bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Economic Impact Analysis to a Local Public Health Agency and its “Academic Health Department”
Authors: Livingood William C. , Coughlin Susan , Bowman Walter , Bryant Thomas , Goldhagen Jeffrey
Published: July 2017

Public health systems are stressed by increasing demands and inadequate resources. This study was designed to demonstrate how economic impact analysis can estimate the economic value of a local public health system's infrastructure as well as the economic assets of an “Academic Health Department” model. This study involved the secondary analysis of publicly available data on health department finances and employment using proprietary software specifically designed to assess economic impacts. The health department's impact on the local community was estimated at over $100 million, exceeding the economic impact of other recently studied local industries with no additional costs to local taxpayers.
Trends in Mental Health and Chronic Condition Visits by Children Presenting for Care at U.S. Emergency Departments
Authors: Grupp-Phelan Jacqueline , Harman Jeffrey S. , Kelleher Kelly J.
Published: July 2017

Objective.

The purpose of this study was to compare the burden of mental health disorders to the burden of other chronic care conditions as measured by emergency department (ED) visits by children with respect to prevalence rates, time trends, and hospital admission rates.

Methods.

Data from the 1995–2001 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were used to assess the number of visits to emergency departments by children with a diagnosis of a mental health or chronic condition, a mental health-related reason for the visit, or a prescription or continuation of psychotropic medication.

Results.

From 1995 to 2001, there was an increase in the proportion of visits by children with mental health problems. During the same period, the proportion of visits by children with chronic illness appeared stable. Overall, mental health diagnoses made up approximately 5% of all U.S. emergency department visits by children, similar to the percentage of total visits for other chronic conditions (5.2%). Approximately 15% of visits in both the mental health and chronic condition groups ended in hospital admission compared to less than 5% in the overall group of ED visits by children.

Conclusions.

The burden of mental health related visits to U.S. EDs is growing at a faster rate than visits related to chronic conditions. Visit intensity, hospital admission, and medication utilization is just as intense as that for chronic conditions. Promoting provider mental health training and restructuring the ED visit to allow for rapid mental health assessment and immediate onsite or contiguous mental health care may be one way to improve outcomes for families and to position the ED as part of a larger integrated system of effective mental illness care.
FIRST Things First: A Practice-Academic Collaboration to Develop and Deliver a Competency-Based Series of Applied Epidemiology Trainings
Authors: Reid W. Michael , Landis Danielle C. , Kintz Jylmarie , Ruzycki Sandra , Brown Lisa M. , Martini Leila
Published: July 2017

The Florida Center for Public Health Preparedness in the University of South Florida College of Public Health and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) collaborated to design, develop, and deliver two competency-based epidemiology training programs aimed at increasing the epidemiologic preparedness and response capability of the FDOH workforce. They were also designed to meet the requirements of the National Incident Management System and recommendations or needs identified in national studies. The basis for the trainings is an epidemiology competency set developed by the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice at the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine. The target audiences for the two trainings are non-epidemiologists or practicing epidemiologists who have relatively little formal education in epidemiology. Both courses have online as well as onsite modules. Alternate tabletop exercises have been completed and delivered for anthrax and plague. Both trainings require participant demonstration of skills. The trainings have been well received, appear to be effective, and are used to credential members of Florida's epidemiology strike teams.
Maternal Diet and Risk of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Kwan Marilyn L. , Jensen Christopher D. , Block Gladys , Hudes Mark L. , Chu Lisa W. , Buffler Patricia A.
Published: July 2017

Objective.

Intrauterine environmental factors, including maternal diet, may play an etiologic role in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a common childhood cancer. Expanding on previous findings from phase 1 of the Northern California Childhood Leukemia Study (NCCLS), a population-based case-control study, we sought to further elucidate and replicate the relationships between maternal diet and ALL risk.

Methods.

We matched 282 case-control sets of children (205 pairs and 77 triplets) from phases 1 and 2 of the NCCLS on sex, date of birth, mother's race, Hispanic racial/ethnic status, and county of residence at birth. We used an interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire to obtain information on maternal dietary intake in the 12 months prior to pregnancy.

Results.

Risk of ALL was inversely associated with maternal consumption of vegetable (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50, 0.84); protein sources (AOR=0.55, 95% CI 0.32, 0.96); fruit (AOR=0.81, 95% CI 0.65, 1.00); and legume food groups (AOR=0.75, 95% CI 0.59, 0.95). The risk reduction was strongest for consumption of the protein sources and vegetable food groups, independent of the child's diet up to age 2 years, and consistent across phases 1 and 2 of data collection for vegetable consumption.

Conclusions.

These data suggest that it may be prudent for women to consume a diet rich in vegetables and adequate in protein prior to and during pregnancy as a possible means of reducing childhood ALL risk in their offspring.
Mortality in Appalachian Coal Mining Regions: The Value of Statistical Life Lost
Authors: Hendryx Michael , Ahern Melissa M.
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

We examined elevated mortality rates in Appalachian coal mining areas for 1979–2005, and estimated the corresponding value of statistical life (VSL) lost relative to the economic benefits of the coal mining industry.

Methods.

We compared age-adjusted mortality rates and socioeconomic conditions across four county groups: Appalachia with high levels of coal mining, Appalachia with lower mining levels, Appalachia without coal mining, and other counties in the nation. We converted mortality estimates to VSL estimates and compared the results with the economic contribution of coal mining. We also conducted a discount analysis to estimate current benefits relative to future mortality costs.

Results.

The heaviest coal mining areas of Appalachia had the poorest socioeconomic conditions. Before adjusting for covariates, the number of excess annual age-adjusted deaths in coal mining areas ranged from 3,975 to 10,923, depending on years studied and comparison group. Corresponding VSL estimates ranged from $18.563 billion to $84.544 billion, with a point estimate of $50.010 billion, greater than the $8.088 billion economic contribution of coal mining. After adjusting for covariates, the number of excess annual deaths in mining areas ranged from 1,736 to 2,889, and VSL costs continued to exceed the benefits of mining. Discounting VSL costs into the future resulted in excess costs relative to benefits in seven of eight conditions, with a point estimate of $41.846 billion.

Conclusions.

Research priorities to reduce Appalachian health disparities should focus on reducing disparities in the coalfields. The human cost of the Appalachian coal mining economy outweighs its economic benefits.
Biomonitoring as an Intervention against Methylmercury Exposure
Authors: Knobeloch Lynda , Tomasallo Carrie , Anderson Henry
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

We evaluated the effectiveness of biomonitoring as an intervention against methylmercury exposure.

Methods.

During 2004, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services assessed fish consumption and methylmercury exposure among 2,031 men and women who responded to a statewide press release. People whose hair mercury levels exceeded 1 microgram per gram (μg/g) were advised to reduce their intake of large, predatory fish. Others were informed that mercury exposure was not an issue for them and were encouraged to continue to eat fish as part of a healthy diet. In 2008, follow-up questionnaires and hair sampling kits were mailed to all 2004 study participants.

Results.

Completed surveys and hair samples were received from 1,139 individuals. While overall fish intake for this group increased slightly, from 8,561 to 8,785 servings per month between 2004 and 2008, the intake rate was significantly reduced among people whose 2004 hair mercury levels were >1 μg/g, and 30% of the cohort reported eating different types offish or smaller fish in 2008. The number of people who had a hair mercury level >1 μg/g fell from 300 in 2004 to 206 in 2008.

Conclusions.

Hair mercury analysis and explanatory result letters appear to have had a long-term effect on methylmercury exposure and the selection of fish. These findings support the public health benefit of methylmercury screening in conjunction with results-based education among frequent consumers of commercial and sport-caught fish.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Young People and Parental Rules against Smoking at Home and in the Car
Authors: Cartmell Kathleen B. , Miner Christine , Carpenter Matthew J. , Vitoc Camelia S. , Biggers Sharon , Onicescu Georgiana , Hill Elizabeth G. , Nickerson Brenda C. , Alberg Anthony J.
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is an important cause of morbidity in children. We assessed the impact of family rules about smoking in the home and car on SHS exposure prevalence in students in grades six to 12.

Methods.

We studied never-smoking young people ( n= 1,698) in the random sample cross-sectional South Carolina Youth Tobacco Survey, a 2006 survey of middle and high school students in South Carolina.

Results.

Overall, 40% of the students reported SHS exposure in either the home or car in the past week; among these, 85% reported exposure in cars. Subsequent analyses focused on students who lived with a smoker ( n=602). Compared with those whose families prohibited smoking in the home or car, SHS exposure prevalence was 30% ( p<0.0001) higher for households with smoke-free rules for only one place (home or car) and 36% ( p<0.0001) higher for households with no rules. Compared with students from households with strict rules, SHS exposure prevalence was 48% greater ( p<0.0001) among those with only partial rules against smoking in the home or car, and 55% ( p<0.0001) greater among those from households with no rules. Similarly, compared with students with strict family rules for home and car that were adhered to, SHS exposure prevalence was significantly higher ( p<0.0001) among students when only one or no rules were followed.

Conclusions.

Young people from families that made and enforced strong rules against smoking in homes and cars were much less likely to report SHS exposure. Parents would be wise to endorse and enforce strong smoke-free policies for both homes and cars.
Lawyers' Perception of Psychologists Who Do Forensic Work
Authors: Allan A. , Louw D. A.
Published: July 2017

In South Africa there is a lack of empirical data regarding the quality of the testimony of psychologists. In order to fill this gap, 252 South African lawyers were surveyed to determine their perception of the value of the testimony of psychologists, and of psychologists' knowledge, conduct, and adherence to the rules of expert testimony. For the purpose of comparison a group of 75 psychologists who do forensic work, were also surveyed. The findings was that lawyers generally did not believe that the potential value, or actual contribution, of psychological testimony was high. Their ratings of the actual knowledge of psychologists were significantly lower than their expectations in this regard. However, they rated the conduct and adherence of psychologists to the rules of expert testimony as satisfactory. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Psychology, History, and Society
Authors: Louw Johann
Published: July 2017

Psychology, in particular clinical Psychology, has experienced strong growth in the twentieth century. This growth has been the strongest in industrialised, urbanised democracies, and as a result, the discipline has come under criticism for its Western bias. While not denying the possibility of such bias, this paper argues that an historical analysis provides a more thoroughgoing explanation for what has happened in the relationship between Psychology and these societies. Following Foucault, it is argued that there is a special affinity between Psychology and the government of individuals, and as a result, between Psychology and the self-understanding of individuals. As a result, the subject matter of the discipline itself is historically variable, and Psychology is reflexively involved in this process. The discipline already has an inescapable presence in “non-Western” countries, but how the interplay between government, Psychology, and its subject matter constructs and reconstructs human subjectivity in these societies remains unpredictable.
The church and its shadow: the ambiguous role of church partnerships in World Vision’s development practice
Authors: Mitchell Bob
Published: July 2017

There has been a resurgent interest in the role of religion in international development work over the last decade. While churches are being engaged as local development partners in implementing development programs there is little research on the efficacy of doing so. This paper argues that there can be strong advantages of partnering with churches as local, permanent, geographically-dispersed, persuasive, community-based organizations. At the same time, however, there are significant risks for donors and other stakeholders, creating ambivalence about the suitability of some church partners. This paper draws on the experience of World Vision in eight settings. It explores the risks and benefits of partnering with churches, and argues that church engagement overall is important for developing communities, the sector, the church itself, and for shaping the concept of ‘development.’
Assumption Without Representation: The Unacknowledged Abstraction from Communities and Social Goods
Authors: Wicks Rick
Published: July 2017

We have not clearly acknowledged the abstraction from unpriceable “social goods” (derived from communities) which, different from private and public goods, simply disappear if it is attempted to market them. Separability from markets and economics has not been argued, much less established. Acknowledging communities would reinforce rather than undermine them, and thus facilitate the production of social goods. But it would also help economics by facilitating our understanding of – and response to – financial crises as well as environmental destruction and many social problems, and by reducing the alienation from economics often felt by students and the public.
Creating Quality Undergraduate Research Programs in Economics: How, When, Where (And Why)
Authors: Deloach Stephen B. , Perry-Sizemore Elizabeth , Borg Mary O.
Published: July 2017

While undergraduate research (UR) has been growing across the academy for decades, economics has been relatively slow to adopt it as pedagogy. We argue for the development of comprehensive UR programs that not only require capstone research experiences, but integrate foundational research skills throughout the curriculum. Fundamentally, there is a hierarchy whereby students learn basic research skills in lower-level courses, develop ability integrating content knowledge and research skills in upper-levels, and produce independent or collaborative research projects in later semesters. To facilitate such improvements, we make six recommendations for departments to consider when building or strengthening their UR environment.
Free Vibration of Eccentrically Stiffened Laminated Plates
Authors: Chandrashekhara K. , Kolli M.
Published: July 2017

The free vibration characteristics of laminated plates with discrete stiffeners are analyzed by the finite element method. The analysis takes into consideration transverse shear deformation effects and rotary inertias in the plate and stiffeners. The stiffeners are modeled as laminated beams and are placed along plate nodal lines. A C0 stiffened plate element is developed using a nine noded isoparametric plate element and a three noded isoparametric beam element. Natural frequencies and mode shapes of eccentrically-stiffened laminated plates are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the methodology. The influences of stiffeners such as depth, number, location and ply orientation on the natural frequencies are examined.
Le mentorat dans le milieu de la santé
Authors: Stuart Michelle , Wilson Carol
Published: July 2017

Les médecins, la direction, le personnel et les bénévoles des entreprises veulent former de futurs leaders au sein de leur organisation. Le présent article décrit les efforts pour concevoir, mettre en œuvre et évaluer un programme de mentorat d’un an utilisé pour la première fois par le Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital des Alberta Health Services. Des sondages d’évaluation ont été analysés pour faire ressortir les facteurs de succès décisifs, qui intégraient un vaste processus de candidatures diversifié de mentorés et de mentors, des critères bien définis de sélection ou de jumelage de mentorés et de mentors et un programme visant à soutenir l’acquisition du savoir par des projets, des séances d’apprentissage et des présentations.
The Ternary Complexes of Bovine Serum Albumin and Polyacrylamide Derivatives in the Presence Copper Ions in Neutral Water
Authors: Saraq A. Sezai , Ozeroglu Cemal , Mustafaev Mamed I.
Published: July 2017

The formation of complexes between polyacrylamide which contains a glycine end group and BSA have been studied in neutral water. Water soluble or insoluble complexes are formed when divalent copper ions were added to these solutions. Contacts between protein and polyelectrolyte were achieved via chelate formation in which the copper ion is attached at the center. The solubility of the polycomplexes depends on the protein/polymer ratio. Starting with very low protein concentrations in the system, phase separation takes place. After a critical ratio of the protein/polymer was achieved the mixture exhibited water solubility. The kinetics of the formation of ternary complexes were studied. It was shown that water insoluble complexes are nonequilibrium complexes. A hypothetical structural model for the formation of soluble and insoluble ternary polycomplexes is proposed.
Preparation of Novel Biocidal N-Halamine Polymers
Authors: Sun G. , Chen T. Y. , Sun W. , Wheatley W. B. , Worley S. D.
Published: July 2017

The preparation and biocidal efficacies of eight new N-halamine polymers have been reported. The polymers are in the classes known as dichlorohydantoins, trichlorotriazinediones, and dichloropyrimidinones. They were synthesized from the commercial polymers polystyrene, poly(methyl vinyl ketone), and polymethacrylamide. All of the polymers were insoluble in water and leached only small amounts (less than 0.5 mg/L) of free chlorine into flowing water. It was demonstrated that the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus in water flowing through filters made of these polymers was inactivated. These materials show considerable commercial potential as biocidal water filters, especially the dichloro-poly(styrene-hydantoin) because of its inexpensive synthetic route.
Preparation and Properties of Modified Chitosan Films for Drug Release
Authors: Angelova N. , Manolova N. , Rashkov I. , Maximova V. , Bogdanova S. , Domard A.
Published: July 2017

A novel method of preparing modified chitosan films was developed. Bi- and tri-component chitosan films were prepared by blending chitosan with high molecular weight polyoxyethylene. The films were loaded with 8-hydroxy-7-iodoquinoline-5-sulfonic acid which was chosen as a model drug. The properties of the films were studied with respect to crystallinity, thermal stability and swelling degree. These properties were shown to depend on the ratio of polyoxyethylene/chitosan. The drug release profile from the films was measured in a buffer at pH 6.8 and 37°C. The antimycotic effect of the films against Candida albicans was determined.
PEG Modified Anticancer Drugs: Synthesis and Biological Activity
Authors: Pendri Annapurna , Gilbert Carl W. , Soundararajan Soundara , Bolikal Durgadas , Shorr Robert G. L. , Greenwald Richard B.
Published: July 2017

Three well known anticancer drugs, doxorubicin, methotrexate and paclitaxel (taxol), have been modified by the permanent attachment of poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity against murine leukemias P388 and L1210. The relative potencies of the PEG derivatives suggest that modification of antitumor agents with this type of polymer yields compounds that are highly water soluble but less cytotoxic.
Sterilization of Sutures by Low Temperature Argon Plasma
Authors: Ayhan Fatma , Ayhan Hakan , Piskin Erhan
Published: July 2017

Nondegradable and biodegradable, mono- and multifilament, natural and synthetic sutures were sterilized by treating in an argon gas plasma glow-discharge system at different glow-discharge powers (10, 20 and 40 watt) and exposure times (5, 15 and 30 min). All of the sutures (except plain and chromic catguts) were successfully sterilized. Plain and chromic catgut could not be sterilized even at very high discharge power and exposure time. A five watt discharge and 5 min of exposure time were considered optimal conditions for argon plasma sterilization without changing the desired suture mechanical properties (extensibility, knot-pull breaking and tensile strengths).
Lamb Pregastric Lipase Activity: Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Dibutyryl-1,2(3)-Propanediols and Butyryl-1(2)-Propanol and Inhibition of the Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Tributyrylglycerol in the Presence of EDTA, LiCl, NaCl and Ethanol
Authors: O'Connor Charmian J. , Lai Douglas T. , Barton Richard H.
Published: July 2017

Partially purified lamb pregastric lipase, LPGL, isolated from the tongue and epiglottal region of lamb, was used to catalyze the hydrolysis of tributyrylglycerol, the dibutyryl esters of propanediol and the butyryl esters of propanol at pH 6.5, 35°C. The relative rates of hydrolysis for tributyrylglycerol: dibutyryl-1,2-propanediol: dibutyryl-1,3-propanediol: butyryl-1-propanol: butyryl-2-propanol were 100: 35.4: 12.5: 4.1: 1.1, respectively. Monohydrolysis stoichiometry was observed for tributyrylglycerol and the diesters with saturation kinetics. In contrast, hydrolysis of the monoesters was first-order in substrate. The catalyzed hydrolysis of tributyrylglycerol was ~20% inhibited in the presence of 100 mM EDTA, 10% and 60% in the presence of 1 M NaCl and LiCl, respectively, and ~30% in 10% v/v ethanol.
Polymer Drugs and Polymeric Drugs IX. Synthesis and 5-Fluorouracil Release Profiles of Biodegradable Polymeric Prodrugs γ-Poly(α-Hydroxymethyl-5-Fluorouracil-Glutamate)
Authors: Kishida Akjo , Goto Hidetada , Murakami Kazunori , Kakinoki Kensho , Akashi Mitsuru , Endo Takeshi
Published: July 2017

A conjugate of poly(y-glutamic acid)(y-PGA) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (y-poly(a-hydroxymethyl-5-fluorouracil-glutamate)), y-PFUG, was prepared as a polymeric prodrug matrix. The release of 5-FU and the degradation behavior of y-PFUG, which is soluble in polar organic solvents were studied. y-PFUG films were prepared by casting from DMF. The y-PFUG matrix degraded in 7 days and incorporated 5-FU was released in 3 days. 5-FU release was accelerated by mixing free 5-FU into y-PFUG. Here, y-PFUG functioned as a hydrophobic degradable matrix. Analogous with y-PFUG, y-PGA conjugated with a drug may be useful as a biodegradable polymeric prodrug.
The Effect of γ-Irradiation on Methoxy-Poly(Ethylene Glycol)s in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Pietrucha Krystyna , Burczak Krystyna
Published: July 2017

In this work the effects of γ-radiation on monomethoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)s, (MPEG)s, in aqueous solutions were studied. Polymers with two different nominal molecular weights, 2,000 and 5,000, have been used. The influence of dose and dose rate of radiation, initial polymer concentration and pH were investigated both in the absence and presence of oxygen.

The gelation dose dependence on the concentration and molecular weight of polymers irradiated in deaerated solutions at natural pH 6.3 and at pH 8.4, with added bicarbonate ions, indicate that hydroxyl radicals from water radiolysis are the main precursors of macroradicals formed at MPEG molecules. Crosslinking efficiency and stability of MPEG networks formed under these pH conditions are markedly different. The sol fraction is related to the radiation dose according to the Charlesby-Pinner approach. At pH 6.3 degradation led to dissolution of the hydrogels. Permanent, tightly crosslinked networks resulted in deaerated alkaline solutions. The molecular weight between junction points ranged from ~300 to ~2200 g mol-1 and the corresponding mesh size was ~40-~150 Å. In acid deaerated and in oxygen-containing systems at natural pH, the effect of radical formation by γ-radiation was chain scission. The oxidative polymer degradation propagated in a chain-like process.
Bioabsorbable Microspheres for Local Drug Release in the Articulus
Authors: Ramesh D. Vijaya , Tabata Yasuhiko , Ikada Yoshito
Published: July 2017

Bioabsorbable microspheres incorporating an anti-inflammatory drug, dexamethasone, were prepared from poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA) using different molecular weights (Mws) by a solvent evaporation method using oil-in-oil emulsion. Two types of PDLLA microspheres with diameter ranges of 40-60 and 90-110 μm were obtained by changing the stirring speed. The microspheres prepared from the higher Mw PDLLA degraded more slowly in phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS, pH 7.4) than those from the lower Mw PDLLA. The release of incorporated drug into PBS from each PDLLA microspheres was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography. Faster drug release was observed from smaller microspheres. The microspheres prepared from PDLLA with lower Mws released faster the drug than those from PDLLA with higher Mws. Drug concentration in the serum was high immediately after intra-articular injection of dexamethasone in the free form and thereafter decreased with time. In contrast, no drug was detected in the serum of rabbits over the time range studied when injected with dexamethasone-incorporated PDLLA microspheres. This finding indicates that drug release from the microspheres is localized in the articulus.
Synthesis and Anticoagulant Properties of a Novel Heparinoid N-Sulfate-Bearing Vinylpolymer
Authors: Sakamoto N. , Yumura T. , Akashi M. , Onishi M.
Published: July 2017

A novel heparinoid polymer was prepared with an N-sulfate side chain group by sulfation of poly( N-vinylacetamide-co-vinylamine) [poly(NVA-co-VAm)] which was obtained by the partial hydrolysis of poly( N-vinylacetamide) [poly(NVA)]. The hydrolysis of poly(NVA) was controlled by reaction time and temperature and the sulfation of poly(NVA-co-VAm) was performed with chlorosulfonic acid. Poly( N-vinylacetamide-co-vinylamine-co-vinylsulfamic acid) [poly(NVA-co-VAm-co-VSA)] was confirmed by means of IR spectroscopy, and the degree of sulfation of poly(NVA-co-VAm-co-VSA) was estimated by elemental analysis. The anticoagulant properties of poly(NVA-co-VAm-co-VSA) were evaluated using the Lee-White clotting test and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test. The human whole blood clotting time in the presence of poly(NVA-co-VAm-co-VSA) was prolonged compared with poly(NVA) and poly(NVA-co-VAm). The clotting time was prolonged with increased N-sulfate groups on the polymer. APTT tests of the polymer were also prolonged with N-sulfate increases. The results suggest that the N-sulfate components on the polymer can endow anticoagulant activity to synthetic polymers.
The 1984 Bail Reform Act: Organizational and Mandated Factors in the Decision to Detain
Authors: Barnes Carole Wolff , Kingsnorth Rodney , Hodgins Tina
Published: July 2017

The 1984 Bail Reform Act, recognizing danger as well as flight as a reason for detention before trial and providing for explicit detention, offers an opportunity to evaluate the effects of more precise guidelines on the release/detention decision and to determine the relative importance of legal variables, community lies and other social background variables to that decision. In this study, that evaluation takes place in a jurisdiction with a new pretrial services agency. Release on own Recognizance (ROR) rates increased significantly, in conjunction with an even greater increase in the use of conditional release. Recommendations of the U.S. Attorney and the Pre-trial Services Agency (PSA) regarding release and detention were less predictable than judicial decisions. For the magistrates, the application of guidelines for detention led to clearer distinctions among the oilier three options. In separating detention from secured bail, the guidelines led to more similar recommendations from the government and PSA. Offense dominated the recommendations of both agencies before and after the BRA, which, in turn, determined judicial decisions. Community ties declined in importance as the concurrently introduced sentencing guidelines combined with the BRA's criteria for detention to institutionalize offense, sentence and prior record as the definition of danger to the community.
Unintended Side Effects of Pro-Arrest Policies and Their Race and Class Implications for Battered Women: A Cautionary Note
Authors: Miller Susan L.
Published: July 2017

Increasingly, arrest appears to be the disposition of choice for combatting violence between intimate partners. However, the ramifications of such policies may differentially impact on female victims, particularly those battered women with fewer resources and alternatives who have traditionally placed a greater reliance on police intervention. The residual effects of pro-arrest policies may operate subtly, becoming indiscernible through quantitative analyses of follow-up data and emerging only when qualitative methodologies are employed in conjunction with quantitative methodologies. Although pro-arrest policies are one way to attack the problem of woman battering, the policies become problematic if they disproportionately affect women from minority and lower socio-economic groups, facilitating negative consequences, including possible reoccurrences of violence. This paper raises some of the pertinent issues involved when research fails to capture or address the potential implications of pro-arrest strategies once implemented, and suggests ways to explore the extent and ramifications of these effects.
Developing Taipei Automobile Driving Cycle for Emissions
Authors: Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung , Chen June-Jye
Published: July 2017

The purposes of this study are to develop a representative driving cycle for automobiles in metropolitan Taipei and to ascertain the emissions of the cycle. We have collected extensive driving cycle data and propose a methodology to develop Taipei automobile driving cycle (TADC). The characteristics of TADC are high average acceleration and deceleration, high acceleration-deceleration changes and low average travel speed. Fifteen automobiles, including eleven gasoline automobiles and four diesel automobiles, were tested in the laboratory by using FTP75 and TADC testing procedure. Because the characteristics of TADC are very different from those of FTP75, the CO, HC and NOx emissions of gasoline automobiles tested by TADC are higher than FTP75. The HC and NOx emissions of diesel automobiles tested by TADC are higher than FTP75, but the CO and particulate matter (PM) emissions of diesel automobiles tested by TADC are lower than FTP75. Besides, the emissions tested by TADC and FTP75 are highly linear-correlated.
Aviation Fuels Pollution: 1997 Update
Authors: Jenkins Gilbert
Published: July 2017

Key statistics on the pollution caused by aviation fuels are presented based on information provided in recent British Airways' environmental reports.
Review: Conserved and variable structural features in the lipopolysaccharide of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Knirel Yuriy A. , Bystrova Olga V. , Kocharova Nina A. , Zähringer Ulrich , Pier Gerald B.
Published: July 2017

The review is devoted to recent progress in the structural elucidation of the lipopolysaccharide of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including O-antigen biological repeats, core oligosaccharide, and lipid A. Data on biosynthesis, genetics and serology of the lipopolysaccharide isolated from various P. aeruginosa O-serogroups are discussed in relation to the chemical structures.
Defective responsiveness of CD5+ B1 cells to lipopolysaccharide in cytokine production
Authors: Koide Naoki , Morikawa Akiko , Ito Hiroyasu , Sugiyama Tsuyoshi , Hassan Ferdaus , Islam Shamima , Tumurkhuu Gantsetseg , Mori Isamu , Yoshida Tomoaki , Yokochi Takashi
Published: July 2017

Previously, we found that mouse TH2.52 cells possess the characteristic of CD5+ B1 cells and proliferate in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The effect of LPS on cytokine production by TH2.52 B1 cells was studied. TH2.52 cells constitutively produced a small amount of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, and TNF-α and IL-6 production was markedly enhanced by LPS stimulation. Although interferon (IFN)-γ caused the production of various cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α in TH2.52 cells, LPS did not cause the production of such cytokines. LPS did not induce IFN-β production in TH2.52 cells and TH2.52 cells lacked the expression of several molecules participating in the MyD88-independent pathway in LPS signaling. Defective responsiveness of TH2.52 B1 cells to LPS in cytokine production might be responsible for the failure of IFN-β production due to the lack of molecules participating in the MyD88-independent pathway.
Identification of two novel LPS-binding proteins in Kupffer cells: implications in TNF-α production
Authors: Thomas Peter , Lazure Donald A. , Moussa Runna , Bajenova Olga , Burke Peter A. , Ganguly Aniruddha , Armour Forse R.
Published: July 2017

Using a combination of gel-exclusion chromatography and ligand binding with [125I]-lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we discovered two novel endotoxin-binding proteins, p31LPB and p34LPB, in Kupffer cells. Their molecular masses suggest that these are previously undescribed LPS-binding proteins (LBPs). Evidence from detergent-based cell extractions shows that these proteins are probably transmembrane or located on the inner leaflet of the lipid bilayer. We have partially purified the proteins from detergent extracts of Kupffer cells and proven that they bind diphosphoryl lipid A, an interaction associated with TNF-α production. The proteins do not bind monophosphoryl lipid A. Diphosphoryl lipid A binding occurs in the absence of serum, suggesting a mechanism of cytokine production distinct from that involving CD14 and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB). The two proteins were not detectable in resident peritoneal macrophages or in a number of other cell lines of the macrophage/monocyte lineage, suggesting specificity towards terminally differentiated macrophages such as Kupffer cells.
Systemic and bronchial inflammation following LPS inhalation in asthmatic and healthy subjects
Authors: Kitz Richard , Rose Markus A. , Borgmann Alexandra , Schubert Ralf , Zielen Stefan
Published: July 2017

Background: Inhaled endotoxin is known to induce airway inflammation, causing bronchial hyper-reactivity.

Objective: We characterized the response to lipopolysaccharide-inhalation by measuring exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and inflammatory mediators.

Patients and Methods : A total of 43 adult volunteers (13 asthmatics, 30 healthy controls) inhaled stepwise LPS every 30 min up to a cumulative dose of 100 µg (2.5, 10.5, 42, 45 µg). After each provocation and up to 24 h later, FEV1 was determined; the procedure was stopped when FEV1 declined more than 12.5%. We measured eNO, leucocytes, eosinophils, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), C-reactive protein (CrP), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), leucotriene B4 (LTB4), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), and body temperature.

Results: Initial eNO values were higher in asthmatics ( P < 0.01), but only increased in an asthmatic subgroup. Marked differences were observed in the systemic response to LPS inhalation. Significant increases were found for CrP, LBP, and PMNs. There was no correlation between FEV1 decrease and basal eNO levels.

Conclusions: Inhalation of endotoxin was followed by clinical and laboratory signs of systemic inflammation, with asthmatics responding to the challenge similar as healthy subjects. Bronchial eNO increased only temporarily in asthmatics.
The local Schwartzman phenomenon and human dentin permeability to endotoxin
Authors: Ferreira Zandona A.G. , Willis G.P. , Kafrawy A.H.
Published: July 2017

The local Schwartzman phenomenon is a thrombotic hemorrhagic reaction that develops in response to local preparatory administration followed by intravenous provoking injection of endotoxin. This study investigated permeability of coronal dentin to endotoxin. Cavities were prepared in human dentin discs and received either 10 μg or 100 μg Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin or pyrogen-free water over the cavity floor. The cavities were then restored with a glass ionomer cement. The discs were implanted in rabbits' abdominal skin. The rabbits also received intradermal injections of 10 μg and 100 μg endotoxin and pyrogen-free water. 18 h after implantation/injection, a provoking intravenous injection of endotoxin was administered and the animals were terminated 6 h later. Intradermal injection of both doses of endotoxin elicited LSP in all rabbits. In the majority of specimens, endotoxin at 10 μg and 100 μg dosage did not permeate dentin to elicit LSP.
Position and configuration of double bonds of lipid A-associated monounsaturated fatty acids of Proteobacferia and Rhodobacter capsulatus 37b4
Authors: Mayer Hubert , Merkofer Thorsten , Warth Christoph , Weckesser Jürgen
Published: July 2017

The double bond of dodecenoic acid in the endotoxin-antagonistically acting lipid A of Rhodobacter capsulatus, strains 37b4 and St Louis, was found to have cis-configuration. The position of the double bond was ω7. The mono-unsaturated fatty acids of lipid A from a number of additionally investigated strains of various species of the α-, β-, and γ-subgroups of Proteobacteria (Agrobacterium spp., Azospirillum spp., Rhizobium meliloti, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rhodomicrobium vannielii, Rhodopseudomonas blastica, Rhodospirillum salinarum, Sphaerotilus natans, Thiobacillus spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica) have also cis -configuration with the double bond in the ω7-position (one exception), suggesting the anaerobic pathway of biosynthesis to be common for most of them.
Effects of Statins on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kosmas Constantine E , DeJesus Eddy , Sourla Evdokia , Morcelo Rosmery , Montan Peter D , Guzman Eliscer
Published: July 2017

Statins are the standard of care in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, and their use is supported by extensive evidence demonstrating their effectiveness in primary and secondary cardiovascular risk reduction. However, clinical and epidemiologic data have clearly demonstrated that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the efficacy of statins in the reduction of cardiovascular risk has not been definitively confirmed in patients with CKD and especially those with stage 5 CKD or on dialysis. This review aims to provide the current clinical and scientific data pertaining to the effects of statins on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD.
Assessing Lexical Development in Bilingual Babies and Toddlers
Authors: Pearson Barbara Zurer
Published: July 2017

The introduction of vocabulary checklists for infant acquisition has allowed us to gather detailed information about early lexical growth from a broader number of bilingual children than before and to begin exploring the relation of growth in one language to growth in the other in a range of bilingual learning circumstances. Still, no standardized instruments to date give an adequate picture of normal bilingual development. Norms and milestones based on monolingual experience underestimate bilingual abilities in that they tap only a portion of the bilinguals' knowledge and credit them with less complex conceptualizations than what they actually possess. Double-language measures, like those proposed by Pearson, Fernández, and Oller (1993) and Muñoz-Sandoval, Cummins, Alvarado, and Ruef (1998), are an improvement over single-language measures as they encompass a greater portion of the bilinguals' knowledge, but they do not address the greater complexity of bilingual mental representations. What is needed are norms derived from observations of typically-developing bilingual children, followed up with measures of concurrent and predictive validity. However, bilinguals as a group are so diverse, it will be difficult to decide which subgroup(s) would be the appropriate reference to use for a standardization. In this review of recent studies, the difficulties involved in assessing bilingual vocabularies and recommendations for clinical practice are discussed.
Exact and approximate REML for heteroscedastic regression
Authors: Smyth Gordon K , Huele A Frederik , Verbyla Arūnas P
Published: July 2017

Exact REML for heteroscedastic linear models is compared with a number of approximate REML methods which have been proposed in the literature, especially with the methods proposed by Lee and Nelder (LN98) and Smyth and Verbyla (SV99) for simultaneous mean-dispersion modelling in generalized linear models. It is shown that neither of the LN98 or SV99 methods reduces to REML in the normal linear case. Asymptotic variances and efficiencies are obtained for these and other estimators of the same general form. A new algorithm is suggested, similar to one suggested by Huele et al., which returns the correct REML estimators and an improved approximation to the standard errors. It is possible to obtain REML estimators by alternating between two generalized linear models but the final fitted generalized linear model objects will not return the correct standard errors for the variance coefficients. The true REML likelihood calculations therefore fit only partially into the double generalized linear model framework.
The Blending and Coextrusion of Metallocene Catalysed Polyethylene in Blown Film Applications
Authors: Beagan C. M. , McNally G. M. , Murphy W. R.
Published: July 2017

As Metallocene Catalysed Polyethylenes (mPEs) become more commercially available they are finding ever increasing application in the blown film industry. However, it is becoming apparent that no two mPE resins behave in exactly the same manner. This paper examines the Theological properties of a range of mPEs with different densities and MFIs. These resins were then blended with a conventional low density polyethylene (LDPE) and extruded to form monolayer films. The mechanical properties of these films were compared to three layer coextruded films of A:B:A structure, where A is LDPE and B is mPE.
Role of ADP receptors on platelets in the growth of ovarian cancer
Authors: Cho Min Soon , Noh Kyunghee , Haemmerle Monika , Li Dan , Park Hyun , Hu Qianghua , Hisamatsu Takeshi , Mitamura Takashi , Mak Sze Ling Celia , Kunapuli Satya , Ma Qing , Sood Anil K. , Afshar-Kharghan Vahid
Published: July 2017

Key Points

P2Y12 is important in the interaction between platelets and cancer cells. A P2Y12 inhibitor or P2Y12 deficiency reduces tumor growth in murine models of ovarian cancer.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 29 patients hemizygous for hypomorphic IKBKG/NEMO mutations
Authors: Miot Charline , Imai Kohsuke , Imai Chihaya , Mancini Anthony J. , Kucuk Zeynep Yesim , Kawai Tokomki , Nishikomori Ryuta , Ito Etsuro , Pellier Isabelle , Dupuis Girod Sophie , Rosain Jeremie , Sasaki Shinya , Chandrakasan Shanmuganathan , Pachlopnik Schmid Jana , Okano Tsubasa , Colin Estelle , Olaya-Vargas Alberto , Yamazaki-Nakashimada Marco , Qasim Waseem , Espinosa Padilla Sara , Jones Andrea , Krol Alfons , Cole Nyree , Jolles Stephen , Bleesing Jack , Vraetz Thomas , Gennery Andrew R. , Abinun Mario , Güngör Tayfun , Costa-Carvalho Beatriz , Condino-Neto Antonio , Veys Paul , Holland Steven M. , Uzel Gulbu , Moshous Despina , Neven Benedicte , Blanche Stéphane , Ehl Stephan , Döffinger Rainer , Patel Smita Y. , Puel Anne , Bustamante Jacinta , Gelfand Erwin W. , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Orange Jordan S. , Picard Capucine
Published: July 2017

Key Points

Global survival rate was 74% at a median follow-up after HSCT of 57 months. Preexisting mycobacterial infection and colitis were associated with poor HSCT outcome.
Relation Between Narrow Networks and Providers of Cancer Care
Authors: Yasaitis Laura , Bekelman Justin E. , Polsky Daniel
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Health insurers offer plans covering a narrow subset of providers in an attempt to lower premiums and compete for consumers. However, narrow networks may limit access to high-quality providers, particularly those caring for patients with cancer.

Methods

We examined provider networks offered on the 2014 individual health insurance exchanges, assessing oncologist supply and network participation in areas that do and do not contain one of 69 National Cancer Institute (NCI)–Designated Cancer Centers. We characterized a network’s inclusion of oncologists affiliated with NCI-Designated Cancer Centers relative to oncologists excluded from the network within the same region and assessed the relationship between this relative inclusion and each network’s breadth. We repeated these analyses among networks offered in the same regions as the subset of 27 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers identified as National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Cancer Centers.

Results

In regions containing NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, there were 13.7 oncologists per 100,000 residents and 4.9 (standard deviation [SD], 2.8) networks covering a mean of 39.4% (SD, 26.2%) of those oncologists, compared with 8.8 oncologists per 100,000 residents and 3.2 (SD, 2.1) networks covering on average 49.9% (SD, 26.8%) of the area’s oncologists ( P < .001 for all comparisons). There was a strongly significant correlation ( r = 0.4; P < .001) between a network’s breadth and its relative inclusion of oncologists associated with NCI-Designated Cancer Centers; this relationship held when considering only affiliation with NCCN Cancer Centers.

Conclusion

Narrower provider networks are more likely to exclude oncologists affiliated with NCI-Designated or NCCN Cancer Centers. Health insurers, state regulators, and federal lawmakers should offer ways for consumers to learn whether providers of cancer care with particular affiliations are in or out of narrow provider networks.