bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edentulism trends among middle‐aged and older adults in the United States: comparison of five racial/ethnic groups
Authors: Wu Bei , Liang Jersey , Plassman Brenda L. , Remle Corey , Luo Xiao
Published: October 2011

Wu B, Liang J, Plassman BL, Remle C, Luo X. Edentulism trends among middle‐aged and older adults in the United States: comparison of five racial/ethnic groups. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 145–153. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objectives:  This study examined edentulism trends among adults aged 50 and above in five ethnic groups in the United States: Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and non‐Hispanic Caucasians.

Methods:  Data came from the National Health Interview Surveys between 1999 and 2008. Respondents included 616 Native Americans, 2,666 Asians, 15,295 African Americans, 13,068 Hispanics, and 86,755 Caucasians.

Results:  In 2008, Native Americans had the highest predicated rate of edentulism (23.98%), followed by African Americans (19.39%), Caucasians (16.90%), Asians (14.22%), and Hispanics (14.18%). Overall, there was a significant downward trend in edentulism rates between 1999 and 2008 (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96, 0.98). However, compared with Caucasians, Native Americans showed a significantly less decline of edentulism during this period (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.19).

Conclusions:  While there was a downward trend in edentulism between 1999 and 2008, significant variations existed across racial/ethnic groups. Innovative public health programs and services are essential to prevent oral health diseases and conditions for minority populations who lack access to adequate dental care. Additionally, given the increasing numbers of adults retaining their natural teeth, interventions designed to assist individuals in maintaining healthy teeth becomes more critical.
Restricted expression of chromatin remodeling associated factor Chd3 during tooth root development
Authors: Date Y. , Yokoyama Y. , Kondo H. , Kuroda S. , Ohya K. , Ota M. S. , Iseki S. , Kasugai S.
Published: October 2011

Date Y, Yokoyama Y, Kondo H, Kuroda S, Ohya K, Ota MS, Iseki S, Kasugai S. Restricted expression of chromatin remodeling associated factor Chd3 during tooth root development. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 180–187. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  The tooth root is one of the critical parts to maintain tooth function; however, the molecular mechanisms of root development remain unknown. We aimed to identify specific factors for root morphogenesis using a newly developed experimental system.

Material and Methods:  Tentative cementoblasts and periodontal ligament cells from mouse mandibular molars were isolated using laser capture microdissection. More than 500 cementoblasts and periodontal ligament cells were separately captured. After RNA extraction and amplification, mRNA expression in isolated cementoblasts was compared with that of periodontal ligament cells by cDNA microarray analysis. Then, putative cementoblast‐specific genes were subjected to in situ hybridization analysis to confirm the results in mouse mandible.

Results:  Approximately 2000 genes were differentially expressed between these tissues. Among those genes, zinc finger helicase (ZFH), also termed chromodomain‐helicase‐DNA‐binding protein 3 (Chd3), was one of the highly expressed transcripts in tentative cementoblasts. In situ hybridization revealed that ZFH/Chd3 was strongly expressed in Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath rather than in cementum. Moreover, its expression disappeared when root formation was advanced in the first molar. In contrast, Chd3 was continuously expressed in dental epithelial cells of the cervical loop, in which root extension is never terminated.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that ZFH/Chd3 might play an important role in tooth root development and subsequent cementogenesis.
Applicability of the Polysulphone Horizontal Calibration to Differently Inclined Dosimeters
Authors: Casale Giuseppe R. , Siani Anna Maria , Diémoz Henri , Kimlin Michael G. , Colosimo Alfredo
Published: October 2011

Polysulphone (PS) dosimetry has been a widely used technique for more than 30 years to quantify the erythemally effective UV dose received by anatomic sites (personal exposure). The calibration of PS dosimeters is an important issue as their spectral response is different from the erythemal action spectrum. It is performed exposing a set of PS dosimeters on a horizontal plane and measuring the UV doses received by dosimeters using calibrated spectroradiometers or radiometers. In this study, data collected during PS field campaigns (from 2004 to 2006), using horizontal and differently inclined dosimeters, were analyzed to provide some considerations on the transfer of the horizontal calibration to differently inclined dosimeters, as anatomic sites usually are. The role of sky conditions, of the angle of incidence between the sun and the normal to the slope, and of the type of surrounding surface on the calibration were investigated. It was concluded that PS horizontal calibrations apply to differently inclined dosimeters for incidence angles up to approximately 70° and for surfaces excluding ones with high albedo. Caution should be used in the application of horizontal calibrations for cases of high‐incidence angle and/or high albedo surfaces.
Contaminant Migration in the Vicinity of a Grease Lubricated Bearing Seal Contact
Authors: Baart P. , Lugt P. M. , Prakash B.
Published: October 2011

Lubricating grease is commonly used for lubricating “sealed and greased for life” rolling element bearings. This grease also provides an additional sealing function to protect the bearing against ingress of contaminants. In this work the sealing function of lubricating grease in the vicinity of the seal lip contact has been studied experimentally by measuring the migration of spherical fluorescent contaminant particles in the vicinity of the contact, as a function of shaft speed and lubricant type. The experimental results reveal that in some greases contaminant particles migrate towards the sealing contact where the shear rate reaches its highest value. However, for other greases, Newtonian base oils, and elastic fluids, this is not necessarily the case and contaminant particles consistently migrate away from the sealing contact. Various physical phenomena have been investigated to explain the difference in migration behavior. It is concluded that migration towards the sealing contact is driven by the viscosity gradient and migration away from the sealing contact is related to the Weissenberg number. The sealing function of grease in the vicinity of the sealing contact is due to the migration of contaminant particles. The migration reduces the probability of particles to reach the sealing and bearing contacts.
Three-Dimensional Anderson Localization of Ultracold Matter
Authors: Kondov S. S. , McGehee W. R. , Zirbel J. J. , DeMarco B.
Published: October 2011

A localized and a propagating component appear when an ultracold atomic gas expands in a disordered optical potential.
Development of a Human-Murine Chimeric Immunoglobulin M for Use in the Serological Detection of Human Alphavirus Antibodies
Authors: Thibodeaux Brett A. , Liss Nathan M. , Panella Amanda N. , Roehrig John T.
Published: October 2011

Diagnosis of human alphaviral infections relies on serological techniques, such as the immunoglobulin M antibody capture–enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA). We have humanized the alphavirus broadly cross-reactive murine monoclonal antibody 1A4B-6 to create a reagent capable of replacing human positive sera in the MAC-ELISA for diagnosis of human alphaviral infections.
CCR8 Signaling Influences Toll-Like Receptor 4 Responses in Human Macrophages in Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Kvist Reimer Martina , Brange Charlotte , Rosendahl Alexander
Published: October 2011

CCR8 immunity is generally associated with Th2 responses in allergic diseases. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time a pronounced attenuated influx of macrophages in ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged CCR8 knockout mice. To explore whether macrophages in human inflamed lung tissue also were CCR8 positive, human lung tissue from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was evaluated. Indeed, CCR8 expression was pronounced in invading monocytes/macrophages from lungs of patients with Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage IV COPD. Given this expression pattern, the functional role of CCR8 on human macrophages was evaluated
in vitro
. Human peripheral blood monocytes expressed low levels of CCR8, while macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-derived human macrophages expressed significantly elevated surface levels of CCR8. Importantly, CCL1 directly regulated the expression of CD18 and CD49b and hence influenced the adhesion capacity of human macrophages. CCL1 drives chemotaxis in M-CSF-derived macrophages, and this could be completely inhibited by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Whereas both CCL1 and LPS monotreatment inhibited spontaneous superoxide release in macrophages, CCL1 significantly induced superoxide release in the presence of LPS in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, CCL1 induced production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and could inhibit LPS-induced cytokine production in a dose-dependent manner. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of CCR8 on inflammatory macrophages in human COPD lung tissue. Importantly, the functional data from human macrophages suggest a potential cross talk between the CCR8 and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways, both of which are present in COPD patients.
Actinobaculum Bacteremia: a Report of 12 Cases
Authors: Gomez Eric , Gustafson Daniel R. , Rosenblatt Jon E. , Patel Robin
Published: October 2011

Actinobaculum
species are anaerobic Gram-positive rods that have previously been associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) in the elderly. We report 12 patients with
Actinobaculum
bacteremia. Only 40% of blood cultures were clinically considered significant by the treating physicians, but most patients were treated for UTI, suggesting a possible urinary source of bacteremia. Clinicians should be aware of the pathogenic potential of
Actinobaculum
spp.
Malaria Hidden in a Patient with Diffuse Large-B-Cell Lymphoma and Sickle-Cell Trait
Authors: Linares María , Albizua Enriqueta , Méndez Darío , Rubio José M. , Martínez-Serna Alejandra , Martínez Miguel A. , Salto Efren , Puyet Antonio , Diez Amalia , Martinez-López Joaquin , Bautista José M.
Published: October 2011

We report a case of an African patient with sickle cell trait who was diagnosed in Spain with B-cell lymphoma. Blood smears were negative for malaria, and no plasmodium antigens were detected in the blood. To treat his lymphoma, the patient underwent chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Following a splenectomy due to a worsening condition, he developed clinical malaria with detectable parasitemia. This case suggests that the humoral response and parasite removal by the spleen may afford protection from overt disease and may even help maintain subclinical human reservoirs of the disease.
Rapid, Simple, and Sensitive Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification of the
msp2
Gene
Authors: Pan Lei , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Guiqiang , Liu Qinghui , Yu Yanyan , Wang Shiwen , Yu Huilan , He Jing
Published: October 2011

Anaplasma phagocytophilum
is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, which is prevalent throughout China. In this study, we describe a rapid, simple, and sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the
msp2
gene of
A. phagocytophilum
that is ideal for application in rural areas in China. This assay has the potential to detect
A. phagocytophilum
early in infection as an alternative to existing methods. A total of 42 suspected cases of infection with
A. phagocytophilum
, 15 serologically confirmed and 27 probable cases, were analyzed by the
msp2
LAMP assay. To validate the accuracy of LAMP, previously established nested-PCR and real-time PCR assays were utilized. The sensitivity of LAMP was 25 copies per reaction (approximately 1,250 copies per ml blood) for
A. phagocytophilum
, and the assay did not detect false positives among 27 members of the order
Rickettsiales
and 17 common clinical pathogens. To evaluate the clinical applicability of the LAMP assay, a total of 42 clinical samples were examined. A positive LAMP result was obtained for 12 of the confirmed cases and for 14 of 27 suspected cases, while only 1 confirmed case and 3 cases (2 confirmed cases and 1 suspected case) were detected by nested PCR and real-time PCR, respectively. The LAMP assay described in this study demonstrated a high level of sensitivity comparable with that of nested PCR and real-time PCR for the detection of
A. phagocytophilum
. This LAMP assay is a valuable method for rapid, cost-effective, and simple detection of
A. phagocytophilum
in the rural areas of China.
Molecular Characterization of Quinolone-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates from Brazil
Authors: Uehara Aline A. , Amorin Efigênia L. T. , Ferreira Maria de Fátima , Andrade Claudia F. , Clementino Maysa B. M. , de Filippis Ivano , Neves Felipe P. G. , Pinto Tatiana de C. A. , Teixeira Lúcia M. , Giambiagi-deMarval Marcia , Fracalanzza Sérgio E. L.
Published: October 2011

Despite the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance among gonococci worldwide, limited reports are available from Brazilian locations. In the present study, 25 quinolone-resistant
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(QRNG) strains isolated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were characterized by phenotypic and molecular methods, including analysis of mutations in the
gyrA
and
parC
genes. They represented 16.5% of the
N. gonorrhoeae
isolates obtained during a survey performed from 2006 to 2010. A trend for increasing resistance to ciprofloxacin was observed in the period investigated. The most prevalent pattern of mutation observed among QRNG isolates, Ser-91 to Phe and Asp-95 to Gly in
gyrA
and Ser-87 to Arg in
parC
, was detected in 40% of the isolates exhibiting MICs ranging from 4 to >32 μg/ml. Rare types of mutations were found in the
gyrA
gene (Gln-102 to His [12%] and Asp-95 to Tyr [4%]) and in the
parC
gene (Ser-88 to Thr [4%]). The genetic relationship of the QRNG isolates, evaluated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, suggested that the increase in the frequencies of the QRNG isolates in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, may have arisen as a result of simultaneous spread of two clonal groups. The results also indicate that fluoroquinolones may no longer be used as first line antibiotics for the treatment of gonorrhea in Rio de Janeiro, and that programs for antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance of
N. gonorrhoeae
should also be implemented in other regions of Brazil.
Dried Culture Spots for Xpert MTB/RIF External Quality Assessment: Results of a Phase 1 Pilot Study in South Africa
Authors: Scott L. E. , Gous N. , Cunningham B. E. , Kana B. D. , Perovic O. , Erasmus L. , Coetzee G. J. , Koornhof H. , Stevens W.
Published: October 2011

Implementation of Xpert MTB/RIF requires quality assessment. A pilot program using dried culture spots (DCSs) of inactivated
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is described. Of 274 DCS results received, 2.19% generated errors; the remainder yielded 100% correct
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
detection. The probe A cycle threshold (

C
T

) variability of three DCS batches was ≤3.47. The study of longer-term DCS stability is ongoing.
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION ON THE TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF THE CYLINDRICAL-GATE-ALL-AROUND Si-NW-FET
Authors: SEDIGH-ZYIABARI SEYED ALI , SAGHAFI KAMYAR , FAEZ RAHIM , MORAVVEJ-FARSHI MOHAMMAD KAZEM
Published: October 2011

We report the results of our numerical investigation on the temperature dependence of the characteristics of the cylindrical gate-all-around Si nanowire field effect transistor ( Si -NW-FET). Assuming the effect of temperature on the energy band structure of Si just like the effect of strain, we simulate the transistor characteristics at various temperatures (50 K ≤ T ≤ 300 K ). In this investigation, we demonstrate the temperature dependence of the transistor sub-threshold swing and the threshold voltage are both linear functions of the temperature, represented by 61.5 × (T/300) + 63.4 (mV/decade) and 220–140 × (T/300-1) (mV). By calculating the IDS - T characteristics for VDS = 0.4 V and various VGS, we show that the temperature sensitivity of the drain current defined as the slope of the IDS - T plot, for a given VGS, is independent of the temperature and increases with VGS in a quadratic manner [- 150 × (VGS - 0.50)2 + 8.5 (nA/K)]. Ultimately, the dependence of the transistor delay time on temperature will be presented.
Rapid post-oral stimulation of intake and flavor conditioning by glucose and fat in the mouse
Authors: Zukerman Steven , Ackroff Karen , Sclafani Anthony
Published: October 2011

Although widely assumed to have only satiating actions, nutrients in the gut can also condition increases in intake in some cases. Here we studied the time course of post-oral nutrient stimulation of ingestion in food-restricted C57BL/6J mice. In experiment 1, mice adapted to drink a 0.8% sucralose solution 1 h/day, rapidly increased their rate of licking (within 4–6 min) when first tested with an 8% glucose solution and even more so in tests 2 and 3. Other mice decreased their licking rate when switched from sucralose to 8% fructose, a sugar that is sweet like glucose but lacks positive post-oral effects in mice. The glucose-stimulated drinking is due to the sugar's post-oral rather than taste properties, because sucralose is highly preferred to glucose and fructose in brief choice tests. A second experiment showed that the glucose-stimulated ingestion is associated with a conditioned flavor preference in both intact and capsaicin-treated mice. This indicates that the post-oral stimulatory action of glucose is not mediated by capsaicin-sensitive visceral afferents. In experiment 3, mice consumed flavored saccharin solutions as they self-infused water or glucose via an intragastric (IG) catheter. The glucose self-infusion stimulated ingestion within 13–15 min in test 1 and produced a conditioned increase in licking that was apparent in the initial minute of tests 2 and 3. Experiment 4 revealed that IG self-infusions of a fat emulsion also resulted in post-oral stimulation of licking in test 1 and conditioned increases in tests 2 and 3. These findings indicate that glucose and fat can generate stimulatory post-oral signals early in a feeding session that increase ongoing ingestion and condition increases in flavor acceptance and preference revealed in subsequent feeding sessions. The test procedures developed here can be used to investigate the peripheral and central processes involved in stimulation of intake by post-oral nutrients.
Thyroid Nodules in Children: A Single Institution's Experience
Authors: Khozeimeh Nini , Gingalewski Cynthia
Published: October 2011

Thyroid nodules in children are uncommon but often present an increased risk of malignancy in comparison to their adult counterpart. Multiple diagnostic modalities are frequently employed to characterize these nodules including ultrasound, radionuclide scans, fine needle aspiration (FNA), thyroid function tests, and evaluation of patient demographics. We chose to evaluate if any of these modalities influence treatment or signify a tendency for a nodule to represent a malignant lesion. A retrospective review of patients <21 years of age who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy from 2004 to 2009 was performed (IRB no. 4695). Other than an FNA indicating a malignancy, there does not appear to be any value to extensive preoperative imaging, nor can patient risk be stratified based upon age. We conclude that there is minimal utility in an extensive preoperative workup in a child with a thyroid nodule.
The GISS Trial: a Phase II Prevention Trial of Screening Plus Goserelin, Ibandronate, versus Screening Alone in Premenopausal Women at Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: von Minckwitz Gunter , Loibl Sibylle , Jackisch Christian , Paepke Stefan , Nestle-Kraemling Caroline , Lux Michael P. , Maass Nico , Schmutzler Rita , du Bois Andreas , Wallwiener Diethelm , Vescia Sabine , Budischewski Kai , Kaufmann Manfred
Published: October 2011

Background: Genetic testing for inherited mutations in breast cancer genes provides valuable information for disease prevention. Today, premenopausal women with increased risk for breast cancer have only limited nonsurgical options to reduce their risk.

Methods: The GISS trial, a randomized, multicenter, open-label phase II trial, assessed the feasibility of a preventive treatment with goserelin and ibandronate for premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer. The primary endpoints were refusal to undergo randomization and discontinuation of treatment. Safety and quality of life were also evaluated.

Results: Between the years 2001 and 2003, 31 of 322 eligible women participated in the trial; 15 received goserelin/ibandronate plus screening, 15 screening only, and 1 withdrew her consent after randomization. The treatment duration was 24 months. Here, mainly the results from the first 12 months were evaluated because of the low compliance thereafter. Hot flushes, headache, and vaginal dryness/discharge occurred more often in the goserelin arm. No difference was observed between the two arms in the agreement to randomization, compliance, or any other endpoints.

Conclusions: Acceptance of chemoprevention with goserelin and ibandronate was low. Premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer should be better informed about chemoprevention through physician counseling and a more feasible study design (e.g., oral medication) should be provided.

Impact: This is the first chemoprevention trial in premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(10); 2141–9. ©2011 AACR.
Economic Burden of Cancer in the United States: Estimates, Projections, and Future Research
Authors: Yabroff K. Robin , Lund Jennifer , Kepka Deanna , Mariotto Angela
Published: October 2011

The economic burden of cancer in the United States is substantial and expected to increase significantly in the future because of expected growth and aging of the population and improvements in survival as well as trends in treatment patterns and costs of care following cancer diagnosis. In this article, we describe measures of the economic burden of cancer and present current estimates and projections of the national burden of cancer in the United States. We discuss ongoing efforts to characterize the economic burden of cancer in the United States and identify key areas for future work including developing and enhancing research resources, improving estimates and projections of economic burden, evaluating targeted therapies, and assessing the financial burden for patients and their families. This work will inform efforts by health care policy makers, health care systems, providers, and employers to improve the cancer survivorship experience in the United States. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(10); 2006–14. ©2011 AACR.
A Call to Action
Authors: Parham William D.
Published: October 2011

The ascendance of large-scale disasters, catastrophes, and traumas as a concentrated focus of academic inquiry in counseling psychology is timely, and this special issue and subsequent investigations represent welcome areas of scholarship. The observations and comments herein salute the authors for responding to a post-Katrina discovery by counseling psychology of the heretofore localized and less than systematic responses to large-scale disasters, catastrophes, and traumas. Extensions to and invited elaborations on the collective observations of this team of authors are offered for consideration. This article also doubles as an invitation to counseling psychologists to put into action programs, procedures, policies, and political advocacy aimed at tapping and sustaining the hope and resilience of national and international communities forced to reconcile sudden and life-changing devastation.
Accounting for Blind Spots
Authors: Button Mark E.
Published: October 2011

This essay is concerned with the challenges that moral “blind spots” create for the presence and endurance of democratic virtues under conditions of pluralism. A moral blind spot refers to the occlusions in individual moral perceptions and the limits that circumscribe moral sympathies owing to our ineluctable partialities as socially embedded beings. Blind spots constitute a tragic feature of human perception and moral judgment that facilitate and undermine human agency at once. Yet, far more problematic from the perspective of democratic epistemology and normative ethics is the denial or willful forgetfulness of their place in our individual and collective lives, and the concomitant failure to account for moral blind spots so as to check their most pernicious effects. Accounting for moral blind spots in practice requires actively planning for their presence through the cultivation of the “pathos of distance” towards ourselves and our collective political identities and social institutions.
Thermoplastic natural rubbers based on blending of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer with different types of natural rubber
Authors: Nakason C. , Kaewsakul W. , Kaesaman A.
Published: October 2011

Thermoplastic natural rubbers based on reactive blending of maleated natural rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and epoxidized natural rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer blends were prepared via a simple blend technique. Phenolic-modified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer was used as a blend compatibilizer for the unmodified natural rubber, air dried sheet/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer blend. Dynamic, rheological, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the blends were investigated. It was found that the epoxidized natural rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer blend showed higher tensile modulus, tension set properties as well as smallest dispersion of the co-continuous phase than those of the maleated natural rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and air dried sheet/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer blends, respectively. Furthermore, the air dried sheet/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and epoxidized natural rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer blends exhibited similar values of tensile strength, while the maleated natural rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer blend gave the lowest value. The air dried sheet/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer blend gave higher extensibility than that of the epoxidized natural rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and maleated natural rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer blends. This is attributed to the molecular characteristics in terms of molecular mass and level of interaction between the chains. Furthermore, the blends showed higher thermal stability than pure rubber because of high heat resistance of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer component. The epoxidized natural rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer blend exhibited the highest heat stability because of higher chemical interaction between molecules and between phases. Also, the degree of crystallinity in the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer phase in the blends was lower than that of the pure ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. Among the various types of blends, the epoxidized natural rubber/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer blend showed the highest degree of crystallinity.
PROC NLMIXED
Authors: Nandakumar Ratna , Hotchkiss Lawrence
Published: October 2011

The PROC NLMIXED procedure in Statistical Analysis System can be used to estimate parameters of item response theory (IRT) models. The data for this procedure are set up in a particular format called the “long format.” The long format takes a substantial amount of time to execute the program. This article describes a format called the “wide format” to estimate parameters of an IRT model more efficiently. The wide format substantially reduces execution time for models with few parameters. But the time savings decline as the number of parameters increases.
Multigenerational Giftedness: Perceptions of Giftedness across Three Generations
Authors: Perrone Kristin M. , Ksiazak Tracy M. , Wright Stephen L. , Vannatter Aarika , Crane Amy L. , Tanney Angela
Published: October 2011

The focus of this study was on gifted adults' perceptions of multigenerational giftedness in their families. Participants have been surveyed annually since their high school graduation in 1988. The purpose of the longitudinal study is to gain insight into the career and life development of gifted individuals post-high school. For the present follow-up study, data were collected via the Internet and mailed surveys and analyzed by a 5-member research team. Participants reported their perceptions of whether or not their parents and children were gifted and the areas of giftedness. The number of participants who perceived both parents to be gifted was roughly equal to those stating that neither parent was gifted. Areas of perceived giftedness differed between mothers and fathers. The majority of participants identified at least one of their children as gifted. Specific areas of giftedness perceived in participants' children and parents are described. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Perfectionism among Chinese Gifted and Nongifted Students in Hong Kong: The Use of the Revised Almost Perfect Scale
Authors: Chan David W.
Published: October 2011

This study investigated the structure of perfectionism based on the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised with a sample of 320 gifted students aged 7 to 12 and a sample of 882 nongifted students of similar ages in Hong Kong. Multigroup confirmatory factor analyses across the two student groups supported a common three-dimensional model that included constructs of high personal standards, order and organization, and perception of discrepancy between standards and performance. Both a rational approach and an empirical clustering procedure yielded three clusters of students interpreted as unhealthy perfectionists, nonperfectionists, and healthy perfectionists. Unhealthy perfectionists had pervasively high scores on all three dimensions, healthy perfectionists had high scores on standards and order and low scores on discrepancy, and nonperfectionists had pervasively low scores on all three dimensions. Implications of the findings for future research on perfectionism and the promotion of positive perfectionism are discussed.
Examining the Underrepresentation of Underserved Students in Gifted Programs from a Transformational Leadership Vantage Point
Authors: Michael-Chadwell Sharon
Published: October 2011

Within the United States, the underrepresentation of historically underserved student groups continues to be a phenomenon in gifted and talented (GT) programs. In a phenomenological study exploring teachers' and African American parents' perceptions of the underrepresentation of gifted African American students, four themes emerged from the study. Those themes are: (a) misperceptions regarding a student's race and ability; (b) the lack of parent awareness programs about issues related to gifted and talented education; (c) the need for professional development training related to the needs of minority gifted students; and (d) issues related to testing and assessment instrumentation. A paradigm shift in leadership and GT program practices must occur to reduce identification and placement gaps. The Chadwell Transformative Model for Gifted Program Reform is a means to improve the identification and placement of historically underserved students into gifted and talented programs.
The Multidimensional Self-Concept: A Comparison of Gifted and Average-Ability Adolescents
Authors: Pyryt Michael C. , Mendaglio Sal
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this paper is to describe the self-concept of gifted and average-ability adolescents from a multidimensional perspective. Four dimensions of self-concept (academic, social, athletic, and social) were examined using an instrument that incorporates three theoretical perspectives (reflected appraisals, social comparison, and attribution). Ninety-eight junior high school students from a large urban centre in Western Canada participated in the study. Results of a MANOVA followed by a discriminant analysis indicated that gifted students differ in self-concept from average-ability adolescents, particularly in terms of academic self-concept.
Language Diversity and Giftedness: Working with Gifted English Language Learners
Authors: Kitano Margie K. , Espinosa Ruben
Published: October 2011

The challenge of serving gifted students from nonmainstream cultural backgrounds assumes greater complexity when accompanied by linguistic diversity. Gifted students with primary languages other than English, or English language learners, demonstrate wide within-group differences related to language of origin, level of first- and second- language proficiency, cultural background, and type and level of talent. While the majority of bilingual residents in the United States speak Spanish, some school district enrollments represent nearly 100 different language groups, some of very low incidence. To respond to the needs of this population, educators require current information concerning appropriate procedures for identification, service delivery, instructional methods, and community involvement. This article summarizes available literature and suggests future directions.
Motivational Patterns Related to Gifted Students' Learning of Mathematics, Science and English: An Examination of Gender Differences
Authors: Li Anita K. F. , Adamson Georgina
Published: October 2011

The study examined gender differences in achievement-related motivational patterns in gifted students. One hundred sixty-nine intellectually gifted secondary students were given measures of perceived ability, subjective task value, learning style preference, and causal attributions in reference to mathematics, science, and English. They also responded to measures of self-concept, intrinsic motivation, and attribution for responsibility for positive and negative outcomes. Gifted girls, more than gifted boys, were found to attribute both success and failure in mathematics, science, and English to effort and strategy. Gifted girls also tended to report greater confidence and interest in English. However, no gender differences were found in terms of maladaptive motivational tendency. No program differences overall were found. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Effects of Enrichment on Gifted/Learning-Disabled Students
Authors: Olenchak F. Richard
Published: October 2011

Students who are concomitantly gifted and learning disabled continue to present educators with a significant quandary regarding programming. While previous studies have concentrated on the disabilities of students, this analysis focuses on their personal strengths. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of a highly structured, personally tailored enrichment program on the attitudes, self-concepts, and creative productivity of 108 gifted/LD youngsters enrolled in the fourth through sixth grades. Results indicate that year-long participation in such a program had significant positive impact on attitudes toward school, self-concept, and creative production.
Using Frame of Reference Theory to Understand the Self-Concept of Academically Able Students
Authors: Williams Janice E. , Montgomery Diane
Published: October 2011

According to the frame of reference theory (Marsh, 1986), students make both internal ability comparisons across academic areas and external ability comparisons relative to peers when determining academic self-concept. Understanding the processes utilized by high-ability students to formulate their academic self-concept is an important consideration in meeting the educational needs of this population. To determine the applicability of the frame of reference theory, verbal and mathematics self-concept and achievement measures were administered to 103 academically able high school students. Consistent with theoretical findings with students in the general population, path analysis verified the dual influence of both internal and external processes on student self-concepts.
Action Research and Practical Inquiry: An Overview and an Invitation to Teachers of Gifted Learners
Authors: Tomlinson Carol Ann
Published: October 2011

Action research is a method of systematically investigating classroom procedures and practices with an eye toward improving the quality of action in the schools. Teachers may use action research or practical inquiry in the course of their professional practice as a way of understanding teaching more fully, identifying and addressing classroom problems, extending their professionalism, and contributing to the field of education. This article provides background on, definitions of, and guidance for conducting action research. It also serves as a call for submitting to this journal reports from action research and practical inquiry for review and possible publication in JEG.
Toward More Research on Effective Practices with Gifted Students in General-Education Settings
Authors: Ryser Gail R. , Johnsen Susan K.
Published: October 2011

A lack of efficacy research related to effective practices for gifted students in the general-education setting exists in the literature. Future research efforts in this area need to begin by clearly defining worthwhile effects to study. These worthwhile effects relate to what we want our gifted students to accomplish in both the short and long term. Once these effects are defined, we recommend that researchers identify the important critical attributes of the desired practices, include ways of determining if the practice is actually implemented in the classroom, and use technically adequate measures and procedures to gather data.
A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial of structured goal-setting following stroke
Authors: Taylor William J , Brown Melanie , William Levack , McPherson Kathryn M , Reed Kirk , Dean Sarah G , Weatherall Mark
Published: October 2011

Objective: To determine the feasibility, the cluster design effect and the variance and minimal clinical importance difference in the primary outcome in a pilot study of a structured approach to goal-setting.

Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Subjects: People who were admitted to inpatient rehabilitation following stroke who had sufficient cognition to engage in structured goal-setting and complete the primary outcome measure.

Interventions: Structured goal elicitation using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.

Main measures: Quality of life at 12 weeks using the Schedule for Individualised Quality of Life (SEIQOL-DW), Functional Independence Measure, Short Form 36 and Patient Perception of Rehabilitation (measuring satisfaction with rehabilitation). Assessors were blinded to the intervention.

Results: Four rehabilitation services and 41 patients were randomized. We found high values of the intraclass correlation for the outcome measures (ranging from 0.03 to 0.40) and high variance of the SEIQOL-DW (SD 19.6) in relation to the minimally importance difference of 2.1, leading to impractically large sample size requirements for a cluster randomized design.

Conclusions: A cluster randomized design is not a practical means of avoiding contamination effects in studies of inpatient rehabilitation goal-setting. Other techniques for coping with contamination effects are necessary.
Networked Success and Failure at Hybritech
Authors: Jones Mark Peter
Published: October 2011

The author presents an historical account of scientific work conducted at a commercial biotech firm in San Diego called Hybritech. It tells of disruptions in research programs following the acquisition of the company by the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly in 1986. The story centers on responses to an organizational challenge that research managers and scientists in any setting, academic or industrial, must confront—how to create and sustain an organizational culture that is conducive to creativity and innovation. The case provides an occasion for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of two leading theoretical accounts of innovation in social studies of science and technology—sociological network analysis and actor-network theory.
Emotional Intelligence and Perceived Social Support Among Italian High School Students
Authors: Fabio Annamaria Di , Kenny Maureen E.
Published: October 2011

Emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged in recent research as a teachable skill that is distinct from personality and is relevant to scholastic and work success and progress in career development. This study adds to that research by examining the relationship of performance and self-report measures of EI and personality traits with perceived social support. Three hundred and nine Italian high school students completed the Multidimensional scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Emotional Intelligence scale (EIS), the Mayer Salovey Caruso Emotional Intelligence test (MSCEIT), and the Big Five questionnaire (BFQ). Both self-report (EIS) and performance (MSCEIT) measures of EI contributed to the explanation of social support beyond the effects of personality (BFQ). Building on prior research evidence that social support and EI are instrumental to career development, and that EI can be enhanced through training, the findings suggest the potential of EI training as a component of career readiness preparation.
Rapid fabrication of metallic mechanism joints by selective laser melting
Authors: Yang Y , Su X , Wang D , Chen Y
Published: October 2011

When fabricating metallic mechanism joints by selective laser melting (SLM), the clearance of the joint and the fabrication direction are two important factors, which are studied in this paper. In order to reduce joint clearance and facilitate the removal of support material, two improved joint designs are proposed: one with a drum-shaped hub design, and one with a drum-shaped pin design. As well as joint clearance, part strength is also very important. Sample tensile test parts were fabricated by SLM and tested for yield strength and elongation: these mechanical properties were comparable to those of equivalent parts produced by casting. For experimental verification, a number of metallic joints are fabricated. Since non-assembled metallic mechanisms produced by SLM have strength that can stand large loads, they have the potential to be used directly as mechanical power transmission systems in some practical applications.
Is Accuracy of Weight Perception Associated With Health Risk Behaviors in a Diverse Sample of Obese Adolescents?
Authors: Lenhart Clare M. , Daly Brian P. , Eichen Dawn M.
Published: October 2011

Current evidence is equivocal as to whether adolescent’s perception of weight status is linked to both healthy and risky behaviors. This study examined the association between accurate and inaccurate perception of weight and self-reported health and risk behaviors among a diverse sample of obese, urban adolescents. Data were analyzed from 1,180 participants in the 2009 Philadelphia Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Health behaviors of obese students self-identifying as very or slightly overweight were compared to obese students who underestimated their weight status. Accurate self-identifiers of weight status were significantly more likely to report trying to lose weight, bullying victimization, and suicide attempts as compared to obese students underestimating their weight status. Findings suggest that it is important for school nurses to understand that perceived weight status confers distinct risk profiles and differing needs for health-related services related to the physical, mental, and social health of adolescents.
Network Determinants of Knowledge Utilization
Authors: Crona Beatrice I. , Parker John N.
Published: October 2011

This study examines the socio-organizational model of science-policy knowledge transfer. Using social network analysis, the authors study how interactions between researchers-policy makers affect utilization of research by policy makers in a boundary organization designed to mediate between research and policy communities. Two types of social interactions with independent effects on utilization are identified. Policy makers with more direct contacts with researchers are more likely to utilize research. Policy makers interacting more with other policy makers regarding research are also more likely to utilize it. This indicates the importance of policy makers’ embeddedness in social networks and the importance of external reputation of boundary organizations for successful knowledge transfer.
A methodology for direct identification of characteristic wave-types in a finite periodic dual-layer structure with transverse connection
Authors: Wang Junfang , Mak Cheuk Ming , Yun Yi
Published: October 2011

In a companion paper the phenomenon of flexural-longitudinal wave coupling in an infinite dual-beam periodic structure with transverse connection is investigated. The remarkable finding obtained that there was such a periodic structure which conveyed fundamentally three symmetric and three antisymmetric characteristic coupled waves. In this paper, a methodology is proposed to realize the direct identification of characteristic waves from the responses of a finite periodic structure. This represents a considerable departure from traditional methods, in which the assumption of infinite dimension of a periodic structure is implied. It is the inverse process of the traditional studies which obtain characteristic wave-types based on the assumption and then continue the studies with the wave-types. A general expression for the individual transition matrix of one periodic element is defined and derived from two adjacent junction-mobilities of a finite periodic structure. A common transition matrix for all elements is then constructed using responses based on the mathematical analysis of the relations between responses or junction-mobilities, individual transition matrices and characteristic wave-types. Finally, a specific experimental structure and approach was designed to extract the characteristic waves from the responses. All the symmetrical and antisymmetrical characteristic wave-types, except the pairing of near-field wave-types, are extracted from the common transition matrix of the finite periodic structure, demonstrating the feasibility of the method presented.
Putting Families in the Center
Authors: Davis Catherine C. , Claudius Milena , Palinkas Lawrence A. , Wong John B. , Leslie Laurel K.
Published: October 2011

Objective: To examine components of family-centered care in families’ stories about treatment decision making for their child with ADHD. Method: Twenty-eight families participated in qualitative interviews that addressed families’ perspectives on (a) the treatment decision-making process, (b) the cause and impact of their child’s symptoms, and (c) treatment goals and preferences. Results: The majority of families preferred to be primary or shared decision makers regarding treatment decisions. Families’ perspectives on the cause of the child’s symptoms varied and often were not consistent with a biomedical framework. Families described multiple areas of impairment on child, family relationships, and family functioning. Perspectives toward evidence-based treatments were mixed, with families also expressing interest in and pursuing interventions not delineated in current treatment guidelines. Conclusion: These findings reinforce the importance of eliciting families’ perspectives and involving these important stakeholders in shared decision making as critical components of family-centered care for children with ADHD.