bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract B113: Regional differences in barriers to breast cancer screening among low-income African American women in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis Tennessee
Authors: Kenerson Donna M. , Patel Kushal , Liu Jianguo , Hargreaves Margaret K.
Published: December 2010

Background: African American women are more likely to have advanced breast cancer at the time of diagnosis and experience worse outcomes than Caucasian women. National surveys have shown that African American women obtain less breast cancer screening than Caucasian women. However, the degree to which psychosocial and economic barriers contribute to racial differences in breast cancer screening remains unclear.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine regional predictors of breast cancer screening among African American women residing in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. In addition to regional predictors of breast cancer screening, obstacles to screening were also examined. The aim of this study was to incorporate this information into programs aimed at improving breast cancer screening rates at the three Tennessee cities.

Methods: As part of the Meharry Community Networks Program (CNP) needs assessment, a community survey was administered to assess demographic characteristics, breast cancer screening practices, health care access and utilization, and lifestyle behaviors of low-income African American women. Participants were recruited from predominantly African American communities in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. Only women 40 years and older were included in this study. The final sample size was 286.

Results: The screening rates for mammograms within the past two years among African American women, 40 years and older in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis were 65%, 67% and 62% respectively. There were no regional differences in the screening rates. The predictors of mammograms in the three regions included having made at least one medical visit in the past year, annual household income, employment status, and health insurance status. Although geographically, there were similar predictors of breast cancer screening, there were differences in barriers to screening among the three cities. For example, Memphis participants were more likely to report transportation issues and child/elderly care as obstacles to screening compared to participants in Nashville and Chattanooga (p<.05). In addition, Nashville and Memphis were more likely to report fear of a positive cancer diagnosis than Chattanooga (p<.05).

Discussion: Understanding regional similarities and differences in breast cancer screening behaviors among African American women is important for addressing psychosocial and economic barriers that may contribute to low screening rates.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B113.
Abstract B18: Impact of Nueva Vida's model on self-efficacy in Latinas with breast cancer
Authors: Caicedo Larisa , BrintzenhofeSzoc Karlynn , Zabora James R.
Published: December 2010

Purpose: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Latino population in the United States and for Latina's the most common cancer diagnosis is breast cancer. Latina's diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher mortality rate than their white non-Hispanic counterparts (American Cancer Society, 2009). Based on this data and the lived experiences of Latina's with breast cancer in the Washington, DC area Nueva Vida (NV) came to be. NV was founded in 1996 by Latina breast cancer survivors and health professionals to address the lack of culturally sensitive cancer support services for Latinas in the Washington, DC, area. The goal of this community based organization-academic partnership project that will be presented is to evaluate the impact of Nueva Vida's model on levels of self-efficacy, psychological distress, and quality of life. The NV model provides a variety of services that include patient navigation, support groups, individual counseling, peer support, and resources and information. This study is looking at the impact of this model for one year.

Methods: This study is a time-series design with time 1 data collection on the day of initial contact with NV, time 2 within 3-10 days of initial contact, time 3 at 4 months, and time 4 at 12 months. The instruments used in this study include: Cancer Behavior Inventory -Version 2.0 (CBI) measuring self-efficacy (Merluzzi et al, 2001), the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) measuring psychological distress (Zabora et al., 2001), and the Satisfaction with Life Domains Scale-Breast Cancer (SLDS-BC) measuring quality of life (Spagnola et al., 2003). The sample will include between 60 and 90 Latina women diagnosed with breast cancer who contacted NV and agreed to participate in the study. The interventions offered over the course of the twelve months include, individual counseling, various support group participation, patient navigation, and peer support.

Results: Data collection for this study took place between March 2008 to December 2009. The findings will be presented in regards to the self-efficacy, psychological distress, and quality of life over time. The results will guide the development of a problem-solving intervention which will be implemented in the third year of the grant.

Conclusions: Participants will have an increased awareness of the impact of breast cancer on Latinas and the impact of a targeted program for Latinas has on the study participants. Further, participants will learn the ups and downs of a collaboration between a community based organization and a university in developing and undertaking a research project.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B18.
Abstract B20: Community bridges to cancer clinical trials: Evaluating community education modules
Authors: Green Melissa A. , Michaels Margo , Blakeney Natasha , Richmond Alan , Long Debra , Robinson William , Elliott-Bynum Sharon , Corbie-Smith Giselle
Published: December 2010

Cancer clinical trials are a source for high-quality cancer care. However, they are often perceived as an option of last resort. Raising consciousness about cancer clinical trials in community settings may lead to informed decision-making about cancer clinical trials.

Objective: To modify and pilot training materials for a community organization intervention to positively impact knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding cancer research in African American communities in North Carolina.

Methodology: The Education Network to Advance Cancer Clinical Trials, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and four community-based organizations collaborated using CBPR methods to revise cancer clinical trials education materials for Southern African American communities. Three cancer clinical trials education modules were developed and piloted in African American Communities with 128 participatnts. Modules include: 1) a workshop about cancer clinical trials and what they mean for communities; 2) a storytelling discussion describing one person's experience with cancer clinical trials; and 3) a discussion session that reviews the myths and facts about cancer clinical trials.

Results/Impact: This presentation describes the preliminary findings of the intervention. Participants demonstrated understanding of the definition of clinical trials. Preliminary results establish consensus that participants desire equal access to cancer clinical trials, improved community education, and personal interest in learning more about clinical trials.

Conclusions: Culturally sensitive community education sessions about cancer clinical trials improve favorable attitudes towards clinical trials. Actively engaging African American communities in dialogue about cancer research is necessary to create community awareness of the role of cancer research in reducing health disparities. Engaging community partners in cancer clinical trials education is synergistic with their mission of equal access to care.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B20.
Abstract B35: Working to close the gap: Identifying predictors of HPV vaccine initiation among young African American women
Authors: Bynum Shalanda A. , Brandt Heather M. , Sharpe Patricia A. , Williams Michelle S. , Kerr Jelani C.
Published: December 2010

Background: HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines are recent innovations that have provided a new avenue for cervical cancer prevention. The role of HPV vaccines among groups of women who experience excess cervical cancer incidence and mortality requires further study. The purpose of this study was to assess health beliefs associated with HPV vaccine initiation among young African American (AA) women.

Methods: Three hundred sixty-three African American female college students aged 18-26 were recruited from three Historically Black Colleges/Universities in the southeastern United States. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered, anonymous survey to assess knowledge and beliefs related to HPV and the HPV vaccine.

Results: One-quarter (24%) of participants initiated the HPV vaccine. Women who initiated the HPV vaccine had significantly higher HPV knowledge (p=0.01), lower perceived barriers to vaccination (p<0.01), and were younger (p<0.01) compared to women who had not initiated vaccination. Factors significantly associated with HPV vaccine initiation included: HPV knowledge (OR=1.22), perceived severity of HPV health outcomes, (OR=0.48), perceived barriers to vaccination, (OR=0.49), cues to action (OR=1.94), and age (OR=0.68). The model explained 19% of the variance in HPV vaccine initiation.

Conclusions: Study findings can be used to inform the development of targeted health education and promotion HPV vaccine programs for AA college-aged women to prevent continued disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Addressing health beliefs will be central to efforts to promote widespread vaccine uptake and future reduction in disease.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B35.
Abstract B38: A summer fellowship designed to engage medical students with demonstrated interest in health disparities: Cancer in the Underprivileged, Indigent or Disadvantaged (CUPID)
Authors: Bunz Fred , Voelker Gail , Zellars Richard
Published: December 2010

Cancer health disparities persist among racial/ethnic minorities and the poor, who historically have been medically underserved. The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins has developed a summer fellowship program that employs a unique approach to address this chronic problem. The Cancer in the Under-Privileged, Indigent or Disadvantaged (CUPID) program is a highly selective 7 week summer fellowship for students who have completed their first year of medical school. Drawn from an applicant pool of over 250 students from 71 US medical schools (2010 data), the 10-11 CUPID fellows accepted each year are selected based on their demonstration of a sustained commitment to serving underserved populations and addressing general health disparities at the level of the individual health care practitioner. Successful CUPID applicants are mature, goal-oriented and dedicated to service. Accepted CUPID fellows have taken an interest in health care disparities and, at an early stage of their careers, have dedicated significant time and energy into addressing these disparities. The strategy is to actively engage these highly motivated students from diverse backgrounds, to instill a sense of excitement about oncology, and to encourage them to consider postgraduate training in medical oncology or one of the oncological subspecialties. To the best of our knowledge, there is no other program in the U.S. like CUPID. The CUPID program provides a structured research experience in oncology laboratories of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. This laboratory work is accompanied by daily didactic presentations by our diverse faculty that are designed to provide an engaging overview of the molecular basis of cancer, the major areas of modern cancer research, challenges in clinical oncology, and academic approaches to alleviating cancer health disparities. In addition, students are introduced to the efforts of the federal government and a historically black medical college to address cancer health disparities via day programs conducted by partners at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda and Howard University. The desired outcome is for CUPID fellows to eventually alleviate cancer health disparities as practicing physicians, serving the underprivileged, indigent and/or disadvantaged. By bringing a diverse group of highly motivated students together for an intensive oncology experience early in their training, we expect to instill an enthusiasm for oncology in a group of future caregivers who are most likely to serve the underserved.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B38.
Abstract B78: Is race a prognostic factor for lung cancer?
Authors: Krug Courtney E. , Gress Todd W. , Tirona Maria T. , Mousa Luay , Lark Chris , Sehgal Rajesh , Joan C.
Published: December 2010

Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Impact of race on prognosis of lung cancer has been controversial. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate if survival differences exist in patients of different races diagnosed with lung cancer and potential causes of these differences, if they exist.

Methods: Data on patients diagnosed with lung cancer from 2003-2008 were collected from the Cancer Information Resource File (CIRF). Of 150,038 patients, complete data on age, gender, stage, histology, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and survival were available on 130,517 patients. Data were analyzed according to race and grouped into three categories: white, black, and other races (all non-white and non-black patients).

Results: Of 130,517 patients evaluated, 91.4% were white, 6.5% were black, and 2.1% were other races. Within each race category, the percentage of patients less than 70 years of age were 54,67, and 59, and male patients were 55,58, and 56 in white, black, and other races, respectively. Non small cell lung cancer was found in 83.3,87.7, and 86.6%, small cell lung cancer was found in 16.3,12, and 12.9% and mixed histology lung cancer was found in 0.4,0.3, and 0.5% in white, black, and other races, respectively. The percentage of patients with stage I was 23,19, and 21; stage II was 7,6, and 5; stage III was 29,31, and 30; and stage IV was 41,44, and 44 in white, black, and other races, respectively. The percentage of patients receiving chemotherapy was 44, 43, and 45; radiation therapy was 49,52, and 45; and surgery was 28, 21, and 28 in white, black, and other races, respectively. Median overall survival (MOS) in months was 10.3,9.1, and 11.8 in white, black, and other races, respectively. On multivariate analysis, factors affecting overall survival were age greater than 70 [hazard ratio (HR) 1.3], male gender (HR 1.2), chemotherapy (HR 0.57), surgery (HR 0.37), radiation therapy (HR 0.9), and bronchoalveolar (BAL) histology (HR 0.69). Race was an independent risk factor for other races compared to white patients (HR 0.86, CI 0.83-0.90), but not for black compared to white patients (HR 1.01, CI 0.98-1.03).

Conclusion: Race is not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival for black patients, but was a better prognostic factor for other races when compared to white patients. A higher percentage of black patients presented at a later stage and a lower percentage received surgery, and these factors may have contributed to a lower MOS compared to whites and other races. BAL histology had a favorable prognosis than other histologies. Prospective, randomized clinical trials are required to explore differences noted in MOS, stage, and histology according to race.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B78.
Abstract B80: Timing of radiation therapy for rectal cancer improves survival for select racial/ethnic groups
Authors: Lee Wendy , Artinyan Avo , Mailey Brian , Bhatia Smita , Garcia-Aguilar Julio , Kim Joseph
Published: December 2010

Background: Radiation therapy has an established role in the multimodal management of rectal cancer. Despite consensus on the benefit of radiation therapy, the optimal timing of radiation administration—neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant—has been much debated and is not yet established. Our group has recently shown that race and ethnicity correlate with rectal cancer outcomes. Our objective was to investigate the impact that race and ethnicity may have on rectal cancer outcomes in relation to timing of radiation therapy.

Methods: We used the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance Program (CSP) to identify patients who underwent curative surgical resection for rectal adenocarcinoma from 1988-2006. Patients were stratified by race and ethnicity (white, black, Hispanic, and Asian) and timing of radiation therapy (neoadjuvant or adjuvant). Clinical and pathologic characteristics were compared and survival curves were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: Of the 7,908 surgically resected patients identified from CSP, 39% (n=3,107) received radiation therapy. Among the patients receiving radiation therapy, the majority of patients received adjuvant radiation therapy (58%; n=1,789). Stratified by race and ethnicity (white, n=1,613; black, n=283; Hispanic, n=608; Asian, n=435), there was no difference in overall survival based on neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant timing of radiation therapy for black patients (median survival [MS] 4.1 vs. 4.9 years, respectively; p=NS) and Hispanic patients (MS 7.6 vs. 6.9 years, respectively; p=NS). However, overall survival was significantly improved for neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant timing of radiation therapy in Asian patients (MS 10.6 vs. 6.5 years; p<0.001, respectively) and white patients (MS 8.4 vs. 6.5 years; p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions: This is the first report to identify racial and ethnic differences in benefit derived from radiation therapy for rectal cancer. We observed that neoadjuvant radiation compared to adjuvant radiation selectively improved survival in white and Asian patients, but not Hispanic and black patients. The reasons for these differences in treatment efficacy between racial and ethnic groups warrant further investigation to optimize timing of therapy and achieve maximum therapeutic benefit in patients with rectal cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B80.
Abstract B83: Breast cancer risk evaluation and action using the OncoVue Risk Tool in self-referred and targeted minority populations
Authors: Casas Kari A
Published: December 2010

The Breast Cancer RE-ACT (Risk Evaluation and Action) Program at Trinity Clinic provides medical genetics evaluation and personalized recommendations for breast cancer prevention and early detection. The RE-ACT Program has received funding from Komen for the Cure to reach medically underserved and minority women in Tyler, Texas, and our surrounding rural communities. As part of this project, use of the OncoVue breast cancer risk tool was compared between a self-referred population and a population targeted as medically underserved with at least two risk factors for breast cancer. Risk factors considered included affected first degree relative, early age of menarche, nulliparity or first liveborn delivery over age 30, and obesity. The OncoVue test incorporates a woman's personal and family history with a panel of her genetic variants associated with breast cancer risk. The OncoVue test was free to all participants in both of the populations studied. Women in the targeted population were more likely to have a first-degree relative with breast cancer than the self-referred population (48% versus 35%). Hispanic and African American women made up the majority of the targeted group (46% and 20%, respectively) compared to the self-referred population which was 91% Caucasian. Women in the targeted group were younger than the self-referred group (72% versus 45% under age 50). Interestingly, the stratification of results was similar in the two populations despite efforts to reach higher risk women in the targeted group. “Standard” risk was found in 77% and 76% of the self-referred and targeted populations, respectively. “Moderate” risk was identified in 16% and 20% of the self-referred and targeted populations, respectively. Only 7% of the self-referred and 4% of the targeted population of women was classified as “high” risk by the OncoVue.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B83.
Failure of Primary Percutaneous Angioplasty and Stenting in the Prevention of Ischemia in Moyamoya Angiopathy
Authors: Khan Nadia , Dodd Robert , Marks Michael P. , Bell-Stephens Teresa , Vavao Joli , Steinberg Gary K.
Published: December 2010

Background: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is an idiopathic progressive arteriopathy affecting the proximal intracranial vasculature. To date only 4 case reports on intracranial angioplasty or stenting as treatment of this disease exist. We present 5 adult patients with MMD who failed angioplasty and/or stenting who remained symptomatic despite endovascular treatment or presented with recurrent symptoms and recurrence of stenosis/occlusion on angiography requiring subsequent extracranial-intracranial revascularization. Methods: Five adult MMD patients who underwent endovascular treatment with angioplasty or stenting were referred for further evaluation and treatment from outside hospitals. Data were collected from clinical referral notes and angiograms or reports. All patients underwent repeat 6-vessel cerebral angiography to assess the extent of disease and results of prior endovascular treatment. Results: Six endovascular procedures were performed in all 5 patients. Internal carotid artery (ICA) balloon angioplasty and Wingspan stenting was performed in 2 patients (3 arteries). One patient had ICA-M1 angioplasty without stenting. Two patients had M1 angioplasty and Wingspan stenting. All patients developed repeat transient ischemic attacks following treatment attributable to the vascular territories of endovascular treatment. Repeat endovascular treatment was performed in 3 patients at a mean of 4 months (range = 2–6). Two went on to a third endovascular treatment due to progression of disease in the angioplastied/stented vessel. The average time of symptom recurrence after initial endovascular therapy was 1.8 months (0–4 months). Follow-up angiography when referred to our institution demonstrated 70–90% instent restenosis of the stented vessel in 3 and occlusion in 1 patient. Due to persistence of symptoms cerebral revascularization was performed in all patients. Conclusion: MMD is a progressive angiopathy. Angioplasty and stenting may temporarily improve the cerebral blood flow and decrease cerebral ischemic events but do not appear to be durable nor provide long-term prevention against future ischemic events.
Endovascular Reconstruction with the Willis Covered Stent for the Treatment of Large or Giant Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Tan Hua-Qiao , Li Ming-Hua , Li Yong-Dong , Fang Chun , Wang Jian-Bo , Wang Wu , Wang Jue , Zhang Pei-Lei , Zhu Yue-Qi
Published: December 2010

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of large or giant intracranial aneurysms with the Willis covered stent. Methods: Nineteen patients, each with a large or giant intracranial aneurysm, were treated with the Willis covered stent. Of these 19 aneurysms, 6 were giant and 13 were large; 18 were located in the cranial internal carotid artery and 1 in the vertebral artery. Results of the procedure, technical events and complications were recorded. Clinical and imaging follow-ups were performed at 3 and 6–12 months after the procedure. Results: Placement of Willis covered stent was successful in all patients. Complete aneurysm exclusion was achieved in 13 of the 19 aneurysms immediately after the procedure. No mortality or morbidity developed during the treatment or the follow-up period. During the follow-up period, complete aneurysm exclusion was achieved in 18 of the 19 patients; 11 aneurysms were totally involuted, 3 decreased to 25% of the original diameter, 4 decreased to 50% and 1 remained unchanged. Nine patients experienced full recovery, 9 improved and 1 was unchanged. No obvious in-stent stenosis was noted. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of large or giant intracranial aneurysm with the Willis covered stent is feasible, safe and efficacious in selected cases. Endoleak is a frequent issue after initial covered stent placement, but can be eliminated or dramatically reduced to minimal endoleak by additional covered stent placement and/or balloon reinflation. Minor endoleak is likely to spontaneously resolve over time.
Behavioral Activating Effects of Selective AMPA Receptor Antagonism in the Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Nolan Brian C. , Saliba Michelle , Tanchez Christopher , Ranaldi Robert
Published: December 2010

In recent years, the role of glutamate in drug seeking has received increasing attention. The current study tested the hypothesis that NBQX (a selective AMPA receptor antagonist) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) would reduce cocaine seeking. Rats were trained to lever-press for intravenous cocaine (1.0 mg/kg/injection). Two test conditions were used, each preceded by bilateral intra-VTA microinjections of vehicle, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 µg/0.5 µl of NBQX. In the without-conditioned-stimulus (without-CS) condition, neither active (cocaine-associated) nor inactive levers produced any consequences. In the with-CS condition, the active lever turned on the stimulus light (as during training) and the infusion pump, which delivered an injection of saline. NBQX produced 2 effects: (1) an overall increase in responding, and (2) an increase in active lever-pressing at the 0.5-µg dose in the with-CS condition. A separate group of rats was allowed to press 2 levers without reinforcement, and the 0.5-µg NBQX dose enhanced responding on both levers. These results failed to support the hypothesis that AMPA receptor antagonism in VTA would reduce cocaine seeking and suggest that such antagonism causes general activating effects and may enhance the capacity of cocaine-CSs to function as conditioned reinforcers.
The Impact of Varying Environmental Conditions on the Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Orographic Precipitation over the Pacific Northwest near Portland, Oregon
Authors: Yuter Sandra E. , Stark David A. , Crouch Justin A. , Payne M. Jordan , Colle Brian A.
Published: December 2010

Operational radar data from three winter seasons (2003–06) in Portland, Oregon, in the U.S. Pacific Northwest are used to describe how orographic precipitation varies with cross-barrier wind speed, 0°C level height, and stability over the moderately wide (~50-km half-width) Cascade Mountain Range. Orographic enhancement is specified in terms of location, frequency, and relative intensity of the reflectivity (precipitation field). The typical storm for the region, as defined by the 25th to 75th percentile characteristics, is compared to storms with <25th and >75th percentile characteristics for a given variable. About half of Portland-region storms have a low-level wind direction within a relatively narrow azimuth range. This subset of storms is used to examine the sensitivity of orographic enhancement relative to other environmental variables. Cross-barrier wind speed has a stronger role in determining the magnitude of precipitation frequency than either 0°C level or stability. Cross-barrier wind speed and 0°C level height have separate but comparable roles in determining the frequency of relatively heavier precipitation. The increase in precipitation frequency with stronger cross-barrier wind speed is partially attributed to the higher occurrence of intermittent convective cells intersecting the slope. The area where inferred riming growth occurs over local peaks on the windward slope broadens upslope as the 0°C level height increases. In the Portland region, variations in the squared moist Brunt–Väisälä frequency yield smaller differences in the pattern and intensity of precipitation enhancement than either cross-barrier wind speed or 0°C level height.
Climatology of Winter Orographic Precipitation over the Subtropical Central Andes and Associated Synoptic and Regional Characteristics
Authors: Viale Maximiliano , Nuñez Mario N.
Published: December 2010

Winter orographic precipitation over the Andes between 30° and 37°S is examined using precipitation gauges in the mountains and adjacent lowlands. Because of the limited number of precipitation gauges, this paper focuses on the large-scale variation in cross-barrier precipitation and does not take into account the fine ridge–valley scale. The maximum amount of precipitation was observed on the windward slope of the mountain range below the crest, which was twice that observed on the low-windward side between 32.5° and 34°S. Toward the east of the crest, precipitation amounts drop sharply, generating a strong cross-barrier gradient. The rain shadow effect is greater in the north (32°–34.5°S) than in the south (35°–36.5°S) of the low-lee side, which is probably due to more baroclinic activity in southernmost latitudes and a southward decrease in the height of the Andes enabling more spillover precipitation. The effect of the Andes on winter precipitation is so marked that it modifies the precipitation regimes in the adjacent windward and leeward lowlands north of 35°S. Based on the fact that ~75% of the wintertime precipitation accumulated in the fourth quartile, through four or five heavy events on average, the synoptic-scale patterns of the heavy (into fourth quartile) orographic precipitation events were identified. Heavy events are strongly related to strong water vapor transport from the Pacific Ocean in the pre-cold-front environment of extratropical cyclones, which would have the form of atmospheric rivers as depicted in the reanalysis and rawinsonde data. The composite fields revealed a marked difference between two subgroups of heavy precipitation events. The extreme (100th–95th percentiles) events are associated with deeper cyclones than those for intense (95th–75th percentiles) events. These deeper cyclones lead to much stronger plumes of water vapor content and cross-barrier moisture flux against the high Andes, resulting in heavier orographic precipitation for extreme events. In addition, regional airflow characteristics suggest that the low-level flow is typically blocked and diverted poleward in the form of an along-barrier jet. On the lee side, downslope flow dominates during heavy events, producing prominent rain shadow effects as denoted by the domain of downslope winds extending to low-leeward side (i.e., zonda wind).
Instrument Research, Tools, and the Knowledge Enterprise 1999-2009
Authors: Marcovich Anne , Shinn Terry
Published: December 2010

This article retraces the trajectory of a start-up company NanoInk Inc. and its primary technology, the Dip-Pen, which it researches, manufactures, and commercializes. The case is of interest because it introduces a series of under elucidated questions concerning the relationships between “instrument” and “tool,” the birth of a new category of company, the “knowledge enterprise,” the dynamics of relations between complexity and simplicity related to tools “simplexity,” and the idea of “nanofication,” which refers to the spread of familiarity of a nano-permeated future throughout society.
Think-aloud protocols in research on essay rating: An empirical study of their veridicality and reactivity
Authors: Barkaoui Khaled
Published: December 2010

Think-aloud protocols (TAPs) are frequently used in research on essay rating processes. However, there are very few empirical studies of the completeness of TAP data and the effects of this technique on rater performance (i.e., rating processes and outcomes). This study aims to start to address this research gap. As part of a larger study on rater decision-making behaviors, 11 novice and 14 experienced raters rated, both analytically and holistically, a sample of ESL essays silently and while thinking aloud. The raters were then interviewed about their perceptions of thinking aloud and its effects. Essay scores were submitted to FACETS analyses, while TAP and interview data were analyzed qualitatively. Score and qualitative data analyses provided evidence and explanations concerning the veridicality and reactivity of TAPs across rater groups (novice vs. experienced) and rating scales (holistic vs. analytic). The paper concludes with several theoretical and methodological implications and questions for future studies using TAPs to build models of and compare essay rating processes across individuals, groups and contexts.
Research output in the field of natural sciences: A bibliometric case study of Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Shehbaz Husain Naqvi
Published: December 2010

This study is a bibliometric analysis of the research output of the Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, in the field of natural sciences. A total of 1313 records in the form of journal articles (984), conference papers (273) and books (56) were analysed. Bradford’s Law and Lotka’s Law were tested and found applicable to the data.
Non-users’ evaluation of digital libraries: A survey at the Università degli studi di Milano
Authors: Consonni Chiara
Published: December 2010

Presents the results of a questionnaire survey of non-users of the digital library services at the Università degli Studi di Milano. The target audience for the survey comprised students, teaching staff and technical-administrative staff of the university. The research focused on ‘factual non-users’, who used the service once and then decided to not use it any more. The results showed that factual non-users, despite of limited use of the digital library’s facilities, believed that they were familiar with the service and considered it to be satisfactory. They did not use it any more for various reasons, mainly because they did not need it any longer, or were currently using another service. Some weaknesses in the service were highlighted, in particular its lack of user-friendliness and the limited availability of material in some disciplines. The research also showed that the service was accessed for different reasons, including thesis preparation, research and keeping abreast, but also for personal interests. The results confirm how little is known about the non-users and raise many new and controversial questions which should compel the scientific community to investigate non-users more deeply. The paper was the winner of the IFLA LIS Student Paper Award, 2010.
Preserving traditional knowledge: Initiatives in India
Authors: Chakravarty Rupak , Mahajan Preeti
Published: December 2010

Traditional knowledge is a valuable asset for any country as it plays a vital role in making the nation more progressive and transforming its society. This paper discusses the need for preserving traditional knowledge. The paper describes the role of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library and its activities in preserving traditional medicinal knowledge in India.
Fertility Decline in Rural China: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Harrell Stevan , Wang Yuesheng  , Han Hua  , Santos Gonçalo D. , Zhou Yingying
Published: December 2010

Many models have been proposed to explain both the rapidity of China’s fertility decline after the 1960s and the differential timing of the decline in different places. In particular, scholars argue over whether deliberate policies of fertility control, institutional changes, or general modernization factors contribute most to changes in fertility behavior. Here the authors adopt an ethnographically grounded behavioral—institutional approach to analyze qualitative and quantitative data from three different rural settings: Xiaoshan County in Zhejiang (East China), Ci County in Hebei (North China), and Yingde County in Guangdong (South China). The authors show that no one set of factors explains the differential timing and rapidity of the fertility decline in the three areas; rather they must explain differential timing by a combination of differences in social—cultural environments (e.g., spread of education, reproductive ideologies, and gender relations) and politico-economic conditions (e.g., economic development, birth planning campaigns, and collective systems of labor organization) during the early phases of the fertility decline.
Comparison of In Situ Forces and Knee Kinematics in Anteromedial and High Anteromedial Bundle Augmentation for Partially Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Xu Yan , Liu Jianyu , Kramer Scott , Martins Cesar , Kato Yuki , Linde-Rosen Monica , Smolinski Patrick , Fu Freddie H.
Published: December 2010

Background: High tunnel placement is common in single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. Similar nonanatomic tunnel placement may also occur in ACL augmentation surgery.

Purpose: In this study, in situ forces and knee kinematics were compared between nonanatomic high anteromedial (AM) and anatomic AM augmentation in a knee with isolated AM bundle injury.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Seven fresh-frozen cadaver knees were used (age, 48 ± 12.5 years). First, intact knee kinematics was tested with a robotic–universal force sensor testing system under 2 loading conditions. An 89-N anterior load was applied, and an anterior tibial translation was measured at knee flexion angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°. Then, combined rotatory loads of 7-N·m valgus and 5-N·m internal tibial rotation were applied at 15° and 30° of knee flexion angles, which mimic the pivot shift. Afterward, only the AM bundle of the ACL was cut arthroscopically, keeping the posterolateral bundle intact. The knee was again tested using the intact knee kinematics to measure the in situ force of the AM bundle. Then, arthroscopic anatomic AM bundle reconstruction was performed with an allograft, and the knee was tested to give the in situ force of the reconstructed AM bundle. Knee kinematics under the 3 conditions (intact, anatomic AM augmentation, and nonanatomic high AM augmentation) and the in situ force were compared and analyzed.

Result: The high AM graft had significantly lower in situ force than the intact and anatomic reconstructed AM bundle at 0° of knee flexion ( P < .05) and the intact AM bundle at 30° of knee flexion under anterior tibial loading. There were no differences between anatomic graft and intact AM bundle. The high AM graft also had a significantly lower in situ force than the intact and anatomic reconstructed AM with simulated pivot-shift loading at 15° and 30° of flexion ( P < .05). Under anterior tibial and rotatory loading, there was a difference in tibial displacement between anatomic and high AM reconstructions and between the high AM graft and intact ACL under rotational loading with the knee at 15° of flexion.

Clinical Relevance: Anatomic AM augmentation can lead to biomechanical advantages at time zero when compared with the nonanatomic (high AM) augmentation. Anatomic AM augmentation better restores the knee kinematics to the intact ACL state.
Biomechanical Effectiveness of an Arthroscopic Posterior Bankart Repair Versus an Open Bone Block Procedure for Posterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Wellmann Mathias , Bobrowitsch Evgenij , Khan Nicklas , Patzer Thilo , Windhagen Henning , Petersen Wolf , Bohnsack Michael
Published: December 2010

Background: The most effective surgical treatment for traumatic posterior shoulder instability remains unclear.

Hypothesis: An arthroscopic posterior Bankart repair is as effective as an open posterior bone block–capsulorrhaphy procedure regarding the restoration of humeral displacement with posterior and inferior forces.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Biomechanical testing of 16 human shoulders was performed in 3 testing conditions: after ventilation (intact joint), after creation of a posteroinferior Bankart lesion with an additional cut of the posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament, and after surgical shoulder stabilization. The shoulder stabilization was performed either by an open posterior bone block procedure and glenoid-based T-capsulorrhaphy or by an arthroscopic Bankart repair. Testing was performed in 2 positions—the sulcus test position and the jerk test position—with a passive humerus load of 50 N applied in the posterior, posteroinferior, and inferior directions.

Results: After the arthroscopic repair, there was no significant difference between the translation and the intact state for all tested directions. The bone block repair–capsulorrhaphy caused a significant decrease of posterior translation (sulcus test and jerk test positions) and posteroinferior translation (jerk test position). But the resulting posterior and posteroinferior translation was even significantly lower than the translation measured for the intact joints. However, the reduction of inferior translation, compared with that of the defect condition, was not significant after the bone block repair (sulcus test and jerk test positions). Compared with that of the intact joint, inferior translation after the bone block repair was significantly higher.

Conclusion: The posterior bone block repair–capsulorrhaphy overcorrects posterior translation and does not effectively restore inferior stability, whereas the arthroscopic posterior Bankart repair restores posterior and inferior laxity of the intact joint.

Clinical Relevance: An arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair more precisely restores posterior and inferior glenohumeral joint laxity and is therefore recommended as the first choice of treatment.
‘We Are Not Sad At All’
Authors: Ho Wing-Chung , Rochelle Tina Louisa , Yuen Wing-Kan
Published: December 2010

In neighborhood-effects research, the voices of young residents are seldom heard. The present study examines how an adolescent sample living in a high-poverty area of Hong Kong is affected by its neighborhood and wider community contexts. Using the method of photovoice, the adolescents expressed their perceptions of the salient characteristics of their neighborhood/community. The geographical milieu where the respondents are situated is a remote district commonly known as the “City of Sadness.” Fifty-four adolescents (aged 12 to 17) were recruited to photograph neighborhood and community conditions and discuss their perceptions of them. Content analysis of the narratives solicited from eight photovoice sessions identified the complex feelings of satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and fear participants felt about their neighborhood. In addition, a survey of a random sample of 22 parents was also undertaken to understand the uniqueness of the adolescents’ opinions. Implications on how the neighborhood contexts impact adolescents’ perceptions and development are discussed.
CREB Influences Timing and Entrainment of the SCN Circadian Clock
Authors: Lee Boyoung , Aiqing Li  , Hansen Katelin F. , Ruifeng Cao  , Jae Hwa Yoon  , Obrietan Karl
Published: December 2010

The transcriptional feedback circuit, which is at the core of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) circadian (i.e., 24 h) clock, is tightly coupled to both external entrainment cues, such as light, as well as rhythmic cues that arise on a system-wide level within the SCN. One potential signaling pathway by which these cues are conveyed to the molecular clock is the CREB/CRE transcriptional cascade. In this study, we employed a tetracycline-inducible CREB repressor mouse strain, in which approximately 60% of the SCN neurons express the transgene, to test CREB functionality in the clock and its effects on overt rhythmicity. We show that attenuated CREB signaling in the SCN led to a significant reduction in light-evoked clock entrainment. An examination of circadian timing revealed that CREB repressor mice exhibited normal free-running rhythms in the absence of external lighting cues. However, under conditions of constant light, which typically leads to a lengthening of the circadian period, CREB repressor mice exhibited a dramatic arrhythmic phenotype, which could be reversed with doxycycline. At a cellular level, the repression of CREB led to a significant reduction in both the expression of the circadian clock proteins PERIOD1 and PERIOD2 and the clock output hormones AVP and VIP. Together, these data support the idea that the CRE transcriptional pathway orchestrates transcriptional events that are essential for both the maintenance of SCN timing and light entrainment of the circadian clock.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)-based electrospun meshes as potential candidate scaffolds in regenerative medicine
Authors: Puppi Dario , Piras Anna Maria , Detta Nicola , Ylikauppila Hanna , Nikkola Lila , Ashammakhi Nureddin , Chiellini Federica , Chiellini Emo
Published: December 2010

Fibrous meshes based on three different poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymers, with 12% vinyl acetate monomeric units and molar weights of 37,000, 67,000, and 130,000 were developed as potential scaffolds for regenerative medical applications. The meshes were electrospun and characterized by molecular weight, concentration, applied voltage, and needle—collector distance. The influence of feed rate and the electrodes configuration (needle-to-tip and screen-to-screen system) was determined. Highly porous, 3D structures composed of randomly oriented ultrafine fibers, with an average fiber diameter of a few hundred nanometers were developed. Solutions of PVA and human serum albumin were successfully electrospun and the fibrous mesh was stabilized with glutaraldehyde. The influence of these operations on the mechanical properties was evaluated by uniaxial tensile testing.
Beyond the Online/Offline Divide
Authors: Hirzalla Fadi , Zoonen Liesbet van
Published: December 2010

In this article, the authors investigate whether and how young people combine online and offline civic activities in modes of participation. The authors discuss four participation modes in which online and offline activities may converge: Politics, Activism, Consumption, and Sharing. Applying confirmatory factor analysis to survey data about the civic participation among Dutch youth (aged 15−25 years; N = 808), the authors find that online and offline activities are combined in the Politics, Activism, and Sharing modes, and that these three modes correlate significantly with each other. Conversely, the Consumption mode can only be validated as a separate offline participation mode. The results confirm the conclusion of previous studies that youth’s participation patterns are relatively dependent of mode, and add that their participation is concurrently relatively independent of place (offline vs. online).