bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planetary Wave Propagation off California and Its Effect on Zooplankton
Authors: Clarke Allan J. , Dottori Marcelo
Published: March 2008

Lagged correlation of dynamic height from the gappy California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigation (CalCOFI) with monthly San Diego sea level for the period 1949–2001 shows that the dynamic height propagates westward at 4.10 cm s−1, about double the speed of the large-scale low-frequency Rossby wave (2.2 cm s−1). Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/Poseidon/Jason-1’s along-track sea level height estimates since January 1993, filtered interannually, propagate westward at 4.3 cm s−1, verifying that observed westward propagation is about double that expected. Including the effect of the mean California Current on the Rossby wave propagation does not explain the discrepancy but rather slightly increases it. If variations in the ocean depth in the CalCOFI region are also taken into account, the westward propagation is still only about one-half that observed. Standard theory therefore does not explain the observations. Because of the westward propagation, interannual variations in alongshore geostrophic surface current are proportional to the time derivative of sea level. This means that such large-scale interannual current variability can be monitored with appropriate lag by the time derivative of coastal sea level. The anomalous alongshore flow advects particles, the anomalous alongshore particle displacement being proportional to sea level. Since nutrient concentration is lower in the south, the anomalous alongshore displacement results in a lower nutrient concentration when sea level is anomalously high and a higher nutrient concentration when the sea level is anomalously low. Vertical displacement also results in a similar relationship between nutrients and sea level, so it is not surprising that sea level anomalies are strongly related to fluctuations in zooplankton population. In fact, consistent with the westward Rossby wave propagation, the logarithm of the zooplankton population averaged over the CalCOFI region is well correlated with coastal sea level anomalies and lags it by about 2 months. By this result monthly anomalous San Diego sea level can be used to monitor and predict interannual changes in the zooplankton population.
The Southern Ocean Waves Experiment. Part III: Sea Surface Slope Statistics and Near-Nadir Remote Sensing
Authors: Walsh E. J. , Wright C. W. , Banner M. L. , Vandemark D. C. , Chapron B. , Jensen J. , Lee S.
Published: March 2008

During the Southern Ocean Waves Experiment (SOWEX), registered ocean wave topography and backscattered power data at Ka band (36 GHz) were collected with the NASA Scanning Radar Altimeter (SRA) off the coast of Tasmania under a wide range of wind and sea conditions, from quiescent to gale-force winds with 9-m significant wave height. Collection altitude varied from 35 m to over 1 km, allowing determination of the sea surface mean square slope (mss), the directional wave spectrum, and the detailed variation of backscattered power with incidence angle, which deviated from a simple Gaussian scattering model. The non-Gaussian characteristics of the backscatter increased systematically with the mss, suggesting that a global model to characterize Ka-band radar backscatter from the sea surface within 25° of nadir might be possible.
Zonal Jets Entering the Coral Sea
Authors: Gourdeau Lionel , Kessler William S. , Davis Russ E. , Sherman Jeff , Maes Christophe , Kestenare Elodie
Published: March 2008

The South Equatorial Current (SEC) entering the Coral Sea through the gap between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands was observed by an autonomous underwater vehicle (Spray glider) and an overlapping oceanographic cruise during July–October 2005. The measurements of temperature, salinity, and absolute velocity included high-horizontal-resolution profiles to 600-m depth by the glider, and sparser, 2000-m-deep profiles from the cruise. These observations confirm the splitting of the SEC into a North Vanuatu Jet (NVJ) and North Caledonian Jet (NCJ), with transport above 600 m of about 20 and 12 Sv, respectively. While the 300-km-wide NVJ is associated with the slope of the main thermocline and is thus found primarily above 300 m, the NCJ is a narrow jet about 100 km wide just at the edge of the New Caledonian reef. It extends to at least a 1500-m depth with very little shear above 600 m and has speeds of more than 20 cm s−1 to at least 1000 m. An Argo float launched east of New Caledonia with a parking depth fixed at 1000 m became embedded in the NCJ and crossed the glider/cruise section at high speed about 3 months before the glider, suggesting that the jet is the continuation of a western boundary current along the east side of the island and extends across the Coral Sea to the coast of Australia. In the lee of New Caledonia, the glider passed through a region of eddies whose characteristics are poorly understood.
The Role of Climatic Autocorrelation in Probabilistic Forecasting
Authors: Krzysztofowicz Roman , Evans W. Britt
Published: March 2008

A sequence of meteorological predictands of one kind (e.g., temperature) forms a discrete-time, continuous-state stochastic process, which typically is nonstationary and periodic (because of seasonality). Three contributions to the field of probabilistic forecasting of such processes are reported. First, a meta-Gaussian Markov model of the stochastic process is formulated, which provides a climatic probabilistic forecast with the lead time of l days in the form of a (prior) l-step transition distribution function. A measure of the temporal dependence of the process is the autocorrelation coefficient (which is nonstationary). Second, a Bayesian processor of forecast (BPF) is formulated, which fuses the climatic probabilistic forecast with an operational deterministic forecast produced by any system (e.g., a numerical weather prediction model, a human forecaster, a statistical postprocessor). A measure of the predictive performance of the system is the informativeness score (which may be nonstationary). The BPF outputs a probabilistic forecast in the form of a (posterior) l-step transition distribution function, which quantifies the uncertainty about the predictand that remains, given the antecedent observation and the deterministic forecast. The working of the Markov BPF is explained on probabilistic forecasts obtained from the official deterministic forecasts of the daily maximum temperature issued by the U.S. National Weather Service with the lead times of 1, 4, and 7 days. Third, a numerical experiment demonstrates how the degree of posterior uncertainty varies with the informativeness of the deterministic forecast and the autocorrelation of the predictand series. It is concluded that, depending upon the level of informativeness, the Markov BPF is a contender for operational implementation when a rank autocorrelation coefficient is between 0.3 and 0.6, and is the preferred processor when a rank autocorrelation coefficient exceeds 0.6. Thus, the climatic autocorrelation can play a significant role in quantifying, and ultimately in reducing, the meteorological forecast uncertainty.
Verification of Cloud Cover Forecast with Satellite Observation over West Africa
Authors: Söhne Nathalie , Chaboureau Jean-Pierre , Guichard Françoise
Published: March 2008

The 3-hourly brightness temperatures (BTs) at 10.8 μm from the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite were used to document the cloud system variability over West Africa in the summer of 2006 and to evaluate the quality of the Méso-NH model forecasts of cloud cover in the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) framework. Cloud systems were observed over the Guinean and Sahelian bands with more frequent occurrence and patchier structures in the afternoon. Some intraseasonal variations of the number of cloud systems were found, partly related to the intermittency of the African easterly wave (AEW) activity. Compared to the MSG observations, the Méso-NH model reproduces the overall variation of the BT at 10.8 μm well at D + 1 forecast. The model captures the BT diurnal cycle under conditions of clear-sky and high-cloud cover, but misses the lowest BT values associated with deep convection. Forecasted cloud systems are more numerous and smaller, hence patchier, than those observed. These results suggest some deficiencies in the model’s convection and cloud parameterization schemes. The use of meteorological scores further documents the skill of the model to predict cloud systems. Beyond some systematic differences between simulations and observations, analysis also suggests that the model high-cloud forecast is improved under specific synoptic forcing conditions related to AEW activity. This indicates that room exists for improving the skills of weather forecasting over West Africa.
Superior Self-Regulatory Skills in African American College Students
Authors: Ernst Frederick A. , Hogan Beth , Vallas Melissa A. , Cook Mekeila , Fuller Dana
Published: March 2008

Excessive drinking is more common among Whites (W) than African Americans (AA) on college campuses, but the reasons for this are not clear. The authors investigated demographic and personality factors in a group of 369 W and 202 AA college students, finding that alcohol consumption was significantly less prevalent among AA students (69%) than W students (78%) ( p = .02) and that binge drinking was significantly less frequent in AA drinkers (42% past month, 60% past year) than W drinkers (56%, 79%) ( p < .00001). Cigarette smoking was also dramatically less frequent in AA students (5%) than W students (28%) ( p < .00001). AA students also scored significantly higher on Overcontrolled Hostility ( M = 18.2, SEM = 0.40) than did W students ( M = 15.7, SEM = 0.19) ( p < .00001). The authors conclude that AA college students are a more self-selected group of high achievers who reveal evidence of superior self-regulatory skills.
Age and HIV Risk and Protective Behaviors Among African American Women
Authors: Corneille Maya A. , Zyzniewski Linda E. , Belgrave Faye Z.
Published: March 2008

Though HIV prevention efforts have focused on young adult women, women of all ages may engage in HIV risk behaviors and experience barriers to condom use. This article examines the effect of age on sexual risk and protective attitudes and behaviors among African American women. Unmarried heterosexual African American women between the ages of 18 and 61 completed pen-and-paper survey measures. Participants were recruited from three local colleges and universities and several community-based agencies including health clinics, faith-based institutions, social service agencies, and other community-based organizations in a southeastern metropolitan area. Results indicated that as age of participants increased, participants reported less frequent condom use, reported lower condom use intentions, and perceived their partner's attitudes toward condoms to be less favorable, even after controlling for the effects of relationship length, education, and partner status. As age increased, participants reported higher condom negotiation efficacy. Findings suggest that older, sexually active heterosexual women may be at higher risk than younger women for sexually transmitted infections associated with lack of condom use.
Country Prototypes and Translation of Health Programs
Authors: Sussman Steve , Unger Jennifer B. , Palinkas Lawrence A.
Published: March 2008

This article introduces the topic of international translation of health programs. Different perspectives toward the study of national-level variables that are relevant to translation of evidence-based programming developed outside of or in a country are discussed. Concepts including national prototypes, national stereotypes, country clusters, knowledge incompatibility, and absorptive capacity are introduced. The ideas expressed in this article serve to provide direction when considering developing a health behavior program for a country, using previous programmatic knowledge from elsewhere.
Applying Drug Dependence Research to Prevention Interventions in Spain
Authors: Espada José P. , Lloret Daniel , García del Castillo José A.
Published: March 2008

This article examines the status of evidence-based interventions for preventing drug dependence in Spain. The evolution of the perception that the Spanish have of the problem and how this has influenced prevention efforts is described. An analysis is made of how programs designed to prevent drug use have been translated from the field of experimental research to implementation. The characteristics of evidence-based programs developed in Spain are outlined, analyzing their efficacy and the adaptations of programs from other countries to the Spanish context. Most have been school based, although some family and leisure-time based programs also have been developed. The processes for translation and cultural adaptation of evidence-based programs are described. Finally, pending aspects of the adaptation of research in drug dependence within Spain are discussed.
Variation in Practice: A Questionnaire Survey of How Congruence in Attitudes Between Doctors and Patients Influences Referral Decisions
Authors: Carlsen Benedicte , Aakvik Arild , Norheim Ole F.
Published: March 2008

Background. There is a well-known and partly unexplained variation in referral rates among general practitioners (GPs). GPs who are positive toward shared decision making refer less to secondary care, but how congruence in attitudes between doctors and patients influences referral rates has not been investigated. In this study, the authors analyze whether congruence in attitudes between the GP and patients toward shared decision making affects the GP's referral rate. Methods. Questionnaire survey was distributed by 56 Norwegian GPs, each to 50 consulting patients. The level of congruence in attitudes toward shared decision making of GPs and corresponding patients was measured by the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale. The survey also included self-reported referral rates. Results. In total, 1268 patients (45%) returned the questionnaires. Respondents were eliminated if they did not fully answer the questionnaire, resulting in a working sample of 835 patients. The authors found that congruence of attitudes toward shared decision making between the GP and patients had a negative effect on referral rate. Conclusion. In this study, congruence of attitudes toward shared decision making between GPs and patients influences referral decisions, indicating that matching attitudes may enhance the effort to solve the medical problem within the GPs' practice (i.e., doctor-patient interaction explains some of the variation in practice). The study supports the policy argument that, if possible, health authorities should enhance the possibilities for patients to choose a GP of matching attitudes.
Value-Induced Bias in Medical Decision Making
Authors: Levy Andrea Gurmankin , Hershey John C.
Published: March 2008

Background. People who exhibit value-induced bias— distorting relevant probabilities to justify medical decisions— may make suboptimal decisions. Objective. The authors examined whether and in what conditions people exhibit value-induced bias. Design. Volunteers on the Web imagined having a serious illness with 2 possible diagnoses and a treatment with the same ``small probability'' of success for each diagnosis. The more serious diagnosis was designed as a clear-cut decision to motivate most subjects to choose treatment; the less serious diagnosis was designed to make the treatment a close-call choice. Subjects were randomized to estimate the probability of treatment success before or after learning their diagnosis. The ``after group'' had the motivation and ability to distort the probability of treatment success to justify their treatment preference. In study 1, subjects learned they had the more serious disease. Consistent with value-induced bias, the after group was expected to give higher probability judgments than the ``before group.'' In study 2, subjects learned they had the less serious disease, and the after group was expected to inflate the probability if they desired treatment and to reduce it if they did not, relative to the before group. Results. In study 1, there was no difference in the mean probability judgment between groups, suggesting no distortion of probability. In study 2, the slope of probability judgment regressed on desire for treatment was steeper for the after group, indicating that distortion of probability did occur. Conclusion. In close-call but not clear-cut medical decisions, people may distort relevant probabilities to justify their preferred choices.
Resident Physicians' Life Expectancy Estimates and Colon Cancer Screening Recommendations in Elderly Patients
Authors: Lewis Carmen L. , Moore Charity G. , Golin Carol E. , Griffith Jennifer , Tytell-Brenner Alison , Pignone Michael P.
Published: March 2008

Background. Colon cancer screening recommendations for patients aged 75 years and older should account for variation in older adults' health states, life expectancies, and potential to benefit from screening. Purpose. To assess if resident physicians incorporate health state and life expectancy information when making recommendations about colon cancer screening for adults aged 75 years and older. Methods. Resident physicians at a university internal medicine program completed a survey in which they made life expectancy estimates and screening recommendations for hypothetical 75- and 85-year-old women patients with good, fair, or poor health states. Outcomes of interest included accuracy of residents' life expectancy estimates (compared with life table data), effect of health state and life expectancy on screening recommendations, and whether providing life table information affected the initial screening recommendation for the 85-year-old hypothetical patients. Results. Residents' life expectancy estimates demonstrated moderate agreement with life table estimates. Their recommendations for colon cancer screening for the 75-year-old patient vignettes varied appropriately by health state and by their estimates of life expectancy. Receiving information about life expectancy from life tables affected residents' recommendations for one of the three 85-year-old hypothetical patients, the woman in good health. Many resident physicians reported uncertainty about the potential to benefit from screening for each patient scenario. Conclusions. Resident physicians appropriately used life expectancy and health state to make colon cancer screening recommendations for older adults. Residents reported substantial uncertainty with regard to the potential benefit of screening.
The Influence of a Physician's Use of a Diagnostic Decision Aid on the Malpractice Verdicts of Mock Jurors
Authors: Arkes Hal R. , Shaffer Victoria A. , Medow Mitchell A.
Published: March 2008

Background . One reason why physicians may be reluctant to use diagnostic decision aids is that such usage might increase the likelihood of an unfavorable malpractice verdict. The authors tested this hypothesis by sending a DVD of a malpractice trial to a national sample of jury-eligible adults. Methods. There were 3 independent variables: 1) the physician did or did not use a diagnostic aid, 2) the patient's symptoms either were or were not consistent with a diagnosis of probable appendicitis, and 3) the physician's decision to operate or not operate was either concordant or discordant with the severity of the patient's symptoms. Jurors rendered a verdict, and if they deemed the physician not to have met the standard of care, they indicated how punitive they felt toward the physician. Results . Mock jurors were more likely to side with the physician-defendant if he recommended an operation when there were many symptoms and refrained when there were few symptoms compared with a physician who did the converse. The use of a decision aid had no influence on this binary standard-of-care decision. Among those physicians deemed liable by the jurors, defying the aid resulted in heightened punishment compared with heeding it. Conclusion . Contrary to many physicians' fears, use of a diagnostic decision aid did not influence the likelihood of an adverse malpractice verdict. Complying with the aid's recommendation provided a measure of protection against jurors' punitiveness for those physicians deemed liable for malpractice.
The Dominant Social Paradigm, Consumption, and Environmental Attitudes: Can Macromarketing Education Help?
Authors: Kilbourne William E. , Carlson Les
Published: March 2008

It has been argued that the dominant social paradigm (DSP) of Western industrial societies is complicit in environmental decline. In the present research, the DSP and its elements and their relation to consumption behavior are first addressed in classes on social responsibility that are taught in a business school. Two quasi-experiments are then conducted using an after-only with control group design (Study 1) and a before—after with control group design (Study 2). In both studies, attitudes of students in the social responsibility classes are compared to control groups of marketing students to determine the effects of instruction on the DSP and environmental attitudes. Findings suggest that lower scores on the DSP for the experimental group result in increased measures of environmental attitudes and perception of change necessary to ameliorate environmental degradation. However, in neither experiment does willingness to change one's own behavior materialize.
Comparison of Caregiver and Occupational Therapist Ratings of Dementia Patients' Performance of Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Cotter Ellen M. , Burgio Louis D. , Roth David L. , Gerstle John , Richardson Paula
Published: March 2008

Although proxy reports of activities of daily living (ADLs) are commonly used, especially when the care recipient has dementia, how well these caregiver reports correspond to professionals' ratings is not always clear. In this study, dementia caregivers completed an orally administered version of the Self-Care subscale of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). ADL interactions were videotaped in the home, and independent raters assigned a FIM score to these interactions. An occupational therapist later viewed the videotaped ADLs and assigned FIM scores to those interactions. These three sets of scores were then compared. All possible correlations were significant (n = 21; p ≤ .005; r s = .620 to .933; Mdn = .862), and there were no significant differences among ratings obtained from the different sources. These results support earlier conclusions regarding the validity and clinical utility of caregiver proxy ratings of functional ability in elders with dementia.
Episodic Crises in the Provision of Care to Elderly Relatives
Authors: Sims-Gould Joanie , Martin-Matthews Anne , Gignac Monique A. M.
Published: March 2008

An extensive body of research explores caring for older relatives. However, relatively little is known about crisis episodes in the provision of care to older adults. The purpose of this research is to explore the nature of crises in employed caregivers' lives by examining the type, frequency, and impact associated with crises. Data come from the Canadian Aging Research Network's (CARNET) survey of 5,496 employed Canadians. The analyses focus on open- and close-ended data collected from 250 respondents (108 men and 142 women) with caregiving responsibilities. Nearly half the participants (47%) reported a crisis in the previous 6 months. Crises are predictable and unpredictable events in the lives of the caregiver and the older person receiving care. They are primarily health related but could also be social, emotional, financial, and idiosyncratic to a family. Findings from this research contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the trajectories in caregiving.
Is Sexual Victimization Gender Specific?
Authors: Sundaram Vanita , Laursen Bjarne , Helweg-Larsen Karin
Published: March 2008

The present study investigates the prevalence of sexual victimization and correlations between sexual victimization and indicators of poor health in two representative samples of men and women in Denmark. Specifically, the authors explore the prevalence of self-reported victimization among adolescents ( N = 5,829) and adults ( N = 3,932) and analyze differences in self-reported health outcomes between male and female victims and corresponding controls. Gender differences are found in the reported prevalence of sexual victimization. Significantly more females than males reported forced sexual experiences in both samples. Associations between sexual victimization and poor health outcomes are found for both genders. Comparable patterns of association for men and women are found on a number of variables, particularly those pertaining to risk behavior.
The Relationship Between Violence in the Family of Origin and Dating Violence Among College Students
Authors: Gover Angela R. , Kaukinen Catherine , Fox Kathleen A.
Published: March 2008

Prior research has established that violence in dating relationships is a serious social problem among adolescents and young adults. Exposure to violence during childhood has been linked to dating violence victimization and perpetration. Also known as the intergenerational transmission of violence, the link between violence during childhood and dating violence has traditionally focused on physical violence. This research examines the relationship between experiencing and perpetrating dating violence and exposure to violence in the family of origin. Specifically, the current research examines gender differences in the relationship between exposure to violence during childhood and physical and psychological abuse perpetration and victimization. Data were collected from a sample of approximately 2,500 college students at two southeastern universities. Findings indicate that childhood exposure to violence is a consistent predictor of involvement in relationships characterized by violence for males and females. The implications of the current research on policy are discussed.
Sexuality, Substance Use, and Susceptibility to Victimization
Authors: Messman-Moore Terri L. , Coates Aubrey A. , Gaffey Kathryn J. , Johnson Carrie F.
Published: March 2008

An 8-month prospective study examined behavioral, personality, and psychological variables thought to increase vulnerability for college women's experience of rape and verbal sexual coercion. Participants were 276 college women who completed self-report surveys. During 1 academic year, 9.5% of women were raped and 11.7% reported verbal sexual coercion. Elevated levels of sexual concerns, dysfunctional sexual behavior, and impaired self-reference were associated with both verbal sexual coercion and rape. Alcohol and marijuana use increased risk only for rape, whereas self-criticism and depression increased risk only for verbal coercion. Findings suggest that multiple aspects of sexuality, such as shame regarding sexuality and using sex to meet nonsexual needs, may increase risk for both types of sexual victimization. Results support conclusions that rape and verbal sexual coercion have both shared and unique risk factors. Implications for future research and intervention programs are discussed.
Collaborative Efforts to Improve System Response to Families Who Are Experiencing Child Maltreatment and Domestic Violence
Authors: Banks Duren , Dutch Nicole , Wang Kathleen
Published: March 2008

The Greenbook demonstration initiative provided federal funding and other support to six communities to establish collaborations to plan and implement policy and practice changes in systems that serve families who are experiencing domestic violence and child maltreatment or child exposure to domestic violence. The demonstration sites established and organized collaborative groups in accordance with the Greenbook foundational principles and recommendations, including representation from multiple levels within the primary partner systems and other organizations, as well as the community. The sites struggled with how to engage consumers of the primary systems, however, and devoted a great deal of time to understanding and addressing organizational differences among the partners. Other salient collaborative influences included leadership, resources, trust, and commitment. The stakeholders noted that the collaborative relationships required a great deal of work but were ultimately one of the main successes of the initiative.
Does gender trump money? Housework hours of husbands and wives in Britain
Authors: Man Yee Kan
Published: March 2008

This article uses data from various waves of the British Household Panel Survey (1993—2003) to examine the associations of housework hours with relative income and gender-role attitudes. In particular, it tests the hypothesis that the effect of relative income on housework time will be diminished due to one's gendered expectations. Findings show both men's and women's housework hours are significantly decreased with increases in their amount of income relative to their partners'.Traditionalism in gender-role attitudes is associated with longer housework hours in the case of women and shorter hours in the case of men.Women holding traditional attitudes spend longer hours on housework than other women with the same level of economic independency. Apart from this, there is no conclusive evidence to support the claim that highly economic independent women and highly economic dependent men tend to resort to a gender-traditional form of domestic division of labour.
Employer Perspectives on High School Diploma Options for Adolescents With Disabilities
Authors: Hartwig Ryan , Sitlington Patricia L.
Published: March 2008

According to the amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, students with disabilities are required to participate in state- and districtwide assessments with appropriate accommodations and modifications when necessary. The data on the performance of students with disabilities on these assessments indicate that they are not performing well compared to their general education peers. As a result, some states are issuing alternate exit documents from high school in the form of occupational diplomas, General Educational Development diplomas (GEDs), and certificates of attendance, achievement, or completion. The authors interviewed a random sample of employers, asking them if they were willing to hire prospective employees with these types of alternate diplomas. Employers were least willing to hire individuals with certificates of attendance, achievement, or completion and most willing to hire those with occupational diplomas and GEDs.
Adolescents' Transition to Self-Management of a Chronic Genetic Disorder
Authors: Giarelli Ellen , Bernhardt Barbara A. , Mack Rita , Pyeritz Reed E.
Published: March 2008

Self-management of chronic illness requires acquisition of self-care skills such as seeking knowledge, adhering to recommendations, practicing healthy behaviors, and life-long self-surveillance. This article describes the core problem and psychosocial processes by which parents transfer, and children take on, the responsibility for managing a chronic genetic condition. Individuals with Marfan syndrome (MFS), their parents, and health care providers were the sources of empirical data. A sample of 108 providers, parents, and individuals with MFS were recruited through a genetics clinic and the National Marfan Foundation. The core problem of “becoming fit and fitting in” is resolved via concurrent psychosocial processes: shifting perspective, shifting orientation, shifting sphere, shifting ownership, and shifting reasoning. Transition to self-management is more than planning the transfer of services from pediatric to adult care, and involves gradual changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior influenced by parents, peers, and health care providers. Transition to self-management is part of an evolving model of participation in life-long surveillance.
The Main Problems of Parents of a Child With Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: van Scheppingen Corinne , Lettinga Ant T. , Duipmans José C. , Maathuis Karel G. B. , Jonkman Marcel F.
Published: March 2008

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic blistering-skin disorder with varying degrees of severity, ranging from mild forms to severe forms, with chronic progression. The aim of this study was to identify and specify the problems of parents of a child with EB. Qualitative research methodology was used, comprising a series of semistructured interviews with eleven families. The key problems of parents were broken down into three themes, related to the child, the family, and the care providers. These themes comprised nine categories, including (1) the child being different, (2) the child suffering pain, (3) feelings of uncertainty, (4) restrictions on employment and leisure time, (5) difficulties in organization of care, (6) never being off-duty, (7) family problems, (8) ignorance and lack of skills of care providers, and (9) resistance to difficult care. Despite the great variance in clinical pictures of the different (sub)types of EB, the main problems parents experienced appear quite similar. However, the problems did appear to differ in extensiveness, intensity, and gravity.
Strategic Voting and Legislative Redistricting Reform
Authors: Tolbert Caroline J. , Smith Daniel A. , Green John C.
Published: March 2008

Political elites are generally reluctant to alter the status quo unless a change will benefit them. Scholars have found that institutions, and the rules governing them, tend to evolve in ways that maintain equilibrium, preserving the status of winners. Are voters—when presented the opportunity—more likely than elites to alter political institutions? Using survey data, the authors explore mass support in the American states for changing how legislative districts are drawn. They find evidence that representational losers at statewide and district levels are more likely to vote for reforms to create nonpartisan redistricting in ballot issue contests, while electoral winners oppose reform. They argue that ordinary voters—like elected officials—may exhibit a similar instrumental rationale, using a self-interested calculus when serving as policy makers for a day. Beyond theorizing about conditions under which the mass public might engage in strategic voting, the analysis has implications for practical election reform efforts in the American states.
Process Evaluation of a School-Based Intervention to Increase Physical Activity and Reduce Bullying
Authors: Bowes Donna , Marquis Monica , Young Wendy , Holowaty Philippa , Isaac Winston
Published: March 2008

Increases in schoolyard bullying and physical inactivity have become important issues to many stakeholders. Peers Running Organized Play Stations (PROPS) is a program designed to address these two issues in elementary schools. Using a “train the trainer” approach, PROPS was introduced to 41 schools. Results of a process evaluation indicate that the implementation rate was 39%. Resources were identified by some respondents as an implementation facilitator. A variety of barriers to implementation were identified: The PROPS program was not a component of anyone's job at the school level, teachers or parent volunteers are needed to run the program, and there is no funding to purchase equipment or storage bins for the equipment. In addition, support for PROPS is vulnerable to changing environments. This process evaluation points to some needed changes for long-term sustainability of the program while highlighting challenges associated with implementing a program in the elementary school setting.
A Synergistic Approach
Authors: Hall Bronwyn , Howard Kirsten
Published: March 2008

No mixed methods research design blends typological and systemic approaches into a cohesive, multifaceted whole. A synergistic approach to mixed methods research uses the inherent strengths of both types of approaches, providing researchers with a comprehensive framework for making pivotal research design decisions. Grounded in both philosophy and practice, this approach enables researchers to identify what will be researched, how it will be researched, and why the research will be undertaken in their chosen way. Presented as a set of core principles and a conceptual framework, its practical application is illustrated through the authors' experience of mixing methods in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The synergistic approach discussed in this article offers researchers an alternative mixed methods research approach.
Production of functionally active Penicillium chrysogenum isopenicillin N synthase in the yeast Hansenula polymorpha
Authors: Gidijala Loknath , Bovenberg Roel AL , Klaassen Paul , van der Klei Ida J , Veenhuis Marten , Kiel Jan AKW
Published: March 2008

Background

β-Lactams like penicillin and cephalosporin are among the oldest known antibiotics used against bacterial infections. Industrially, penicillin is produced by the filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum. Our goal is to introduce the entire penicillin biosynthesis pathway into the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha. Yeast species have the advantage of being versatile, easy to handle and cultivate, and possess superior fermentation properties relative to filamentous fungi. One of the fundamental challenges is to produce functionally active enzyme in H. polymorpha.

Results

The P. chrysogenum pcbC gene encoding isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS) was successfully expressed in H. polymorpha, but the protein produced was unstable and inactive when the host was grown at its optimal growth temperature (37°C). Heterologously produced IPNS protein levels were enhanced when the cultivation temperature was lowered to either 25°C or 30°C. Furthermore, IPNS produced at these lower cultivation temperatures was functionally active. Localization experiments demonstrated that, like in P. chrysogenum, in H. polymorpha IPNS is located in the cytosol.

Conclusion

In P. chrysogenum, the enzymes involved in penicillin production are compartmentalized in the cytosol and in microbodies. In this study, we focus on the cytosolic enzyme IPNS. Our data show that high amounts of functionally active IPNS enzyme can be produced in the heterologous host during cultivation at 25°C, the optimal growth temperature for P. chrysogenum. This is a new step forward in the metabolic reprogramming of H. polymorpha to produce penicillin.
Effects of high levels of glucose on the steroidogenesis and the expression of adiponectin receptors in rat ovarian cells
Authors: Chabrolle Christine , JeanPierre Eric , Tosca Lucie , Ramé Christelle , Dupont Joëlle
Published: March 2008

Background

Reproductive dysfunction in the diabetic female rat is associated with altered folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the reduction of steroid production have not been described. Adiponectin is an adipocytokine that has insulin-sensitizing actions including stimulation of glucose uptake in muscle and suppression of glucose production in liver. Adiponectin acts via two receptor isoforms – AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 – that are regulated by hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia in liver and muscle. We have recently identified AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in rat ovary. However, their regulation in ovaries of diabetic female rat remains to be elucidated.

Methods

We incubated rat primary granulosa cells in vitro with high concentrations of glucose (5 or 10 g/l) + or - FSH (10-8 M) or IGF-1 (10-8 M), and we studied the ovaries of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ) in vivo. The levels of oestradiol and progesterone in culture medium and serum were measured by RIA. We used immunoblotting to assay key steroidogenesis factors (3beta HSD, p450scc, p450 aromatase, StAR), and adiponectin receptors and various elements of signalling pathways (MAPK ERK1/2 and AMPK) in vivo and in vitro. We also determined cell proliferation by [3H] thymidine incorporation.

Results

Glucose (5 or 10 g/l) impaired the in vitro production in rat granulosa cells of both progesterone and oestradiol in the basal state and in response to FSH and IGF-1 without affecting cell proliferation and viability. This was associated with substantial reductions in the amounts of 3beta HSD, p450scc, p450 aromatase and StAR proteins and MAPK ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In contrast, glucose did not affect the abundance of AdipoR1 or AdipoR2 proteins. In vivo, as expected, STZ treatment of rats caused hyperglycaemia and insulin, adiponectin and resistin deficiencies. Plasma progesterone and oestradiol levels were also reduced in STZ rats. However, the amounts of 3beta HSD and p450 aromatase were the same in STZ rat ovary and controls, and the amounts of StAR and p450scc were higher. Streptozotocin treatment did not affect adiponectin receptors in rat ovary but it increased AMPK phosphorylation without affecting MAPK ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Conclusion

High levels of glucose decrease progesterone and oestradiol production in primary rat granulosa cells and in STZ-treated rats. However, the mechanism that leads to reduced ovarian steroid production seems to be different. Furthermore, adiponectin receptors in ovarian cells are not regulated by glucose.
Total body water estimations in healthy men and women using bioimpedance spectroscopy: a deuterium oxide comparison
Authors: Moon Jordan R , Tobkin Sarah E , Roberts Michael D , Dalbo Vincent J , Kerksick Chad M , Bemben Michael G , Cramer Joel T , Stout Jeffrey R
Published: March 2008

Background

Total body water (TBW) estimations have been used to estimate body composition, particularly fat-free mass, to aid in nutritional interventions, and to monitor hydration status. In the past, bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) devices have been used to estimate TBW. Previous investigations have examined the validity of the XiTRON 4000B (XiTRON Technologies) BIS device for estimating TBW. Recently, a new BIS device (Imp™ SFB7) has become available, claiming greater precision when estimating TBW. The Imp™ SFB7 (SFB7) is based on similar BIS principles, while offering increased portability and a greater range of frequencies when compared to older devices, such as the XiTRON 4000B (4000B). The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the SFB7 for estimating total body water in healthy college-age men and women compared to the 4000B and deuterium oxide (D2O).

Methods

Twenty-eight Caucasian men and women (14 men, 14 women; 24 ± 4 yrs; 174.6 ± 8.7 cm; 72.80 ± 17.58 kg) had their TBW estimated by the SFB7, the 4000B, and D2O.

Results

Both BIS devices produced similar standard error of estimate (SEE) and r values (SFB7, SEE = 2.12L, r = 0.98; 4000B, SEE = 2.99L, r = 0.96) when compared to D2O, though a significant constant error (CE) was detected for the 4000B (2.26L, p ≤ 0.025). The 4000B produced a larger total error (TE) and CE (TE = 3.81L, CE = 2.26L) when compared to the SFB7 (TE = 2.21L, CE = -0.09L). Additionally, the limits of agreement were larger for the 4000B (-3.88 to 8.39L) than the SFB7 (-4.50 to 4.31L). These results were consistent when sex was analyzed separately, though women produced lower SEE and TE values for both devices.

Conclusion

The 4000B and SFB7 are valid BIS devices when compared to D2O to estimate TBW in college-age Caucasian men and women. Furthermore, the new SFB7 device displayed greater precision in comparison to the 4000B, which may decrease the error when estimating TBW on an individual basis.
Successful Long-Term Growth Hormone Therapy in a Girl with Haploinsufficiency of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Receptor due to a Terminal 15q26.2->qter Deletion Detected by Multiplex Ligation Probe Amplification
Authors: Walenkamp Marie J. E. , de Muinck Keizer-Schrama Sabine M. P. F. , de Mos Marianne , Kalf Margot E. , van Duyvenvoorde Hermine A. , Boot Annemieke M. , Kant Sarina G. , White Stefan J. , Losekoot Monique , Den Dunnen Johan T. , Karperien Marcel , Wit Jan M.
Published: March 2008

Context: Microscopically visible heterozygous terminal 15q deletions encompassing the IGF1R gene are rare and usually associated with intrauterine growth retardation and short stature. The incidence of submicroscopic deletions is unknown, as is the effect of GH therapy in this condition.

Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the use of a novel genetic technique [multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA)] to detect haploinsufficiency of the IGF1R gene in a patient suspected of an IGF1R gene defect and evaluate the effect of long-term GH therapy.

Patient: A 15-yr-old adolescent, born small for gestational age, showed persistent postnatal growth retardation, microcephaly, and elevated IGF-I levels. She had been treated with GH since the age of 5 yr.

Methods: MLPA and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) were performed to examine gene copy number changes. Dermal fibroblast cultures were used for functional analysis.

Results: With MLPA, a deletion of one copy of the IGF1R gene was detected, defined by aCGH as a loss of 15q26.2->qter. IGF1R mRNA expression was decreased in fibroblasts. IGF-I binding and type 1 IGF receptor protein expression as well as activation of type 1 IGF receptor autophosphorylation and protein kinase B/Akt by IGF-I tended to be lower, but this did not reach statistical significance. GH treatment resulted in a good growth response and a normal adult height.

Conclusions: MLPA and aCGH are useful tools to detect submicroscopic deletions of the IGF1R gene in patients born small for gestational age with persistent growth failure. The phenotype resembles that of a heterozygous inactivating IGF1R mutation. Long-term GH therapy causes growth acceleration in childhood and a normal adult height.
Rab18 Is Reduced in Pituitary Tumors Causing Acromegaly and Its Overexpression Reverts Growth Hormone Hypersecretion
Authors: Vazquez-Martinez Rafael , Martinez-Fuentes Antonio J. , Pulido Marina R. , Jimenez-Reina Luis , Quintero Ana , Leal-Cerro Alfonso , Soto Alfonso , Webb Susan M. , Sucunza Nuria , Bartumeus Frederic , Benito-Lopez Pedro , Galvez-Moreno Maria A. , Castaño Justo P. , Malagon Maria M.
Published: March 2008

Context: Rab proteins regulate the sequential steps of intracellular membrane transport. Alterations of these GTPases and their associated proteins are emerging as the underlying cause for several human diseases involving dysregulated secretory activities.

Objective: Herein we investigated the role of Rab18, which negatively regulates hormone secretion by interacting with secretory granules, in relation to the altered functioning of tumoral pituitary somatotropes causing acromegaly.

Patients: A total of 18 patients diagnosed with pituitary tumors causing acromegaly (nine patients) or nonfunctioning adenomas (nine patients) underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Adenomas were subsequently processed to evaluate Rab18 production in relation to GH secretion.

Results: We found that somatotropinoma cells are characterized by a high secretory activity concomitantly with a remarkably reduced Rab18 expression (15%) and protein content levels (30%), as compared with cells from nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas derived from patients with normal or reduced GH plasma levels (100%). Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy revealed that Rab18 association with the surface of GH-containing secretory granules was significantly lower in somatotropes from acromegalies than nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. Finally, we provide evidence that modulation of Rab18 gene expression can revert substantially the hypersecretory activity of cells because Rab18 overexpression reduced by 40% the capacity of cells from acromegalies to respond to GHRH stimulation.

Conclusion: These results suggest that molecular alterations affecting individual components of the secretory granule traffic machinery can contribute to maintain a high level of GH in plasma. Accordingly, Rab18 constitutes a valuable target as a diagnostic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic tool for human acromegaly.