bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparing Early Childhood Educators to Address Young Children's Social-Emotional Development and Challenging Behavior
Authors: Hemmeter Mary Louise , Santos Rosa Milagros , Ostrosky Michaelene M.
Published: July 2008

This article presents results from a survey of faculty members from 2- and 4-year higher education programs in nine states that prepare teachers to work with preschool children. The purpose of the study was to determine how professors address content related to social-emotional development and challenging behaviors, how well prepared they believe graduates are to address these issues, and resources that might be useful to better prepare graduates to work with children with challenging behavior. Of the 225 surveys that were mailed, 70% were returned. Faculty members reported their graduates were prepared on topics such as working with families, preventive practices, and supporting social emotional development but less prepared to work with children with challenging behaviors. Survey findings are discussed related to differences between 2- and 4-year programs and between programs with and without a special education component. Implications for personnel preparation and future research are discussed.
The Utility of the MMPI-2 Malingering Discriminant Function Index in the Detection of Malingering
Authors: Toomey Joseph A. , Kucharski L. Thomas , Duncan Scott
Published: July 2008

This study examined the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2's (MMPI-2) malingering discriminant function index (M-DFI), recently developed by Bacchiochi and Bagby, in the detection of malingering in a forensic sample. Criminal defendants were divided into “malingering” and “not malingering” groups using the structured interview of reported symptoms (SIRS) criteria proposed by Rogers. Logistic regression analysis (LRA) revealed that the MMPI-2 infrequency ( F) scale had the best predictive utility of the traditional infrequency scales. Although the M-DFI did significantly differentiate the malingering from the not malingering groups, it did not add significantly to the predictive utility of the MMPI-2 F scale. Receiver operating characteristics analyses demonstrated acceptable sensitivity and specificity for the MMPI-2 F scale, but poor sensitivity for the M-DFI scale. The results are discussed in terms of the utility of the M-DFI in detecting malingering and problems of extending the findings of simulation studies to the forensic context.
Physical Activity Behavior Change Interventions Based on the Transtheoretical Model: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hutchison Andrew J. , Breckon Jeff D. , Johnston Lynne H.
Published: July 2008

This review critically examines Transtheoretical Model (TTM)—based interventions for physical activity (PA) behavior change. It has been suggested that the TTM may not be the most appropriate theoretical model for applications to PA behavior change. However, previous reviews have paid little or no attention to how accurately each intervention represents the TTM. Findings comprise two sections: sample characteristics of each intervention reviewed and a summary outlining the use of the TTM to develop the interventions. Results reveal numerous inconsistencies regarding the development and implementation/application of TTM-based interventions. Specifically, the majority of interventions reported to be based on the TTM fail to accurately represent all dimensions of the model. Therefore, until interventions are developed to accurately represent the TTM, the efficacy of these approaches and the appropriateness of the underpinning theoretical model cannot be determined.
CCR5 expression on macrophages/microglia is associated with early remyelination in multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Trebst C , König F , Ransohoff RM , Brück W , Stangel M
Published: July 2008

Remyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs spontaneously and extensively. The underlying mechanisms, however, are only partly understood. Findings in experimental animal settings suggest that inflammation promotes remyelination and repair. Here, we characterized the chemokine receptor expression profiles of macrophages/microglia in early remyelinating and completely remyelinated lesions compared with active demyelinating and inactive demyelinated MS lesions obtained in the early disease course. Biopsy material consisting of 16 MS cases was available for this study. We found that macrophages/microglia within early remyelinating lesions expressed predominantly CCR5. Our findings implicate a possible role of CCR5+ cells in initiating remyelination.
Multiple sclerosis: glatiramer acetate induces anti-inflammatory T cells in the cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Hestvik ALK , Skorstad G , Price DA , Vartdal F , Holmoy T
Published: July 2008

Glatiramer acetate (GA) is believed to induce GA-reactive T cells that secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines at the site of inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, GA-reactive T cells have not been established from the intrathecal compartment of MS patients, and intrathecal T cells may differ from T cells in blood. Here, we compared the phenotype of GA-reactive T cells from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of five MS patients treated with GA for 3-36 months, and in three of these patients also before treatment. From the CSF of these patients, all 22 T cell lines generated before and all 38 T cell lines generated during treatment were GA-reactive. GA treatment induced a more pronounced anti-inflammatory profile of GA-reactive T cell lines from CSF than from blood. While GA-reactive T cell clones from CSF were restricted by either human leukocyte antigen (HLA) -DR or HLA-DP, only HLA-DR restricted GA-reactive T cell clones were detected in blood. No cross reactivity with myelin proteins was detected in GA-reactive T cell lines or clones from CSF. These results suggest that a selected subset of GA-reactive T cells are present in the intrathecal compartment, and support an anti-inflammatory mechanism of action for GA.
Complications of Distraction Lengthening in the Hand
Authors: HEO C. Y. , KWON S. , BACK G. H. , CHUNG M. S.
Published: July 2008

This study examined the features of 16 complications from 51 distraction lengthenings in the hands of 43 patients.

From 1996 to 2006, 24 metacarpals and 27 phalanges were lengthened at a rate of 0.5 and 0.25 mm/day, respectively, using a callus distraction technique. The indications were congenital (33 cases in 27 patients) and traumatic (18 cases in 16 patients) deformities. The average percentage lengthening in the phalanges and metacarpals was 62% (16 mm) and 63% (34 mm), respectively. The distraction rates in the phalanges and metacarpals were 69 and 52 days/cm, respectively.

The overall complication rate was 31%. Major complications requiring secondary procedures were non-union (one case), fracture (one case), premature union (one case), angulations (two cases) and dislodgment of pins (two cases). The minor complications encountered were delayed callus formation (four cases), joint stiffness (four cases) and soft tissue thinning (one case). Traumatic deformities had more complications than the congenital ones (nine of 18 cases and seven of 33 cases, respectively). The phalanges had a higher rate of complication than the metacarpals (11 of 27 cases and four of 24 cases, respectively). Most patients with complications except for two children with dislodgment were as satisfied with the final results as those without complications.

Although callus distraction in the hand requires a long treatment period and has a relatively high rate of complication, it appears to be effective in achieving adequate bone length. A high level of patient compliance and prompt management of complications by an experienced surgeon are essential for achieving good results.
Combined Reverse Perilunate and Axial–Ulnar Dislocation of the Wrist: A Case Report
Authors: CHIN A. , GARCIA-ELIAS M.
Published: July 2008

A 31 year-old professional motorcycle racer had an accident, resulting in an axial–ulnar dislocation of his right dominant wrist with derangement of the trapeziocapitate joint and dorsal dislocation of the capitate together with the triquetrum, the hamate and the corresponding metacarpals. Open reduction and wire fixation obtained excellent functional results at 1 year. This pattern of carpal derangement has not been previously described in the literature.
High density linkage disequilibrium maps of chromosome 14 in Holstein and Angus cattle
Authors: Marques Elisa , Schnabel Robert D , Stothard Paul , Kolbehdari Davood , Wang Zhiquan , Taylor Jeremy F , Moore Stephen S
Published: July 2008

Background

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) maps can provide a wealth of information on specific marker-phenotype relationships, especially in areas of the genome where positional candidate genes with similar functions are located. A recently published high resolution radiation hybrid map of bovine chromosome 14 (BTA14) together with the bovine physical map have enabled the creation of more accurate LD maps for BTA14 in both dairy and beef cattle.

Results

Over 500 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers from both Angus and Holstein animals had their phased haplotypes estimated using GENOPROB and their pairwise r2 values compared. For both breeds, results showed that average LD extends at moderate levels up to 100 kilo base pairs (kbp) and falls to background levels after 500 kbp. Haplotype block structure analysis using HAPLOVIEW under the four gamete rule identified 122 haplotype blocks for both Angus and Holstein. In addition, SNP tagging analysis identified 410 SNPs and 420 SNPs in Holstein and Angus, respectively, for future whole genome association studies on BTA14. Correlation analysis for marker pairs common to these two breeds confirmed that there are no substantial correlations between r-values at distances over 10 kbp. Comparison of extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH), which calculates the LD decay away from a core haplotype, shows that in Holstein there is long range LD decay away from the DGAT1 region consistent with the selection for milk fat % in this population. Comparison of EHH values for Angus in the same region shows very little long range LD.

Conclusion

Overall, the results presented here can be applied in future single or haplotype association analysis for both populations, aiding in confirming or excluding potential polymorphisms as causative mutations, especially around Quantitative Trait Loci regions. In addition, knowledge of specific LD information among markers will aid the research community in selecting appropriate markers for whole genome association studies.
Cost per case or total cost? The potential of prevention of hand injuries in young children – Retrospective and prospective studies
Authors: Ljungberg Elinor M , Carlsson Katarina Steen , Dahlin Lars B
Published: July 2008

Background

Health-care costs for hand and forearm injuries in young children are poorly documented. We examined costs in 533 children injured years 1996–2003.

Methods

Health-care costs and costs for lost productivity were retrospectively calculated in children from three catchment areas in Sweden. Seven case categories corresponding to alternative prevention strategies were constructed.

Results

Over time, diminishing number of ward days reduced the health-care cost per case. Among children, the cost of lost productivity due to parental leave was 14 percent of total cost. Fingertip injuries had low median costs but high total costs due to their frequency. Complex injuries by machine or rifle had high costs per case, and despite a low number of cases, total cost was high. Type of injury, surgery and physiotherapy sessions were associated with variations in health-care cost. Low age and ethnic background had a significant effect on number of ward days.

Conclusion

The costs per hand injury for children were lower compared to adults due to both lower health-care costs and to the fact that parents had comparatively short periods of absence from work. Frequent simple fingertip injuries and rare complex injuries induce high costs for society. Such costs should be related to costs for prevention of these injuries.
Dopamine transporter 3'UTR VNTR genotype is a marker of performance on executive function tasks in children with ADHD
Authors: Karama Sherif , Grizenko Natalie , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Doyle Alysa , Biederman Joseph , Mbekou Valentin , Polotskaia Anna , Ter-Stepanian Marina , De Guzman Rosherrie , Bellingham Johanne , Sengupta Sarojini , Joober Ridha
Published: July 2008

Background

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous disorder from both clinical and pathogenic viewpoints. Executive function deficits are considered among the most important pathogenic pathways leading to ADHD and may index part of the heterogeneity in this disorder.

Methods

To investigate the relationship between the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) 3'-UTR VNTR genotypes and executive function in children with ADHD, 196 children diagnosed with ADHD were sequentially recruited, genotyped, and tested using a battery of three neuropsychological tests aimed at assessing the different aspects of executive functioning.

Results

Taking into account a correction for multiple comparisons, the main finding of this study is a significant genotype effect on performances on the Tower of London (F = 6.902, p = 0.009) and on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Third Edition (WISC-III) Freedom From Distractibility Index (F = 7.125, p = 0.008), as well as strong trends on Self Ordered Pointing Task error scores (F = 4,996 p = 0.026) and WISC-III Digit Span performance (F = 6.28, p = 0.023). Children with the 9/10 genotype exhibited, on average, a poorer performance on all four measures compared to children with the 10/10 genotype. No effect of genotype on Wisconsin Card Sorting Test measures of performance was detected.

Conclusion

Results are compatible with the view that SLC6A3 genotype may modulate components of executive function performance in children with ADHD.
Soy isoflavones, estrogen therapy, and breast cancer risk: analysis and commentary
Authors: Messina Mark J , Wood Charles E
Published: July 2008

There has been considerable investigation of the potential for soyfoods to reduce risk of cancer, and in particular cancer of the breast. Most interest in this relationship is because soyfoods are essentially a unique dietary source of isoflavones, compounds which bind to estrogen receptors and exhibit weak estrogen-like effects under certain experimental conditions. In recent years the relationship between soyfoods and breast cancer has become controversial because of concerns – based mostly on in vitro and rodent data – that isoflavones may stimulate the growth of existing estrogen-sensitive breast tumors. This controversy carries considerable public health significance because of the increasing popularity of soyfoods and the commercial availability of isoflavone supplements. In this analysis and commentary we attempt to outline current concerns regarding the estrogen-like effects of isoflavones in the breast focusing primarily on the clinical trial data and place these concerns in the context of recent evidence regarding estrogen therapy use in postmenopausal women. Overall, there is little clinical evidence to suggest that isoflavones will increase breast cancer risk in healthy women or worsen the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Although relatively limited research has been conducted, and the clinical trials often involved small numbers of subjects, there is no evidence that isoflavone intake increases breast tissue density in pre- or postmenopausal women or increases breast cell proliferation in postmenopausal women with or without a history of breast cancer. The epidemiologic data are generally consistent with the clinical data, showing no indication of increased risk. Furthermore, these clinical and epidemiologic data are consistent with what appears to be a low overall breast cancer risk associated with pharmacologic unopposed estrogen exposure in postmenopausal women. While more research is required to definitively allay concerns, the existing data should provide some degree of assurance that isoflavone exposure at levels consistent with historical Asian soyfood intake does not result in adverse stimulatory effects on breast tissue.
Acute hemorrhagic demyelination in a murine model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pirko Istvan , Suidan Georgette L , Rodriguez Moses , Johnson Aaron J
Published: July 2008

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalomyelitis (AHLE) is a rare neurological condition characterized by the development of acute hemorrhagic demyelination and high mortality. The pathomechanism of AHLE, as well as potential therapeutic approaches, have remained elusive due to the lack of suitable animal models. We report the first murine model of AHLE using a variation of the Theiler's Murine Encephalitis Virus (TMEV) MS model. During acute TMEV infection, C57BL/6 mice do not normally undergo demyelination. However, when 7 day TMEV infected C57BL/6 mice are intravenously administered the immunodominant CD8 T cell peptide, VP2121–130, animals develop characteristics of human AHLE based on pathologic, MRI and clinical features including microhemorrhages, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and demyelination. The animals also develop severe disability as assessed using the rotarod assay. This study demonstrates the development of hemorrhagic demyelination in TMEV infected C57BL/6 mice within 24 hours of inducing this condition through intravenous administration of CD8 T cell restricted peptide. This study is also the first demonstration of rapid demyelination in a TMEV resistant non-demyelinating strain without transgenic alterations or pharmacologically induced immunosuppression.
A community resource for high-throughput quantitative RT-PCR analysis of transcription factor gene expression in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Kakar Klementina , Wandrey Maren , Czechowski Tomasz , Gaertner Tanja , Scheible Wolf-Rüdiger , Stitt Mark , Torres-Jerez Ivone , Xiao Yongli , Redman Julia C , Wu Hank C , Cheung Foo , Town Christopher D , Udvardi Michael K
Published: July 2008

Background

Medicago truncatulais a model legume species that is currently the focus of an international genome sequencing effort. Although several different oligonucleotide and cDNA arrays have been produced for genome-wide transcript analysis of this species, intrinsic limitations in the sensitivity of hybridization-based technologies mean that transcripts of genes expressed at low-levels cannot be measured accurately with these tools. Amongst such genes are many encoding transcription factors (TFs), which are arguably the most important class of regulatory proteins. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the most sensitive method currently available for transcript quantification, and one that can be scaled up to analyze transcripts of thousands of genes in parallel. Thus, qRT-PCR is an ideal method to tackle the problem of TF transcript quantification in Medicago and other plants.

Results

We established a bioinformatics pipeline to identify putative TF genes inMedicago truncatulaand to design gene-specific oligonucleotide primers for qRT-PCR analysis of TF transcripts. We validated the efficacy and gene-specificity of over 1000 TF primer pairs and utilized these to identify sets of organ-enhanced TF genes that may play important roles in organ development or differentiation in this species. This community resource will be developed further as more genome sequence becomes available, with the ultimate goal of producing validated, gene-specific primers for all Medicago TF genes.

Conclusion

High-throughput qRT-PCR using a 384-well plate format enables rapid, flexible, and sensitive quantification of all predicted Medicago transcription factor mRNAs. This resource has been utilized recently by several groups in Europe, Australia, and the USA, and we expect that it will become the 'gold-standard' for TF transcript profiling inMedicago truncatula.
The renal metallothionein expression profile is altered in human lupus nephritis
Authors: Faurschou Mikkel , Penkowa Milena , Andersen Claus Bøgelund , Starklint Henrik , Jacobsen Søren
Published: July 2008

Introduction

Metallothionein (MT) isoforms I + II are polypeptides with potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In healthy kidneys, MT-I+II have been described as intracellular proteins of proximal tubular cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the renal MT-I+II expression profile is altered during lupus nephritis.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed on renal biopsies from 37 patients with lupus nephritis. Four specimens of healthy renal tissue served as controls. Clinicopathological correlation studies and renal survival analyses were performed by means of standard statistical methods.

Results

Proximal tubules displaying epithelial cell MT-I+II depletion in combination with luminal MT-I+II expression were observed in 31 out of 37 of the lupus nephritis specimens, but not in any of the control sections (P = 0.006). The tubular MT score, defined as the median number of proximal tubules displaying this MT expression pattern per high-power microscope field (40× magnification), was positively correlated to the creatinine clearance in the lupus nephritis cohort (P = 0.01). Furthermore, a tubular MT score below the median value of the cohort emerged as a significant predictor of a poor renal outcome in renal survival analyses. Thus, patients with a tubular MT score < 1.0 had a 6.2-times higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease than patients with a tubular MT score ≥ 1.0 (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Lupus nephritis is associated with significant alterations in renal MT-I+II expression. Our data indicate that important prognostic information can be deduced from the renal MT-I+II expression profile in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with nephritis.
Danaparoid sodium attenuates the increase in inflammatory cytokines and preserves organ function in endotoxemic rats
Authors: Iba Toshiaki , Miyasho Taku
Published: July 2008

Introduction

Anticoagulant therapy attracts much attention for the treatment of severe sepsis since recent studies have revealed that some anticoagulants have the ability to regulate the inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to examine whether danaparoid sodium (DA) is effective for the treatment of organ dysfunction in sepsis.

Methods

Sixty-four Wistar rats were intravenously injected with 5.0 mg/kg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then divided into two groups: the DA group and the control group (n = 32 each). The DA group was injected intravenously with 400 U/kg of DA immediately after LPS injection, whereas the control group received saline. Blood samples were drawn at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after LPS injection, and organ damage markers and coagulation markers were measured. In the other series, 10 rats treated with LPS were divided into DA and control groups (n = 5 each). Blood samples were collected at 1, 3, and 6 hours after LPS injection and served for the cytokine measurements.

Results

The elevation of the organ damage markers, such as alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, was significantly suppressed in the DA group. Coagulation markers, such as AT activity and fibrinogen levels, were maintained better in the DA group at 6 hours. The elevation of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6 was significantly suppressed in the DA group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10.

Conclusion

DA preserves the organ dysfunction in LPS-challenged rats. Although the mechanism is not fully elucidated, not only the improvement of coagulation disorder but also the regulation of circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines may play a role in the mechanism.
Lenalidomide Monotherapy in Relapsed or Refractory Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Wiernik Peter H. , Lossos Izidore S. , Tuscano Joseph M. , Justice Glen , Vose Julie M. , Cole Craig E. , Lam Wendy , McBride Kyle , Wride Kenton , Pietronigro Dennis , Takeshita Kenichi , Ervin-Haynes Annette , Zeldis Jerome B. , Habermann Thomas M.
Published: July 2008

Purpose

The major cause of death in aggressive lymphoma is relapse or nonresponse to initial therapy. Lenalidomide has activity in a variety of hematologic malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We report the results of a phase II, single-arm, multicenter trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide oral monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL.

Patients and Methods

Patients were treated with oral lenalidomide 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21, every 28 days, for 52 weeks, until disease progression or intolerance. The primary end point was response; secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and safety.

Results

Forty-nine patients with a median age of 65 years received lenalidomide in this study. The most common histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (53%), and patients had received a median of four prior treatment regimens for NHL. An objective response rate of 35% was observed in 49 treated patients, including a 12% rate of complete response/unconfirmed complete response. Responses were observed in each aggressive histologic subtype tested (diffuse large B-cell, follicular center grade 3, mantle cell, and transformed lymphomas). Of patients with stable disease or partial response at first assessment, 25% improved with continued treatment. Estimated median duration of response was 6.2 months, and median PFS was 4.0 months. The most common grade 4 adverse events were neutropenia (8.2%) and thrombocytopenia (8.2%); the most common grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (24.5%), leukopenia (14.3%), and thrombocytopenia (12.2%).

Conclusion

Oral lenalidomide monotherapy is active in relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL, with manageable side effects.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Myeloid Sarcoma: A Retrospective Study From the SFGM-TC
Authors: Chevallier Patrice , Mohty Mohamad , Lioure Bruno , Michel Gerard , Contentin Nathalie , Deconinck Eric , Bordigoni Pierre , Vernant Jean-Paul , Hunault Mathilde , Vigouroux Stéphane , Blaise Didier , Tabrizi Reza , Buzyn Agnes , Socie Gerard , Michallet Mauricette , Volteau Christelle , Harousseau Jean-Luc
Published: July 2008

Purpose

This retrospective multicenter study assessed the outcome of 51 patients with myeloid sarcoma (MS) who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (alloHSCT).

Patients and Methods

Most patients had MS presenting in conjunction with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or after AML. Six patients had isolated MS. The median time between diagnosis and alloHSCT was 8 months (range, 2.8 to 67). Forty patients were in complete remission (CR) at time of alloHSCT.

Results

With a median follow-up of 33 (range, 1 to 182) months, the Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were 47% (95% CI, 33% to 61%) and 36% (95% CI, 24% to 50%) at 5 years. Twenty patients (39%) relapsed at a median of 204 (range, 35 to 1151) days after alloHSCT, with relapse being the major cause of death. In a Cox multivariate analysis, age ≥ 15 years and remission status at time of alloHSCT (CR v other) were associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.65; P = .003; and HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.57; P = .002, respectively).

Conclusion

We conclude that first-line alloHSCT performed early in the course of MS is a valid therapeutic option.
Single-Machine Scheduling Problems with Generalized Preemption
Authors: Agnetis Alessandro , Alfieri Arianna , Nicosia Gaia
Published: July 2008

We address a class of single-machine, hard scheduling problems with the objective of minimizing the maximum tardiness. The jobs can be preempted, but whenever a job is started or resumed, there is a recovery interval affecting its progress. Such a feature is motivated by certain application environments and generalizes the usual preemption concept. For three different cases of this problem, we propose a heuristic algorithm, based on the partial enumeration of feasible schedules. A packing formulation solved by means of a column generation approach is used to certify the quality of the heuristic solution. An extensive computational experience shows the effectiveness of the approach on different classes of instances and shows that real-size problems can be solved to optimality in an acceptable amount of time.
Transportation Procurement with Seasonally Varying Shipper Demand and Volume Guarantees
Authors: Lim Andrew , Rodrigues Brian , Xu Zhou
Published: July 2008

Transportation companies that operate in seasonal markets where differences in demand occur in peak and nonpeak periods often negotiate for some form of demand smoothing with the customer—i.e., the shipper. In this paper, we study a shipper's transportation procurement model, in which the shipper gives assurances, through volume guarantees negotiated with the transportation companies, that shipments made in nonpeak periods will be commensurate with shipments in peak periods. The shipper uses the model in an auction process, in which the transportation companies bid for routes giving prices and capacity limits, to procure freight services from the companies, which minimizes its total transportation costs. The model is formulated as an integer programming problem that is shown to be strongly 𝒩 𝒫-hard even for a single-route network. We develop a solution approach that builds on the solution of the subproblem when only one transportation company is available to construct heuristic algorithms, including a linear programming relaxation-based method. Worst-case analysis is given, and the effectiveness of the algorithms is tested in numerical experimentation. By examining parameter sensitivity, insight is provided on how the algorithms can be used by the shipper for making procurement decisions. The practical usefulness of the model and the solution approaches is substantiated by its deployment with a multinational shipper.
Resource-Sharing Queueing Systems with Fluid-Flow Traffic
Authors: Mahabhashyam Sai Rajesh , Gautam Natarajan , Kumara Soundar R. T.
Published: July 2008

A system consisting of two buffers, each with independent fluid sources, is considered in this paper. Due to ease of implementation, the output capacities for the two buffers depend on the workload of only one of the buffers that is measured. A threshold-based policy is considered to dynamically assign output capacities for both buffers. Marginal workload distributions for the two buffers need to be evaluated for this policy. The key contribution of this paper is the performance analysis to derive the workload distribution in the two buffers. In addition, the paper also provides some guidelines to choose the output capacities for the two buffers as well as a mathematical program to determine an optimal threshold to dynamically switch between output capacities. Further, various applications of such systems to computer-communication networks are discussed.
An Asset Assembly Problem
Authors: Angelus Alexandar , Porteus Evan L.
Published: July 2008

We formulate a finite-horizon nonstationary dynamic single-asset assembly problem, which covers both a liquid-asset assembly problem, based on the work of Rosling published in 1989, where the single asset is the single product being assembled, and a fixed-asset assembly problem, in which the single asset is production capacity. In the latter case, capacity is assembled over time from components and may be used to manufacture many products. In the spirit of Rosling, we provide conditions under which it can be solved by an equivalent analogous serial model in the form developed by Clark and Scarf in 1960, with a separate state variable for the level of assets in each stage of completion, dramatically simplifying the problem and its solution. In the liquid-asset case, we extend Rosling's 1989 work by including nonstationary demands, costs, and revenues in a finite-horizon setting. In the fixed-asset (capacity) expansion case, we show that capacity should be assembled in a balanced way and derive the optimal timing and extent of delays (in previously initiated capacity expansions). Our basic capacity expansion model is deterministic, so under our conditions, it is optimal never to delay a schedule and the state space reduces to a single dimension. However, in the Markov-modulated case, in which cost parameters and customer demand distributions can be influenced by a randomly and exogenously evolving state (of the economy), we illustrate that delays can be optimal.
Consumer Remedies for Misleading or Deceptive Marketing Practices: Reform of the Law in Hong Kong
Authors: Lo Stefan H C
Published: July 2008

This paper aims to set out theoretical justifications for legislative reform in Hong Kong to protect consumers from misleading or deceptive marketing practices and to provide the outlines of a theoretical framework to delineate the proper scope of such protection. The Hong Kong Consumer Council has recently put forward proposals recommending a general statutory prohibition on unfair marketing practices, including misleading or deceptive acts or omissions, giving consumers the right to seek remedies for losses suffered therefrom. It is argued in this paper that such a statutory provision is justified through an examination of the rationales for regulation. This paper seeks to adopt a theory of corrective justice to provide the basic rationale for consumer protection from misleading marketing practices. Other justifications can also be important, including economic theories, but it is argued that ethical concerns derived from the concept of corrective justice best explain the need for protection of consumers. The theoretical justifications for consumer protection are important not only for supporting the argument for law reform in Hong Kong, but also in ascertaining the proper scope of any new statutory provisions. Accordingly this paper also examines the potential reach of a general statutory prohibition on misleading marketing practices, with reference in particular to the concept of ‘misleading or deceptive conduct’ adopted under the Australian Trade Practices Act 1974, s. 52 and in Hong Kong under the existing prohibition in the Telecommunications Ordinance, s. 7M. The width of such a statutory prohibition of misleading or deceptive conduct compared with common law concepts of misrepresentation is analysed and justified through the lens of the theories for consumer protection. In addition, the question of the appropriate standard for measuring whether conduct is misleading is highlighted and assessed as an example of a particular issue that would need to be resolved in any reform of the law in Hong Kong.
Complex Formation of Uranium(VI) with L-Phenylalanine and 3-Phenylpropionic Acid Studied by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Barkleit Astrid , Foerstendorf Harald , Heim Karsten , Sachs Susanne , Bernhard Gert
Published: July 2008

Uranyl complexes with phenylalanine and the analogous ligand phenylpropionate were investigated in aqueous solution by attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The assignment of the observed bands to vibrational modes was accomplished using spectra of the pure ligands recorded at different pH values and spectra of the 15N labeled analogous compounds of the amino acid. The results presented in this work provide a detailed description of the binding states of the uranyl complexes in solution. A bidentate binding of the carboxylate group to the actinide ion was observed by the characteristic shifts of the carboxylate modes. From the spectra the presence of the protonated amino group in the actinide complex can be derived. Due to these findings, contributions of the amino group to the binding to the uranyl ion in the amino acid complex can be ruled out.
Loss of BH3-only Protein Bim Inhibits Apoptosis of Hemopoietic Cells in the Fetal Liver and Male Germ Cells but Not Neuronal Cells in Bcl-x-deficient Mice
Authors: Akhtar Rizwan S. , Klocke Barbara J. , Strasser Andreas , Roth Kevin A.
Published: July 2008

Members of the Bcl-2 family include pro- and antiapoptotic proteins that regulate programmed cell death of developing tissues and death in response to cellular damage. In developing mice, the antiapoptotic Bcl-xL is necessary for survival of neural and hematopoietic cells, and consequently, bcl-x-deficient mice die around Day 13.5 of embryogenesis. Furthermore, adult bcl-x+/- heterozygous male mice have reduced fertility because of testicular degeneration. Bax, a multi-BH (Bcl-2 homology) domain proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, is regulated by Bcl-xL and is required for the neuropathological abnormalities seen in bcl-x-deficient embryos. The BH3 domain only subgroup of the Bcl-2 family includes proapoptotic members that are essential for the initiation of apoptotic signaling. In this study, we investigated the role for Bim, a BH3 domain only protein, in the embryonic lethality and increased developmental cell death in bcl-x-deficient animals and the perturbed testicular function in bcl-x+/- adults. Our studies show that bim deficiency attenuates hematopoietic cell death in the fetal liver of bcl-x-deficient animals, indicating that Bim contributes to programmed cell death in this cell population. In addition, we found that testicular degeneration of adult bcl-x+/- males was rescued by concomitant Bim deficiency. However, concomitant Bim deficiency had no effect on the embryonic lethality and widespread nervous system abnormalities caused by bcl-x deficiency. Our work identifies Bim as an important regulator of bcl-x deficiency-induced cell death during hematopoiesis and testicular development.
Two Mass-Spectrometric Techniques for Quantifying Serine Enantiomers and Glycine in Cerebrospinal Fluid: Potential Confounders and Age-Dependent Ranges
Authors: Fuchs Sabine A , de Sain-van der Velden Monique G M , de Barse Martina M J , Roeleveld Martin W , Hendriks Margriet , Dorland Lambertus , Klomp Leo W J , Berger Ruud , de Koning Tom J
Published: July 2008

Background: The recent discovery and specific functions of d-amino acids in humans are bound to lead to the revelation of d-amino acid abnormalities in human disorders. Therefore, high-throughput analysis techniques are warranted to determine d-amino acids in biological fluids in a routine laboratory setting.

Methods: We developed 2 chromatographic techniques, a nonchiral derivatization with chiral (chirasil-l-val column) separation in a GC-MS system and a chiral derivatization with Marfey’s reagent and LC- MS analysis. We validated the techniques for d-serine, l-serine, and glycine determination in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), evaluated several confounders, and determined age-dependent human concentration ranges.

Results: Quantification limits for d-serine, l-serine, and glycine in cerebrospinal fluid were 0.14, 0.44, and 0.14 μmol/L, respectively, for GC-MS and 0.20, 0.41, and 0.14 μmol/L for LC-MS. Within-run imprecision was <3% for both methods, and between-run imprecision was <13%. Comparison of both techniques with Deming regression yielded coefficients of 0.90 (d-serine), 0.92 (l-serine), and 0.96 (glycine). Sample collection, handling, and transport is uncomplicated—there is no rostrocaudal CSF gradient, no effect of storage at 4 °C for 1 week before storage at −80 °C, and no effect of up to 3 freeze/thaw cycles. Conversely, contamination with erythrocytes increased d-serine, l-serine, and glycine concentrations. CSF concentrations for 145 apparently healthy controls demonstrated markedly and specifically increased (5 to 9 times) d-serine concentrations during early central nervous system development.

Conclusions: These 2 clinically applicable analysis techniques will help to unravel pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic issues for disorders associated with central nervous system abnormalities, NMDA-receptor dysfunction, and other pathology associated with d-amino acids.
Coffee Consumption and Circulating B-Vitamins in Healthy Middle-Aged Men and Women
Authors: Ulvik Arve , Vollset Stein Emil , Hoff Geir , Ueland Per Magne
Published: July 2008

Background: Coffee consumption has been associated with several risk factors for coronary heart disease, including increased cholesterol, increased blood pressure, and increased plasma total homocysteine (tHcy). tHcy is determined by several B-vitamins. However, reports about the association between coffee intake and B-vitamin status are few.

Methods: We measured plasma B-vitamins and tHcy in a cohort of 10 601 healthy, middle-aged Norwegian men and women. Information about lifestyle factors, including coffee consumption, smoking, alcohol use, height, and weight, was obtained by interview.

Results: Coffee consumption was dose-dependently associated with reduced plasma B-vitamin concentrations. Compared with coffee abstainers, individuals drinking ≥4 cups/day had 11.7% (P < 0.001), 14.1% (P < 0.001), and 5.5% (P = 0.01) lower plasma concentrations of folate, pyridoxal phosphate, and riboflavin, respectively, and the mean tHcy concentration was 6.8% (P < 0.001) higher. Quantile regression analysis showed essentially no difference in B-vitamin concentrations between coffee consumption categories at low vitamin concentrations but a progressive increase in the difference at higher concentrations. This pattern of differences (effect profile) was found independently of smoking status, alcohol intake, and sex. The decrease in folate explained approximately half of the increase in tHcy.

Conclusions: Coffee consumption was associated with reduced circulating B-vitamin concentrations. The observed effect profiles indicated that coffee consumption preferentially affected the upper, but not the lower, part of the B-vitamin concentration distributions. We hypothesize that coffee consumption may increase the loss of surplus B-vitamins by excretion in urine.
Risk Management and Injury Prevention: Competencies, Behaviours, and Attitudes to Safety in the Construction Industry
Authors: Biggs Herbert C. , Sheahan Vaughn L. , Dingsdag Donald P.
Published: July 2008

Originally presented at the National Injury Management and Prevention Conference: Transition and Change, on April 27, 2006, which was held at the Hyatt Regency, Adelaide, South Australia. Reprinted with the permission of the authors.

Work in the Australian construction industry is fraught with risk and the potential for serious harm. The industry is consistently placed within the three most hazardous industries to work along with other industries such as mining and transport (National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, 2003). In the 2001 to 2002 period, construction work killed 39 people and injured 13,250 more. Hence, more effort is required to reduce the injury rate and maximise the value of the rehabilitation/back-to-work process.
Managing Workplace Stress: Psychosocial Hazard Risk Profiles in Public and Private Sector Australia
Authors: D'Aleo Nina , Stebbins Peter , Lowe Roger , Lees Danielle , Ham David
Published: July 2008

The present research examined the perceptions of Australian employees on dimensions of workplace stress. The sample included 664 male (n= 234) and female (n= 430) workers from the public (n= 559) and private (n= 105) sectors. Participants completed the Health and Safety Executive Indicator Tool as a measure of workplace stress. Results indicated that private sector employees rated their employers as being more effective in managing workplace stress, while employees in both sectors rated their employers as less effective in managing Job Content stressors than Job Context stressors. Compared with normative benchmarks, employees overall also reported risks of stress associated with Relationships and Role. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research were discussed.
Measurement of mycophenolic acid in plasma or serum by a commercial enzyme inhibition technique in comparison with a high performance liquid chromatography method
Authors: Bunch Dustin R. , Wang Sihe
Published: July 2008

: Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is the primary active metabolite of the immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is commonly used for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of MPA but requires batched runs. Recently, an enzyme inhibition assay (EIA) was approved for MPA TDM on random-access platforms using either serum or EDTA plasma. We evaluated the EIA on a Roche Integra 400 using serum and heparinized plasma in comparison with a validated HPLC method.

: Heparinized plasma from leftover clinical samples on which MPA was ordered along with paired serum samples, drawn at the same time for other clinical tests, were used for the method comparison.

: The EIA was linear from 3.1 to 44.0 μmol/L with an accuracy of 93.9%–107.1%. The intra- and inter-day variations were 0.5%–2.7% and 1.6%–2.1%, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.8 μmol/L and the limit of quantification was 3.1 μmol/L. The method showed a mean bias of 0.6 μmol/L (7.6%) in serum samples (3.1–34.1 μmol/L) vs. the HPLC method using paired plasma (n=229). Heparinized plasma (n=114) vs. serum showed a mean bias of –0.1 μmol/L (–1.6%) by the EIA.

: The random-access EIA on Integra 400 is acceptable for clinical MPA TDM in either serum or heparinized plasma.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1281–4.
Health‐Risk Behaviors and Suicidal Ideation: A Preliminary Study of Cognitive and Developmental Factors
Authors: Ellis Thomas E. , Trumpower David
Published: July 2008

Various theorists have suggested that unhealthy behaviors such as cigarette smoking and problem drinking may be subtle forms of suicidality. Consistent with this view, prior research has shown an association between health risk behaviors and suicidal ideation. In the present study we examined relationships among suicidal ideation, health‐related attitudes and behaviors, and adverse childhood events. We hypothesized that unhealthy attitudes, perhaps shaped by adverse childhood events, would help explain the association between suicidal phenomena and unhealthy behaviors. Three‐hundred eighteen college students completed surveys covering health risk behaviors, depression, suicidal ideation, and health‐related attitudes. Results supported the hypothesized associations among these variables. However, contrary to our hypotheses, the association between suicidal ideation and health‐compromising behaviors was limited largely to substance‐related behaviors. Moreover, the association between suicidal ideation and health‐related attitudes was mediated by depression. Adverse childhood events were associated with health‐related attitudes, but this relationship was mediated by depression. These results are less suggestive of the notion of unhealthy behaviors as subtle suicidality than a model in which suicidality associates specifically with psychopathological states such as depression and substance abuse. Implications for treatment and prevention programs are discussed.
Three Decades ofSuicide and Life‐Threatening Behavior: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Cardinal Charles
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study is to quantify certain characteristics of the articles published inSuicide and Life‐Threatening Behaviorin three 5‐year periods, namely, 1971–1975, 1984–1988, and 1997–2001. The characteristics in question include geographic origin of articles, number of authors per article, number of references listed per article, and number of times an article is cited in the literature. Changes across the three periods in terms of distribution of subjects/participants by age group and gender are also examined. The discussion focuses on explanations for the trends and characteristics that are described.