bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceramides Extracted from Wool: Pilot Plant Solvent Extraction
Authors: Ramírez Raquel , Martí Meritxell , Manich Albert , Parra Jose Luis , Coderch Luisa
Published: March 2008

Ceramides extracted from wool fibers have proved to be beneficial in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations in the treatment and care of skin and human hair. This work sought to obtain internal wool lipid extract enriched in ceramides at pilot plant level without causing significant damage to the wool fiber. To this end, two extraction methodologies were performed using two solvents — acetone and methanol. Analyses of wool extracts were performed by thin layer chromatography coupled to an automated ionization detector, and chemical and mechanical evaluations of extracted wool were carried out. Larger amounts of ceramides were obtained when wool fibers were extracted with methanol than with acetone with some modifications of the fiber properties. This lipid extract could be a by-product with a high added value for the wool industry.
Urban Parents of Children With Special Needs
Authors: Munn-Joseph Marlene S. , Gavin-Evans Karen
Published: March 2008

Three families living in an urban area in the Midwest with elementary-age children diagnosed with disabilities were interviewed about their family involvement in special education programming and intervention. The study explored how three mothers used social networks to advocate and care for their child's special education programming. Using Brigg's distinction of social networks that serve as social supports and ones that serve as social leverage as a conceptual framework, we aim to help further understand how parents advocate for their children in the parent—school relationship.
Future Time Perspective, Hope, and Ethnic Identity Among African American Adolescents
Authors: Adelabu Detris Honora
Published: March 2008

This study examines the relationship of academic achievement to future time perspective (FTP), hope, and ethnic identity among low-income, rural and urban African American adolescents ( N = 661). Findings indicate that adolescents who are oriented toward the future, determined to reach their goals (hope), and interested in and have a strong sense of belonging to their ethnic group tend to academically outperform adolescents reporting lower scores in the areas of FTP, hope, and ethnic identity. Regression analyses indicate that FTP, hope, and ethnic identity explain a significant, independent portion of the variability in academic achievement. However, ethnic identity is a stronger predictor of academic achievement for urban than rural African American adolescents.
Disposition and Antimuscarinic Effects of the Urinary Bladder Spasmolytics Propiverine: Influence of Dosage Forms and Circadian‐Time Rhythms
Authors: May Karen , Westphal Kristin , Giessmann Thomas , Wegner Danilo , Adam Ulrike , Lerch Markus M. , Oertel Reinhard , Warzok Rolf W. , Weitschies Werner , Braeter Manfred , Siegmund Werner
Published: March 2008

Propiverine extended release is expected to be better tolerated compared to immediate release tablets because of slower drug release and reduced formation of active metabolites in the colon. CYP3A4 and ABCC2, the major variables in pharmacokinetics of propiverine, are less expressed in the colon. Therefore, disposition and pharmacodynamics of propiverine were measured in a double‐blind, double‐dummy, crossover study with administration of 15 mg immediate release 3 times daily for 7 days compared to 45 mg extended release once daily for 7 days in 24 healthy subjects. Twelve subjects also received 15 mg propiverine intravenously. Serum and urine propiverine levels were measured repeatedly following oral administration on day 7 for up to 72 hours and correlated to duodenal expression of CYP3A4, ABCB1, and ABCC2. Propiverine immediate release 3 times daily was not different to extended release once daily in areas under the serum concentration‐time curve (0–24 hours) and peak‐trough fluctuation. The areas under the serum concentration‐time curve of propiverine immediate release was circadian‐time‐dependent, with the lowest values during the night. Disposition of intravenous propiverine and propiverine immediate release administered in the night was influenced by intestinal expression of ABCC2. We concluded that oral absorption of propiverine is site‐dependent and influenced by dosage form and circadian‐time‐dependent elimination processes.
Adolescents' Identity Experiments on the Internet
Authors: Valkenburg Patti M. , Peter Jochen
Published: March 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adolescents' online identity experiments on their social competence and self-concept unity. An online survey was conducted among 1,158 Dutch adolescents between 10 and 17 years of age. Using structural equation modeling, the authors investigated the validity of four opposing effects hypotheses in an integrative antecedents-and-effects model. Adolescents who more often experimented with their identity on the Internet more often communicated online with people of different ages and cultural backgrounds. This communication, in turn, had a positive effect on adolescents' social competence but did not affect their self-concept unity. In particular, lonely adolescents used the Internet to experiment with their identity. The social competence of lonely adolescents benefited significantly from these online identity experiments.
A Changing View
Authors: Covert Juanita J. , Dixon Travis L.
Published: March 2008

This research involved a content analysis of mainstream women's magazines in 1999 and 2004 and an experiment designed to examine the effect of counterstereotypical portrayals on readers. White women were overrepresented while Latina and Black women were underrepresented in mainstream women's magazine articles in 2004 compared to U.S. Census data, although not as much as in 1999. Representation of women of color as professionals also increased. The experiment found that exposure to articles featuring counterstereotypical depictions of women of color tended to elevate the occupational expectations of women of color among White readers but not people of color. The theoretical implications are discussed in light of subgrouping and exemplification.
On the Behavioral Component of the Third-Person Effect
Authors: Ye Sun  , Lijiang Shen  , Zhongdang Pan
Published: March 2008

This article examines the behavioral hypothesis of the third-person effect. It argues that self-other disparities in perceived message effects lead to specific rectifying behaviors due to, presumably, a recognition of the problematic situation defined by perceived effects. Such behaviors would be aimed at restricting messages with negative influence, correcting messages with ambiguous influence, and amplifying messages with positive influence. The hypothesis was tested with models specified through “the diamond method.” These models allow for estimating effects of perceptual disparity while controlling for overall perceived message effects. Results from Web-based survey data showed that the third-person perception (i.e., greater effect on others than on self) was a robust and significant predictor across all three messages. But the directions of such effects differed across messages with desirable or undesirable presumed influence. Theoretical and methodological implications for future research on the behavioral hypothesis of third-person effect are discussed.
Locating Mothers
Authors: Dillaway Heather , Paré Elizabeth
Published: March 2008

Most women must decide whether to work for pay while mothering or make mothering their sole social role. Often this decision is portrayed in terms of whether they will be “stay-at-home” and presumably “full-time” mothers, or “working mothers” and therefore ones who prioritize paid work over caregiving. Inferred within this construction is women's physical location as well—either women are at home or work, not both. In this article, the authors explore common conceptualizations of stay-at-home versus working motherhood, as evidenced by feminist family scholarship and recent media items. To keep in tune with contemporary media conversations, the authors begin to investigate what cultural discourse about these mothers also illustrates about our definitions of home, and the individuals and activities that exist within this space. In writing this conceptual piece, the authors' goal is to initiate further feminist research on motherhood and paid work, and women's locations while engaging in both.
Impact of PSA Screening on the Incidence of Advanced Stage Prostate Cancer in the United States: A Surveillance Modeling Approach
Authors: Etzioni Ruth , Gulati Roman , Falcon Seth , Penson David F.
Published: March 2008

Background and objective. Both the detection and the treatment of prostate cancer have undergone important clinical advances. Simultaneously, both distant stage incidence and disease-specific mortality have fallen in the United States. A recent study suggests that if prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing explains the decline in distant stage incidence, then it may be largely responsible for the decline in mortality. The objective was to quantify this link between PSA screening and the decline in distant stage incidence. Methods. A fixed-cohort simulation model of prostate cancer progression and screening was adapted to a population-based model that integrates new data on trends in testing and biopsy practices. The model was calibrated to pre-PSA incidence and then screening was superimposed, obtaining incidence projections in the absence and presence of testing. This approach permits calculation of clinically relevant measures for model validation and direct assessment of the role of testing in the distant stage incidence decline. Results. The model validated well with prior studies of natural history, and the sensitivity analysis indicated that the findings were robust to variation in model parameters. Model results indicate that PSA screening accounts for approximately 80% of the observed decline in distant stage incidence. Conclusions. PSA screening contributed to the observed declines in distant stage incidence and mortality in the 1990s. However, additional factors, such as increasing awareness of prostate cancer and advances in treatment, have probably also played a role in these trends.
Snowboarding and Ski Boarding Injuries in Niigata, Japan
Authors: Sakamoto Yuko , Sakuraba Keishoku
Published: March 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the injury patterns and incidence of snowboarding and ski boarding injuries with that of alpine skiing in 2000 to 2005, as there are few previous studies comparing these 3 sports, especially in Asia.

Hypothesis

The injury patterns are different among the 3 snow sports.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

The subjects were alpine skiers (1240 cases), snowboarders (2220 cases), and ski boarders (132 cases) who were injured in 2 ski resorts located in Niigata prefecture in Japan and visited the authors’ clinics in these ski resorts between 2000 and 2005. On visiting the clinics, patients completed a questionnaire reviewing the circumstances surrounding the injury event, and physicians documented the diagnosis.

Results

The injury rate, which was based on all purchased lift tickets, in snowboarding decreased gradually, although it was still 2 times higher than that of alpine skiing. Snowboarding and ski boarding had a higher fracture and dislocation rate. Both sports also had a 4 times higher rate of injuries because of jumping. The characteristics of ski boarding were a lower head and neck injury rate and collision injury rate than those of the other 2 snow sports, as well as a 2 times higher rate of fractures compared with alpine skiing injuries and a 1.4 times higher incidence than that of snowboarding injuries. Of the fractures caused by ski boarding accidents, 39.6% affected the lower leg bones.

Conclusion

Injury prevention strategies should focus on jumps for snowboarders and ski boarders.
The Addition of Rotator Interval Closure after Arthroscopic Repair of Either Anterior or Posterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Mologne Timothy S. , Zhao Kristin , Hongo Michio , Romeo Anthony A. , An Kai-Nan , Provencher Matthew T.
Published: March 2008

Background

Although the use of rotator interval closure is frequently advocated as a useful supplement to shoulder instability repairs, the addition of a rotator interval closure after arthroscopic instability repair has not been fully investigated.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate whether a rotator interval closure improves glenohumeral stability in an anterior and posterior instability shoulder model.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Fourteen fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulder specimens were dissected free of soft tissues, leaving the rotator cuff intact with simulated cuff loading. All specimens were mounted in a custom testing apparatus using infrared sensors to document glenohumeral translation and rotation. The specimens were then tested for stability in the following order: vented/subluxated state, after arthroscopic anterior (Group 1; 7 specimens) or posterior (Group 2; 7 specimens) instability repair with suture anchors, and then after rotator interval closure. For each of the 3 testing conditions, the following were measured: (1) external and internal rotation at neutral, (2) external and internal rotation at 90° of abduction, (3) posterior and anterior translation at neutral rotation (15 N and 25 N), (4) anterior translation at 90° of abduction and external rotation (Group 1; 15 N and 25 N), (5) posterior translation at 90° of flexion and internal rotation (Group 2; 15 N and 25 N), and (6) sulcus testing in neutral (7.5 N).

Results

Posterior stability was only improved after anchor capsulolabral repair (8.0 to 5.0 mm; P = .017, 25 N), but there was no improvement after rotator interval closure (5.0 to 4.6 mm; P = .453). However, anterior stability was improved after capsulolabral repair (8.6 to 4.0 mm; P = .016, 25 N) and also improved further by rotator interval closure (4.0 to 2.4 mm; P = .007). The mean loss of external rotation was significantly increased by the addition of the rotator interval closure in both neutral and abducted glenohumeral positions, with a mean external rotation loss of 28° in neutral ( P = .013). The addition of a rotator interval closure did not improve sulcus stability ( P = .4).

Conclusion

The addition of an arthroscopic rotator interval closure after posterior capsulolabral repair did not improve posterior stability; however, anterior stability was improved further after a rotator interval closure. Inferior stability was not improved. Arthroscopic rotator interval closure significantly decreased external rotation at both neutral and abducted arm positions.

Clinical Relevance

Arthroscopic closure may be beneficial in certain cases of anterior shoulder instability; however, posterior instability was not improved. Predictable losses of external rotation after rotator interval closure are of concern.
Augmentation of Tendon-to-Bone Healing with a Magnesium-Based Bone Adhesive
Authors: Gulotta Lawrence V. , Kovacevic David , Ying Liang , Ehteshami John R. , Montgomery Scott , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: March 2008

Background

Healing of an anterior cruciate ligament graft in a bone tunnel occurs by formation of fibrous scar tissue, which is weaker than the normal fibrocartilaginous insertion.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that a magnesium-based bone adhesive would improve tendon-to-bone healing in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction model.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Thirty-five New Zealand White rabbits underwent bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions with semitendinosus autografts. A total of 12.5 g of bone adhesive was placed in the intraosseous tunnel around the graft in one limb, while the tunnels in the contralateral limb received no implant. Sixteen animals each were sacrificed at 3 weeks and at 6 weeks (12 biomechanical testing/4 histology). Outcomes included semiquantitative histologic analyses for new cartilage formation and fibrous tissue formation in the tendon-bone interface, microcomputed tomography to quantify new bone formation along the bone tunnel, and biomechanical testing of load-to-failure and stiffness. Three animals were sacrificed at time 0 to confirm adequate tunnel fill with the bone adhesive on microcomputed tomography.

Results

All specimens had adequate tunnel fill with the bone adhesive at time 0. Application of the bone adhesive resulted in more cartilage formation and less fibrous tissue formation at the tendon-bone interface at 6 weeks compared with controls ( P < .05). There was significantly more bone formation in the tibia of the treated limbs at 6 weeks ( P = .01). The load-to-failure was significantly higher in the treated group at 6 weeks (71.8 ± 31.8 N vs 43.4 ± 14.8 N; P = .04). There were no differences in stiffness at either time point, and there were no differences at 3 weeks in any outcome variable.

Conclusion

The magnesium-based bone adhesive improves tendon-to-bone healing based on histologic and biomechanical testing at 6 weeks in a rabbit model of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance

Further studies are needed to investigate the clinical potential of this bone adhesive to enhance healing and decrease recovery time in soft-tissue ligament reconstruction.
Complete Proximal Hamstring Avulsions
Authors: Sarimo Janne , Lempainen Lasse , Mattila Kimmo , Orava Sakari
Published: March 2008

Background

Complete proximal hamstring avulsions can cause considerable morbidity and are often associated with significant functional loss.

Hypothesis

Early surgical treatment leads to better results than does surgery in the chronic phase.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Forty-one patients (21 men and 20 women) with a complete proximal hamstring avulsion were included. The cases were retrospectively analyzed, and a 4-category rating system was used to evaluate the overall result of the surgical treatment.

Results

The mean follow-up was 37 months (range, 12–72 months). Nineteen patients were rated as having an excellent result and 10 patients a good result. In 5 patients, the result was classified as moderate and in 7 patients poor. In the patients with an excellent or good result, the delay from the injury to surgery averaged 2.4 months, whereas in patients with a moderate or poor result, the delay averaged 11.7 months. The difference was statistically significant ( P < .001).

Conclusion

Excellent or good results can often be expected with surgery, and considerable improvement of symptoms may be achieved even in chronic cases. According to the results, early operative treatment in complete proximal avulsions of the hamstring muscles gives better results than does late surgery and is therefore recommended.
PVT Measurement System for Wood Plastic Composite Melt in an Extrusion Process
Authors: Sadeghian N. , Golzar M.
Published: March 2008

An innovative experimental system is proposed to measure the pressure—specific volume—temperature (PVT) properties of wood—plastic composite (WPC) melt in an extrusion process. The system is based on determining the specific volume by measuring the volume flow rate and mass flow rate of the WPC melt flowing in a capillary die attached to an extruder at each temperature and pressure. The capillary die mounted on an extruder is used to measure the volume flow rate of the melt. The volume flow rate is estimated indirectly by measuring pressure drop through the capillary die and the flow relation for composite melt. The temperature of molten materials was precisely controlled using the stabilizer part mounted on an extruder before the capillary die. The pressure was controlled by the rotational speed of the screw and feed rate of extruder. The mass flow rate was measured by directly collecting and weighing the extruded melt in a specified time. The results show that the rotary shear rheometry experiments integrated with the capillary die in an extrusion process can be used as an economical and quick method for PVT measurement. The wood plastic composite (WPC) consists of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and wood flour powder.
Investigative Study on Machinability Aspects of Unreinforced and Reinforced PEEK Composite Machining using ANN Model
Authors: Karnik S.R. , Gaitonde V.N. , Mata Francisco , Davim J. Paulo
Published: March 2008

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite material is widely used in structural components due to high specific strength and temperature properties. In order to enhance mechanical and tribological properties, short fibers are added to unreinforced thermoplastics. Unreinforced and reinforced PEEK composites are generally manufactured by extrusion and hence need additional machining operations. This paper presents application of artificial neural network (ANN) model to study the machinability aspects of unreinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK), reinforced polyetheretherketone with 30% of carbon fibers (PEEK CF 30) and 30% of glass fibers (PEEK GF 30) machining. A multilayer feed forward ANN has been employed to study the effect of parameters such as tool material, work material, cutting speed and feed rate on two aspects of machinability, namely, power and specific cutting pressure. The input-output patterns required for training are obtained from the experiments planned through full factorial design. The analysis reveals that minimum power results from a combination of lower values of cutting speed and feed rate for all work-tool combinations. However, higher values of feed rate are required to achieve minimum specific cutting pressure. The investigation results also show that, K10 tool provides better machinability for PEEK and PEEK CF 30 materials, while PCD tool is preferred for PEEK GF 30 material.
A Numerical Study of Filling Process in Resin Injection/Compression Molding
Authors: Chang Chih-Yuan
Published: March 2008

Resin injection/compression molding (RI/CM) is a variant of the resin transfer molding (RTM) process to produce advanced composites. In the present model, a gap is present between the fibrous preform and the upper mold during the RI/CM filling process. The gap results in a preferential flow path during resin injection. After enough resin is injected, the closing action of the mold initiates and forces the resin in the gap to penetrate into the fibrous preform. The resin flow in the gap is simplified by the Hele-Shaw flow model, while Darcy's law is used to calculate the flow field in the fibrous preform. Two modes of compression phase, either constant speed or clamping force, are discussed. Numerical results show that the process of resin penetrating into fibrous preform is a key factor in the RI/CM cyclic period and the clamping force. By comparing two compression modes, the compression time reduction can be made by applying the full capacity of the clamping force from the initiation of compression for the version of constant force compression. As compared to RTM, the RI/CM process can significantly reduce the mold filling time using a low injection/compression pressure.
Effects of Weaving Density and Curing Pressure on Impact Behavior of Woven Composite Plates
Authors: Içten Bülent Murat , Karakuzu Ramazan
Published: March 2008

In this study, the behavior of woven E-glass epoxy laminated composite plates under transverse central point impact by hemispherical impact nose with 12.7mm diameter was investigated. Loose and tight plain weave layers were manufactured by manual use of unidirectional prepregs. Four of the same woven layers were stacked together well aligned and cured under low and high pressure. Damage resistance was evaluated by subjecting 100 × 100 mm samples around impact energy levels where perforation took place using an instrumented impact test system. Results obtained showed that loose woven composites cured under low pressure were of higher perforation threshold compared to other combinations considered.
Prostitute Homicides
Authors: Salfati C. Gabrielle , James Alison R. , Ferguson Lynn
Published: March 2008

It has been estimated that women involved in street prostitution are 60 to 100 times more likely to be murdered than are nonprostitute females. In addition, homicides of prostitutes are notoriously difficult to investigate and, as such, many cases remain unsolved. Despite this large risk factor, little literature exists on homicides of prostitutes, and there is a lack of basic statistics and knowledge regarding this very specific victim group that could possibly help investigators. The aim of the current study is to conduct an exploratory study to explore the key characteristics of this group and how they differ from other subgroups of homicide. Forty-six cases of U.K. prostitute homicides are analyzed and compared to 59 male offender—female victim nonsexual homicide cases and 17 male offender—female victim sexual homicide cases.
“The Red Zone”
Authors: Flack William F. , Caron Marcia L. , Leinen Sarah J. , Breitenbach Katherine G. , Barber Ann M. , Brown Elaine N. , Gilbert Caitlin T. , Harchak Taylor F. , Hendricks Melissa M. , Rector Catherine E. , Schatten Heather T. , Stein Heather C.
Published: March 2008

The “red zone” usually refers to the first few weeks of the first semester at college, when female students are believed to be at greatest risk for experiencing unwanted sex. We tested this notion using data from a survey study of 207 first-and second-year students (121 women, 84 men) at a small, liberal arts university. Results demonstrated only one significant elevation in incidence rates of first- and second-year women's unwanted sexual experiences (sexual touching, attempted and completed anal, oral, and vaginal sex), between the end of the first month and fall break (mid-October) during the second year at school. Previous research and local information about the relevant behaviors of sorority and fraternity members is discussed in light of these findings to provide heuristic material for further empirical testing. Because risk may involve both temporal and situational factors, systematic collection and dissemination of local data are recommended.
Neighborhood Disorganization, Substance Use, and Violence Among Adolescents in Puerto Rico
Authors: Reyes Juan C. , Robles Rafaela R. , Colón Hector M. , Negrón Juan , Matos Tomas D. , Calderón José , Pérez Olga M.
Published: March 2008

This study investigates the role of neighborhoods in adolescent violence in poor neighborhoods in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The study is part of a larger longitudinal project examining risk and resilience in adolescents' ages 12 to 15 years old and their caregivers. Using a cross-sectional design, a self-completion questionnaire, and an interviewer questionnaire, the authors assessed violent behaviors among participants across demographics, characteristics, and neighborhood social disorganization using the concepts of physical disorders and social disorder. Adolescent violence was positively associated with social disorder. The finding that adults in these neighborhoods walk around with visible firearms and engage in fighting, may have led adolescents to perceive that violence is an accepted behavior. Furthermore, socially disorganized neighborhoods might be less likely to organize on their own behalf because the occurrence of negative experience limits the amount of social support and resources that are available in the neighborhood.
Won't You be My Neighbor?
Authors: Obasaju Mayowa A. , Palin Frances L. , Jacobs Carli , Anderson Page , Kaslow Nadine J.
Published: March 2008

An ecological model is used to explore the moderating effects of community-level variables on the relation between childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and adult intimate partner violence (IPV) within a sample of 98 African American women from low incomes. Results from hierarchical, binary logistics regressions analyses show that community-level variables (perceived neighborhood disorder and community cohesion) moderated the relation between childhood emotional abuse and adult physical IPV. Findings support the use of an ecological approach in examining the phenomena of revictimization. Clinical implications from a community and ecological perspective are discussed.
Optical Properties of Poly(3-hexylthiophene)/ZnS Nanocomposites
Authors: Yanmao Dong  , Jianmei Lu  , Feng Yan  , Qingfeng Xu
Published: March 2008

Nanocomposites comprised of poly(3-alkyl thiophenes)(P3ATs)/semiconductor nanoparticles exhibited excellent photoelectricity performance due to contributions from both the P3ATs and the semiconductor nanoparticles. In this study, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) was synthesized and P3HT/ZnS nanocomposites were prepared using an in-situ method. The ZnS nanoparticles exhibited strong quantum effect on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of P3HT/ZnS and the nanocomposites exhibit an enhanced PL and red-shifted emission with increasing ZnS content. The PL quenched at ZnS-to-3HT ratio of 9.92 1 10-2 mol mol-1. The charge-transfer process between P3HT and ZnS particles is discussed. The P3HT/ZnS composites also exhibited excellent nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. The third-order NLO coefficient of P3HT/ZnS ( χ(3 ) = —6.76 1 10-12 esu) is higher than that of P3HT. The P3HT/ZnS nanocomposites have potential optical applications.
Temporal landscapes of morality in narrative: student evaluation in a Thai parent—teacher conference
Authors: Howard Kathryn M.
Published: March 2008

As many scholars have noted, narrative is a fundamental human tool for making sense of life experience. Although often described as a mode of relating experience that organizes events along temporal dimensions, research has also shown how participants in narrative activity explore the experiential logic of events by theorizing and evaluating the causes, consequences, responses and attempts to deal with problematic or unexpected situations. This article explores how educators and parents evaluate the moral identity of a problematic student through narrative activity in a Thai parent—teacher conference. Drawing on Taylor's (1989) conceptualization of `the good' as a moral space of questions within which modern persons orient themselves, the article extends Taylor's metaphor of orienting persons in moral space to orienting them in time. Focusing in particular on the use of tense, aspect and modality in temporal perspective taking, the analysis focuses on how narrators discursively configure an ideal moral landscape within which narrated persons are temporally positioned — as having realized or having failed to realize `the good'.
Students as Employees
Authors: Gillespie Treena L. , Parry Richard O.
Published: March 2008

The student-as-employee metaphor emphasizes student accountability and participation in learning and provides instructors with work-oriented methods for creating a productive class environment. The authors propose that the tenets of performance management in work organizations can be applied to the classroom. In particular, they focus on three important areas within performance management: identifying performance, developing performance, and dealing with the social environment associated with managing performance. Beyond implications for course management, the authors discuss the instructor’s role in the performance management process, directions for future research, and the value of these classroom practices for the work setting.
Parental Stress and Child Behavior and Temperament in the First Year After the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program
Authors: van der Pal Sylvia , Maguire Celeste M. , Le Cessie Saskia , Veen Sylvia , Wit Jan M. , Walther Frans J. , Bruil Jeanet
Published: March 2008

A randomized controlled trial involving 128 infants born prematurely compared basic developmental care (nests and incubator covers) and the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) intervention (behavior observations and guidance by a trained developmental specialist) in relation to effects on parental stress and infant behavior and temperament during the first year of life. Children in the NIDCAP group who received intervention for more than 1.5 months demonstrated more social-relatedness behavior at 1 year. Parents in the NIDCAP group reported that the intervention provided positive experiences for them and reported a positive effect on the well-being of their infant. No statistically significant or noteworthy effects were found between the groups on measures of temperament, problem behavior, or parental stress. Implications for NIDCAP implementation are discussed.
Innovative Product and Network of Partners Co-design: Context, Problems, and Some Exploratory Results
Authors: Zolghadri Marc , Baron Claude , Girard Philippe
Published: March 2008

Innovative product development and in-house process design have been largely studied and methods, such as concurrent engineering, integrated product development, or dynamic product development are set up to answer real needs of industrialists. However, no innovative product can be put on the market without a well-structured and well-organized network of partners. This simple idea deeply influences various aspects of collaborative enterprises. This article studies the close relationship between two parallel design processes: product design and network design. This paradigm called co-design is explained and some basic concepts and exploratory results are defined.
A Conceptual Framework for the Collaborative Modeling of Networked Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Zaletelj Viktor , Sluga Alojzij , Butala Peter
Published: March 2008

A manufacturing system is a product, and has to be designed as any other product. Therefore, a need for adequate methodological support and tools for modeling, structuring, and control of the next generation manufacturing systems is recognized. In this study, the adaptive distributed modeling framework for collaborative design and operations of network manufacturing systems is presented. In manufacturing networks, several autonomous partners participate in dynamic design of a manufacturing system, its implementation, and adaptation. In this context collaborative modeling, structuring, and control in distributed manufacturing environment play a vital role. The proposed modeling framework introduces the common modeling space and enables a collaborative definition of modeling building blocks, model design, simulation, and operations support of distributed manufacturing systems in a dynamic environment — which is the realistic nature of the global manufacturing. The prototype of the framework is elaborated in a case study.
Exploration of Correlations between Factors Influencing Communication in Complex Product Development
Authors: Maier Anja M. , Kreimeyer Matthias , Hepperle Clemens , Eckert Claudia M. , Lindemann Udo , Clarkson P. John
Published: March 2008

Designing complex products, such as jet engines, cars or certain types of software, necessitates the coordination of activities of many participants during the design process. Communication is seen as the vehicle by which this coordination could be achieved. Communication itself is influenced by many different factors that are connected. This study presents an exploration of correlations between these factors based on statistical analyses of empirical data. The research uses data collected via the `Communication Grid Method', (CGM) a structured maturity grid method to assess the perception of communication within and across team-interfaces. Five empirical studies in the aerospace, automotive, and IT industries where concurrent engineering is practiced are used. The results offer insights for researching and managing communication across inter-departmental interfaces. It has been shown in particular, how directly and indirectly linked factors influencing communication in product development form a network of correlations. Mutual trust and collaboration exhibit thematic centrality.
God's Party? Race, Religion, and Partisanship over Time
Authors: McDaniel Eric L. , Ellison Christopher G.
Published: March 2008

The Republican Party has aggressively attempted to recruit black and Latino Evangelicals; however, the success of these efforts has been questioned. The authors argue that the GOP's diminished success in recruiting these groups, compared to Anglos, is based on differing religious worldviews. Using data that allow them to track partisanship over two decades, the authors examine how religious conservatism has shaped Anglo, Latino, and black partisanship. They find that the GOP has been most successful in recruiting Anglos, followed by Latinos. Blacks appear to be unaffected. In addition, they find support for their underlying assumption of differing religious worldviews among the racial/ethnic groups.
Examining Question and Context Effects in Organization Survey Data Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Rivers Drew C. , Meade Adam W. , Lou Fuller W.
Published: March 2008

Organizational researchers routinely use attitudinal surveys to track organizational development and identify areas for intervention. However, seemingly trivial changes to the survey instrument, such as question wording or question order, can introduce measurement artifacts leading to differences in observed responses that are not due to actual employee attitudinal change. Traditional methods for assessing the presence of artifacts because of survey changes require additional survey administration using multiple survey forms and random assignment. However, the item response theory method illustrated in this study eliminates the need for additional data collection, offers a more rigorous design, and requires fewer organizational resources.
Changing Stage of Readiness for Physical Activity in Medicaid Beneficiaries With Physical Impairments
Authors: Ravesloot Craig
Published: March 2008

People with disabilities are more sedentary than the general population, putting them at risk for secondary conditions like diabetes. This study investigated the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) for changing stage of readiness for physical activity, taking into account baseline stage of readiness and participation barriers. Study participants (n = 139 non-institutionalized, disabled Medicaid beneficiaries) were randomly assigned to either the treatment condition (MI) or a control condition (newsletter). Individuals receiving MI were more likely to move into the preparation stage of readiness (OR = 3.13). Regardless of treatment condition, individuals in the contemplation stage at baseline were more likely to move into preparation (OR = 5.53) and action stage (OR = 8.89). With regard to participation barriers, each unit increase in participants' ratings predicted a 4% to 5% reduction in likelihood of moving into either the preparation or action stage of readiness.
Community—Academia Partnerships to Promote Nutrition in the Lower Mississippi Delta: Community Members' Perceptions of Effectiveness, Barriers, and Factors Related to Success
Authors: Ndirangu Murugi , Yadrick Kathy , Bogle Margaret L. , Graham-Kresge Susan
Published: March 2008

This study examined the perceptions of community members' engaged in community—academia partnerships involved in developing nutrition interventions in three communities in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Perceptions on effectiveness of the partnerships were investigated. Six focus group interviews were conducted, with 33 participants that included 27 females and 6 males. The data were analyzed by content coding. Emerging themes were identified and related to accomplishments, barriers to success, and factors related to success of the partnerships. Accomplishments included the establishment of active committees, positive changes in health behavior related to food choices, and participation in community events. Barriers to success included the slow pace of intervention implementation, difficulties with understanding the role of the community in the participatory research process, the decision-making processes, and project name recognition. Factors related to success were tangible benefits to the community, participation that was representative, simplification of the research process, and the decision-making processes.
Remembering Public Service Broadcasting
Authors: Burns Maureen
Published: March 2008

In the late nineties the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) website, ABC Online, was very successful at a time when the ABC experienced severe political hostility and funding reductions. This paper offers case studies of the early implementation of interactive online sites at the ABC to explore an alternative remembering of the ABC. Using the success of ABC Online as a model of how to remember the ABC, one might choose to remember the ABC as dispersed and plural, even rhizomic. Rather than being nostalgic for a unified past or future, we might instead be nostalgic for the diversity, plurality and in-between nature of ABC practices and programming.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Protects Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rabbit Hearts In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Wayne W. , Hasaniya Nahidh W. , Premaratne Shyamal , McNamara J. Judson
Published: March 2008

The aim of this study is to investigate whether atrial natriuretic peptide can mimic preconditioning to protect ischemia or reperfusion injury in rabbit hearts. New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into 3 groups: (1) Controls. Hearts received a 60 minute-occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, followed by a 180 minute-reperfusion. (2) Preconditioning. Two 5-minute periods of ischemia separated by a 10-minute reperfusion, followed by a 60-minute ischemia and a 180-minute reperfusion. (3) Atrial natriuretic peptide treatment. Bolus injection of exogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (2.5 µg/kg) given intravenously at 15 minutes prior to 60 minute-ischemia followed by a 180-minute reperfusion. Myocardial necrotic area and area at risk of necrosis were determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Ratio of necrotic area to area at risk was 49.95% ± 1.15%, 7.95% ± 0.33%, and 8.36% ± 0.61% in the controls, preconditioning group, and atrial natriuretic peptide group, respectively. Both preconditioning and atrial natriuretic peptide significantly reduced the size of infarct caused by ischemia (preconditioning vs controls, P < .05; atrial natriuretic peptide vs controls, P < .05). Atrial natriuretic peptide can mimic ischemic preconditioning to protect rabbit hearts from prolonged ischemia and reperfusion injury. It may be involved in the cardioprotective mechanisms of preconditioning.
Thrombospondin-1-Induced Migration Is Functionally Dependent Upon Focal Adhesion Kinase
Authors: Wang Xiu-Jie , Maier Kristopher , Fuse Shoichi , Willis Alliric I. , Olson Eric , Nesselroth Susan , Sumpio Bauer E. , Gahtan Vivian
Published: March 2008

Vascular smooth muscle cell migration is important in vascular disease. Previously, we showed thrombospondin-1 activates focal adhesion kinase in these cells. We hypothesized that focal adhesion kinase is important for thrombspondin-1-induced vascular smooth muscle cell migration. Bovine aortic smooth muscle cells were transfected with FAK397, FAK-wild type, pcDNA, or β-Gal plasmids. Migration was assessed with thrombospondin-1 or serum-free medium in quiescent transfected cells or quiescent cells pretreated with the focal adhesion kinase inhibitor, geldanamycin. Number of cells migrated per 5 fields (×400) were recorded. Antihemagglutinin immunoprecipitation and Western blot were used to examine thrombospondin-1-induced focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation in transfected cells. FAK397 transfection inhibited thrombospondin-1-induced focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation and migration ( P < .05). Geldanamycin inhibited thrombospondin-1-induced smooth muscle cell migration ( P < .05). In conclusion, vascular smooth muscle cells transfected with FAK397 inhibited thrombosponin-1-induced migration and tyrosine phosphorylation. Further, geldanamycin also inhibited migration. These results suggest focal adhesion kinase is involved in thrombospondin-1-induced vascular smooth muscle cell migration.
What Conditions Affect Initial HIV Treatment Success?
Authors: Hodder Sally
Published: March 2008

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has substantially improved the outlook for persons with HIV, and the combination of clinical trial data and experience has provided guidance for the best use of highly active antiretroviral therapy to balance efficacy, safety, tolerability, and adherence. The nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and several of the boosted protease inhibitors (PIs, eg, lopinavir/ritonavir) have shown high levels of viral suppression and CD4 count increases as initial therapy. Preliminary evidence suggests that NNRTI regimens may be more forgiving of certain levels of nonadherence than PIs. The evidence also shows that not all agents or combinations of agents are appropriate for all HIV patients. Patient factors such as lipids and triglycerides, hyperglycemia/diabetes, renal function, weight, gender, probability of and desire for pregnancy, initial CD4 count, race, and mental health status will all need to be considered to select the best therapy for the individual.
The Need for Sociocultural Awareness to Maximize Treatment Acceptance and Adherence in Individuals Initiating HIV Therapy
Authors: Willard Suzanne , Angelino Andrew
Published: March 2008

Despite major advances in the long-term treatment of patients with HIV infection, there still exist sociocultural barriers to care. This article will focus on recognizing and understanding the cultural factors that affect treatment in patients starting antiretroviral therapy, most important the factors that can contribute to poor, as well as favorable, treatment adherence in diverse individuals. These factors include cultural and religious stigma; domestic violence; socioeconomic constraints, including literacy, living conditions, presence or absence of family, and social support networks; psychiatric disorders; and pregnancy. The authors also discuss ways in which clinicians can prepare patients for treatment initiation and improve their ongoing adherence by incorporating knowledge of these sociocultural differences into and modifying plans for patient care accordingly.
Clinical Presentations of Newly Diagnosed HIV-Infected Patients at a University Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Boonyarattaphun Kochamarj , Atamasirikul Kalayanee , Sungkanuparph Somnuek
Published: March 2008

Background: Epidemiology and clinical features of newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients vary and depend on period of time and geographical area. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted in adults with positive HIV antibody testing between January and December 2006 at a university hospital setting. Results: Prevalence of HIV infection was 1.0%. There were 221 patients with a median age of 35.5 (range, 15.8-72.3) years, and 57% were males. The most common risk of HIV acquisition was heterosexual (63.8%). The most common reason for HIV testing was preoperative screening (41.2%). Of all, 52.9%, 37.1%, and 10% were diagnosed as AIDS, asymptomatic, and symptomatic patients, respectively. Median CD4 count at HIV diagnosis was 260 (range, 6-1284) cells/mm3. AIDS-defining illnesses were found in 35.7%. Overall mortality rate was 1.8%. Conclusions: More than half of newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients have advanced HIV disease and are unaware of their HIV status. These results reflect inadequate education of HIV risks and voluntary HIV testing in Thailand.