bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Has there been a "feminization" of gambling and problem gambling in the United States?
Authors: A. Volberg Rachel
Published: August 2010

This paper examines the question of whether there has been a "feminization" of gambling and problem gambling in the United States. Feminization refers to the idea that more women are gambling, developing problems and seeking help for problems related to gambling than in the past. Data from a theoretically derived sample of four states are examined to identify patterns in the distribution of gambling participation and the prevalence of problem gambling in the general population. Despite widespread acceptance of the notion of the feminization of gambling and problem gambling, men remain significantly more likely than women to participate regularly in most types of gambling. Most gambling activities remain highly gendered; however, in the United States, the widespread introduction of gaming machines is associated with increases in gambling and problem gambling among women. The present analysis highlights the importance of taking socio-demographic characteristics besides gender into account when considering the distribution of gambling and problem gambling in the general population.
Adolescents with gambling problems: A synopsis of our current knowledge
Authors: Derevensky Jeffrey L. , Gupta Rina
Published: August 2010

It's been 25 years since Henry Lesieur's seminal research on understanding compulsive gambling was published. While still in its infancy, the field of gambling research has evolved and greatly added to a better understanding of this complex behavior, its measurement, its social and familial costs, ways of minimizing and preventing gambling problems, and methods of treating individuals with gambling problems. For most adolescents and adults gambling remains a form of entertainment without serious negative consequences. Yet, adolescent pathological gamblers, like their adult counterparts and independent of the negative consequences resulting from their excessive gambling, continue to chase their losses, exhibit a preoccupation with gambling, and have an impaired ability to stop gambling in spite of repeated attempts and their desire to do so. Our current empirical knowledge of youth gambling problems is reviewed and recommendations for future research are provided.
Staying in action: The pathological gambler's equivalent of the dry drunk
Authors: Rosenthal Richard J.
Published: August 2010

Alcoholics Anonymous refers to the alcoholic who has stopped drinking, but who still demonstrates alcoholic attitudes and behaviors, as a "dry drunk." Such individuals are said to have abstinence but not sobriety. They are considered at risk for relapse. Although the concept of the dry drunk has been adopted by other self-help programs, "staying in action" is an equivalent and arguably more meaningful expression to use for the understanding and treatment of many pathological gamblers. The author discusses covert gambling, mind bets, switching and fusing of addictions, procrastination, risk-taking, and power games; a repertoire of ways in which the individual can remain in a gambling mind-set while technically abstinent. This is a clinical paper, based on the author's experience, especially in treating the more traditional, action-seeking gamblers. Vignettes are utilized to illustrate various behaviors and states of mind. The emphasis is on their identification and on the need for the therapist to confront these behaviors and attitudes before they lead to relapse.
A theoretical exploration of culture and community health: Implications for prevention, research, and problem gambling
Authors: Borrell Jennifer , Boulet Jacques
Published: August 2010

While predominant models of prevention focus on the prevention of specific diseases and disorders and/or on the minimisation of harm arising from them, the authors argue for a (theoretical and practical) reinsertion, or a reconstruction, of subjectivity within a web of social connectedness-including a sense of culture (we propose an action-relevant frame of reference), a sense of health as a social construct, and a sense of community-the latter two arising from implications of the former. Specifically, there are said to be three theoretical and potential intervention areas, all with a focus on the reconstruction of subjectivity, that require much greater attention in the study of addiction, especially gambling, as well as in practical and policy responses to these issues.
"Double trouble": The lived experience of problem and pathological gambling in later life
Authors: Nixon Gary , Solowoniuk Jason , Hagen Brad , Williams Robert J.
Published: August 2010

Objective: The objective of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of older adults who engage in problem or pathological gambling. Method and sample: Older adults who gambled were recruited and were administered two gambling screens to ensure that they met the criteria for problem or pathological gambling. Eleven problem-pathological gamblers were identified and contributed their narratives via in-depth interviews about their experiences of problem or pathological gambling. Results: Several themes arising from the interviews were similar to patterns identified with younger gamblers, yet distinct patterns emerged. Some older gamblers gamble as an opportunity to break away and escape from traditional roles and go to extreme measures to continue their gambling while hiding it from significant others. Conclusion: Despite research suggesting few seniors encounter problems with gambling, this qualitative study suggests that gambling can have devastating consequences. Older adults may have lessened ability and time to recover from these consequences or from hitting bottom. Key words: gambling, narrative, older adults, problem-pathological gambling, phenomenology, aged
Interpreting prevalence estimates of pathological gambling: Implications for policy
Authors: Gambino Blas_
Published: August 2010

Some guidelines for interpreting prevalence estimates for the purpose of establishing the number of pathological gamblers in the community are presented. The analysis is based on the concept of the likelihood ratio, a recommended procedure for validating criteria for defining cases based on test scores. It is shown that the likelihood ratio can be employed with available estimates of prevalence to translate cut-off scores into positive predictive value. Those cut-off scores associated with high positive predictive values provide an empirical measure of confidence that those gamblers who meet or exceed the cut-off criterion are pathological gamblers. A potential limitation of the analysis is the possible specificity of results to the validation studies employed to compute likelihood ratios and to the specific estimates of prevalence used to determine positive predictive value. A recommendation is presented for obtaining study- or community-specific validation evidence.
Natural course of gambling disorders: Forty-month follow-up
Authors: Hodgins David C. , Peden Nicole
Published: August 2010

The natural course of gambling disorders was examined in 40 active pathological gamblers following a three-and-a-half-year period. The majority who reported intentions to quit or reduce gambling made a serious change attempt; however, at follow-up most were gambling problematically. Emotional and financial factors were important precipitants of attempts to quit as well as reasons for relapse. A substantial number experienced a depressive episode or substance use disorder during the follow-up period. A number reported quitting drinking and smoking concurrent with quitting gambling. Less than half had treatment for their gambling problem during the follow-up interval. The few participants who were currently gambling but no longer experiencing gambling problems reported less serious gambling problems initially. In contrast, the successfully abstinent group reported more gambling problems initially. This study provides important directions for future research. Abstinence may be more feasible for individuals experiencing more serious problems, whereas non-abstinent goals may be realistic for individuals with fewer negative consequences.
Gambling and problem gambling in a sample of university students
Authors: Williams Robert J. , Connolly Dennis , Wood Robert T. , Nowatzki Nadine
Published: August 2010

University students from southern Alberta (n = 585) were administered a questionnaire to assess their gambling behaviour. Seventy-two percent reported gambling in the past 6 months, with the most common types being lotteries and instant win tickets (44%) and games of skill against other people (34%). Most students who gambled spent very little time and money doing so (median time spent = 1.5 hrs; median amount of money spent = $0). While gambling is an innocuous activity for most, a significant minority of students are heavy gamblers who experience adverse consequences from it. Seven and one-half percent of students were classified as problem or pathological gamblers, a rate significantly higher than in the general Alberta adult population. The characteristics that best differentiated problem gamblers from non-problem gamblers were more positive attitudes toward gambling, ethnicity (41% of Asian gamblers were problem gamblers), university major (kinesiology, education, management), superior ability to calculate gambling odds, and older age.
Clarifying the at-risk label: A commentary
Authors: Gambino Blas_
Published: August 2010

The at-risk concept is described and its use in the literature on pathological gambling is discussed. An epidemiologic perspective is proposed and the use of risk, at-risk, and not-at-risk are discussed within this framework. It is shown that within the epidemiologic framework the concept of risk applies to nongamblers as well as gamblers, and some nongamblers are theoretically at risk. An example of the application of risk is provided within the context of smoking and the meaning of risk. The frequent assignment of gamblers with scores of 1 or 2 into the same category as those who score 0 is viewed as problematic and is discussed in terms of true negatives and false negatives and the likelihood of pathological gambling among these gamblers. The need for researchers to identify the determinants and indicators of risk is stressed.
Reducing the moral jeopardy associated with receiving funds from the proceeds of gambling
Authors: Adams Peter J. , Rossen Fiona
Published: August 2010

This paper outlines the ethical and organisational risks for community and other public good organisations of accepting funding from gambling industry sources. Aspects of this moral jeopardy include the ethics of benefiting from the suffering of others as well as impacts on an organisation's reputation, governance, and internal relationships. After 50 years of unethical practice by tobacco manufacturers, community agencies involved with tobacco control are now actively challenging organisations that continue to pursue these links. This readiness to question has not yet been extended to gambling, but with efforts at improving ethical awareness, people in key agencies can be assisted in challenging these relationships. The different arrangements for dispersing charitable funds from gambling are examined and we conclude that none of them are free from moral jeopardy. The paper finishes with recommendations on ways organisations might participate in promoting low moral jeopardy environments.
The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS): A rebuttal to critics
Authors: Gambino Blas_ , Lesieur Henry
Published: August 2010

A review of the literature reveals strong support for the construct validity of interpretations based on scores obtained with the original and more recent versions and/or variants of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Criticisms of the SOGS are shown to lack merit, to be offset by more important criteria, or to be no longer relevant. The evidence reviewed indicates that the construct of pathological gambling as represented by the SOGS and its variants provides a robust definition and implies that the SOGS meets the important criterion of validity generalization. The construct of chasing and behaviors related to chasing is shown to provide powerful measures by which to discriminate between the presence and absence of pathological gambling. The viability of the SOGS to continue to make important contributions to the understanding of pathological gambling is discussed in terms of the criteria for selecting a research instrument.
The impact of video lottery game speed on gamblers
Authors: Ladouceur Robert , Sévigny Serge
Published: August 2010

Video lotteries seem to be one of the most profitable games for the gambling industry and are reported as the game of choice for many problem gamblers. Their popularity or, in some cases, their addictiveness, might be related to their structural characteristics: reinforcement schedule, lights, appearance, sound, and speed. We investigated the effects of video lottery game speed on concentration, motivation to play, loss of control, and number of games played. Forty-three participants were randomly assigned to either a high-speed (5 seconds) or a low-speed (15 seconds) condition. Results: gamblers in the high-speed condition played more games and underestimated the number of games played more than did participants in the low-speed condition. However, speed did not influence concentration, motivation, or loss of control over time or money. Conclusion: speed has a limited impact on occasional video lottery gamblers. The theoretical and practical implications of speed are discussed in the context of responsible gambling policies.
Swedish machine gamblers from an ethnographic perspective
Authors: Lalander Philip
Published: August 2010

This article presents an ethnographic analysis of the biggest money-maker in Swedish gambling, namely, the state-owned electronic gambling machines, called Jack Vegas machines. The focus is on (1) social dimensions of the game and (2) various gambler types that develop in the Jack Vegas environment. In the section about social dimensions, there is a discussion about social interaction between gamblers and between gamblers and staff/owners of restaurants with the machines. There is a kind of sociality in Jack Vegas environments, but also feelings of irritation and frustration among the players. The text discusses the gambling types developed by Sue Fisher and, to some degree, Robert Custer and relates them to the Swedish ethnographic findings. But the article develops new gambler types as well. The gambler types developed by previous researchers in academic and empirical contexts need to be revitalized and further developed in new gaming environments.
Chasing the criteria: Comparing SOGS-RA and the Lie/Bet screen to assess prevalence of problem gambling and 'at-risk' gambling among adolescents
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Molde Helge
Published: August 2010

Most instruments assessing gambling problems are relatively extensive and therefore not suitable for comprehensive youth surveys. An exception is the two-item Lie/Bet questionnaire. This study addresses to what extent two instruments (Lie/Bet and South Oaks Gambling Screen Revised for Adolescents (SOGS-RA)) (1) overlap in classifying problem gambling and at-risk gambling, (2) reflect different underlying dimensions of problem gambling, and (3) differ in distinguishing between young gamblers with respect to intensity and frequency of gambling in gender-specific analyses. Data stemmed from a school survey among teenagers in Norway (net sample = 20,700). The congruence in classification of problem gamblers was moderate. Both instruments discriminated sensibly between youths with high versus medium and low gambling frequency and gambling expenditures, although more so for boys than for girls. Both Lie/Bet items loaded on one 'loss of control' dimension. The results suggest that the Lie/Bet screen may be useful to assess at-risk gambling for both genders in comprehensive youth surveys.
Random-ratio schedules of reinforcement: The role of early wins and unreinforced trials
Authors: Haw John
Published: August 2010

The distribution of rewards in both variable-ratio and random-ratio schedules is examined with specific reference to gambling behaviour. In particular, it is the number of early wins and unreinforced trials that is suggested to be of importance in these schedules, rather than the often-reported average frequency of wins. Gaming machine data are provided to demonstrate the importance of early wins and unreinforced trials. Additionally, the implication of these distributional properties for betting strategies and the gambler's fallacy is discussed. Finally, the role of early wins and unreinforced trials is considered for gambling research that utilises simulated gaming machines and research that compares concurrent schedules of reinforcement.
Group therapy for women problem gamblers: A space of their own
Authors: Piquette-Tomei Noëlla , Norman Erika , Dwyer Sonya Corbin , McCaslin Evelyn
Published: August 2010

This report presents the results of a grounded theory analysis produced from in-depth interviews with 14 women participating in group counselling for problem gambling. Themes emerged from this analysis that provided insights into effective counselling practices for women problem gamblers. The results explore the impact of a group therapy approach in addressing the needs of these women. Participants indicated that perceived effectiveness of counselling groups was situated in accessibility, gender-specific clusters, and following specific treatment formats in group meetings designed for gamblers. This paper outlines implications for improving problem gambling treatment within the context of the experiences of the women in this study.
Electronic gambling machines: Influence of a clock, a cash display, and a precommitment on gambling time
Authors: Ladouceur Robert , Sévigny Serge
Published: August 2010

This study investigated the influence of three features of electronic gambling machines (clock, cash display, and precommitment on gambling time) on gambling behaviour. Participants gambled with their own money in their natural environment. Using behavioural and self-reported measures, the study found that a majority of players reported the cash display as being a helpful feature for controlling gambling activities, but neither the clock nor the precommitment on gambling time device as being helpful. The authors concluded that the clock and precommitment on gambling time device may not be instrumental in promoting responsible gambling.
Gambling and organized crime - A review of the literature
Authors: Ferentzy Peter , Turner Nigel
Published: August 2010

This paper was written to review the literature on the historical relationship between gambling and organized crime (OC) in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries; examine the current state of affairs; point out gaps in the knowledge; and above all draw attention to this understudied topic. The paper begins with an examination of the different sources of information examined, including law enforcement reports, participant observation studies, psychological and economic studies of the links between gambling and crime, historical studies of gambling and crime, and a number of commission reports. The paper then provides an overview of OC and definitions of OC and gambling. This is followed by a discussion of the history of OC and its historic links to gambling. The paper ends with a discussion of the contemporary setting and directions for future research. Our literature review was written in part to facilitate further research and thereby help rectify a shortcoming in overall efforts to understand and document gambling-related issues.
Time and money spent gambling and the relationship with quality-of-life measures: A national study of New Zealanders
Authors: Lin En-Yi Judy , Casswell Sally , Easton Brian , Huckle Taisia , Asiasiga Lanuola , You Ru Quan
Published: August 2010

This study provides quantitative measures of the impacts of gambling from a general population sample exposed to a range of gambling opportunities. New tools to assess the level of gambling participation and quality-of-life measures were used in a telephone survey with 7,010 adults in New Zealand. The findings show that people with higher gambling loss reported significantly poorer physical health, mental health, relationships, feelings about self, quality of life, satisfaction with life, living standards, and study performance. When respondents' reports of quality of life in the various domains were analysed in relation to the time spent gambling in different modes, it was clear that time spent on electronic gaming machines provided the greatest risk for people's quality of life. This study estimated that 2.4% of the population had an inferior state of reported mental well-being as a result of gambling. The main contribution came from the playing of electronic gaming machines.
Quantifying uncertainty in urban flooding analysis caused by the combined effect of climate and land use change scenarios
Authors: Jung I.-W. , Chang H. , Moradkhani H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. How will the combined impacts of land use change and climate change influence changes in urban flood frequency and what is the main uncertainty source of the results? We attempt to answer to these questions in two catchments with different degrees of urbanization, the Fanno catchment with 84% urban land use and the Johnson catchment with 36% urban land use, both located in the Pacific Northwest of the US. Five uncertainty sources – general circulation model (GCM) structures, future greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios, land use change scenarios, natural variability, and hydrologic model parameters – are considered to compare the relative source of uncertainty in flood frequency projections. Two land use change scenarios conservation and development, representing possible future land use changes are used for analysis. Results show the highest increase in flood frequency under the combination of medium high GHG emission (A1B) and development scenarios, and the lowest increase under the combination of low GHG emission (B1) and conservation scenarios. Although the combined impact is more significant to flood frequency change than individual scenarios, it does not linearly increase flood frequency. Changes in flood frequency are more sensitive to climate change than land use change in the two catchments for 2050s (2040–2069). Shorter term flood frequency change, 2 and 5 year floods, is highly affected by GCM structure, while longer term flood frequency change above 25 year floods is dominated by natural variability. Projected flood frequency changes more significantly in Johnson creek than Fanno creek. This result indicates that, under expected climate change conditions, an adaptive urban planning based on the conservation scenario could be more effective in less developed Johnson catchment than in the already developed Fanno catchment.
The Effects of Measures of Language Experience and Language Ability on Segmental Accuracy in Bilingual Children
Authors: Goldstein Brian A. , Bunta Ferenc , Lange Jenny , Rodriguez Jenny , Burrows Lauren
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The present study investigated the effects of selected measures of language experience (parent-reported estimates of frequency of output and language use) and language ability (parent-reported language proficiency and mean length of utterance in words) on the segmental accuracy of Spanish- and English-speaking bilingual children.

Method

The phonological skills of 50 typically developing bilingual Spanish-English children (mean age = 5;9 [years;months]) were examined. Independent variables included parent estimates of language use, language proficiency, and frequency of language output (5 groups), as well as a direct language measure (mean length of utterance in words) to predict the dependent segmental accuracy measures (percentage of consonants and vowels correct).

Results

Frequency of language output did not have an effect on any of the English or Spanish segmental accuracy measures. However, parent-reported language use and language proficiency as well as the direct measure of language ability (mean length of utterance in words) had various effects on segmental accuracy. Those effects differed, however, in language-specific patterns.

Conclusions

Parental estimates of language use and language proficiency are useful for predicting the phonological skills of bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking children, and augmenting them with a direct measure of language ability as a predictor of segmental accuracy is desirable.
Measuring Pragmatic Language in Speakers With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Comparing the Children’s Communication Checklist—2 and the Test of Pragmatic Language
Authors: Volden Joanne , Phillips Linda
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To compare the Children’s Communication Checklist—2 (CCC–2), a parent report instrument, with the Test of Pragmatic Language (TOPL), a test administered to the child, on the ability to identify pragmatic language impairment in speakers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who had age-appropriate structural language skills.

Method

Sixteen rigorously diagnosed children with ASD were matched to 16 typically developing children on age, nonverbal IQ, and structural language skill. Both groups were given the TOPL, and their parents completed the CCC–2.

Results

The CCC–2 identified 13 of the 16 children with ASD as pragmatically impaired, while the TOPL identified only 9. Neither test identified any of the children in the control group as having pragmatic language impairment.

Conclusions

In these children with ASD, who displayed age-appropriate structural language skills, the CCC–2 identified pragmatic language impairment better than the TOPL. Clinically, this can be useful in documenting the presence of language dysfunction when traditional standardized language assessments would not reveal communication problems.
The Role of Listener Experience on Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) Ratings of Postthyroidectomy Voice
Authors: Helou Leah B. , Solomon Nancy Pearl , Henry Leonard R. , Coppit George L. , Howard Robin S. , Stojadinovic Alexander
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To determine whether experienced and inexperienced listeners rate postthyroidectomy voice samples similarly using the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V).

Method

Prospective observational study of voice quality ratings of randomized and blinded voice samples was performed. Twenty-one postthyroidectomy patients’ voices, representing a wide range of severities, were rated using a custom-automated version of the CAPE-V. Ten male and 11 female voices were rated by 10 experienced and 10 inexperienced listeners. Experienced listeners consisted of 5 otolaryngologists (ENTs) and 5 speech-language pathologists (SLPs); inexperienced listeners were medical professionals with no formal training or experience in voice disorders.

Results

Inexperienced listeners rated voices as more severely impaired than experienced listeners for all CAPE-V parameters (
p
≤ .003). Those without experience in voice disorders had lower intra- and interrater reliability (e.g.,
r
= .838 and .528, respectively, for overall severity) than those with experience in voice disorders (e.g.,
r
= .911 and .722, respectively, for overall severity) for all parameters. Among experienced listeners, ENTs and SLPs rated voices similarly for most parameters.

Conclusions

Experienced and inexperienced listeners judged voice quality differently given minimal training with the use of the CAPE-V. SLPs and ENTs rated postthyroidectomy voice quality similarly. These findings indicate that the CAPE-V can be used reliably and similarly by professionals who specialize in voice disorders.
Within-Treatment Factors as Predictors of Outcomes Following Conversational Recasting
Authors: Hassink Johanna M. , Leonard Laurence B.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Although conversational recasting has been a generally successful treatment approach, the precise factors that influence children’s learning through recasts are not yet understood. In this study, we examined details of the relationship between child utterance and clinician utterance that seemed likely to influence learning.

Method

Three measures were calculated from transcripts of recasting sessions with 17 preschoolers with specific language impairment. In all sessions, 3rd person singular –
s
served as the target. The measures of interest were the frequency of recasts following child utterances that were prompted by clinicians, the frequency of clinicians’ recasts of subjectless sentences, and the frequency of clinicians’ noncorrective recasts. We assessed the short-term and long-term predictive value of these measures through regression analyses.

Results

Noncorrective recasts proved to be a positive predictor of short- and long-term gains in the use of the target form. Recasts of subjectless sentences were associated with poorer outcomes, though their contribution was relatively small.

Conclusions

The nature of learning that takes place varies according to the relationship between child and clinician utterances during the recasting process. These variations have implications for clinical practice and for how learning through recasting is characterized.
Tell Me Your Story: Analysis of Script Topics Selected by Persons With Aphasia
Authors: Holland Audrey L. , Halper Anita S. , Cherney Leora R.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This study examined the content of 100 short scripts, co-constructed by persons with aphasia (PWA) and a clinician. The PWA subsequently learned the scripts by interacting with a computerized virtual therapist. The goal was to provide clinicians with ideas regarding content for treatment that is meaningful to PWAs.

Method

Thirty-three PWAs generated the scripts, typically including 1 monologue and 2 dialogues in which the PWA was either the initiator or the responder. Scripts were analyzed for common topics and themes.

Results

Thirty topics were identified and categorized into 10 themes. For the monologues, the largest category was personal stories (68%), with 12 of the 19 addressing their stroke and aphasia. For the dialogues, conversations with family were dominant (21%), followed by seeking or providing information (18%), and discussion of outside interests (14%).

Conclusion

PWAs choose to speak about their life experiences, choose to reconnect with their families, and tend to focus on communication that can help them to negotiate mundane normal life. Independent of how this content is used in treatment, materials should emphasize matters of high personal relevance to those treated.
Intolerance to β‐blockade in a mouse model of δ‐sarcoglycan‐deficient muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bauer Ralf , Blain Alison , Greally Elizabeth , Bushby Kate , Lochmüller Hanns , Laval Steve , Straub Volker , MacGowan Guy A.
Published: August 2010

Aims

Patients with mutations predisposing to cardiomyopathy often have routine assessments of left ventricular function. It is unclear whether asymptomatic mild cardiomyopathy should be treated with standard heart failure therapies.

Methods and results

We tested the effect of metoprolol on cardiac haemodynamics and pathology in two animal models for muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. Treatment started at an early stage in the development of the cardiomyopathy. Metoprolol was given orally (2.5 mg/kg/day) over 8 weeks to mdx mice (model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy) and δ‐sarcoglycan‐deficient (Sgcdnull) mice (model for Limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2F). In vivo pressure–volume loops, fibrosis, in vivo myocyte sarcolemmal injury, and β‐adrenergic receptor mRNA were assessed. In β‐blocked mdx mice, there was a beneficial reduction in afterload and restored contractility resulting in an increased stroke volume. In contrast, in Sgcdnull mice, there was marked deterioration in haemodynamics (prolonged relaxation, Tau, and reduced stroke volume). Furthermore, challenging the β‐blocked Sgcdnull mice with the β‐adrenergic agonist dobutamine led to markedly increased mortality. Patterns of sarcolemmal injury or β‐adrenergic receptor mRNA could not account for this, though the acute rise in markers of active relaxation suggested abnormally high levels of intracellular calcium.

Conclusion

β‐Blockers may not necessarily be beneficial in all cardiomyopathies, even when given at an early stage of development. Clinical trials of β‐blockers in muscular dystrophy‐associated cardiomyopathy may need to stratify patients by genotype.
Density-independent and -dependent habitat selection of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) based on geostatistical aggregation curves in the northern Gulf of St Lawrence
Authors: Tamdrari Hacène , Castonguay Martin , Brêthes Jean-Claude , Duplisea Daniel
Published: August 2010

Tamdrari, H., Castonguay, M., Brêthes, J-C., and Duplisea, D. 2010. Density-independent and -dependent habitat selection of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) based on geostatistical aggregation curves in the northern Gulf of St Lawrence. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 1676–1686. Relationships were sought between local density and population abundance of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the northern Gulf of St Lawrence (Canada) over its entire area (4RS) and also within a subarea (4R) where the stock has concentrated since it collapsed during the early 1990s. Relationships were analysed using geostatistical aggregation curves computed within the two areas between years of contrasting abundance levels. The curves were interpreted in terms of four conceptual models of spatial dynamics: models D1 and D2, forced mainly by environmental heterogeneity, and models D3 and D4, in which individual behaviour is influenced by local density. Over the entire area, the cod population follows the D2 model for all years and age groups, and it is influenced by abiotic factors. Within the subarea, all four models applied, and the density-dependent basin model (D4) dominated from 2006 to 2008. The year 2006 seems to be pivotal because it coincides with the expansion of the cod population into its former area in the western Gulf (4S).
Ethics Committee or Community? examining the identity of Czech Ethics Committees in the period of transition
Authors: Simek Jiri , Zamykalova Lenka , Mesanyova Marie
Published: August 2010

Reflecting on a three year long exploratory research of ethics committees in the Czech Republic authors discuss the current role and identity of research ethics committees. The research of Czech ethics committees focused on both self-presentation and self-understanding of ECs members, and how other stakeholders (representatives of the pharmaceutical industry) view them. The exploratory research was based on formal and informal communication with the members of the ethics committees. Members of the research team took part at six regular voluntary meetings of the ethics committees' members, organised by the Forum of Czech Ethics Committees, and at three summer schools of medical ethics. There were realised twenty-five semi-structured interviews as well as six focus group sessions and a participant observation of several regular meetings of three ethics committees. On the grounds of experience from the interviews a simple questionnaire survey was realised among the members of the ethics committees. The ethics committees comprise a community of members working voluntarily, without claims to remuneration or prestige; the unifying goal is protection of subjects of research. The principal working methods are dialogue and agreement. The members of the ethics committees thus, among other things, create an informal community, which can be to a certain extent seen as a Kantian ethical community in a weak sense. The phenomenon of ethics committees can also be described by terms of an epistemic community and a community of practice. These concepts, which are borrowed from other authors and areas, are used as a way how to think of ECs role and identity a bit differently and are meant as a contribution to the current international debate on the topic.
Ethical issues surrounding do not attempt resuscitation orders: decisions, discussions and deleterious effects
Authors: Fritz Zoë , Fuld Jonathan
Published: August 2010

Since their introduction as ‘no code’ in the 1980s and their later formalisation to ‘do not resuscitate’ orders, such directions to withhold potentially life-extending treatments have been accompanied by multiple ethical issues. The arguments for when and why to instigate such orders are explored, including a consideration of the concept of futility, allocation of healthcare resources, and reaching a balance between quality of life and quality of death. The merits and perils of discussing such decisions with patients and/or their relatives are reviewed and the unintended implications of ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ orders are examined. Finally, the paper explores some alternative methods to approaching the resuscitation decision, and calls for empirical evaluation of such methods that may reduce the ethical dilemmas physicians currently face.
Asperger syndrome and the supposed obligation not to bring disabled lives into the world
Authors: Walsh Pat
Published: August 2010

Asperger syndrome (AS) is an autistic spectrum condition that shares the range of social impairments associated with classic autism widely regarded as disabling, while also often giving rise to high levels of ability in areas such as maths, science, engineering and music. The nature of this striking duality of disability and ability is examined, along with its implications for our thinking about disability and the relevance of levels and kinds of disability to reproductive choices. In particular, it may be seen as posing a challenge to John Harris's influential position in reproductive ethics relating to disability. The paper argues that if, as Harris maintains, there is a quite general moral obligation to avoid bringing disabled lives into the world regardless of the level of disability, then AS must be seen as having a strong claim to be exempt from such an obligation. However, a broader critique of Harris's position leads to the conclusion that, in fact, this putative obligation does not exist.
Efficacy of motivational interviewing for smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Heckman Carolyn J , Egleston Brian L , Hofmann Makary T
Published: August 2010

Objective

A systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of interventions incorporating motivational interviewing for smoking cessation and identify correlates of treatment effects

Data sources

Medline/PubMed, PsycInfo and other sources including grey literature

Study selection

Title/abstract search terms were motivational interview* OR motivational enhancement AND smok*, cigarette*, tobacco, OR nicotine. Randomised trials reporting number of smokers abstinent at follow up were eligible.

Data extraction

Data were independently coded by the first and third authors. We coded for a variety of study, participant, and intervention related variables.

Data synthesis

A random effects logistic regression with both a random intercept and a random slope for the treatment effect.

Results

31 smoking cessation research trials were selected for the study: eight comprised adolescent samples, eight comprised adults with chronic physical or mental illness, five comprised pregnant/postpartum women and 10 comprised other adult samples. Analysis of the trials (9485 individual participants) showed an overall OR comparing likelihood of abstinence in the motivational interviewing (MI) versus control condition of OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.83). Additional potential correlates of treatment effects such as study, sample, and intervention characteristics were examined.

Conclusions

This is the most comprehensive review of MI for smoking cessation conducted to date. These findings suggest that current MI smoking cessation approaches can be effective for adolescents and adults. However, comparative efficacy trials could be useful.
Late-Term Elective Abortion and Susceptibility to Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
Authors: Coleman Priscilla K. , Coyle Catherine T. , Rue Vincent M.
Published: August 2010

The primary aim of this study was to compare the experience of an early abortion (1st trimester) to a late abortion (2nd and 3rd trimester) relative to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms after controlling for socio-demographic and personal history variables. Online surveys were completed by 374 women who experienced either a 1st trimester abortion (up to 12 weeks gestation) or a 2nd or 3rd trimester abortion (13 weeks gestation or beyond). Most respondents (81%) were U.S. citizens. Later abortions were associated with higher Intrusion subscale scores and with a greater likelihood of reporting disturbing dreams, reliving of the abortion, and trouble falling asleep. Reporting the pregnancy was desired by one's partner, experiencing pressure to abort, having left the partner prior to the abortion, not disclosing the abortion to the partner, and physical health concerns were more common among women who received later abortions. Social reasons for the abortion were linked with significantly higher PTSD total and subscale scores for the full sample. Women who postpone their abortions may need more active professional intervention before securing an abortion based on the increased risks identified herein. More research with diverse samples employing additional measures of mental illness is needed.
The Influence of Pregnancy on the Recurrence of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma in Women
Authors: Albersen M. , Westerling V. I. , van Leeuwen P. A. M.
Published: August 2010

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine whether pregnancy increases the recurrence risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) in women with a history of stage I CMM. Methods. The electronic medical databases of Medline and Embase were explored. All 1084 obtained articles were screened on title and abstract using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A critical appraisal of relevance and validity was conducted on the remaining full text available articles. Results. Two studies were selected. Both studies revealed no significant difference in disease‐free survival between women with stage I CMM and the control population. Conclusion. Pregnancy does not increase the recurrence risk of CMM in women with a history of stage I CMM.
Day Care General Anaesthesia for a Child with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome
Authors: Chittoodan Suresh , Crowe Suzanne
Published: August 2010

Bardet-Biedl syndrome is a very rare autosomal-recessive disorder with pan-systemic effects. The perioperative period may be hazardous for patients with this disorder. We describe the presenting features and management of a child who was scheduled for elective ambulatory general anesthesia and discuss the relevant points for the busy anesthesiologist.
Aqueous Extract of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) Leaves as Green Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Solution
Authors: Singh Ambrish , Singh V. K. , Quraishi M. A.
Published: August 2010

The inhibition of the corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution by the extract of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) leaves extract has been studied using weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear polarization, and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. Inhibition was found to increase with increasing concentration of the extract. The effect of temperature, immersion time, and acid concentration on the corrosion behavior of mild steel in 1 M HCl with addition of extract was also studied. The inhibition was assumed to occur via adsorption of the inhibitor molecules on the metal surface. The adsorption of the molecules of the extract on the mild steel surface obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The protective film formed on the metal surface was analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. The results obtained showed that the extract of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) leaves extract could serve as an effective inhibitor of the corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric acid media.
Promoting Moderate-Vigorous Physical Activity in Overweight Minority Girls
Authors: Olvera Norma , Graham Marilynn , McLeod Jessica , Kellam Stephanie F. , Butte Nancy F.
Published: August 2010

There is limited research on the types of activities that are most effective for promoting MVPA in children.Purpose. To assess which types of activities elicit MVPA in overweight minority girls.Methods. Sample consisted of 31 overweight (BMI≥85th percentile) Latina and African-American girls (mean age10.3±1.2years). Participants wore an Actical accelerometer each day for 8 hours for 15 days to assess engagement in MVPA during their participation in a three-week activity intervention that included traditional fitness, sport skills, games, dancing, and flexibility sessions.Results. On average 62% of participants met the MVPA recommended guidelines (60 min/5d/wk) with an average of68.5±14minutes of MVPA across the three weeks. Traditional fitness sessions elicited the highest percent of MVPA (mean time spent inMVPA=32%), followed by dancing and games (mean time spent inMVPA=21%), sports skills (mean time spent inMVPA=18%), and flexibility (mean time spent inMVPA=7%). Step aerobics and rumba fitness elicited the highest proportions of MVPA.Conclusion. Traditional fitness activities were identified as the most successful in eliciting MVPA in overweight Latina and African American girls.
PPARs: Nuclear Receptors Controlled by, and Controlling, Nutrient Handling through Nuclear and Cytosolic Signaling
Authors: Moreno Maria , Lombardi Assunta , Silvestri Elena , Senese Rosalba , Cioffi Federica , Goglia Fernando , Lanni Antonia , de Lange Pieter
Published: August 2010

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which are known to regulate lipid homeostasis, are tightly controlled by nutrient availability, and they control nutrient handling. In this paper, we focus on how nutrients control the expression and action of PPARs and how cellular signaling events regulate the action of PPARs in metabolically active tissues (e.g., liver, skeletal muscle, heart, and white adipose tissue). We address the structure and function of the PPARs, and their interaction with other nuclear receptors, including PPAR cross-talk. We further discuss the roles played by different kinase pathways, including the extracellular signal-regulated kinases/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK MAPK), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Akt/protein kinase B (Akt/PKB), and the NAD+-regulated protein deacetylase SIRT1, serving to control the activity of the PPARs themselves as well as that of a key nutrient-related PPAR coactivator, PPARγcoactivator-1α(PGC-1α). We also highlight how currently applied nutrigenomic strategies will increase our understanding on how nutrients regulate metabolic homeostasis through PPAR signaling.
Solutions of the Difference Equation xn+1 = xnxn−1 − 1
Authors: Kent Candace M. , Kosmala Witold , Radin Michael A. , Stević Stevo
Published: August 2010

Our goal in this paper is to investigate the long‐term behavior of
solutions of the following difference equation:
xn+1 = xnxn−1 − 1, n = 0, 1, 2, …,
where the initial conditions x−1 and x0 are real numbers. We examine the boundedness of solutions, periodicity of solutions, and
existence of unbounded solutions and how these behaviors depend on initial conditions.
Biorthogonal Systems Approximating the Solution of the Nonlinear Volterra Integro-Differential Equation
Authors: Berenguer MI , Garralda-Guillem AI , Ruiz Galán M
Published: August 2010

This paper deals with obtaining a numerical method in order to approximate the solution of the nonlinear Volterra integro-differential equation. We define, following a fixed-point approach, a sequence of functions which approximate the solution of this type of equation, due to some properties of certain biorthogonal systems for the Banach spaces "Equation missing" and "Equation missing".