bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics That Distinguish Abusive From Nonabusive Head Trauma Among Young Children Who Underwent Head Computed Tomography in Japan
Authors: Fujiwara Takeo , Okuyama Makiko , Miyasaka Mikiko
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE. Distinguishing abusive head trauma in young children from other diseases by symptoms is difficult in practice. Comparisons between abusive and nonabusive head trauma in young children in Japan, where computed tomography is widely and easily available, might contribute to identifying markers of abusive head trauma that differ from that in Western countries. The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of abusive and nonabusive head trauma in young children in Japan.

METHODS. A comparative case series study involving a retrospective medical chart and social work record review of children who were aged 0 to 2 years, visited the National Center for Child Health and Development (Tokyo, Japan) from March 1, 2002, to December 31, 2005, and underwent computed tomography scanning because of suspected intracranial injury was performed. Patients (N = 260) were identified and classified as having either abusive or nonabusive head trauma on the basis of the published definition. Demographic and perinatal characteristics, injury history, clinical presentation, and outcomes were compared by using χ2 and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS. Patients with abusive head trauma were significantly younger than patients with nonabusive head trauma and had a peak at ∼2 to 4 and 7 to 9 months. Patients with abusive head trauma more likely presented no injury history by the caregiver, neurologic symptoms (unconsciousness, seizure, paralysis), subdural hemorrhage, and retinal hemorrhages. Although patients with abusive head trauma had severe clinical outcomes, only 32% of them were separated from the caregiver by social welfare services.

CONCLUSIONS. This study highlights the several clinical markers to detect abusive head trauma at a medical visit, including an absence of injury history, neurologic symptoms, subdural hemorrhage, and retinal hemorrhage. These markers can be used to detect abusive head trauma cases by physicians and social welfare workers to protect children from additional abuse.
A Randomized Trial of Nicotine Nasal Spray in Adolescent Smokers
Authors: Rubinstein Mark L. , Benowitz Neal L. , Auerback Glenna M. , Moscicki Anna-Barbara
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES. Nicotine nasal spray has been 1 of the most successful forms of nicotine-replacement therapy in adult populations. The nasal sprayer has not been studied in adolescent smokers. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and utility of using nicotine nasal spray for adolescent smokers who wanted to quit smoking.

METHODS. Forty adolescent smokers who were between 15 and 18 years of age and smoked ≥5 cigarettes daily for at least 6 months were recruited from several San Francisco Bay area schools from 2005 to 2007. Using a randomized, open-label, 12-week trial, adolescent smokers were assigned to receive either weekly counseling alone (control) for 8 weeks or 8 weeks of counseling along with 6 weeks of nicotine nasal spray. Self-reported smoking abstinence was verified by both expired-air carbon monoxide and salivary cotinine.

RESULTS. There was no difference in cessation rates, the numbers of cigarettes smoked per day, or cotinine levels at 12 weeks. Fifty-seven percent of participants stopped using their spray after only 1 week. The most commonly reported adverse effect was nasal irritation and burning (34.8%) followed by complaints about the taste and smell (13%).

CONCLUSIONS. The unpleasant adverse effects, poor adherence, and consequent lack of efficacy observed in our pilot study do not support the use of nicotine nasal spray as an adjunct to counseling for adolescent smokers who wish to quit.
Retinoblastoma: One World, One Vision
Authors: Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Wilson Mathew W. , Chantada Guillermo , Fu Ligia , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Antoneli Célia , Leal-Leal Carlos , Sharma Tarun , Barnoya Margarita , Epelman Sidnei , Pizzarello Louis , Kane Javier R. , Barfield Ray , Merchant Thomas E. , Robison Leslie L. , Murphree A. Linn , Chevez-Barrios Patricia , Dyer Michael A. , O'Brien Joan , Ribeiro Raul C. , Hungerford John , Helveston Eugene M. , Haik Barrett G. , Wilimas Judith
Published: September 2008

Retinoblastoma is curable when diagnosed early and treated appropriately; however, the prognosis is dismal when the basic elements of diagnosis and treatment are lacking. In developing countries, poor education, lower socioeconomic conditions, and inefficient health care systems result in delayed diagnosis and suboptimal care. Furthermore, the complexity of multidisciplinary care required is seldom possible. Whereas ocular salvage is a priority in the Western world, death from retinoblastoma is still a major problem in developing countries. To bring the 2 ends of this spectrum together and provide a forum for discussion, the “One World, One Vision” symposium was organized, at which clinicians and researchers from various cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds converged to discuss their experiences. Strategies for early diagnosis in developing countries were discussed. Elements of the development of retinoblastoma centers in developing countries were discussed, and examples of successful programs were highlighted. An important component in this process is twinning between centers in developing countries and mentor institutions in high-income countries. Global initiatives by nongovernmental organizations such as the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research, Orbis International, and the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness were presented. Treatment of retinoblastoma in developing countries remains a challenge; however, it is possible to coordinate efforts at multiple levels, including public administrations and nonprofit organizations, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma and to improve the outcome for these children.
Food Security, Maternal Stressors, and Overweight Among Low-Income US Children: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2002)
Authors: Gundersen Craig , Lohman Brenda J. , Garasky Steven , Stewart Susan , Eisenmann Joey
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE. A high proportion of children in the United States are overweight, suffer from food insecurity, and live in households facing maternal stressors. The objective of this article was to identify the associations of food insecurity and maternal stressors with childhood overweight among low-income children. We hypothesized that maternal stressors may exacerbate the relationship between food insecurity and child obesity.

METHODS. The sample included 841 children (3–17 years old) and their mothers with incomes below 200% of the poverty line from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Food insecurity was based on US Department of Agriculture protocol, maternal stressors were assessed from survey questions, and BMI was used to classify weight status. Probit regression models predicted the probability of a child being overweight or obese.

RESULTS. In most specifications, there was no direct association between food insecurity or maternal stressors and overweight for children of any age. Among 3- to 10-year-olds, the interaction of food insecurity and maternal stressors was significantly linked to the probability of being overweight; more specifically, an increase in maternal stressors amplified a food secure child's probability of being overweight or obese. This result is robust to alternative specifications. However, these results were not found among 11- and 17-year-old youth.

CONCLUSIONS. Younger children in food secure, low-income households in the United States who are experiencing higher levels of maternal stressors have a greater probability of being overweight than food insecure children. This finding was contrary to the hypothesis; 3 reasons for this are covered in the article. Those who create policies that address childhood obesity could consider the benefits to low-income children's well-being resulting from reducing their mothers' stressors. Because most children in the United States are food secure, these policies could have a profound impact on childhood overweight.
Safety Monitoring of Drugs Receiving Pediatric Marketing Exclusivity
Authors: Smith P. Brian , Benjamin Daniel K. , Murphy M. Dianne , Johann-Liang Rosemary , Iyasu Solomon , Gould Barbara , Califf Robert M. , Li Jennifer S. , Rodriguez William
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES. The Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act provided for an additional 6-month period of marketing exclusivity to companies that perform pediatric drug trials in response to a Food and Drug Administration–issued written request. Because many safety concerns cannot be detected until after the introduction of a product to a larger and more diverse market, the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act required the Food and Drug Administration to report to the Pediatric Advisory Committee on adverse events occurring during the 1-year period after granting pediatric exclusivity. We sought to describe the Pediatric Advisory Committee's recommendations made in response to safety reviews informed by data from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System in 67 drugs granted exclusivity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. Pediatric Advisory Committee meetings and data presented by the Food and Drug Administration for all drugs were reviewed from June 2003 through April 2007. We divided the drugs into 2 groups: those that were returned to routine adverse event monitoring and those that had specific Pediatric Advisory Committee recommendations.

RESULTS. Forty-four (65.7%) drugs were returned to routine monitoring for adverse events. The Pediatric Advisory Committee, sometimes working with other advisory committees, recommended label changes for 12 (17.9%) drugs, continued monitoring for 10 (14.9%), production of MedGuides for 9 (13.4%), and an update on label changes resulting from discussions with the sponsor for 1 (1.5%) drug. Some drugs had >1 action. Several of the adverse events revealed during this process were rare and life-threatening.

CONCLUSIONS. Safety monitoring during the early postmarketing period is crucial to detect rare, serious, or pediatric-specific adverse events. Fortunately, the majority of drugs given exclusivity had no adverse events of a frequency or severity that prevented a return to routine adverse event monitoring.
Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound Lesions and Developmental Delays at 2 Years of Age Among Extremely Low Gestational Age Children
Authors: O'Shea T. Michael , Kuban Karl C. K. , Allred Elizabeth N. , Paneth Nigel , Pagano Marcello , Dammann Olaf , Bostic Lisa , Brooklier Kara , Butler Samantha , Goldstein Donald J. , Hounshell Gail , Keller Cecelia , McQuiston Susan , Miller Alice , Pasternak Steve , Plesha-Troyke Susan , Price Joan , Romano Elaine , Solomon Katherine M. , Jacobson Amanda , Westra Sjirk , Leviton Alan ,   for the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns Study Investigators
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND. Studies of the relationship between ultrasound images from preterm newborns and developmental delay most often are based on small samples defined by birth weight and exclude infants not testable with standardized assessments.

METHODS. We evaluated associations between ultrasound-defined lesions of the brain and developmental delays at 24 months’ corrected age in 1017 children born before the 28th postmenstrual week. Brain ultrasound scans were read for concordance on 4 lesions: intraventricular hemorrhage, moderate/severe ventriculomegaly, white matter echodense/hyperechoic lesions, and white matter echodense/hypoechoic lesions and 2 diagnoses–periventricular leukomalacia and periventricular hemorrhagic infarction. Certified examiners, who were not aware of the infants’ ultrasound findings, administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Second Edition. Children with an impairment (eg., blindness) that precluded testing with the Bayley Scales and those for whom >2 test items were omitted were classified using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales Motor Skills Domain instead of the Psychomotor Development Index and the Adaptive Behavior Composite instead of the Mental Development Index.

RESULTS. Fully 26% of all of the children had delayed mental development (ie, Mental Development Index < 70), and 31% had delayed psychomotor development (ie, Psychomotor Development Index < 70). Ultrasound abnormalities were more strongly associated with low Psychomotor Development Index than with low Mental Development Index. Children without cranial ultrasound abnormality had the lowest probability (23% and 26%) of delayed mental or psychomotor development. Moderate/severe ventriculomegaly was associated with a more than fourfold increase in the risk of psychomotor delay and an almost threefold increase in the risk of mental delay. Echolucency was the next best predictor of delayed mental and psychomotor development. The probability of low scores varied with the number of zones involved and with the location of echolucency. At particularly high risk were infants with bilateral cerebellar hemorrhage, co-occurring ventriculomegaly and echolucency bilateral echolucency, or echolucency located posteriorly.

CONCLUSIONS. Focal white matter damage, as characterized by echolucent/hypoechoic lesion, and diffuse damage, as suggested by late ventriculomegaly, are associated with delayed mental and psychomotor development.
Antenatal Use of Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors and QT Interval Prolongation in Newborns
Authors: Dubnov-Raz Gal , Juurlink David N. , Fogelman Rami , Merlob Paul , Ito Shinya , Koren Gideon , Finkelstein Yaron
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES. Prolongation of the QT interval is a risk factor for sudden death. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants can prolong the QT interval and are widely used by pregnant women. Whether antenatal exposure to selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor causes QT prolongation in offspring is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of maternal use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants during pregnancy on the QTc interval of the offspring.

METHODS. Between January 2000 and December 2005, we collected data on all of the newborns born at a single tertiary care hospital. Electrocardiograms of infants exposed to selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants in utero were compared with those of healthy control newborns matched on gestational age. The tracings were interpreted by a pediatric cardiologist who was unaware of the drug exposure.

RESULTS. We identified 52 newborns exposed to selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants in the immediate antepartum period and 52 matched control subjects. The mean QTc was significantly longer in the group of newborns exposed to antidepressants as compared with control subjects (409 ± 42 vs 392 ± 29 milliseconds). Five (10%) newborns exposed to selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants had a markedly prolonged QTc interval (>460 milliseconds) compared with none of the unexposed newborns. The longest QTc interval observed among exposed newborns was 543 milliseconds. All of the drug-associated repolarization abnormalities normalized in subsequent electrocardiographic tracings.

CONCLUSIONS. Antepartum use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants is associated with QTc interval prolongation in exposed neonates. Additional research using a standardized protocol is needed to determine whether exposure to selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants in late pregnancy is also associated with arrhythmias.
Oxidative Stress Is Associated With Arterial Dysfunction and Enhanced Intima-Media Thickness in Children With Hypercholesterolemia: The Potential Role of Nicotinamide-Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase
Authors: Martino Francesco , Loffredo Lorenzo , Carnevale Roberto , Sanguigni Valerio , Martino Eliana , Catasca Elisa , Zanoni Cristina , Pignatelli Pasquale , Violi Francesco
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND. Endothelial dysfunction and intima-media thickness are precocious manifestations of hypercholesterolemia, but the mechanism is unclear.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of the study was to analyze the interplay among endothelial dysfunction, intima-media thickness, and oxidative stress in children with hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS. We performed a cross-sectional study comparing flow-mediated dilation, intima-media thickness, lipid profile, urinary isoprostanes as markers of oxidative stress, and platelet expression of gp91phox, the catalytic unit of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, in a population of 50 children with hypercholesterolemia (mean age ± SD: 10.0 ± 3.7 years) and 50 children without hypercholesterolemia (mean age: 9.2 ± 3.5 years). Four children with hereditary deficiency of gp91phox were studied also.

RESULTS. Children with hypercholesterolemia had reduced flow-mediated dilation (mean ± SD: 6.2 ± 2.4 vs 9.2 ± 2.5%) and enhanced intima-media thickness (0.45 ± 0.07 vs 0.40 ± 0.06 mm), urinary isoprostanes (86.9 ± 51.6 vs 45.9 ± 25.6 pg/mg creatinine), and gp91phox platelet expression (4.4 ± 3.8 vs 2.0 ± 1.7 mean fluorescence) compared with control subjects. At bivariate analysis, flow-mediated dilation was correlated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, intima-media thickness, urinary isoprostanes, and platelet gp91phox. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that, in children with hypercholesterolemia, flow-mediated dilation and intima-media thickness were significantly associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and urinary isoprostanes; also, gp91phox platelet expression was an independent predictor of urinary isoprostanes. Children with gp91phox hereditary deficiency showed downregulation of platelet gp91phox and reduced urinary excretion of isoprostanes.

CONCLUSIONS. The study suggests that gp91phox-mediated oxidative stress may have a pathogenic role in the anatomic and functional changes of the arterial wall occurring in children with premature atherosclerosis.
Interrater Reliability and Effect of State on Blood Pressure Measurements in Infants 1 to 3 Years of Age
Authors: Duncan Andrea F. , Rosenfeld Charles R. , Morgan Janet S. , Ahmad Naveed , Heyne Roy J.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to determine the interrater variability and effect of state on systolic blood pressure measurements in infants ≤3 years of age.

METHODS. Study 1 examined interrater variability, determined by interclass correlation coefficient for 2 raters, and the effect of state on systolic blood pressure measurements in infants at 1, 2, and 3 years. Study 2 examined the variability of duplicate systolic blood pressure measurements by a single rater determined by interclass correlation coefficient and effect of state in 120 infants at 1, 2, and 3 years. Systolic blood pressure was defined as the Doppler-amplified sound corresponding to the first Korotkoff sound using a sphygmomanometer with appropriate cuff size. State was scored as follows: 1, sleeping; 2, awake and calm; 3, awake and fussy/restless; and 4, awake and vigorously crying/screaming.

RESULTS. In study 1, the overall interclass correlation coefficient for systolic blood pressure was 0.81 and decreased when state varied between raters. When compared with a calm state 1 and/or 2 at both measurements, noncalm state 3 and/or 4 at both measurements was associated with an increase in systolic blood pressure. Although state was similar in infants born at ≤36 and >36 weeks' gestational age, the former had a systolic blood pressure 13.0 ± 14 mm Hg greater than the 50th centile for age and gender versus 2.4 ± 12 mmHg for those >36 weeks' gestation. In study 2, the interclass correlation coefficient for repeated measurements by a single rater was 0.85, and noncalm state at both measurements was associated with an elevated systolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS. Systolic blood pressure can be accurately measured in the first 3 years after birth, but state modifies systolic blood pressure and must be determined at the time of measurement. Infants born at ≤36 weeks' estimated gestational age may be at risk for an elevated systolic blood pressure, but this requires additional study.
Administration of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine to Parents of High-Risk Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Dylag Andrew M. , Shah Shetal I.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE. Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccination is recommended for adults who are in contact with infants who are younger than 12 months and in the NICU. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine administration to parents in a tertiary care, level III NICU and to measure its effect on vaccination rates among parents of this high-risk population.

METHODS. For a 4-month period from July to October 2007, all parents of admitted patients were informed of the risks and benefits of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine by placing an information letter at their infant's bedside. All staff were educated about the dangers of pertussis infection and instructed to reinforce the need to obtain vaccination. Immunization was available for 20 hours per day at no cost. Student's t tests were used for data analysis.

RESULTS. During the study period, 352 children (598 eligible parents) were admitted to the NICU at gestational ages ranging from 23 to 42 weeks, and 495 (82.8%) parents were offered the vaccine. Overall vaccination rate was 86.9% (430 parents) of the screened population. Fifty-five (11.1%) parents in the screened cohort refused vaccination, predominately citing pertussis as an insignificant health threat or disbelief in vaccination. There were no differences in vaccination rate on the basis of parental age. No allergic reactions to vaccination were observed. The 54 infants whose parents were not offered vaccine had a significantly shorter length of stay, higher birth weight, and higher gestational age than parents who were offered vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS. Administration of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine in the NICU is an effective means of increasing vaccination rates of parents of this population. Logistic barriers persist when implementing this program for infants with a short (<3-day) length of stay.
An Algorithm for Treatment of Patients With Hypersensitivity Reactions After Vaccines
Authors: Wood Robert A. , Berger Melvin , Dreskin Stephen C. , Setse Rosanna , Engler Renata J.M. , Dekker Cornelia L. , Halsey Neal A. ,   the Hypersensitivity Working Group of the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) Network
Published: September 2008

Concerns about possible allergic reactions to immunizations are raised frequently by both patients/parents and primary care providers. Estimates of true allergic, or immediate hypersensitivity, reactions to routine vaccines range from 1 per 50000 doses for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis to ∼1 per 500000 to 1000000 doses for most other vaccines. In a large study from New Zealand, data were collected during a 5-year period on 15 marketed vaccines and revealed an estimated rate of 1 immediate hypersensitivity reaction per 450000 doses of vaccine administered. Another large study, conducted within the Vaccine Safety Datalink, described a range of reaction rates to >7.5 million doses. Depending on the study design and the time after the immunization event, reaction rates varied from 0.65 cases per million doses to 1.53 cases per million doses when additional allergy codes were included. For some vaccines, particularly when allergens such as gelatin are part of the formulation (eg, Japanese encephalitis), higher rates of serious allergic reactions may occur. Although these per-dose estimates suggest that true hypersensitivity reactions are quite rare, the large number of doses that are administered, especially for the commonly used vaccines, makes this a relatively common clinical problem. In this review, we present background information on vaccine hypersensitivity, followed by a detailed algorithm that provides a rational and organized approach for the evaluation and treatment of patients with suspected hypersensitivity. We then include 3 cases of suspected allergic reactions to vaccines that have been referred to the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment network to demonstrate the practical application of the algorithm.
Permissive Hypercapnia and Risk for Brain Injury and Developmental Impairment
Authors: Hagen Erika W. , Sadek-Badawi Mona , Carlton David P. , Palta Mari
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE. Permissive hypercapnia is a respiratory-care strategy that is used to reduce the risk for lung injury. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether permissive hypercapnia is associated with higher risk for intraventricular hemorrhage and early childhood behavioral and functional problems than normocapnia among very low birth weight infants.

METHODS. Very low birth weight infants from a statewide cohort were eligible for this study when they were born at <32 weeks' gestational age and survived at least 24 hours. Infants were classified as receiving a permissive hypercapnia, normocapnia, or unclassifiable respiratory strategy during the first 24 hours after birth according to an algorithm based on Pco2 values and respiratory-treatment decisions that were abstracted from medical charts. Intraventricular hemorrhage diagnosis was also abstracted from the medical chart. Behavioral and functional outcomes were assessed by parent interview at 2 to 3 years. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between intraventricular hemorrhage and respiratory strategy; ordinary linear regression was used to evaluate differences in behavior and function scores between children by respiratory strategy.

RESULTS. Infants who received a permissive hypercapnia strategy were not more likely to have intraventricular hemorrhage than those with normocapnia. There were no differences in any of the behavioral or functional scores among children according to respiratory strategy. There was a significant interaction between care strategy and 1-minute Apgar score, indicating that infants with lower Apgar scores may be at higher risk for intraventricular hemorrhage with permissive hypercapnia.

CONCLUSIONS. This study suggests that permissive hypercapnia does not increase risk for brain injury and impairment among very low birth weight children. The interaction between respiratory strategy and Apgar score is a potential worrisome exception to this conclusion. Future research should further evaluate the effect of elevated Pco2 levels among those who are sickest at birth.
Reassignment of Six Polyalthia Species to the New Genus Maasia (Annonaceae): Molecular and Morphological Congruence
Authors: Mols Johan B. , Keßler Paul J. A. , Rogstad Steven H. , Saunders Richard M. K.
Published: September 2008

Recently published molecular phylogenies of the Annonaceae have confirmed the long-held hypothesis that the large paleotropical genus Polyalthia is polyphyletic. Species previously assigned to Polyalthia are now known to belong to up to six distinct, generally well-supported
clades. Three members of a group of six species previously referred to as the Polyalthia hypoleuca complex form a monophyletic group (with 99% bootstrap support) that is only distantly related to the other species of Polyalthia sampled. Putative morphological synapomorphies are
assessed, and justification provided for validating a new generic name, Maasia. Six species names in the Polyalthia hypoleuca complex are accordingly transferred to Maasia: M. discolor, M. glauca, M. hypoleuca, M.
multinervis, M. ovalifolia, and M. sumatrana.
Evaluating the Taxonomic Status of the Globally Rare Carex roanensis and Allied Species Using Morphology and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms
Authors: Smith Tyler W. , Waterway Marcia J.
Published: September 2008

We used a combination of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and morphological data from 272 individuals from 59 populations to investigate the species-level taxonomy of Carex roanensis and allied species. There were two taxonomic problems in this group: identifying
the appropriate taxonomic status for Carex roanensis, and clarifying the distinctions (if any) between C. virescens and C. swanii. Principal coordinate analysis of the morphological data suggested four entities corresponding to C. aestivalis, C. roanensis,
C. swanii, and C. virescens, but clear discrimination was not possible. In contrast, the AFLP data showed marked discontinuities among these four species, placing even morphological intermediates into one of four groups. Analysis of molecular variance revealed significant population
differentiation within each species, but only C. virescens had any detectable differentiation between geographic regions. This study confirms the species-level distinction between the common and widespread taxa C. swanii and C. virescens, as well as that of the globally
rare Appalachian endemic C. roanensis.
Recycling surfacing materials back into thin surfacing systems
Authors: Nicholls J. C. , Carswell I. , Widyatmoko I. , Elliott R. C. , Harris J. , Taylor R.
Published: September 2008

The need to recycle thin surfacing systems is more critical than for many other generic surfacing materials because they contain a high quantity of relatively scarce aggregates with high skid-resistance properties. Laboratory investigations and site trials have been successfully undertaken to assess the feasibility of incorporating reclaimed surfacing materials in these systems. The trials were on an access road to an asphalt plant and on two heavily trafficked sites on the UK road network and included the use of polymer-modified binders and up to 30% reclaimed asphalt in the mixed asphalt. The trials demonstrate that 10% reclaimed asphalt can be easily added to new materials without processing the reclaimed asphalt. As the proportion of reclaimed asphalt increases up to 30%, greater care needs to be taken on assessing grading compatibility and how to treat the residual binder present in the reclaimed asphalt as a proportion of the ‘active’ binder content in the recycled surface course layer. The use of reclaimed asphalt in the surfacing has also been monitored on a major motorway contract.
Durability of concretes containing natural pozzolan
Authors: Najimi M. , Jamshidi M. , Pourkhorshidi A.
Published: September 2008

In this study, the effects of tuff natural pozzolan on properties of Portland cement were investigated. The durability and mechanical properties of concrete made by these cements were studied. It was found that using the natural pozzolan does not significantly affect the mechanical properties of the Portland cement. Furthermore, the natural pozzolan-containing concrete did not perform well in freeze and thaw and sulfate expansion tests. Considerable improvements in depth of water penetration, expansion due to alkali—silica reaction, alkali reactivity and a slight improvement in chloride ion permeability were observed.
Sulfate resistance of mortar containing simulated FGD waste
Authors: Khatib J. M. , Mangat P. S. , Wright L.
Published: September 2008

This paper is part of a wide-ranging research project on the optimum use of waste from the dry and semi-dry flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) processes in concrete. It reports on the sulfate resistance of mortars containing a typical simulated desulfurised waste (SDW). Two binder systems were investigated: (a) cement and SDW with replacement levels of 0 to 70% and (b) cement (10%), slag (20–90%) and SDW. The influence of SDW content (0–70%) on sulfate resistance was evaluated. Specimens were exposed to 2·2% sodium sulfate solution and 2·44% magnesium sulfate solution. The results showed that replacing cement with increasing levels of SDW improved the sulfate resistance in each sulfate solution. This was attributed to the dilution of C3A and CH due to the reduction in cement, pore refinement and the formation of ettringite during early periods of hydration. Mortars containing cement, slag and SDW exhibited superior sulfate resistance in sodium sulfate solution. When immersed in magnesium sulfate solution, they underwent some deterioration due to the reaction with the C–S–H, CH and C–A–H phases. At SDW contents above 20%, resistance to magnesium sulfate was satisfactory.
Strength of high-strength concrete heated to 250°C
Authors: Srinivasa Rao K. , Potha Raju M. , Raju P. S. N.
Published: September 2008

The present study investigated the effect of elevated temperatures ranging from 50 to 250°C on the tensile strength (splitting and flexural) of high-strength concrete (HSC) made with Portland cement (PC) and pozzolana Portland cement (PPC), for application in the chemical and metallurgical industries or thermal shielding of nuclear power plants. Tests were conducted on 150 mm diameter cylindrical specimens and 100 mm × 100 mm × 500 mm beam specimens. The specimens were heated to different temperatures of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250°C for three different durations of 1, 2 and 3 h at each temperature. After the heat treatment, the specimens were tested for both splitting and flexural tensile strengths. Test results were analysed and the effects of elevated temperatures on PPC concrete were compared with PC concrete. The PPC concrete exhibited better performance than PC concrete.
Briefing: Robustness of rainscreen panels
Authors: Keiller A. , Ledbetter S.
Published: September 2008

The use of open-vented rainscreen has a long history beginning with tile-hung walls. More recently larger panels have been employed as the use of rainscreen walling has developed. This expansion has been due to the need to refurbish existing buildings by overcladding them and also due to the advantages of systemised building for new build, not least the rate at which enclosure may be achieved. In new-build construction the rainscreen panels may be used in conjunction with a back wall of masonry or framed construction. Integral walls incorporating a curtain wall system with decorative rainscreen panels are also used.
Physical properties of demolition waste material
Authors: Chidiroglou I. , Goodwin A. K. , Laycock E. , O'Flaherty F.
Published: September 2008

Demolition waste materials, such as crushed concrete and bricks, have been utilised by the UK construction industry for applications such as the production of concrete, low-level backfill and road sub-base. There has been increased research into the properties of the recycled aggregates in the past decade but it mainly concentrates on the strength of these types of materials through shear box and triaxial tests. Little research has been undertaken on the physical properties of recycled materials, such as particle shape, water absorption and freeze–thaw resistance. This paper addresses the investigation of the physical properties of demolition waste materials for the purpose of re-use as engineering fill. It presents the physical characteristics of three types of commercially crushed concrete and brick materials, two of them being similarly based crushed concrete materials with different degrees of processing and one being crushed brick. Characteristics such as particle size distribution, particle shape, large-scale compaction, resistance to freeze–thaw and aggregate impact, and crushing values were established. The results show that there are similarities and differences between the two concrete-based materials. The characteristics of the brick-based materials are significantly different from the crushed concrete materials.
TODD R. RISLEY: A MAN WHO DIDN'T LIKE COUNTING ANGELS
Authors: Cataldo Michael F.
Published: September 2008

He dwelt no place, and gathered to himself neither wealth nor followers. Warm and eager was his spirit opposing the fire that devours and wastes with the fire that kindles and succors; but only those that knew him well glimpsed the flame that was within. Merry he could be, and kindly to the young and simple; and yet quick at times to sharp speech and the rebuking of folly; and thus far and wide he was beloved among all those that were not themselves proud. Mostly, he would at times work wonders among them, loving especially the beauty of the fire; and yet such marvels he wrought mostly for mirth and delight, and desired not that any should hold him in awe or take his counsels out of fear. (A very liberal adaptation describing Gandalf in J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings)
REDUCING RAPID EATING IN TEENAGERS WITH AUTISM: USE OF A PAGER PROMPT
Authors: Anglesea Melissa M. , Hoch Hannah , Taylor Bridget A.
Published: September 2008

This study assessed the effects of a vibrating pager for increasing the duration of meal consumption in 3 teenagers with autism who were observed to eat too quickly. Participants were taught to take a bite only when the pager vibrated at predetermined intervals. A reversal design indicated that the vibrating pager successfully increased the total duration of mealtime, thereby slowing the pace of consumption for all 3 participants.
A COMPARISON OF GENERAL AND SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS TO PROMOTE TASK ENGAGEMENT AND COMPLETION BY A YOUNG MAN WITH ASPERGER SYNDROME
Authors: Bouxsein Kelly J. , Tiger Jeffrey H. , Fisher Wayne W.
Published: September 2008

Previous research has suggested that the topography of instructions (general vs. specific) may influence the likelihood that young children comply with instructions. The purpose of the current study was to compare the rates of task completion of a young man diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when provided with general and specific instructions pertaining to the task. The results showed that specific instructions occasioned higher levels of task completion, even when no differential reinforcement contingencies were in place.
TRAINING TO INCREASE SAFE TRAY CARRYING AMONG COCKTAIL SERVERS
Authors: Scherrer Megan D. , Wilder David A.
Published: September 2008

We evaluated the effects of training on proper carrying techniques among 3 cocktail servers to increase safe tray carrying on the job and reduce participants' risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. As participants delivered drinks to their tables, their finger, arm, and neck positions were observed and recorded. Each participant received individual safety training that focused on proper carrying positions and techniques after baseline data were collected. A multiple baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the effects of the safety training. Results showed that the training increased safe carrying for all 3 participants.
INCREASING WEARING OF PRESCRIPTION GLASSES IN INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION
Authors: DeLeon Iser G. , Hagopian Louis P. , Rodriguez‐Catter Vanessa , Bowman Lynn G. , Long Ethan S. , Boelter Eric W.
Published: September 2008

This study evaluated an intervention for promoting wearing of prescription glasses in 4 individuals with mental retardation who had refused to wear their glasses previously. Distraction through noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) increased independent glasses wearing for 1 of the 4 participants. An intervention consisting of NCR, response cost, and brief response blocking (until 5 s without an attempt to remove glasses had elapsed) increased glasses wearing for the others. Partial component analyses revealed that different components of the package were sufficient or necessary to sustain glasses wearing across participants.
AN EVALUATION OF STIMULANT MEDICATION ON THE REINFORCING EFFECTS OF PLAY
Authors: LaRue Robert H. , Northup John , Baumeister Alan A. , Hawkins Mike F. , Seale Lauren , Williams Tara , Ridgway Andrea
Published: September 2008

Although a vast literature has indicated that stimulant medications are effective for reducing inappropriate behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the effects of stimulant medication on ancillary behaviors (e.g., play) have yet to be investigated with the same rigor. We used a reinforcer assessment procedure to evaluate the effects of medication on the play and social behavior of 5 preschool children who had been diagnosed with ADHD. Conditions included (a) social reinforcement (i.e., playing with friends), (b) alone play, and (c) quiet time (i.e., resting). Results indicated that 1 of the 5 participants selected fewer social reinforcers and more nonsocial reinforcers (alone play or quiet time) while on medication. The findings indicate that the reinforcer assessment procedure may be a viable way to evaluate medication effects on an ongoing basis and to inform treatment decisions.
BRIDGING THE MARKETING GAP: A REVIEW OF HOW TO THINK LIKE A BEHAVIOR ANALYST: UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE BY JON BAILEY AND MARY BURCH
Authors: Austin Jennifer L. , Marshall Jason A.
Published: September 2008

The field of applied behavior analysis has suffered from a relative dearth of user‐friendly books appropriate to a lay audience. Bailey and Burch's book fills this niche with a work that is both entertaining and informative. The book is reviewed in terms of the strengths and limitations of its content, as well as in the context of the importance of effective marketing of behavior analysis.
UTILITY OF EXTINCTION‐INDUCED RESPONSE VARIABILITY FOR THE SELECTION OF MANDS
Authors: Grow Laura L. , Kelley Michael E. , Roane Henry S. , Shillingsburg M. Alice
Published: September 2008

Functional communication training (FCT; Carr & Durand, 1985) is a commonly used differential reinforcement procedure for replacing problem behavior with socially acceptable alternative responses. Most studies in the FCT literature consist of demonstrations of the maintenance of responding when various treatment components (e.g., extinction, punishment) are present and absent (e.g., Fisher et al., 1993; Wacker et al., 1990). Relatively little research on FCT has (a) evaluated the conditions under which alternative responses are acquired or (b) described procedures with technological precision. Thus, additional research on a cogent technology for response acquisition appears to be warranted. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of exposing problem behavior to extinction for inducing response variability as a tool for selecting an alternative response during FCT. Once participants engaged in appropriate alternative responses, the reinforcer identified in the functional analysis as maintaining problem behavior was delivered contingent on the alternative behavior. Results showed that exposing problem behavior to extinction was a useful method for producing alternative behaviors during FCT.
DETERMINING INDIVIDUAL PRESCHOOLERS' PREFERENCES IN A GROUP ARRANGEMENT
Authors: Layer Stacy A. , Hanley Gregory P. , Heal Nicole A. , Tiger Jeffrey H.
Published: September 2008

This study sought to determine the accuracy of an assessment format in which selection outcomes were delayed and probabilistic; these are unavoidable features of an assessment designed to determine preferences of multiple children simultaneously. During the single arrangement, preference hierarchies were established by having a child repeatedly select from among several foods and by sequentially restricting preferred items from the array. After being taught the associations between colored cards and the same food items, group assessments were conducted with 3 children simultaneously, in which each child chose a card and all children received the food correlated with a randomly selected card from those that had just been selected. The group assessment appeared to be accurate and perhaps more efficient for determining preferences; thus, we posit that this arrangement is suitable for determining context preferences of multiple children simultaneously.
SENSITIVITY AND BIAS UNDER CONDITIONS OF EQUAL AND UNEQUAL ACADEMIC TASK DIFFICULTY
Authors: Reed Derek D. , Martens Brian K.
Published: September 2008

We conducted an experimental analysis of children's relative problem‐completion rates across two workstations under conditions of equal (Experiment 1) and unequal (Experiment 2) problem difficulty. Results were described using the generalized matching equation and were evaluated for degree of schedule versus stimulus control. Experiment 1 involved a symmetrical choice arrangement in which the children could earn points exchangeable for rewards contingent on correct math problem completion. Points were delivered according to signaled variable‐interval schedules at each workstation. For 2 children, relative rates of problem completion appeared to have been controlled by the schedule requirements in effect and matched relative rates of reinforcement, with sensitivity values near 1 and bias values near 0. Experiment 2 involved increasing the difficulty of math problems at one of the workstations. Sensitivity values for all 3 participants were near 1, but a substantial increase in bias toward the easier math problems was observed. This bias was possibly associated with responding at the more difficult workstation coming under stimulus control rather than schedule control.
AN EVALUATION OF INTRAVERBAL TRAINING AND LISTENER TRAINING FOR TEACHING CATEGORIZATION SKILLS
Authors: Petursdottir Anna Ingeborg , Carr James E. , Lechago Sarah A. , Almason Season M.
Published: September 2008

The effects of vocal intraverbal training and listener training on the emergence of untrained categorization skills were evaluated. Five typically developing preschool children initially learned to name a number of previously unfamiliar visual stimuli. Each child then received one of two types of training. Intraverbal training involved reinforcing vocally emitted category names by the child in the presence of a spoken exemplar name. Listener training involved reinforcing the selection of visual stimuli by the child in the presence of a spoken category name. A multiple baseline design was used to evaluate the effects of training on each child's intraverbal category naming and stimulus selection. Pre‐ and posttests were used to assess additional emergent relations. Four of 5 participants did not demonstrate the emergence of any untrained relations. The current findings suggest that additional research is needed to determine the optimal sequencing of conditions in programs designed to teach categorization skills.
CONTINGENCY SPACE ANALYSIS: AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING CONTINGENT RELATIONS FROM OBSERVATIONAL DATA
Authors: Martens Brian K. , DiGennaro Florence D. , Reed Derek D. , Szczech Frances M. , Rosenthal Blair D.
Published: September 2008

Descriptive assessment methods have been used in applied settings to identify consequences for problem behavior, thereby aiding in the design of effective treatment programs. Consensus has not been reached, however, regarding the types of data or analytic strategies that are most useful for describing behavior—consequence relations. One promising approach involves the analysis of conditional probabilities from sequential recordings of behavior and events that follow its occurrence. In this paper we review several strategies for identifying contingent relations from conditional probabilities, and propose an alternative strategy known as a contingency space analysis (CSA). Step‐by‐step procedures for conducting and interpreting a CSA using sample data are presented, followed by discussion of the potential use of a CSA for conducting descriptive assessments, informing intervention design, and evaluating changes in reinforcement contingencies following treatment.