Showing papers by "University of Nebraska Omaha published in 2007"
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TL;DR: Whether formative constructs are indeed being mistaken for reflective constructs by information systems researchers by examining complete volumes of MIS Quarterly and Information Systems Research over the last 3 years is examined.
Abstract: While researchers go to great lengths to justify and prove theoretical links between constructs, the relationship between measurement items and constructs is often ignored. By default, the relationship between construct and item is assumed to be reflective, meaning that the measurement items are a reflection of the construct. Many times, though, the nature of the construct is not reflective, but rather formative. Formative constructs occur when the items describe and define the construct rather than vice versa.
In this research, we examine whether formative constructs are indeed being mistaken for reflective constructs by information systems researchers. By examining complete volumes of MIS Quarterly and Information Systems Research over the last 3 years, we discovered that a significant number of articles have indeed misspecified formative constructs. For scientific results to be valid, we argue that researchers must properly specify formative constructs. This paper discusses the implications of different patterns of common misspecifications of formative constructs on both Type I and Type II errors. To avoid these errors, the paper provides a roadmap to researchers to properly specify formative constructs. We also discuss how to address formative constructs within a research model after they are specified.
2,790 citations
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TL;DR: A practical approach that systematically compares whole genome sequences to identify single-copy nuclear gene markers for inferring phylogeny is presented and is an improvement over traditional approaches because it uses genomic information and automates the process to identify large numbers of candidate makers.
Abstract: Molecular systematics occupies one of the central stages in biology in the genomic era, ushered in by unprecedented progress in DNA technology. The inference of organismal phylogeny is now based on many independent genetic loci, a widely accepted approach to assemble the tree of life. Surprisingly, this approach is hindered by lack of appropriate nuclear gene markers for many taxonomic groups especially at high taxonomic level, partially due to the lack of tools for efficiently developing new phylogenetic makers. We report here a genome-comparison strategy to identifying nuclear gene markers for phylogenetic inference and apply it to the ray-finned fishes – the largest vertebrate clade in need of phylogenetic resolution. A total of 154 candidate molecular markers – relatively well conserved, putatively single-copy gene fragments with long, uninterrupted exons – were obtained by comparing whole genome sequences of two model organisms, Danio rerio and Takifugu rubripes. Experimental tests of 15 of these (randomly picked) markers on 36 taxa (representing two-thirds of the ray-finned fish orders) demonstrate the feasibility of amplifying by PCR and directly sequencing most of these candidates from whole genomic DNA in a vast diversity of fish species. Preliminary phylogenetic analyses of sequence data obtained for 14 taxa and 10 markers (total of 7,872 bp for each species) are encouraging, suggesting that the markers obtained will make significant contributions to future fish phylogenetic studies. We present a practical approach that systematically compares whole genome sequences to identify single-copy nuclear gene markers for inferring phylogeny. Our method is an improvement over traditional approaches (e.g., manually picking genes for testing) because it uses genomic information and automates the process to identify large numbers of candidate makers. This approach is shown here to be successful for fishes, but also could be applied to other groups of organisms for which two or more complete genome sequences exist, which has important implications for assembling the tree of life.
360 citations
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TL;DR: The objective of this research is to provide a conceptual framework that identifies major research areas of data mining and knowledge discovery (DMKD) for students and beginners and describe the longitudinal changes of DMKD research activities.
Abstract: As our abilities to collect and store various types of datasets are continually increasing, the demands for advanced techniques and tools to understand and make use of these large data keep growing. No single existing field is capable of satisfying the needs. Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery (DMKD), which utilizes methods, techniques, and tools from diverse disciplines, emerged in last decade to solve this problem. It brings knowledge and theories from several fields including databases, machine learning, optimization, statistics, and data visualization and has been applied to various real-life applications. Even though data mining has made significant progress during the past fifteen years, most research effort is devoted to developing effective and efficient algorithms that can extract knowledge from data and not enough attention has been paid to the philosophical foundations of data mining. The objective of this research is to provide a conceptual framework that identifies major research areas of data mining and knowledge discovery (DMKD) for students and beginners and describe the longitudinal changes of DMKD research activities. Using the textual documents collected from premier DMKD journals, conference proceedings, syllabi, and dissertations, this study is intended to address the following issues: What are the major subjects of this field? What is the central theme? What are the connections among these subjects? What are the longitudinal changes of DMKD research? To answer these questions, this research uses a combination of grounded theory and document clustering. The result will represent previous and current DMKD research activities in the form of a framework. The resulting framework should allow people to comprehend the entire domain of DMKD research and assist identification of areas in need of more research efforts.
353 citations
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TL;DR: This study explores how less-familiar e-commerce Web sites can use branding alliances and Web site quality to increase the likelihood of initial consumer trust and extends information integration theory to explain how branding alliances are able to increase initial trust and transfer positive effects to Web sites.
Abstract: Trust is a crucial factor in e-commerce. However, consumers are less likely to trust unknown websites. This study explores how less-familiar e-commerce websites can use branding alliances and website quality to increase the likelihood of initial consumer trust. We use the associative network model of memory to explain brand knowledge and to show how the mere exposure effect can be leveraged to improve a website's brand image. We also extend information integration theory to explain how branding alliances are able to increase initial trust and transfer positive effects to websites. Testing of our model shows that the most important constructs for increasing initial trust in our experimental context are branding and website quality. Finally, we discuss future research ideas, limitations, implications, and ideas for practitioners.
304 citations
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TL;DR: This paper has written a SAS macro to estimate and compare the direct adjusted survival curves for different treatment groups based on an unstratified or a stratified Cox model.
261 citations
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TL;DR: Remote sensing and Geographic Information Science techniques developed within the framework of GLIMS are addressed in order to fulfill the goals of this distributed project.
248 citations
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Wayne State University1, Boston Children's Hospital2, University of Nebraska Omaha3, Orlando Regional Medical Center4, University of California, San Francisco5, Guy's Hospital6, Ohio State University7, University of Mississippi8, University of Chicago9, Mayo Clinic10, University of Iowa11, Medical University of South Carolina12, Northwestern University13, Duke University14, University of Washington15, NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital16
TL;DR: Improvement in the ability to assess aortic wall compliance is essential prior to placement of ISs in older patients with coarctation of the aorta, though it remains a technically challenging procedure.
Abstract: Background: We report a multi-institutional experience with intravascular stenting (IS) for treatment of coarctation of the aorta. Methods and Results: Data was collected retrospectively by review of medical records from 17 institutions. The data was broken down to prior to 2002 and after 2002 for further analysis. A total of 565 procedures were performed with a median age of 15 years (mean = 18.1 years). Successful reduction in the post stent gradient ( 0.8 was achieved in 97.9% of procedures. There was significant improvement (P < 0.01) in pre versus post stent coarctation dimensions (7.4 mm ± 3.0 mm vs. 14.3 ± 3.2mm), systolic gradient (31.6 mm Hg ± 16.0 mm Hg vs. 2.7 mm Hg ± 4.2 mm Hg) and ratio of the coarctation segment to the DAo (0.43 ± 0.17 vs. 0.85 ± 0.15). Acute complications were encountered in 81/565 (14.3%) procedures. There were two procedure related deaths. Aortic wall complications included: aneurysm formation (n = 6), intimal tears (n = 8), and dissections (n = 9). The risk of aortic dissection increased significantly in patients over the age of 40 years. Technical complications included stent migration (n = 28), and balloon rupture (n = 13). Peripheral vascular complications included cerebral vascular accidents (CVA) (n = 4), peripheral emboli (n = 1), and significant access arterial injury (n = 13). Older age was significantly associated with occurrence of CVAs. A significant decrease in the technical complication rate from 16.3% to 6.1% (P < 0.001) was observed in procedures performed after January 2002. Conclusions: Stent placement for coarctation of aorta is an effective treatment option, though it remains a technically challenging procedure. Technical and aortic complications have decreased over the past 3 years due to, in part, improvement in balloon and stent design. Improvement in our ability to assess aortic wall compliance is essential prior to placement of ISs in older patients with coarctation of the aorta. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
228 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the role of proactive personality in moderating the influence of the widely-held ''masculine' stereotype about entrepreneurs on intentions to become an entrepreneur was examined, which indicated that women with more proactive personality were more significantly affected by exposure to the commonly known stereotypes about entrepreneurs and had a significant decrease in entrepreneurial intentions compared to women with less proactive personality.
Abstract: The primary goal of this study was to examine the role of proactive personality in moderating the influence of the widely-held `masculine' stereotype about entrepreneurs on intentions to become an entrepreneur. Manipulating stereotype threat, results from eighty young women indicated that women with more proactive personality were more significantly affected by exposure to the commonly known stereotype about entrepreneurs and had a significant decrease in entrepreneurial intentions compared to women with less proactive personality. The results are discussed in terms of their theoretical significance and practical relevance.
225 citations
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TL;DR: This paper found that the tendency to endorse multiculturalism more than colorblindness was greater among Blacks than Whites, and that stronger endorsement of colourblindness relative to multiculturalism predicted stronger stereotypes among Whites.
Abstract: We examined Blacks' and Whites' perceptions of group variability and positivity as well as their beliefs about the extent to which multiculturalism and colorblindness would improve intergroup relations. In two studies, responses to questionnaires indicated that the tendency to endorse multiculturalism more than colorblindness was greater among Blacks than Whites; Blacks consistently endorsed multiculturalism more than colorblindness and Whites endorsed colorblindness more than did Blacks. Both studies also revealed evidence of out-group homogeneity and ethnocentrism. Stronger endorsement of multiculturalism relative to colorblindness predicted stronger stereotypes among Blacks, whereas stronger endorsement of colorblindness relative to multiculturalism predicted stronger stereotypes among Whites. In Study 2, stronger endorsement of multiculturalism relative to colorblindness predicted less ethnocentrism; this relationship did not depend on ethnicity.
219 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore whether male and female police officers report different levels of occupational stress and burnout, and examine whether various factors that are purported to influence occupational stress or burnout have differential effects on both genders.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to explore whether male and female police officers report different levels of occupational stress and burnout. Also, the research seeks to examine whether various factors that are purported to influence occupational stress and burnout have differential effects on male and female officers., – Using a sample of police officers working in a large metropolitan department in the Northeast, the paper begins by using t‐tests to make gender comparisons between the average levels of occupational stress and burnout between male and female officers. Next, separate multivariate analyses were run for male and female officers to determine how a set of independent variables measuring the work‐environment, coping mechanisms, and other demographic characteristics affected the measures of occupational stress and burnout., – The findings indicate that male and female officers did not report significantly different levels of occupational stress and burnout. Results of the separate multivariate analyses reveal that, although there are similar predictors of stress and burnout for male and female officers, differences did exist in the models, lending support to the assertion that the female officers may experience unique stressors in the police organization. The multivariate results also indicate that African‐American female officers report significantly higher levels of burnout than other officers., – The current research adds to the knowledge about how levels and predictors of work‐related stress and burnout compare between male and female police officers. The current study is limited by its focus on only one police department located in the Northeast. This may limit the generalizability of the results., – The results of the study have implications for programs and policies that seek to prevent stress and burnout among police officers. The results of the current study indicate that a one‐program‐fits‐all approach may not be the best way for departments to help officers to deal with stress and burnout, since male and female officers may not experience or deal with these issues in a similar fashion.
202 citations
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TL;DR: It is hypothesised that the development of new surgical procedures and grafts, such as a more horizontally oriented femoral tunnel or a double-bundle ACL reconstruction, could possibly restore tibial rotation to normal levels and prevent future knee pathology.
Abstract: Excessive tibial rotation has been documented in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency during walking. ACL reconstruction has been unable to correct this abnormality in activities that are more demanding than walking and involve both anterior and rotational loading of the knee. These findings persist regardless of graft selection for the ACL reconstruction (bone-patellar tendon-bone or semitendinosus gracilis). Based on this research work, we propose a theoretical perspective for the development of osteoarthritis in both the ACL-deficient and the ACL-reconstructed knee. We propose that excessive tibial rotation will lead to abnormal loading of the cartilage areas that are not commonly loaded in the healthy knee. Over time, this abnormal loading will lead to osteoarthritis. We hypothesise that the development of new surgical procedures and grafts, such as a more horizontally oriented femoral tunnel or a double-bundle ACL reconstruction, could possibly restore tibial rotation to normal levels and prevent future knee pathology. However, in vivo gait analysis studies are needed to examine the effects of these surgical procedures on tibial rotation. Prospective in vivo and in vitro studies are also necessary to verify or refute our theoretical proposition for the development of osteoarthritis.
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TL;DR: Age of acquisition ratings were obtained and were used in hierarchical regression analyses to predict naming and lexical-decision performance and were consistent with the idea either that AoA has a semantic/lexical locus or that AoB effects emerge primarily in situations in which the input–output mapping is arbitrary.
Abstract: Age of acquisition (AoA) ratings were obtained and were used in hierarchical regression analyses to predict naming and lexical-decision performance for 2,342 words (from Balota, Cortese, Sergent-Marshall, Spieler, & Yap, 2004). In the analyses, AoA was included in addition to the set of predictors used by Balota et al. (2004). AoA significantly predicted latency performance on both tasks above and beyond the standard predictor set. However, AoA was more strongly related to lexical-decision performance than to naming performance. Finally, the previously reported effect of imageability on naming latencies by Balota et al. was not significant with AoA included as a factor. These results are consistent with the idea either that AoA has a semantic/lexical locus or that AoA effects emerge primarily in situations in which the input–output mapping is arbitrary.
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TL;DR: The current understanding of the possible half-metallicity, semiconductor-metal transitions, and magnetic orderings in the rare-earth monopnictides is presented and some potential strategies to improve the magnetic and electronic properties of these candidate materials for spintronics devices are proposed.
Abstract: The electronic structures and magnetic properties of many rare-earth monopnictides are reviewed in this article. Possible candidate materials for spintronics devices from the rare-earth monopnictide family, i.e. high polarization (nominally half-metallic) ferromagnets and antiferromagnets, are identified. We attempt to provide a unified picture of the electronic properties of these strongly correlated systems. The relative merits of several ab initio theoretical methods, useful in the study of the rare-earth monopnictides, are discussed. We present our current understanding of the possible half-metallicity, semiconductor-metal transitions, and magnetic orderings in the rare-earth monopnictides. Finally, we propose some potential strategies to improve the magnetic and electronic properties of these candidate materials for spintronics devices.
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Wayne State University1, Boston Children's Hospital2, University of California, Los Angeles3, University of Nebraska Omaha4, Guy's Hospital5, Ohio State University6, University of Mississippi7, University of Chicago8, Mayo Clinic9, University of Iowa10, Medical University of South Carolina11, Northwestern University12, Duke University13, University of Washington14, NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital15
TL;DR: Smaller postintervention of the aorta (CoA) diameter and an increased persistent systolic pressure gradient were associated with encountering abnormal follow‐up imaging studies associated with intravascular stent placement using integrated arch imaging (IAI) techniques.
Abstract: Background: We report a multiinstitutional study on intermediate-term outcome of intravascular stenting for treatment of coarctation of the aorta using integrated arch imaging (IAI) techniques. Methods and Results: Medical records of 578 patients from 17 institutions were reviewed. A total of 588 procedures were performed between May 1989 and Aug 2005. About 27% (160/588) procedures were followed up by further IAI of their aorta (MRI/CT/repeat cardiac catheterization) after initial stent procedures. Abnormal imaging studies included: the presence of dissection or aneurysm formation, stent fracture, or the presence of reobstruction within the stent (instent restenosis or significant intimal build-up within the stent). Forty-one abnormal imaging studies were reported in the intermediate follow-up at median 12 months (0.5–92 months). Smaller postintervention of the aorta (CoA) diameter and an increased persistent systolic pressure gradient were associated with encountering abnormal follow-up imaging studies. Aortic wall abnormalities included dissections (n = 5) and aneurysm (n = 13). The risk of encountering aortic wall abnormalities increased with larger percent increase in CoA diameter poststent implant, increasing balloon/coarc ratio, and performing prestent angioplasty. Stent restenosis was observed in 5/6 parts encountering stent fracture and neointimal buildup (n = 16). Small CoA diameter poststent implant and increased poststent residual pressure gradient increased the likelihood of encountering instent restenosis at intermediate follow-up. Conclusions: Abnormalities were observed at intermediate follow-up following IS placement for treatment of native and recurrent coarctation of the aorta. Not exceeding a balloon:coarctation ratio of 3.5 and avoidance of prestent angioplasty decreased the likelihood of encountering an abnormal follow-up imaging study in patients undergoing intravascular stent placement for the treatment of coarctation of the aorta. We recommend IAI for all patients undergoing IS placement for treatment of CoA. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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TL;DR: In this article, the cross-lagged associations between nonresident father involvement and the externalizing problems, internalizing problems and academic achievement of 3,394 adolescents were found to be consistent with a child effects model, rather than a father effects model.
Abstract: Is active fathering by nonresident fathers a cause or a consequence of adolescent well being? Past studies of nonresident father involvement assume a father effects model in which active parenting by fathers improves adolescent adjustment. A child effects model, in which fathers respond to levels of well-being among their adolescent offspring by becoming more or less involved parents, could also account for the positive association between active fathering and adolescent adjustment. We use nationally representative data from the 1995 and 1996 waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) to estimate the cross-lagged associations between nonresident father involvement and the externalizing problems, internalizing problems, and academic achievement of 3,394 adolescents. Contrary to assumptions from a socialization perspective and findings from past research on nonresident fathers, our results do not support a father effects model. Our data are more consistent with a child effects model in which levels of adolescent well-being cause, rather than result from, levels of nonresident father involvement.
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TL;DR: During dual task performance, ApEn revealed a change in the randomness of COP oscillations that occurred in a variety of sensory conditions, independent of changes in the amplitude of Cop oscillations.
Abstract: Background
Biomechanical measures of postural stability, while generally useful in neuroscience and physical rehabilitation research, may be limited in their ability to detect more subtle influences of attention on postural control. Approximate entropy (ApEn), a regularity statistic from nonlinear dynamics, recently has demonstrated relatively good measurement precision and shown promise for detecting subtle change in postural control after cerebral concussion. Our purpose was to further explore the responsiveness of ApEn by using it to evaluate the immediate, short-term effect of secondary cognitive task performance on postural control in healthy, young adults.
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TL;DR: Strategies to speed immune recovery, even in the absence of GVHD, are needed to overcome the risk of infection after unrelated donor marrow transplantation.
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TL;DR: This study provided a detailed examination of the group process, applied to virtual teams working under time pressure, and showed that teams must work to enhance their effectiveness in multiple dimensions.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the Quaternary history of the world's highest mountains, the Central Karakoram, is examined for the first time using geomorphic mapping of landforms and sediments, and 10Be terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide surface exposure dating of boulders on the moraines and glacially eroded surfaces.
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TL;DR: The results suggest that the fledgling period is a critical stage for Dickcissels and that fledglings require habitat similar to habitat used for nesting.
Abstract: When land managers incorporate the habitat needs of grassland birds into their planning, they typically rely on management recommendations based on habitat use by adults during nesting. Habitat requirements for other critical life stages are seldom known and may differ from those of nesting adults. Using radio-telemetry, we examined survival and habitat use by juvenile Dickcissels (Spiza americana) during the postfledging period. In 2003 and 2004, we monitored 60 fledgling Dickcissels for ≤30 days after they left the nest. Mortality rates were highest during the first week after leaving the nest, and only 33% of the fledglings survived the first four weeks after leaving the nest. Estimated mean survival times were 16.9 ± 1.6 days after birds left the nest. In both years, fledgling survival was positively associated with dense vertical and horizontal structure of forbs at nests. Survival tended to be positively associated with vertical grass density on adult territories and negatively associated w...
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TL;DR: In this article, the minimum innermost radius of armchair-type nanoscrolls is achieved by using first-principle calculation, and the electronic structures of nanoscrollers are greatly related to chirality (n,m).
Abstract: With special topology differing from nanotubes, carbon nanoscrolls (CNSs) rolled up by a single graphene sheet show unique properties and have potential applications in hydrogen storage and energy storage. We studied various types of nanoscrolls by using first principle calculation. The minimum innermost radius of armchair-type nanoscrolls is achieved. The electronic structures of nanoscrolls are greatly related to chirality (n,m). Armchair nanoscrolls are metallic or semimeatllic depending on their sizes and those metallic ones have larger density of states at the Fermi level than metallic single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs). Zigzag nanoscrolls are semiconductors with energy gaps much smaller than corresponding zigzag SWNTs; moreover, they get small gaps at (16,0) and (19,0), while zigzag SWNTs have small gaps at (3n,0).
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TL;DR: T detectable levels of steroidogenic compounds were detected in passive samplers deployed in the Elkhorn River and site-specific differences were found in mRNA expression among the different treatment groups of fish; however, a functional explanation for these differences is not readily forthcoming.
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TL;DR: Color difference thresholds for simulated teeth are generally in line with and extend results obtained with studies using "real" dental materials, and no differences between thresholds for acceptability versus perceptibility were found.
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01 Jan 2007TL;DR: The article reviews the book "Super Crunchers: Why Thinking-By-Numbers Is the New way to be Smart," by Ian Ayers.
Abstract: The article reviews the book "Super Crunchers: Why Thinking-By-Numbers Is the New Way to Be Smart," by Ian Ayers.
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TL;DR: It is hypothesized that tumors overexpressing EphA2 demonstrate greater microvessel density (MVD) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression.
Abstract: BACKGROUND.
EphA2 is overexpressed in the majority of ovarian cancers and predicts poor clinical outcome. Based on EphA2's emerging role in angiogenesis, we hypothesized that tumors overexpressing EphA2 demonstrate greater microvessel density (MVD) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression.
METHODS.
After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, 77 invasive epithelial ovarian tumors were analyzed for CD31, EphA2, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP expression.
RESULTS.
The median age of the patients was 59 years (range, 34-83). EphA2 was overexpressed in 76% of tumors and was associated with advanced-stage disease (P 12.7 vessels/high-power field [HPF]) versus low (≤12.7 vessels/HPF) counts. High MVD was significantly associated with advanced stage (P < .001), presence of ascites (P < .001), and suboptimal surgical cytoreduction (P = .01). MMP expression was scored separately in the stromal (percentage of tumors with high expression: MMP-2 = 43%; MMP-9 = 74%; MT1-MMP = 40%) and epithelial (percentage of tumors with high expression: MMP-2 = 52%; MMP-9 = 61%; MT1-MMP = 44%) compartments. Endothelial cell EphA2 overexpression correlated with epithelial MMP-9 (P = .02), whereas EphA2 overexpression in tumor cells was significantly associated with high MVD (P = .002), as well as strong stromal and epithelial MMP-9 (P = .01 and P = .04, respectively), epithelial MMP-2 (P = .006), and epithelial MT1-MMP (P = .01) expression.
CONCLUSIONS.
EphA2 overexpression in endothelial and ovarian cancer cells was strongly associated with critical factors involved in angiogenesis and invasion. These findings may explain the poor clinical outcome of patients with EphA2 overexpression. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
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Harvard University1, National Jewish Health2, Oregon Health & Science University3, University of Florida4, Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai Roosevelt5, Beaumont Hospital6, University of Nebraska Omaha7, University of California, San Francisco8, University of Texas at Tyler9, Cleveland Clinic10, Medical University of South Carolina11, University of Utah12
TL;DR: In subjects severely deficient in AAT, men, individuals with symptoms of chronic bronchitis and/or a past diagnosis of asthma or pneumonia may benefit from closer monitoring and potentially earlier treatment.
Abstract: Rationale: Severe alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency
is an autosomal recessive genetic condition associated
with an increased, but variable, risk for chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Objective: To assess the impact of chronic
bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and sex on the
development of COPD in individuals with severe alpha 1-
antitrypsin deficiency.
Methods: The Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Genetic Modifier Study
is a multi-center family-based cohort study designed to
study the genetic and epidemiological determinants of
COPD in alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. 378
individuals (age range: 33-80), confirmed to be
homozygous for the SERPINA1 Z mutation, were included in
the analyses.
Measurements and Main Results: The primary
outcomes of interest were a quantitative outcome, forced
expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) as a percent of
predicted, and a qualitative outcome, severe airflow
obstruction (FEV1 < 50% predicted). In multivariate
analysis of the overall cohort, cigarette smoking, sex,
asthma, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia were risk
factors for reduced FEV1 percent predicted and severe
airflow obstruction (p<0.01). Index cases had lower FEV1
values, higher smoking histories, and more reports of
asthma, pneumonia, and asthma before age 16 compared to
non-index cases (p<0.01). Men had lower pre and post-
bronchodilator FEV1 percent predicted measures than
women (p<0.0001); the lowest FEV1 values were observed
in men reporting a history of childhood asthma (26.9%
+9.1). This trend for more severe obstruction in men
remained when index and non-index groups were examined
separately, with males representing the majority of non-
index individuals with airflow obstruction (71%).
Chronic bronchitis (OR 3.8, CI: 1.8-12.0) and a
physician9s report of asthma (OR 4.2, CI: 1.4-13.1) were
predictors of severe airflow obstruction in multivariate
analysis of non-index men not women.
Conclusion: In individuals with severe alpha 1-
antitrypsin deficiency, sex, asthma, chronic bronchitis
and pneumonia are risk factors for severe COPD, in
addition to cigarette smoking. These results suggest
that amongst severely AAT deficient subjects, men,
individuals with symptoms of asthma or chronic
bronchitis, and/or a past diagnosis of pneumonia may
benefit from closer monitoring and potentially earlier
treatment.
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TL;DR: The results showed that the ACL deficient group exhibited significantly less variable walking patterns than the healthy control, which indicates narrowed functional responsiveness, according to the “loss of complexity hypothesis", which may be related with the increased future pathology found in ACL deficient patients.
Abstract: Previous studies suggested that the small fluctuations present in movement patterns from one stride to the next during walking can be useful in the investigation of various pathological conditions. Previous studies using nonlinear measures have resulted in the development of the "loss of complexity hypothesis" which states that disease can affect the variability and decrease the complexity of a system, rendering it less able to adjust to the ever changing environmental demands. The nonlinear measure of the Lyapunov Exponent (LyE) has already been used for the assessment of stride-to-stride variability in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knee in comparison to the contralateral intact knee. However, there is biomechanical evidence that after ACL rupture, adaptations are also present in the contralateral intact knee. Thus, our goal was to investigate stride-to-stride variability in the ACL deficient knee as compared to a healthy control knee. Seven subjects with unilateral ACL deficiency and seven healthy controls walked at their self-selected speed on a treadmill, while three-dimensional knee kinematics was collected for 80 consecutive strides. A nonlinear measure, the largest LyE was calculated from the resulted knee joint flexion-extension data of both groups. Larger LyE values signify increased variability and increased sensitivity to initial conditions. Our results showed that the ACL deficient group exhibited significantly less variable walking patterns than the healthy control. These changes are not desirable because they reflect decreases in system's complexity, which indicates narrowed functional responsiveness, according to the "loss of complexity hypothesis." This may be related with the increased future pathology found in ACL deficient patients. The methods used in the present paper showed great promise to assess the gait handicap in knee injured patients.
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TL;DR: Investigation of the relationship between perceived control and burnout among three nursing specialties indicated that emergency nurses had the least control and the highest burnout, whereas nurse practitioners had the most control andThe least burnout.
Abstract: We examined the relationship between perceived control and burnout among three nursing specialties: nurse practitioners, nurse managers, and emergency nurses. Survey data were collected from 228 nurses from 30 states. Findings indicated that emergency nurses had the least control and the highest burnout, whereas nurse practitioners had the most control and the least burnout. Mediational analyses showed that expected control, hostility, and stressor frequency explained differences between specialties in burnout. The implications of these findings for interventions that reduce burnout and promote nursing retention are discussed.
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TL;DR: The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent failure of government agencies and public administrators elicited an unprecedented response by international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) to a disaster in the United States as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent failure of government agencies and public administrators elicited an unprecedented response by international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) to a disaster in the United States. This paper focuses on why so many INGOs were compelled to provide humanitarian assistance and relief in the United States for the first time and the administrative barriers they faced while doing so. What does such a response reveal about administrative failures in the wake of Katrina, and what might the implications be for reconceptualizing roles for nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations in disaster relief? The authors answer these questions using data from interviews with INGO representatives, organizational press releases and Web sites, news articles, and official reports and documentation.
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TL;DR: In this paper, critical incident interviews were conducted with 115 informants who provided rich descriptions of 113 welcoming incidents and 105 unwelcoming incidents, and interview transcripts were content analyzed to determine inductively the cues customers with disabilities use to perceive welcoming.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to extend understanding of the cues that customers with disabilities use to judge inclusion/welcome (or not) in interactions in retail stores.Design/methodology/approach – Critical incident interviews were conducted with 115 informants who provided rich descriptions of 113 welcoming incidents and 105 unwelcoming incidents. Interview transcripts were content analyzed to determine inductively the cues customers with disabilities use to perceive welcoming.Findings – Four primary situational factors explain to what perceptions of welcome/inclusion are attributed: service personnel; store environmental factors; other customers; and product/service assortments. Further, a disability becomes salient only when there is an interaction between these situational factors and consumers' disabilities.Research limitations/implications – The findings suggest an extension to Bitner's servicescape conceptualization in that it specifies that the assessment of an environment as enabling or disabling...