bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responding to “Discrediting” Events: Annual Report Disclosure Responses to Environmental Fines
Authors: Warsame Hussein , Simmons Cynthia V. , Neu Dean
Published: March 2008

In this study we consider how a discrediting event such as an environmental fine influences the quality of environmental disclosures in subsequent annual reports. Starting from prior work in the areas of impression management along with environmental and social responsibility disclosures, we propose that environmental disclosures provide organizations with a method of “managing” such discrediting events. Using a matched-pair sample of publicly traded Canadian companies that have been subject to environmental fines and those that have not; we analyze changes in pre-fine and post-fine environmental disclosure quality. After controlling for firm-specific characteristics, the provided results are consistent with this explanation.
An Historical Overview and Comparison of Women and African-Americans in the Accounting Profession: 1960s–1990s
Authors: Robinson-Backmon Ida B. , Weisenfeld Leslie W.
Published: March 2008

Although a reasonable body of research exists with respect to women and some for African-American accountants, no study has provided a comparison of both groups' experiences across similar periods. The purpose of this paper is to provide an historical overview and comparison of these two groups of accountants for the period 1960–1999 in an attempt to illuminate the reasons for their accomplishments and lack of accomplishments in the public accounting profession. A review of the 1960s indicates that although discrimination against women was evident, white females fared slightly better than African-Americans, who were virtually nonexistent in the U.S. public accounting profession (Hammond 1997). During the 1970s both groups were excluded from any meaningful participation and were discriminated against when employed in public accounting. An explanation for this phenomenon was provided in 1976, as a result of the Metcalf hearings, when the Big 8 accounting firms admitted that they had not sought out women and African-Americans in the past and indicated it would take time to train and develop these individuals to qualify for partnership levels (Wescott and Seiler 1986).

While the number of women in the profession had increased dramatically by the 1980s the Big 8 firms' records with respect to women partners were among the worst when compared to other professions (Maupin 1991). By 1989 only 4.1 percent of partners were women and Big 8 Accounting firms showed very little interest in recruiting African-Americans, which led Mitchell and Flintall (1990, 59) to conclude that “although there are more black CPAs than in the past, proportionately blacks fare no better than they did in 1968.” During the 1990s the representation of African-Americans and women in top-level positions remained marginal since the ranks of partners, principals, directors, and senior managers continued to be filled primarily by white males (Kinard et al. 1998). Research with respect to both groups indicated that they thought their career advancement opportunities had been limited and by the end of 1999 women were still underrepresented in senior positions and African-Americans were still underrepresented at all levels in the public accounting profession.
Beyond the Brilovian Critique: Traditional vs. Organic Intellectuals in Critical Accounting Research
Authors: Tinker Tony
Published: March 2008

If critical accounting's mandate is to interrogate activities that fall into that deep chasm between private and public interests, then the advent of an American Accounting Association journal, Accounting and the Public Interest, is long overdue. In meeting this mandate, critical researchers must guard against becoming wedded to ossified and out-moded notions of public interest; they must be vigilantly self-critical. In this spirit, this paper visits the work of a pre-eminent public interest advocate, Abraham Briloff. Briloff's critique reigns supreme as the foremost challenge to the Accounting Establishment. Typically, his investigations focus on “The Profession,” and the audit and reporting practices of large accounting firms (the Big 8/6/5). So dominant has been the Brilovian critique that, in the U.S. today, it dwarfs all other forms of critical accounting inquiry. This paper argues that the Brilovian focus on “The Profession,” as an initial starting point, may have been adequate for its time; however, it is increasingly limited as a basis for critical research—in the U.S. and elsewhere. “The Profession” focus excludes a growing amount of accounting activity—as to what accounting produces, and how accounting is reproduced—that requires analysis and intervention. This paper reviews the perspective of “The Profession” and then explores an array of starting points that share the common trait of being expressions of the commodity form.
REPLY TO COMMENTARY—Abraham Briloff's Lonely Hearts Club Tribute Band
Authors: Tinker Tony , Carter Chris
Published: March 2008

Abe Briloff's restriction on the scope of critical accounting research—to the “sacred covenant” of auditing—does not square with his own avowals concerning the scope of public interest research. First, the restriction excludes from public interest scrutiny many emergent areas of accounting work. Second, evidence from decades of research into professions (including accounting) provides little ground for a theocratic liberalism that places trust in “The Profession” as a reliable custodian of the public's interest. Professions are no different from other commercial institutions under capitalism. They have a checkered history in effecting public interest concerns.

Sikka and Willmott offer an alternative program for critical accounting that is underwhelming in three respects. First, this program displays a limited understanding of Briloff's work. Second, absent of any comparable achievements to Briloff, Sikka and Willmott substitute an inferior product in terms of a picaresque narration of their “efforts,” “work-done,” and other process-oriented descriptions. Third, the exaggerated importance that they attach to collaborations with two Labor Members of Parliament betrays an infatuation that has the hallmark of what Marx called “Parliamentary Cretinism.”
Regulating External Reporting in the Municipal Bond Market: The Relevance of Nonfinancial Information in Evaluating Hospital Financial Performance
Authors: Watkins Ann L. , Brenner Vincent C.
Published: March 2008

This paper is motivated by a concern that the health care sector of the municipal bond market lacks adequate financial performance disclosures. This lack of sufficient disclosure has been blamed for the inability of some hospitals to raise much-needed funding through bond issues and may also adversely affect interest costs. There have been frequent calls for both increased disclosure and increased regulation of such disclosure to protect the interests of investors and creditors within this market sector. However, such calls presume that financial accounting information—and therefore the regulation of accounting disclosures—is the policy arena of interest. We demonstrate that, even with respect to narrowly focused financial interests, nonfinancial sources of information are also relevant. This is suggestive of the notion that the economic features of health care may be such that nonfinancial aspects of health care delivery may be important to the financial performance of hospitals.
Public Dialogue toward Social Policy: A Methodology for Accounting Research
Authors: Peursem K. A. Van
Published: March 2008

Inspired by Habermas' theory of communicative action and interpretations of his work on “ideal speech,” this study offers a research methodology for developing philosophically grounded and morally informed accounting policy. The “valuesdirected” approach aspires to qualities of ideal speech by being approached through a carefully guided process of public dialogue. The methodology was developed using a New Zealand public hospital case in which repeated contact with 33 participants provided multiple opportunities for them to reflect on policy as to “best” report content. Findings emerge in the form of whether, how, and in what respects the research process conformed to the qualities expected of it. The findings are encouraging as they reveal a growth in such desired conditions as the participants' focus on the research objective, open discussions about controversial issues, the “listening” tendency of participants, movements toward consensus, and perhaps some level of the transformative deliberation to which this methodology aspires. The study concludes with recommendations as to how the values-directed approach could be applied to other questions of public or organizational accounting policy, and how it could inform action research.
AIR Inhaled Insulin Versus Subcutaneous Insulin
Authors: Wolzt Michael , de la Peña Amparo , Berclaz Pierre-Yves , Tibaldi Fabián S. , Gates Jeffrey R. , Muchmore Douglas B.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—This study evaluated pharmacokinetic and glucodynamic responses to AIR inhaled insulin relative to subcutaneous insulin lispro, safety, pulmonary function, and effects of salbutamol coadministration.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Healthy, mildly asthmatic, and moderately asthmatic subjects (n = 13/group, aged 19–58 years, nonsmoking, and nondiabetic) completed this phase I, open-label, randomized, crossover euglycemic clamp study. Subjects received 12 units equivalent AIR insulin or 12 units subcutaneous insulin lispro or salbutamol plus AIR insulin (moderate asthma group only) before the clamp.

RESULTS—AIR insulin exposure was reduced 34 and 41% (both P < 0.01) in asthmatic subjects (area under the curve0-t′, 24.0 and 21.1 nmol · min · l−1 in mild and moderate asthma subjects, respectively) compared with healthy subjects (35.2 nmol · min · l−1), respectively. Glucodynamic (G) effects were similar in healthy and mildly asthmatic subjects (Gtot = 38.7 and 23.4 g, respectively; P = 0.16) and were reduced in moderately asthmatic subjects (Gtot = 10.7 g). Salbutamol pretreatment (moderately asthmatic subjects) improved bioavailability. AIR insulin had no discernable effect on pulmonary function. AIR insulin adverse events (cough, headache, and dizziness) were mild to moderate in intensity and have been previously reported or are typical of studies involving glucose clamp procedures.

CONCLUSIONS—This study suggests that pulmonary disease severity and asthma treatment status influence the metabolic effect of AIR insulin in individuals with asthma but do not affect AIR insulin pulmonary safety or tolerability. In view of the potential interactions between diabetes treatment and pulmonary status, it is prudent to await the results of ongoing clinical trials in diabetic patients with comorbid lung disease before considering the use of inhaled insulin in such patients.
Evaluation of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Print Patient Education Materials for Use With Low–Health Literate Populations
Authors: Hill-Briggs Felicia , Smith Andrea S.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—Populations with the lowest literacy and health literacy in the U.S. are also among those disproportionately burdened by diabetes and its complications. Yet, suitability of publicly available diabetes and cardiovascular (CVD) patient education materials for these patients is not clear. We evaluated selected American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA) print education materials for accessibility and usability characteristics.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—English-language, print patient education brochures addressing lifestyle/behavioral management of diabetes and CVD were obtained from the ADA (n = 21) and the AHA (n = 19). Materials were evaluated using 32 criteria, 23 addressing literacy demand and 9 addressing behavioral activation, compiled from authoritative sources on development of low-literacy consumer health information.

RESULTS—Of the 32 criteria identified by two or more sources, ADA materials consistently met 11 (34%) and AHA materials consistently met 8 (25%). Criteria most frequently achieved were text case, use of cues (e.g., bullets) to emphasize key points, design of graphics/illustrations, some provision of “how to” information, and positive depiction of cultural images. The least consistently achieved criteria were reading grade, word usage (e.g., scientific jargon), sentence length, font size, line length, white space, visual organization, limited scope, clear and specific (e.g., step-by-step) behavioral recommendations, and demonstration of audience relevance and cultural appropriateness.

CONCLUSIONS—Materials consistently met few criteria for usability by patients with low literacy, limited prior medical knowledge, and/or limited resource availability. Use of available criteria and methods for increasing reach of print education materials to these underserved patient populations is indicated.
Cross-Sectional and Prospective Study of Lung Function in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yeh Hsin-Chieh , Punjabi Naresh M. , Wang Nae-Yuh , Pankow James S. , Duncan Bruce B. , Cox Christopher E. , Selvin Elizabeth , Brancati Frederick L.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that diabetes is independently associated with reduced lung function, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We conducted cross-sectional and prospective analyses of diabetes status and lung function decline using baseline and 3-year follow-up data on 1,100 diabetic and 10,162 nondiabetic middle-aged adults from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were measured at baseline and at the 3-year follow-up using standard spirometry.

RESULTS—At baseline, adults with diabetes had significantly lower predicted FVC (96 vs. 103%, P < 0.001) and predicted FEV1 (92 vs. 96%, P < 0.001) than those without diabetes. These differences remained significant after adjustment for demographic characteristics, adiposity, smoking, physical activity index, education, and ARIC field center. Graded, inverse associations were observed between hyperglycemia, diabetes severity (i.e., duration of diabetes and types of antidiabetes medications), and FVC and FEV1 (all Ptrend < 0.001). In prospective analyses, FVC declined faster in diabetic adults than in their nondiabetic counterparts (64 vs. 58 ml/year, P = 0.01). Diabetes severity as indicated by intensity of antidiabetic treatment also showed graded relationships with the rate of FVC decline (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS—These data support the notion that the lung is a target organ for diabetic injury. Additional research is required to identify pathophysiologic mechanisms and to determine clinical significance.
Retinal Arteriolar Caliber Predicts Incident Retinopathy
Authors: Rogers Sophie Louise , Tikellis Gabriella , Cheung Ning , Tapp Robyn , Shaw Jonathan , Zimmet Paul Z. , Mitchell Paul , Wang Jie Jin , Wong Tien Yin
Published: March 2008

Changes in retinal vascular caliber may reflect subclinical microvascular disease and provide prognostic information regarding risk of retinopathy. In this study, we examined the prospective association of retinal vascular caliber with retinopathy risk in an Australian population-based cohort. A total of 906 participants without retinopathy at baseline had retinal vascular caliber measured from photographs and were followed-up for 5 years for incident retinopathy. After adjusting for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, A1C, and other risk factors, individuals with wider retinal arteriolar caliber (widest 25% vs. the remaining three-quarters of the population) were more likely to develop incident retinopathy (odds ratio 4.79 [95% CI 1.57–14.58]). This association was not significant in individuals without diabetes. Venular caliber did not predict incident retinopathy. Our findings suggest that retinal arteriolar dilatation is a specific sign of diabetic microvascular dysfunction and may be a preclinical marker of diabetic retinopathy.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness as a Predictor of Cancer Mortality Among Men With Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes
Authors: Thompson Angela M. , Church Timothy S. , Janssen Ian , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Earnest Conrad P. , Blair Steven N.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this article was to examine the risk of cancer mortality across levels of fitness and to examine the fitness-mortality relation for site-specific cancers in men with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We examined the fitness-mortality relation for all-cause and site-specific cancer mortality among 18,858 men with pre-diabetes and 2,805 men with diabetes (aged 46.3 ± 9.7 years [mean ± SD]) from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. We identified 719 cancer deaths during 354,558 person-years of risk. The duration of follow-up was 16.4 ± 7.8 years (range <1–30.0 years).

RESULTS—In men with pre-diabetes, moderate (hazard ratio 0.71 [95% CI 0.57–0.88]) and high fitness (0.76 [0.60–0.96]) were associated with lower risks of cancer mortality compared with the low-fit group in a model adjusted for age, examination year, smoking, alcohol use, fasting glucose concentration, previous cancer, and BMI. Similarly, for individuals with diabetes, moderate (0.53 [0.35–0.82]) and high fitness (0.44 [0.26–0.73]) were associated with lower risks of cancer mortality compared with the low-fit group. Among all men, being fit was associated with a lower risk of mortality from gastrointestinal (0.55 [0.39–0.77]), colorectal (0.53 [0.30–0.96]), liver (0.22 [0.07–0.71]), and lung cancer (0.43 [0.30–0.60]).

CONCLUSIONS—In men with pre-diabetes and diabetes, higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with lower risk of cancer mortality, particularly as a result of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, compared with those who had low levels of fitness.
Role of Parental Monitoring in Understanding the Benefits of Parental Acceptance on Adolescent Adherence and Metabolic Control of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Berg Cynthia A. , Butler Jorie M. , Osborn Peter , King Gary , Palmer Debra L. , Butner Jonathan , Murray Mary , Lindsay Rob , Donaldson David , Foster Carol , Swinyard Michael , Wiebe Deborah J.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—This study examined 1) whether the benefits of mothers’ and fathers’ accepting relationships with their adolescents regarding diabetes control were due to parental monitoring and 2) how parents together may provide sufficient acceptance and monitoring for diabetes management.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Adolescents aged 10–14 years with type 1 diabetes (n = 185) and their mothers (n = 185) and fathers (n = 145) completed assessments of parental acceptance and monitoring of diabetes tasks. Adolescents completed a modified version of the Self-Care Inventory (1) to measure adherence. A1C scores were used as a marker of glycemic control.

RESULTS—Mediational analyses revealed that the benefits of adolescents’ reports of fathers’ acceptance on A1C and mothers’ and fathers’ acceptance on better adherence were partially mediated by monitoring. Both mothers’ and fathers’ monitoring and fathers’ acceptance had independent effects in predicting adherence. However, only fathers’ monitoring had an independent effect on A1C. The effect of fathers’ monitoring on A1C occurred as fathers were monitoring at a lower level than mothers. Mothers’ and fathers’ reports of their own acceptance and monitoring were not associated with A1C or adherence.

CONCLUSIONS—Results reveal the importance of fathers’ acceptance and monitoring in diabetes management, a role that should be encouraged, despite the little attention it has received.
Mutations in the Glucokinase Gene of the Fetus Result in Reduced Placental Weight
Authors: Shields Beverley M. , Spyer Gill , Slingerland Annabelle S. , Knight Bridget A. , Ellard Sian , Clark Penelope M. , Hauguel-de Mouzon Sylvie , Hattersley Andrew T.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—In human pregnancy, placental weight is strongly associated with birth weight. It is uncertain whether there is regulation of the placenta by the fetus or vice versa. We aimed to test the hypothesis that placental growth is mediated, either directly or indirectly, by fetal insulin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Birth weight and placental weight were measured in 43 offspring of 21 parents with mutations in the glucokinase (GCK) gene (25 had inherited the mutation and 18 had not), which results in reduced fetal insulin secretion. Birth weight, placental weight, umbilical cord insulin, and maternal glucose and insulin concentrations were measured in 573 nondiabetic, healthy, term pregnancies.

RESULTS—GCK mutation carriers were lighter and also had smaller placentas (610 vs. 720 g, P = 0.042). This difference was also seen in 17 discordant sibling pairs (600 vs. 720 g, P = 0.003). GCK mRNA was not detected in the placenta by RT-PCR. In the normal pregnancies, placental weight was strongly correlated with birth weight (r = 0.61, P < 0.001). Cord insulin concentrations were directly related to placental weight (r = 0.28) and birth weight (r = 0.36) (P < 0.001 for both).

CONCLUSIONS—These results suggest that insulin, directly or indirectly, plays a role in placental growth, especially as a mutation in the GCK gene, which is known to only alter fetal insulin secretion, results in altered placental weight. This finding is consistent with the preferential localization of the insulin receptors in the fetal endothelium of the placenta in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Plasma Concentration of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) Predicts Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality in Type 1 Diabetic Patients With Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Lajer Maria , Tarnow Lise , Jorsal Anders , Teerlink Tom , Parving Hans-Henrik , Rossing Peter
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—To investigate whether circulating asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels are predictive of cardiovascular events, decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and all-cause mortality in type 1 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We performed a prospective observational follow-up study including 397 type 1 diabetic patients with overt diabetic nephropathy (243 men aged 42.1 ± 10.5 years, GFR 76 ± 34 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and a control group of 175 patients with longstanding type 1 diabetes and persistent normoalbuminuria (104 men aged 42.7 ± 9.7 years, duration of diabetes 27.7 ± 8.3 years). Patients were followed for a median 11.3 years (range 0.0–12.9) with yearly measurements of GFR (51Cr-EDTA plasma clearance) in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Endpoints were fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular disease (CVD), decline in GFR, ESRD, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS—Among patients with diabetic nephropathy, 37 patients (19.4%) with ADMA levels below the median, compared with 79 patients (43.4%) above the median, suffered a major cardiovascular event during the follow-up period (P < 0.001). This effect persisted after adjustment for conventional CVD risk factors including baseline GFR (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] for elevated ADMA 2.05 [95% CI 1.31–3.20], P = 0.002). Furthermore, elevated ADMA levels predicted an increased rate of decline in GFR, development of ESRD, and all-cause mortality (P < 0.001). After adjustment for well-known progression promoters, including baseline GFR, the HR (adjusted) was 1.85 (95% CI 0.99–3.46, P = 0.055) for ESRD comparing upper and lower median ADMA levels.

CONCLUSIONS—Plasma ADMA levels predict fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events in patients with type 1 diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, increased ADMA levels tend to contribute to increased risk of progressive diabetic kidney disease.
Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program Into an Urban Medically Underserved Community
Authors: Seidel Miriam C. , Powell Robert O. , Zgibor Janice C. , Siminerio Linda M. , Piatt Gretchen A.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—The objective of this study was to determine if a community-based modified Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) intervention, for individuals with metabolic syndrome, was effective in decreasing risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in an urban medically underserved community, and subsequently to determine if improvements in clinical outcomes could be sustained in the short term.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This nonrandomized prospective intervention study used a one-group design to test the effectiveness of a community-based GLB intervention. Residents from 11 targeted neighborhoods were screened for metabolic syndrome (n = 573) and took part in a 12-week GLB intervention (n = 88) that addressed safe weight loss and physical activity.

RESULTS—A marked decline in weight (46.4% lost ≥5% and 26.1% lost ≥7%) was observed in individuals after completion of the intervention. Of these subjects, 87.5% (n = 28) and 66.7% (n = 12) sustained the 5% and 7% reduction, respectively, at the 6-month reassessment. Over one-third of the population (43.5%, n = 30) experienced improvements in one or more component of metabolic syndrome, and 73.3% (n = 22) sustained this improvement at the 6-month reassessment. Additional improvements occurred in waist circumference (P < 0.009) and blood pressure levels (P = 0.04) after adjustment for age, sex, race, mean number of GLB classes attended, and time.

CONCLUSIONS—Adults in an urban medically underserved community can decrease their risk for type 2 diabetes and CVD through participation in a GLB intervention, and short-term sustainability is feasible. Future research will include long-term follow-up of these subjects.
Nutritionist Visits, Diabetes Classes, and Hospitalization Rates and Charges
Authors: Robbins Jessica M. , Thatcher Gail E. , Webb David A. , Valdmanis Vivian G.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—We evaluated the association of different types of educational visits for diabetic patients of the eight Philadelphia Health Care Centers (PHCCs) (public safety-net primary care clinics), with hospital admission rates and charges reported to the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The study population included 18,404 patients who had a PHCC visit with a diabetes diagnosis recorded between 1 March 1993 and 31 December 2001 and had at least 1 month follow-up time.

RESULTS—A total of 31,657 hospitalizations were recorded for 7,839 (42.6%) patients in the cohort. After adjustment for demographic variables, baseline comorbid conditions, hospitalizations before the diabetes diagnosis, and number of other primary care visits, having had any type of educational visit was associated with 9.18 (95% CI 5.02–13.33) fewer hospitalizations per 100 person-years and $11,571 ($6,377 to $16,765) less in hospital charges per person. Each nutritionist visit was associated with 4.70 (2.23–7.16) fewer hospitalizations per 100 person-years and a $6,503 ($3,421 to $9,586) reduction in total hospital charges.

CONCLUSIONS—Any type of educational visit was associated with lower hospitalization rates and charges. Nutritionist visits were more strongly associated with reduced hospitalizations than diabetes classes. Each nutritionist visit was associated with a substantial reduction in hospital charges, suggesting that providing these services in the primary care setting may be highly cost-effective for the health care system.
A Prospective Study of Passive Smoking and Risk of Diabetes in a Cohort of Workers
Authors: Hayashino Yasuaki , Fukuhara Shunichi , Okamura Tomonori , Yamato Hiroshi , Tanaka Hideo , Tanaka Taichiro , Kadowaki Takashi , Ueshima Hirotsugu ,   for the HIPOP-OHP Research Group
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—We investigated the impact of active smoking and exposure to passive smoke on the risk of developing diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Data were analyzed from a cohort of participants in the High-Risk and Population Strategy for Occupational Health Promotion Study (HIPOP-OHP) conducted in Japan from 1999 to 2004. Active and passive smoking status in the workplace was evaluated at baseline.

RESULTS—Of 6,498 participants (20.9% women), a total of 229 diabetes cases were reported over a median 3.4 years of follow-up. In the workplace, compared with zero-exposure subjects, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of developing diabetes were 1.81 (95% CI 1.06–3.08, P = 0.028) for present passive subjects and 1.99 (1.29–3.04, P = 0.002) for present active smokers.

CONCLUSIONS—In this cohort, exposure to passive smoke in the workplace was associated with an increased risk of diabetes after adjustment for a large number of possible confounders.
The ePedsQL™ in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Varni James W. , Limbers Christine A. , Burwinkle Tasha M. , Bryant William P. , Wilson Don P.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) is a modular instrument designed to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents aged 2–18 years. The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales are child self-report and parent proxy–report scales developed as the generic core measure to be integrated with the PedsQL disease-specific modules. The electronic version of the PedsQL 4.0 (ePedsQL) was designed for Internet administration.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Utilizing a randomized crossover design, the PedsQL scales were administered to 92 pediatric patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and 93 parents in electronic and paper formats.

RESULTS—Missing values (0.76% child report, 0.37% parent report), internal consistency reliability (total scale score α = 0.90 child report, 0.92 parent report), and mean scores (total scale score M = 78.41 child report, 76.19 parent report) were equivalent between the electronic and paper-and-pencil modes of administration. The ePedsQL distinguished between healthy children and children with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS—The ePedsQL Internet mode of administration demonstrated equivalent measurement properties to the well-established PedsQL paper-and-pencil mode of administration.
Breaks in Sedentary Time
Authors: Healy Genevieve N. , Dunstan David W. , Salmon Jo , Cerin Ester , Shaw Jonathan E. , Zimmet Paul Z. , Owen Neville
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE—Total sedentary (absence of whole-body movement) time is associated with obesity, abnormal glucose metabolism, and the metabolic syndrome. In addition to the effects of total sedentary time, the manner in which it is accumulated may also be important. We examined the association of breaks in objectively measured sedentary time with biological markers of metabolic risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Participants (n = 168, mean age 53.4 years) for this cross-sectional study were recruited from the 2004–2005 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle study. Sedentary time was measured by an accelerometer (counts/minute−1 < 100) worn during waking hours for seven consecutive days. Each interruption in sedentary time (counts/min ≥100) was considered a break. Fasting plasma glucose, 2-h plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, weight, height, waist circumference, and resting blood pressure were measured. MatLab was used to derive the breaks variable; SPSS was used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS—Independent of total sedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity time, increased breaks in sedentary time were beneficially associated with waist circumference (standardized β = −0.16, 95% CI −0.31 to −0.02, P = 0.026), BMI (β = −0.19, −0.35 to −0.02, P = 0.026), triglycerides (β = −0.18, −0.34 to −0.02, P = 0.029), and 2-h plasma glucose (β = −0.18, −0.34 to −0.02, P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS—This study provides evidence of the importance of avoiding prolonged uninterrupted periods of sedentary (primarily sitting) time. These findings suggest new public health recommendations regarding breaking up sedentary time that are complementary to those for physical activity.
Detection of Moving Objects in Image Sequences using 3D Velocity Filters
Authors: Schauland Sam , Velten Joerg , Kummert Anton
Published: March 2008

Detection of Moving Objects in Image Sequences using 3D Velocity Filters

A movement analysis of objects contained in visual scenes can be performed by means of linear multidimensional filters, which have already been analyzed in the past. While the soundness of the results was convincing, interest in those systems declined due to the limited computational power of contemporary computers. Recent advances in design and implementation of integrated circuits and hardware architectures allow realizing velocity filters if then-D system is carefully adapted to the analyzed problem. In this paper, the fundamental principles of visual scene analysis by linear multidimensional filters are examined with respect to possible sources of degradation. The extraction of movement information and its practical use are demonstrated using a wave digital filter (WDF) implementation.
Image Based Analysis of Complex Microstructures of Engineering Materials
Authors: Wejrzanowski Tomasz , Spychalski Wojciech , Różniatowski Krzysztof , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof
Published: March 2008

Image Based Analysis of Complex Microstructures of Engineering Materials

The paper presents various methods for quantitative description of material structures. The main focus is on direct methods of description based on image analysis. In particular, techniques for the estimation of the size, shape and spatial distribution of structural elements observed by different microscopic techniques are described. The application of these methods for the characterization of the structures of engineering materials is demonstrated on a stainless steel used in petrochemical installations. It is shown that the methods applied are useful for the assessment of service degradation of materials.
Local Correlation and Entropy Maps as Tools for Detecting Defects in Industrial Images
Authors: Skubalska-Rafajłowicz Ewa
Published: March 2008

Local Correlation and Entropy Maps as Tools for Detecting Defects in Industrial Images

The aim of this paper is to propose two methods of detecting defects in industrial products by an analysis of gray level images with low contrast between the defects and their background. An additional difficulty is the high nonuniformity of the background in different parts of the same image. The first method is based on correlating subimages with a nondefective reference subimage and searching for pixels with low correlation. To speed up calculations, correlations are replaced by a map of locally computed inner products. The second approach does not require a reference subimage and is based on estimating local entropies and searching for areas with maximum entropy. A nonparametric estimator of local entropy is also proposed, together with its realization as a bank of RBF neural networks. The performance of both methods is illustrated with an industrial image.
Interpolation-Based Reconstruction Methods for Tomographic Imaging in 3D Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Li Yingbo , Kummert Anton , Boschen Fritz , Herzog Hans
Published: March 2008

Interpolation-Based Reconstruction Methods for Tomographic Imaging in 3D Positron Emission Tomography

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is considered a key diagnostic tool in neuroscience, by means of which valuable insight into the metabolism functionin vivomay be gained. Due to the underlying physical nature of PET, 3D imaging techniques in terms of a 3D measuring mode are intrinsically demanded to assure satisfying resolutions of the reconstructed images. However, incorporating additional cross-plane measurements, which are specific for the 3D measuring mode, usually imposes an excessive amount of projection data and significantly complicates the reconstruction procedure. For this reason, interpolation-based reconstruction methods deserve a thorough investigation, whose crucial parts are the interpolating processes in the 3D frequency domain. The benefit of such approaches is apparently short reconstruction duration, which can, however, only be achieved at the expense of accepting the inaccuracies associated with the interpolating process. In the present paper, two distinct approaches to the realization of the interpolating procedure are proposed and analyzed. The first one refers to a direct approach based on linear averaging (inverse distance weighting), and the second one refers to an indirect approach based on two-dimensional convolution (gridding method). In particular, attention is paid to two aspects of the gridding method. The first aspect is the choice of the two-dimensional convolution function applied, and the second one is the correct discretization of the underlying continuous convolution. In this respect, the geometrical structure named the Voronoi diagram and its computational construction are considered. At the end, results of performed simulation studies are presented and discussed.
Remarks on Hardware Implementation of Image Processing Algorithms
Authors: Wnuk Marek
Published: March 2008

Remarks on Hardware Implementation of Image Processing Algorithms

Image processing in industrial vision systems requires both real-time speed and robustness. Modern computers, which fulfill the first demand, are sensitive to hard industrial environment conditions and require considerable amounts of energy. Programmable logic chips are available, which can realize many simple, still time-consuming operations in a parallel or a pipelined manner. The paper discusses particular features of the pipelined architecture and presents selected techniques of implementing early image processing procedures in hardware.
Traumatic Dislocation of the Hip in a High School Football Player
Authors: Yates Charlotte , Bandy William D , Blasier R Dale
Published: March 2008

Background

Although traumatic dislocation of the hip often occurs as a result of automobile accidents, dislocations have been reported to occur during sports activities.

Objective

Using the experience in treating a 17-year-old high school football player with a posterior dislocation, complicated by involvement of the sciatic nerve, this case report provides background information on hip dislocations and provides a description of the immediate treatment by the physician, followed by 6 weeks of immobilization, and a detailed account of the 5-month intervention.

Case Description

The patient was injured while making a tackle during a high school football game when another player fell on him from behind. The case report describes his plan of care after immediate hip reduction surgery and 6 weeks on crutches. Generally, the program utilized a progression of non–weight-bearing resistance training and stretching in the initial stages of intervention and progressed to weight-bearing activities (on land and in the pool) as the patient was able to tolerate more stress. In addition, the treatment of the sciatic nerve using electrical stimulation during treadmill walking is described.

Outcomes

The patient was seen in an outpatient physical therapy clinic an average of 2 times per week for 5 months. At the end of 5 months, results of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) indicated that recreational and sporting activities were within normal limits, and the patient was able to return to playing on his high school football team the next year.
Changes in nutrient limitation of spring fen vegetation along environmental gradients in the West Carpathians
Authors: Rozbrojová Zuzana , Hájek Michal
Published: March 2008

Question:

How does nutrient limitation vary along major environmental gradients in fens and wet meadows?

Location:

West Carpathians (Czech Republic, Slovakia).

Methods:

We recorded total plant species composition in 83 plots of 9 m2. Living above‐ground biomass of total vegetation was sampled. Concentrations of Ca, Fe, N, P, K were determined. Obtained data were analysed by various univariate and multivariate statistical techniques.

Results:

Major environmental gradients correspond to the poor‐rich vegetation gradient, from poor Sphagnum‐fens to calcareous fens, and the fen‐meadow gradient from sedge‐moss fens to forb‐rich wet meadows. Ca‐concentration in above‐ground biomass was strongly positively correlated with the poor‐rich gradient, while Fe‐ and N‐concentrations had an opposite trend. Poor‐fen vegetation contained little calcium and much iron. The lowest P‐concentrations were found in calcareous tufa‐forming fens. Variation in N:K ratio indicated a slight decrease of K‐availability towards poor fens. Along the fen‐meadow gradient, vegetation uptake of P, K and Ca increases and the uptake of Fe decreases.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that variation in the type of nutrient limitation is not a dominant cause of the poor‐rich gradient in fens due to the important role of calcium and iron. Nevertheless, species distribution along the poor‐rich gradient is influenced by phosphorus shortage in tufa‐forming fens and relatively high N‐uptake and low K‐availability in poor fens. Additional P‐ and K‐supply to Ca‐rich fens can alter species composition towards forb‐rich meadows.
Uniformly Shaped Poly(p‐phenylenediamine) Microparticles: Shape‐controlled Synthesis and Their Potential Application for the Removal of Lead Ions from Water
Authors: Wang Jun‐Jie , Jiang Jun , Hu Bo , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: March 2008

A novel method for the shape‐controlled synthesis of uniformly‐shaped poly(p‐phenylenediamine) (PpPD) microparticles with different morphologies under ambient condition has been developed using HAuCl4 as an oxidant and poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as a surfactant. The results demonstrate that the morphologies of these microparticles can be varied from symmetrical spindle‐like to diamond‐like, centrosymmetric leaf‐like, and parallelogram‐like by tuning the concentration of reactants and their molar ratios. The length of these microparticles varies from 6 to 8 µm while the width can be tuned from 2 to 4 µm. The results demonstrate that PVP as a surfactant only plays a role in controlling the morphology of the polymer particles but has no influence on the polymer structures. UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy shows the formation of a complex between polymer ligands and lead ions by detection of new absorption peaks. Even though the as‐prepared PpPD microparticles are only partly soluble, they still show an adsorptive affinity for lead ions.
Microemulsion Approach to Non‐Agglomerated and Crystalline Nanomaterials
Authors: Buchold Daniel H. M. , Feldmann Claus
Published: March 2008

A wide variety of different nanomaterials, including ZnO, (NH4)Y(C2O4)2·H2O, Y(OH)3, Y2O3, In2O3:Sn, CePO4:Tb, CaCO3, CuS, Co3[Co(CN)6]2, and K3[Co(NO2)6] are realized by a microemulsion approach. While heating the micellar system to reflux (200 to 215 °C), highly crystalline materials can be realized, which are still nanosized and do not agglomerate afterwards. Furthermore, a phase separation is initiated by the addition of diethylene glycol, which allows a facile removal of the nanomaterials by the application of low solvent quantitities, and again excludes agglomeration. Both aspects—the realization of highly crystalline materials and the facile separation of non‐agglomerated particles—represent a useful extension of microemulsion techniques. Besides the number and quality of the nanomaterials, the success of the experimental approach is further proven by the realization of physical properties that are restricted to crystalline materials. Namely, these are the bright colors of Co3[Co(CN)6]2 and K3[Co(NO2)6] as pigments, the electrical conductivity of In2O3:Sn (ITO), and the luminescence of CePO4:Tb.
Silicon Photovoltaics Using Conducting Photonic Crystal Back‐Reflectors
Authors: O'Brien Paul G. , Kherani Nazir P. , Chutinan Alongkarn , Ozin Geoffrey A. , John Sajeev , Zukotynski Stefan
Published: March 2008

Currently, research is being directed towards thinning conventional 200–300µm thick silicon photovoltaic cells by an order of magnitude or more. The benefits of reducing the cell thickness include decreased material costs, enhanced cell flexibility, and reduced effects of light‐induced degradation. However, one of the major challenges associated with reducing the active region to this extent is the corresponding reduction of light absorption. To mitigate this effect it has been proposed that the cell should incorporate enhanced light‐trapping strategies. One potential approach to enhance light trapping in thin photovoltaic cells is to structure the back‐reflector in the form of a photonic crystal (PC). It has recently been shown that two fundamental attributes of PC back‐reflectors optically coupled to thin semiconductor films contribute to enhanced absorption in the semiconductor: (i) the PC back‐reflector behaves as a perfect mirror, exhibiting complete reflection over stop‐gap frequencies; and (ii) the PC–semiconductor film interface couples incident light into resonant states that propagate along the plane of the film, thereby further enhancing the absorption. Although the ability of PC back‐reflectors to enhance absorption is encouraging, significant challenges arise when attempting to incorporate this light trapping technique in photovoltaic devices. Herein, we describe the underlying physical mechanisms that give rise to absorption enhancements in thin Si wafers featuring PC back‐reflectors, and describe hurdles that will have to be surmounted in order to reduce‐to‐practice a PC back‐reflector into an actual PV device.
A new perturbation solution to the Michaelis‐Menten problem
Authors: Dingee John W. , Anton A. Brad
Published: March 2008

We develop a new dimensionless representation of the time‐dependent mass balances for the Michaelis–Menten (MM) reaction mechanism; we identify several dimensionless parameters that control the fundamental nature of the solution; and we solve the scaled equations with a combined regular and singular perturbation expansion. Unlike several approximate solutions to the MM problem offered previously in the literature, each of which is valid only for some limited range of conditions, the new solution converges accurately for any combination of initial substrate concentration, initial enzyme concentration, and kinetic rate constants. We discuss the physical significance and interdependence of the dimensionless parameters that emerge from our scaling analysis; we use these parameters to categorize previous approximations for the MM problem and to delimit their accuracy; and we verify the accuracy of our solution via comparisons to an exact numerical solution and various approximations offered previously by others. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Catalytic Oxidation of Organic Substrates by Molecular Oxygen and Hydrogen Peroxide by Multistep Electron Transfer—A Biomimetic Approach
Authors: Piera Julio , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: March 2008

Oxidation reactions are of fundamental importance in nature, and are key transformations in organic synthesis. The development of new processes that employ transition metals as substrate‐selective catalysts and stoichiometric environmentally friendly oxidants, such as molecular oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, is one of the most important goals in oxidation chemistry. Direct oxidation of the catalyst by molecular oxygen or hydrogen peroxide is often kinetically unfavored. The use of coupled catalytic systems with electron‐transfer mediators (ETMs) usually facilitates the procedures by transporting the electrons from the catalyst to the oxidant along a low‐energy pathway, thereby increasing the efficiency of the oxidation and thus complementing the direct oxidation reactions. As a result of the similarities with biological systems, this can be dubbed a biomimetic approach.