Showing papers by "California State University, Long Beach published in 2005"

A Meta-Analysis of the Relation of Parental Involvement to Urban Elementary School Student Academic Achievement

Abstract: This meta-analysis of 41 studies examines the relationship between parental involvement and the academic achievement of urban elementary school children. Analyses determined the effect sizes for parental involvement overall and subcategories of involvement. Results indicate a significant relationship between parental involvement overall and academic achievement. Parental involvement, as a whole, was associated with all the academic variables by about 0.7 to 0.75 of a standard deviation unit. This relationship held for White and minority children and also for boys and girls. The significance of these results is discussed.

Complex Trauma in Children and Adolescents

Abstract: The present paper highlights seven primary domains of impairment observed in children exposed to complex trauma. These phenomenologically based domains have been identified based on the extant child clinical and research literatures, the adult research on Disorders of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified (Pelcovitz et al, 1997; van der Kolk, Pelcovitz, Roth, Mandel, McFarlane, & Herman, 1996; van der Kolk, Roth, et al., in press), and the combined expertise of the NCTSN Complex Trauma Taskforce.

The Contagious Leader: Impact of the Leader's Mood on the Mood of Group Members, Group Affective Tone, and Group Processes.

Abstract: The present study examined the effects of leaders' mood on (a) the mood of individual group members, (b) the affective tone of groups, and (c) 3 group processes: coordination, effort expenditure, and task strategy. On the basis of a mood contagion model, the authors found that when leaders were in a positive mood, in comparison to a negative mood, (a) individual group members experienced more positive and less negative mood, and (b) groups had a more positive and a less negative affective tone. The authors also found that groups with leaders in a positive mood exhibited more coordination and expended less effort than did groups with leaders in a negative mood. Applied implications of the results are discussed.

Mental health of Cambodian refugees 2 decades after resettlement in the United States

Abstract: ContextLittle is known about the long-term mental health of trauma-exposed refugees years after permanent resettlement in host countries.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence, comorbidity, and correlates of psychiatric disorders in the US Cambodian refugee community.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA cross-sectional, face-to-face interview conducted in Khmer language on a random sample of households from the Cambodian community in Long Beach, Calif, the largest such community in the United States, between October 2003 and February 2005. A total of 586 adults aged 35 to 75 years who lived in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge reign and immigrated to the United States prior to 1993 were selected. One eligible individual was randomly sampled from each household, with an overall response rate (eligibility screening and interview) of 87% (n = 490).Main Outcome MeasuresExposure to trauma and violence before and after immigration (using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and Survey of Exposure to Community Violence); weighted past-year prevalence rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 2.1); and alcohol use disorder (by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test).ResultsAll participants had been exposed to trauma before immigration. Ninety-nine percent (n = 483) experienced near-death due to starvation and 90% (n = 437) had a family member or friend murdered. Seventy percent (n = 338) reported exposure to violence after settlement in the United States. High rates of PTSD (62%, weighted), major depression (51%, weighted), and low rates of alcohol use disorder were found (4%, weighted). PTSD and major depression were highly comorbid in this population (n = 209; 42%, weighted) and each showed a strong dose-response relationship with measures of traumatic exposure. In bivariate analyses, older age, having poor English-speaking proficiency, unemployment, being retired or disabled, and living in poverty were also associated with higher rates of PTSD and major depression. Following multivariate analyses, premigration trauma remained associated with PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% CI, 1.37-3.16) and major depression (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.24-1.97); postmigration trauma with PTSD (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.21-2.26) and major depression (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.12-1.86); and older age with PTSD (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.46-2.13) and major depression (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.15-1.89).ConclusionMore than 2 decades have passed since the end of the Cambodian civil war and the subsequent resettlement of refugees in the United States; however, this population continues to have high rates of psychiatric disorders associated with trauma.

The Interface Chemistry between Chalcogenide Clusters and Open Framework Chalcogenides

Abstract: One of the most exciting recent developments concerning molecular architectures is the emerging field of crystalline chalcogenide superlattices that bridges two traditional but distinct areas of research: chalcogenide clusters and porous materials. By combining synthetic and structural concepts in these two areas, many crystalline solids containing spatially organized chalcogenide clusters have been created that exhibit varied properties ranging from microporosity, fast ion conductivity, and photoluminescence to narrow and tunable electronic band gaps. The potential applications of these materials extend beyond traditional areas such as acid catalysis or adsorption-based separation to include shape- or size-selective photocatalysis, solid-state ionics, and electrochemistry.

Chewing on it can chew you up: effects of rumination on triggered displaced aggression.

Abstract: Ruminating about a provocation increases the likelihood of displaced aggression following a minor annoyance (trigger). In Study 1, provoked participants who ruminated for 25 min were more aggressive toward a fumbling confederate than were distracted participants. Provocation-induced negative affect was positively related to aggression but only among those who ruminated. Study 2 conceptually replicated Study 1 and also found that the more negatively people reacted to the trigger, the more likely the trigger was to increase displaced aggression. Study 3 replicated the findings of Studies 1 and 2 by using an 8-hr rumination period. All 3 studies suggest that ruminating about a provocation increases the likelihood that a minor triggering annoyance will increase displaced aggression.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of gastrointestinal ulcer healing.

Abstract: This paper reviews cellular and molecular mechanisms of gastrointestinal ulcer healing. Ulcer healing, a genetically programmed repair process, includes inflammation, cell proliferation, re-epithelialization, formation of granulation tissue, angiogenesis, interactions between various cells and the matrix and tissue remodeling, all resulting in scar formation. All these events are controlled by the cytokines and growth factors (EGF, PDGF, KGF, HGF, TGFbeta, VEGF, angiopoietins) and transcription factors activated by tissue injury in spatially and temporally coordinated manner. These growth factors trigger mitogenic, motogenic and survival pathways utilizing Ras, MAPK, PI-3K/Akt, PLC-gamma and Rho/Rac/actin signaling. Hypoxia activates pro-angiogenic genes (e.g., VEGF, angiopoietins) via HIF, while serum response factor (SRF) is critical for VEGF-induced angiogenesis, re-epithelialization and muscle restoration. EGF, its receptor, HGF and Cox2 are important for epithelial cell proliferation, migration re-epithelializaton and reconstruction of gastric glands. VEGF, angiopoietins, nitric oxide, endothelin and metalloproteinases are important for angiogenesis, vascular remodeling and mucosal regeneration within ulcer scar. Circulating progenitor cells are also important for ulcer healing. Local gene therapy with VEGF + Ang1 and/or SRF cDNAs dramatically accelerates esophageal and gastric ulcer healing and improves quality of mucosal restoration within ulcer scar. Future directions to accelerate and improve healing include the use of stem cells and tissue engineering.

Inter-specific variation in avian responses to human disturbance

Abstract: Summary 1. Increasing urbanization and recreational activities around and within biodiversity hotspots require an understanding of how to reduce the impacts of human disturbance on more than a single species; however, we lack a general framework to study multiple species. One approach is to expand on knowledge about the theory of anti-predator behaviour to understand and predict how different species might respond to humans. 2. We reviewed the literature and found that only 21% of studies that used a behavioural approach to study human disturbance focused on multiple species. These studies identified a number of potential predictive variables. 3. We developed a simulation model that investigates interspecific variation in different parameters of disturbance with variation in human visitation. We found that fitness-related responses, such as the quantity of food consumed by a species, are relatively sensitive to the distance at which animals detect humans, the frequency of disturbance by humans and the interaction of these factors, but are less sensitive to other characteristics. 4. We examined avian alert distance (the distance animals first orientated to an approaching threat, a proxy for detection distance) across 150 species, controlling for phylogenetic effects. We found that larger species had greater alert distances than smaller species, which could increase local spatial and temporal limitations on suitable habitat with increasing human visitation. 5. Synthesis and applications . Our results suggest that body size could be a potential predictor of responses to human disturbance across species, and could be used by managers to make conservation decisions regarding levels of human visitation to a protected site. We suggest that three things are essential to develop predictive models of how different species will respond to human disturbance. First, multiple indicators of disturbance should be studied to select those with lower intraspecific variation for a given study system. Secondly, the species-specific nature of responses should be identified. Thirdly, life history, natural history and other correlates with these species-specific responses must be assessed.

Perceptions of power and interactional dominance in interpersonal relationships

Abstract: This investigation uses dyadic power theory (Dunbar, 2000, 2004; Rollins & Bahr, 1976) to examine the relationship between dominance and power and the behavioral manifestations of power in close relationships. Ninety-seven couples (58 married, 39 cohabiting) completed a problem-solving task together while being videotaped. The videotapes were coded for a variety of verbal and nonverbal dominant control attempts including dysfluencies, interruptions, frequency of adaptor and illustrator gestures, vocal characteristics, and general perceptions of dominance. The results revealed that individuals’ perceptions of power led to more dominant communication behavior during discussions with their partner. Comparisons between the perceptions of participants and observers and the implications for future research are also discussed.

Tsunami Generation by Submarine Mass Failure. I: Modeling, Experimental Validation, and Sensitivity Analyses

Abstract: Numerical simulations are performed with a two-dimensional (2D) fully nonlinear potential flow (FNPF) model for tsunami generation by two idealized types of submarine mass failure (SMF): underwater slides and slumps. These simulations feature rigid or deforming SMFs with a Gaussian cross section, translating down a plane slope. In each case, the SMF center of mass motion is expressed as a function of geometric, hydrodynamic, and material parameters, following a simple wavemaker formalism, and prescribed as a boundary condition in the FNPF model. Tsunami amplitudes and runup are obtained from computed free surface elevations. Model results are experimentally validated for a rigid 2D slide. Sensitivity studies are performed to estimate the effects of SMF-shape, type, and initial submergence depth—on the generated tsunamis. A strong SMF deformation during motion is shown to significantly enhance tsunami generation, particularly in the far-field. Typical slumps are shown to generate smaller tsunamis than corresponding slides. Both tsunami amplitude and runup are shown to depend strongly on initial SMF submergence depth. For the selected SMF idealized geometry, this dependence is simply expressed by power laws. Other sensitivity analyses are presented in a companion paper, and results from numerical simulations are converted into empirical curve fits predicting characteristic tsunami amplitudes as functions of nondimensional governing parameters. It should be stressed that these empirical formulas are only valid in the vicinity of the tsunami sources and, because of the complexity of the problem, many simplifications were necessary. It is further shown in the companion paper how 2D results can be modified to account for three-dimensional tsunami generation and used for quickly estimating tsunami hazard or for performing simple case studies.

Understanding Elementary Teacher Motivations for Science Fieldtrips.

Abstract: This investigation sought to identify the motivations that comprise teachers' agendas when leading student fieldtrips to science museums or similar sites. A survey distributed to upper elementary teachers resulted in a variety of open-ended responses that were analyzed and coded to identify recurring themes. In addition, ten teachers planning to lead a school trip to a natural history museum were interviewed and observed. Interview and observation data were used to triangulate findings and refine descriptions of actual practice. Eight fieldtrip motivations were identified including to connect with the classroom curriculum, to provide a general learning experience, to encourage lifelong learning, to enhance interest and motivation, to provide exposure to new experiences, to provide a change in setting or routine, for enjoyment, and to meet school expectations. Results indicated that ‘connecting to the classroom curriculum’ was an important consideration, although teachers had different interpretations of what this meant. Further examination of the teachers' agendas suggested the influence of different contexts, including that of the school and the museum site. These findings lead to suggestions for facilitating school visits to informal settings by considering the teachers' fieldtrip perspectives and agendas. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed89:936–955, 2005

Impact of Accommodation Strategies on English Language Learners' Test Performance

Abstract: How can we make effective accommodations for nonnative English speakers taking mathematics measures? What kinds of accommodations are useful and what kinds are not? Where does this research need to go in the future?

Influence of Growth Phase on Adhesion Kinetics of Escherichia coli D21g

Abstract: The influence of bacterial growth stage and the evolution of surface macromolecules on cell adhesion have been examined by using a mutant of Escherichia coli K-12. To better understand the adhesion kinetics of bacteria in the mid-exponential and stationary growth phases under flow conditions, deposition experiments were conducted in a well-controlled radial stagnation point flow (RSPF) system. Complementary cell characterization techniques were conducted in combination with the RSPF experiments to evaluate the hydrophobicity, electrophoretic mobility, size, and titratable surface charge of the cells in the two growth phases considered. It was observed that cells in stationary phase were notably more adhesive than those in mid-exponential phase. This behavior is attributed to the high degree of local charge heterogeneity on the outer membranes of stationary-phase cells, which results in decreased electrostatic repulsion between the cells and a quartz surface. The mid-exponential-phase cells, on the other hand, have a more uniform charge distribution on the outer membrane, resulting in greater electrostatic repulsion and, subsequently, less adhesion. Our results suggest that the macromolecules responsible for this phenomenon are outer membrane-bound proteins and lipopolysaccharide-associated functional groups.

Mandates and Effective Transition Planning Practices Reflected in IEPs

Abstract: In this study, the researchers analyzed the transition components of 399 Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). In many cases, transition goal areas mandated by the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) either were not addressed or were inadequately detailed. Effective practices, such as career planning and self-determination enhancement, were not incorporated within most plans, and the study indicated that students frequently were solely responsible for carrying out action steps to achieve their transition goals. Race and gender were not significant determinants of plan quality; however, disability type, projected diploma type, and district residence were associated with variations in transition planning activities. The authors discuss the implications of the findings relative to enhancing student preparation for adult life as envisioned by the 2004 reauthorization of IDEA.

The evolution of domain-general mechanisms in intelligence and learning.

Abstract: For both humans and animals, domain-general mechanisms are fallible but powerful tools for attaining evolutionary goals (e.g., resources) in uncertain, novel environments that were not recurrent features of the environment of evolutionary adaptedness. Domain-general mechanisms interact in complex ways with domain-specific, information-encapsulated modules, most importantly by manipulating information obtained from various modules in attempting to solve novel problems. Mechanisms of general intelligence, particularly the executive functions of working memory, underlie analogical reasoning as well as the decontextualization processes that are central to human thought. Although there is a variety of evolved, special purpose learning devices, learning is also characterized by domain-general mechanisms that are able to achieve evolutionary goals by making novel and serendipitous associations with environmental cues.

Psychometric Properties of the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination:

Abstract: Criterion-referenced (Livingston) and norm-referenced (Gilmer-Feldt) techniques were used to measure the internal consistency reliability of Folstein's Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) on a large sample (N = 418) of elderly medical patients. Two administration and scoring variants of the MMSE Attention and Calculation section (Serial 7s only and WORLD only) were investigated. Livingston reliability coefficients (rs) were calculated for a wide range of cutoff scores. As necessary for the calculation of the Gilmer-Feldt r, a factor analysis showed that the MMSE measures three cognitive domains. Livingston's r for the most widely used MMSE cutoff score of 24 was .803 for Serial 7s and .795 for WORLD. The Gilmer-Feldt internal consistency reliability coefficient was .764 for Serial 7s and .747 for WORLD. Item analysis showed that nearly all of the MMSE items were good discriminators, but 12 were too easy. True score confidence intervals should be applied when interpreting MMSE test scores.

When is the helicopter faster? A comparison of helicopter and ground ambulance transport times.

Abstract: Background:A retrospective analysis of 7,854 ground ambulance and 1,075 helicopter transports was conducted.Methods:The 911-hospital arrival intervals for three transport methods were compared: ground, helicopter dispatched simultaneously with ground unit, and helicopter dispatched nonsimultaneously

New directions in plastic debris.

Abstract: The largest ever meeting focusing on plastic debris in the environment was recently held in Redondo Beach, California ([1][1]). It is evident that plastic waste presents major concerns in aquatic habitats worldwide. However, this meeting differed from previous efforts/gatherings because representatives from industry, government, academia, and nongovernment organizations were united in their desire to identify solutions to reducing waste. There has been a switch in the types of litter recorded, from shipping- and fishing-related debris to landbased sources. This was poignantly underscored by reports of islands of plastic debris swept into the sea by Hurricane Katrina. Polymer scientist A. Andrady explained that all the plastic introduced into the oceans remains unmineralized as either entire objects or fragments, some of which are less than 20 μm in diameter ([2][2]). Large items of debris cause entanglement, impaired feeding, and mortality to birds, turtles, and mammals. Microscopic fragments are also ingested, but the consequences are unknown. H. Takada and C. Moore presented evidence on the ability of plastic to accumulate PCBs, DDE, and nonylphenol ([3][3]), and the potential for toxic chemicals to transfer to the food chain was identified as a key research direction. It was also recognized that better understanding of effects at an organismal level is required before consequences at population and ecosystem levels can be examined. In terms of solutions, much could be achieved by reductions in packaging. Keynote speaker W. McDonough made the case for a “cradle to cradle” ([4][4]) strategy to ensure that plastics are retained in a product- specific recycling loop-turning debris from a waste disposal liability into feedstock for production. Although debris can be removed from drains and rivers by physical separators, there is also a key role for education to help reduce littering. The importance of social research to establish the public's willingness to engage with these solutions was also clearly recognized. ![Figure][5] Toy cars amid debris in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.CREDIT: DAVID QUINN/AP PHOTO 1. 1.[↵][6]Plastic Debris Rivers to Seas, organized by the California Coastal Commission, 7 to 9 Sept 2005. 2. 2.[↵][7]1. R. C. Thompson 2. et al. , Science 304, 838 (2004). [OpenUrl][8][FREE Full Text][9] 3. 3.[↵][10]1. Y. Mato 2. et al. , Environ. Sci. Technol. 35, 318 (2001). [OpenUrl][11][CrossRef][12][PubMed][13][Web of Science][14] 4. 4.[↵][15]1. W. McDonough, 2. M. Braungart , Cradle to Cradle (North Point Press, New York, 2002). [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: #ref-3 [4]: #ref-4 [5]: pending:yes [6]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1. in text" [7]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2. in text" [8]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DScience%26rft.stitle%253DScience%26rft.aulast%253DThompson%26rft.auinit1%253DR.%2BC.%26rft.volume%253D304%26rft.issue%253D5672%26rft.spage%253D838%26rft.epage%253D838%26rft.atitle%253DLost%2Bat%2BSea%253A%2BWhere%2BIs%2BAll%2Bthe%2BPlastic%253F%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1126%252Fscience.1094559%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F15131299%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [9]: /lookup/ijlink/YTozOntzOjQ6InBhdGgiO3M6MTQ6Ii9sb29rdXAvaWpsaW5rIjtzOjU6InF1ZXJ5IjthOjQ6e3M6ODoibGlua1R5cGUiO3M6NDoiRlVMTCI7czoxMToiam91cm5hbENvZGUiO3M6Mzoic2NpIjtzOjU6InJlc2lkIjtzOjEyOiIzMDQvNTY3Mi84MzgiO3M6NDoiYXRvbSI7czoyNToiL3NjaS8zMTAvNTc1MS8xMTE3LjIuYXRvbSI7fXM6ODoiZnJhZ21lbnQiO3M6MDoiIjt9 [10]: #xref-ref-3-1 "View reference 3. in text" [11]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DEnvironmental%2BScience%2B%2526%2BTechnology%252C%2BES%2B%2526%2BT%26rft.stitle%253DEnvironmental%2BScience%2B%2526%2BTechnology%252C%2BES%2B%2526%2BT%26rft.aulast%253DMato%26rft.auinit1%253DY.%26rft.volume%253D35%26rft.issue%253D2%26rft.spage%253D318%26rft.epage%253D324%26rft.atitle%253DPlastic%2Bresin%2Bpellets%2Bas%2Ba%2Btransport%2Bmedium%2Bfor%2Btoxic%2Bchemicals%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmarine%2Benvironment.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1021%252Fes0010498%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F11347604%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [12]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1021/es0010498&link_type=DOI [13]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=11347604&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fsci%2F310%2F5751%2F1117.2.atom [14]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000166390700011&link_type=ISI [15]: #xref-ref-4-1 "View reference 4. in text"

Home range and habitat utilization of adult California sheephead, Semicossyphus pulcher (Labridae), in a temperate no-take marine reserve

Abstract: The California sheephead, Semicossyphus pulcher Ayres (Labridae), is a carnivorous, temperate, rocky-reef/kelp-bed species that is highly sought in recreational and commercial fisheries. Fine-scale acoustic telemetry tracking was used to ascertain the home range and habitat utilization of S. pulcher. Sixteen adult S. pulcher (26–38 cm SL) were surgically fitted with small acoustic transmitters and manually tracked for up to 144 h during multiple, 24-h periods between March 2001 and August 2002 within the Catalina Marine Science Center Marine Life Reserve (33°26′N; 118°29′W). A geographic information system was used to calculate home range sizes (95% kernel utilization distributions) and habitat use. Tracking of the first five fish over 24 h confirmed that S. pulcher were strictly diurnal, so the remaining 11 fish were tracked from 1 h before sunrise to 1 h after sunset. Home ranges varied greatly, from 938 to 82,070 m2, with a mean (±SD) of 15,134±26,007 m2. Variability in home range sizes among fish was attributed to differences in habitat shape (embayment vs. contiguous coastline) and to natural habitat boundaries (deep, sandy expanses) in adjacent areas within the reserve. There was a significant relationship between fish length and proportion of time spent in different habitats (sand vs. reef). S. pulcher were found within rocky-reef areas 54% of the time, and, within these areas, a greater percentage of daytime was spent in high-relief areas. Based on the relatively small size and persistence of home ranges of adult S. pulcher, no-take reserves, if they contain appropriate habitat, would provide adequate protection for their stocks.

Olmec Pottery Production and Export in Ancient Mexico Determined Through Elemental Analysis

Abstract: The first Mesoamerican civilization, the Gulf Coast Olmec, is associated with hierarchical society, monumental art, and an internally consistent ideology, expressed in a distinct style and salient iconography. Whether the Olmec style arose in just one area or emerged from interactions among scattered contemporaneous societies remains controversial. Using elemental analysis, we determined the regional clay sources of 725 archaeological ceramic samples from across Mesoamerica. Exported Olmec-style ceramics originated from the San Lorenzo region of the Gulf Coast, supporting Olmec priority in the creation and spread of the first unified style and iconographic system in Mesoamerica.

Propofol‐Associated Hypertriglyceridemia and Pancreatitis in the Intensive Care Unit: An Analysis of Frequency and Risk Factors

Abstract: Study objectives: To characterize the frequency, severity, risk factors, and clinician response to propofol-associated hypertriglyceridemia and hypertriglyceridemia-associated pancreatitis. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Medical and surgical intensive care units. Patients: One hundred fifty-nine adult intensive care patients administered propofol for 24 hours or longer and who had at least one serum triglyceride concentration. Measurements and main results: Patient records were reviewed to identify the frequency of hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglyceride concentration > or = 400 mg/dl) and pancreatitis (amylase concentration > or = 125 IU/L, lipase concentration > or = 60 IU/L, and abdominal computed tomography scan or clinical examination findings consistent with pancreatitis). Of the 159 patients, 29 (18%) developed hypertriglyceridemia; six (21%) of the 29 had a serum triglyceride concentration of 1000 mg/dl or greater. The median maximum serum triglyceride concentration was 696 mg/dl (range 403-1737 mg/dl). At the time when hypertriglyceridemia was detected, the median infusion rate of propofol was 50 microg/kg/minute (range 5-110 microg/kg/min). The median time from the start of propofol therapy to identification of hypertriglyceridemia was 54 hours (range 14-319 hrs). Propofol was discontinued within 24 hours of detecting the hypertriglyceridemia 84% of the time. Compared with those who did not develop hypertriglyceridemia, patients who developed hypertriglyceridemia were older, had a longer intensive care unit stay, and received propofol for a longer duration; they were also more likely to be admitted to the medical versus the surgical intensive care unit. Pancreatitis developed in three (10%) of the 29 patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusion: Hypertriglyceridemia and hypertriglyceridemia-associated pancreatitis are often seen in intensive care patients receiving propofol. Serum triglyceride concentrations should be routinely monitored in these patients. In addition, alternative sedation strategies should be considered when hypertriglyceridemia is detected.

Soil water retention. I. Introduction of a shape index

Abstract: Knowledge of soil water retention is fundamental to quantify the flow of water and dissolved substances in the subsurface. Water retention is often quantified with models fitted to observed retention points. Interpretation and conversion of parameters from different models is subjective and prone to error. We examined 461 retention curves from the UNSODA database and 660 from the GRIZZLY database. Parameters of the Brooks-Corey (BC) and van Genuchten (vG) equations were fitted to the retention data. The shape parameters in these functions (, m, and n) are closely correlated to soil texture and may be predicted with so-called pedotransfer functions (PTFs). Among the scale parameters, the saturated water content s proved to be a robust fitting parameter regardless of parameterization. Reliable optimization of the residual water content r is more difficult; without any constraint it was negative for 54.4% of the GRIZZLY samples, and its value was strongly correlated to the shape parameters. The BC- and vG-shape parameters are often converted assuming = mn, which is incorrect when or mn is large (e.g., > 0.8). To facilitate the interpretation, conversion, and optimization of retention parameters, we introduce a water retention shape index P. This index constitutes an integral measure of the slope of the retention curve and characterizes the retention behavior of a particular soil with a single number. A value for the index can be estimated directly from retention data. For the majority of the samples P ranged between 0 and 0.4; rarely did P exceed 3, which is the maximum expected for fractal behavior. The value for P was related to soil texture: fine-textured soils tend to have smaller values than coarse-textured soils. The shape index provides a benchmark for conversion and comparison of parameters.

Physiology: postprandial cardiac hypertrophy in pythons.

Abstract: Oxygen consumption by carnivorous reptiles increases enormously after they have eaten a large meal in order to meet metabolic demands, and this places an extra load on the cardiovascular system. Here we show that there is an extraordinarily rapid 40% increase in ventricular muscle mass in Burmese pythons (Python molurus) a mere 48 hours after feeding, which results from increased gene expression of muscle-contractile proteins. As this fully reversible hypertrophy occurs naturally, it could provide a useful model for investigating the mechanisms that lead to cardiac growth in other animals.

Use of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to assess antihypertensive efficacy: a comparison of olmesartan medoxomil, losartan potassium, valsartan, and irbesartan.

Abstract: Introduction: Goal rates, the percentage of patients with hypertension achieving recommended SBP/DBP, are a clinically important assessment of an antihypertensive agent’ efficacy. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) allows accurate assessment of a patient’s hypertension and risk for cardiovascular events, and provides the most accurate measure of an antihypertensive agent’s efficacy throughout a 24-hour dosing interval. Methods: A 12-week (4-week single-blind placebo run-in phase followed by an 8-week double-blind active treatment phase) randomized, parallel-group study reported that the recommended starting dose of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist (angiotensin receptor blocker; ARB) olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar™) 20 mg/day was more effective than starting doses of losartan potassium (Cozaar®) 50 mg/day, valsartan (Diovan®) 80 mg/day, or irbesartan (Avapro®) 150 mg/day in reducing cuff DBP in patients with essential hypertension. The present report includes analyses of secondary efficacy variables from this 12-week trial. Results: The mean reduction in blood pressure from baseline to week 8 (end of treatment) was significantly greater with olmesartan medoxomil than with valsartan for all ABPM times analyzed (24 hours, daytime, night-time, and last 2 and 4 hours of monitoring). Statistical significance was reached for comparisons of oimesartan medoxomil with losartan potassium for a majority of times analyzed and with irbesartan for SBP in the last 4 hours of monitoring. Goal rates for accepted critical ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) values of < 130/80mm Hg for mean 24-hour ABP, <135/85mm Hg for mean daytime ABP, and <120/75mm Hg for mean night-time ABP were significantly greater for patients receiving olmesartan medoxomil than for those receiving losartan potassium or valsartan. Goal rates were numerically superior, but not statistically significant, to those achieved with irbesartan. Compared with losartan potassium or valsartan recipients, a significantly higher percentage of patients treated with olmesartan medoxomil achieved the 24-hour ABP goal of <130/85mm Hg. The last 2 and 4 hours of ABPM indicated that olmesartan medoxomil maintained larger mean decreases in blood pressure through the morning surge. Discussion/Conclusion: ABP goal rates are a meaningful measure of antihypertensive efficacy. The effects on mean change from baseline in ABP and ABP goal rates after 8 weeks of treatment were numerically better, but not statistically significant, for olmesartan medoxomil than for irbesartan. However, olmesartan medoxomil was significantly more effective than losartan potassium or valsartan.

Why Does It Hurt? The Perceived Causes of Hurt Feelings

Abstract: Research suggests that people’s explanations for their hurt feelings can influence how they feel and how they respond to others. Although the events and behaviors that elicit hurt have been examined, individuals’ beliefs about what made them feel hurt have not been explored. The current study extends existing research by investigating the causes that people associate with their hurt feelings. First, participants’ explanations for why a specific interaction hurt their feelings were examined; then, underlying dimensions characterizing people’s explanations for hurt were identified and associations with theoretically relevant outcomes were assessed. Results yielded eight factors characterizing the perceived causes of hurt feelings. Relational satisfaction and self-esteem were linked to the reasons people felt hurt. Individuals’ perceptions about the causes of their hurt feelings also were associated with the intensity of their feelings, their responses to being hurt, and their tendency to distance themselves...