bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing Parents’ Concerns About Childhood Immunizations: A Tutorial for Primary Care Providers
Authors: Levi Benjamin H.
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND. Despite the dangers of vaccine-preventable infections and efforts by health care professionals to promote immunization, parents’ resistance to routine childhood immunizations continues to grow. This phenomenon can give rise to frustration among health care providers, as well as create barriers in providing medical care to children in need. In response, we developed a CD-ROM–based tutorial that (1) explains the nature and origins of parents’ concerns, (2) addresses clinical implications of resistance to immunization, (3) explores ethical and professional obligations that physicians have toward children and their parents, and (4) discusses how physicians can effectively address parents’ concerns.

OBJECTIVE. Our goals were to evaluate the tutorial's effectiveness in improving physicians’ (1) general knowledge about parents’ resistance to childhood immunizations, (2) knowledge of adverse effects of immunization, and (3) attitudes toward parents’ resistance to childhood immunization.

DESIGN/METHODS. After pretesting, expert review, and revision, the 45-minute Penn State Immunization Project tutorial was pilot tested with pediatric and family medicine residents at 7 training programs in 4 states (Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and Iowa). Knowledge and attitudes were assessed by using a 26-item pretest/posttest, the results of which were then analyzed by using standard statistical methods.

RESULTS. A total of 122 residents completed the pretest/posttest. Statistically and clinically significant improvements were seen in residents’ general knowledge, knowledge of adverse events, and all 5 attitudinal measures regarding childhood immunizations.

CONCLUSIONS. The tutorial Addressing Parents Concerns About Childhood Immunizations: A Tutorial for Primary Care Providers is effective in improving resident physicians’ general knowledge, knowledge of adverse events, and attitudes. As such, this tutorial has the potential to enhance communication between parents and primary care providers and, more generally, improve clinicians’ response to the growing resistance toward routine childhood immunizations.
Mental Health and Social Competencies of 10- to 12-Year-Old Children Born at 23 to 25 Weeks of Gestation in the 1990s: A Swedish National Prospective Follow-up Study
Authors: Farooqi Aijaz , Hägglöf Bruno , Sedin Gunnar , Gothefors Leif , Serenius Fredrik
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE. We investigated a national cohort of extremely immature children with respect to behavioral and emotional problems and social competencies, from the perspectives of parents, teachers, and children themselves.

METHODS. We examined 11-year-old children who were born before 26 completed weeks of gestation in Sweden between 1990 and 1992. All had been evaluated at a corrected age of 36 months. At 11 years of age, 86 of 89 survivors were studied and compared with an equal number of control subjects, matched with respect to age and gender. Behavioral and emotional problems, social competencies, and adaptive functioning at school were evaluated with standardized, well-validated instruments, including parent and teacher report questionnaires and a child self-report, administered by mail.

RESULTS. Compared with control subjects, parents of extremely immature children reported significantly more problems with internalizing behaviors (anxiety/depression, withdrawn, and somatic problems) and attention, thought, and social problems. Teachers reported a similar pattern. Reports from children showed a trend toward increased depression symptoms compared with control subjects. Multivariate analysis of covariance of parent-reported behavioral problems revealed no interactions, but significant main effects emerged for group status (extremely immature versus control), family function, social risk, and presence of a chronic medical condition, with all effect sizes being medium and accounting for 8% to 12% of the variance. Multivariate analysis of covariance of teacher-reported behavioral problems showed significant effects for group status and gender but not for the covariates mentioned above. According to the teachers’ ratings, extremely immature children were less well adjusted to the school environment than were control subjects. However, a majority of extremely immature children (85%) were functioning in mainstream schools without major adjustment problems.

CONCLUSIONS. Despite favorable outcomes for many children born at the limit of viability, these children are at risk for mental health problems, with poorer school results.
Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Early Low-Dose Hydrocortisone Treatment in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Watterberg Kristi L. , Shaffer Michele L. , Mishefske Mary J. , Leach Corinne L. , Mammel Mark C. , Couser Robert J. , Abbasi Soraya , Cole Cynthia H. , Aucott Susan W. , Thilo Elizabeth H. , Rozycki Henry J. , Lacy Conra Backstrom
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND. Low cortisol concentrations in premature infants have been correlated with increased severity of illness, hypotension, mortality, and development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A total of 360 mechanically ventilated infants with a birth weight of 500 to 999 g were enrolled in a randomized, multicenter trial of prophylaxis of early adrenal insufficiency to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Mortality and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were decreased in the hydrocortisone-treated patients exposed to chorioamnionitis. We now report outcomes at 18 to 22 months' corrected age.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. Surviving infants were evaluated with standardized neurologic examination and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II. Neurodevelopmental impairment was defined as a Mental Developmental Index or Psychomotor Developmental Index of <70, cerebral palsy, blindness or deafness.

RESULTS. A total of 252 (87%) of 291 survivors were evaluated. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 13% of hydrocortisone-treated versus 14% of placebo-treated infants. Fewer hydrocortisone-treated infants had a Mental Development Index <70, and more of the hydrocortisone-treated infants showed evidence of awareness of object permanence. Incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment was not different (39% [hydrocortisone] vs 44% [placebo]). There were no differences in physical growth measures. Chorioamnionitis-exposed infants treated with hydrocortisone were shorter and weighed less than controls but had no evidence of neurodevelopmental impairment. Among infants not exposed to chorioamnionitis, hydrocortisone-treated patients were less likely to have a Mental Development Index of <70 or to be receiving glucocorticoids at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS. Early, low-dose hydrocortisone treatment was not associated with increased cerebral palsy. Treated infants had indicators of improved developmental outcome. Together with the short-term benefit previously reported, these data support additional studies of hydrocortisone treatment of adrenal insufficiency in extremely premature infants.
Preterm Infants as Young Adults: A Swedish National Cohort Study
Authors: Lindström Karolina , Winbladh Birger , Haglund Bengt , Hjern Anders
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE. Increasing numbers of infants born preterm survive into adulthood. In this study, we analyzed the effect of having been born preterm on disability and vocational success in young adults.

METHODS. A Swedish national cohort of 522310 infants born in 1973–1979 were followed up for disabilities and income in national registers in 2002 at the age of 23 to 29. Hypotheses were tested in multivariate analysis with logistic regression models on the log scale for dichotomized outcomes and linear regression for continuous variables.

RESULTS. There was a stepwise increase in disability in young adulthood with increasing degree of preterm birth. A total of 13.2% of children born at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation and 5.6% born at 29 to 32 weeks' gestation received economic assistance from society because of handicap or persistent illness, which is which is equivalent to nearly 4 times the risk of those born at term after adjustment for socioeconomic and perinatal confounders. Moderate (33–36 weeks' gestation) and marginal (37–38 weeks' gestation) preterm birth also carried significantly increased risks for disability and were responsible for 74% of the total disability associated with preterm birth. Preterm birth was associated with a lower chance of completing a university education and a lower net salary in a stepwise manner. The total economic gain for Swedish society, in terms of taxes and decreased costs for benefits, if all long-term effects of preterm birth could have been prevented in the birth cohorts in this study, would have amounted to 65 million euros in 2002 alone.

CONCLUSIONS. The majority of adults who were born very preterm lived an independent and self-supportive life. Moderately preterm birth carries a considerable risk for long-term impairment. There are strong economic incentives for secondary prevention of disability associated with preterm birth.
Impact of CYP3A7*1C polymorphism on bone mineral content in postmenopausal women
Authors: Bácsi Krisztián , Kósa János , Lazáry Áron , Balla Bernadett , Horváth Henrik , Takács István , Nagy Zsolt , Speer Gábor , Lakatos Péter
Published: July 2007

A CYP3A7-enzim részt vesz a dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát metabolizációjában. Kimutatták, hogy CYP3A7*1C-mutáció esetén férfiakban alacsonyabb a dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-szint, és ismert az is, hogy a dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-koncentráció csökkenése csontritkuláshoz vezethet.Célkitűzés:A szerzők a CYP3A7*1C-polimorfizmus, a dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-szérumszint és a csont ásványanyag-tartalmának együttes vizsgálatát tűzték ki célul, 319 posztmenopauzás nőben.Eredmények:A homozigóta CYP3A7*1C-genotípus esetén a vad típushoz képest szignifikánsan alacsonyabb lumbális gerinccsontdenzitást tapasztaltak (homozigóta mutáns T-score: –3,27 ± 1,02, vs vad típus: –1,35 ± 1,53;p= 0,041). Szignifikáns maradt a kapcsolat a menopauzális kor, szérum-dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-szint, az alkoholfogyasztás, a korábbi szteroidkezelés, dohányzás és megelőző csonttörés figyelembevétele után is. Nem volt viszont összefüggés a CYP3A7-genotípus és a dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-koncentráció között.Következtetés:A CYP3A7 polimorfizmusa a lumbális gerincen mért csontsűrűség csökkenéséhez vezet, mely hatás független a szérum-dehidroepiandroszteron-szulfát-szinttől.
Hospital costs of acute myocardial infarction in Hungary; 2003–2005
Authors: Gulácsi László , Májer István , Boncz Imre , Brodszky Valentin , Merkely Béla , Maurovich Horvath Pál , Kárpáti Krisztián
Published: July 2007

Magyarországon jelentős az akut myocardialis infarctust szenvedett betegek száma, ezért elengedhetetlen a betegségteher (disease burden) pontosabb megismerése.
Célkitűzés:
Tanulmányunkban azt vizsgáljuk, hogy mekkora a finanszírozót érintő teher a hospitalizált, szívinfarktust szenvedett betegek esetén, az aktív és a krónikus kórházi ellátásban, valamint a járóbeteg- és az alapellátás területén, illetve felbecsüljük, hogy mekkora a társadalmat érintő indirekt költség.
Módszer:
Az Országos Egészségbiztosítási Pénztár adatbázisa alapján elemeztük az „új” infarktust szenvedett betegek aktív és krónikus kórházi ellátásának költségeit a 25 évnél idősebb populáció körében a 2003. májusi megbetegedést követő 12 és 24 hónapban. A betegeket nemek szerinti, és 25–44, 45–64, 65+ éves alcsoportokba osztottuk. Egyéb költségelemként figyelembe vettük a házi-, szakorvosi vizitek, betegszállítás, valamint a munkából való kiesés átlagköltségeit.
Eredmények:
Az akut myocardialis infarctus aktív kórházi ellátásának átlagos egészségbiztosítási költsége a megbetegedést követő 12 hónapban a nőknél általában magasabb, mint a férfiaknál: 476,3 ezer Ft vs 391,1 ezer Ft (65+ év); 429,1 Ft vs 389,4 ezer Ft (45–64 év) és 229,5 ezer Ft vs 240,6 ezer Ft (25–44 év). A krónikus ellátás terhe betegenként 15–40 ezer Ft az első évben, és az aktív ellátás költsége is hasonló nagyságrendű (22–54 ezer Ft/fő) az infarktus után 13–24 hónappal.
Következtetések:
Becslésünk szerint az évente közel 12 ezer hospitalizált infarktust szenvedett beteg direkt egészségügyi költségeire a biztosító 4,4 Mrd Ft-ot költött a betegséget követő első 12 hónapban, 3,6 Mrd Ft-ot aktív és 370 millió Ft-ot a krónikus kórházi ellátásban. Egy AMI elkerülésével 345–565 ezer Ft (kor és nem szerint különbözően) direkt egészségügyi költség takarítható meg az első 12 hónapban. Becslésünk szerint az AMI indirekt költsége a munkaképes korúak körében meghaladja a 840 millió Ft-ot egy évben (177 829 Ft/fő).
AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE PREVENTION ON REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS ASSOCIATED WITH TOURETTE'S SYNDROME
Authors: Wetterneck Chad T. , Woods Douglas W.
Published: July 2007

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) was evaluated as treatment for three repetitive behaviors in an 11‐year‐old boy using a multiple baseline across behaviors design. The repetitive behaviors and associated self‐reported distress were eliminated. At 3‐month follow‐up, the frequency for two of the three behaviors returned to baseline levels. This study demonstrates that ERP may be a useful treatment for repetitive behaviors, although booster sessions may be needed to maintain the treatment effects.
STIMULUS FADING AND DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT FOR THE TREATMENT OF NEEDLE PHOBIA IN A YOUTH WITH AUTISM
Authors: Shabani Daniel B. , Fisher Wayne W.
Published: July 2007

Stimulus fading in the form of gradually increased exposure to a fear‐evoking stimulus, often combined with differential reinforcement, has been used to treat phobias in children who are otherwise normal and in children with autism. In this investigation, we applied stimulus fading plus differential reinforcement with an adolescent with autism and diabetes whose needle phobia had prevented medical monitoring of his blood glucose levels for over 2 years. Results showed that the treatment was successful in obtaining daily blood samples for measuring glucose levels.
REDUCING SKIN PICKING VIA COMPETING ACTIVITIES
Authors: Lane Kathleen Lynne , Thompson Ada , Reske Cara L. , Gable Lauren M. , Barton‐Arwood Sally
Published: July 2007

This study examined the outcomes of a competing activities intervention to decrease skin picking exhibited by a 9‐year‐old student with comorbid diagnoses. Results of an ABCBAB design revealed that the use of student‐selected manipulatives resulted in reduced skin picking.
TRAINING STUDENT TEACHERS TO REPOSITION INFANTS FREQUENTLY
Authors: Cotnoir‐Bichelman Nicole M. , Thompson Rachel H. , McKerchar Paige M. , Haremza Jessica L.
Published: July 2007

We evaluated the effects of an intervention designed to increase the variety of positions experienced by infants in a child‐care setting. Six student teachers were trained, using a multicomponent intervention, to reposition infants according to a chart. The intervention was successful in increasing the mean percentage of correct position changes made by all 6 student teachers, and performance gains by 3 student teachers persisted when supervisor feedback was briefly removed.
Conivaptan: New treatment for hyponatremia
Authors: Walter Kimberly A.
Published: July 2007

Purpose. The pharmacology, bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects and toxicities, drug interactions, dosage and administration, and safety issues related to the use of conivaptan are discussed.

Summary. Conivaptan hydrochloride is a nonpeptide, V1A and V2 vasopressin-receptor antagonist. It is available as an i.v. formulation in 4-mL ampules containing 20 mg of conivaptan hydrochloride. The drug is active both orally and i.v. Conivaptan injection is approved for the treatment of euvolemic hyponatremia in hospitalized patients. Three double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter studies have been conducted in the United States and internationally. The studies used various dosing regimens for conivaptan but maintained the same efficacy endpoints. Each study showed conivaptan to be effective in increasing serum sodium and in water clearance. Conivaptan is being evaluated in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure and chronic heart failure, but the safety of this drug has not been fully established. The drug has been generally well tolerated in clinical trials with both oral and i.v. administration. The approved dosing regimen consists of a 20-mg i.v. loading dose administered over 30 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion of 20 mg administered over 24 hours. Clinical studies evaluating conivaptan have been short term; longer-term effects of hemodynamic parameters are unknown.

Conclusion. Conivaptan, the first vasopressin antagonist approved for the treatment of euvolemic hyponatremia, has a unique mechanism of action that results in free-water excretion and offers a new option for the treatment of resistant hyponatremia in the acute setting when patients have not responded to standard management.
Patterns of Parental Bereavement following the Loss of a Child and Related Factors
Authors: Barrera Maru , D'Agostino Norma Mammone , Schneiderman Gerald , Tallett Susan , Spencer Lynlee , Jovcevska Vesna
Published: July 2007

This study investigated the patterns of parental bereavement in 20 parents who have lost a child to cancer, congenital heart disease, meningitis, or drowning in the last 19 months, using semi-structured interviews and standardized questionnaires of depression and grief. Qualitative content analysis of interviews identified three bereavement patterns: The majority of parents (65%) presented uncomplicated, Integrated Grief, five mothers were Consumed by Grief, and one mother and one father expressed Minimal Grief. Quotes from parents exemplified these patterns. Parental gender, symptoms of depression, and pre-death relationship between parents and their deceased child differentially related to these patterns. Having surviving children, social support, and being active appeared to help to integrate grief into daily life. These findings illustrate differential patterns of parental bereavement and related factors, information that has important implications for identifying at-risk parents for complicated bereavement.
HEALTH-RELATED LIFESTYLE AND PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR RELATED TO HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEISURE TRAVEL
Authors: Toda Masahiro , Makino Hiroaki , Kobayashi Hidetoshi , Morimoto Kanehisa
Published: July 2007

Whether or not leisure travel might have positive effects on personal health was investigated. During a short leisure trip, saliva samples were collected from 40 females. Levels of salivary cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
To quantitatively evaluate the health-related lifestyle and the patterns of behavior of the subjects, we also administered written questionnaires. For samples taken during the trip, there was a significant increase in the levels of CgA. Meanwhile, there was a significant increase in the levels
of cortisol after the tour. These tendencies were more pronounced in individuals who scored well for health-related lifestyle. These findings suggest that the effects of travel were more beneficial for persons with positive characteristics related to health-related lifestyle.
DIMENSIONS OF BRAND PERSONALITY ATTRIBUTIONS: A PERSON-CENTRIC APROACH IN THE GERMAN CULTURAL CONTEXT
Authors: Bosnjak Michael , Bochmann Valerie , Hufschmidt Tanja
Published: July 2007

Research on the symbolic use of commercial brands has shown that individuals prefer those brands matching their own personality. While the Big Five model of human personality is universal, brand personality attributions are partly culture-specific. Furthermore, research investigating
brand-related trait attributions has largely neglected negatively valenced traits. Consequently, the objective of this research was to identify and operationalize indigenous German brand personality attributions from a person-centric perspective. This approach entails an exploration of those
positive as well as negative human personality dimensions applicable and relevant to brands. Within two studies, four dimensions of brand personality (Drive, Conscientiousness, Emotion, and Superficiality) were identified. A preliminary 20-item instrument is proposed for the parsimonious measurement
of brand personality attributions in the German cultural domain.
WORK-RELATED STRESS, BURNOUT AND JOB SATISFACTION IN TURKISH MIDWIVES
Authors: Oncel Selma , Ozer Zeynep Canli , Efe Emine
Published: July 2007

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the levels of work-related stress, burnout and job satisfaction in midwives. It was conducted between March 1 and April 31, 2005, in 35 public health clinics which provide primary health care in the city of Antalya. The research population consisted of 325 midwives who responded to a questionnaire about the sociodemographic characteristics of the subjects and their working places as well as the Work-Related Strain Inventory (Revicki, May, & Whitley, 1997) translated into Turkish by Aslan, Alparslan, Aslan, Kesepara, & Unal, 1998), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1981), adapted to Turkey by Ergin (1992) and the Minnesota Work Satisfaction Questionnaire. The midwives' Work-Related Strain Inventory mean score was at the moderate level and the burnout subcategory of emotional exhaustion mean score level was moderate. Depersonalization was low and personal accomplishment was moderate.
THE NEWS ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: A SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS OF REPORTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PRESS
Authors: Corbella Nicole , Collings Steven J.
Published: July 2007

The extent and representativeness of child sexual abuse reporting in the South African English-language press were examined. Baseline data for the study comprised a complete record of all cases of child sexual abuse reported to the police in the North Durban Policing area (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) from January 2001 to December 2004, with newspaper reports of child sexual abuse being obtained from the 2004 online archives of a South African English-language newspaper. Study findings indicate that press coverage of child sexual abuse is negligible (i.e., an index of crime-news coverage of less than 1%), with the nature of cases covered by the press being largely representative of the types of cases reported to the police.
THE EFFECTS OF RELIGIOUS INVOLVEMENT ON SHORT – TERM PSYCHOLOGICAL REACTIONS TO THE DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II: A STUDY ON AN ITALIAN SAMPLE
Authors: Schmidt Susanna , Sotgiu Igor , Tinti Carla , Curci Antonietta , Businaro Nicoletta , Galati Dario
Published: July 2007

The short-term psychological reactions to the death of Pope John Paul II were investigated. Between 1 to 6 days after this event, 526 Catholic and atheist Italian adults took part in a questionnaire study. Participants were asked to report the personal circumstances in which they first
learned about the Pope's death, their emotional reactions, and their appraisal of the event's importance and consequentiality. Other questions assessed immediate memory for the original event, surprise-expectedness, exposure to mass media, and religious involvement. Results showed
that the news of the Pope's death, although widely expected, had a strong cognitive and emotional impact. Almost all the participants were able to recall the personal circumstances in which they heard the news. A positive relation was observed between the degree of religious involvement
and appraisal of importance and consequentiality, intensity of emotion, memory for event-related details, and frequency of exposure to mass media. Effects related to the age of the participants were also found.
HOW MULTIPLE REFERENCE POINTS INFLUENCE MANAGERS' POST-DECISIONAL REGRET
Authors: Huang Wen-Hsien , Tseng Li-Jung
Published: July 2007

Although regret is the most relevant emotion in the domain of decision making, research addressing the regrets of managers and how these are influenced by multiple reference points is lacking. In the context of a choice set with more than 2 alternatives, this study demonstrates that
sales managers evaluated their postdecisional regrets based on three reference points: the best-performing unchosen outcome, the worst-performing unchosen outcome, and their expected outcome. The first 2 are social comparison-based standards and the last is a temporal comparison-based standard.
Managers equally favored social comparison and temporal standard information when assessing their postdecisional regrets. In addition, it was found that the feeling of regret was largely influenced by a loss or gain relative to each reference point rather than by the degree of loss or gain.
SELF-AWARENESS AND COGNITIVE STYLE: RELATIONSHIPS AMONG ADAPTION-INNOVATION, SELF-MONITORING, AND SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS
Authors: Hutchinson Lynda R. , Skinner Nicholas F.
Published: July 2007

Adaption-innovation is a construct of preferred problem-solving style; adaptors work best within clear guidelines and prefer to “do things better”, whereas innovators bridle at structure and prefer to “do things differently”. Adaption-innovation bears considerable
putative similarity to self-monitoring and self-consciousness. In this study the relationships among these constructs were explored using the responses of 55 undergraduate students (48 females, 7 males) on the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI; Kirton, 1976), the Self- Monitoring Scale
(Snyder & Gangestad, 1986) and the Self-Consciousness Scale (Fenigstein, Scheier, & Buss, 1975). Higher adaption-innovation scores were significantly and positively associated with higher self-monitoring scores and significantly and negatively associated with social anxiety scores.
In addition, multiple regression analyses indicated that the facets of self-consciousness as well as self-monitoring significantly predicted adaption-innovation. The implications of examining cognitive style in relation to interpersonal attributes are discussed.
Methods and reliability of echocardiographic assessment of left atrial size and mechanical function in horses
Authors: Schwarzwald Colin C. , Schober Karsten E. , Bonagura John D.
Published: July 2007

Objective—To assess the feasibility, describe the techniques, and determine the reliability of transthoracic echocardiography for characterization of left atrial (LA) size and LA mechanical function in horses.

Animals—6 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—Repeated echocardiographic examinations were performed independently by 2 observers in standing, unsedated horses by use of 2-dimensional echocardiography, pulsed-wave flow Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) techniques. Test reliability was determined by estimating measurement variability, within-day interobserver variability, and between-day inter- and intraobserver variability of all echocardiographic variables. Variability was expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV) and the absolute value below which the difference between 2 measurements will lie with 95% probability.

Results—Most echocardiographic variables of LA size had low overall variability (CV, < 15%). Among the 2-dimensional indices of LA mechanical function, area-based and volume-based ejection phase indices had moderate between-day variability (CV usually < 25%). Transmitral Doppler flow indices were characterized by low to high between-day variability (CV, 6% to 35%). The TDI wall motion velocities had high between-day variability (CV, > 25%), whereas most TDI-derived time intervals had low variability (CV, < 15%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—LA size and mechanical function can be reliably assessed in standing, unsedated horses by use of 2-dimensional echocardiography, transmitral blood flow velocity profiles, and analyses of LA wall motion by use of TDI. These results may provide useful recommendations for echocardiographic assessment of LA size and function in horses.
Improved husbandry to control an outbreak of rainbow trout fry syndrome caused by infection with Flavobacterium psychrophilum
Authors: Bebak Julie A. , Welch Timothy J. , Starliper Clifford E. , Baya Ana M. , Garner Michael M.
Published: July 2007

Case Description—A cohort of 35,200, 13-week-old, female rainbow trout at a fish farm was evaluated because of a 2-week history of anorexia and lethargy and a mortality rate of approximately 100 fish/d.

Clinical Findings—Affected fish were lethargic and thin and had disequilibrium, bilateral exophthalmia, pale red gills and kidneys, red-tinged coelomic fluid, and pale brown livers. Some fish were differentially pigmented bilaterally. The presumptive diagnosis was bacterial or viral septicemia. The definitive diagnosis was rainbow trout fry syndrome caused by infection with Flavobacterium psychrophilum.

Treatment and Outcome—A strategy for controlling the outbreak based on reducing pathogen numbers in affected tanks and reducing pathogen spread among tanks was developed. The option of treating with antimicrobial-medicated feed was discussed with the farmer, but was declined. After changes were made, mortality rate declined quickly, with no more deaths within 10 days after the initial farm visit.

Clinical Relevance—Bacterial coldwater disease is the most common manifestation of infection with F psychrophilum in fingerling and adult rainbow trout. However, the organism can also cause rainbow trout fry syndrome. This condition should be included on a list of differential diagnoses for septicemia in hatchery-reared rainbow trout fry.
Reconstruction of the urethra by use of an inverse tubed bipedicle flap in a dog with hypospadias
Authors: Pavletic Michael M.
Published: July 2007

Case Description—A 1-year-old castrated male German Shepherd Dog was evaluated because of a history of hematuria and stranguria secondary to recurrent urinary tract infections.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination revealed hypospadias with penile and preputial aplasia. The urethral orifice was just ventral to the ventral aspect of the anocutaneous junction. Ascending urinary tract infections, secondary to fecal contamination of the urethral orifice, were the presumed source of recurrent bouts of cystitis that developed despite periodic antimicrobial treatment.

Treatment and Outcome—A 1-cm-diameter urethral extension was constructed from the urethral mucosal remnant located along the midline of the perineum (urethral trough). Two parallel 4-cm incisions (3 cm apart) were made lateral to that urethral trough. The borders were sutured to form an inverted, epithelium-lined tube (bipedicled flap) attached to the dorsal urethral orifice. The lateral skin margins were sutured over the reconstructed urethral extension, completing the procedure. Postoperative swelling necessitated temporary catheterization of the urinary bladder. After closure of a small fistula from the reconstructed urethral segment, the dog subsequently had only 2 episodes of cystitis during a 3-year period. To minimize skin irritation secondary to urine exposure, the dog's owner regularly trimmed the hair around the new urethral orifice.

Clinical Relevance—In dogs, correction of perineal (subanal) hypospadias via urethral reconstruction should be considered among treatment options. By use of an inverse tubed urethral extension, direct fecal contamination to the lower urinary tract may be effectively eliminated, dramatically reducing the incidence of ascending urinary tract infections in dogs with hypospadias.
Gallbladder disease in Shetland Sheepdogs: 38 cases (1995–2005)
Authors: Aguirre Ale L. , Center Sharon A. , Randolph John F. , Yeager Amy E. , Keegan Alicia M. , Harvey H. Jay , Erb Hollis N.
Published: July 2007

Objective—To determine risk, clinical features, and treatment responses for gallbladder disorders in Shetland Sheepdogs.

Design—Retrospective case-control study.

Animals—38 Shetland Sheepdogs with gallbladder disease.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for signalment, history, physical findings, laboratory results, imaging features, coexistent illnesses, histologic findings, treatments, and survival rates.

Results—Mature dogs with gastrointestinal signs were predisposed (odds ratio, 7.2) to gallbladder disorders. Gallbladder mucocele was confirmed in 25 dogs. Concurrent problems included pancreatitis, hyperlipidemia, corticosteroid excess, hypothyroidism, protein-losing nephropathy, diabetes mellitus, cholelithiasis, and gallbladder dysmotility. Mortality rate was 68% with and 32% without bile peritonitis. Nonsurvivors had high WBC and neutrophil count and low potassium concentration. Although preprandial hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and high serum liver enzyme activities were common, gallbladder disease was serendipitously discovered in 11 of 38 dogs. Histologic examination (n = 20 dogs) revealed gallbladder cystic mucosal hyperplasia in 20 dogs, cholecystitis in 16, periportal hepatitis in 9, and vacuolar hepatopathy in 7. Surgery included cholecystectomy (n = 17) and cholecystoenterostomy (4). In 1 hyperlipidemic dog without clinical signs, gallbladder mucocele resolved 6 months after beginning use of a fat-restricted diet and ursodeoxycholic acid.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Shetland Sheepdogs are predisposed to gallbladder disorders, with mucoceles and concurrent dyslipidemia or dysmotility in many affected dogs. Most dogs were without clinical signs during mucocele development. Low survival rate after cholecystectomy in clinically affected dogs suggested that preemptive surgical interventions may be a more appropriate treatment strategy.
Stochastic cellular automata modeling of excitable systems
Authors: Szakály Tamás , Lagzi István , Izsák Ferenc , Roszol László , Volford András
Published: July 2007

A stochastic cellular automaton is developed for modeling waves in excitable media. A scale of key features of excitation waves can be reproduced in the presented framework such as the shape, the propagation velocity, the curvature effect and spontaneous appearance of target patterns. Some well-understood phenomena such as waves originating from a point source, double spiral waves and waves around some obstacles of various geometries are simulated. We point out that unlike the deterministic approaches, the present model captures the curvature effect and the presence of target patterns without permanent excitation. Spontaneous appearance of patterns, which have been observed in a new experimental system and a chemical lens effect, which has been reported recently can also be easily reproduced. In all cases, the presented model results in a fast computer simulation.
Designing Visual Analytics Methods for Massive Collections of Movement Data
Authors: Andrienko Natalia , Andrienko Gennady
Published: July 2007

Exploration and analysis of large data sets cannot be carried out using purely visual means but require the involvement of database technologies, computerized data processing, and computational analysis methods. An appropriate combination of these technologies and methods with visualization may facilitate synergetic work of computer and human whereby the unique capabilities of each “partner” can be utilized. We suggest a systematic approach to defining what methods and techniques, and what ways of linking them, can appropriately support such a work. The main idea is that software tools prepare and visualize the data so that the human analyst can detect various types of patterns by looking at the visual displays. To facilitate the detection of patterns, we must understand what types of patterns may exist in the data (or, more exactly, in the underlying phenomenon). This study focuses on data describing movements of multiple discrete entities that change their positions in space while preserving their integrity and identity. We define the possible types of patterns in such movement data on the basis of an abstract model of the data as a mathematical function that maps entities and times onto spatial positions. Then, we look for data transformations, computations, and visualization techniques that can facilitate the detection of these types of patterns and are suitable for very large data sets – possibly too large for a computer's memory. Under such constraints, visualization is applied to data that have previously been aggregated and generalized by means of database operations and/or computational techniques.
Understanding Spatiotemporal Patterns: Visual Ordering of Space and Time
Authors: Kraak Menno-Jan , van de Vlag Daniël E.
Published: July 2007

Deriving patterns and relations from large multivariate and multi-temporal data sets to acquire knowledge about real-world processes is not a trivial task. To understand the content of such data sets, current analytical tools do offer interesting solutions, but an approach combining the above different types of data is lacking. This article introduces a visual integrated solution that allows the user to explore and analyse the data at hand. The approach introduced consists of a dynamically linked multi-view environment that offers different interactive visual representations to “look at and play with” the data. For the time component, the temporal ordered space matrix (TOSM), which schematizes the temporal nature of the data set, is introduced. The rows of the matrix represent time and the columns the geographic units.

A preliminary usability test has been conducted to see how the multi-view approach in general performs when considering specific tasks oriented toward the understanding of spatiotemporal patterns. The TOSM functions well for naturally ordered (linear) phenomena such as rivers and coastlines. The article also discusses the use of the TOSM for non-linear-ordered phenomena such as administrative units. The method is based on directional ordering and is compared with other ordering approaches, such as space-filling curves, the travelling salesman problem, and plane-sweeping algorithms.
Academic Presentations across Post-secondary Contexts: The Discourse Socialization of Non-native English Speakers
Authors: Zappa-Hollman Sandra
Published: July 2007

Abstract:

This qualitative multiple-case study draws on second language (L2) socialization theory (Duff, 1995, 2003; Schieffelin & Ochs, 1986) to explore the discourse socialization of six non-native graduate students through their engagement in an oral activity, the academic presentation (AP) in regular content courses at a Canadian university. Multiple data sources (AP observations, interviews, field notes, course outlines) were collected and triangulated for analysis, which involved recursively going over the data identifying salient and recurrent themes. The study extends our understanding of APs across post-secondary settings by analyzing and comparing the main activity characteristics in four disciplines. In addition, an examination of the presentation challenges and coping strategies of the participating students contributes to viewing their L2 academic discourse socialization as a complex process that may be perceived as difficult even by students with advanced language proficiency and may be resisted by students whose home academic discourse values contrast with those in their new contexts.
Contributions of Families’ Linguistic, Social, and Cultural Capital to Minority-Language Children's Literacy: Parents’, Teachers’, and Principals’ Perspectives
Authors: Peterson Shelley Stagg , Heywood Daphne
Published: July 2007

Abstract:

The voices of 21 immigrant parents, 12 teachers, and 10 principals are heard in this discussion of assumptions regarding minority-language parents’ linguistic, social, and cultural capital in supporting their children's literacy development. Interview data show that parents and educators recognize the contributions of children's first language (L1) and their culture to their English literacy learning. Participating minority-language parents provided reading materials in their L1 for their children to read and enrolled their children in heritage language schools. Participating teachers and principals used dual-language books and encouraged minority-language parents to read and write to their children in their L1. They showed interest in linguistic diversity and changed practices and school structures to accommodate the cultures, languages, customs, and values of immigrant families.
Integrating Volunteering into the Adult Immigrant Second Language Experience
Authors: Dudley Lesley
Published: July 2007

Abstract:

For immigrants, the acquisition of language, specifically the ability to communicate effectively, is one prerequisite of full integration into the host society. For an adult immigrant second language (L2) learner in Canada, access to opportunities that may enhance communicative ability are often limited to the ESL classroom. However, while providing students with a safe environment for learning English, these surroundings may not be enough to increase their communicative ability. One suggestion is to make use of opportunities outside the classroom, such as volunteering. The study documented here investigated the volunteering experiences of adult immigrant L2 learners within English-speaking organizations and explored how their experiences contributed to their language development and their social integration into the target culture. Through the use of a survey and interviews, I elicited the perspectives of non-native speakers and recorded their evaluation of this unique real-world experience. The article concludes with a list of recommendations for integrating volunteering into the ESL curriculum.
Literacy Autobiographies in a University ESL Class
Authors: Steinman Linda
Published: July 2007

Abstract:

I define the literacy autobiography as a reflective, first-person account of one's development as a writing being. In this article I share a classroom practice that invited language learners to consider and compose their literacy autobiographies (LA). The context was a university credit English as a second language (ESL) classroom. The purposes of the LA were to enact many of the principles and concepts considered beneficial to second language writing, particularly the bringing of the first language (L1) into the second language (L2) classroom, and to engage with students in constructivist learning. I describe why and how I envisioned this small LA project; how we (the students and I) enacted the project; the theoretical frameworks supporting LA; how the project developed into a contrastive analysis assignment; and, finally, why I must revision the project. In my view, contrastive rhetoric, contrastive analysis, communities of practice, multiliteracies, and sociocultural theory all provide support for using LA in the classroom.
Poly (3‐(3‐Pyridyl) Acrylic Acid) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine, Ascorbic Acid and Uric Acid
Authors: Zhang Yuzhong , Su Shao , Pan Yan , Zhang Liping , Cai Yuejuan
Published: July 2007

Trans‐3‐(3‐pyridyl) acrylic acid (PAA) was deposited on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by electropolymerization in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The poly (3‐(3‐pyridyl) acrylic acid) (PPAA) film modified glassy carbon electrode shows an excellent electrochemical response for dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). The cyclic voltammetry oxidation peaks for DA and AA, DA and UA, AA and UA are separated by 150 mV, 130 mV and 280 mV, respectively. This permits the simultaneous determination of AA, DA and UA. The interference of AA with the determination of DA could be eliminated because of the electrostatic interaction between DA cations and the negatively charged PPAA film at pH 7.0. The anodic peak currents of DA, AA and UA increase linearly with concentration in the range of 1‐40 μmol L‐1, 10‐400 μmol L‐1 and 1.6‐80 μmol L‐1, respectively, with a correlation coefficient (r) always higher than 0.998. The detection limit is 0.06 μmol L‐1, 0.8 μmol L‐1 and 1.1 μmol L‐1 for DA, AA and UA, respectively.
Integrating systems design and control using dynamic flexibility analysis
Authors: Malcolm Andrés , Polan Jamie , Zhang Libin , Ogunnaike Babatunde A. , Linninger Andreas A.
Published: July 2007

Currently, chemical process design and process control are separate disciplines assisting process development at different stages. Design and control decisions are made separately despite the common objective of dissipating the impact of uncertainty to ensure robust plant operation. Experience suggests that designing processes for flexibility against disturbances or parameter variations without considering dynamics under actual control feedback does not guarantee robust performance. Thus, it appears advantageous to address process design and control decisions simultaneously for maximizing performance in face of operational and model uncertainty. Realistic high‐performance processes should be optimal in their dynamic operation with realizable control. The lack of integration between design and control objectives at the conceptual level is addressed here. The proposed procedure finds optimal trade‐offs between design and control decisions, based on process dynamics and advanced control. A major innovation is a novel embedded control optimization approach. It suggests a two‐stage problem decomposition leading to a massive reduction of problem size and complexity. Integration of design and control is expected to have a broad impact on high‐performance systems operated close to their limits. Two case studies demonstrate the suitability of the methodology. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Performance of mechanisms and reactor models for methane oxidation on Rh
Authors: Williams Kenneth A. , Horn Raimund , Schmidt Lanny D.
Published: July 2007

Numerical simulations of methane catalytic partial oxidation on Rh‐coated foam monoliths were performed and tested against high‐resolution species and temperature profiles measured along the catalyst axis. A systematic comparison considering 2D models with heat and mass transport and a 1D reactor model with two multistep surface chemistry mechanisms is presented for feed conditions of 5 standard liters per minute, atmospheric pressure, and C/O ratios of 0.7, 1.0, and 1.3. Agreement between experimental data and the plug flow model and is for all conditions inferior to agreement with 2D models. 2D simulation profiles and the measured profiles agree qualitatively for all experimental conditions. Quantitative agreement is best for syngas stoichiometry (C/O = 1.0), while some differences are observed for C/O = 0.7 and 1.3. H2 and CO production in the presence of O2 is found to be strongly dependent on catalyst temperature. Accordingly, the importance of high‐resolution spatial profiles for mechanism and reactor model validation is highlighted. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Microarray‐based CGH detects chromosomal mosaicism not revealed by conventional cytogenetics
Authors: Cheung Sau W. , Shaw Chad A. , Scott Daryl A. , Patel Ankita , Sahoo Trilochan , Bacino Carlos A. , Pursley Amber , Li Jiangzhen , Erickson Robert , Gropman Andrea L. , Miller David T. , Seashore Margretta R. , Summers Anne M. , Stankiewicz Pawel , Chinault A. Craig , Lupski James R. , Beaudet Arthur L. , Sutton V. Reid
Published: July 2007

Somatic chromosomal mosaicism is a well‐established cause for birth defects, mental retardation, and, in some instances, specific genetic syndromes. We have developed a clinically validated, targeted BAC clone array as a platform for comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to enable detection of a wide range of pathologic copy number changes in DNA. It is designed to provide high sensitivity to detect well‐characterized submicroscopic micro‐deletion and duplication disorders while at the same time minimizing detection of variation of uncertain clinical significance. In the course of studying 2,585 samples submitted to our clinical laboratory, chromosomal mosaicism was detected in 12 patient samples; 10 of these cases were reported to have had a normal blood chromosome analysis. This enhanced ability of aCGH to detect mosaicism missed by routine chromosome analysis may be due to some combination of testing multiple cell lineages and/or failure of cytogenetically abnormal T lymphocytes to respond to mitogens. This suggests that aCGH may detect somatic chromosomal mosaicism that would be missed by conventional cytogenetics. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.