bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Under Pressure, Out of Control, or Home Alone? Reviewing Research and Policy Debates on the Occupational Health and Safety Effects of Outsourcing and Home-Based Work
Authors: Quinlan Michael , Bohle Philip
Published: July 2008

The practice of outsourcing or subcontracting of work has grown rapidly in most countries over the past two decades. Outsourcing, de-institutionalization, and a range of other practices have also resulted in a growth of home-based work. Home-based workers, even when not part of a subcontracting process, operate in an isolated situation remote from their employer and other workers. Do such work arrangements expose workers to greater risk of injury, illness, or assault? The authors reviewed international studies of the occupational health and safety (OHS) effects of subcontracting and home-based work undertaken over the past 20 years. Of the 25 studies analyzed, 92 percent found poorer OHS outcomes. The studies were examined for clues about the reasons for these negative outcomes. The authors also identified similarities and differences between subcontracting and home-based work. Despite the evidence of poor OHS outcomes, research into outsourcing has stalled in recent years. With notable exceptions, governments have taken little account of findings on these work arrangements in their laws and policies, in part because neoliberal ideas dominate national and global policy agendas. The authors examine policy challenges and regulatory responses and make suggestions for future research and policy interventions.
Clinical Trials in Canada: Whose Interests are Paramount?
Authors: Lexchin Joel
Published: July 2008

More than 80 percent of clinical drug trials in Canada are funded by the pharmaceutical industry. This article evaluates the overall state of clinical trials in Canada and looks at the interplay between public and private interests. Health Canada has adopted standards developed by the International Conference on Harmonization, a body that is heavily influenced by industry. Commercial interests are increasingly involved in recruiting patients into clinical trials and in running these trials. It is in industry's interests to conduct drug tests on people for which it is easiest to see benefits. These interests are not fundamentally challenged by Health Canada's policy of issuing nonmandatory guidelines on who should and should not be included in clinical trials. The outcome of clinical trials is heavily influenced by commercial sponsorship, with the result that trials may favor corporate interests rather than the interests of the public. How Health Canada deals with that possibility is not known, because of its strict policy of treating clinical trial data as private property. If clinical trials are to serve the purpose for which they are designed, developing reliable and objective information about new drugs, then commercial interests cannot be allowed to take precedence over health interests.
Chernobyl: An Unbelievable Failure to Help
Authors: Bertell Rosalie
Published: July 2008

The disaster at the Chernobyl power reactor near Kiev, which began on April 26, 1986, was one of the world's worst industrial accidents. Yet the global community, usually most generous in its aid to a stricken community, has been slow to understand the scope of the disaster and reach out to the most devastated people of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. This article probes the causes of this confusion of perception and failure of response; clearly the problem is one of communication. Has the International Atomic Energy Agency betrayed the victims of the Chernobyl disaster because of its plans to promote the “peaceful atom” nuclear program in the developing world? Has the World Health Organization failed to provide clear, reliable information on the health effects resulting from the disaster? Are other historical problems or actors interfering with reasonable handling of the late effects of a nuclear disaster? Most importantly, what can be done to remedy this situation, to assist those most hurt by the late effects of Chernobyl and prevent such injustice in future? With the current promotion of nuclear energy as a “solution” to global climate change, we need to take a sober second look at the nuclear energy experiment and management of its hazards.
Veterinary student and veterinarian attitudes toward veterinary public health and epidemiology
Authors: Fosgate Geoffrey T.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To identify predictors of veterinary students and veterinarians having an interest in veterinary public health and epidemiology (PH&E).

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample Population—Veterinary students enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University and veterinarians with membership in a Texas veterinary professional organization.

Procedures—2 questionnaires were designed and administered to investigate hypothesized predictors of PH&E interests among veterinary students and veterinarians. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables from both questionnaires. Prevalence ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and χ2 tests were used to evaluate bivariate associations between variables and an interest in PH&E. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for the effects of multiple variables on the outcome.

Results—70% (215/305) of students believed that a course in PH&E was necessary, and 46% (140/304) believed that more courses in PH&E would improve the veterinary curriculum. Ninety-nine percent (299/303) of veterinarians believed that a course in PH&E was necessary in the curriculum. Ninety-two percent (272/297) of veterinarians agreed that knowledge related to PH&E was important to perform the functions of their job. History of raising animals and membership in 4-H or Future Farmers of America were significant predictors of veterinary students having an interest in PH&E. Being male and growing up in a rural environment were not significant predictors.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Most veterinary students and veterinarians agreed that knowledge of PH&E is important. Variables identified as associated with an interest in PH&E may be useful for designing mitigation strategies to increase the number of veterinarians entering public health careers.
Comparison of anesthetic induction in cats by use of isoflurane in an anesthetic chamber with a conventional vapor or liquid injection technique
Authors: Schmid Renee D. , Hodgson David S. , McMurphy Rose M.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To compare 2 techniques for induction of cats by use of isoflurane in an anesthetic chamber.

Design—Prospective, randomized study.

Animals—51 healthy cats.

Procedures—Cats were randomly allocated to 2 induction techniques. Cats were premedicated with acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg [0.045 mg/lb], SC) and buprenorphine (0.01 mg/kg [0.0045 mg/lb], SC) 30 minutes before induction. Cats were then placed into an induction chamber, and anesthetic induction was initiated. One technique involved a conventional flow-through system that used an oxygen flowmeter and an isoflurane vaporizer to flow vapors into the induction chamber. Alternatively, liquid isoflurane was injected into a vaporization tray that was mounted to the interior surface of the chamber lid. Inductions were videotaped for analysis. Five variables (head bobbing, head swinging side to side, paddling, rotating 180° to 360°, and rolling over or flipping) were scored to assess induction quality. Time variables recorded during induction corresponded to the interval until onset of excitatory motion, duration of excitatory motion, interval until recumbency, and interval until complete induction.

Results—Compared with cats anesthetized by use of a conventional vapor chamber technique, cats anesthetized by use of the liquid injection technique had a significantly shorter interval until recumbency and interval until complete induction and lower scores for quality of induction, indicating a smoother induction.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Anesthetic induction in cats by use of a liquid injection technique was more rapid and provided a better quality of induction, compared with results for cats induced by use of a conventional vapor technique.
Analgesic efficacy of butorphanol and morphine in bearded dragons and corn snakes
Authors: Sladky Kurt K. , Kinney Matthew E. , Johnson Stephen M.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To test the hypothesis that administration of butorphanol or morphine induces antinociception in bearded dragons and corn snakes.

Design—Prospective crossover study.

Animals—12 juvenile and adult bearded dragons and 13 corn snakes.

Procedures—Infrared heat stimuli were applied to the plantar surface of bearded dragon hind limbs or the ventral surface of corn snake tails. Thermal withdrawal latencies (TWDLs) were measured before (baseline) and after SC administration of physiologic saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (equivalent volume to opioid volumes), butorphanol tartrate (2 or 20 mg/kg [0.91 or 9.1 mg/lb]), or morphine sulfate (1, 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg [0.45, 2.27, 4.5, 9.1, or 18.2 mg/lb]).

Results—For bearded dragons, butorphanol (2 or 20 mg/kg) did not alter hind limb TWDLs at 2 to 24 hours after administration. However, at 8 hours after administration, morphine (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly increased hind limb TWDLs from baseline values (mean ± SEM maximum increase, 2.7 ± 0.4 seconds and 2.8 ± 0.9 seconds, respectively). For corn snakes, butorphanol (20 mg/kg) significantly increased tail TWDLs at 8 hours after administration (maximum increase from baseline value, 3.0 ± 0.8 seconds); the low dose had no effect. Morphine injections did not increase tail TWDLs at 2 to 24 hours after administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Compared with doses used in most mammalian species, high doses of morphine (but not butorphanol) induced analgesia in bearded dragons, whereas high doses of butorphanol (but not morphine) induced analgesia in corn snakes.
Severe reaction to intravenous administration of an ionic iodinated contrast agent in two anesthetized dogs
Authors: Pollard Rachel E. , Pascoe Peter J.
Published: July 2008

Case Description—Acute severe systemic reactions developed during IV administration of an ionic iodinated contrast agent (iothalamate meglumine) in 2 dogs undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Clinical Findings—Both dogs developed marked changes in heart rate and systolic arterial blood pressure during or immediately after IV administration of the contrast agent. The first dog became profoundly hypertensive and bradycardic with poor oxygenation, apparent bronchospasm, and prolonged diarrhea. The second dog became hypotensive and tachycardic with erythema on the ventral aspect of the abdomen and pelvic limbs, periocular edema, and diarrhea.

Treatment and Outcome—Both dogs were treated for shock by means of IV fluid administration, and anesthesia was discontinued. The first dog was placed on a ventilator to improve oxygenation but was hypertensive and unresponsive for 6.5 hours following contrast agent administration. Bloody diarrhea persisted once consciousness was regained. The dog was discharged 3 days after contrast agent administration, and diarrhea resolved 15 days later. The second dog responded to phenylephrine administration, but urine output appeared low immediately following recovery from anesthesia. Urine output was normal the following day, and the dog was released 36 hours after contrast administration with no residual adverse effects.

Clinical Relevance—Findings highlighted the potential risk for severe reactions associated with IV administration of ionic iodinated contrast agents in dogs. Both hypertensive and hypotensive responses were seen. Supportive care for systemic manifestations was effective in these 2 dogs, and extended hospitalization was not necessary.
Retinopathy associated with ivermectin toxicosis in two dogs
Authors: Kenny Patrick J. , Vernau Karen M. , DVM Birgit Puschner , Maggs David J.
Published: July 2008

Case Description—2 dogs (dogs 1 and 2) were examined for sudden onset of blindness. Both dogs had mild obtundation and mydriasis in both eyes. It was thought that dog 1 may have ingested ivermectin; dog 2 had been treated with ivermectin for demodectic mange.

Clinical Findings—On initial examination, both dogs had mydriasis and decreased pupillary light reflexes in both eyes. Dog 1 had an absent menace response bilaterally. Fundic examination of both eyes in both dogs revealed regions of multifocal retinal edema and folds with low-lying retinal separation. The electroretinogram was extinguished in dog 1 and attenuated in dog 2. Ivermectin was detected in serum samples from both dogs.

Treatment and Outcome—Both dogs made a complete clinical recovery following cessation of exposure to ivermectin; electroretinographic findings improved, and retinal edema resolved with some residual chorioretinal scarring.

Clinical Relevance—To our knowledge, this is the first report of resolution of retinal edema and electroretinographic changes associated with ivermectin toxicosis in dogs. In dogs that develop blindness suddenly, fundic examination, electroretinography, and assessment of serum ivermectin concentration are diagnostically useful, even if exposure to ivermectin is unknown.
Effect of intranasal oxygen administration on blood gas variables and outcome in neonatal calves with respiratory distress syndrome: 20 cases (2004–2006)
Authors: Bleul Ulrich T. , Bircher Barbara M. , Kähn Wolfgang K.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To determine the effect of intranasal oxygen administration on blood gas variables and outcome in neonatal calves with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—20 neonatal calves with RDS.

Procedures—Arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) before and after intranasal administration of oxygen were analyzed.

Results—There were significant increases in PaO2 and SaO2 in the first 24 hours after oxygen administration was begun, with mean ± SD PaO2 increasing from 38.4 ± 8.8 mm Hg to 58.7 ± 17.8 mm Hg during the first 3 hours of treatment. Calves with PaO2 > 55 mm Hg within the first 12 hours after oxygen administration was begun had a significantly higher survival rate (9/10) than did calves that did not reach this threshold (4/10).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that intranasal oxygen administration was a simple method of improving blood gas variables in neonatal calves with RDS and that PaO2 could be used to predict outcome.
Cryptosporidiosis in 20 alpaca crias
Authors: Waitt Laura H. , Cebra Christopher K. , Firshman Anna M. , McKenzie Erica C. , Jr John W. Schlipf
Published: July 2008

Case Description—20 alpaca crias (13 females and 7 males) were examined for diarrhea (n = 20), weight loss (15), and poor appetite (5). Fourteen crias were between 8 and 18 days of age at time of admission.

Clinical Findings—Cryptosporidiosis was diagnosed in all crias. Common biochemical abnormalities included acidemia, hyperlactemia, azotemia, and hyperglycemia and increases in aspartate transaminase and γ-glutamyltransferase activities. Serum sodium and chloride concentrations were high or low. Other potential gastrointestinal tract pathogens were identified in only 7 crias.

Treatment and Outcome—Supportive care was instituted, including IV administration of fluids with partial parenteral administration of nutrients (n = 19 crias), antimicrobials (19), supplemental orally administered nutrients (11), administration of plasma (10), and insulin treatment (9). Other palliative treatments used by attending clinicians were sucralfate, flunixin meglumine, vitamin A/D/E/B complex, antiparasitic agents, antidiarrheal agents, and azithromycin. Three crias with inadequate urine production and severe azotemia were treated with furosemide administered IV as a bolus or as a constant-rate infusion. Treatment resulted in a successful outcome in 16 of 20 crias. Weight loss and refractory azotemia were common in nonsurvivors but not in surviving crias.

Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that Cryptosporidium spp may be a diarrheal pathogen of unweaned alpaca crias that may be more widespread than has been recognized and can become endemic on some farms. Metabolic derangements were unpredictable and should be determined by biochemical analysis before fluid and electrolyte replacement is initiated. Cryptosporidiosis has zoonotic potential, and the infection can be self-limiting in alpacas receiving supportive treatment.
Evaluation and comparison of the health status of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, and Charleston, South Carolina
Authors: Reif John S. , Fair Patricia A. , Adams Jeffrey , Joseph Brian , Kilpatrick David S. , Sanchez Roberto , Goldstein Juli D. , Townsend Forrest I. , McCulloch Stephen D. , Mazzoil Marilyn , Zolman Eric S. , Hansen Larry J. , Bossart Gregory D.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To conduct health assessments and compare outcomes in 2 populations of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

Design—Repeated cross-sectional study.

Animals—171 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

Procedures—During June and August of 2003 through 2005, 89 dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, and 82 dolphins from estuarine waters near Charleston, SC, were evaluated. A panel of 5 marine mammal veterinarians classified dolphins as clinically normal, possibly diseased, or definitely diseased on the basis of results of physical and ultrasonographic examinations, hematologic and serum biochemical analyses, and cytologic and microbiologic evaluations of gastric contents and swab specimens.

Results—Prevalence of dolphins classified as definitely diseased did not differ significantly between the IRL (32%) and Charleston (20%) sites. Proportions of dolphins classified as possibly diseased also did not differ. Lobomycosis was diagnosed in 9 dolphins from the IRL but in none of the dolphins from Charleston. Proportions of dolphins with orogenital papillomas did not differ significantly between the IRL (12%) and Charleston (7%) sites. From 2003 through 2005, the proportion classified as definitely diseased tripled among dolphins from the Charleston site but did not increase significantly among dolphins from the IRL. Dolphins from the Charleston site were more likely to have leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, and low serum concentrations of total protein and total J-globulins than were dolphins from the IRL.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—High prevalences of diseased dolphins were identified at both sites; however, the host or environmental factors that contributed to the various abnormalities detected are unknown.
Defining and Measuring Parenting for Educational Success: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Parent Education Profile
Authors: Prins Esther , Toso Blaire Willson
Published: July 2008

The Parent Education Profile (PEP) is an instrument used by family literacy programs to rate parents’ support for children’s literacy development. This article uses Critical Discourse Analysis to examine how the PEP constructs the ideal parent, the text’s underlying assumptions about parenting and education, and its ideological effects. The analysis shows how many features of the PEP evaluate parents according to a middle-class, predominantly White model of parenting and family-school interaction. Furthermore, the PEP tends to assume a universal, normative model of parental support for literacy, parental (mothers’) responsibility for educational outcomes, equal access to resources required to meet the PEP standards, and a limited parental role in assessment. In so doing, the PEP lends support to several dominant discourses regarding poor and minority families, such as the discourse of parent involvement and the “mothering discourse,” which encourages mothers’ supplementary educational work. Implications for policy, research, and practice are discussed.
Changing Classroom Practice Through the English National Literacy Strategy: A Micro-Interactional Perspective
Authors: Lefstein Adam
Published: July 2008

How and why is national policy translated into interactions between teachers and pupils? This article examines the enactment of the English National Literacy Strategy (NLS) in a case study of two literacy lessons, which are drawn from a yearlong ethnographic study of the NLS in one school. Although the teacher taught directly from and adhered closely to the prescribed materials, curricular contents were recontextualized into habitual classroom interactional genres, and the open questions that constituted the primary aim of the lesson were suppressed. In explaining these enactment patterns, the author supplements analysis of teacher knowledge and policy support with consideration of conditions of teacher engagement with the policy and the durability of interactional genres, rooted in pupil collusion and habitus.
Rigor and Relevance: Enhancing High School Students’ Math Skills Through Career and Technical Education
Authors: Stone James R. , Alfeld Corinne , Pearson Donna
Published: July 2008

Numerous high school students, including many who are enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) courses, do not have the math skills necessary for today’s high-skill workplace or college entrance requirements. This study tests a model for enhancing mathematics instruction in five high school CTE programs (agriculture, auto technology, business and marketing, health, and information technology). The model includes a pedagogy and intense teacher professional development. Volunteer CTE teachers were randomly assigned to an experimental ( n = 59) or control ( n = 78) group. The experimental teachers worked with math teachers to develop CTE instructional activities that integrated more mathematics into the occupational curriculum. After 1 year of the math-enhanced CTE lessons, students in the experimental classrooms performed equally on technical skills and significantly better than control students on two standardized tests of math ability (TerraNova and ACCUPLACER®).
Organizational and Personal Predictors of Teacher Commitment: The Mediating Role of Teacher Efficacy and Identification With School
Authors: Chan Wai-Yen , Lau Shun , Nie Youyan , Lim Sandy , Hogan David
Published: July 2008

This study tested a predictive and mediation model of teacher commitment. Teacher efficacy and sense of identification with school were hypothesized to mediate the relations of an individual antecedent (teaching experience) and two organizational antecedents (perceived organizational politics and reflective dialogue) to teacher commitment. Multigroup structural equation modeling was used to test and validate the mediation model across two independent samples of teachers. Perceived organizational politics was found to be negatively related to teacher commitment, whereas reflective dialogue and teaching experience were positively related. Teacher efficacy and identification with school were found to completely mediate the relations between the three antecedents and teacher commitment.
Small High Schools on a Larger Scale: The Impact of School Conversions in Chicago
Authors: Kahne Joseph E. , Sporte Susan E. , de la Torre Marisa , Easton John Q.
Published: July 2008

This study examines 4 years of small school reform in Chicago, focusing on schools formed by converting large traditional high schools into small autonomous ones. Analyzing systemwide survey and outcome data, the authors assess the assumptions embedded in the reform’s theory of change. They find that these schools are characterized by more collegial and committed teacher contexts and more academically and personally supportive student contexts. There is some evidence of decreased dropout rates and increased graduation rates for the first cohort of students but not for the second cohort. The authors do not find stronger instruction, nor do they find student achievement has improved. They discuss implications for reformers and policy makers who are interested in small schools in particular and high school reform in general.
Migration and Cultural Interaction across the Centuries: German History in a European Perspective
Authors: Hoerder Dirk
Published: July 2008

Bordered nation-state approaches are increasingly challenged and they rarely hold up under critical questioning. In this essay I discuss the cultural interactions across Central Europe that preceded the nineteenth-century development of national consciousness and—for many only after 1918—independent states. I argue that identities based on religion, profession or craft, administrative or military expertise characterized people more than those founded on ethnocultural/regional origin during the various migrations of the period. A dual outward-inward perspective focuses on the influence of German-speakers in other parts of Europe and on men and women from other cultures in the core German-language regions. I carry the story up to the 1930s and I argue that transregional and transcultural approaches are empirically sounder than transnational ones. It follows that migrant destinations also need to be addressed as micro- or macro-regions—the several distinct locations in Eastern, East Central, and Southeastern Europe, for example—rather than in terms of states.
We Acted as Though We Were in a Movie: Memories of an East German Subculture
Authors: Kube Lutz
Published: July 2008

Leander Haußmann (Sonnenallee), a theater and film director with East German roots, contributed the documentary Die Durchmacher to the television series Denk ich an Deutschland. In his documentary, Haußmann interviews some of his old friends who in the late 1970s formed a group in East Berlin and presents their stories about the time. This paper explores the image of the German Democratic Republic that is created by the memories of the participants and their presentation through Haußmann. An important element of the memories is the perspective from which they come: out of a subculture that tried to escape East German reality with only limited success. This article also examines how the ambiguity and unreliability of memories are presented in the film. The documentary is put into the context of a debate on the concept of "Ostalgia" (Ostalgie), arguing that this can still be a productive means to communicate East German experiences without idealizing them.
Evaluation of prenatal‐onset osteochondrodysplasias by ultrasonography: A retrospective and prospective analysis
Authors: Krakow Deborah , Alanay Yasemin , Rimoin Lauren P. , Lin Victoria , Wilcox William R. , Lachman Ralph S. , Rimoin David L.
Published: July 2008

The osteochondrodysplasias or skeletal dysplasias are a heterogenous group of over 350 distinct disorders of skeletogenesis. Many manifest in the prenatal period, making them amenable to ultrasound prenatal diagnosis. A retrospective analysis evaluated 1,500 cases referred to the International Skeletal Dysplasia Registry (ISDR) to determine the relative frequency of specific osteochondrodysplasias and correlation of ultrasound versus radiographic diagnoses for these disorders. Within the retrospective cohort of 1,500 cases, 85% of the referred cases represented well‐defined skeletal dysplasias, and the other 15% of cases were a mixture of genetic syndromes and probable early‐onset intrauterine growth restriction. The three most common prenatal‐onset skeletal dysplasias were osteogenesis imperfecta type 2, thanatophoric dysplasia and achondrogenesis 2, accounting for almost 40% of the cases. In a prospective analysis of 500 cases using a standardized ultrasound approach to the evaluation of these disorders, the relative frequencies of osteogenesis imperfecta type 2, thanatophoric dysplasia and achondrogenesis 2 were similar to the retrospective analysis. This study details the relative frequencies of specific prenatal‐onset osteochondrodysplasias, their heterogeneity of prenatal‐onset skeletal disorders and provides a standardized prenatal ultrasound approach to these disorders which should aid in the prenatal diagnosis of fetuses suspected of manifesting skeletal dysplasias. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monozygotic twins discordant for Proteus syndrome
Authors: Brockmann Knut , Happle Rudolf , Oeffner Frank , König Arne
Published: July 2008

Proteus syndrome is a rare, complex disorder predominantly characterized by asymmetric overgrowth of body parts, connective tissue and epidermal nevi, and vascular malformations. General diagnostic criteria comprise mosaic distribution, sporadic occurrence, and progressive course. We report on Proteus syndrome in discordant monozygotic twins. The affected 9‐year‐old boy showed progressive postnatal overgrowth of his right leg and foot and asymmetric progressive overgrowth of single toes with a small cerebriform connective tissue nevus on his right fourth toe. The progressive course was documented by serial photographs over a period of 3 years. Twin monozygosity was determined by PCR‐amplified short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, revealing complete concordance of all alleles in both twins. This observation, to our knowledge, is only the second case report of discordant Proteus syndrome in monozygotic twins. This supports the hypothesis that this rare condition is caused by a postzygotic mutational event resulting in mosaicism. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fear of health insurance loss among individuals at risk for Huntington disease
Authors: Oster Emily , Dorsey E. Ray , Bausch Jan , Shinaman Aileen , Kayson Elise , Oakes David , Shoulson Ira , Quaid Kimberly
Published: July 2008

Genetic testing in Huntington disease, an inherited ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disorder, is infrequent despite wide availability. Factors influencing the decision to pursue testing are largely unknown. We conducted a prospective longitudinal observational study of 1,001 individuals in North America who were at risk for Huntington disease who had not pursued genetic testing prior to enrollment. We evaluated the rationale for remaining untested at baseline, determined the concerns of those who eventually pursued testing, and assessed the population's psychological attributes. We contrasted responses between those who did and did not pursue testing, and between United States and Canadian residents. The principal reasons for remaining untested were comfort with risk and uncertainty and the inability to “undo” knowledge gained. After enrollment, 83 individuals [8.3%] pursued genetic testing. Their greatest concern was losing health insurance, and 41.6% of them [vs. 6.7% of those who did not pursue testing; P < 0.001] reported paying out of pocket for testing or other medical services to conceal their genetic risk from their insurer/employer. Among individuals who were tested, more United States residents [46.1%] than Canadian residents [0.0%; P = 0.02] paid out of pocket for health services or genetic testing. Psychological attributes were similar among individuals who did and did not pursue testing. Individuals at risk for Huntington disease who pursued genetic testing feared losing medical insurance, and many paid out of pocket for medical services. Alleviating the fear of health insurance loss may help those who want to pursue genetic testing for many other conditions. [ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT0052143]. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Marshall–Smith syndrome and septo‐optic dysplasia: An unreported association
Authors: Travan Laura , Oretti Chiara , Zennaro Floriana , Demarini Sergio
Published: July 2008

Marshall–Smith syndrome is characterized by advanced bone age, failure to thrive, respiratory problems, dysmorphic facial features, and variable mental retardation. Less than 40 cases have been reported in the literature, mostly as single case reports or small series. We describe a female newborn who, in addition to demonstrating many of the well described features of Marshall–Smith syndrome, had septo‐optic dysplasia. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluating the marketplace view on the need for mediator evaluation
Authors: Kichaven Jeff
Published: July 2008

The debate over the appropriateness of evaluation in mediation has mostly given way to acceptance. Participants often insist they need it. Now, to get what they want from the evaluation, and the mediator, to maximize their ADR experience. Jeff Kichaven, of Los Angeles, provides guidelines for parties and their representatives
Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Based Drug Discovery
Authors: Sakurada Kazuhiro , McDonald Fiona M. , Shimada Fumiki
Published: July 2008

As William Shakespeare beautifully described, increasing age often causes loss of tissue and organ function. The increase in average life expectancy in many countries is generating an aging society and an increase in age‐related health problems. Regenerative medicine is expected to be a powerful actor in this drama, and stem cell technology may hold the key to the development of innovative treatments for acute and chronic degenerative conditions. This Review surveys the present situation and some future prospects for regenerative medicine and stem cell based drug discovery.
Preparation of polypyrrole nanoparticles in mixed surfactants system
Authors: Kwon Woo June , Suh Dong Hack , Chin Byung Doo , Yu Jae‐Woong
Published: July 2008

Polypyrrole nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion polymerization, and the surface charge of PPy nanoparticles was controlled by the mixed surfactant system of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and isooctylphenyl ether. The shape and size of nanoparticles prepared could be controlled by changing concentration of surfactant. In addition, it was confirmed that the nanoparticles with good conductivity could be obtained by this preparation method. Consequently, well dispersed PPy nanoparticles with 60–100 nm in diameter with cubic shape were obtained and whose conductivity was 56.53 S/cm. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Mesomorphic phases of main‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers with pendent sulfonic acid groups
Authors: Li Qian‐Yue , Meng Fan‐Bao , Zhang Bao‐Yan , Tian Mei , Lian Jiao
Published: July 2008

Some main‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers were synthesized with pendent sulfonic acid groups (0–6 wt %) on the polymer backbone. The solution viscosity behavior, the chemical structures, and the liquid‐crystalline (LC) properties were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, 1H‐NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, and X‐ray measurements. All the polymers displayed a smectic mesophase with a mesogenic range of 142–155°C and good thermal stability. With an increasing concentration of sulfonic acid groups in the polymer systems, some of the polymers exhibited two kinds of mesophases, including smectic and nematic phases. The glass‐transition temperatures and isotropic‐transition temperature were elevated slightly, whereas the temperature of the smectic–nematic phase transition changed a little. For polymers with a few sulfonated benzene groups, the regular mesogen/soft matrix structures led to a smectic structure because of microdomains between the mesogenic moieties and the soft main‐chain matrix, whereas for polymers with an increased number of sulfonic groups, the ionic groups were distributed in both the soft matrix and the LC microphase. Although the increased ionic interactions between mesogens led to more crystalline phases, the strong electrostatic interactions in the ionic group/mesogen/soft matrix systems may have been tangled in domains. Therefore, they disturbed the regular mesogen/soft matrix smectic phase structure, leading to the appearance of a smectic–nematic transition. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of the mixing sequence on the morphology and properties of a polypropylene/polydimethylsiloxane/nano‐SiO2 ternary composite
Authors: Prakashan K. , Gupta A. K. , Maiti S. N.
Published: July 2008

Ternary composites of polypropylene (PP), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer, and nano‐SiO2, prepared with three different mixing sequences, were studied for dispersion morphology and its effect on the crystallization of PP and the mechanical properties. The mixing sequence produced a significant effect on the dispersion morphology and, thereby, on the mechanical properties of the composites. A two‐step mixing sequence, in which nano‐SiO2 was added in the second step to the PP/PDMS binary system, produced a significant encapsulation of nano‐SiO2 by PDMS, and this, in turn, resulted in the poor modulus and impact strength of the composite. A one‐step mixing sequence of all three components produced a separated dispersion of PDMS and nano‐SiO2 phases in the PP matrix with the occurrence of a fine band of nano‐SiO2 particles at the boundaries of the PDMS domains and the presence of some nano‐SiO2 filler particles inside the PDMS domains. This one‐step mixing sequence produced an improvement in the tensile modulus but a decrease in the impact strength with increasing nano‐SiO2 content. In the third sequence of mixing, which involved a two‐step mixing sequence through the addition of PDMS in the second step to the previously prepared PP/nano‐SiO2 binary system, the morphology of the dispersion showed separately dispersed PDMS and nano‐SiO2 phases with a loose network of nano‐SiO2 particles surrounding the PDMS domains. This latter series of ternary composites had the highest impact strength and exhibited high shear deformation under tensile and impact conditions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Properties of high‐impact polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites synthesized via in situ polymerization
Authors: Hwang Sung Jun , Joo Yong Lak , Lee Seong Jae
Published: July 2008

High‐impact polystyrene (HIPS)/organically modified montmorillonite (organoclay) nanocomposites were synthesized via in situ polymerization. The effects of the organoclay on the morphology and material properties of HIPS/organoclay nanocomposites were investigated. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy experiments revealed that intercalation of polymer chains into silicate layers was achieved, and the addition of nanoclay led to an increase in the size of the rubber domain in the composites. In comparison with neat HIPS, the HIPS/organoclay nanocomposites exhibited improved thermal stability as well as an increase in both the complex viscosity and storage modulus. The presence of intercalated organoclay drastically enhanced the gas‐barrier properties because of the increase in the tortuosity of the diffusive path for a penetrating gas molecule. Some mechanical properties, including the tensile modulus, were superior to those of conventional HIPS. Finally, the preparation of the nanocomposites with a minimal loss of impact properties was proposed through changes in the synthetic procedure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation of core–shell particles by dispersion polymerization with a poly(ethylene oxide) macroazoinitiator
Authors: Kimoto Masaki , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Hioki Ayako , Inoue Youtaro
Published: July 2008

A macroazoinitiator (MAI) containing a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block was used with a methyl methacrylate monomer to prepare polymer particles in ethanol/H2O solutions. The effects of the monomer/MAI ratio (RMI) and H2O content in the solutions on the molecular weight, particle diameters, and chemical structure of the resulting polymer particles were investigated. The reaction mixtures showed three kinds of states, which were milky colloid solutions, macrogels and/or precipitations, and clear solutions. The colloid solutions were obtained in the solutions with an H2O content of about 50–90 vol % and a RMI of 20–400. In the colloid solutions, core–shell nanospheres consisting of PEO shells and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) cores were predominantly obtained. In the specific conditions close to the area of gel and/or precipitation formation, particles connected about 0.5–5 μm in length were obtained. Multiblock copolymers nanospheres tended to be obtained with lower RMIs, and PMMA‐PEO‐PMMA tri‐bloc and/or PMMA‐PEO di‐block copolymer nanospheres were obtained with higher RMIs. The solubility of the monomer and the generated polymer in solutions may have affected the polymerization development and the state of the products. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of multilayer metallic thin film on plastic substrates
Authors: Yang S. M. , Chang Y. Y. , Hsieh Y. C. , Lee Y. J.
Published: July 2008

Conductive coatings have been applied to plastic substrates to protect electronic devices against electromagnetic interference. A model, based on the transmission line and plane wave theory, is developed to analyze the shielding effectiveness of multilayer metallic thin films. Analyses show that among absorption, reflection, and re‐reflection in electromagnetic wave transmission, reflection is dominant, whereas absorption is negligible because of small film thickness. A key indicator of reflection is the thin film's intrinsic impedance characterized by the ratio of conductivity over permeability. Better shielding can be achieved by having the impedance ratio of the adjacent layers higher than 1; i.e., by placing the thin film of higher impedance as the inner layer to the substrate. Without the correct sequence of placement, more layers do not necessarily lead to better shielding. All analytical results are validated by experiments on PC and PP substrates with plasma surface treatment and physical vapor deposition. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
A model for the size‐frequency function of coauthor pairs
Authors: Egghe Leo
Published: July 2008

Lotka's law was formulated to describe the number of authors with a certain number of publications. Empirical results (Morris & Goldstein, 2007) indicate that Lotka's law is also valid if one counts the number of publications of coauthor pairs. This article gives a simple model proving this to be true, with the same Lotka exponent, if the number of coauthored papers is proportional to the number of papers of the individual coauthors. Under the assumption that this number of coauthored papers is more than proportional to the number of papers of the individual authors (to be explained in the article), we can prove that the size‐frequency function of coauthor pairs is Lotkaian with an exponent that is higher than that of the Lotka function of individual authors, a fact that is confirmed in experimental results.
Influences of IT substitutes and user experience on post‐adoption user switching: An empirical investigation
Authors: Ye Chen , Seo DongBack , Desouza Kevin C. , Sangareddy Sridhar Papagari , Jha Sanjeev
Published: July 2008

This study examines factors that influence individual users' post‐adoption switching behavior between information technology products that are near perfect substitutes. The introduction and popularity of Mozilla Firefox Web browser provided an ideal empirical setting for this study. Drawing upon literature on post‐adoption user behavior, consumer behavior, and online user research, we propose a research model and validate it using cross‐sectional field data collected from 306 users on their decision to switch from Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) to Mozilla Firefox. Findings suggest that user satisfaction and breadth of use of the incumbent product are negatively associated with switching behavior. Perceived ease of use, relative advantage, and perceived security of the substitute product are positively associated with switching behavior. In addition, the effects of perceived ease of use and relative advantage are not moderated by user experience. This study contributes to both research and practice by advancing our understanding of information technology (IT) users' post‐adoption behavior in general and their switching behavior on Web‐related IT products specifically.
Three‐dimensional study of the musculotendinous architecture of lumbar multifidus and its functional implications
Authors: Rosatelli Alessandro L. , Ravichandiran Kajeandra , Agur Anne M.
Published: July 2008

Lumbar multifidus (LMT) is a key muscle, which provides stability to the lumbar spine, and has been shown to have altered neuromuscular recruitment following acute episodes of low back pain. Architectural parameters are important determinants of function, but have not been well documented for LMT. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to model and quantify the architecture of LMT throughout its volume. Nine male and one female formalin‐embalmed cadaveric specimens (average age 80 ± 11 years) without any evidence of spinal deformity/pathology were used. The musculotendinous components of LMT were serially dissected and digitized. Next, the data were imported into MAYA™ to create a three‐dimensional model of each segment of LMT from which architectural parameters including fiber bundle length (FBL), fiber bundle angle (FBA), and tendon length were quantified. Water displacement was used to determine volume. The data were analyzed using paired t‐tests and ANOVA followed by Tukey's post‐hoc test (P ≤ 0.05). LMT (L1–L4) has three architecturally distinct regions: superficial, intermediate, and deep. Intermediate LMT was absent in all specimens at L5. Mean FBL decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from superficial (5.8 ± 1.6 cm) to deep (2.9 ± 1.1 cm) as did volume (superficial, 5.6 ± 2.3 ml; deep, 0.7 ± 0.3 ml) measured at each region. By contrast, mean FBA increased from superficial to deep. The current study lends further evidence to support the role of different regions within LMT to serve distinct functions particularly to produce movement and/or control stability. Clin. Anat. 21:539–546, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiculturalism, liberal fundamentalism and banal nationalism: Dilemmatic aspects of Dissolving the Diaspora
Authors: Condor Susan
Published: July 2008

In this commentary I point to some inherent tensions within the article Dissolving the Diaspora. First, I suggest that the author may be in danger of underestimating the extent to which the values of the multiculturalism promoted in the article rely upon an acceptance of the incorrigible stats of culturally‐specific ideologies of liberalism. Second, I point to the way in which the author adopts a banal nationalist frame of reference whereby constructs such as ‘society’ and ‘polity’ and understood to be conterminous with ‘nation‐state’. I suggest that, in this respect, the author may be in danger of overlooking the ways in which the same liberal values which under pin an advocacy of multiculturalism might also be associated with utopian visions of transnational or cosmopolitan forms of solidarity and polity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dissolving the diaspora: Dialogical practice in the development of deep multiculturalism
Authors: Nesbitt‐Larking Paul
Published: July 2008

This article is an exposition of deep or critical multiculturalism that is grounded in a mutually respectful dialogue. Such multiculturalism names historical oppressions, recognizes the structural causes of injustice and inequality, and is profoundly open to cultural critique, challenge and change. In order to promote such a multicultural practice, the article makes the case for a dialogical politics of deep and mutual respect in which ethno‐religious sensibilities are validated and welcomed in their rich diversity. In doing so, the article draws upon the author's empirical research on the Muslim minority in contemporary Canada. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.