Showing papers by "California State University, Long Beach published in 2004"

Revised Nomenclature for Avian Telencephalon and Some Related Brainstem Nuclei

Abstract: The standard nomenclature that has been used for many telencephalic and related brainstem structures in birds is based on flawed assumptions of homology to mammals. In particular, the outdated terminology implies that most of the avian telencephalon is a hypertrophied basal ganglia, when it is now clear that most of the avian telencephalon is neurochemically, hodologically, and functionally comparable to the mammalian neocortex, claustrum, and pallial amygdala (all of which derive from the pallial sector of the developing telencephalon). Recognizing that this promotes misunderstanding of the functional organization of avian brains and their evolutionary relationship to mammalian brains, avian brain specialists began discussions to rectify this problem, culminating in the Avian Brain Nomenclature Forum held at Duke University in July 2002, which approved a new terminology for avian telencephalon and some allied brainstem cell groups. Details of this new terminology are presented here, as is a rationale for each name change and evidence for any homologies implied by the new names. Revisions for the brainstem focused on vocal control, catecholaminergic, cholinergic, and basal ganglia-related nuclei. For example, the Forum recognized that the hypoglossal nucleus had been incorrectly identified as the nucleus intermedius in the Karten and Hodos (1967) pigeon brain atlas, and what was identified as the hypoglossal nucleus in that atlas should instead be called the supraspinal nucleus. The locus ceruleus of this and other avian atlases was noted to consist of a caudal noradrenergic part homologous to the mammalian locus coeruleus and a rostral region corresponding to the mammalian A8 dopaminergic cell group. The midbrain dopaminergic cell group in birds known as the nucleus tegmenti pedunculopontinus pars compacta was recognized as homologous to the mammalian substantia nigra pars compacta and was renamed accordingly; a group of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons at the lateral edge of this region was identified as homologous to the mammalian substantia nigra pars reticulata and was also renamed accordingly. A field of cholinergic neurons in the rostral avian hindbrain was named the nucleus pedunculopontinus tegmenti, whereas the anterior nucleus of the ansa lenticularis in the avian diencephalon was renamed the subthalamic nucleus, both for their evident mammalian homologues. For the basal (i.e., subpallial) telencephalon, the actual parts of the basal ganglia were given names reflecting their now evident homologues. For example, the lobus parolfactorius and paleostriatum augmentatum were acknowledged to make up the dorsal subdivision of the striatal part of the basal ganglia and were renamed as the medial and lateral striatum. The paleostriatum primitivum was recognized as homologous to the mammalian globus pallidus and renamed as such. Additionally, the rostroventral part of what was called the lobus parolfactorius was acknowledged as comparable to the mammalian nucleus accumbens, which, together with the olfactory tubercle, was noted to be part of the ventral striatum in birds. A ventral pallidum, a basal cholinergic cell group, and medial and lateral bed nuclei of the stria terminalis were also recognized. The dorsal (i.e., pallial) telencephalic regions that had been erroneously named to reflect presumed homology to striatal parts of mammalian basal ganglia were renamed as part of the pallium, using prefixes that retain most established abbreviations, to maintain continuity with the outdated nomenclature. We concluded, however, that one-to-one (i.e., discrete) homologies with mammals are still uncertain for most of the telencephalic pallium in birds and thus the new pallial terminology is largely devoid of assumptions of one-to-one homologies with mammals. The sectors of the hyperstriatum composing the Wulst (i.e., the hyperstriatum accessorium intermedium, and dorsale), the hyperstriatum ventrale, the neostriatum, and the archistriatum have been renamed (respectively) the hyperpallium (hypertrophied pallium), the mesopallium (middle pallium), the nidopallium (nest pallium), and the arcopallium (arched pallium). The posterior part of the archistriatum has been renamed the posterior pallial amygdala, the nucleus taeniae recognized as part of the avian amygdala, and a region inferior to the posterior paleostriatum primitivum included as a subpallial part of the avian amygdala. The names of some of the laminae and fiber tracts were also changed to reflect current understanding of the location of pallial and subpallial sectors of the avian telencephalon. Notably, the lamina medularis dorsalis has been renamed the pallial-subpallial lamina. We urge all to use this new terminology, because we believe it will promote better communication among neuroscientists. Further information is available at http://avianbrain.org

Critical Care Nurses’ Perceptions of Futile Care and Its Effect on Burnout

Abstract: • BACKGROUND Nurses’ perceptions of futile care may lead to emotional exhaustion. • OBJECTIVES To determine the relationship between critical care nurses’ perceptions of futile care and its effect on burnout. • METHODS A descriptive survey design was used with 60 critical care nurses who worked full-time and had a minimum of 1 year of critical care experience at the 2 participating hospitals (350-470 beds). Subjects completed a survey on demographics, the Moral Distress Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Six research questions were tested. The results of the following question are presented: Is there a relationship between frequency of moral distress situations involving futile care and emotional exhaustion? • RESULTS A Pearson product moment correlational analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between the score on the emotional exhaustion subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the score on the frequency subscale of the Moral Distress Scale. Moral distress accounted for 10% of the variance in emotional exhaustion. Demographic variables of age, education, religion, and rotation between the critical care units were significantly related to the major variables. • CONCLUSIONS In critical care nurses, the frequency of moral distress situations that are perceived as futile or nonbeneficial to their patients has a significant relationship to the experience of emotional exhaustion, a main component of burnout. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2004;13:202-208)

The Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Middle School, Mathematics Teachers in China and the U.S.

Abstract: This study compared the pedagogical contentknowledge of mathematics in U.S. and Chinesemiddle schools. The results of thiscomparative study indicated that mathematicsteachers' pedagogical content knowledge in thetwo countries differs markedly, which has adeep impact on teaching practice. The Chineseteachers emphasized developing procedural andconceptual knowledge through reliance ontraditional, more rigid practices, which haveproven their value for teaching mathematicscontent. The United States teachers emphasizeda variety of activities designed to promotecreativity and inquiry in attempting to developstudents' understanding of mathematicalconcepts. Both approaches have benefits andlimitations. The practices of teachers in eachcountry may be partially adapted to helpovercome deficiencies in the other.

Assessment Accommodations for English Language Learners: Implications for Policy-Based Empirical Research

Abstract: Increased attention to large-scale assessments, the growing number of English language learners in schools, and recent inclusionary policies have collectively made assessment accommodations a hotly debated issue, especially regarding the validity of test results for English language learners. Decisions about which accommodations to use, for whom, and under what conditions, are based on limited empirical evidence for their effectiveness and validity. Given the potential consequences of test results, it is important that policy-makers and educators understand the empirical base underlying their use. This article reviews test accommodation strategies for English learners, derived from “scientifically based research.” The results caution against a one-size-fits-all approach. The more promising approaches include modified English and customized dictionaries, which can be used for all students, not just English language learners

Critical Social Theory and Transformative Knowledge: The Functions of Criticism in Quality Education:

Abstract: Critical social theory is a multidisciplinary knowledge base with the implicit goal of advancing the emancipatory function of knowledge. It approaches this goal by promoting the role of criticism in the search for quality education. Through critical social theory in education, quality is proportional to the depth of analysis that students have at their disposal. As a critical form of classroom discourse, critical social theory cultivates students’ ability to critique institutional as well as conceptual dilemmas, particularly those that lead to domination or oppression. It also promotes a language of transcendence that complements a language of critique in order to forge alternative and less oppressive social arrangements. A critical social theory-based movement in education highlights the relationship between social systems and people, how they produce each other, and ultimately how critical social theory can contribute to the emancipation of both.

The Situational Impact of Brand Image Beliefs

Abstract: This study experimentally examines some situational influences on the formation and consequences of two brand image/personality beliefs, pertaining to fun and sophistication (classiness). It experimentally tests McCracken's (1986) meaning transfer mechanisms and establishes that non-verbalized personality associations of celebrity endorsers on these dimensions do indeed reinforce equivalent consumer beliefs about a brand's fun and classiness benefits, but only if a social consumption context is evoked, and only if the brand image beliefs are appropriate to the consumer schema for the product category involved. Moreover, under these facilitating conditions, such ad-created brand image beliefs have an impact only on brand purchase intentions, and not on brand attitudes. Results have implications for the growing literature on different types of brand imagery associations, as well as for future research on the processing of nonverbal stimuli, the measurement of non-functional brand beliefs, and consumer inference processes.

Assist–Control Mechanical Ventilation Attenuates Ventilator-induced Diaphragmatic Dysfunction

Abstract: Controlled mechanical ventilation induced a profound diaphragm muscle dysfunction and atrophy. The effects of diaphragmatic contractions with assisted mechanical ventilation on diaphragmatic isometric, isotonic contractile properties, or the expression of muscle atrophy factor-box (MAF-box), the gene responsible for muscle atrophy, are unknown. We hypothesize that assisted mechanical ventilation will preserve diaphragmatic force and prevent overexpression of MAF-box. Studying sedated rabbits randomized equally into control animals, those with 3 days of assisted ventilation, and those with controlled ventilation, we assessed in vitro diaphragmatic isometric and isotonic contractile function. The concentrations of contractile proteins, myosin heavy chain isoform, and MAF-box mRNA were measured. Tetanic force decreased by 14% with assisted ventilation and 48% with controlled ventilation. Maximum shortening velocity tended to increase with controlled compared with assisted ventilation and control. Peak power output decreased 20% with assisted ventilation and 41% with controlled ventilation. Contractile proteins were unchanged with either modes of ventilation; myosin heavy chain 2X mRNA tended to increase and that of 2A to decrease with controlled ventilation. MAF-box gene was overexpressed with controlled ventilation. We conclude that preserving diaphragmatic contractions during mechanical ventilation attenuates the force loss induced by complete inactivity and maintains MAF-box gene expression in control.

Visual perception and social foraging in birds

Abstract: Birds gather information about their environment mainly through vision by scanning their surroundings. Many prevalent models of social foraging assume that foraging and scanning are mutually exclusive. Although this assumption is valid for birds with narrow visual fields, these models have also been applied to species with wide fields. In fact, available models do not make precise predictions for birds with large visual fields, in which the head-up, head-down dichotomy is not accurate and, moreover, do not consider the effects of detection distance and limited attention. Studies of how different types of visual information are acquired as a function of body posture and of how information flows within flocks offer new insights into the costs and benefits of living in groups.

Function and quality-of-life of survivors of pelvic and lower extremity osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma: the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

Abstract: Limb-sparing surgeries have been performed more frequently than amputation based on the belief that limb-sparing surgeries provide improved function and quality-of-life (QOL). However, this has not been extensively studied in the paediatric population, which has unique characteristics that have implications for function and QOL. Using the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, 528 adult long-term survivors of pediatric lower extremity bone tumours, diagnosed between 1970 and 1986, were contacted and completed questionnaries assessing function and QOL. Survivors were an average of 21 years from diagnosis with an average age of 35 years. Overall they reported excellent function and QOL. Compared to those who had a limb-sparing procedure, amputees were not more likely to have lower function and QOL scores and self-perception of disability included general health status, lower educational attainment, older age and female gender. Findings from this study suggest that, over time, amputees do as well as those who underwent limb-sparing surgeries between 1970 and 1986. However, female gender, lower educational attainment and older current age appear to influence function, QOL and disability.

Condom Effectiveness for Reducing Transmission of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: The Importance of Assessing Partner Infection Status

Abstract: This analysis examined the importance of differential exposure to infected partners in epidemiologic studies of latex condom effectiveness for prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Cross-sectional, enrollment visit data were analyzed from Project RESPECT, a trial of counseling interventions conducted at five publicly funded US sexually transmitted disease clinics between 1993 and 1997. The association between consistent condom use in the previous 3 months and prevalent gonorrhea and chlamydia (Gc/Ct) was compared between participants known to have infected partners and participants whose partner infection status was unknown. Among 429 participants with known Gc/Ct exposure, consistent condom use was associated with a significant reduction in prevalent gonorrhea and chlamydia (30% vs. 43%; adjusted prevalence odds ratio = 0.42, 95% confidence interval: 0.18, 0.99). Among 4,314 participants with unknown Gc/Ct exposure, consistent condom use was associated with a lower reduction in prevalent gonorrhea and chlamydia (24% vs. 25%; adjusted prevalence odds ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval: 0.66, 1.01). The number of unprotected sex acts was significantly associated with infection when exposure was known (p for trend < 0.01) but not when exposure was unknown (p for trend = 0.73). Restricting analyses to participants with known exposure to infected partners provides a feasible and efficient mechanism for reducing confounding from differential exposure to infected partners in condom effectiveness studies.

Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis for nanoparticles synthesis

Abstract: This article presents new findings regarding the effects of precursor drop size and precursor concentration on product particle size and morphology in ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. Large precursor drops (diameter > 30 μm) generated by ultrasonic atomization at 120 kHz yielded particles with holes due to high solvent evaporation rate, as predicted by the conventional one particle per drop mechanism. Precursor drops 6–9 μm in diameter, generated by an ultrasonic nebulizer at 1.65 MHz and 23.5 W electric drive power, yielded uniform spherical particles 90 nm in diameter with proper control of precursor concentration and residence time. Moreover, air-assisted ultrasonic spray pyrolysis at 120 kHz and 2.3 W yielded spherical particles about 70% of which were smaller than those produced by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis of the 6–9 μm precursor drops, despite much larger precursor drop size (28 μm peak diameter versus 7 μm mean diameter). These particles are much smaller than predicted by the conventional one particle per drop mechanism, suggesting that a gas-to-particle conversion mechanism may also be involved in spray pyrolysis.

Theory in Progress: Dyadic Power Theory: Constructing a Communication-Based Theory of Relational Power

Abstract: Power is an integral part of any relationship, especially close familial relationships, because it determines how the partners relate to each other and how decisions are made. Rollins and Bahr's (1976) theory of power in marital relationships, referred to here as Dyadic Power Theory, is expanded to consider communication behavior, and to include other family dyads in addition to marriage. The theory, which emphasizes the dyadic nature of power, draws on past perspectives of power including those posited by social exchange theory, the chilling effect, sex roles, and normative resource theory. It is proposed that perceptions of legitimate authority to make decisions and access to a variety of resources increase individuals' perceptions of their own power compared to their partner. Perceptions of power, in turn, increase the likelihood of using dominant communication behavior in an attempt to control the interaction. Greater control attempts lead to greater influence over decisions. It is also predicted that...

Emotional intelligence: A key ability to succeed in the matrix organization

Abstract: Organizations continue to employ the matrix organizational form as it enables companies to use human resources flexibly, produce innovative solutions to complex problems in unstable environments, increase information flow through the use of lateral communication channels, and leverage economies of scale while remaining small and task oriented. Despite its strengths, the matrix has inherent problems. Earlier studies have primarily addressed structural problems. In this paper, we identify four interpersonal challenges that impede matrix performance: misaligned goals increase competition among employees, roles and responsibilities are unclear, decision‐making is untimely and of possibly low quality, and silo‐focused employees do not cooperate. We propose that emotionally intelligent employees can function better in the matrix. We offer solutions for both managers and employees to improve performance in matrix organizations by applying the four components of emotional intelligence, specifically, managing, understanding, using, and perceiving emotion, to each interpersonal challenge.

Hispanic‐serving institutions through the eyes of students and administrators

Abstract: Every year, more colleges and universities become Hispanic-serving institutions. These institutions, whether public or private, two-year or four-year, find themselves in the position of serving high numbers of Latino students. They encounter opportunities for unique learning environments, access to special funding, and the potential to be instrumental in Latino educational attainment.

Excessive humeral external rotation results in increased shoulder laxity

Abstract: BackgroundThe quantitative relationship between increased anterior shoulder laxity and increased humeral external rotation observed in throwers remains unclear.HypothesisAn elongated anterior capsule, especially the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament, produced by excessive humeral external rotation will result in increased anterior shoulder laxity and increased humeral external rotation.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsSeven cadaveric shoulders were tested to measure the humeral rotational range of motion, glenohumeral translations, and length of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. Data were collected for the intact shoulders and after nondestructive stretching of 10%, 20%, and 30% beyond maximum humeral external rotation.ResultsNondestructive excessive external rotational stretching resulted in a significant increase in superior (30%, 3.3 mm) and inferior (30%, 2.3 mm) length of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament, external rotation ...

The Living and the Dead: Community in the Virtual Cemetery

Abstract: Rheingold (1993) and others have described the potential for increased connectedness and community in cyberspace, but critics have charged that the Web increases social isolation rather than fostering interpersonal relationships. The present article explores how creating and visiting Web memorials (activities that initially appear isolating) affect the bereaved. Data from three studies on Web memorialization (descriptions of Web memorials, guestbook entries, and a survey of Web memorial authors) are used to examine three aspects of bereavement community: continuing bonds with the dead, strengthening existing relationships among the living, and creating new communities of the bereaved in cyberspace. Analysis suggests that rather than serving as a poor substitute for traditional bereavement activities, Web memorialization is a valued addition, allowing the bereaved to enhance their relationship with the dead and to increase and deepen their connections with others who have suffered a loss.

Excimer laser angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction (the CARMEL multicenter trial)

Abstract: Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with thrombus-laden lesions constitute a revascularization challenge. Thrombus and atherosclerotic plaque absorb laser energy; thus, we studied the safety and efficacy of excimer laser in AMI. In a multicenter trial, 151 patients with AMI underwent excimer laser angioplasty. Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction was 44 ± 13%, and 13% of patients were in cardiogenic shock. A saphenous vein graft was the target vessel in 21%. Quantitative coronary angiography and statistical analysis were performed by independent core laboratories. A 95% device success, 97% angiographic success, and 91% overall procedural success rate were recorded. Maximal laser gain was achieved in lesions with extensive thrombus burden (p <0.03 vs small burden). Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) trial flow increased significantly by laser: 1.2 ± 1.1 to 2.8 ± 0.5 (p <0.001), reaching a final 3.0 ± 0.2 (p <0.001 vs baseline). Minimal luminal diameter increased by laser from 0.5 ± 0.5 to 1.6 ± 0.5 mm (mean ± SD, p <0.001), followed by 2.7 ± 0.6 mm after stenting (p <0.001 vs baseline and vs after laser). Laser decreased target stenosis from 83 ± 17% to 52 ± 15% (mean ± SD, p <0.001 vs baseline), followed by 20 ± 16% after stenting (p <0.001 vs baseline and vs after laser). Six patients (4%) died, each presented with cardiogenic shock. Complications included perforation (0.6%), dissection (5% major, 3% minor), acute closure (0.6%), distal embolization (2%), and bleeding (3%). In a multivariant regression model, absence of cardiogenic shock was a significant factor affecting procedural success. Thus, in the setting of AMI, gaining maximal thrombus dissolution in lesions with extensive thrombus burden, combined with a considerable increase in minimal luminal diameter and restoration of anterograde TIMI flow, support successful debulking by excimer laser. The presence of thrombus does not adversely affect procedural success; however, cardiogenic shock remains a predictor of major adverse events during hospitalization.

Incidence of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in 5 sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics and the effect of HIV/STD risk-reduction counseling.

Abstract: The seroincidence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection was determined among 1766 patients attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics and enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/STD risk-reduction counseling (RRC). Arm 1 received enhanced RRC (4 sessions); arm 2, brief RRC (2 sessions); and arm 3, the control arm, brief informational messages. The overall incidence rate was 11.7 cases/100 person-years (py). Independent predictors of incidence of HSV-2 infection included female sex; black race; residence in Newark, New Jersey; <50% condom use with an occasional partner; and, in females, incident trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. Only 10.8% of new HSV-2 infections were diagnosed clinically. Incidence rates were 12.9 cases/100 py in the control arm, 11.8 cases/100 py in arm 2, and 10.3 cases/100 py in arm 1 (hazard ratio, 0.8 [95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.1], vs. controls). The possible benefit of RRC in preventing acquisition of HSV-2 infection offers encouragement that interventions more specifically tailored to genital herpes may be useful and should be an important focus of future studies.

Diel movement patterns of ocean sunfish Mola mola off southern California

Abstract: Ocean sunfish Mola mola are a seasonally common inhabitant of southern Californian waters, and comprise the largest bycatch component (29% of total catch) of the California drift gill- net fishery for swordfish. We used temperature and depth-sensing acoustic transmitters to quantify the fine-scale movement patterns of ocean sunfish near Santa Catalina Island, California. Eight ocean sunfish were tracked continuously over 24 to 72 h periods, during which oceanographic data were collected every 2 h. Geographical position and depth of tracked fish were analyzed in relation to oceanographic data and time of day. Ocean sunfish traveled a mean distance of 26.8 ± 5.2 (±SD) km d -1 . Horizontal movements were characterized by a significant decrease in rate of movement (ROM) dur- ing the first 6 h of night (median ROM = 0.76 km h -1 ) (SD = 0.31) as compared to the remaining night- time period (median ROM = 1.00 km h -1 )(SD = 0.39), whereas daytime ROM (median ROM = 1.22 km h -1 ) (SD = 0.58) was significantly higher than either nighttime period. Horizontal movements were highly directional, with angular concentration values (r) as high as 0.765 over the duration of entire tracks. Nocturnal vertical movements were confined to the surface mixed layer and thermocline, while diurnal vertical movements were often characterized by repeated dives below the thermocline. A significant relationship was found between maximum dive depth and the post-dive period spent in the mixed layer, suggesting that ocean sunfish may behaviorally thermoregulate between deeper daytime dives. The observed depth-distribution patterns of ocean sunfish indicate that lowering the depth of gillnets in the water column could significantly reduce bycatch of this species in the California drift gillnet fishery.

Radial glia express aromatase in the injured zebra finch brain

Abstract: Estrogens have neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. The synthesis of estrogen occurs via the expression of aromatase. Previous studies have shown that injury to the vertebrate brain results in a rapid and dramatic up-regulation of aromatase expression in astrocytes around the lesion. As part of experiments examining injury-induced glial aromatization, we identified aromatase in radial glia of the zebra finch brain. Adult female zebra finches received a penetrating injury to the right hippocampus. Twenty-four hours after lesioning, birds were administered bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and sacrificed 2 hours, 1 day, or 7 days later. We determined the distribution of aromatase and BrdU labeling by using immunocytochemistry. Radial aromatase was localized to cells lining the lateral ventricle adjacent to the lesioned hippocampus. Injury also induced a dramatic accumulation of newly generated cells labeled with BrdU around the lesion. BrdU labeling was strongly associated with aromatase-positive radial fibers, suggesting the migration of newly generated cells along these fibers. In the songbird brain, estrogen supports neuronal recruitment and promotes the survival and addition of new neurons. The presence of aromatase in radial glia provides a mechanism of estrogen delivery to postmitotic cells. Radial aromatization may be a key feature in the repair of the vertebrate brain following neural injury. J. Comp. Neurol. 475:261–269, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The Sustained Use of Research-Based Instructional Practice A Case Study of Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies in Mathematics

Abstract: This article explores factors influencing the sustained use of Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) in math in one elementary school. General education teachers participating in research studies implemented PALS twice a week to the full class, including students both with and without disabilities. The authors examined whether teachers maintained their use of PALS after the research studies ended. They also studied how PALS was used in each classroom and assessed teachers' perceptions of its utility, their understanding of its underlying principles, and their reasons for continuing use. The continued use and fidelity of implementation remained extremely high several years after the original research projects ended. Factors influencing continued use include the high quality of professional development and support provided during the research project, the solid alignment of PALS with district and state mandates, the autonomy in teaching math that PALS allowed teachers on the days they were not using PALS...