bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay of Network Position and Peer Substance Use in Early Adolescent Cigarette, Alcohol, and Marijuana Use
Authors: Kobus Kimberly , Henry David B.
Published: March 2009

Network position ( isolate , member, liaison), peer-group substance use, and their interaction were examined as predictors of cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use in a sample of 163 urban sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.Two measures of peer substance use were compared: one based on social network analysis (SNA), the other on perceptions of use. Results varied by substance. For cigarettes, network position and the interaction between position and peer-group use predicted use in the model using SNA to measure peer use. Liaisons were most likely to smoke, but isolates’ and members’ smoking was significantly associated with peer smoking. For alcohol, perceptions of peer-group alcohol use predicted individual use. For marijuana, peer-group use and the interaction between position and peer use predicted use, regardless of measure. Liaisons’ marijuana use was significantly associated with peer use. The importance of SNA for understanding peer factors in adolescent substance use is discussed.
Missing Celiac Disease in Family Medicine: The Importance of Hypothesis Generation
Authors: Kostopoulou Olga , Devereaux-Walsh Charlotte , Delaney Brendan C.
Published: March 2009

Purpose. Delays in diagnosing celiac disease average 13 years. We aimed to identify reasons for misdiagnosis in family medicine. Background. During a larger study on diagnosis, a scenario describing a 30-year-old female with 3-month abdominal pain, diarrhea, and microcytic anemia consistent with celiac disease was presented on a computer to 84 family physicians. Their information gathering and diagnoses were recorded. Fifty physicians misdiagnosed, and 38 of these took part in ``stimulated recall'': they were asked to recall their hypotheses and inferences step by step, aided by a record of their information gathering. They were unaware of the misdiagnosis. Analyses. Transcripts were analyzed to identify whether celiac disease was mentioned and how information was interpreted. Two raters independently assessed information interpretation against the published evidence (κ = 0.85). Results. Physicians did not change their diagnoses during stimulated recall. Only 10 physicians mentioned celiac disease as a hypothesis (26%). ``Diarrhea'' and ``pain relief by defecation,'' consistent with both celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), were only linked to IBS. ``Absence of weight loss'' led to rejecting celiac disease, although weight loss is characteristic of advanced disease. A complete blood count was requested as a routine test and not specifically for celiac disease. Thus, the unexpected result of ``microcytic anemia,'' inconsistent with IBS, did not trigger the correct diagnosis. Conclusions. Most physicians never considered celiac disease. Information inconsistent with the favorite IBS diagnosis was overlooked. Reviewing the case did not prompt physicians to consider celiac disease, re-evaluate the evidence, or rethink the IBS diagnosis.
Long-Term Health Outcomes of a Decision Aid: Data from a Randomized Trial of Adjuvant! in Women with Localized Breast Cancer
Authors: Vickers Andrew J. , Elkin Elena B. , Peele Pamela B. , Dickler Maura , Siminoff Laura A.
Published: March 2009

Purpose . Women with localized breast cancer face difficult decisions about adjuvant therapy. Several decision aids are available to help women choose between treatment options. Decision aids are known to affect treatment choices and may therefore affect patient survival. The authors aimed to model the effects of the Adjuvant! decision aid on expected survival in women with early stage breast cancer. Patients and Methods . Data were obtained from a randomized trial of Adjuvant! (n = 395). To calculate the effects of the decision aid on survival, the authors used the Adjuvant! survival predictions as a surrogate endpoint. Data from each arm were entered separately into statistical models to estimate change in survival associated with receiving the Adjuvant! decision aid. Results . Most women (∼ 85%) chose a treatment option that maximized predicted survival. The effects of the decision aid on outcome could not be modeled because a small number of women (n = 12, 3%) chose treatment options associated with a large (5%—14%) loss in survival. These women—most typically estrogen receptor positive but refusing hormonal therapy—were equally divided between Adjuvant! and control groups and were not distinguished by medical or demographic factors. Conclusions . Expected benefit from treatment is a key variable in understanding patient behavior. A small number of women refuse adjuvant treatment associated with large increases in predicted survival, even when they are explicitly informed about the degree of benefit they would forgo. Investigation of the effects of decision aids on cancer survival is unlikely to be fruitful due to power considerations.
Bystander Intervention and Fear of Crime
Authors: Zhong Lena Y.
Published: March 2009

From the perspective of prosocial behavior, bystander intervention is conditioned by situational factors; from an informal social control perspective, bystander intervention has been demonstrated to be associated with level of crime and violence at the community level. By drawing on findings in two contrasting communities within a Chinese city, this study investigates the effects of fear of crime and type of community on bystander intervention. It shows that fear of crime and type of community have robust and consistent effects on bystander intervention, controlling for demographic characteristics including sex, age, and education. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of bystander intervention as both prosocial behavior and informal social control. The findings also question the usefulness of simply casting bystander nonintervention as corrupted morality in China.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Men and Women Newly Committed to Prison
Authors: Westmoreland Patricia , Gunter Tracy , Loveless Peggy , Allen Jeff , Sieleni Bruce , Black Donald W.
Published: March 2009

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and antisocial behaviors that contribute to criminality, yet studies of ADHD in offenders are few. The authors evaluate a random sample of 319 offenders using a version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Medical Outcome Survey Health Survey. ADHD was present in 68 subjects (21.3%). Offenders with ADHD were more likely to report problems with emotional and social functioning and to have higher suicide risk scores ( p < .001). They also had higher rates of mood, anxiety, psychotic, and somatoform disorders. Antisocial and borderline personality disorders were also more common among offenders with ADHD. The authors conclude that ADHD is common in offenders and is associated with comorbid disorders, worse quality of life, and higher risk for suicidal behaviors. Its presence should alert prison staff that the offender is likely to require more intensive mental health services.
Risk and Resilience
Authors: Ronel Natti , Haimoff-Ayali Ronit
Published: March 2009

The family relationships of adolescents brought up by an addicted parent were studied in a qualitative research. The authors interviewed 19 adolescents, all of whom had a parent either actively addicted to drugs or else recovering addicts. The participants were assigned to one of two groups based on the degree to which they maintained normative lives or descended into addiction. It was found that the relative strength of the adolescents within the triad of forces (mother, father, self) had great significance for their development. Younger siblings awakened a desire to protect them from a life of addiction. The extended family was also found to have a potential to influence, in keeping with the significance the young people attributed to these relatives. The results indicate a definition, the first of its kind, of subjective risk and protective factors representing subjective perceptions of the reality of the lives of the participants.
Wrist Injuries in Nonprofessional Tennis Players: Relationships with Different Grips
Authors: Tagliafico Alberto Stefano , Ameri Pietro , Michaud Johan , Derchi Lorenzo E. , Sormani Maria Pia , Martinoli Carlo
Published: March 2009

Background

Recent advances in tennis teaching techniques have been applied in nonprofessional tennis players to develop a more effective play. Hits with enormous amount of top-spin and lower technical and physical training are responsible for most wrist injuries in nonprofessional tennis players.

Hypothesis

The use of different grips (Eastern, Western, semi-Western) determines the pattern of wrist injuries in nonprofessional tennis players.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Between January 2006 and August 2007, we evaluated 370 nonprofessional division III and IV tennis players. The screening consisted of a questionnaire appropriately prepared to investigate wrist injuries. Medical records of players who reported a wrist injury were reviewed. Body mass index, years of practice, weekly hours of training, racket weight, grip (Eastern, Western and semi-Western), kind of strings, injury type, time out of competition, and therapy (medical or surgical) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association of different wrist injuries with these variables.

Results

A total of 320 players reported no injuries in their activity; 50 (13%) reported injuries to the wrist. Medical records of these players were reviewed, and 30 extensor carpi ulnaris lesions, 3 lesions of the extensor tendons, 5 injuries to the flexor carpi radialis, 6 de Quervain diseases, 5 triangular fibrocartilage lesions, and 1 intersection syndrome were found. Ulnar-sided injuries were more frequently associated with Western or semi-Western grips while radial-sided injuries were associated with Eastern grip (χ2 = 20.7; P < .001). Average time out of competition was 69 days; 4 players underwent surgery; the others received medical and rehabilitative therapy. No differences were observed regarding body mass index, years of practice, weekly hours of training, racket weight, and strings.

Conclusion

In nonprofessional tennis players with wrist injuries, different grips of the racket are related to the anatomical site of the lesion: Eastern grip with radial-side injuries and Western or semi-Western with ulnar-side injuries. Knowledge of this relationship may influence training, prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of wrist problems in nonprofessional tennis players.
Peroneal Activation Deficits in Persons with Functional Ankle Instability
Authors: Palmieri-Smith Riann M. , Ty Hopkins J. , Brown Tyler N.
Published: March 2009

Background

Functional ankle instability (FAI) may be prevalent in as many as 40% of patients after acute lateral ankle sprain. Altered afference resulting from damaged mechanoreceptors after an ankle sprain may lead to reflex inhibition of surrounding joint musculature. This activation deficit, referred to as arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI), may be the underlying cause of FAI. Incomplete activation could prevent adequate control of the ankle joint, leading to repeated episodes of instability.

Hypothesis

Arthrogenic muscle inhibition is present in the peroneal musculature of functionally unstable ankles and is related to dynamic peroneal muscle activity.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Twenty-one (18 female, 3 male) patients with unilateral FAI and 21 (18 female, 3 male) uninjured, matched controls participated in this study. Peroneal maximum H-reflexes and M-waves were recorded bilaterally to establish the presence or absence of AMI, while electromyography (EMG) recorded as patients underwent a sudden ankle inversion perturbation during walking was used to quantify dynamic activation. The H:M ratio and average EMG amplitudes were calculated and used in data analyses. Two-way analyses of variance were used to compare limbs and groups. A regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between the H:M ratio and the EMG amplitudes.

Results

The FAI patients had larger peroneal H:M ratios in their nonpathological ankle (0.399 ± 0.185) than in their pathological ankle (0.323 ± 0.161) (P = .036), while no differences were noted between the ankles of the controls (0.442 ± 0.176 and 0.425 ± 0.180). The FAI patients also exhibited lower EMG after inversion perturbation in their pathological ankle (1.7 ± 1.3) than in their uninjured ankle (EMG, 3.3 ± 3.1) (P < .001), while no differences between legs were noted for controls (P > .05). No significant relationship was found between the peroneal H:M ratio and peroneal EMG (P > .05).

Conclusion

Arthrogenic muscle inhibition is present in the peroneal musculature of persons with FAI but is not related to dynamic muscle activation as measured by peroneal EMG amplitude. Reversing AMI may not assist in protecting the ankle from further episodes of instability; however dynamic muscle activation (as measured by peroneal EMG amplitude) should be restored to maximize ankle stabilization. Dynamic peroneal activity is impaired in functionally unstable ankles, which may contribute to recurrent joint instability and may leave the ankle vulnerable to injurious loads.
Comparison of the Biomechanical Profile of the Intact Ulnar Collateral Ligament with the Modified Jobe and the Docking Reconstructed Elbow
Authors: Ciccotti Michael G. , Siegler Sorin , Kuri John A. , Thinnes John H. , Murphy Daniel J.
Published: March 2009

Background

The modified Jobe and Docking techniques are commonly used to reconstruct the elbow's ulnar collateral ligament.

Hypothesis

Valgus laxity and kinematic coupling after these reconstructive procedures are similar to those of the native ulnar collateral ligament.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Testing was conducted on 10 pairs of cadaver elbows using a 4 degrees of freedom loading system. Subfailure valgus loads were applied to the native elbows at different flexion angles; motion and ligament elongation were measured. The elbows were then loaded to failure in valgus at 90° of flexion. The reconstructive techniques were then applied and testing was repeated.

Results

Only the resting length of the anterior portion of the ulnar collateral ligament anterior bundle remained isometric throughout range of motion. Valgus laxity was nearly equal for the native and reconstructed ligaments at flexion angles of 90° or higher. However, both reconstructions provided less valgus stability than the native ulnar collateral ligament at low flexion angles. Kinematic coupling decreased with increased flexion for both native and reconstructed ligaments.

Conclusion

The modified Jobe and Docking techniques reconstruct restraint of the native ulnar collateral ligament to valgus laxity and kinematic coupling at 90° of flexion and higher angles where peak valgus torque is experienced in the throwing elbow.

Clinical Relevance

Both reconstructions provide valgus stability comparable to that of the native ulnar collateral ligament at 90° and higher, helping to explain their success in treating throwing athletes. Both reconstructions provide less valgus stability than the native ulnar collateral ligament at low flexion angles, suggesting that patients undergoing ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction should be cautioned against activities that provide valgus stress at low elbow flexion angles, such as side-arm throwing. This study suggests caution against overtightening the reconstructions at the common 30° of flexion.
Neer Modified Inferior Capsular Shift Procedure for Recurrent Anterior Instability of the Shoulder in Judokas
Authors: Uchiyama Yoshiyasu , Hamada Kazutoshi , Miyazaki Seiji , Handa Akiyoshi , Fukuda Hiroaki
Published: March 2009

Background

Little has been written about the operative repair of recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder in a single sport: in this case, Judo.

Purpose

The clinical efficacy of the Neer modified inferior capsular shift as an open procedure for injured judokas was investigated.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Fifty athletes (42 male and 8 female, 52 shoulders) took part in this study. The average age at surgery was 20 years (range, 14-38 years), and the mean follow-up period was 61 months (range, 24-172 months). The operation was performed on 29 tsurité (a lapel grip) shoulders and on 23 hikité (a sleeve grip) shoulders. The 2 grips are functionally and technically different from each other.

Results

Three cases of shoulder instability (5.8%) recurred after surgery. The average loss of external rotation was 9.6° with the arm at the side and 11.6° with the arm in 90° of abduction. The average Rowe and UCLA scores were 37.3 and 20.8 points preoperatively and 86.7 and 32.4 points at the final follow-up, respectively (P < .05). The return rate to the near-preinjury sports activity levels (>90% recovery: grades 1 and 2) was significantly lower in the tsurité shoulders (48.1%) than in the hikité shoulders (85.7%).

Conclusion

The overall recovery of more than 90% of preinjury activity levels in judo was 65% after modified inferior capsular shift for traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder. The tsurité shoulder should be treated with minimal restriction limitation in external rotation so that it is not limited postoperatively.
Working Memory, Cues, and Wayfinding in Older Women
Authors: Davis Rebecca L. , Therrien Barbara A. , West Brady T.
Published: March 2009

Individuals create cognitive maps based on relationships between cues in the environment. Older individuals are often impaired in wayfinding, especially in environments that lack distinctive features. This study examines how working memory ability in older women is related to wayfinding performance in the presence of salient (distinctive, prominent) or nonsalient cues. The degree of salient cue complexity is also examined, thus leading to the hypothesis that salient, complex cues are important in wayfinding and that working memory capacity is related to wayfinding performance. The virtual computer-generated arena is used to test this hypothesis in 20 healthy older women in three different environmental cue conditions varying in salience and complexity. Data analyses indicate that older women perform best in salient cue conditions. A greater working memory capacity is related to improved performance in the nonsalient cue condition. These findings offer preliminary evidence that cue salience is especially important in wayfinding.
Examining Emerging-Adults' and Parents' Expectations about Autonomy During the Transition to College
Authors: Baete Kenyon DenYelle , Silverberg Koerner Susan
Published: March 2009

Our research goals were to document levels and examine the potential discrepancies of emerging-adults' and parents' expectations for autonomous behavior during the transition to college. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 204 incoming college freshmen ( n = 150 females, n = 54 males) and 226 parents ( n = 173 mothers, n = 53 fathers) before the transition to college. Questions based on the emotional and functional items on the Psychological Separation Inventory (Hoffman, 1984) measured college students' and parents' autonomy expectations. Qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed (a) discrepancies on autonomy expectations between parents and college students do occur, (b) parents sometimes hold higher expectations for autonomy than their emerging-adult children, and (c) discrepancies on autonomy expectations occur across a variety of topics. Interventions could facilitate communication between emerging adults and parents to prevent possible discrepancies about autonomy expectancies.
Diabetes-Related Medication-Induced Hypoglycemia
Authors: Tackett Kimberly L. , Lancaster C. Scott
Published: March 2009

Hypoglycemia is a common adverse event in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and may be a barrier to patients achieving tight glycemic control. It is diagnosed either biochemically, as a blood glucose value, or clinically based on symptoms caused by an autonomic response to changes in blood glucose. Patients that experience repeated episodes of hypoglycemia lose the counterregulatory response that produces symptoms and results in hypoglycemia unawareness. Medications account for the most frequent cause of hypoglycemia in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Treatment of hypoglycemia may be accomplished via the oral or parenteral route with 15 to 20 g of carbohydrate. Following treatment of the episode, it is important to evaluate for the cause and, if medication related, adjust the patient’s treatment regimen.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines for the Treatment of Diabetes
Authors: Tackett Kimberly L. , Jones Melissa C.
Published: March 2009

There is a growing interest among diabetic patients in the role of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in controlling blood sugar and prevention of complications. It is being used among diabetic patients in addition to usual medical treatment and lifestyle modifications. Complementary and alternative medicine products are marketed for the treatment of diabetic complications and lowering of blood glucose, but the actual therapeutic role remains controversial due to lacking information regarding safety and efficacy. The majority of evidence for the use of CAM is as an adjunctive therapy to the patient’s current diabetic regimen. Trials have shown CAM to be effective for diabetes treatment, but further rigorous study is needed to establish safety, efficacy, and the exact mechanism of action. As the use of CAM increases among the diabetic population, there is a need for patients to communicate with health care professionals to educate them about the safety and efficacy of alternative therapy.
Evaluation of Wraparound Services for Severely Emotionally Disturbed Youths
Authors: Mears Susan L. , Yaffe Joanne , Harris Norma J.
Published: March 2009

Objectives: Services to children and adolescents with a severe emotional disturbance (SED) have long been inadequate. The wraparound approach has emerged as a promising practice that could address the needs of children with SED and their families through a strength-based, individualized, family-focused team process that emphasizes flexible service planning. This study compares the outcomes of youth receiving the wraparound approach with youth receiving traditional child welfare case management. Method: Child behavior and community integration outcomes were measured at intake and at 6 months in services. Results: Results indicated that youth receiving the wraparound approach showed significant improvement on the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) when compared with youth receiving traditional child welfare services. Results also showed that youth receiving traditional child welfare services experienced significantly fewer placements. However, neither group showed significant differences on other clinical or functional outcomes. Conclusions: Results are discussed, as well as applications to social work practice, study limitations, and recommendations for additional research on wraparound.
The Negative Stereotyping of Single Persons Scale
Authors: Pignotti Monica , Abell Neil
Published: March 2009

Objectives The current study presents an initial psychometric analysis of a three-dimensional scale designed to measure stereotyping of people who are single, defined as not currently legally married. Methods Following expert review, proposed scale items are administered to 178 graduate and undergraduate students. Reliability analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis are conducted. Results Coefficient alphas range from .87 to .91 on the proposed subscales and CFA result in all fit indices meeting recognized criteria for a good fit. Evidence for convergent validity is mixed. Conclusions The present analysis indicates that the scale has excellent reliability and factorial validity. More research is needed to support convergent validity. Future research with different populations and more specific focus on older, non-cohabiting singles is recommended.
The Experiences of Involuntarily Childless Turkish Immigrants in the Netherlands
Authors: van Rooij Floor B. , van Balen Frank , Hermanns Jo M. A.
Published: March 2009

The consequences of involuntary childlessness are influenced by culture in several ways. In this study we explored the experiences and responses of infertile Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with involuntarily childless Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands (11 couples and 9 women). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The respondents' experiences were clustered around six superordinate themes: effects on self; effects on the relationship with the partner; effects on the relationship with others; disclosure; coping; and the future. Most transcripts revealed that involuntary childlessness has a profound negative influence on multiple aspects of the lives of the respondents. Strong pronatalist ideology, misconceptions about infertility and treatment, and migration-related aspects such as language difficulties, appear to play a role in the negative experiences of Turkish immigrants. Respondents reported several ways of coping (to some extent) with these negative experiences.
Lost in Translation?
Authors: Brechman Jean , Lee Chul-joo , Cappella Joseph N.
Published: March 2009

Understanding how genetic science is communicated to the lay public is of great import. To address this issue, this study examines the presentation of genetic research relating to cancer outcomes and behaviors (i.e., prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, smoking and obesity) in both the press release ( n = 23) and its subsequent news coverage ( n = 71). Data suggest that genetic discoveries are presented in a biologically deterministic and simplified manner 67.5% of the time. The introduction of deterministic language is attributed equally to both press releases and news coverage. Also, there are substantive differences between content introduced in the press release and content presented in subsequent press coverage; in fact, when two sources report on the same scientific discovery, the information is inconsistent more than 40% of the time. These findings suggest that the intermediary press release may serve as a source of distortion in the dissemination of science to the lay public.
Exploring a Black Box
Authors: Neresini Federico , Dimopoulos Kostas , Kallfass Monika , Peters Hans Peter
Published: March 2009

Results from a cross-national quantitative study of 3,301 visitors to four large physics research centers in Europe focus on short-term learning and motivational effects. The authors collected data from these visitors before and after visiting the centers as part of a research project funded by the European Union. Overall, visitors' knowledge of the research centers increased. However, effects on learning of scientific concepts are not so clear. The visits mostly seem to reaffirm visitors' prior attitudes and images related to the centers. The findings imply that these visits offer some learning potential and, for school students, increased motivation to enter a scientific profession, but in terms of altering visitors' images they seem rather ineffective. Nevertheless, because of their uniqueness in allowing different publics an authentic glimpse of the production of scientific knowledge, visits to research centers remain an important public communication activity.
Damage Detection of Shear Connectors in Composite Bridges
Authors: Liu K. , De Roeck G.
Published: March 2009

Headed shear studs are commonly used to resist longitudinal shear forces in composite railway bridges. Due to the growth of traffic and increase in train speed, these studs are subjected to high-cycle fatigue loading which may lead to damage, thus affecting the integrity between the steel girder and the concrete slab. Therefore, it is necessary to find a corresponding nondestructive damage detection method. Within the frame of this paper, the occurrence of damage in shear studs is studied by numerical analysis. In the numerical model of a real composite bridge, headed shear studs are represented by spring elements. A damage indicator based on the local modal curvature and the wavelet transform modulus maxima is proposed for stud damage identification. The efficiency of the damage indicator is investigated by means of numerical simulations where different levels of damage are introduced to the stud by decreasing the spring stiffness. It is verified that the proposed damage index can be used to locate and to quantify the damage.
Structural Damage Detection Using Modal Curvature and Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Chandrashekhar M. , Ganguli Ranjan
Published: March 2009

A fuzzy logic system (FLS) with a new sliding window defuzzifier is proposed for structural damage detection using modal curvatures. Changes in the modal curvatures due to damage are fuzzified using Gaussian fuzzy sets and mapped to damage location and size using the FLS. The first four modal vectors obtained from finite element simulations of a cantilever beam are used for identifying the location and size of damage. Parametric studies show that modal curvatures can be used to accurately locate the damage; however, quantifying the size of damage is difficult. Tests with noisy simulated data show that the method detects damage very accurately at different noise levels and when some modal data are missing.
An Oil Condition Monitoring Technique to Determine the Optimal Oil Type and Maintenance Schedule
Authors: Ahmadi Hojat , Mollazade Kaveh
Published: March 2009

Oil analysis is the main condition monitoring technique for reciprocating machinery maintenance and fault diagnosis. The object of this research was to choose and to investigate the best oil for Dump Truck HD325-5, used for transportation of minerals, by oil condition monitoring. This was achieved by analysing different oil samples after use in Dump Truck HD325-5. The oil analyses were initially carried out at regular intervals during life. A series of tests were then conducted during the operating hours of the machine. Oil samples were regularly collected. Numerical data produced by oil analyses were compared with those from another sample in order to quantify the effectiveness of the results of oil condition monitoring technique. The results from this article have enhanced understanding on the dependent and independent roles of oil analyses in predicting which oil is more suitable for a machine in working condition.
Mesh-free Modeling of Ultrasonic Wave Fields in Damaged Layered Half-spaces
Authors: Das Samik , Kundu Tribikram
Published: March 2009

Modeling of an ultrasonic wave field inside a layered half-space is carried out by using the mesh-free semi-analytical Distributed Point Source Method (DPSM). The complete field is computed in a layered half-space in presence and absence of defects. The layered structure is excited by a bounded ultrasonic beam generated by a finite-sized transducer. It is important to have theoretical models to predict the ultrasonic fields in damaged and damage-free structures for its nondestructive evaluation. Numerical exercises can be carried out aided by these theoretical models to determine the area of the most distorted ultrasonic field in presence of an internal anomaly. Several numerical examples are provided for an aluminum half-space attached to layers made of two different materials. The structure is excited by a bounded ultrasonic beam. Influence of the material properties and internal anomaly on the ultrasonic field pattern is demonstrated here.
Spanish-English Articulation and Phonology of 4- and 5-Year-Old Preschool Children
Authors: Brice Alejandro E. , Carson Cecyle K. , Dennis O'Brien Jennifer
Published: March 2009

In this study, it was postulated that typically developing (i.e., normally developing without incidence of a speech or language delay or disorder) Spanish/Englishspeaking children ages 4 to 5 years old would show different articulation productions and phonological patterns in both languages. Sixteen participants from Florida were tested with Spanish and English articulation and phonology tests. For articulation, two manner or articulation comparisons were found to be significant (i.e., plosives and liquids/glides). In addition, two phonological patterns (i.e., stopping and velar fronting) were significantly different. Normative articulation and phonological Spanish and English data were obtained and should be useful for today’s public school speech-language pathologists. Further research should include normative data for bilingual children with articulation and/or phonological disorders to develop more appropriate treatments. In addition, it is recommended that other languages be investigated as the nation is also experiencing growth in languages beyond Spanish.
Iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Ritonavir and Inhaled Fluticasone: Description of 4 New Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Valin Nadia , De Castro Nathalie , Garrait Valerie , Bergeron Anne , Bouche Clara , Molina Jean Michel
Published: March 2009

Protease inhibitors boosted with ritonavir can lead to drug—drug interactions, particularly with inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone, because of the potent inhibition of cytochrome P450-3A4 activity. We report 4 cases of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome after concomitant administration of inhaled fluticasone and antiretroviral therapy including a protease inhibitor boosted with ritonavir. Although typical manifestations were present, diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome was delayed because the patients were suspected to have antiretroviral therapy-associated lipodystrophy, which shares common clinical features with Cushing's syndrome. Biochemical tests confirmed iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome and clinical symptoms resolved after stopping ritonavir or fluticasone. The differences between the clinical symptoms of Cushing's syndrome and lipodystrophy are discussed as well as their frequency in the cases reported in the literature. The recommendation that concomitant administration of inhaled or intranasal fluticasone and ritonavir be prohibited must be implemented among practitioners who treat HIV-infected patients, and if long-term inhaled steroids are required, other drugs should be preferred.
Raltegravir With Unboosted Atazanavir 300 mg Twice Daily in Antiretroviral Treatment-Experienced Participants
Authors: Gupta Shaili , Lataillade Max , Farber Steven , Kozal Michael J.
Published: March 2009

Raltegravir (RAL) is an HIV integrase inhibitor characterized by potent antiretroviral activity, few adverse effects, and lack of cross-resistance to other antiretroviral (ARV) agents. RAL is emerging as a component of effective alternative ARV therapy for those who experience therapeutic failure or intolerance to reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI and NNRTI) and ritonavir (RTV)-boosted protease inhibitor (PI) containing regimens. The combination of RAL with atazanavir (ATV) without a concomitant NRTI-based backbone or the inclusion of RTV may provide an alternative strategy for those unable to tolerate these latter ARV agents. In this report the authors present a case series of treatment-experienced patients managed with RAL + ATV given without a boosting dose of RTV. All patients tolerated this regimen over a course of 25 to 82 weeks, and had good virologic and immunologic outcome with a decrease in HIV RNA levels to <50 copies/mL and a mean CD4 count increase of 234 cells/mm3.
Hematologic Changes Associated With Zidovudine Following Single-Drug Substitution From Stavudine in a Home-Based AIDS Care Program in Rural Uganda
Authors: Forna Fatu , Moore David , Mermin Jonathan , Brooks John T. , Were Willy , Buchacz Kate , Campbell James D. , Downing Robert , Borkowf Craig B. , Weidle Paul J.
Published: March 2009

Background. The authors evaluated hematologic changes associated with zidovudine (ZDV) following single-drug substitution from stavudine (D4T) in HIV-infected persons in Uganda. Methods. From May 2003 through February 2007, the authors evaluated incidence rates (IR) of hematologic abnormalities from quarterly blood draws among adults prescribed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) before and after single-drug substitution of D4T to ZDV. Results. A total of 1089 adults received D4T-containing HAART (median observation time, 35.9 months), and 290 (27%) had ZDV substituted for D4T. While taking D4T, IR for anemia was 0.35/100 person-months (PMs), leukopenia was 0.29/100 PM, and thrombocytopenia was 0.32/100 PM. While taking ZDV, IR for anemia was 0.44/100 PM, leukopenia was 1.05/100 PM, and thrombocytopenia was 0.30/100 PM. Conclusions. Patients had a higher incidence of anemia and leukopenia after substitution from D4T to ZDV, but hematologic toxicity was not a major complication in this population. Patients on ZDV-containing HAART regimens are still at risk for anemia and need close monitoring.
Swimming as a Model of Task-Specific Locomotor Retraining After Spinal Cord Injury in the Rat
Authors: Magnuson David S. K. , Smith Rebecca R. , Brown Edward H. , Enzmann Gaby , Angeli Claudia , Quesada Peter M. , Burke Darlene
Published: March 2009

Background. The authors have shown that rats can be retrained to swim after a moderately severe thoracic spinal cord contusion. They also found that improvements in body position and hindlimb activity occurred rapidly over the first 2 weeks of training, reaching a plateau by week 4. Overground walking was not influenced by swim training, suggesting that swimming may be a task-specific model of locomotor retraining. Objective. To provide a quantitative description of hindlimb movements of uninjured adult rats during swimming, and then after injury and retraining. Methods. The authors used a novel and streamlined kinematic assessment of swimming in which each limb is described in 2 dimensions, as 3 segments and 2 angles. Results. The kinematics of uninjured rats do not change over 4 weeks of daily swimming, suggesting that acclimatization does not involve refinements in hindlimb movement. After spinal cord injury, retraining involved increases in hindlimb excursion and improved limb position, but the velocity of the movements remained slow. Conclusion. These data suggest that the activity pattern of swimming is hardwired in the rat spinal cord. After spinal cord injury, repetition is sufficient to bring about significant improvements in the pattern of hindlimb movement but does not improve the forces generated, leaving the animals with persistent deficits. These data support the concept that force (load) and pattern generation (recruitment) are independent and may have to be managed together with respect to postinjury rehabilitation.
Brains and Music, Whales and Apes, Hearing and Learning . . . and More
Authors: Hodges Donald A.
Published: March 2009

This article is about whalesongs, hearing, musical brains, and a number of other topics explored over the past 35 years. Previous research is reviewed briefly, and more attention is given to recent efforts with an emphasis on collaborative research conducted with many wonderful colleagues. First is a brief account of the Institute for Music Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio, followed by more details on current projects at the Music Research Institute (MRi) at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Research at the MRi is divided into six topics: BioMusic, Music-Related Hearing Loss, Music Education, Music Performance, Ethnomusicology and Ecocriticism, and Neuromusical Research. The second half of the article is devoted to neuromusical research. This line of research includes earlier studies of pianists, conductors, and singers and more recent work on multisensory processing in musicians.
Marfan's Syndrome (MFS)
Authors: Pedrick Ray , Robichaud Pamela , Benson John
Published: March 2009

Sonographic screening of patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) with echocardiograms and abdominal aortic sonography has become the standard of care to monitor aneurysm and/or dissection development. These anomalies are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality related to this syndrome. Other cardiovascular changes associated with MFS include mitral valve prolapse leading to severe mitral regurgitation and dilation of the aortic root at the sinus of Valsalva. Careful interval follow-up using modern sonographic equipment ensures that any significant vascular changes will be detected. This case documents a finding of an aberrant aneurysmal artery branching off the abdominal aorta discovered during annual follow-up screening of a patient with Marfan syndrome. This aneurysmal artery was subsequently found by computed tomographic angiography to be supplying an intralobar lung sequestration.
HTLV-1 uses HSPG and neuropilin-1 for entry by molecular mimicry of VEGF165
Authors: Lambert Sophie , Bouttier Manuella , Vassy Roger , Seigneuret Michel , Petrow-Sadowski Cari , Janvier Sébastien , Heveker Nikolaus , Ruscetti Francis W. , Perret Gérard , Jones Kathryn S. , Pique Claudine
Published: March 2009

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) entry involves the interaction between the surface (SU) subunit of the Env proteins and cellular receptor(s). Previously, our laboratories demonstrated that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), a receptor of VEGF165, are essential for HTLV-1 entry. Here we investigated whether, as when binding VEGF165, HSPGs and NRP-1 work in concert during HTLV-1 entry. VEGF165 binds to the b domain of NRP-1 through both HSPG-dependent and -independent interactions, the latter involving its exon 8. We show that VEGF165 is a selective competitor of HTLV-1 entry and that HTLV-1 mimics VEGF165 to recruit HSPGs and NRP-1: (1) the NRP-1 b domain is required for HTLV-1 binding; (2) SU binding to target cells is blocked by the HSPG-binding domain of VEGF165; (3) the formation of Env/NRP-1 complexes is enhanced by HSPGs; and (4) the HTLV SU contains a motif homologous to VEGF165 exon 8. This motif directly binds to NRP-1 and is essential for HTLV-1 binding to, internalization into, and infection of CD4+ T cells and dendritic cells. These findings demonstrate that HSPGs and NRP-1 function as HTLV-1 receptors in a cooperative manner and reveal an unexpected mimicry mechanism that may have major implications in vivo.
Evaluation of mycophenolate mofetil for initial treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Martin Paul J. , Storer Barry E. , Rowley Scott D. , Flowers Mary E. D. , Lee Stephanie J. , Carpenter Paul A. , Wingard John R. , Shaughnessy Paul J. , DeVetten Marcel P. , Jagasia Madan , Fay Joseph W. , van Besien Koen , Gupta Vikas , Kitko Carrie , Johnston Laura J. , Maziarz Richard T. , Arora Mukta , Jacobson Pamala A. , Weisdorf Daniel
Published: March 2009

We conducted a double-blind, randomized multicenter trial to determine whether the addition of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) improves the efficacy of initial systemic treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The primary endpoint was resolution of chronic GVHD and withdrawal of all systemic treatment within 2 years, without secondary treatment. Enrollment of 230 patients was planned, providing 90% power to observe a 20% difference in success rates between the 2 arms. The study was closed after 4 years because the interim estimated cumulative incidence of success for the primary endpoint was 23% among 74 patients in the MMF arm and 18% among 77 patients in the control arm, indicating a low probability of positive results for the primary endpoint after completing the study as originally planned. Analysis of secondary endpoints showed no evidence of benefit from adding MMF to the systemic regimen first used for treatment of chronic GVHD. The estimated hazard ratio of death was 1.99 (95% confidence interval, 0.9-4.3) among patients in the MMF arm compared with the control arm. MMF should not be added to the initial systemic treatment regimen for chronic GVHD. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00089141 on August 4, 2004.
A mouse chromosome 4 balancer ENU-mutagenesis screen isolates eleven lethal lines
Authors: Boles Melissa K , Wilkinson Bonney M , Maxwell Andrea , Lai Lihua , Mills Alea A , Nishijima Ichiko , Salinger Andrew P , Moskowitz Ivan , Hirschi Karen K , Liu Bin , Bradley Allan , Justice Monica J
Published: March 2009

Background

ENU-mutagenesis is a powerful technique to identify genes regulating mammalian development. To functionally annotate the distal region of mouse chromosome 4, we performed an ENU-mutagenesis screen using a balancer chromosome targeted to this region of the genome.

Results

We isolated 11 lethal lines that map to the region of chromosome 4 between D4Mit117 and D4Mit281. These lines form 10 complementation groups. The majority of lines die during embryonic development between E5.5 and E12.5 and display defects in gastrulation, cardiac development, and craniofacial development. One line displayed postnatal lethality and neurological defects, including ataxia and seizures.

Conclusion

These eleven mutants allow us to query gene function within the distal region of mouse chromosome 4 and demonstrate that new mouse models of mammalian developmental defects can easily and quickly be generated and mapped with the use of ENU-mutagenesis in combination with balancer chromosomes. The low number of mutations isolated in this screen compared with other balancer chromosome screens indicates that the functions of genes in different regions of the genome vary widely.
ADAM33 gene silencing by promoter hypermethylation as a molecular marker in breast invasive lobular carcinoma
Authors: Seniski Gerusa G , Camargo Anamaria A , Ierardi Daniela F , Ramos Edneia AS , Grochoski Mariana , Ribeiro Enilze SF , Cavalli Iglenir J , Pedrosa Fabio O , de Souza Emanuel M , Zanata Silvio M , Costa Fabrício F , Klassen Giseli
Published: March 2009

Background

ADAM33 protein is a member of the family of transmembrane glycoproteins composed of multidomains. ADAM family members have different activities, such as proteolysis and adhesion, making them good candidates to mediate the extracellular matrix remodelling and changes in cellular adhesion that characterise certain pathologies and cancer development. It was reported that one family member, ADAM23, is down-regulated by promoter hypermethylation. This seems to correlate with tumour progression and metastasis in breast cancer. In this study, we explored the involvement of ADAM33, another ADAM family member, in breast cancer.

Methods

First, we analysed ADAM33 expression in breast tumour cell lines by RT-PCR and western blotting. We also used 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5azadCR) treatment and DNA bisulphite sequencing to study the promoter methylation of ADAM33 in breast tumour cell lines. We evaluated ADAM33 methylation in primary tumour samples by methylation specific PCR (MSP). Finally, ADAM33 promoter hypermethylation was correlated with clinicopathological data using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test.

Results

The expression analysis of ADAM33 in breast tumour cell lines by RT-PCR revealed gene silencing in 65% of tumour cell lines. The corresponding lack of ADAM33 protein was confirmed by western blotting. We also used 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dCR) demethylation and bisulphite sequencing methodologies to confirm that gene silencing is due to ADAM33 promoter hypermethylation. Using MSP, we detected ADAM33 promoter hypermethylation in 40% of primary breast tumour samples. The correlation between methylation pattern and patient's clinicopathological data was not significantly associated with histological grade; tumour stage (TNM); tumour size; ER, PR or ERBB2 status; lymph node status; metastasis or recurrence. Methylation frequency in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) was 76.2% compared with 25.5% in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0002).

Conclusion

ADAM33 gene silencing may be related to the discohesive histological appearance of ILCs. We suggest that ADAM33 promoter methylation may be a useful molecular marker for differentiating ILC and IDC.