bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of C1q deficiency on the severity and outcome of childhood systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: AL‐MAYOUF Sulaiman M. , ABANOMI Hind , ELDALI Abdelmoneim
Published: November 2010

Objective:  To delineate the clinical and laboratory features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in C1q‐deficient Saudi children and to compare them with sporadic SLE patients with respect to their clinical and laboratory features and disease outcome.

Methods:  The C1q‐deficient SLE patient group comprised 14 patients, while the comparative group comprised 11 patients selected by systemic sampling from our pediatric lupus clinic database. The two groups were compared with respect to: demographic, clinical and laboratory variables and outcome.

Results:  The C1q‐deficient SLE patients had an earlier age of onset of disease (P = 0.003); 43% had familial SLE and none of the comparative group had family histories of SLE. The two groups were comparable with respect to gender, disease duration and follow‐up. Scarring alopecia, discoid rash and nail changes were more frequent in the C1q‐deficient SLE patient group. However, there were no significant differences. The mean white blood cell count was lower (P = 0.04) and the level of anti‐Sm and anti‐phospholipid antibodies were higher (P = 0.04) in the C1q‐deficient SLE patients. Other variables did not show significant differences. Two patients from the C1q‐deficient SLE patient group died due to infection. All patients from the control group are alive. Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index mean was higher in the C1q‐deficient SLE patients group but was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:  C1q‐deficient SLE patients tend to be younger and more likely to have familial disease with severe cutaneous manifestations. The mortality among them is more frequent, which may reflect disease severity.
A two‐tier model of polymyxin B resistance in Burkholderia cenocepacia
Authors: Loutet Slade A. , Mussen Lauren E. , Flannagan Ronald S. , Valvano Miguel A.
Published: November 2010

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an environmental bacterium causing serious human opportunistic infections and is extremely resistant to multiple antibiotics including antimicrobial peptides, such as polymyxin B (PmB). Extreme antibiotic resistance is attributed to outer membrane impermeability (‘intrinsic’ resistance). Previous work showed that production of full‐length lipopolysaccharide (LPS) prevents surface binding of PmB. We hypothesized that two tiers of resistance mechanisms rendering different thresholds of PmB resistance exist in B. cenocepacia. To test this notion, candidate genes were mutated in two isogenic strains expressing full‐length LPS or truncated LPS devoid of heptose (‘heptoseless LPS’) respectively. We uncovered various proteins required for PmB resistance only in the strain with heptoseless LPS. These proteins are not involved in preventing PmB binding to whole cells or permeabilization of the outer membrane. Our results support a two‐tier model of PmB resistance in B. cenocepacia. One tier sets a very high threshold mediated by the LPS and the outer membrane permeability barrier. The second tier sets a lower threshold that may play a role in PmB resistance only when outer membrane permeability is compromised. This model may be of general applicability to understanding the high antimicrobial peptide resistance of environmental opportunistic pathogens.
The Advantages of an STS Approach Over a Typical Textbook Dominated Approach in Middle School Science
Authors: Yager Stuart O. , Yager Robert E. , Lim Gilsun
Published: November 2010

Two sections of middle school science were taught by two longtime teachers where one used an STS approach and the other followed the more typical textbook approach closely. Pre‐ and post assessments were administered to one section of students for each teacher. The testing focused on student concept mastery, general science achievement, concept applications, use of concepts in new situations, and attitudes toward science. Videotapes of classroom actions were recorded and analyzed to determine the level of the use of STS teaching strategies in the two sections. Information was also be collected that gave evidence of and noted changes in student creativity and the continuation of student learning and the use of it beyond the classroom. Major findings indicate that students experiencing the STS format where constructivist teaching practices were used to (a) learn basic concepts as well as students who studied them directly from the textbook, (b) achieve as much in terms of general concept mastery as students who studied almost exclusively by using a textbook closely, (c) apply science concepts in new situations better than students who studied science in a more traditional way, (d) develop more positive attitudes about science, (e) exhibit creativity skills more often and more uniquely, and (f) learn and use science at home and in the community more than did students in the textbook dominated classroom.
Depigmentation of oral mucosa as the earliest possible manifestation of oral submucous fibrosis in Sri Lankan preschool children
Authors: Sitheeque Mohaideen , Ariyawardana Anura , Jayasinghe Ruwan , Tilakaratne Wanninayake
Published: November 2010

This article reports the presentation of oral submucous fibrosis in five Sri Lankan preschool children, aged 2–3 years, with loss of pigmentation of the lips as the sole clinical feature. Oral submucous fibrosis has not been reported in this age group of children. The five 2–3 year olds did not display any classical features of oral submucous fibrosis, due to the disease having been detected at a very early stage. The present study attempts to establish that depigmentation of the lips and oral mucosa is perhaps the earliest feature to develop in the natural history of oral submucous fibrosis. The differential diagnosis of oral mucosal depigmentation relevant to these cases is also discussed. Previously‐reported cases of oral submucous fibrosis in children are reviewed.
Progressive periodontal disease has a simultaneous incremental elevation of gingival crevicular fluid and serum CRP levels
Authors: Pradeep A.R. , Manjunath R.G. Shiva , Kathariya Rahul
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Increased C‐reactive protein levels have been found in all active inflammations, including periodontitis. This study aims to assess the C‐reactive protein levels in periodontal disease progression.

Methods:  Forty‐five patients were divided into the following three groups (n = 15) based on gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level: healthy (group I), gingivitis (group II), and chronic periodontitis (group III). Gingival crevicular fluid and serum samples were quantified for C‐reactive protein using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  The mean C‐reactive protein concentration in gingival crevicular fluid and serum was found to be highest in group III (1233.33 ng/mL for gingival crevicular fluid, 5483.33 ng/mL for serum), and least in group I (60 ng/mL and 413 ng/mL for gingival crevicular fluid and serum, respectively) The mean C‐reactive protein concentration in group II (453.33 ng/mL for gingival crevicular fluid and 3565.33 ng/mL for serum) was found to be intermediate.

Conclusions:  C‐reactive protein levels in gingival crevicular fluid and serum increased proportionately with the severity of periodontal disease. They correlated positively with clinical parameters, including gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level. Thus, it can be considered as a periodontal inflammatory biomarker and deserves further consideration.
Physiological angiogenesis is a graded, not threshold, response
Authors: Egginton Stuart , Badr Iman , Williams James , Hauton David , Baan Guus C. , Jaspers Richard T.
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

The formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) is important during development and tissue repair. In many diseases the biggest drive for this process clearly comes from chemical signals. However, normal physiological angiogenesis, such as seen with increased muscle activity, appears to be more driven by mechanical signals including increased friction on the inside of blood vessels, and stretch of vessels caused by the surrounding muscle fibres. It is unclear whether the signals required to stimulate capillary growth act in an all‐or‐none manner. When muscles were subjected to varying degrees of stretch, angiogenesis was recruited in a graded fashion, although chemical signals were increased to a similar extent. This may prove to be important in the design of targeted therapies to alleviate problems associated with too many or too few vessels.
On the very idea of a recovery model for mental health
Authors: Thornton Tim , Lucas Peter
Published: November 2010

The recovery model has been put forward as a rival to the biomedical model in mental healthcare. It has also been invoked in debate about public policy for individual and community mental health and the broader goal of social inclusion. But this broader use threatens its status as a genuine model, distinct from others such as the biomedical model. This paper sets out to articulate, although not to defend, a distinct recovery model based on the idea that mental health is an essentially normative or evaluative notion. It also aims to show that, supposing this suggestion were to be followed, the norms informing our notion of recovery would be more appropriately construed as eudaimonic than as hedonic in character.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Zeb Mehmood , Sambu Nalyaka , Scott Paul , Curzen Nick
Published: November 2010

The frequency of the diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy has increased rapidly over the past few years, possibly due to increasing awareness among cardiologists. At initial presentation the diagnosis remains a challenge because of the close similarity between the presentation of takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and that of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Recognition of salient aspects of the medical history at presentation are important in order to organise further appropriate investigations such as echocardiography and left ventriculography at the time of coronary angiogram. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can be easily missed without ventriculography early after presentation because of the transient nature of left ventricular dysfunction, and in many centres left ventriculogram is not done as standard in the setting of STEMI. The authors advocate left ventriculography in all cases of ST elevation who have unobstructed coronaries. The correct diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is very important for future advice and management of the patient. The prognosis of this condition is generally excellent with almost all patients returning to normal within a few weeks. This article examines the takotsubo cardiomyopathy literature and discusses the pathophysiology, clinical features, management, and prognosis of this condition in the context of an illustrated case.
FABRICATION AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF Au/PVDF-TrFE/LaZrOx/Si(100) STRUCTURE
Authors: HAN HUI-SEONG , LEE GWANG-GEUN , PARK BYUNG-EUN
Published: November 2010

Metal-ferroelectric-insulator-semiconductor structure capacitors with a polyvinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene (75/25) (PVDF-TrFE) ferroelectric and a lanthanum zirconium oxide ( LaZrO x) insulator layers were fabricated on a p-type Si(100) substrate in this work. The thin films were prepared using the spin-coating method. The LaZrO x thin films were crystallized at 750°C for 30 min in an O 2 ambient. Negligible hysteresis was observed from the C–V (capacitance-voltage) characteristic of the LaZrO x/ Si structure. The equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) was about 8.2 nm. Then the PVDF-TrFE film was spin-coated on the LaZrO x/ Si structure. To crystallize the PVDF-TrFE, the structure was annealed at 165°C for 30 min. The memory window width in the C–V curve of the Au/PVDF - TrFE/LaZrO x/ Si structure was about 4 V for a voltage sweep of ±5 V, and the leakage current density was about 10-8 A/cm 2 at 35 kV/cm for a 100-nm-thick film.
RUN RULES $\bar{X}$ CHARTS WHEN PROCESS PARAMETERS ARE UNKNOWN
Authors: ZHANG YING , CASTAGLIOLA PHILIPPE
Published: November 2010

Supplementary Run Rules are applied to increase the power of the standard Shewhart [Formula: see text] chart for detecting small shift. The performance of this chart is usually evaluated under the assumption of known parameters. However, in practice, the process parameters are rarely known and, usually estimated from an in-control Phase I data set. In this paper, we evaluate (using a Markov Chain model) the performances of the Run Rules [Formula: see text] chart when the process parameters are estimated, and compare them when the process parameters are assumed known. We draw the conclusion that these performances are quite different when the number of samples used during the phase I is small and we suggest new chart parameters in order to overcome this problem.
IMPROVING EFFECTIVENESS OF SUPPLY CHAIN BY SELECTING AN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIER: AN ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS APPROACH
Authors: SARODE AVINASH D. , SUNNAPWAR V. K. , KHODKE P. M.
Published: November 2010

The supply chain is an important element for the development of all industries. It can improve efficiency and effectiveness of product transfer and information sharing between complex hierarchies of all the tiers. Supplier selection is an important step in the supply chain design. In many existing decision models for supplier selection, only quantitative criteria are considered. However, supplier selection is a multi-objective problem containing quantitative as well as qualitative factors. Hence, this paper attempts to demonstrate the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to overcome the above-mentioned problem. From an extensive analysis of the results, it is evident that selection of an appropriate supplier would result in improving effectiveness of supply chain.
Appearance of the Novel Activating F1174S ALK Mutation in Neuroblastoma Correlates with Aggressive Tumor Progression and Unresponsiveness to Therapy
Authors: Martinsson Tommy , Eriksson Therese , Abrahamsson Jonas , Caren Helena , Hansson Magnus , Kogner Per , Kamaraj Sattu , Schönherr Christina , Weinmar Joel , Ruuth Kristina , Palmer Ruth H. , Hallberg Bengt
Published: November 2010

Mutations in the kinase domain of the ALK kinase have emerged recently as important players in the genetics of the childhood tumor neuroblastoma. Here, we report the appearance of a novel ALK mutation in neuroblastoma, correlating with aggressive tumor behavior. Analyses of genomic DNA from biopsy samples initially showed ALK sequence to be wild type. However, during disease progression, mutation of amino acid F1174 to a serine within the ALK kinase domain was observed, which correlated with aggressive neuroblastoma progression in the patient. We show that mutation of F1174 to serine generates a potent gain-of-function mutant, as observed in 2 independent systems. First, PC12 cell lines expressing ALKF1174S display ligand-independent activation of ALK and further downstream signaling activation. Second, analysis of ALKF1174S in Drosophila models confirms that the mutation mediates a strong, rough eye phenotype upon expression in the developing eye. Thus, we report a novel ALKF1174S mutation that displays ligand-independent activity in vivo, correlating with rapid and treatment-resistant tumor growth. The study also shows that initial screening in the first tumor biopsy of a patient may not be sufficient and that further molecular analysis, in particular in tumor progression and/or tumor relapse, is warranted for better understanding of the treatment of neuroblastoma patients. Cancer Res; 71(1); 98–105. ©2011 AACR.
Proliferative Retinopathy Is Associated with Impaired Increase in BDNF and RANTES Expression Levels after Preterm Birth
Authors: Hellgren Gunnel , Willett Keirnan , Engstrom Eva , Thorsen Poul , Hougaard David M. , Jacobsson Bo , Hellstrom Ann , Lofqvist Chatarina
Published: November 2010

Background: Extremely preterm delivery is, amongst other complications, associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Untreated, ROP can progress to visual impairment and blindness due to an overgrowth of new vessels in the retina and vitreous cavity. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify cytokine markers within the first weeks of life that could be used to predict the risk for development of ROP later in life. Methods: Serum levels of 27 different cytokines in infants born at gestational weeks 23–30 were analyzed using a multiplex immunoassay method and compared between infants who did not develop ROP and infants who later developed proliferative ROP. In addition, mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in retinas from mice exposed to hyperoxia were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: At birth, serum levels of IL-5 were higher in infants with no ROP compared to infants with proliferative ROP. 10–14 days after birth, serum levels of BDNF and RANTES were lower in infants who later developed proliferative ROP compared to infants who did not develop ROP. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of BDNF in retinas from mice exposed to hyperoxia were significantly lower at postnatal day 15 compared to retinas from mice in room air. Conclusions: These results indicate that BDNF and RANTES may be important factors in the selective vulnerability of ROP development in preterm infants.
Long-Term Improvement in Postinfarct Left Ventricular Global and Regional Contractile Function Is Mediated by Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Qiao Hui , Zhang Hualei , Yamanaka Satoshi , Patel Vickas V. , Petrenko Nataliya B. , Huang Bin , Muenz Larry R. , Ferrari Victor A. , Boheler Kenneth R. , Zhou Rong
Published: November 2010

Background—

Pluripotent stem cells represent one promising source for cellular cardiomyoplasty. In this study, we used cardiac magnetic resonance to examine the ability of highly enriched cardiomyocytes (CMs) derived from murine embryonic stem cells (ESC) to form grafts and improve contractile function of infarcted rat hearts.

Methods and Results—

Highly enriched ESC-CMs were obtained by inducing cardiac differentiation of ESCs stably expressing a cardiac-restricted puromycin resistance gene. At the time of transplantation, enriched ESC-CMs expressed cardiac-specific markers and markers of developing CMs, but only 6% of them were proliferating. A growth factor–containing vehicle solution or ESC-CMs (5 to 10 million) suspended in the same solution was injected into athymic rat hearts 1 week after myocardial infarction. Initial infarct size was measured by cardiac magnetic resonance 1 day after myocardial infarction. Compared with vehicle treatment, treatment with ESC-CMs improved global systolic function 1 and 2 months after injection and significantly increased contractile function in initially infarcted areas and border zones. Immunohistochemistry confirmed successful engraftment and the persistence of α-actinin–positive ESC-CMs that also expressed α-smooth muscle actin. Connexin-43–positive sites were observed between grafted ESC-CMs but only rarely between grafted and host CMs. No teratomas were observed in any of the animals.

Conclusions—

Highly enriched and early-stage ESC-CMs were safe, formed stable grafts, and mediated a long-term recovery of global and regional myocardial contractile function after infarction.
OMEGA, a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Test the Effect of Highly Purified Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Top of Modern Guideline-Adjusted Therapy After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rauch Bernhard , Schiele Rudolf , Schneider Steffen , Diller Frank , Victor Norbert , Gohlke Helmut , Gottwik Martin , Steinbeck Gerhard , Del Castillo Ulrike , Sack Rudolf , Worth Heinrich , Katus Hugo , Spitzer Wilhelm , Sabin Georg , Senges Jochen ,   for the OMEGA Study Group
Published: November 2010

Background—

There is no randomized, double-blind trial testing the prognostic effect of highly purified omega-3 fatty acids in addition to current guideline-adjusted treatment of acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

OMEGA is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial testing the effects of omega-3-acid ethyl esters-90 (1 g/d for 1 year) on the rate of sudden cardiac death in survivors of acute myocardial infarction, if given in addition to current guideline-adjusted treatment. Secondary end points were total mortality and nonfatal clinical events. Patients (n=3851; female, 25.6%; mean age, 64.0 years) were randomized in 104 German centers 3 to 14 days after acute myocardial infarction from October 2003 until June 2007. Acute coronary angiography was performed in 93.8% and acute percutaneous coronary intervention in 77.8% of all patients. During a follow-up of 365 days, the event rates were (omega and control groups) as follows: sudden cardiac death, 1.5% and 1.5% (
P
=0.84); total mortality, 4.6% and 3.7% (
P
=0.18); major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events, 10.4% and 8.8% (
P
=0.1); and revascularization in survivors, 27.6% and 29.1% (
P
=0.34).

Conclusions—

Guideline-adjusted treatment of acute myocardial infarction results in a low rate of sudden cardiac death and other clinical events within 1 year of follow-up, which could not be shown to be further reduced by the application of omega-3 fatty acids.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00251134.
Pulmonary Hypertension-Induced GATA4 Activation in the Right Ventricle
Authors: Park Ah-Mee , Wong Chi-Ming , Jelinkova Ludmila , Liu Lingling , Nagase Hiroko , Suzuki Yuichiro J.
Published: November 2010

The major cause of death among pulmonary hypertension patients is right heart failure, but the biology of right heart is not well understood. Previous studies showed that mechanisms of the activation of GATA4, a major regulator of cardiac hypertrophy, in response to pressure overload are different between left and right ventricles. In the left ventricle, aortic constriction triggers GATA4 activation via posttranslational modifications without influencing GATA4 expression, while pulmonary artery banding enhances GATA4 expression in the right ventricle. We found that GATA4 expression can also be increased in the right ventricle of rats treated with chronic hypoxia to induce pulmonary hypertension and investigated the mechanism of increased GATA4 expression. Examination of
Gata4
promoter revealed that CCAAT box plays an important role in gene activation, and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension promoted the binding of CCAAT-binding factor/nuclear factor-Y (CBF/NF-Y) to CCAAT box in the right ventricle. We found that CBF/NF-Y forms a complex with annexin A1, which inhibits DNA binding activity. In response to hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, annexin A1 gets degraded, resulting in CBF/NF-Y-dependent activation of
Gata4
gene transcription. The right ventricle contains a higher level of CBF/NF-Y compared to the left ventricle, and this may allow for efficient activation in response to annexin A1 degradation. Signaling via iron-catalyzed protein oxidation mediates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension-induced annexin A1 degradation,
Gata4
gene transcription, and right ventricular hypertrophy. These results establish a right heart-specific signaling mechanism in response to pressure overload, which involves metal-catalyzed carbonylation and degradation of annexin A1 that liberates CBF/NF-Y to activate
Gata4
gene transcription.
On the discursive and material context of the first handwritten Lushai newspaper ‘Mizo Chanchin Laishuih’, 1898
Authors: Thirumal P. , Lalrozami C.
Published: November 2010

Historically, the study of newspapers has focused on elaborating on the objects of enquiry as an industrial merchandise, a text, a sign of bourgeois promise and extraction or an entity that excites individualistic and nationalistic sentiments. Methodologically, it has concentrated less on the singularity of the event or the univocal character of a newspaper. This study is an effort to correct the imbalance in the division of labour. Mizo Chanchin Laishuih (MCL) may be regarded as a visual text, scaffolded to words and not images. It assumes a complex pictorial composition having varied surfaces and putative depths. The perceptual economy that is incited by MCL speaks of a process that produces an active Protestant silence. It flags off a mythology around the nascent enterprise of writing and scripting that anticipates a prescient self and the absence of a civil state. In summoning and exorcising the good and bad spirits from the woods and the kin-ordered clans, it impertinently addresses the fabled Tiger as a cat and the accompaniment of the Puithiam’s chant with the inducing of a numbed apothecary of the newly arrived Doktor Sap. MCL institutes—and is a product of—a parallel process that demarcates seemingly negotiable and non-negotiable boundaries between the Plains and the Hills. The ‘plainisation’ of the Hills is not a linear process where practices of the plains replaced the practices of the Hills. It is likely that MCL paraded itself and derived its authority as the organ of the Colonial State and it had no pretensions of constituting a liberal subject or serving a liberal order.
User tags versus expert-assigned subject terms: A comparison of LibraryThing tags and Library of Congress Subject Headings
Authors: Caimei Lu  , Park Jung-ran , Xiaohua Hu
Published: November 2010

Social tagging, as a recent approach for creating metadata, has caught the attention of library and information science researchers. Many researchers recommend incorporating social tagging into the library environment and combining folksonomies with formal classification. However, some researchers are concerned with the quality issues of social annotation because of its uncontrolled nature. In this study, we compare social tags created by users from the LibraryThing website with the subject terms assigned by experts according to the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). The purpose of this study is to examine the difference and connections between social tags and expert-assigned subject terms and further explore the feasibility and obstacles of implementing social tagging in library systems. The results of our study show that it is possible to use social tags to improve the accessibility of library collections. However, the existence of non-subject-related tags may impede the application of social tagging in traditional library cataloguing systems.
Effect of strength and balance training in children with Down’s syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gupta Sukriti , Rao Bhamini krishna , Kumaran SD
Published: November 2010

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of exercise training on strength and balance in children with Down’s syndrome.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Rehabilitation school for special children.

Subjects and intervention: Twenty-three children were randomized to intervention and control group. The intervention group ( n =  12) underwent progressive resistive exercises for lower limbs and balance training for six weeks. The control group continued their regular activities followed at school.

Outcome measure: A handheld dynamometer was used to measure the lower limb muscle strength. Balance was assessed by the balance subscale of Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP).

Results: Following the training, the children in the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement ( P <  0.05) in the lower limb strength of all the muscle groups assessed. The strength of knee extensors was 12.12  lbs in the control group versus 18.4  lbs in the experimental group; in hip flexors it was 12.34  lbs in the control group versus 16.66  lbs in the experimental group post-intervention. The balance of the children also improved significantly with an improvement in scores of the balance subscale of BOTMP (19.50 in the experimental group versus 9.00 in the control group, P =  0.001).

Conclusion: This study suggests that a specific exercise training programme may improve the strength and balance in children with Down’s syndrome
Canine Astrocytic Tumors
Authors: Stoica G. , Levine J. , Wolff J. , Murphy K.
Published: November 2010

Tumors of astrocytic lineage are among the most common primary brain neoplasms in people and dogs. Current understanding of the pathogenesis of astrocytic tumors is limited in dogs compared with humans. In dogs, critical biological data concerning the natural history of disease progression, tumor imaging features, and response to therapeutic intervention are lacking. This review outlines the clinical, genetic, immunologic, and histopathologic characteristics of astrocytic tumors in dogs with special focus on comparative neuro-oncology. Common problems associated with the diagnosis of these neoplasms are summarized. Traditional veterinary histologic typing and grading of astrocytic tumors must be updated and supplemented with molecular data so that future studies directed toward therapeutic intervention and outcome can be optimized.
The impact of background music on adult listeners: A meta-analysis
Authors: Kämpfe Juliane , Sedlmeier Peter , Renkewitz Frank
Published: November 2010

Background music has been found to have beneficial, detrimental, or no effect on a variety of behavioral and psychological outcome measures. This article reports a meta-analysis that attempts to summarize the impact of background music. A global analysis shows a null effect, but a detailed examination of the studies that allow the calculation of effects sizes reveals that this null effect is most probably due to averaging out specific effects. In our analysis, the probability of detecting such specific effects was not very high as a result of the scarcity of studies that allowed the calculation of respective effect sizes. Nonetheless, we could identify several such cases: a comparison of studies that examined background music compared to no music indicates that background music disturbs the reading process, has some small detrimental effects on memory, but has a positive impact on emotional reactions and improves achievements in sports. A comparison of different types of background music reveals that the tempo of the music influences the tempo of activities that are performed while being exposed to background music. It is suggested that effort should be made to develop more specific theories about the impact of background music and to increase the methodological quality of relevant studies.
Stabilization of adaptive neural network controllers for nonlinear structural systems using a singular perturbation approach
Authors: Chen CW , Chen PC , Chiang WL
Published: November 2010

Generally, the biggest difficulty when designing a neural network controller that will be capable of rapidly and efficiently controlling complex and nonlinear systems is selection of the most appropriate initial values for the parameter vector. Overcoming the coupling effects of each degree-of-freedom is also difficult in multi-variable system control. In this study, an intelligent adaptive controller is proposed to handle these behaviors. First of all, an uncertain and nonlinear plant, for the tracking of a reference trajectory, is well approximated via radial basis function networks. Next, the adjustable parameters of the intelligent system are initialized using a genetic algorithm. Then, novel online parameter tuning algorithms are developed, based on the Lyapunov stability theory. A boundary-layer function is introduced into these updating laws to cover parameter and modeling errors, and to guarantee that the state errors converge to within a specified error bound. The non-square multi-variable system can be decoupled into several reduced-order isolated square multi-variable subsystems using a singular perturbation scheme for different types of time-scale stability analysis. Following this, a decoupled adaptive neural network controller is derived simultaneously to stabilize and control the system. Finally, an example, in the form of a numerical simulation, is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control methodology, which is shown to rapidly and efficiently control nonlinear multi-variable systems.
Dynamic responses of a rectangular plate under motion of an oscillator using a semi-analytical method
Authors: Ghafoori Elyas , Kargarnovin Mohammad H , Ghahremani Amir R
Published: November 2010

A semi-analytical method is presented to calculate the dynamic responses of a rectangular plate due to a moving oscillator. In previous analytical solutions of the moving oscillator problem, the elastic distributed structure has usually been modeled by an elastic beam structure. This restrictive assumption is removed in this study by assuming a general plate as two-dimensional elastic distributed structure. The method can be applied for any arbitrary path on the plate. A combination of the Fourier and Laplace transformation as well as the convolution theorem is used to solve the governing differential equations of the problem. A modified integration technique is then presented to solve the coupled governing differential equations of motion. An adaptive finite element model of the system has been developed. In order to avoid the inaccurate results of the off-nodal position of the moving object, an adaptive mesh strategy is developed, thus the finite element mesh is ceaselessly adapted to follow the moving object trajectory. Illustrative examples are then shown for three different paths. Comparisons between the simulation results of the presented semi-analytical method, for specific cases, with the results of the adaptive mesh finite element method and also with the available results in the literature demonstrate the validity of the methodology.
Robust control of a novel active pneumatic vibration isolator through floor vibration observer
Authors: Chen Ping-Chang , Shih Ming-Chang
Published: November 2010

Active vibration control techniques have been widely applied to enhance passive vibration isolators. The active strategy can improve the common disadvantages of the passive pneumatic isolator, such as resonant character and poor isolation performance at low frequency. In the study, a novel active pneumatic vibration isolator is designed. The isolator uses a passive isolator to support the weight of the payload and a pneumatic actuator to suppress the vibration disturbance through active control strategy. This investigation proposes a robust H∞ controller in order to have good disturbance rejection ability and robustness. According to the linearized nominal plant and appropriate weighting functions, the robust controller can be obtained and implemented by measuring vibration of payload and disturbance. However, it costs higher in practical implementation because two precision accelerometers must be used to measure the vibration at the same time. Therefore, the proportional integral observer (PI observer) is designed to estimate the disturbance and achieve trade-off between cost and performance. Because the PI observer can also estimate the state variables of the active isolation system, the linear quadratic control is also adopted to compare the isolation results with robust control strategies. The simulations and the experimental results show that the proposed robust control scheme improves the disadvantages of the passive pneumatic isolator. Furthermore, the PI observer can estimate the disturbance precisely, and almost the same isolation performance is met comparing to direct disturbance measurement.
Robust vibration control of flexible cable-strut structure with mixed uncertainties
Authors: Tuanjie Li  , Yujuan Ma
Published: November 2010

The design method of μ-synthesis controller for the flexible cable-strut structure with mixed uncertainties was presented and verified by the simulation experiments. The uncertainties include model uncertainties caused by joint clearance and friction, and the uncertainties arising from the actuator range and sensor noise. Based on the structured singular value theory, the model of robust active vibration control for the flexible cable-strut structure was established. The robust performance of the external disturbance rejection is characterized by introducing a fictitious uncertainty block across the disturbance/error channels and carrying out a robust stability analysis. The controller was derived from minimizing the structured singular value. This method considers the structural characteristics of the mixed uncertainty block, so that the conservativeness of H∞ controller in dealing with the mixed uncertainty problem is avoided. The simulation results show that the method has good robustness and stability performances for the controlled system with mixed uncertainties and external disturbances.
Does a variation in self-reported physical activity reflect variation in objectively measured physical activity, resting heart rate, and physical fitness? Results from the Tromsø study
Authors: Emaus Aina , Degerstrøm Jorid , Wilsgaard Tom , Hansen Bjørge Herman , Dieli-Conwright Christina M. , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Pettersen Svein Arne , Andersen Lars Bo , Eggen Anne Elise , Bernstein Leslie , Thune Inger
Published: November 2010

Aims: To study the association between self-reported physical activity (PA) and objectively measured PA, resting heart rate, and physical fitness. Methods: During 2007—08, 5017 men and 5607 women aged 30—69 years attended the sixth survey of the Tromsø study. Self-reported PA during leisure-time and work were assessed and resting heart rate was measured. In a sub-study, the activity study, PA (Actigraph LLC) and physical fitness (VO2max) were objectively measured among 313 healthy men and women aged 40—44 years. Results: Self-reported leisure PA was significantly correlated with VO2max (ml/kg/min) (women 0.40, p < 0.001, men 0.44 p < 0.001) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (>2000 counts/min) (women 0.28, p < 0.01, men 0.25, p < 0.01). The intra-class correlation coefficient between self-reported leisure PA and overall PA (counts/min) measured by accelerometer was 0.62 (95% CI 0.51, 0.71) for women and 0.59 (95% CI 0.47, 0.69) for men, and for VO2max the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.86 (95% CI 0.81, 0.90) for both sexes. Among all participants, an inverse dose—response relationship was observed between self-reported leisure PA and resting heart rate for both men and women (p < 0.0001). More women than men met the international recommendations of 10,000 step counts/day (27% vs. 22%) and the recommendation of at least 30 minutes/day of moderate-to-vigorous intensities (30% vs. 22 %). Conclusions: The Tromsø physical activity questionnaire has acceptable validity and provides valid estimates of high-intensity leisure activity. However, these results underscore the need for collecting objectively PA measurements in large epidemiological studies.
Families’ visits to practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine in a total population (the HUNT studies)
Authors: Steinsbekk Aslak
Published: November 2010

Aims: To investigate characteristics of families with adolescent children who have visited practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Methods: The Nord-Trøndelag Health Studies (HUNT) invited all inhabitants aged 13 years and older to a population-based study. The data of parents and adolescents were merged through the Norwegian family register. A family CAM visitor was a family where either the adolescent or the mother or father had visited a CAM practitioner in the previous year. The data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 7,888 adolescents with mother and/or fathers were included. The prevalence of families visiting CAM practitioners was 19.8%. The odds of a family visiting a CAM practitioner was significantly associated (p < 0.01) with a father with poor self-reported global health (adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) 3.0, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.7—5.3), who exercised (adjOR 1.3, 1.1—1.5) or smoked daily (adjOR 0.7, 0.6—0.8). Family CAM visits were also associated with the mother having a recent health complaint (adjOR 1.4, 1.1—1.7) or having fair global health (adjOR 1.6, 1.2—2.0), or with the adolescent, mother or father having visited a general practitioner during the past year (adolescent adjOR 1.3, 1.2—1.5; mother 1.7, 1.5—2.0; father 1.4, 1.2—1.6). For family visits to a homeopath, the strongest association was the mother having visited a general practitioner (adjOR 1.9, 1.4—2.5). For visits to chiropractors the strongest association was whether the father was currently working (adjOR 2.1, 1.2—3.8). Conclusions: The factor most strongly associated with families’ visits to CAM practitioners was a father who had poor self-reported health.
Using Intervention Mapping to Promote the Receipt of Clinical Preventive Services Among Women With Physical Disabilities
Authors: Suzuki Rie , Peterson Jana J. , Weatherby Amanda V. , Buckley David I. , Walsh Emily S. , Kailes June Isaacson , Krahn Gloria L.
Published: November 2010

This article describes the development of Promoting Access to Health Services (PATHS), an intervention to promote regular use of clinical preventive services by women with physical disabilities. The intervention was developed using intervention mapping (IM), a theory-based logical process that incorporates the six steps of assessment of need, preparation of matrices, selection of theoretical methods and strategies, program design, program implementation, and evaluation. The development process used methods and strategies aligned with the social cognitive theory and the health belief model. PATHS was adapted from the workbook Making Preventive Health Care Work for You, developed by a disability advocate, and was informed by participant input at five points: at inception through consultation by the workbook author, in conceptualization through a town hall meeting, in pilot testing with feedback, in revision of the curriculum through an advisory group, and in implementation by trainers with disabilities. The resulting PATHS program is a 90-min participatory small-group workshop, followed by structured telephone support for 6 months.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Pediatric Patients With Leukemia: The Case of Lebanon
Authors: Naja Farah , Alameddine Mohamad , Abboud Miguel , Bustami Dunia , Al Halaby Ruba
Published: November 2010

Background: International evidence indicates that caretakers of pediatric leukemia patients are increasingly using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. Such a trend has never been substantiated in the Arab world. Objective: Examine the frequency, types, modes, and reasons of CAM use among pediatric leukemia patients in Lebanon. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized to survey (by phone) the caregivers of all pediatric leukemia patients on the rosters of the 2 largest cancer treatment facilities in Lebanon for years 2005-2009. A total of 125 parents out of 175 (71.4%) completed the questionnaire, which included 3 sections: socio-demographic characteristics, clinical information and CAM use details. Data analysis employed univariate descriptive statistics, t-test, and χ2 Results: Overall, 15.2% of respondents reported using one or more CAM therapies for their child (95% confidence interval: 8.9% to 22.0%). The main CAM therapies used included dietary supplements, prayer/spiritual healing, and unconventional cultural practices (ingesting bone ashes). CAM therapies were used for strengthening immunity (42.1%) and improving the chance of cure (21%). Pediatric users of CAM were 2 years older than nonusers and had been diagnosed with leukemia for a longer period of time (4.76 ± 3.24 vs 3.49 ± 2.38, P < .05). The percentage of males among CAM users was higher than that among nonusers (89.5% vs 56.6%, P < .05). Conclusion: Increasing awareness of both caretakers and physicians of pediatric leukemia patients on the effects and risks of CAM therapies is essential should rational, safe, and evidence-based utilization of CAM therapies be achieved.
Exploring the Perspectives of Substance Abusing Black Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women in Addiction Treatment Programs
Authors: Washington Thomas Alex , Brocato Jo
Published: November 2010

This study examined the perspectives of African American male injection drug users who have sex with both men and women (IDU-MSM/W) and who are involved in sex trade regarding the need for a human sexuality educational model (HSEM) for addiction professionals. Focus groups were conducted involving an exploratory sample ( N = 105) of men who met the following parameters: aged 18 to 40 years, African American, engage in injection drug using behavior, have sex with male and female partners, and who frequent parks and other sex working areas in Baltimore City and surrounding areas. Data suggest that an HSEM may be useful for addiction professionals who work with substance abusing Black MSM/W. Moreover, the model should include opportunities for addiction professionals to (a) identify their personal biases about homosexuality in general (acknowledging personal biases so not to allow those personal biases to influence service); (b) understand the diversity within the Black MSM/W community (e.g., challenge assumptions that all Black MSM/W self-identify as gay); (c) understand how to, and the need for, assessing sexual trauma in Black MSM/W; and (d) understand the need to incorporate risk factors and safer sex practices that may be of concern to a subpopulation of Black MSM/W, such as “barebacking.” These findings suggest the need for, and topics to include in, an HSEM that assists professionals with exploring their biases about sexuality and MSM/W and better prepares counselors to address HIV prevention and risky behavior using language that is appropriate for the Black IDU-MSM/W population.
Exploring decision making in intellectual disability nursing practice: a qualitative study
Authors: Williams Ruth W. , Roberts Gwerfyl W. , Irvine Fiona E. , Hastings Richard P.
Published: November 2010

Due to the dearth of relevant research, intellectual disability nurses may have difficulty identifying sources of evidence on which they can base their clinical decisions. The aim of the present research was to explore how intellectual disability nurses make decisions and how their decisions are influenced by evidence. The method was guided by interpretative phenomenology and the analysis adopted an idiographic approach. Twelve National Health Service intellectual disability nurses in Wales participated in semi-structured interviews. Four key themes were identified: getting to know the person; working as a team; evidence to support decision making; and understanding of evidence-based practice. In the context of the myriad of other professionals involved in caregiving, the nurses conveyed a commitment towards ensuring that the person with intellectual disability is at the centre of decision making. Although using empirical evidence to support practice was acknowledged, these nurses considered person centred decision making to be paramount.