Showing papers by "California State University, Long Beach published in 2002"

Incidence and mental health impact of sexual orientation victimization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths in high school

Abstract: This study examined victimization during high school based on sexual orientation of 350 lesbian, gay, or bisexual (lgb) youths aged 21 and younger. Experiences of direct victimization as well as knowledge of other lgb youths’ victimization were assessed. Over half reported verbal abuse in high school because of their sexual orientation, and 11% said they had been physically assaulted. Youths who were more open in high school about their sexual orientation and who had a history of more gender atypical behavior were victimized more often. Male youths were targeted significantly more often than females. Youths’ current mental health symptoms, especially traumatic stress reactions, were associated with having experienced more verbal abuse in high school.

The Souls of White Folk: Critical Pedagogy, Whiteness Studies, and Globalization Discourse.

Abstract: At the turn of the 1900s, W. E. B. Du Bois argued that the problem of the color line was the twentieth century's main challenge. The article argues that critical pedagogy benefits from an intersectional understanding of whiteness studies and globalization discourse. Following Du Bois, it suggests that the problem of the twenty-first century is the global color line. As capitalism stretches across nations, its partnership with race relations also evolves into a formidable force. Appropriating concepts from globalization, the author defines a global approach to race, and in particular whiteness, in order to argue that the problem of white racial privilege transcends the nation state. Using concepts such as multinationalism, fragmentation, and flexibility, a critical pedagogy of whiteness promotes an expanded notion of race that includes global anti-racist struggles. Finally, the article concludes by suggesting that educators consider seriously the insights of the neo-abolitionist movement.

Testing the Interactivity Principle: Effects of Mediation, Propinquity, and Verbal and Nonverbal Modalities in Interpersonal Interaction

Abstract: Early channel reliance research compared different modes of communication to assess relationships among nonverbal and verbal cues. Emerging communication technologies represent a new venue for gaining insights into the same relationships. In this article, the authors advance a principle of interactivity as a framework for decomposing some of those relationships and report an experiment in which physical proximity—whether actors are in the same place (“co-located”) or interacting at a distance (“distributed”)—and the availability of other nonverbal environmental, auditory, and visual information in distributed modes is varied. Results indicate that both proximity and availability of nonverbal cues affect communication processes, social judgments participants make about each other, and task performance. The authors discuss implications about gains and losses due to presence of nonverbal features.

A Synthesis of Empirical Research on Teaching Mathematics to Low- Achieving Students.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to synthesize research on the effects of interventions to improve the mathematics achievement of students considered low achieving or at risk for failure. Meta-analytic techniques were used to calculate mean effect sizes for 15 studies that met inclusion criteria. Studies were coded according to 5 categories of mathematics interventions, and effect sizes were examined on a study-by-study basis within each of these categories. Results indicated that different types of interventions led to improvements in the mathematics achievement of students experiencing mathematics difficulty, including the following: (a) providing teachers and students with data on student performance; (b) using peers as tutors or instructional guides; (c) providing clear, specific feedback to parents on their children's mathematics success; and (d) using principles of explicit instruction in teaching math concepts and procedures.

Understanding network effects in software markets: evidence from web server pricing

Abstract: Prior theoretical research has established that many software products are subject to network effects and exhibit the characteristics of two-sided markets. However, despite the importance of the software industry to the world economy, few studies have attempted to empirically examine these characteristics, or several others which theory suggests impact software price. This study develops and tests a research-grounded model of two-sided software markets that accounts for several key factors influencing software pricing, including network externalities, cross-market complementarities, standards, mindshare, and trialability. Applying the model to the context of the market for Web server software, several key findings are offered. First, a positive market share to price relationship is identified, offering support for the network externalities hypothesis even though the market examined is based on open standards. Second, the results suggest that the market under study behaves as a two-sided market in that firms able to capture market share for one product enjoy benefits in terms of both market share and price for the complement. Third, the positive price benefits of securing consumer mindshare, of supporting dominant standards, and from offering a trial product are demonstrated. Last, a negative price shock is also identified in the period after a well-known, free-pricing rival has entered the market. Nonetheless, network effects continued to remain significant during the period. These findings enhance our understanding of software markets, offer new techniques for examining such markets, and suggest the wisdom of allocating resources to develop advantages in the factors studied.

Accuracy of Needle Placement into the Intra-Articular Space of the Knee

Abstract: Background: To achieve their potential therapeutic benefit, hyaluronic acid derivatives should be injected directly into the knee joint space and not into the anterior fat pad or the subsynovial tissues. In the absence of a knee effusion, reproducible needle placement into the intra-articular space presents a challenge to the clinician. Methods: The accuracy of needle placement was assessed in a prospective series of 240 consecutive injec- tions in patients without clinical knee effusion. The injections were performed by one orthopaedic surgeon us- ing a 2.0-in (5.1-cm) 21-gauge needle through three commonly employed knee joint portals: anteromedial, anterolateral, and lateral midpatellar. Accuracy rates for needle placement were confirmed with fluoroscopic im- aging to document the dispersion pattern of injected contrast material. Results: Of eighty injections performed through an anterolateral portal, fifty-seven were confirmed to have been placed in the intra-articular space on the first attempt (an accuracy rate of 71%). Sixty of eighty injections per- formed through an anteromedial approach were intra-articular on the first attempt (75% accuracy rate), as were seventy-four of eighty injections performed through a lateral midpatellar portal (93% accuracy rate). Conclusions: Using real-time fluoroscopic imaging with contrast material, we demonstrated the difficulty of ac- curately placing a needle into the intra-articular space of the knee when an effusion is not present. This study revealed that a lateral midpatellar injection (an injection into the patellofemoral joint) was intra-articular 93% of the time and was more accurate than injections performed by the same orthopaedic surgeon using either of the other two portals. This study highlights the need for clinicians to refine injection techniques for delivering intra- articular therapeutic substances that are intended to coat the articular surfaces of the knee joint.

Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren: Family Structure and Well-Being in Culturally Diverse Families.

Abstract: Purpose: This study addressed well-being of grandmothers raising grandchildren in coparenting and custodial households in a sample of African American, Latino, and White grandmothers. Design and Methods: A sample of 1,058 grandmothers was recruited through the schools and media. Grandmothers raising or helping to raise school-aged grandchildren in Los Angeles were interviewed, and analyses were conducted within ethnic groups. Results: African American grandmothers experienced equal well-being in coparenting and custodial families; however, if the stresses related to the parents’ problems were removed by statistical control, they favored the custodial arrangement. Latino grandmothers had greater well-being in coparenting families, reflecting a tradition of intergenerational living. White custodial grandmothers experienced somewhat higher levels of affect (positive and negative) but showed no difference in other types of well-being. Implications: The cultural lens through which grandparenthood is viewed has a marked impact on the adaptation to custodial or coparenting family structures.

Burning the Seasonal Mosaic: Preventative Burning Strategies in the Wooded Savanna of Southern Mali

Abstract: Data are presented indicating a seasonal mosaic pattern of burning in the savanna of southern Mali. A seasonal mosaic is a landscape that is annually re-created by people, and which contains patches of unburned, early burned, and recently burned vegetation. A survey of over 100 farmers and in-depth interviews demonstrates that rural inhabitants of southern Mali begin an annual burning regime early in the dry season in order to fragment the landscape, with the goal of preventing later fires that can damage natural resources. The process of gradually burning off the driest vegetation creates a seasonal mosaic of habitat patches that increases the potential of the landscape for a variety of dry season land uses, including hunting, gathering of savanna products, and grazing. An analysis of a series of Landsat images shows that the practice of mosaic burning is widespread in the wooded savanna, in which burning usually begins early and large fires are rare. On the basis of recent developments in ecological theory and empirical evidence from similar burning regimes in parts of Australia, it is suggested that seasonal mosaic burning in Mali not only prevents damaging late-season fires but increases biodiversity. It is concluded that discourse on African savanna burning overemphasizes the ecologically detrimental aspects of fire, while neglecting the beneficial ones resulting in misguided policies that pose a threat to human livelihoods and savanna ecosystems.

Is the First to Market the First to Fail? Empirical Evidence for Industrial Goods Businesses

Abstract: When entering a new market, the first entrant typically faces the greatest market and technological uncertainties. Memorable phrases reflect the associated survival risk, such as “the first to market is the first to fail” and “the pioneer is the one with the arrows in its back.” Although research estimates the market pioneer’s survival rate, the typical pioneer survival rate has not been compared with that of early followers. The authors’ study compares survival rates for 167 first-entrant market pioneers versus 267 early followers. For these industrial goods businesses, 66% of the pioneers versus 48% of the early followers survived at least ten years. The main conclusion is that the pioneer’s temporary monopoly over the early followers plus its first-mover advantages typically offset the survival risks associated with market and technological uncertainties. These results are consistent with previous research in the sense that first-mover advantages that increase a pioneer’s market share also hel...

Development of a 3D numerical wave tank for modeling tsunami generation by underwater landslides

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) numerical wave tank (NWT) solving fully nonlinear potential flow theory, with a higher-order boundary element method (BEM), is modified to simulate tsunami generation by underwater landslides. New features are added to the NWT to model underwater landslide geometry and motion and specify corresponding boundary conditions in the BEM model. In particular, a new snake absorbing piston boundary condition is implemented to remove reflection from the onshore and offshore boundaries of the NWT. Model results are favorably compared to recent laboratory experiments. Sensitivity analyses of numerical results to the width and length of the discretization are conducted, to determine optimal numerical parameters. The effect of landslide width on tsunami generated is estimated. Results show that the two-dimensional approximation is applicable when the ratio of landslide width over landslide length is greater than 2. Numerical accuracy is examined and found to be excellent in all cases.

Serum response factor: discovery, biochemistry, biological roles and implications for tissue injury healing.

Abstract: Serum response factor (SRF) is a transcription factor, which binds to a serum response element (SRE) associated with a variety of genes including immediate early genes such as c-fos, fosB, junB, egr-1 and -2, neuronal genes such as nurr1 and nur77 and muscle genes such as actins and myosins. By regulating expression of these genes, SRF controls cell growth and differentiation, neuronal transmission as well as muscle development and function. SRF can be activated by a variety of agents, including serum, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), agents that increase intracellular Ca2+, T-cell virus1 activator protein, hepatitis B virus activator proteins pX, activated oncogenes and protooncogenes as well as extracellular stimuli such as antioxidant and UV light. SRF itself is regulated by both cellular signal transduction pathways and interaction with other transcription factors e.g. Sp1, ATF6 and myogenic regulatory factors. Its biological function is best elucidated for myocardium. Specific cardiac SRF transgenesis demonstrated that overexpression of SRF caused hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in mouse and the mouse died of heart failure within 6 months after birth. Other transgenic data suggested that sufficient SRF was needed for embryogenesis and early development. Since SRF is important regulator of numerous genes involved in cell growth and differentiation, including muscle and neural components, SRF may also play a crucial role in tissue injury and ulcer healing, e.g. healing of gastrointestinal ulcers.

Development of adaptive modeling techniques for non-linear hysteretic systems

Abstract: Adaptive estimation procedures have gained significant attention by the research community to perform real-time identification of non-linear hysteretic structural systems under arbitrary dynamic excitations. Such techniques promise to provide real-time, robust tracking of system response as well as the ability to track time variation within the system being modeled. An overview of some of the authors’ previous work in this area is presented, along with a discussion of some of the emerging issues being tackled with regard to this class of problems. The trade-offs between parametric-based modeling and non-parametric modeling of non-linear hysteretic dynamic system behavior are discussed. Particular attention is given to (1) the effects of over- and under-parameterization on parameter convergence and system output tracking performance, (2) identifiability in multi-degree-of-freedom structural systems, (3) trade-offs in setting user-defined parameters for adaptive laws, and (4) the effects of noise on measurement integration. Both simulation and experimental results indicating the performance of the parametric and non-parametric methods are presented and their implications are discussed in the context of adaptive structures and structural health monitoring.

.ComQ : dimensionalizing, measuring, and predicting quality of the e-tail experince

Abstract: Quality is related to customer satisfaction, retention and loyalty in both product and services settings. Thus, quality is expected to be a determinant of online retailer success as well. Based on online and offline focus groups, a sorting task, and an online survey of Harris Interactive's customer panel, the authors establish the dimensions of the e-tail experience, and develop a reliable and valid scale for the measurement of online quality. The analysis suggests that four factors - website design (including information, order processing, navigation, and product selection), fulfillment/reliability, privacy/security and customer service - are strongly predictive of customer judgments of quality and satisfaction, customer loyalty and attitudes toward the website (AST).

Gender differences in patellofemoral joint biomechanics.

Abstract: Patellofemoral pain is associated with patellar malalignment and quadriceps weakness which are seen more commonly in women. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of gender, vastus medialis strength, and tibial rotation on patellofemoral joint biomechanics. Twelve fresh-frozen knees from cadavers were tested using a custom knee jig. Anatomic multiplane loading of the extensor mechanism was used with varying vastus medialis loads. Patellofemoral contact area and pressure were measured using pressure sensitive film at knee flexion angles of 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees with the tibia in neutral and 15 degrees internal and external tibial rotation. Patellofemoral joint contact areas in specimens from men were larger at knee flexion angles greater than 30 degrees. A significant increase in mean patellofemoral contact pressures was seen for specimens from women when compared with specimens from men at 0 degrees and 30 degrees knee flexion. The knees from women also showed a greater change in contact pressures to varying vastus medialis load at knee flexion angles of 0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees. The results of the current study indicate that there are gender differences in patellofemoral contact areas and pressures. These differences may help explain the increased incidence of patellofemoral disorders in women.

Phytogenesis of halomethanes: a product of selection or a metabolic accident?

Abstract: Phytoplankton (microalgae), seaweeds(macroalgae), higher plants and fungi producehalomethanes. Algae and fungi produce bothmethyl halides and polyhalomethanes, whereasplants are known to produce only methylhalides. Why these organisms producehalomethanes is a question frequently asked bychemists and biologists. This question impliesthat halomethanes have a function and have aselective value to the producing organism.Except for some fungi, the evolutionaryadvantage of producing halomethanes may notpresently exist. Polyhalomethanes areby-products of halogenation of certain organiccompounds by haloperoxidases in marine algaeand perhaps some fungi, and they may beindirectly produced in aquatic environments byalgal release of oxidized halogen species. Amain function of this enzyme is to rid the cellof harmful oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide.Monohalomethanes (methyl halides) are productsof methyltransferase activity. It has beenproposed that methyl halide production mayprovide a mechanism to regulate chloride levelsin halotolerant plants. The examination of halidecellular concentrations, halomethane productionrates, and enzyme characteristics raisesquestions about this possible function. Inalgae, plants and some fungi, methyl halidesmay be a result of the insertion of ubiquitoushalides into the active site of numerousmethyltransferases. Therefore, halomethanes maybe by-products or `accidents' of metabolism.

Detection of human polyomaviruses and papillomaviruses in prostatic tissue reveals the prostate as a habitat for multiple viral infections.

Abstract: BACKGROUND To determine whether human polyomavirus (hPy) genomes are present in prostate tissues, we have carried out a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening in two sets of prostate samples, archival and fresh frozen, as well as performing in situ hybridization (ISH). The frozen prostate samples as well as the urine from the same patients were also screened for human papillomavirus (HPV) sequences. METHODS Highly sensitive nested-PCR assays were used. The detection of subpopulations of JC virus (JCV) -transcriptional control regions (TCRs) was also evaluated by Southern analysis and by direct DNA sequencing. An in situ hybridization technique was also used to detect JCV DNA in prostatic tissue. RESULTS The paraffin-embedded archival samples gave variable, unsatisfactory results. Results from the fresh frozen samples, however, were consistent and were frequently positive for JCV and less frequent for BK virus DNA. ISH confirmed the presence of JCV DNA in prostatic glandular epithelium. The TCR region of JCV from prostate tissue and urine from prostate cancer patients showed the presence of both archetypal and rearranged TCRs, including several new sequence variants. HPV DNA was also frequently detected and in some cases also mixed with hPy DNA from frozen tissue and urine. CONCLUSION The use of fresh frozen samples proved to be essential for consistent and reproducible detection of HPV and hPy viral DNAs. The presence of JCV DNA by ISH and the occurrence of a subpopulation of JCV TCR regions suggests that the prostate is a site for virus replication. The prostate is a complex habitat where mixed infections with oncogenic DNA viruses frequently occur and opens the discussion to the potential role of these viruses in the cancer of the prostate. Prostate 53: 263–276, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Parental Strategies in Contrasting Cultural Settings: Families in México and “El Norte”

Abstract: A “culturally relevant pedagogy” has been recommended to enhance the achievement of Latino students in American schools In practice, this pedagogy is often based on a view of the home culture as static and in conflict with mainstream culture The present study compares the child-rearing practices and values of Mexican immigrants raising their children in the United States with those of their siblings who are raising children in Mexico The study contributes to the theories of culture, documenting the dynamic nature of cultural practices on both sides of the border and examining the implications of cultural change of different types for practice in language minority education

Head-worn, trimodal device to increase transcription accuracy in a voice recognition system and to process unvocalized speech

Abstract: A voice recognition device and method allows position-stabilized capture of spoken sounds with great repeatability and accuracy. The voice recognition device may additionally provide two channels of lip movement information to supplement the usual audible speech component recognition system in selecting the proper pairing of data input to text output. The voice recognition device may provide a further channel of information about the speech generating motions via an ultrasonic injection of sound into the vocal cavity and subsequent decoding of the emitted sound after injection. The ultrasonic injection and decoding may also used to provide audible clues as to the unvoiced sound formed by speaking when the vocal cords are not energized. The ensemble of electronic equipment upon the bail band may be in microcircuit form, including placing the components on a copper layer polyimide flexible strip. The side camera and “other side” illuminator LED may be on thin copper polyimide strips attached to the main electronics ensemble, and a set of thin polyimide conductors would conduct power into the ensemble and the signals out of the ensemble through one of the bail band ends, into the ear piece and down the connector to the associated computer equipment and may also supply the power for the electronic ensemble. The electronic ensemble may be potted with a thin layer of elastomer, such as translucent silicone, and provide a moisture barrier and physical protection for the ensemble, while still offering a very light visual weight to the combination of the electronic ensemble and the bail band.

Summary of Data from the First AIAA CFD Drag Prediction Workshop

Abstract: The results from the first AIAA CFD Drag Prediction Workshop are summarized. The workshop was designed specifically to assess the state-of-the-art of computational fluid dynamics methods for force and moment prediction. An impartial forum was provided to evaluate the effectiveness of existing computer codes and modeling techniques, and to identify areas needing additional research and development. The subject of the study was the DLR-F4 wing-body configuration, which is representative of transport aircraft designed for transonic flight. Specific test cases were required so that valid comparisons could be made. Optional test cases included constant-C(sub L) drag-rise predictions typically used in airplane design by industry. Results are compared to experimental data from three wind tunnel tests. A total of 18 international participants using 14 different codes submitted data to the workshop. No particular grid type or turbulence model was more accurate, when compared to each other, or to wind tunnel data. Most of the results overpredicted C(sub Lo) and C(sub Do), but induced drag (dC(sub D)/dC(sub L)(exp 2)) agreed fairly well. Drag rise at high Mach number was underpredicted, however, especially at high C(sub L). On average, the drag data were fairly accurate, but the scatter was greater than desired. The results show that well-validated Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes CFD methods are sufficiently accurate to make design decisions based on predicted drag.

A meta-analysis of the effects of attending religious schools and religiosity on black and hispanic academic achievement

Abstract: Using meta-analysis, this study sought to determine the effects of religious schooling and personal religious commitment on African American and Hispanic students’ academic achievement. The results indicate that religious schooling and religious commitment each have a positive effect on academic achievement and school-related behavior. In the case of religious schooling, the effect sizes that emerged for religious schooling tended to be larger for older children. The effect sizes for religious schooling were evenlarger for school-related behavior thanthey were for academic achievement. The significance of these results is discussed.

Children's Ideas About Weather: A Review of the Literature

Abstract: It is generally accepted that children have their own understanding of how the world works prior to receiving formal science instruction. A great deal of research has been done to determine students' misconceptions related to the physical sciences; less has been done to understand children's ideas in the Earth sciences. This paper reports a synthesis of the existing research about children's misconceptions relating to weather, climate and the atmosphere. The scientifically accepted interpretations are presented in tandem with the children's naive ideas. When possible, a source of the misconception is also presented. In many cases, students' misconceptions are not addressed in the curriculum, allowing them to exist unchallenged.

A Labor of Love or Labor Itself Care Work among Adult Brothers and Sisters

Abstract: Although many have examined care work within families, few have assessed caregiving among adult brothers and sisters. Based on original data, this article lends a multifaceted view of sibling care work by examining the amount and kind of help adults provide to all siblings in their family and the manner in which the social characteristics of sibling care providers, recipients, their shared relationship, and the family of origin shapes caregiving. The authors found that the vast majority of adults provide a wide range of care to their siblings on a yearly, even monthly basis. Gender, age, and social class shape sibling help, whereas race exerts little effect. Unmarried parents receive significantly less help than do their married and childless counterparts. Finally, sibling care work depends on family context: Having a living parent facilitates caregiving among siblings, whereas greater family size forces adults to act judiciously about what and to whom they give.

What Does Your Workspace Say about You? The Influence of Personality, Status, and Workspace on Personalization

Abstract: Approximately 70% of American workers personalize their workspaces. However, some employees personalize more than others, such as managers and employees with enclosed offices. Studies examining personality traits suggest that employees who personalize the most tend to be creative and have a high need for affiliation and a low need for privacy. However, major personality factors have not been examined. This study examines the relationships between workspace personalization and the Big Five personality factors by surveying 234 employees from 33 companies. Results indicate that personality is only indirectly related to personalization through employee characteristics such as status and type of workspace. Personalization is primarily predicted by the company’s personalization policy and an employee’s status and workspace.

Seroprevalence and Correlates of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection in Five Sexually Transmitted–Disease Clinics

Abstract: The seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection was studied among 4128 patients from sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of human immunodeficiency virus and STD counseling efficacy. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 40.8% and was higher in women than in men (52.0% vs. 32.4%; P<.0001) and higher in blacks than in nonblacks (48.1% vs. 29.6%; P<.0001). Among 14-19-year-old patients, 36.8% of black women and 25.8% of nonblack women were infected with HSV-2. Independent predictors of HSV-2 seropositivity included female sex, black race, older age, less education, more lifetime sex partners, prior diagnosis of syphilis or gonorrhea, and lack of HSV-1 antibody. The majority of HSV-2-seropositive persons (84.7%) had never received a diagnosis of genital herpes. HSV-2 infection is common in STD clinic attendees in the United States, even among young age groups, especially among women. Efforts to prevent genital herpes should begin at an early age. The high rate of undiagnosed HSV-2 infection likely contributes to ongoing transmission.

Immigration and Women's Empowerment Salvadorans in Los Angeles

Abstract: Recent discoveries that immigrant women often evaluate their experience more positively than men do have led to speculation that women view their public- and domestic-sphere status and power as having increased as a result of postimmigration employment outside of the home. This study, based on in-depth interviews with 25 Salvadoran women who migrated to Southern California in the 1970s and 1980s, challenges a unilinear, integrationist view that sees immigrant women's status and roles as changing along a traditional-modern continuum. Immigrant women's experiences and their perceptions of their experiences are quite diverse and complex. For many, paid employment outside of the home is not a new experience, and the household gender division of labor did not significantly change after migrating to the United States. However, women did report a sense of empowerment, newfound freedom, and selfconfidence as they negotiated traditional gender roles in a new social and cultural context.