Showing papers by "University of Kansas published in 1994"
TL;DR: The authors developed a model of ethnicity that stresses the fluid, situational, volitional, and dynamic character of ethnic identification, organization, and action, emphasizing the socially constructed aspects of ethnicity, that is, the ways in which ethnic boundaries, identities, and cultures are negotiated, defined, and produced through social interaction inside and outside ethnic communities.
Abstract: Contrary to expectations implicit in the image of the “melting pot” that ethnic distinctions could be eliminated in US society, the resurgence of ethnic nationalism in the United States and around the world has prompted social scientists to rethink models of ethnicity rooted in assumptions about the inevitability of assimilation.1 Instead, the resiliency of cultural, linguistic, and religious differences among populations has led to a search for a more accurate, less evolutionary means of understanding not only the resurgence of ancient differences among peoples, but also the actual emergence of historically new ethnic groups.2 The result has been the development of a model of ethnicity that stresses the fluid, situational, volitional, and dynamic character of ethnic identification, organization, and action – a model that emphasizes the socially “constructed” aspects of ethnicity, that is, the ways in which ethnic boundaries, identities, and cultures, are negotiated, defined, and produced through social interaction inside and outside ethnic communities.3
1,366 citations
TL;DR: Mortality rates are increased at least 2-fold in RA, and are linked to clinical severity, with a large excess of deaths attributable to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Abstract: Objective. To determine the risk and causes of death and to quantify mortality predictors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods. RA patients (n = 3,501) from 4 centers (Saskatoon n = 905, Wichita n = 1,405, Stanford n = 886, and Santa Clara n = 305) were followed for up to 35 years; 922 patients died.
Results. The overall standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 2.26 (Saskatoon 2.24, Wichita 1.98, Stanford 3.08, Santa Clara 2.18) and increased with time. Mortality was strikingly increased for specific causes: infection, lymphoproliferative malignancy, gastroenterologic, and RA. In addition, as an effect of the SMR of 2.26, the expected number of deaths was increased nonspecifically across all causes (except cancer), with a large excess of deaths attributable to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Independent predictors of mortality included age, education, male sex, function, rheumatoid factor, nodules, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, joint count, and prednisone use.
1,303 citations
TL;DR: Results indicated that SES-related differences in child language prior to school were predictive of subsequent verbal ability, receptive and spoken language, and academic achievement assessed on standardized tests in kindergarten through grade 3, however, none of the predictor variables were related to direct measures of elementary schooling.
Abstract: Early differences in family SES, child language production, and IQ were related to outcomes in early elementary school in the present prospective, 10-year longitudinal study. In a prior study of family interactional variables associated with language learning, major differences in parenting (i.e., time, attention, and talking) were found to be associated with differences in child productive vocabulary between 7 to 36 months of age, and child IQ, favoring higher-SES parents. Lower-SES children were exposed less often than higher-SES children to diverse vocabulary through their parents' attention and talking, and they were prohibited from talking more often. In the current study, 32 children involved in the earlier study were repeatedly assessed between 5 to 10 years of age, while in kindergarten through third grade. Results indicated that SES-related differences in child language prior to school were predictive of subsequent verbal ability, receptive and spoken language, and academic achievement assessed on standardized tests in kindergarten through grade 3. However, none of the predictor variables were related to direct measures of elementary schooling. When combined with a composite SES indicator, early child language production significantly increased the variance accounted for in the prediction of elementary language and academic competencies in each subsequent year in elementary school. Implications are discussed in terms of the stability of performance on language and academic performance measures of children who entered school with different early language learning experiences, and the need to consider early home- and school-based intervention designed to prevent or ameliorate these trends.
726 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of degree of identification with a group (Americans) and level of collective self-esteem as determinants of outgroup derogation under identity-threatening and nonthreatening conditions was investigated.
Abstract: A structural equation model tested the role of degree of identification with a group (Americans) and level of collective self-esteem as determinants of outgroup derogation under identity-threatening and non-threatening conditions. High identification and reductions in collective self-esteem following a threat to that identity lead to outgroup derogation, but level of collective self-esteem did not predict outgroup derogation in the no-threat condition. The consequences of derogating both threat-relevant (Russians) and threat-irrelevant nationalities for subsequent self-esteem were assessed. As predicted by social identity theory, higher amounts of derogation of the threat-relevant outgroup in the identity-threatened condition elevated subsequent collective self-esteem. Derogation of threat-irrelevant outgroups did not have this positive esteem consequence; in fact, increased derogation of irrelevant outgroups reduced subsequent self-esteem. In the no-threat condition, amount of derogation directed towards either type of outgroup did not significantly influence subsequent self-esteem, with the overall pattern being opposite to what was observed in the threat condition. Implications for theories concerning self-processes as instigators of outgroup derogation and the consequences of intergroup comparisons for collective self-esteem are discussed.
723 citations
TL;DR: An overview of discrete event simulation is given and two important modelling issues that are germane to extant and emerging networks: traffic modelling and rare event simulation are singled out.
Abstract: As new communications services evolve, professionals must create better models to predict system performance. The article provides an overview of computer simulation modelling for communication networks, as well as some important related modelling issues. It gives an overview of discrete event simulation and singles out two important modelling issues that are germane to extant and emerging networks: traffic modelling and rare event simulation. Monte Carlo computer simulation is used as a performance prediction tool and Markov models are considered. >
595 citations
TL;DR: This work develops a general model in which predation is inflicted evenhandedly on two prey species competing for a single resource and shows that the R* and P* rules hold: the winning prey both depresses resources to the lowest level and sustains the higher predator density.
Abstract: Because mechanistic models of interspecific interactions are often complex, one should deliberately seek simple unifying principles that transcend system-specific details. Earlier work on resource ...
583 citations
TL;DR: Possible interactions between the uterine HB-EGF and blastocyst EGF-R very early in the process of implantation, earlier than any other embryo-uterine interactions defined to date at the molecular level are suggested.
Abstract: Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a newly discovered member of the EGF family of growth factors. HB-EGF can bind to two loci on cell surfaces, heparan sulphate proteoglycans and EGF-receptor (EGF-R), and either one or both of these interactions could play a role in cell-cell interactions. In the rodent, increased endometrial vascular permeability at the site of blastocyst apposition is considered to be an earliest discernible prerequisite event in the process of implantation and this event coincides with the initial attachment reaction between the blastocyst trophectoderm and uterine luminal epithelium. This investigation demonstrates that the HB-EGF gene is expressed in the mouse uterine luminal epithelium surrounding the blastocyst 6-7 hours before the attachment reaction that occurs at 2200-2300 hours on day 4 of pregnancy. It was further demonstrated that this gene is not expressed in the luminal epithelium at the site of the blastocyst apposition during the progesterone-maintained delayed implantation, but is readily induced in the luminal epithelium surrounding an activated blastocyst after termination of the delay by an estrogen injection. In vitro studies showed that HB-EGF induced blastocyst EGF-R autophosphorylation, and promoted blastocyst growth, zona-hatching and trophoblast outgrowth. These results suggest possible interactions between the uterine HB-EGF and blastocyst EGF-R very early in the process of implantation, earlier than any other embryo-uterine interactions defined to date at the molecular level.
560 citations
TL;DR: The broad applicability of the KMM algorithm is illustrated by analysing published data on globular cluster metallicity distributions, velocity distributions of galaxies in clusters, and burst durations of gamma-ray sources, and investigating the sensitivity of KMM to datasets with varying characteristics.
Abstract: We discuss statistical techniques for detecting and quantifying bimodality in astronomical datasets. We concentrate on the KMM algorithm, which estimates the statistical significance of bimodality in such datasets and objectively partitions data into subpopulations. By simulating bimodal distributions with a range of properties we investigate the sensitivity of KMM to datasets with varying characteristics. Our results facilitate the planning of optimal observing strategies for systems where bimodality is suspected. Mixture-modeling algorithms similar to the KMM algorithm have been used in previous studies to partition the stellar population of the Milky Way into subsystems. We illustrate the broad applicability of KMM by analyzing published data on globular cluster metallicity distributions, velocity distributions of galaxies in clusters, and burst durations of gamma-ray sources. FORTRAN code for the KMM algorithm and directions for its use are available from the authors upon request.
558 citations
TL;DR: This two-part study extended the research on multiple stereotypes of elderly adults by examining the perceptions of young, middle-aged, and elderly adults and showed that differences in complexity exist against a background of general agreement about the nature of aging.
Abstract: This two-part study extended the research on multiple stereotypes of elderly adults by examining the perceptions of young, middle-aged, and elderly adults. First, one set of participants engaged in a trait generation task which yielded a trait list for use in the second part of the study. Second, other participants sorted the set of traits into groups representing different types of elderly individuals. Trait groupings were analyzed with hierarchical cluster analysis. Results supported the hypothesis that older adults have more complex representations of aging than do middle-aged and young ones, and that middle-aged adults have more complex representations than do young ones. For example, middle-aged and elderly adults reported more stereotypes of the elderly than did young adults, and elderly adults reported more stereotypes than did middle-aged adults. Results also showed, as expected, that these differences in complexity exist against a background of general agreement about the nature of aging: Trait lists produced by those in the three age groups were significantly correlated, and the stereotype sets of the three age groups included seven shared stereotypes. Results are interpreted in terms of their support for two alternative explanations of the complexity differences: ingroup/outgroup and developmental.
551 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an essential cell division protein that is localized to the leading edge of the bacterial septum in a cytokinetic ring was incubated in vitro by electron microscopy and showed a guanine nucleotide-dependent assembly into protein filaments.
Abstract: FtsZ is an essential cell division protein that is localized to the leading edge of the bacterial septum in a cytokinetic ring. It contains the tubulin signature motif and is a GTP binding protein with a GTPase activity. Further comparison of FtsZ with eukaryotic tubulins revealed some additional sequence similarities, perhaps indicating a similar GTP binding site. Examination of FtsZ incubated in vitro by electron microscopy revealed a guanine nucleotide-dependent assembly into protein filaments, supporting the hypothesis that the FtsZ ring is formed through self-assembly. FtsZ3, which is unable to bind GTP, does not polymerize, whereas FtsZ2, which binds GTP but is deficient in GTP hydrolysis, is capable of polymerization.
397 citations
TL;DR: The state-of-the-art research in this volume is based on complex, multidimensional conceptions of poverty, using a broad range of analytic frameworks and research methods from economics, sociology, health, psychology and other disciplines.
Abstract: The state-of-the-art research in this volume is based on complex, multidimensional conceptions of poverty. Current research goes beyond description to emphasize analysis of processes by which effects occur and variations in effects associated with race, gender, and ethnicity. Child care, school, neighborhood, and community are studied as well as family contexts. The child outcomes investigated include both intellectual development and socioemotional functioning. It is multidisciplinary, using a broad range of analytic frameworks and research methods from economics, sociology, health, psychology, and other disciplines. In this introduction, the overall research trends are described, and new questions for future research are identified.
TL;DR: The Ecology of Human Performance framework provides guidelines for encompassing context in occupational therapy theory, practice, and research.
Abstract: In theory and in practice, context (as an area of concern to occupational therapists) has not received the same attention as performance components and performance areas. The Ecology of Human Performance serves as a framework for considering the effect of context. Context is described as a lens from which persons view their world. The interrelationship of person and context determines which tasks fall within the person's performance range. The Ecology of Human Performance framework provides guidelines for encompassing context in occupational therapy theory, practice, and research.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss statistical techniques for detecting and quantifying bimodality in astronomical datasets and concentrate on the KMM algorithm, which estimates the statistical significance of bimodorality in such datasets and objectively partitions data into sub-populations.
Abstract: We discuss statistical techniques for detecting and quantifying bimodality in astronomical datasets. We concentrate on the KMM algorithm, which estimates the statistical significance of bimodality in such datasets and objectively partitions data into sub-populations. By simulating bimodal distributions with a range of properties we investigate the sensitivity of KMM to datasets with varying characteristics. Our results facilitate the planning of optimal observing strategies for systems where bimodality is suspected. Mixture-modeling algorithms similar to the KMM algorithm have been used in previous studies to partition the stellar population of the Milky Way into subsystems. We illustrate the broad applicability of KMM by analysing published data on globular cluster metallicity distributions, velocity distributions of galaxies in clusters, and burst durations of gamma-ray sources. PostScript versions of the tables and figures, as well as FORTRAN code for KMM and instructions for its use, are available by anonymous ftp from kula.phsx.ukans.edu.
TL;DR: There is evidence of a robust representational mapping ability for SLI, which is at the same time modulated by a minimum input constraint and apparent problems with storage into long-term memory.
Abstract: Children with specific language impairment (SLI) are known to have limited lexicons. Previous studies implicate a possible processing problem, in the form of a limited ability to comprehend new wor...
TL;DR: The PPVT-R, a receptive measure of single-word vocabulary, was found to be the best predictor of peer popularity and was discussed in terms of a social consequences account of language limitations.
Abstract: Recent research suggests that children’s linguistic competence may play a central role in establishing social acceptance. That possibility was evaluated by examining children’s peer relationships i...
TL;DR: Analysis of succession events in Business Week 1000 firms suggests that antecedent conditions of lower firm profits and firm growth are associated with the selection of outsider CEOs and R&D intensity is associated withThe selection of CEOs having technical functional backgrounds and higher levels of education.
Abstract: Based on 195 succession events in Business Week 1000 firms, this study examines the organizational antecedents of CEO demographic characteristics. Study findings suggest that antecedent conditions of lower firm profits and firm growth are associated with the selection of outsider CEOs. Additionally, R&D intensity is associated with the selection of CEOs having technical functional backgrounds and higher levels of education.
TL;DR: In this paper, the Nyong Series metasedimentary gneisses were interpreted as post-2900 Ma cratonic cover that was deformed and metamorphosed during the 2000 to 2100 Ma Eburnian orogeny; they cannot define precise limits on the ages of sedimentation.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the frequency of Parkinson's disease in essential tremor is more than would be reported in the general population and that other movement disorders are infrequently observed inessential tremor.
Abstract: We examined 678 essential tremor patients in specialty, university, and private practice clinics. The mean age of patients was 65.2 years with a similar number of men and women. Six percent of patients were left-handed. A positive family history of tremor was reported in more than 60% of patients. Alcohol ingestion was reported to decrease tremor in 74% of patients who were cognizant of the effect of alcohol on tremor. Mean age at tremor onset was 45.3 years. An earlier onset of tremor was observed in those patients having a positive family history of tremor. Tremor affected the hands in 90% of patients, head in 50%, voice in 30%, and legs and chin in 15%. Functional disability was common and impairment at work occurred in 18% Propranolol and primidone were the most frequently used drugs and were effective in 40% of patients. Six and one-tenth percent of essential tremor patients had concomitant Parkinson's disease, 6.9% had a coexisting dystonia, and 1.8% had myoclonus. It is concluded that the frequency of Parkinson's disease in essential tremor is more than would be reported in the general population and that other movement disorders are infrequently observed in essential tremor.
TL;DR: Rat IgM monoclonal antibody recognized a mouse germ cell nuclear antigen (GCNA1) which serves as a common marker of the germ cell lineage in male and female mice after primordial germ cells arrive in the gonadal ridge until they reach the diplotene/dictyate stage of the first meiotic division.
TL;DR: Induction of MT gene transcription by ROS and the subsequent scavenging of ROS by the MT peptide is reminiscent of the metal regulatory loop and is consistent with the hypothesized protective functions of MT.
Abstract: Synthesis of metallothionein-I (MT-I) and heme oxygenase mRNAs is rapidly and transiently induced by H2O2 in mouse hepatoma cells (Hepa) and this effect is blocked by catalase. Menadione, which generates free radicals, also induces these mRNAs. Deletion mutagenesis revealed that a region between -42 and -153 in the mouse MT-I promoter was essential for induction of a CAT reporter gene. A multimer of a 16 bp sequence (-101 to -86) that includes an antioxidant response element and overlapping adenovirus major late transcription factor binding site elevated basal expression and allowed induction by H2O2 when inserted upstream of a minimal promoter. However, deletion of this region (-100 to -89) from the intact MT-I promoter (-153) did not completely eliminate response. Multiple copies of a metal response element also permitted response to H2O2. These results suggest that induction of MT-I gene transcription by H2O2 is mediated by at least two different elements within the proximal MT-I gene promoter and suggest a previously undescribed function of the MRE. Induction of MT gene transcription by ROS and the subsequent scavenging of ROS by the MT peptide is reminiscent of the metal regulatory loop and is consistent with the hypothesized protective functions of MT.
TL;DR: This approach was used to quantify the relationship between permeant radius and transepithelial electrical resistance and to analyze changes in junctional pore size as a function of pharmacological perturbation, such as in the use of absorption promoters or adjuvants.
TL;DR: A four‐domain predictive model of recurrent falls developed for this study, in which limited mobility is considered a necessary but not sufficient element in risk of recurrent fells, is tested.
Abstract: Objective
Our purpose was to test a four-domain predictive model of recurrent falls developed for this study. In this model, limited mobility is considered a necessary but not sufficient element in risk of recurrent falls. Three other domains, attitudinal, social, and environmental, are proposed to influence fall risk only in persons with impaired mobility.
Design
Prospective cohort study.
Setting
Veterans Affairs Ambulatory Care Service serving rural and urban central North Carolina.
Subjects
Male Veterans aged 70 or older (n = 306) were monitored prospectively for falls. At baseline, 159 screened as high-risk mobility status and 147 as low-risk mobility status.
Measurements
The primary outcome was recurrent falls. The mobility screen used for risk assignment defined immobile as unable to sit without support for 60 seconds, mobile and stable as meeting criteria for normal ambulation and stair climbing, and mobile but unstable as those who met neither of the above criteria. The high-risk subjects were further assessed in their homes for mobility in more detail, attitude toward risk, social supports, and environmental status. Other data included demographics, functional status, diagnoses, and medications.
Results
Recurrent falls occurred in 37 (23.3%) high-risk subjects and seven (4.8%) low-risk subjects (relative risk = 4.8, confidence interval 2.5 to 9.6, P < 0.001). Within the high-risk group, the probability of recurrent falls was significantly affected by degree of impaired mobility (P < 0.001), attitude toward risk (P = 0.005), and environment score (P = 0.03).
Conclusions
A simple mobility screen can identify elders at increased risk for recurrent falls. Risk within this group is further modified by risk-taking behavior and environment.
TL;DR: NFF-3 is the first documented synthetic substrate hydrolyzed by only certain members of the MMP family and thus has important application for the discrimination of MMP-3 activity from that of other MMPs.
TL;DR: An enzyme-based electrode with rapid response times and high degree of sensitivity and rapidity in responding to a rise in extracellular glutamate concentrations is described, which should make it now possible to measure the dynamic events associated with glutamate neurotransmission in the central nervous system.
TL;DR: A composite membrane of cellulose acetate and Nafion was found to eliminate acetaminophen and other electrochemical interferences effectively while at the same time maintaining reasonable diffusivity for hydrogen peroxide.
Abstract: Acetaminophen has been one of the most serious electrochemical interferences to oxidase-based amperometric biosensors that measure H2O2. A study was carried out to investigate various polymer materials for their selectivity as the sensor inner membrane. A composite membrane of cellulose acetate and Nafion was found to eliminate acetaminophen and other electrochemical interferences effectively while at the same time maintaining reasonable diffusivity for hydrogen peroxide. The excellent in vivo performance of the sensor was attributed not only to significantly reduced steady-state sensitivity to acetaminophen but also to very slow acetaminophen response. These features, combined with rapid acetaminophen clearance pharmacokinetics, led to the decreased response as demonstrated in the rat.
TL;DR: It is indicated that the transition of neutrophils from L‐selectin‐presenting cells to Mac‐l‐ presenting cells induced by inflammatory mediators is mediated by incorporation of secretory vesicle membrane, rich in Mac‐1 and devoid of L‐ selectin, into the plasma membrane.
Abstract: The localization of the adhesion protein L-selectin in human neutrophils was determined by subcellular fractionation and immunoelectron microscopy and compared with the localization of Mac-1 (alpha m beta 2) and alkaline phosphatase, the marker for secretory vesicles. L-selectin was found to be localized exclusively on the plasma membrane of unstimulated cells and also of stimulated cells, although markedly diminished. This was in contrast to Mac-1, which was also localized in secretory vesicles and in specific/gelatinase granules as shown previously [Sengelov, H., et al. J. Clin. Invest. (1993) 92, 1467-1476]. Stimulation of neutrophils with inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), platelet-activating factor (PAF), or f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP), induced parallel up-regulation of the surface membrane content of alkaline phosphatase and Mac-1 and down-regulation of L-selectin, as evidenced by flow cytometry. Preimbedding immunoelectron microscopy confirmed that L-selectin was present mainly on tips of microvilli in unstimulated cells and showed that alkaline phosphatase and Mac-1 were randomly distributed on the surface membrane of fMLP-stimulated cells. These studies indicate that the transition of neutrophils from L-selectin-presenting cells to Mac-1-presenting cells induced by inflammatory mediators is mediated by incorporation of secretory vesicle membrane, rich in Mac-1 and devoid of L-selectin, into the plasma membrane.
TL;DR: The data do not suggest that fluoxetine improves the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia, and both AIMS Anxiety and Depression scores and Beck Depression Scales showed improvement.
Abstract: 42 women were randomized to receive either placebo or fluoxetine at 20 mgs per day Inter and intra group differences in clinical variables were evaluated after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment Except for self rated anxiety which improved in the placebo treated group at 3 weeks, no differences between groups were riotedFor those receiving fluoxetine both AIMS Anxiety (40 baseline vs 33, p = 004) and Depression scores (26 baseline vs 19, p = 003) improved at 3 weeks; however, improvement in the Beck Depression Scale did not reach significance (118 vs 94, p = 034) At 6 weeks, both AIMS Depression (26 at baseline and 15 at 6 weeks, p = 003) and Beck Depression Scales (118 at baseline vs 83 at 6 weeks, p = 004) showed improvement, as did sleep quality (96 vs 76, p = 003) But no other variable had a significant change from baseline at either the 3 or 6 week point Our data do not suggest that fluoxetine improves the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia
TL;DR: It is indicated that depressed people reliably experience rejection from those in their social environment and that depression generally is associated with impairments in social behavior.
Abstract: Interpersonal aspects of depression have received considerable research attention in the past 2 decades. This work often has been guided by J. C. Coyne's (1976b) interactional model of depression or P. M. Lewinsohn's (1974) social skill deficit theory of depression. A review of this research indicates that depressed people reliably experience rejection from those in their social environment and that depression generally is associated with impairments in social behavior. However, this research does not explain exactly what depressed people do to elicit rejection, or exactly why others react negatively to them. Research derived from communication theories on responsiveness, politeness, and expectations for nonverbal involvement illuminates the interpersonal cycle in depression. The role of these impairments in the cause, symptoms, course, subtypes, and therapy of depression is discussed.
TL;DR: NG-nitro-L-arginine produced at least as much inhibition of acetylcholine relaxations in diabetic arteries, indicating that the impaired relaxation noted in diabetic artery does not result from decreased production of EDNO.
Abstract: Diabetes was induced in rats by an injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Endothelium-dependent relaxations in mesenteric resistance arteries (luminal diameter 210 +/- 20 microns) of control and d...
TL;DR: Machine coding, when combined with the numerous sources of machine-readable text that have become available in the past decade, has the potential to provide a much richer source of event data on international political interactions than that currently available.
Abstract: This article discusses research on the machine coding of international event data from international and regional news sources using the Kansas Event Data System (KEDS). First, we suggest that the definition of an “event” should be modified so that events are explicitly and unambiguously defined in terms of natural language. Second, we discuss KEDS: a Macintosh-based machine coding system using pattern recognition and simple linguistic parsing to code events using the WEIS event categories. Third, we compare the Reuters international news service reports with those of two specialized regional sources: the foreign policy chronologies in the Journal of Palestine Studies and the German language biweekly publication Informationen .
We conclude by noting that machine coding, when combined with the numerous sources of machine-readable text that have become available in the past decade, has the potential to provide a much richer source of event data on international political interactions than that currently available. The ease of machine coding should encourage the creation of event coding schemes developed to address specific theoretical concerns; the increased density of these new data sets may allow the study of problems that could not be analyzed before.