Published: August 2012

Seasonal forecasts are most commonly issued as anomalies with respect to some multiyear reference period. However, different seasonal forecasting centers use different reference periods. This paper shows that for near-surface temperature, precipitation, and mean sea level pressure, over most regions of the world there is evidence that these differences between reference periods should not be ignored, especially when forecasters combine outputs from several prediction systems. Three methods are presented by which reference periods could be adjusted, and it is shown that the differences between the proposed methods are smaller than the errors that result from not correcting for different reference periods.
The Value of Unregulated Business-NGO Interaction
Authors: Baur Dorothea , Arenas Daniel
Published: August 2012

Political theories in general and deliberative democracy in particular have become quite popular in business ethics over the past few years. However, the model of deliberative democracy as generally referred to in business ethics is only appropriate for conceptualizing interaction between business and society which occurs within a context which is more or less institutionalized. The model cannot account for “unregulated” interaction between business and civil society. The authors argue that scholars need to resort to the so called “critical strand” of deliberative democracy if we want to conceptualize interaction that happens without the involvement of decision-making institutions as political action in a deliberative sense. Adopting this approach allows us to identify cases in which unregulated interaction between business and civil society is preferable over institutionalization.
Testing Noise in the Field
Authors: Benfield Jacob A. , Nurse Gretchen A. , Jakubowski Robert , Gibson Adam W. , Taff B. Derrick , Newman Peter , Bell Paul A.
Published: August 2012

Noise, or unwanted sound, exposure has been shown to have a wide range of negative physical and psychological effects. Although situational context, sound characteristics, and individual expectation affect the experience of noise and its related outcomes, the personality trait of noise sensitivity also plays a critical role in assessing noise impacts. As the most widely used 21-item Noise Sensitivity Scale measure of sensitivity is often too long to administer in time-sensitive field settings, the authors conducted five studies to create and validate a shortened, field friendly version of the original, longer measure of noise sensitivity. The resulting five-item measure of noise sensitivity was shown to be internally consistent, temporally stable, highly correlated with the original measure, and predictive of noise-related outcomes such as attitudes toward specific noise, acceptability ratings of noise events, and motivations for visiting quiet locations. The applied value of the scale and implications for facilitating future research are discussed.
Systematic Sorting
Authors: Kalogrides Demetra , Loeb Susanna , Béteille Tara
Published: August 2012

Although prior research has documented differences in the distribution of teacher characteristics across schools serving different student populations, few studies have examined the extent to which teacher sorting occurs within schools. This study uses data from one large urban school district and compares the class assignments of teachers who teach in the same grade and in the same school in a given year. The authors find that less experienced, minority, and female teachers are assigned classes with lower achieving students than are their more experienced, white, and male colleagues. Teachers who have held leadership positions and those who attended more competitive undergraduate institutions are also assigned higher achieving students. These patterns are found at both the elementary and middle/high school levels. The authors explore explanations for these patterns and discuss their implications for achievement gaps, teacher turnover, and the estimation of teacher value-added.
Youth-Led Decision Making in Community Development Grants
Authors: Blanchet-Cohen Natasha , Manolson Sarah , Shaw Katie
Published: August 2012

This study examines youth-led decision making (YLDM) among groups of youth who are providers or recipients of community development grants. Focus groups, interviews, and participant observation with 14- to 20-year-olds and supporting adults showed youth have a preference for consensus-based decisions. Youth used due process to reach decisions while valuing differing viewpoints. Adults created appropriate spaces and guided without controlling. Youth directly involved in the YLDM process experienced the greatest and most immediate benefit though other youth, and the community as a whole also felt positive impacts over time. The study considers the type of supports required for young people to make meaningful decisions and points to the capacity of youth, and the potential of YLDM, for community development.
Stability of Educational Expectations Among Baccalaureate Aspirants Beginning at Community Colleges
Authors: Wang Xueli
Published: August 2012

Using data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002, this study explored factors that predict stability of educational expectations among baccalaureate aspirants beginning at community colleges. Based on a nationally representative sample of baccalaureate-aspiring high school seniors of 2004 who entered community colleges as their first postsecondary institutions, this study tested a logistic regression model and found that among precollege characteristics, students’ SES and perceived importance of getting a good education were positively related to the likelihood of retaining baccalaureate expectations 2 years after high school graduation. Among postsecondary predictors, the likelihood of students’ persistence in baccalaureate expectations was positively influenced by interaction with faculty members outside of class and studying in school libraries, but was negatively associated with having reading remediation, receiving financial aid, and being married. These findings have implications for community colleges in providing effective educational practices to help students move forward toward their degree goals.
Tracing Family, Teaching Race
Authors: Mueller Jennifer C.
Published: August 2012

The “millennial” historical moment presents fresh dilemmas for race-critical instructors. In addition to being well-versed in colorblind racial discourse, millennial students are socialized in a pop-cultural milieu that implies a more integrated, racially egalitarian world than exists in reality and includes claims that U.S. society is now “post-racial.” Millennials’ enthusiastic consumption of race in an era of seeming progress leads them to assume an ever greater social distance between their generation and the relics of those they consider “real” racists, as well as between the former eras of de jure white supremacy and the more racially meritocratic structure they presume exists today. In light of such obstacles, race-critical instructors must employ creative strategies to help students understand and identify their connections to larger, structural matters that create and sustain racial inequality at the systemic level. I introduce one successful approach, where students examine the social reproduction of racial inequality by tracing their family histories of wealth and capital acquisition and transfer.
Dispositional Anxiety Blocks the Psychological Effects of Power
Authors: Maner Jon K. , Gailliot Matthew T. , Menzel Andrew J. , Kunstman Jonathan W.
Published: August 2012

A growing body of research demonstrates that power promotes a fundamental orientation toward approach and agency. The current studies suggest that this tendency is moderated by dispositional anxiety. In two experiments, high levels of dispositional anxiety blocked the psychological effects of power. Although people low in anxiety responded to a power prime with greater willingness to take risks, those high in anxiety did not (Experiment 1). Similarly, whereas those low in social anxiety responded to power with increased sexual attraction toward a confederate, individuals high in social anxiety failed to show the same effect (Experiment 2). In both studies, the interaction between power and anxiety was statistically mediated by perceptions of reward. Although power enhanced people’s perceptions of reward, this effect was eliminated by high levels of dispositional anxiety. This research provides insight into how, and in whom, power promotes approach and agentic behavior.
He Loves Her, He Loves Her Not
Authors: Hart Joshua , Hung Jacqueline A. , Glick Peter , Dinero Rachel E.
Published: August 2012

The authors present an integrative account of how attachment insecurities relate to sexism. Two studies showed that attachment avoidance predisposes men to endorse hostile but to reject benevolent sexism (BS), whereas attachment anxiety predisposes men toward ambivalent (both hostile and benevolent) sexism. The authors also tested predicted mediators, finding that men’s social dominance orientation (a competitive intergroup ideology) mediated the avoidance to hostile sexism link. In addition, romanticism (an idealized interpersonal ideology) mediated attachment insecurity to BS links: (a) Avoidant men tended to reject romanticism (i.e., were cynical about romance) and, in turn, were likely to reject BS, whereas (b) anxious men tended to endorse romanticism (i.e., were idealistic about romance) and, in turn, likely to endorse BS. The authors conclude that men’s sexism stems in part from dispositional attachment working models, both directly and through the interpersonal and intergroup ideologies they generate.
Vector Assignment Ordered Median Problem
Authors: Lei Ting L. , Church Richard L.
Published: August 2012

The vector assignment p-median problem (VAPMP) and the ordered p-median problem (OMP) are important extensions of the classic p-median problem. The VAPMP extends the p-median problem by allowing assignment of a demand to multiple facilities, and a wide variety of multi-assignment and backup location problems are special cases of this problem. The OMP optimizes a weighted sum of service distances according to their relative ranks among all demands. The OMP is well known as it represents a generalization of both the p-median and the p-center problems. In this article, a new model is developed which extends both the VAPMP and OMP problems. In addition, beyond median, center, and vector assignment, this new model can resolve problems where the system objective involves maximizing distance. The new model also gives rise to meaningful special-case problems, such as a “reliable p-center” problem. Different integer linear programming (ILP) formulations of the new problem are presented and tested. It is demonstrated that an efficient formulation for a special case of the VAOMP problem can solve medium sized problems optimally in a reasonable amount of time.
Working memory and musical competence of musicians and non-musicians
Authors: Hansen Mads , Wallentin Mikkel , Vuust Peter
Published: August 2012

Musical ability has been found to be associated with an enhancement of verbal working memory. In this study, we investigated whether this effect would generalize to visual-spatial working memory as would be expected if the effect were driven by general intelligence. We administered the WAIS-III Digit Span; the WMS-III Spatial Span; and the Musical Ear Test (MET), a forced-choice same/different listening task measuring musical ability, to non-musicians, amateur musicians, and expert musicians. Expert musicians significantly outperformed non-musicians on the Digit Span. Additionally, Digit Span Forward scores were found to be correlated with MET total scores and with scores on the rhythm subtest of the MET. No between-group differences were found on the Spatial Span.
Affective constraints on acquisition of musical concepts: Children’s and adults’ development of the major–minor distinction
Authors: Thompson Clarissa A. , Opfer John E.
Published: August 2012

Across cultures and age groups music has a powerful impact on human affective states. We examined the effect of these affective responses on children’s and adults’ ability to label musical excerpts as major or minor. Adults, 10-year-olds, and 5-year-olds rated affective quality of excerpts that differed by mode, tempo, pitch, and excerpt type and then categorized the excerpts by mode. Trial-by-trial assessment of category judgments indicated performance was accurately predicted by subjects’ association of affective valence with musical properties. Specifically, strength of this association prior to training predicted greater category knowledge, types of errors, and age differences in learning.
Congruency between instrumental background music and behavior on a website
Authors: Guéguen Nicolas , Jacob Céline
Published: August 2012

Previous research studying the effect of background music on consumer behavior has used music associated with lyrics and failed to use a no music control condition. Instrumental music (jazz and djembe) was played or not while participants browsed the website of a well-known seaside resort and participants were instructed to select a type of accommodation. It was found that djembe music was associated more with a choice of outdoor accommodation while jazz music was associated with greater interest for hotel accommodation. Both music conditions showed a significant difference from the no music control condition. The ability of instrumental music to prime different memories and feelings is used to explain these results.
The Art Psychotherapy Median Group
Authors: Dudley Jane
Published: August 2012

Median and large art psychotherapy group theories offer facilitators within psychiatric settings understanding of the benefits of larger regular group membership; something desired but often absent in art psychotherapy groups, and also various groups run within the psychiatric services such as activity and community meetings. Instead, sporadic, ever changing membership is familiar with the result that thinking and reflection is frequently kept on each individual member. To keep the focus predominantly on the group can result in steady membership and provide the opportunity for institutional, societal, cultural, class and political concerns to be considered.
Risk Factors for Hospitalization in a National Sample of Medicare Home Health Care Patients
Authors: Fortinsky Richard H. , Madigan Elizabeth A. , Sheehan T. Joseph , Tullai-McGuinness Susan , Kleppinger Alison
Published: August 2012

Acute care hospitalization during or immediately following a Medicare home health care (HHC) episode is a major adverse outcome, but little has been published about HHC patient-level risk factors for hospitalization. The authors determined risk factors at HHC admission associated with subsequent acute care hospitalization in a nationally representative Medicare patient sample ( N = 374,123). Hospitalization was measured using Medicare claims data; risk factors were measured using Outcome Assessment and Information Set data. Seventeen percent of sample members were hospitalized. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that the most influential risk factors (all p < .001) were skin wound as primary HHC diagnosis, clinician-judged guarded rehabilitation prognosis, congestive heart failure as primary HHC diagnosis, presence of depressive symptoms, dyspnea severity, and Black, compared to White. HHC initiatives that minimize chronic condition exacerbations and actively treat depressive symptoms might help reduce Medicare patient hospitalizations. Unmeasured reasons for higher hospitalization rates among Black HHC patients deserve further investigation.
The Value of Resident Choice During Daily Care
Authors: Simmons Sandra F. , Durkin Daniel W. , Rahman Annie N. , Schnelle John F. , Beuscher Linda M.
Published: August 2012

Allowing long-term care (LTC) residents to make choices about their daily life activities is a central tenet of resident-centered care. This study examined whether staff and family rated care episodes involving choice differently from care episodes not involving choice. Seventeen nurse aide and 15 family participants were shown paired video vignettes of care interactions. Participants were asked to rate their preferred care vignette using a standardized forced-choice questionnaire. Focus groups were held separately for staff and family members following this rating task to determine reasons for their preferences. Both staff and family rated the vignettes depicting choice as “strongly” preferred to the vignettes without choice. Reasons provided for the preference ratings during the focus group discussions related to resident well-being, sense of control, and respondents’ own personal values. These findings have implications for LTC staff training related to resident-centered care to promote choice.
Demographic Diversity of Managers and Employee Job Satisfaction
Authors: Choi Sungjoo
Published: August 2012

As the proportion of racial/ethnic minorities and women in the workforce has increased, there has been the growing concern of integrating them into the mainstream of the organization. This study explores how demographic diversity (racial and gender diversity) of management influences job satisfaction of employees in public organizations. It contributes to our understanding of the role of demographically diverse managerial teams in managing the workforce by analyzing the recent data from 191 federal agencies collected in 2008 and by using a methodologically rigorous method (multilevel modeling). The results show that the higher proportion of racial/ethnic minorities and women in managerial positions is negatively related to employee job satisfaction. Racial/ethnic minorities are more satisfied with their job and organization when there are higher levels of racial/ethnic diversity in managerial positions. No significantly different impacts of gender diversity on job satisfaction of men and women were found. Diversity climate positively moderates the relationships between racial/ethnic and gender diversity of managers and job satisfaction of employees, whereas procedural justice and leadership negatively moderated the relationships.
Anticipated Discrimination and a Career Choice in Nonprofit
Authors: Ng Eddy S.W. , Schweitzer Linda , Lyons Sean T.
Published: August 2012

As a stigmatized group, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) individuals are vulnerable to employment discrimination and receive little legal protection. They have had to cope with discrimination and engage in identity management to conceal their sexual identity. This study seeks to determine whether LGBT individuals, in anticipation of discrimination, have lower initial career expectations, espouse more altruistic work values, and make career choices based on those work values, when compared to heterosexual individuals. Using data from a large survey of postsecondary students, we found that LGBT individuals, after controlling for age, visible minority status, and major of study, reported lower salary expectations than heterosexual individuals. LGBT individuals were also more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to espouse “altruistic” work values and to indicate a career choice in the nonprofit sector. We suggest that “altruism” may be an important work value that is related to a career choice in the public and nonprofit sectors.
The Learning Intentions of Low-Qualified Employees
Authors: Kyndt Eva , Dochy Filip , Onghena Patrick , Baert Herman
Published: August 2012

In the continuously changing society and knowledge-intensive economy, the demand for the recurrent updating of competencies is coming to the fore for all employees, including low-qualified employees. Employees are considered low qualified when they do not have a starter qualification for higher education. Although many educational studies have focused on fostering learning under favorable circumstances, learning under less favorable circumstances—such as fewer career prospects and restricted possibilities for professional and personal development associated with low qualifications—has received fairly little attention. Participants in this cross-sectional, survey-based study were 246 low-qualified employees from eight different organizations. Results of the multilevel analyses show gender differences and differences between employees with different types of employment contracts. In addition, the seniority of employees showed a negative relation with learning intentions. Finally, learning intentions were positively predicted by self-directedness, financial satisfaction, and perceived support for learning.
Supporting New Teachers of Students With Significant Disabilities Through Virtual Coaching
Authors: Israel Maya , Carnahan Christina R. , Snyder Kathleen K. , Williamson Pamela
Published: August 2012

New teachers of students with significant disabilities are expected to use evidence-based practices that build academic and functional skills from their first day on the job. Yet, these teachers may struggle with applying information learned in their preservice coursework to their daily instructional practices. One widely accepted means of supporting new special educators is mentoring and coaching. However, geographic and time constraints often limit the amount and quality of mentoring and coaching. This article provides a framework of virtual coaching for supporting new teachers working with students with significant disabilities in a way that addresses these access to coaching issues and describes means of incorporating multiple, integrated online technologies.
Corticosteroids for the Treatment of Infantile Spasms
Authors: Arya Ravindra , Shinnar Shlomo , Glauser Tracy A.
Published: August 2012

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosteroids are the usual first-line treatment options for infantile spasms. Despite significant differences, these agents are often lumped together in this context. There is a need to systematically explore the efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of infantile spasms, especially in comparison to ACTH. This review identified and analyzed corticosteroid clinical trials and summarized their short-term efficacy and tolerability. Primary outcome was cessation of spasms and abolition of hypsarrhythmia on prolonged video electroencephalographic monitoring. Eight corticosteroid clinical trials were found with only 2 fulfilling the criteria for adequate design. The weighted-mean efficacy of corticosteroids to achieve primary outcome was 31% for these 2 methodologically adequate studies. Including reanalyzed data from 3 other studies, the corticosteroid efficacy was found to be 42%. On the basis of the available evidence, the efficacy of high-dose corticosteroids is similar to low-dose ACTH and inferior to high-dose ACTH, the current standard treatment.