Showing papers by "University of Nebraska Omaha published in 1986"

Comparison of gait of young women and elderly women.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the free-speed gait characteristics of healthy young men with those of healthy elderly men. Data collection consisted of high-speed cinematography resulting in synchronized front and side views of 24 healthy male volunteers, 12 between 20 and 32 years of age and 12 between 60 and 74 years of age. Young men were recruited to match the elderly men on the basis of right-leg length. Each subject participated in three filmed trials of free-speed ambulation down a 14-m walkway. The processed film was analyzed for eight gait characteristics. Differences in characteristics between the two groups were examined using a correlated t test (p less than .01). No significant differences were observed between the groups for step and stride length, velocity, ankle range of motion, vertical and horizontal excursions of the center of gravity, and pelvic obliquity; however, the younger men demonstrated a significantly larger stride width than the elderly men (p less than .01). The results suggest that the two populations of healthy adult men have similar gait characteristics.

The social support and health relationship: Is there a gender difference?

Abstract: Social support has generally been found to have a positive effect on health outcomes. Recently, however, it has been suggested that the existence of these benefits is dependent on the source of support and the gender of the individual receiving the support. Specifically, it has been argued that employed males benefit from work-based sources of support while employed females rely on family or non-work sources. The present study tests this proposition while controlling for variables which may be confounded with gender in the workforce. Several health and satisfaction variables are investigated. The relationship between gender and amount of social support from various sources is also explored. Findings suggest (a) that social support does have various beneficial effects on health outcomes, (b) that gender has little bearing on the amount of support received, and (c) there are few gender differences in the effects of social support on health. Those differences that were found were in the opposite direction of what was expected.

Family violence: Its relation to marital and parental satisfaction and family strengths

Abstract: Previous research has shown the negative effects of violence on individual family members. However, a review of the literature reveals few studies that document the adverse effects of violence on family relationships. To assess these effects, 304 married parents anonymously completed a survey that included the following scales: conflict tactics, family strengths, marital satisfaction, and parent satisfaction. Results indicated significant decreases in perceived family strengths, marital satisfaction, and parent satisfaction as the use of physical violence among family members increased. These findings provide empirical support for the assumption that violence has a negative impact not only on individuals within a family but also on family relationships.

Left ventricular receptors: physiological controllers or pathological curiosities?

Abstract: Mechanically and chemically sensitive receptors in the ventricle have been described histologically and electrophysiologically. Early experiments documented the hypotension and bradycardia that resulted from the intracoronary administration of one of the veratrum alkaloids (the Bezold-Jarisch reflex). Mechanical distension of the ventricles also results in a reflex decrease in heart rate and a reduction in peripheral resistance. Skeletal muscle and coronary vascular resistence appear to be most prominently affected by stimulation of ventricular receptors. Coronary ischemia has also been shown to evoke reflex effects which are attributable to stimulation of ventricular receptors. The resultant bradycardia can be especially ominous in acute myocardial infarction. Changes in myocardial inotropic state have been shown to alter ventricular receptor discharge in experimental animals. This stimulus may evoke reflex changes in peripheral hemodynamics. A variety of humoral substances can alter ventricular receptor discharge and evoke Bezold-Jarisch like responses. These include bradykinin and prostaglandins. PGI2, when given intracoronary in small doses or intravenously in larger doses will lower blood pressure while inhibiting the baroreflex induced tachycardia. It has also been shown in some experiments that PGI2 and arachidonic acid can evoke overt bradycardia and hypotension via a reflex mechanism. The role of prostaglandins in cardiovascular reflex control may be important in pathophysiologic states such as coronary ischemia and heart failure. Ventricular receptors can interact centrally with the arterial baroreceptors to attenuate the baroreflex control of both heart rate and peripheral resistance. Finally, the stimulation of ventricular receptors can alter a variety of humoral substances which are important regulators of cardiovascular and fluid volume homeostasis. These include vasopressin, renin and catecholamines. Those studies which have been done within the last 10 years or so, especially in unanesthetized animals, have demonstrated that the Bezold-Jarisch reflex is more important to cardiovascular control than previously thought. Future work will be necessary to determine the precise role ventricular receptors play in various pathological situations.

Field germination and seedling growth of ch and cl progeny of impatiens capensis (balsaminaceae)

Abstract: The germination behavior and early growth of chasmogamous (CH) and cleistogamous (CL) progeny of Impatiens capensis were investigated in two eastern Nebraska stands. Field germination of families of buried seeds was scored in mid-April. In one stand a significantly higher proportion of CL seeds germinated than CH seeds while no significant differences were observed in the second stand. Among-family variation in germination rates was significant in both stands. The time course offield germination was similar for CL and CH seeds. A sample ofthe germinated CL and CH seedlings, matched in size, was planted individually in pots and grown in the greenhouse for five wk. Early growth of CL and CH seedlings was similar. In addition, CL seedlings were as variable as CH seedlings for four morphological traits. Overall, a large fitness advantage for CH progeny was not detected in the germination and early growth of Impatiens

Evaluating differences in technological activity between transnational and domestic firms in Latin America

Abstract: This study uses a sample of Latin American firms from four areas to compare the performance and technological activity of transnational to domestic firms. After accounting for scale, age and location of firm, we find few differences in either traditional methods of growth or profitability or in implementation of new technology embodied in processes or products. There are important differences in the sources of new technology. Domestic firms have a relatively higher level of internal innovative activity, whereas foreign firms rely more heavily (but not exclusively) on sources external to the subsidiary.

Adequate diet prevents hepatic coma in dogs with Eck fistulas.

Abstract: The conventional animal model of human portal systemic encephalopathy is the dog with Eck fistula Dogs fed standard dog chow after Eck fistula manifest anorexia, weight loss, hepatic atrophy and encephalopathy This study was done to determine the natural history of dogs undergoing Eck fistulas when adequate nutrition is maintained with a palatable diet Twenty-four mongrel dogs were divided into four groups--Eck fistula fed standard dry dog chow (EF-SC) (n equals nine); sham operated fed standard chow (SO-SC) (n equals five); Eck fistula fed a liquid (Isocal) diet (EF-LD), LD), and sham operated fed a liquid diet (SO-LD) (n equals five) Dogs were sacrificed when they had clinical signs of encephalopathy or up to 120 days after operation EF-SC dogs had a daily caloric intake approximately 40 per cent of that of the other groups Two EF-SC dogs died of sepsis within two weeks of the operation, the other seven became encephalopathic between 46 and 91 days (a mean of 636 +/- 156) No other dogs had signs of neurologic deterioration EF-SC dogs lost 19 +/- 9 per cent body weight and the serum albumin level decreased 145 per cent while the other groups maintained body weight and serum albumin levels Both EF-SC and EF-LD groups had decreased liver weight to body weight ratios (LW X 100/BW) compared with sham operated upon dogs reflecting hepatic atrophy (197 +/- 07 and 22 +/- 023 versus 304 +/- 085 and 348 +/- 044) Results of histologic examination of the liver revealed hepatocyte atrophy, deglycogenation and lipid accumulation in EF dogs We conclude from these data that providing dogs with Eck fistula a palatable diet prevents weight loss and malnutrition, but not hepatic atrophy The lack of neurologic signs in well nourished dogs suggests to us that data concerning hepatic coma from the standard Eck fistula model should be interpreted with extreme caution

Renal structure and body size in heteromyid rodents

Abstract: The relationship between body size (i.e., body mass, surface area, and relative surface area) and urine concentrating ability (via renal morphology) was determined using six sympatric species of heteromyids. These rodents share similar feeding habits and life histories but differ in adult body size. When variables such as ecological distribution, dietary habits, and other aspects of an animal's life history are reduced, renal morphology is highly and negatively correlated with body size; small heteromyids have relatively thicker medullae and presumably greater urine concentrating abilities than large ones. Renal medullary thickness is as strongly correlated with body mass as with measurements of surface area and mass-specific surface area.

Scores on MacAndrew factors: Bulimics and other addictive populations

Abstract: Is there a general addictive personality profile? If so, how closely do individuals with eating disorders or with a tendency to eat compulsively fit the profile? To answer these questions we administered six factors of the MacAndrew Scale to groups of control subjects, alcoholics, compulsive gamblers, smokers, and bulimics. Alcoholics scored significantly higher than each of the other groups on Social Maladjustment and Cognitive Impairment. Smokers, gamblers, and bulimics emerged as more socially adept kinds of addicts. No single addictive profile emerged across groups. The MacAndrew factors appeared of little value as tools for examining disordered eating, defined either in terms of normal or clinical behavior.

Evaluating the impact of prior record on judges' sentencing decisions: A seven-city comparison

Abstract: There is much agreement among social scientists that the prior criminal records of defendants are important in explaining the sentences given by judges. That being so, it is crucial to control for prior record when examining sentence discrepancies, such as between black and white defendants. However, when examining sentencing patterns, a remarkable variety of indicators has been used to measure prior record. It is very likely that different measures of prior record have different relationships to sentencing. Only fragmentary evidence of these differential relationships has been offered, however. We will add to our knowledge about the efficacy of different measures of prior record by examining numerous measures and analyzing their relationship to sentences levied on black and white defendants. Data from seven cities will be used in the analysis in order to try to understand the variation that might exist in these relationships.

A Priori Predictions of Phase Transitions in KCaF 3 and RbCaF 3 : Existence of a New Ground State

Abstract: We have made an $a$ priori theoretical study of the potential-energy surfaces for KCa${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ and RbCa${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$, and have examined the relative stability of the various lower-symmetry structures generated from the cubic perovskite phase by "rotations" of the Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$ octahedra. A completely new ground state was discovered which, when included in the sequence of energy levels, allows us to give a full account both qualitatively and, in the case of RbCa${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$, quantitatively of the phase transition sequences in both systems.

Measures of Parent-Infant Interaction: An Overview

Abstract: Increasingly, programs for handicapped infants and toddlers are including in their intervention activities objectives related to the quality of parent-child interaction. As a consequence, it has be...

Uncertainty, Experience and the Winner's Curse in OCS Lease Bidding

Abstract: This paper presents an empirical test of the major hypothesis of the currently-accepted bidding models in two regions of differing tract value uncertainty. The most significant result is an empirical verification that the more bidders that bid on a particular parcel in the face of great uncertainty, the lower the bid levels of individual firms that participate given all else is constant. No such relationship was observed, however, in the sale where there was previous bidding experience and prior ownership of closely related tracks. Prior models have not been able to identify the inverse relationship because of a bias that occurs when only positive bids are employed in these models and the use of data where previous experience reduces uncertainty. In the analysis of the competitive bidding situation, we use a two-stage procedure which adjusts for this "selection bias" by allowing for the incorporation of information from the dichotomous bid/no-bid decision in the modeling of bid level.

Factor analysis of four Fennema‐Sherman mathematics attitude scales

Abstract: The factorial structure and reliability of four Fennema‐Sherman mathematics attitude scales were investigated. The scales were administered to 204 college students in five mathematics classes and submitted to factor analysis. The scales were found to be reliable but measured three factors instead of four. The scales appeared to be generalizable to college populations, although the items may need to be reorganized. Additional research is needed to determine their usefulness for counselling or for prediction of success in math classes. Future research should consider the possibility of sex differences, also.

Marketing and the demographic perspective

Abstract: Demographic data have proven quite useful in the structuring of some marketing strategies. However, the development of a demographic perspective, which would extend the use of what marketers call demographics, has not been forthcoming. This article offers both an explanation of the demographic perspective—how it differs from demographics—along with examples of how this perspective can make demographic data more useful to marketers.

New community residents' preferences for dental service information.

Abstract: The results of a survey of 679 new residents of a metropolitan area provide insight into the types of information that the prospective patients consider important and use in selecting a dentist. Suggestions for practitioners who wish to expand their practices also are included. New residents of a community who wish to select a dentist need information about the dental services that are available. Dentists who wish to expand their practices may want to stimulate the flow of information that new residents consider important but are unable to find. A survey of 679 new residents of a metropolitan area disclosed that the greatest need appears to be for information that relates to quality of work, concern for patients, personal appearance, price, location, waiting time, and insurance form preparation.

Comparative electrophoretic analysis of two binljcleate dinoflagellates1

Abstract: Although two clonal isolates of two different binucleate dinoflagellates Peridinium balticum (Levander) Letnmermann and Glcnodinium foliaceum Stein share a number of unique biochemical and ultrastructural attributes, comparative analysis for sixteen isozyme systems shows that these isolates are quite distinct from each other. Of the 129 different isozyme bands observed, only 28 were common to both organisms. These results support the contention based on plate tabulations that these two isolates should be placed in different genera and suggest that despite certain general biochemical and ultrastructural similarities that the isolates differ significantly at the biochemical and genetic levels and perhaps exhibit different adaptations between host and endosymbiont.

The Auditory Selective Attention Test: A Review of Field and Laboratory Studies

Abstract: The present review describes a test of selective attention known as the Auditory Selective Attention Test (ASAT). The origin of the test is described and a description of the test is given. Research is reviewed on the reliability, criterion-related validity, and construct validity of the test. The test has been shown to be a valid predictor of flying performance, driving performance, and monitoring. Further research is needed on the reliability and construct validity of the instrument.

Provably good pattern generators for random pattern test

Abstract: This paper describes a pseudorandom pattern generator for the random pattern test of combinational circuits. Suppose that a fractionp of the possible patterns detects some fault and the generator generates L patterns to test the circuit. Then the probability that the generator generates a pattern that tests the fault is at leastpL/(pL + 1). The only assumption is that all values of the seed of the generator are equally likely. The seed is twice as long as a single pattern. The generator is less than twice as expensive as a linear feedback shift register. Thus, it can be used in practice. More complicated generators that achieve a better bound are also discussed.

Factors influencing career success in nursing

Abstract: The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine educational preparation, personal characteristics, and significant others in the career success of women in nursing. The sample was a random selection of 194 doctorally prepared female nurses who reported some degree of career success. The factor, personal characteristics, was ranked as the most important in facilitating career success, educational preparations was ranked second, and significant others was ranked third. Among significant others ranked as influential were teachers, peer/colleagues, and supervisors.

Aptitude for computer literacy

Abstract: Are cognitive abilities that were related to achievement in an introductory course in computer programming also related to achievement in a computer literacy course? Correlations between scores on a programming aptitude test and scores obtained on three exams given in an undergraduate course that taught the use of software were examined. A secondary purpose of the study was to investigate correlations between several personality measures and exam scores. Subjects were 90 college students enrolled in “Computers in Business”. Once achievement was controlled for basic verbal and numerical aptitude, the programming aptitude test did not significantly predict scores on any of the course exams. Thus, the task of learning to use software seemed to be analogous to any other academic learning and could be viewed as simply another application of generic cognitive abilities. Two variables, ownership of a personal computer and scores on a personality test measuring a concern for detail and perfectionism, were conducive to achievement early in the course, while experience in a prior programming course was related to achievement later in the course.

The family life cycle concept revisited: a need for new considerations

Abstract: While the family life cycle concept is widely used in the consumer behaviour literature, its value for explaining variation in buyer behaviour is less than it could be. The major problems with the concept as presently used are that: (1) it was borrowed from sociology without any basic revisions for consumer behaviour use; (2) it is presently generally operationalized as a static classificatory scheme and therefore cannot account for changing family structure; and (3) researchers have failed to link family life cycle to the concept lifestyle - another concept so crucial to explaining variations in buyer behaviour. The present paper focuses on these shortcomings and presents a model designed to make the concept more useful. Furthermore, a way of testing the model is offered. Data are presented which emphasize the need for any model to be able to incorporate the rapid change the American family is presently undergoing.