bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Delivery Method and Timing of Breastfeeding Initiation on Breastfeeding Outcomes in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Li‐Yin , Tai Chen‐Jei
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Background:
Few studies have examined the independent effect of delivery method and timing of breastfeeding initiation on the prevalence of breastfeeding. The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of method of delivery and timing of breastfeeding initiation on the prevalence of breastfeeding at 1 and 3 months after delivery using a national sample from Taiwan.
Methods:
The study population of 2,064 women who gave birth to infants without congenital anomalies at hospitals in Taiwan from June through October 2003, inclusively, participated in a postal questionnaire survey.
Results:
Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that women with cesarean delivery had a lower odds of breastfeeding at 1 and 3 months after delivery. Women with assisted vaginal delivery had lower odds of breastfeeding at 3 months after delivery compared with women with unassisted vaginal delivery. Initiation of breastfeeding within 30 minutes of delivery was associated with higher odds of breastfeeding at 1 and 3 months after delivery. Women who did not initiate breastfeeding during hospital stay but breastfed at 1 month after delivery had lower odds of breastfeeding at 3 months after delivery.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest the importance of conservative use of operative obstetrical intervention due to its negative impact on breastfeeding. Health professionals need to support mothers who have experienced cesarean and assisted vaginal delivery to increase their breastfeeding. Hospital staff should improve practice with respect to early initiation of breastfeeding. (BIRTH 34:2 June 2007)
Skin‐to‐Skin Care with the Father after Cesarean Birth and Its Effect on Newborn Crying and Prefeeding Behavior
Authors: Erlandsson Kerstin , Dsilna Ann , Fagerberg Ingegerd , Christensson Kyllike
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Background:
Previous reports have shown that skin‐to‐skin care immediately after vaginal birth is the optimal form of care for full‐term, healthy infants. Even in cases when the mother is awake and using spinal analgesia, early skin‐to‐skin contact between her and her newborn directly after cesarean birth might be limited for practical and medical safety reasons. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of skin‐to‐skin contact on crying and prefeeding behavior in healthy, full‐term infants born by elective cesarean birth and cared for skin‐to‐skin with their fathers versus conventional care in a cot during the first 2 hours after birth.
Methods:
Twenty‐nine father‐infant pairs participated in a randomized controlled trial, in which infants were randomized to be either skin‐to‐skin with their father or next to the father in a cot. Data were collected both by tape‐recording crying time for the infants and by naturalistic observations of the infants’ behavioral response, scored every 15 minutes based on the scoring criteria described in the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS).
Results:
The primary finding was the positive impact the fathers’ skin‐to‐skin contact had on the infants’ crying behavior. The analysis of the tape recordings of infant crying demonstrated that infants in the skin‐to‐skin group cried less than the infants in the cot group (p < 0.001). The crying of infants in the skin‐to‐skin group decreased within 15 minutes of being placed skin‐to‐skin with the father. Analysis of the NBAS‐based observation data showed that being cared for on the father’s chest skin‐to‐skin also had an impact on infant wakefulness. These infants became drowsy within 60 minutes after birth, whereas infants cared for in a cot reached the same stage after 110 minutes. Rooting activity was more frequent in the cot group than in the skin‐to‐skin group (p < 0.01), as were sucking activities (p ≤0.001) and overall duration of wakefulness (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The infants in the skin‐to‐skin group were comforted, that is, they stopped crying, became calmer, and reached a drowsy state earlier than the infants in the cot group. The father can facilitate the development of the infant’s prefeeding behavior in this important period of the newborn infant’s life and should thus be regarded as the primary caregiver for the infant during the separation of mother and baby. (BIRTH 34:2 June 2007)
Linear and Whorled Hypermelanosis
Authors: Di Lernia Vito
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis is a sporadic pigmentary anomaly occurring within the first weeks of life, characterized clinically by swirls and streaks of macular hyperpigmentation following the lines of Blaschko. Histologically it shows only epidermal melanosis. Underlying chromosomal mosaicism has been demonstrated in only a few published cases. Progressive cribriform and zosteriform hyperpigmentation is considered to be the localized variant of linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis. We report a retrospective study on 16 children referred consecutively over a 10‐year period for evaluation of segmental, linear or swirled hyperpigmentation distributed along the lines of Blashko, consistent with a diagnosis of linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis. Associated abnormalities were found only in one out of six patients with the diffuse form (linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis‐type) and in none of the remaining 10 children presenting the unilateral form (progressive cribriform and zosteriform hyperpigmentation‐type). A long‐term follow‐up did not disclose further abnormalities. The authors discuss the nosologic position of this entity with respect to hypomelanosis of Ito. Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis and hypomelanosis of Ito should be not considered single entities, but be rather grouped as a heterogeneous collection of nonspecific pigmentary disorders caused by genetic mosaicism. Skin findings in these diseases can differ according to the pigmentation in the normal cell line and whether the second line contains more or less melanosomes than the normal skin of the individual exhibiting mosaicism.
Familial Homozygous Hypercholesterolemia: Report of Two Patients and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sethuraman Gomathy , Sugandhan Selvendran , Sharma Gautam , Chandramohan Kudligi , Chandra Nimai Chand , Dash Sushruta Shefali , Komal Aggarwal , Sharma Vinod K
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Familial homozygous hypercholesterolemia is a rare autosomal dominant, metabolic disorder caused by mutation in the gene, which encodes the synthesis of low‐density lipoprotein receptors and is characterized by increased serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Multiple types of xanthomas occur, such as tendinous, tuberous, xanthelasma, and sub‐periosteal. Intertriginous xanthomas are rare but if present are pathognomonic of this disorder. We report two children with familial homozygous hypercholesterolemia who had multiple xanthomas including the intertriginous variety.
Mohs Surgical Treatment of a Granular Cell Tumor on the Toe of a Child
Authors: Abraham Tonya , Jackson Bethany , Davis Loretta , Yu Jack , Peterson Christopher
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Granular cell tumors are uncommon, usually benign tumors of neural origin. They are most often diagnosed in the third to sixth decades of life and are infrequently seen in the pediatric population. Although they can be found in a wide distribution throughout the body, more than half occur in the oral cavity and other head and neck sites such as the larynx. We report a granular cell tumor on the distal toe of a 5‐year‐old child, removed with Mohs surgery. Review of the English language literature revealed four previously reported granular cell tumors treated with Mohs micrographic surgery, none of which was in a child.
Primary Cutaneous Zygomycosis in Two Immunocompromised Children
Authors: Cantatore‐Francis Julie L. , Shin Helen T. , Heilman Edward , Glick Sharon A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Zygomycosis, often referred to as ‘‘mucormycosis’’ or ‘‘phycomycosis,’’ is a rapidly progressive fungal infection which usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals, and is characterized by soft tissue destruction and invasion of blood vessels. The rare and easily misdiagnosed primary cutaneous form may present as a superficial erosion with a painless, gradual onset and slow progression of symptoms or a gangrenous, necrotic ulceration due to rapid tissue and vascular invasion. With the latter form, the mortality rate among affected individuals is high even after aggressive surgical debridement and amphotericin B administration, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and proper diagnosis. We present two instances of gangrenous cutaneous zygomycosis in immunocompromised children and review the literature with regard to etiology, diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the pediatric population.
Diffuse Acute Pustular Eruption After Streptococcal Infection—A New Instance of Pustulosis Acuta Generalisata
Authors: Patrizi Annalisa , Savoia Francesco , Giacomini Federica , Neri Iria , Ricci Giampaolo
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  We report a 6‐year‐old boy with a diffuse acute pustular eruption which appeared after an erysipela. On the basis of the history and clinical features we made a diagnosis of pustulosis acuta generalisata. An 8‐day antibiotic course with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid was instituted. After 1 week the erysipela and the pustular eruption had healed and no relapse of the rash occurred in the following month.
Bullous Lesions in Henoch–Schönlein Purpura
Authors: CHAN KINGSLEY HAN NGAI , TANG. WILLIAM YUK MING , LO KUEN KONG
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a small‐vessel vasculitis characterized by purpura, arthritis, abdominal pain, and hematuria. It is the most common form of vasculitis affecting children. The skin manifestations typically present as palpable purpura over the buttock and the lower extremities, but bullous lesions are particularly rare in children. We report a case of HSP presented as painful bullae on both lower limbs.
Utility of Atrial and Ventricular Cycle Length Variability in Determining the Mechanism of Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
Authors: CRAWFORD THOMAS C. , MUKERJI SIDDHARTH , GOOD ERIC , CHUGH AMAN , BOGUN FRANK , PELOSI FRANK , ORAL HAKAN , MORADY FRED , JONGNARANGSIN KRIT
Published: May 2007

Introduction: No prior studies have systematically investigated the diagnostic value of cycle length (CL) variability in differentiating the mechanism of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

Methods and Results: We studied 173 consecutive patients with PSVT; 86 typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), 11 atypical AVNRT, 47 orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia (ORT), and 29 with atrial tachycardia (AT). Two consecutive atrial cycles that displayed the most CL variability were selected for analysis. One hundred and twenty‐six patients (73%) had ≥15 msec variability in tachycardia CL. The change in atrial CL predicted the change in subsequent ventricular CL in six of eight patients (75%) with atypical AVNRT, 18 of 21 patients (86%) with AT, in none of 66 patients with typical AVNRT, and in 32 patients with ORT. The change in atrial CL was predicted by the change in preceding ventricular CL in 55 of 66 patients (83%) with typical AVNRT, no patient with atypical AVNRT, 27 of 31 patients (87%) with ORT, and one of 21 patients (5%) with AT. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of a change in atrial CL predicting the change in ventricular CL for AT or atypical AVNRT were 83%, 100%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. The corresponding values for the change in atrial CL being predicted by the change in the preceding ventricular CL for typical AVNRT or ORT were 85%, 97%, 99%, and 65%, respectively.

Conclusion: Tachycardia CL variability ≥15 msec is common in PSVT. A change in atrial CL that predicts the change in subsequent ventricular CL strongly favors AT or atypical AVNRT. A change in atrial CL that is predicted by the change in the preceding ventricular CL favors typical AVNRT or ORT.
Ceramics for Prosthetic Hip and Knee Joint Replacement
Authors: Rahaman Mohamed N. , Yao Aihua , Bal B. Sonny , Garino Jonathan P. , Ries Michael D.
Published: May 2007

The most commonly used bearing couple in prosthetic hip or knee joint replacements consists of a cobalt–chrome (CoCr) metal alloy articulating against ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene. Ceramics have been used as an alternative to metal‐on‐polyethylene in joint replacement surgery of arthritic hips and knees since the 1970s. In prosthetic hip and knee bearings, ceramic surfaces offer a major benefit of drastically reduced wear rates and excellent long‐term biocompatibility, which can increase the longevity of prosthetic hip and knee joints. This benefit is important clinically because hip and knee replacement has become a very common surgical procedure, particularly in the United States, and because these procedures are being increasingly performed in younger patients who place greater demands on the prosthetic bearings. However, ceramics are brittle and the risk of catastrophic bearing failurein vivo, while rare, is a major concern. Improvements in material quality, manufacturing methods, and implant design have resulted in a drastic reduction of the incidence of such failures, so that modern ceramic bearings are safe and reliable if used with components of proven design and durability. Future material improvements are actively being investigated to reduce the risk of ceramic‐bearing failures even further. The purpose of this article is to review the structure, properties, applications, and limitations of the ceramics that have been used in orthopedic bearings, and to describe the new ceramic composite materials and surface treatments that will be available for joint replacement surgery in the near future.
The Design of Crystalline Precursors For the Synthesis of Mn−1AXnPhases and Their Application to Ti3AlC2
Authors: Riley Daniel P. , Kisi Erich H.
Published: May 2007

A methodology to allow the deliberate design of solid precursors to affect the solid‐state synthesis of materials has proven elusive. We have designed a conceptual synthesis route for Mn+1AXnphases that does not involve the usual intermediate phases. Instead, it is proposed that the common structural units within a solid‐state precursor Mn+1Xncontaining vacancy ordering should be the basis for direct synthesis of the desired Mn+1AXnphase. The method is demonstrated to be successful in producing titanium aluminum carbide (Ti3AlC2) by the rapid intercalation of Al into TiC0.67at 400°–600°C below the conventional synthesis temperature. Time‐resolved neutron diffraction at 1 min time‐resolution has confirmed the reaction sequence. The vacancy ordering in TiC0.67occurred simultaneously to, and appeared to be greatly facilitated by, the ingress of aluminum. There is considerable scope for adaptation of the method to other Mn+1AXnphases.
Congenital panfollicular nevus associated with polydactyly
Authors: Kim Jinah , Zambrano Eduardo V. , McNiff Jennifer M.
Published: May 2007

A 2‐year‐old girl presented with ulnar‐sided duplication of the left thumb distal to the interphalangeal joint and syndactyly of the first web space. She also had several asymptomatic pink‐tan cutaneous papules, involving the first and second ray of the left hand and wrist, clinically resembling a linear epidermal nevus. Microscopically, the papules were composed of well‐circumscribed aggregates of basaloid epithelium within the dermis. No normal hair follicles were identified. Follicular germ and papillae were identified, representing abortive attempts at hair follicle formation. The features were remarkably similar to a novel entity described by Finn and Argenyi as congenital panfollicular nevus. In our case, the congenital panfollicular nevus was associated with distal thumb polysyndactyly, which may suggest an important link between limb patterning and hair follicle development.
Combined Bowen disease and extramammary Paget disease
Authors: Matsumoto Masaaki , Ishiguro Mayuko , Ikeno Fuminori , Ikeda Mitsunori , Kamijima Reiko , Hirata Yasuhiko , Saruta Takao , Kodama Hajime
Published: May 2007

Background:  The histological resemblance between extramammary Paget disease and Bowen disease has been described since Bowen’s original article was published in 1912.

Methods:  We herein describe a case of vulval primary extramammary Paget disease in a 61‐year‐old women with the histological features of Bowen disease.

Results:  Histological examination of a biopsy specimen showed acanthosis with full‐thickness cellular atypia, focal hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis in the epidermis, and no characteristic Paget cells were observed. However, histological examination of an operative specimen revealed areas characteristic of Paget disease and Bowen disease. Overall, the areas characteristic of Bowen disease and Paget disease occupied 6% and 32% of the total operative specimen, respectively. The two areas were sharply separated. Immunohistochemical findings showed carcinoembryonic antigen to be expressed in areas containing Paget cells, but not in the areas characteristic of Bowen disease. Cytokeratin 7 (CK7) (OV‐TL 12/30) and CK8 (35βH11) were strongly expressed in both of these areas. The staining for high‐molecular‐weight cytokeratins was negative in both of these areas.

Conclusions:  Our findings indicated that primary extramammary Paget disease and squamous cell carcinoma in situ arose multifocally from a common cell in the epidermis.
Cellular mechanisms involved in the melatonin inhibition of HT‐29 human colon cancer cell proliferation in culture
Authors: García‐Navarro Ana , González‐Puga Cristina , Escames Germaine , López Luis C. , López Ana , López‐Cantarero Manuel , Camacho Encarnación , Espinosa Antonio , Gallo Miguel Angel , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  The antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties of melatonin in human colon cancer cells in culture were recently reported. To address the mechanisms involved in these actions, HT‐29 human colon cancer cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum at 37°C. Cell proliferation was assessed by the incorporation of [3H]‐thymidine into DNA. Cyclic nucleotide levels, nitrite concentration, glutathione peroxidase and reductase activities, and glutathione levels were assessed after the incubation of these cells with the following drugs: melatonin membrane receptor agonists 2‐iodo‐melatonin, 2‐iodo‐N‐butanoyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine, 5‐methoxycarbonylamino‐N‐acetyltryptamine (GR‐135,531), and the antagonists luzindole, 4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamidotetralin, and prazosin; the melatonin nuclear receptor agonist CGP 52608, and four synthetic kynurenines analogs to melatonin 2‐acetamide‐4‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)‐4‐oxobutyric acid, 2‐acetamide‐4‐(2‐amino‐5‐methoxyphenyl)‐4‐oxobutyric acid, 2‐butyramide‐4‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)‐4‐oxobutyric acid and 2‐butyramide‐4‐(2‐amino‐5‐methoxyphenyl)‐4‐oxobutyric acid. The results show that the membrane receptors are not necessary for the antiproliferative effect of melatonin and the participation of the nuclear receptor in this effect is suggested. Moreover, the antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory actions of melatonin, counteracting the oxidative status and reducing the production of nitric oxide by cultured HT‐29 cells seem to be directly involved in the oncostatic properties of melatonin. Some of the synthetic kynurenines exert higher antiproliferative effects than melatonin. The results reinforce the clinical interest of melatonin due to the different mechanisms involved in its oncostatic role, and suggest a new synthetic pathway to obtain melatonin agonists with clinical applications to oncology.
An Increase in the Sex Ratio of Births to India‐born Mothers in England and Wales: Evidence for Sex‐Selective Abortion
Authors: Dubuc Sylvie , Coleman David
Published: May 2007

Male preference in many Asian cultures results in discriminatory practices against females, including neglect and infanticide. This preference, together with the availability of prenatal sex determination and sex‐selective abortion, has led to an increase in sex ratios at birth in China, India, and South Korea. The resulting expected gender imbalances raise ethical, demographic, and social concerns. We analyzed birth statistics to see whether similar trends are apparent among births to foreign‐born mothers in England and Wales. Before 1990, sex ratios at birth were consistently nearly one point lower (104) for the three major Asian groups in Britain compared with mothers born in Western countries. This is inconsistent with previous suggestions that Asian populations have a higher “natural” sex ratio at birth. In the birth statistics since 1990, we find a four‐point increase in the sex ratio at birth for mothers born in India, attributable particularly to an increase at higher birth orders, mirroring findings reported for India. This suggests that sex‐selective abortion is occurring among mothers born in India and living in Britain. By contrast, no significant increase was observed for Pakistan‐born and Bangladesh‐born mothers, among whom male preference also exists. It seems that male preference in different cultures does not necessarily lead to sex‐selective abortion.
Complex Needs and Complex Solutions: The Challenge of Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Hogg James
Published: May 2007

Abstract  People with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) have been the subject of diametrically opposed philosophies. Bioethicists have denied their personhood because of their lack of self‐awareness and low level of cognitive functioning. Such a view has been used to justify both euthanasia and surgical and hormonal intervention to stunt growth, as in the case of the much publicized “Ashley’s treatment.” In contrast, their rights as persons and citizens have been asserted, and rich veins of research over the past 60 years have explored their capacity for development and the contexts in which they live. Against this background, the author speaks to the key issues affecting people with PIMD and introduces the papers that are included in this special issue that deals with the need for the development of a careful classificatory approach to PIMD; practice in service settings for both children and adults; approaches to intervention; health‐related concerns; and the quality of life of staff.
Acidic extracellular pH increases calcium influx‐triggered phospholipase D activity along with acidic sphingomyelinase activation to induce matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression in mouse metastatic melanoma
Authors: Kato Yasumasa , Ozawa Shigeyuki , Tsukuda Mamoru , Kubota Eiro , Miyazaki Kaoru , St‐Pierre Yves , Hata Ryu‐Ichiro
Published: May 2007

Acidic extracellular pH is a common feature of tumor tissues. We have reported that culturing cells at acidic pH (5.4–6.5) induced matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression through phospholipase D, extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases and nuclear factor‐κB. Here, we show that acidic extracellular pH signaling involves both pathways of phospholipase D triggered by Ca2+ influx and acidic sphingomyelinase in mouse B16 melanoma cells. We found that BAPTA‐AM [1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)‐ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid tetrakis (acetoxymethyl) ester], a chelator of intracellular free calcium, and the voltage dependent Ca2+ channel blockers, mibefradil (for T‐type) and nimodipine (for L‐type), dose‐dependently inhibited acidic extracellular pH‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression. Intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was transiently elevated by acidic extracellular pH, and this [Ca2+]i elevation was repressed by EGTA and the voltage dependent Ca2+ channel blockers but not by phospholipase C inhibitor, suggesting that acidic extracellular pH increased [Ca2+]i through voltage dependent Ca2+ channel. In contrast, SR33557, an L‐type voltage dependent Ca2+ channel blocker and acidic sphingomyelinase inhibitor, attenuated matrix metalloproteinase‐9 induction but did not affect calcium influx. We found that acidic sphingomyelinase activity was induced by acidic extracellular pH and that the specific acidic sphingomyelinase inhibitors (perhexiline and desipramine) and siRNA targeting aSMase/smpd1 could inhibit acidic extracellular pH‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression. BAPTA‐AM reduced acidic extracellular pH‐induced phospholipase D but not acidic sphingomyelinase acitivity. The acidic sphingomyelinase inhibitors did not affect the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 and p38, but they suppressed nuclear factor‐κB activity. These data suggest that the calcium influx‐triggered phospholipase D and acidic sphingomyelinase pathways of acidic extracellular pH induced matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression, at least in part, through nuclear factor‐κB activation.
LEGAL PROFESSIONALS AS TEACHERS OF FOSTER YOUTH: CHANGING EXPECTATIONS AND DEMANDING THE BEST
Authors: David Ambroz H. J.
Published: May 2007

The foster care system sets low expectations for foster youth, and ultimately the system produces poor results in terms of outcomes. In its unique role, the legal system and its actors have the responsibility and opportunity to change expectations, mentor, and provide a frame work for successful reform using the skills inherent in the practice and study of the law. Importantly, foster youth must be supported and expected to achieve high educational outcomes through goals that are developed in partnership with service providers and professionals like attorneys.
A NEW METHOD FOR STUDYING THE EXTENT, STABILITY, AND PREDICTORS OF INDIVIDUAL SPECIALIZATION IN VIOLENCE*
Authors: OSGOOD D. WAYNE , SCHRECK CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: May 2007

Specialization in violence is an important scientific and policy topic, and over the past several decades, many analysis techniques for studying specialization have emerged. Research in this area continues to be hampered, however, by remaining methodological problems. To overcome these problems, we propose a new method for studying specialization in violence based on an item‐response theory measurement approach that is implemented through a multilevel regression model. Our approach defines specialization as an individual level latent variable, takes into account the inherent confounds between specialization and overall level of offending, and gauges specialization relative to the population base rates of each offense. Our method also enables researchers to 1) estimate the extent and statistical significance of specialization, 2) assess the stability of specialization over time, and 3) relate specialization to explanatory variables. Using data from three studies, we found substantial levels of specialization in violence, considerable stability in specialization over time, and several significant and relatively consistent relationships of specialization to explanatory variables such as gender, parental education, and risk‐seeking.
THE INTERACTION OF ANTISOCIAL PROPENSITY AND LIFE‐COURSE VARYING PREDICTORS OF DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR: DIFFERENCES BY METHOD OF ESTIMATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THEORY*
Authors: OUSEY GRAHAM C. , WILCOX PAMELA
Published: May 2007

Recent criminological research has explored the extent to which stable propensity and life‐course perspectives may be integrated to provide a more comprehensive explanation of variation in individual criminal offending. One line of these integrative efforts focuses on the ways that stable individual characteristics may interact with, or modify, the effects of life‐course varying social factors. Given their consistency with the long‐standing view that person–environment interactions contribute to variation in human social behavior, these theoretical integration attempts have great intuitive appeal. However, a review of past criminological research suggests that conceptual and empirical complexities have, so far, somewhat dampened the development of a coherent theoretical understanding of the nature of interaction effects between stable individual antisocial propensity and time‐varying social variables. In this study, we outline and empirically assess several of the sometimes conflicting hypotheses regarding the ways that antisocial propensity moderates the influence of time‐varying social factors on delinquent offending. Unlike some prior studies, however, we explicitly measure the interactive effects of stable antisocial propensity and time‐varying measures of selected social variables on changes in delinquent offending. In addition, drawing on recent research that suggests that the relative ubiquity of interaction effects in past studies may be partly from the poorly suited application of linear statistical models to delinquency data, we alternatively test our interaction hypotheses using least‐squares and tobit estimation frameworks. Our findings suggest that method of estimation matters, with interaction effects appearing readily in the former but not in the latter. The implications of these findings for future conceptual and empirical work on stable propensity/time‐varying social variable interaction effects are discussed.
COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND ADOLESCENT DELINQUENCY IN ICELAND: A CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS*
Authors: BERNBURG JÓN GUNNAR , THORLINDSSON THOROLFUR
Published: May 2007

The current study examines the contextual effects of community structural characteristics on adolescent delinquency in Iceland, focusing on how specific individual‐level mechanisms work to mediate the contextual effects. Using multilevel data on 68 school communities and 6,458 adolescents, we find a contextual effect of community social instability (residential mobility, family disruption) on delinquency. Moreover, the findings indicate that specific individual‐level social control mechanisms (Coleman, 1988) explain a part of this effect, namely, embeddedness in community‐based social ties linking parents and adolescents and normlessness. Also, the findings indicate that the individual‐level effect of unsupervised peer activity on delinquency is contingent on embeddedness in social ties as well as on community social instability. The findings have bearing on the cross‐societal generalizability of social disorganization theory.
Establishing a water information system for Europe: constraints from spatial data heterogeneity
Authors: Hannerz Fredrik , Langaas Sindre
Published: May 2007

Water information systems (WIS) are being developed for countries, international river basins and the European Union (EU), partly as a result of the requirements specified in the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). The issue of whether and how these information systems should be integrated into the European Commission's water information system for Europe (WISE) is currently an open one. We present a discussion with regard to the challenges facing WISE development, with particular focus on the heterogeneity of spatial base data. In addition, an assessment of this heterogeneity is presented based on Swedish and English WFD reporting data, and on WISE‐relevant small‐scale European base datasets. Results show that WFD reporting data are based on incomparable methods and spatial analysis units, and that small‐scale data are transborder heterogeneous. Interpretation and international comparison of WFD results as well as their combination into a common WISE may therefore be largely constrained by spatial data heterogeneity.
Feasibility of Utilizing Bioindicators for Testing Microbial Inactivation in Sweetpotato Purees Processed with a Continuous‐Flow Microwave System
Authors: Brinley T.A. , Dock C.N. , Truong V.‐D. , Coronel P. , Kumar P. , Simunovic J. , Sandeep K.P. , Cartwright G.D. , Swartzel K.R. , Jaykus L.‐A.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Continuous‐flow microwave heating has potential in aseptic processing of various food products, including purees from sweetpotatoes and other vegetables. Establishing the feasibility of a new processing technology for achieving commercial sterility requires evaluating microbial inactivation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using commercially available plastic pouches of bioindicators containing spores of Geobacillius stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 35021 for evaluating the degree of microbial inactivation achieved in vegetable purees processed in a continuous‐flow microwave heating unit. Sweetpotato puree seeded with the bioindicators was subjected to 3 levels of processing based on the fastest particles: undertarget process (F0 approximately 0.65), target process (F0 approximately 2.8), and overtarget process (F0 approximately 10.10). After initial experiments, we found it was necessary to engineer a setup with 2 removable tubes connected to the continuous‐flow microwave system to facilitate the injection of indicators into the unit without interrupting the puree flow. Using this approach, 60% of the indicators injected into the system could be recovered postprocess. Spore survival after processing, as evaluated by use of growth indicator dyes and standard plating methods, verified inactivation of the spores in sweetpotato puree. The log reduction results for B. subtilis were equivalent to the predesigned degrees of sterilization (F0). This study presents the first report suggesting that bioindicators such as the flexible, food‐grade plastic pouches can be used for microbial validation of commercial sterilization in aseptic processing of foods using a continuous‐flow microwave system.
NaCl‐Activated Extracellular Proteinase from Virgibacillus sp. SK37 Isolated from Fish Sauce Fermentation
Authors: Sinsuwan S. , Rodtong S. , Yongsawatdigul J.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Virgibacillus sp. SK37 exhibited high extracellular proteolytic activity in skim milk broth containing 10% NaCl. Optimum conditions of the crude proteinase were at pH 8.0 and 65 °C. The proteinase was strongly inhibited by phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and preferably hydrolyzed Suc‐Ala‐Ala‐Pro‐Phe‐AMC, suggesting the serine proteinase with a subtilisin‐like characteristic. Proteolytic activity increased with NaCl concentration up to 20%. Ca2+ activated the enzyme activity but reduced enzyme stability at 65 °C. Several proteinases with dominant molecular mass (MW) of 81, 67, 63, 50, 38, and 18 kDa were detected on native‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (native‐PAGE) activity staining in the absence and presence of 25% NaCl. These results demonstrated that Virgibacillus sp. SK37 produced salt‐activated extracellular proteinases. Virgibacillus sp. SK37 could be a promising strain for starter culture development used in fish sauce fermentation.
Folates in Asian Noodles: II. A Comparison of Commercial Samples and the Impact of Cooking
Authors: Bui Lan T.T. , Small Darryl M.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  The folate contents of 26 commercial noodle samples were investigated. The impact of ingredients, pH, and cooking on folate content was studied for the 3 predominant styles of noodles: white salted, yellow alkaline, and instant. Some variability was found in the proportion of folate present in the free form and the noodles generally had low total folate contents. The pH values of the samples covered a wide range, varying from 3.7 to 10.3; however, the results did not provide strong evidence for a relationship between pH and folate content for any of the noodle styles studied. Higher folate levels were typically found in yellow alkaline samples compared to white salted and instant noodles. The storage of noodles in dry or moist forms did not appear to influence total folate contents, and subsequent losses during cooking depended upon the time of exposure to elevated temperatures. The enzymatic treatment of samples was particularly important for cooked noodles, indicating that folates were bound or entrapped during this process.
Physicochemical Characteristics of Green Coffee: Comparison of Graded and Defective Beans
Authors: Ramalakshmi K. , Kubra I.R. , Rao L.J.M.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Defective (triage) coffee beans are beans rejected after separating the graded ones according to the size and color. These coffee beans represent about 15% to 20% of coffee production in India but are not utilized for beverages since these affect the quality of coffee brew. In the present study, physical characteristics such as bean density, brightness, titratable acidity, pH, moisture, and total soluble solids and also chemical composition, namely, caffeine, chlorogenic acids, lipids, sucrose, total polyphenols, and proteins, were evaluated in defective as well as in graded green coffee beans. The physical parameters such as weight, density, and brightness of defective coffee beans were low compared to the graded beans, which is due to the presence of immature, broken, bleached, and black beans. Caffeine content was low in triage beans compared to graded beans. Chlorogenic acids, one of the composition in coffee responsible for antioxidant activity, was found to be intact (marginally high in some cases) in defective coffee beans. Hence, triage coffee beans can be evaluated as a source of antioxidant or radical scavenging conserve for food systems.
Efficacy of low dose long‐term interferon monotherapy in aged patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 and its relation to alpha‐fetoprotein: A pilot study
Authors: Nomura Hideyuki , Kashiwagi Yoichiro , Hirano Ryouko , Tanimoto Hironori , Tsutsumi Nobuo , Higashi Masashi , Ishibashi Hiromi
Published: May 2007

Aim:  The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of low dose long‐term interferon (IFN) therapy in aged patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1.

Methods:  The IFN therapy was performed in Shin‐Kokura Hospital on 44 patients aged 60 or older with chronic hepatitis C. All patients had high viral loads of genotype 1. Three million units of natural IFN‐α was administered intramuscularly or intrasubcutaneously, three times a week for three years. A control group of 44 subjects not treated with IFN, matched for age, gender and hepatic histology, was formed.

Results:  Two of the 44 patients showed a sustained virological response. Alanine aminotransferase was below the upper limit of normal in 59% (23/39) of the patients and alpha‐fetoprotein was less than 40 ng/mL in 97% (38/39) on the completion of treatment. Sustained biochemical response was observed in 53% (19/36) of the patients. In the liver cirrhosis group, serum albumin values and platelet counts increased in 38% (6/16) and 33% (6/18) of patients, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) appeared in three patients by 13 months after the start of treatment, but no cases were reported thereafter. The cumulative non‐carcinogenesis rate of HCC in the liver cirrhosis group was significantly higher in the IFN treatment group compared to the control group (log–rank test, P = 0.046).

Conclusion:  Low dose long‐term interferon monotherapy to prevent carcinogenesis of HCC was considered useful in aged patients for whom peg‐interferon and ribavirin combination therapy is difficult.
Thermal Buckling of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Nonlocal Elasticity
Authors: Li Renfu , Kardomateas George A.
Published: May 2007

The small internal length scales of nanomaterials/nano-devices may call the direct application of classical continuum models into question. In this research, a nonlocal elastic shell model, which takes the small scale effects into account, is developed to study the thermal buckling behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes are considered as concentric thin shells coupled with the van der Waals forces between adjacent nanotubes. Closed form solutions are formulated for two types of thermal buckling of a double-walled carbon nanotube: Radial thermal buckling (as in a shell under external pressure) and axial thermal buckling. The effects of small scale effects are demonstrated, and a significant influence of internal characteristic parameters such as the length of the C‐C bond has been found on the thermal buckling critical temperature. The study interestingly shows that the axial buckling is not likely to happen, while the “radial” buckling may often take place when the carbon nano-tubes are subjected to thermal loading. Furthermore, a convenient method to determine the material constant, “e0” and the internal characteristic parameter, “a,” is suggested.
Simulation of the Distortion of Long Steel Profiles During
Cooling
Authors: Pietzsch Robert , Brzoza Miroslaw , Kaymak Yalçin , Specht Eckehard , Bertram Albrecht
Published: May 2007

A complex thermomechanical model for simulating the transient fields of the temperature, microstructure, stress, strain, and displacement during quenching of steel profiles is introduced. The thermoplastic material model is formulated on the basis of J2-plasticity theory with a temperature- and phase fraction-dependent yield limit. Coupling effects such as dissipation, phase transformation enthalpy, and transformation-induced plasticity are considered. The validity of the model is verified by comparing the simulation results with available experimental measurements. The introduced model serves as a basis for optimizing the cooling conditions for reducing residual stresses and distortions. The simulation results for T and L profiles of two different types of steel are described.
Elastic Analysis for Defects in an Orthotropic Kirchhoff Plate
Authors: Yang Kyeong-Jin , Lee Ki-Young , Chang Jong-Hwa
Published: May 2007

Defects such as inhomogeneities, inclusions with eigenstrains, and dislocations in an infinite orthotropic Kirchhoff plate are analyzed. These results could be applied to thin plate problems regardless of whether the plate is homogeneous or inhomogeneous in the direction of a thickness. An orthotropic laminated plate with a symmetric plane normal to the direction of the thickness is included as a special case. The eigenstrain is assumed to vary throughout the direction of the thickness. Thus, a bending of the plate due to the eigenstrain is considered. Employing Green’s functions, which are expressed in explicit compact forms in a Cartesian coordinates system and were recently obtained by using a Stroh-type formalism, the elastic fields for defects are obtained by way of Eshelby’s inclusion method. The general solutions for the extension and bending deformations due to the mid-plane eigenstrain and eigencurvature are expressed in quasi-Newtonian potentials and their derivatives, which appear in a closed form for the elliptic inclusion. For the bending problem of an inclusion with uniform eigencurvature, the curvature inside the inclusion becomes uniform, corresponding to that from Eshelby’s analysis of an isotropic solid. Edge dislocation and elliptic inclusions with polynomial eigenstrains are also discussed in this work.
Promising Clinical Efficacy of Streptomycin-Rifampin Combination for Treatment of Buruli Ulcer (
Mycobacterium ulcerans
Disease)
Authors: Chauty Annick , Ardant Marie-Françoise , Adeye Ambroise , Euverte Hélène , Guédénon Augustin , Johnson Christian , Aubry Jacques , Nuermberger Eric , Grosset Jacques
Published: May 2007

According to recommendations of the 6th WHO Advisory Committee on Buruli ulcer, directly observed treatment with the combination of rifampin and streptomycin, administered daily for 8 weeks, was recommended to 310 patients diagnosed with Buruli ulcer in Pobè, Bénin. Among the 224 (72%) eligible patients for whom treatment was initiated, 215 (96%) were categorized as treatment successes, and 9, including 1 death and 8 losses to follow-up, were treatment failures. Of the 215 successfully treated patients, 102 (47%) were treated exclusively with antibiotics and 113 (53%) were treated with antibiotics plus surgical excision and skin grafting. The size of lesions at treatment initiation was the major factor associated with surgical intervention: 73% of patients with lesions of >15 cm in diameter underwent surgery, whereas only 17% of patients with lesions of <5 cm had surgery. No patient discontinued therapy for side effects from the antibiotic treatment. One year after stopping treatment, 208 of the 215 patients were actively retrieved to assess the long-term therapeutic results: 3 (1.44%) of the 208 retrieved patients had recurrence of
Mycobacterium ulcerans
disease, 2 among the 107 patients treated only with antibiotics and 1 among the 108 patients treated with antibiotics plus surgery. We conclude that the WHO-recommended streptomycin-rifampin combination is highly efficacious for treating
M. ulcerans
disease. Chemotherapy alone was successful in achieving cure in 47% of cases and was particularly effective against ulcers of less than 5 cm in diameter.
In Situ Activity and Spatial Organization of Anaerobic Ammonium-Oxidizing (Anammox) Bacteria in Biofilms
Authors: Kindaichi Tomonori , Tsushima Ikuo , Ogasawara Yuji , Shimokawa Masaki , Ozaki Noriatsu , Satoh Hisashi , Okabe Satoshi
Published: May 2007

We investigated autotrophic anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) biofilms for their spatial organization, community composition, and in situ activities by using molecular biological techniques combined with microelectrodes. Results of phylogenetic analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that “
Brocadia
”-like anammox bacteria that hybridized with the Amx820 probe dominated, with 60 to 92% of total bacteria in the upper part (<1,000 μm) of the biofilm, where high anammox activity was mainly detected with microelectrodes. The relative abundance of anammox bacteria decreased along the flow direction of the reactor. FISH results also indicated that
Nitrosomonas
-,
Nitrosospira
-, and
Nitrosococcus
-like aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and
Nitrospira
-like nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) coexisted with anammox bacteria and accounted for 13 to 21% of total bacteria in the biofilms. Microelectrode measurements at three points along the anammox reactor revealed that the NH
4
+
and NO
2
−
consumption rates decreased from 0.68 and 0.64 μmol cm
−2
h
−1
at P2 (the second port, 170 mm from the inlet port) to 0.30 and 0.35 μmol cm
−2
h
−1
at P3 (the third port, 205 mm from the inlet port), respectively. No anammox activity was detected at P4 (the fourth port, 240 mm from the inlet port), even though sufficient amounts of NH
4
+
and NO
2
−
and a high abundance of anammox bacteria were still present. This result could be explained by the inhibitory effect of organic compounds derived from biomass decay and/or produced by anammox and coexisting bacteria in the upper parts of the biofilm and in the upstream part of the reactor. The anammox activities in the biofilm determined by microelectrodes reflected the overall reactor performance. The several groups of aerobic AOB lineages,
Nitrospira
-like NOB, and
Betaproteobacteria
coexisting in the anammox biofilm might consume a trace amount of O
2
or organic compounds, which consequently established suitable microenvironments for anammox bacteria.
Mixed-Species Biofilm Formation by Lactic Acid Bacteria and Rice Wine Yeasts
Authors: Kawarai Taketo , Furukawa Soichi , Ogihara Hirokazu , Yamasaki Makari
Published: May 2007

We found that species combinations such as
Lactobacillus casei
subsp.
rhamnosus
IFO3831 and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Kyokai-10 can form a mixed-species biofilm in coculture. Moreover, the Kyokai-10 yeast strain can form a biofilm in monoculture in the presence of conditioned medium (CM) from
L. casei
IFO3831. The active substance(s) in bacterial CM is heat sensitive and has a molecular mass of between 3 and 5 kDa. In biofilms from cocultures or CM monocultures, yeast cells had a distinct morphology, with many hill-like protrusions on the cell surface.