bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organisational Conditions for Corporate Entrepreneurship in Dutch Organisations
Authors: Veenker Simon , Sijde Peter van der , During Wim , Nijhof Andre
Published: June 2008

Corporate entrepreneurship is a topic of attraction for many managers in corporate enterprises. In the early 1980s, several researchers discovered the importance of entrepreneurship and its role in organisational renewal, innovation, risk taking and creation of new businesses. Corporate entrepreneurship became a subject of interest because of its beneficial effect on revitalisation and performance of the firms. Studies on this topic focused mainly on the organisational factors like freedom, organisational boundaries and management support which influence intrapreneurship. In the late 1990s, the popularity of this subject rose. This article focuses on the relationship between organisational characteristics and present conditions for corporate entrepreneurship in Dutch organisations. A questionnaire administered in Dutch organisations received 711 responses. In this article, the analyses of the questionnaire are presented via an exploratory factor analysis and a subsequent confirmation analysis. Four factors/scales were identified: centralisation (αlpha = 0.75), cooperation between colleagues (αlpha = 0.76), cooperation between departments (αlpha = 0.77) and formalisation (αlpha = 0.75). These factors are connected with the perception of corporate entrepreneurship. The respondents were asked about the level at which they found themselves entrepreneurial. The conditions and the perceptions taken together give a fair overview of the corporate spirit of an organisation.
Barriers to Development and Progression of Women Entrepreneurs in Pakistan
Authors: Roomi Muhammad Azam , Parrott Guy
Published: June 2008

In Pakistan, women entrepreneurs do not enjoy the same opportunities as men due to a number of deep-rooted discriminatory socio-cultural values and traditions. Furthermore, these restrictions can be observed within the support mechanisms that exist to assist such fledgling businesswomen. The economic potential of female entrepreneurs is not being realised as they suffer from a lack of access to capital, land, business premises, information technology, training and agency assistance. Inherent attitudes of a patriarchal society, that men are superior to women and that women are best suited to be homemakers, create formidable challenges. Women also receive little encouragement from some male family members, resulting in limited spatial mobility and a dearth of social capital. The research suggests that in order to foster development, multi-agency cooperation is required. The media, educational policy makers and government agencies could combine to provide women with improved access to business development services and facilitate local, regional and national networks. This would help integration of women entrepreneurs into the mainstream economy
Navajo Caregivers' Perceptions of Early Intervention Services
Authors: Applequist Karen L. , Bailey Donald B.
Published: June 2008

This study investigated 52 Navajo family caregiver perceptions about early intervention services. Family-related early intervention practices were rated by caregivers to identify their perception of typical and desired practices. Data also were collected to determine the relationships between caregiver satisfaction and three variables (a) selected family-related program practices, (b) program providers, and (c) family and child characteristics. Supplemental information was gathered from 15 early interventionists identified by the caregivers. Overall, caregivers were satisfied with services, although the perceived level of participation varied. Caregivers' perceptions of program family-centeredness had a strong positive relationship with satisfaction. Neither provider variables nor family variables had strong correlations with satisfaction. Discussion focuses on the importance of using a family-centered approach in this unique cultural context.
Early Intervention Services for Young Boys With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Hatton Deborah D. , Bailey Donald B. , Roberts Jennifer P. , Skinner Martie , Mayhew Lisa , Clark Renee Duffee , Waring Elizabeth , Roberts Jane E.
Published: June 2008

This study of boys with fragile X syndrome describes: service delivery; parents' satisfaction with services; early interventionists' perceptions of services needed; and the relationship between service intensity, developmental status, and demographic characteristics. Participants were 50 boys with fragile X syndrome, their parents, and teachers. Early intervention started on average at 21.6 months. There was a steady increase in the amount of early intervention across age periods. The intensity of speech-language and occupational therapies, however, remained constant. By the age of 60 months, the number of children receiving physical therapy and the intensity of physical therapy both decreased. Although parents reported satisfaction with services, most said they would have preferred more services. Early interventionists and teachers seemed more concerned about behavior than cognitive delays. No statistically significant patterns emerged regarding the relationship between developmental status, service intensity, and demographic characteristics.
Played Out? Passive Behavior by Children With Down Syndrome During Unstructured Play
Authors: Linn Margaret Inman , Goodman Joan F. , Lender Winifred Lloyds
Published: June 2008

Young children with Down syndrome are characterized as both cognitively and behaviorally passive. Parents and educators often view passive behavior as a failure to initiate or to sustain involvement. As a result, they often interrupt such behaviors and redirect the child's activity. An opportunity for the child to express initiative might be lost. What would happen if there were no adult interruptions? This study investigates the duration, frequency, and trajectory of passive behavior in a sample of 14 children with Down syndrome and 14 typically developing children, matched for mental age, race, and gender, over a 47-minute independent play session. Passive episodes were coded for point of occurrence in the play session. In our sample, children with Down syndrome exhibited more time in passive behavior than their typically developing counterparts did. For some children with Down syndrome, passivity increased commensurate with time spent in the play session. Implications from these findings for both research and practice are given.
Identification of Early Risk Factors for Learning Disabilities
Authors: Stanton-Chapman Tina L. , Chapman Derek A. , Scott Keith G.
Published: June 2008

The authors investigated birth risk factors for school-identified learning disabilities (LD) using a sample of 244,619 six- to eight-year-old public school children ( 6,715 LD) born in Florida between 1989 and 1990. Epidemiological measures of effect were used to investigate both individual- and population-level risk. Very low birth weight (VLBW), low 5-minute Apgar score, and low maternal education were associated with the highest individual-level risk. Low maternal education, late or no prenatal care, and tobacco use were associated with the highest population-level risk. Birth risk factors can be used to target screening and early intervention services for these high-risk children, which might be the most effective approach to reducing the incidence of school-identified LD.
Development and Behavior of Male Toddlers With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Roberts Jane E. , Hatton Deborah D. , Bailey Donald B.
Published: June 2008

This report presents findings from an ongoing longitudinal study of the developmental and behavioral characteristics of 26 boys with fragile X syndrome between the ages of 12 and 36 months. Multiple measures and analyses were used to describe the characteristics of these boys. Results indicated that there is an increase in the developmental skills of male toddlers with fragile X syndrome over time, although there is a great deal of variability within the sample. Global developmental delays might be evident by 12 months of age in some children, but other children might not display delays until later ages. In general, motor skills appear least delayed, whereas communication skills appear most delayed. Standardized in-depth assessments might be more efficient at detecting delays than ratings of clinical impressions, and professionals might be more sensitive to detecting delays at earlier ages than parents.
Allowing for the Opposite
Authors: Reichenberg Kjell , Hallberg Lillemor R.-M.
Published: June 2008

This article focuses on one of the interactive processes that parents use to cope with their child's asthma. The concept allowing for the opposite was developed in the course of a clinical project designed to improve consultation methods in pediatric allergy care. We examined material from 67 conversations carried out with 22 heterosexual couples held with two family therapists: one male pediatrician and one female social worker. We found that parents made use of each other's differences in personality and parenting style, allowing each other to take opposing positions on how to cope with their child's asthma. Disagreement should be added to the list of coping mechanisms used by parents in their cooperative efforts to handle their child's asthma.
Motivation to Reduce HIV Risk Behaviors in the Context of the Information, Motivation and Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model of HIV Prevention
Authors: Kalichman Seth C. , Picciano Joseph F. , Roffman Roger A.
Published: June 2008

The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model of health behavior was tested in a sample of 391 men who have sex with men at high-risk for HIV transmission. Prospective analyses of IMB predictors of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) confirmed a good fit. Self-rated motivation was a significant predictor of UAI, as were behavioral skills. However, the lack of information and motivational constructs that predicted behavior suggests that the IMB model is limited as a theory and has its greatest utility as a framework for guiding HIV risk reduction interventions for men who have sex with men at high-risk for HIV infection.
Neoliberal water and sanitation policies as a failed development strategy
Authors: Castro José Esteban
Published: June 2008

This paper examines key aspects of the policies promoting the expansion of private multinational monopolies as the main tool to solve the problems affecting water and sanitation services in less developed countries. It is based on recent findings from research carried out on the impact of these policies in nine countries of Africa, Europe, and Latin America. The article argues that the main claims put forward to justify these policies, that private sector participation provides the financial resources needed to improve the situation in developing countries and that these policies contribute to reduce social inequality in these countries, are not supported by the empirical evidence. The findings suggest that the international community cannot rely on private sector participation for achieving the development goals for water and sanitation, particularly in the poorer countries. The paper concludes that there is a need to learn from the past, when developed countries managed to achieve the universalization of essential services thanks to the convergence of a wide range of social and political forces, including free-market liberals, who accepted that essential services cannot be organized purely on market principles. It suggests that achieving similar success in LDCs will also require the amalgamation of a similarly broad and universalistic ensemble of social forces.
The comparative advantage of the public sector in the development of urban	water supply
Authors: Lobina Emanuele , Hall David
Published: June 2008

This paper addresses the potential of public water operations in achieving developmental goals such as the Millennium Development Goals, and argues that the public sector has a comparative advantage in developing water services. The global importance of the public sector in urban water supply is examined through a review of current practice in the world's largest cities, including operational presence and distribution and ongoing trends. Empirical evidence shows that, in transition and developing countries, public operators are capable of undergoing successful reform. One explanatory factor is proposed to be the creation through the public sphere of highly interconnected networks among stakeholders. Such accountability networks act as vehicles for the generation and distribution of public knowledge among stakeholders, which in turn inform rational decision making on the reform and management of operations.
Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma With Split-Thickness Skin Grafts in the High-Risk Patient
Authors: Schade Valerie L. , Roukis Thomas S.
Published: June 2008

Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is commonly employed for soft-tissue coverage because of its broad application for use, ease of harvest, and universal equipment. STSG healing proceeds through 3 stages: (1) anchorage, (2) inosculation, and (3) maturation. The success of the first 2 stages is critical to the overall success. Bolster dressings of various types are universally applied to create apposition of the skin graft with the granular bed, thereby preventing shearing forces and fluid accumulation until vascular ingrowth can occur. The application of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to STSG application sites has been recently described and theorized to provide immediate skin graft anchorage as well as inosculation of the STSG with nutrient-rich blood media. This study was performed to report the time to ≥ 90% primary healing of STSGs augmented with application of PRP in a high-risk patient population. The mean time to ≥ 90% STSG recipient site healing was 16 ± 4.2 days, as determined by retrospective chart review and digital photograph analysis. The addition of PRP to STSG recipient sites seems to enhance primary healing and reduce healing time, likely as a result of shearing force reduction and enhancement of the wound environment with growth factors.
Aggressive Management of Necrotizing Fasciitis Through a Multidisciplinary Approach Using Minimal Surgical Procedures: A Case Report
Authors: Baker Jeffrey R. , McEneaney Patrick A. , Prezioso Jennifer L. , Adajar Marc A. , Goldflies Mitchell L. , Zambrano Carlos H.
Published: June 2008

Necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive, destructive infection of the soft tissue and fascia and is a life-threatening surgical emergency. A case study is presented of necrotizing fasciitis in the right lower extremity of a 53-year-old male resident of a long-term skilled nursing facility. Limb salvage was achieved through a multidisciplinary approach with early surgical management and aggressive postoperative management. Through 3 surgical procedures, the combined efforts of podiatric surgery, orthopaedic surgery, general/trauma surgery, and infectious disease provided early wound closure and limb salvage. An aggressive multidisciplinary approach to the management of necrotizing fasciitis in the lower extremity is necessary for limb salvage. Use of this multidisciplinary approach will minimize the number of surgical procedures and decrease the potential morbidity and mortality seen in patients with this infection.
Characteristics and clinical correlates of MPL 515W>L/K mutation in essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Antonioli Elisabetta , Guglielmelli Paola , Pancrazzi Alessandro , Guerini Vittoria , Barosi Giovanni , Ruggeri Marco , Specchia Giorgina , Lo-Coco Francesco , Delaini Federica , Villani Laura , Finotto Silvia , Ammatuna Emanuele , Alterini Renato , Carrai Valentina , Capaccioli Gloria , Lollo Simonetta Di , Liso Vincenzo , Rambaldi Alessandro , Bosi Alberto , Barbui Tiziano
Published: June 2008

Among 994 patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) who were genotyped for the MPLW515L/K mutation, 30 patients carrying the mutation were identified (3.0%), 8 of whom also displayed the JAK2V671F mutation. MPLW515L/K patients presented lower hemoglobin levels and higher platelet counts than did wild type (wt) MPL; these differences were highly significant compared with MPLwt/JAK2V617F–positive patients. Reduced hemoglobin and increased platelet levels were preferentially associated with the W515L and W515K alleles, respectively. MPL mutation was a significant risk factor for microvessel disturbances, suggesting platelet hyperreactivity associated with constitutively active MPL; arterial thromboses were increased only in comparison to MPLwt/JAK2wt patients. MPLW515L/K patients presented reduced total and erythroid bone marrow cellularity, whereas the numbers of megakaryocytes, megakaryocytic clusters, and small-sized megakaryocytes were all significantly increased. These data indicate that MPLW515L/K mutations do not define a distinct phenotype in ET, although some differences depended on the JAK2V617F mutational status of the counterpart.
Targeting the nuclear antigen 1 of Epstein-Barr virus to the human endocytic receptor DEC-205 stimulates protective T-cell responses
Authors: Gurer Cagan , Strowig Till , Brilot Fabienne , Pack Maggi , Trumpfheller Christine , Arrey Frida , Park Chae Gyu , Steinman Ralph M. , Münz Christian
Published: June 2008

Dendritic cells (DCs) express many endocytic receptors that deliver antigens for major histocompatibility class (MHC) I and II presentation to CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, respectively. Here, we show that targeting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) to one of them, the human multilectin DEC-205 receptor, in the presence of the DC maturation stimulus poly(I:C), expanded EBNA1-specific CD4+ and CD8+ memory T cells, and these lymphocytes could control the outgrowth of autologous EBV-infected B cells in vitro. In addition, using a novel mouse model with reconstituted human immune system components, we demonstrated that vaccination with αDEC-205-EBNA1 antibodies primed EBNA1-specific IFN-γ–secreting T cells and also induced anti-EBNA1 antibodies in a subset of immunized mice. Because EBNA1 is the one EBV antigen that is expressed in all proliferating cells infected with this virus, our data suggest that DEC-205 targeting should be explored as a vaccination approach against symptomatic primary EBV infection and against EBV-associated malignancies.
Evaluating Two Approaches to Helping College Students Understand Evolutionary Trees through Diagramming Tasks
Authors: Perry Judy , Meir Eli , Herron Jon C. , Maruca Susan , Stal Derek
Published: June 2008

To understand evolutionary theory, students must be able to understand and use evolutionary trees and their underlying concepts. Active, hands-on curricula relevant to macroevolution can be challenging to implement across large college-level classes where textbook learning is the norm. We evaluated two approaches to helping students learn macroevolutionary topics. Treatment 1 is a laboratory for the software program EvoBeaker designed to teach students about evolutionary trees. We tested Treatment 1 among nine college-level biology classes and administered pre/posttests to assess learning gains. We then sought to determine whether the learning gains from Treatment 1 were comparable to those derived from an alternate hands-on treatment, specifically the combination of a prerecorded lecture on DVD and paper-based activity based on Goldsmith's Great Clade Race (Treatment 2). Comparisons of pre- and posttests among participants using either Treatment 1 or 2 show large learning gains on some misconceptions and skills beyond knowledge gained from reading standard textbook entries. Both treatments performed equivalently in overall learning gains, though both had areas where they performed better or worse. Furthermore, gains among students who used Treatment 1 representing a wide range of universities suggest that outcomes are potentially applicable to a variety of “real-world” biology classes.
Understanding Randomness and its Impact on Student Learning: Lessons Learned from Building the Biology Concept Inventory (BCI)
Authors: Garvin-Doxas Kathy , Klymkowsky Michael W.
Published: June 2008

While researching student assumptions for the development of the Biology Concept Inventory (BCI; http://bioliteracy.net ), we found that a wide class of student difficulties in molecular and evolutionary biology appears to be based on deep-seated, and often unaddressed, misconceptions about random processes. Data were based on more than 500 open-ended (primarily) college student responses, submitted online and analyzed through our Ed's Tools system, together with 28 thematic and think-aloud interviews with students, and the responses of students in introductory and advanced courses to questions on the BCI. Students believe that random processes are inefficient, whereas biological systems are very efficient. They are therefore quick to propose their own rational explanations for various processes, from diffusion to evolution. These rational explanations almost always make recourse to a driver, e.g., natural selection in evolution or concentration gradients in molecular biology, with the process taking place only when the driver is present, and ceasing when the driver is absent. For example, most students believe that diffusion only takes place when there is a concentration gradient, and that the mutational processes that change organisms occur only in response to natural selection pressures. An understanding that random processes take place all the time and can give rise to complex and often counterintuitive behaviors is almost totally absent. Even students who have had advanced or college physics, and can discuss diffusion correctly in that context, cannot make the transfer to biological processes, and passing through multiple conventional biology courses appears to have little effect on their underlying beliefs.
Implementing Concept-based Learning in a Large Undergraduate Classroom
Authors: Morse David , Jutras France
Published: June 2008

An experiment explicitly introducing learning strategies to a large, first-year undergraduate cell biology course was undertaken to see whether awareness and use of strategies had a measurable impact on student performance. The construction of concept maps was selected as the strategy to be introduced because of an inherent coherence with a course structured by concepts. Data were collected over three different semesters of an introductory cell biology course, all teaching similar course material with the same professor and all evaluated using similar examinations. The first group, used as a control, did not construct concept maps, the second group constructed individual concept maps, and the third group first constructed individual maps then validated their maps in small teams to provide peer feedback about the individual maps. Assessment of the experiment involved student performance on the final exam, anonymous polls of student perceptions, failure rate, and retention of information at the start of the following year. The main conclusion drawn is that concept maps without feedback have no significant effect on student performance, whereas concept maps with feedback produced a measurable increase in student problem-solving performance and a decrease in failure rates.
An Imaging Roadmap for Biology Education: From Nanoparticles to Whole Organisms
Authors: Kelley Daniel J. , Davidson Richard J. , Nelson David L.
Published: June 2008

Imaging techniques provide ways of knowing structure and function in biology at different scales. The multidisciplinary nature and rapid advancement of imaging sciences requires imaging education to begin early in the biology curriculum. Guided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Roadmap initiatives, we incorporated a nanoimaging, molecular imaging, and medical imaging teaching unit into three 1-h class periods of an introductory course on ways of knowing biology. Activities were derived from NIH Roadmap initiatives in nanomedicine, regenerative medicine, and nuclear medicine. The course materials we describe contributed positively to student learning gains in quantifying and interpreting images, in characterizing imaging methods that provide ways of knowing biological structure and function, and in understanding scale in biology and imaging. The NIH Roadmap provides a useful context to educate students about the multidisciplinary imaging continuum.
Globalizing the Science Curriculum: An Undergraduate Course on Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Complementary Approach to Western Medicine
Authors: Yuan Robert , Lin Yuan
Published: June 2008

A course has been created to examine the ways in which China and the West have approached human health and medicine. Though fundamentally different, these two systems are complementary in a number of ways. This course is a model for a global science course in an educational initiative that incorporates Asian themes into science and engineering courses. The course is designed around an active-learning platform that has as major components: team research projects, oral presentations, role play, and peer-review. The students investigate concepts of scientific proof, clinical efficacy, and the functional structure of two very different systems of health and medical care.
Phoebe Lostroh
Authors: Mays Hoopes Laura L.
Published: June 2008

Note from the Editor

Educator Highlights for CBE—Life Sciences Education show how professors at different kinds of institutions educate students in life sciences with inspiration and panache. If you have a particularly creative teaching portfolio yourself, or if you want to nominate an inspiring colleague to be profiled, please e-mail Laura Hoopes at Pomona College, lhoopes@pomona.edu.
Two Neutral Open-framework Metal Phosphites with Ten-ring Channels Constructed by Three-, Four-, and Five-connected Centers
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhao Yongnan , Yu Jianguo , Pang Nan , Su Hao , Pang Sha
Published: June 2008

Neutral open-structured metal phosphites of Al and In are hydrothermally synthesized; they are structural analogues that constructed by HPO3 and MO6 groups with intersecting eight- and 10-ring channels. The two metal sites serve as four- and five-connected centers, respectively, with the rest oxygen atoms belonging to the coordinated water molecules.
Multicomponent Molecular Layers that Exhibit Electrochemical Potential Flip on Au(111) by Use of Proton-coupled Electron-transfer Reactions
Authors: Uehara Hiromitsu , Inomata Tomohiko , Abe Masaaki , Uosaki Kohei , Sasaki Yoichi
Published: June 2008

Interfacial ligand substitution of triruthenium(III) complexes confined on gold as a monolayer has proven to be useful to construct molecular heterostructures by quantitatively incorporating 4,4′-bipyridine-anchored diruthenium(III) complexes, whose multi-step redox sequence is reversibly tuned by proton-coupled electron-transfer reactions.
Effect of Liquid Viscosity on the Internal Fluidity of a Droplet Sliding on a Fluoroalkylsilane Coating
Authors: Sakurada Yuu , Suzuki Shunsuke , Sakai Munetoshi , Nakajima Akira , Kameshima Yoshikazu , Okada Kiyoshi
Published: June 2008

The effect of liquid viscosity on the internal fluidity of droplets during sliding on an inclined Si surface treated with fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) was investigated for water–glycerin mixture using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Increasing viscosity remarkably decreases the slipping motion on the solid–liquid interface and overall sliding acceleration. It affects the rolling motion, but its degree of influence is smaller than that on slipping. The viscosity had different contributions to slipping and rolling motions of the droplets.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Conjugated Radical Polymer
Authors: Kato Daisuke , Inoue Katsuya , Akimitsu Jun , Abe Jiro
Published: June 2008

An unprecedented conjugated radical polymer, poly-BDPI-2Y, consisting of imidazolyl radical was prepared and its magnetic properties were investigated. The SQUID measurement proves the presence of the ferromagnetic fraction at 300 K.
Photoluminescence Enhancement of ZnS–AgInS2 Solid Solution Nanoparticles Layer-by-layer-assembled in Inorganic Multilayer Thin Films
Authors: Kameyama Tatsuya , Okazaki Ken-ichi , Ichikawa Yuji , Kudo Akihiko , Kuwabata Susumu , Torimoto Tsukasa
Published: June 2008

Multilayer films of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets and semiconductor nanoparticles of ZnS–AgInS2 solid solution (ZAIS) or CdS were prepared by a layer-by-layer deposition technique. The photoluminescence properties were remarkably dependent on the stacked structure of the films owing to the energy transfer from CdS to ZAIS nanoparticles.
Azobenzene–Helical Peptide Conjugate: Electronic Structure and Photoisomerization in Solution and on Surface
Authors: Wakabayashi Mika , Fujii Shigekatsu , Morita Tomoyuki , Kimura Shunsaku
Published: June 2008

A novel helical peptide derivative with an intervening azobenzene unit was synthesized, and the effects of the peptide segments on the electronic properties of the azobenzene unit, immobilization on solid surfaces, and photoisomerization in solution and on surface were studied.
Growth of ZnO Single Crystals by Annealing Sol–Gel-derived Films with PDMS Pre-pressing
Authors: Lee Jui-Chi , Leu Ing-Chi , Hon Min-Hsiung
Published: June 2008

We demonstrate a simple and novel approach for the low-temperature (400 °C) solid-state growth of ZnO micro- and nanorods directly from sol–gel-derived Al-doped ZnO films on silicon substrates without any catalyst. Hot pressing the films by a PDMS pad before annealing has been found to be effective for the creation of ZnO rods. A possible nucleation mechanism of ZnO rods has also been proposed.
Highly Selective NH3 Formation in a NO–CO–H2O Reaction over Pt/TiO2
Authors: Nanba Tetsuya , Masukawa Shouichi , Uchisawa Junko , Obuchi Akira
Published: June 2008

Pt/TiO2 showed high selectivity toward NH3 formation in the conversion of NO and CO in the presence of H2O, higher than that observed for the reaction of NO with H2.
Preparation of Mesoscopic TiO2–SnO2 Composite Grains by Spinodal Decomposition under 28 GHz Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Takizawa Hirotsugu , Hagiya Akio , Aoyagi Takuya , Hayashi Yamato
Published: June 2008

TiO2–SnO2 composite with the modulated lamellar structure was obtained within a short period by microwave irradiation using 28-GHz frequency. Single-phase solid solution with the rutile-type structure was formed at the early stage of irradiation, and the prolonged irradiation caused the formation of mesoscopic lamellar structure induced by spinodal decomposition. Such a nonequilibrium nature is believed to be due to selective heating behavior under microwave irradiation.
Microarchitecture Influences Microdamage Accumulation in Human Vertebral Trabecular Bone
Authors: Arlot Monique E , Burt-Pichat Brigitte , Roux Jean-Paul , Vashishth Deepak , Bouxsein Mary L , Delmas Pierre D
Published: June 2008

It has been suggested that accumulation of microdamage with age contributes to skeletal fragility. However, data on the age-related increase in microdamage and the association between microdamage and trabecular microarchitecture in human vertebral cancellous bone are limited. We quantified microdamage in cancellous bone from human lumbar (L2) vertebral bodies obtained from 23 donors 54–93 yr of age (8 men and 15 women). Damage was measured using histologic techniques of sequential labeling with chelating agents and was related to 3D microarchitecture, as assessed by high-resolution μCT. There were no significant differences between sexes, although women tended to have a higher microcrack density (Cr.Dn) than men. Cr.Dn increased exponentially with age (r = 0.65, p < 0.001) and was correlated with bone volume fraction (BV/TV; r = −0.55; p < 0.01), trabecular number (Tb.N; r = −0.56 p = 0.008), structure model index (SMI; r = 0.59; p = 0.005), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp; r = 0.59; p < 0.009). All architecture parameters were strongly correlated with each other and with BV/TV. Stepwise regression showed that SMI was the best predictor of microdamage, explaining 35% of the variance in Cr.Dn and 20% of the variance in diffuse damage accumulation. In addition, microcrack length was significantly greater in the highest versus lowest tertiles of SMI. In conclusion, in human vertebral cancellous bone, microdamage increases with age and is associated with low BV/TV and a rod-like trabecular architecture.
Older Men With Low Serum Estradiol and High Serum SHBG Have an Increased Risk of Fractures
Authors: Mellström Dan , Vandenput Liesbeth , Mallmin Hans , Holmberg Anna H , Lorentzon Mattias , Odén Anders , Johansson Helena , Orwoll Eric S , Labrie Fernand , Karlsson Magnus K , Ljunggren Östen , Ohlsson Claes
Published: June 2008

Osteoporosis-related fractures constitute a major health concern not only in women but also in men. To study the predictive role of serum sex steroids for fracture risk in men, serum sex steroids were analyzed by the specific gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique at baseline in older men (n = 2639; mean, 75 yr of age) of the prospective population-based MrOS Sweden cohort. Fractures occurring after baseline were validated (average follow-up of 3.3 yr). The incidence for having at least one validated fracture after baseline was 20.9/1000 person-years. Estradiol (E2; hazard ratio [HR] per SD decrease, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.22–1.49), free estradiol (fE2; HR per SD decrease, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.28–1.55), testosterone (T; HR per SD decrease, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.16–1.39), and free testosterone (fT; HR per SD decrease, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.21–1.44) were all inversely, whereas sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG; HR per SD increase, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.22–1.63) was directly related to fracture risk. Multivariable proportional hazards regression models, adjusted for age, suggested that fE2 and SHBG (p < 0.001), but not fT, were independently associated with fracture risk. Further subanalyses of fracture type showed that fE2 was inversely associated with clinical vertebral fractures (HR per SD decrease, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.36–1.80), nonvertebral osteoporosis fractures (HR per SD decrease, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.23–1.65), and hip fractures (HR per SD decrease, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.18–1.76). The inverse relation between serum E2 and fracture risk was nonlinear with a strong relation <16 pg/ml for E2 and 0.3 pg/ml for fE2. In conclusion, older Swedish men with low serum E2 and high SHBG levels have an increased risk of fractures.
Birth Weight and Gestational Age Characteristics of Children With Autism, Including a Comparison With Other Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Schendel Diana , Bhasin Tanya Karapurkar
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this study were to compare the birth weight and gestational age distributions and prevalence rates of autism with those of other developmental disabilities and to estimate the birth weight–and gestational age–specific risks for autism.

METHODS. For the first objective, a retrospective cohort of children born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1981–1993 who survived to 3 years of age was identified through vital records. Children in the cohort who had developmental disabilities (autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, or vision impairment) and were still residing in metropolitan Atlanta at 3 to 10 years of age were identified through the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program. A nested case-control sample from the cohort was used for the second objective; all cohort children identified with autism were case participants, and control participants were cohort children who were not identified as having developmental disabilities or receiving special education services.

RESULTS. The prevalence of autism in low birth weight or preterm children was markedly lower than those of other developmental disabilities. In multivariate analyses, birth weight of <2500 g and preterm birth at <33 weeks' gestation were associated with an approximately twofold increased risk for autism, although the magnitude of risk from these factors varied according to gender (higher in girls) and autism subgroup (higher for autism accompanied by other developmental disabilities). For example, a significant fourfold increased risk was observed in low birth weight girls for autism accompanied by mental retardation, whereas there was no significantly increased risk observed in low birth weight boys for autism alone.

CONCLUSIONS. Gender and autism subgroup differences in birth weight and gestational age, resulting in lower gender ratios with declining birth weight or gestational age across all autism subgroups, might be markers for etiologic heterogeneity in autism.
Resuscitation of Preterm Neonates by Using Room Air or 100% Oxygen
Authors: Wang Casey L. , Anderson Christina , Leone Tina A. , Rich Wade , Govindaswami Balaji , Finer Neil N.
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE. In this study of preterm neonates of <32 weeks, we prospectively compared the use of room air versus 100% oxygen as the initial resuscitation gas.

METHODS. A 2-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial of neonates with gestational ages of 23 to 32 weeks who required resuscitation was performed. The oxygen group was initially resuscitated with 100% oxygen, with decreases in the fraction of inspired oxygen after 5 minutes of life if pulse oxygen saturation was >95%. The room air group was initially resuscitated with 21% oxygen, which was increased to 100% oxygen if compressions were performed or if the heart rate was <100 beats per minute at 2 minutes of life. Oxygen was increased in 25% increments if pulse oxygen saturation was <70% at 3 minutes of life or <80% at 5 minutes of life.

RESULTS. Twenty-three infants in the oxygen group (mean gestational age: 27.6 weeks; range: 24–31 weeks; mean birth weight: 1013 g; range: 495–2309 g) and 18 in the room air group (mean gestational age: 28 weeks; range: 25–31 weeks; mean birth weight: 1091 g; range: 555–1840 g) were evaluated. Every resuscitated patient in the room air group met rescue criteria and received an increase in the fraction of inspired oxygen by 3 minutes of life, 6 patients directly to 100% and 12 with incremental increases. Pulse oxygen saturation was significantly lower in the room air group from 2 to 10 minutes (pulse oxygen saturation at 3 minutes: 55% in the room air group vs 87% in the oxygen group). Heart rates did not differ between groups in the first 10 minutes of life, and there were no differences in secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS. Resuscitation with room air failed to achieve our target oxygen saturation by 3 minutes of life, and we recommend that it not be used for preterm neonates.
Etiologic and Audiologic Evaluations After Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening: Analysis of 170 Referred Neonates
Authors: Declau Frank , Boudewyns An , Van den Ende Jenneke , Peeters Anouk , van den Heyning Paul
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to clarify the audiologic aspects and causes of congenital hearing loss in children who failed universal neonatal hearing screening.

METHODS. A prospective analysis of 170 consecutive records of neonates referred to a tertiary center after universal neonatal hearing screening failure, between 1998 and 2006, was performed. The data presented here represent the equivalent of ∼87000 screened newborns. The screening results were validated with a clinical ear, nose, and throat examination and electrophysiological testing, including diagnostic auditory brainstem response, automated steady state response, and/or behavioral testing. A diagnostic evaluation protocol for identification of the cause of the hearing loss was also implemented, in collaboration with the departments of genetics and pediatrics.

RESULTS. Permanent hearing loss was confirmed in 116 children (68.2%). Bilateral hearing loss was diagnosed in 68 infants (58.6%) and unilateral hearing loss in 48 infants (41.4%). Median thresholds for the neonates with confirmed hearing loss were severe in both unilateral and bilateral cases, at 70 dB nHL and 80 dB nHL, respectively. In 55.8% of those cases, no risk factors for hearing loss were found. In 60.4%, the initial automated auditory brainstem response diagnosis was totally in agreement with the audiologic evaluation results. In 8.3% of the cases, however, a unilateral refer result was finally classified as bilateral hearing loss. An etiologic factor could be identified in 55.2% of the cases. Of the causes identified, a genetic mechanism was present in 60.4% of the cases, peripartal problems in 20.8%, and congenital cytomegalovirus infection in 18.8%.

CONCLUSIONS. An etiologic factor could be identified for nearly one half of the children with confirmed congenital hearing loss referred through a universal hearing screening program.
High Sucrose Intake Is Associated With Poor Quality of Diet and Growth Between 13 Months and 9 Years of Age: The Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project
Authors: Ruottinen Soile , Niinikoski Harri , Lagström Hanna , Rönnemaa Tapani , Hakanen Maarit , Viikari Jorma , Jokinen Eero , Simell Olli
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND. Previous studies have suggested that interventions to lower dietary fat content and improved fat quality lead to a compensatory increase in sucrose content.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to determine what associations exist between sucrose intake and intake of nutrients, intake of specific foods, and growth in children aged 13 months to 9 years of age in the prospective, randomized Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Nutrient intake and food consumption were evaluated annually at ages 13 months through 9 years by using food records. Altogether, 543 children were divided into 3 groups according to mean sucrose intake: constantly high sucrose intake (highest 10%), constantly low sucrose intake (lowest 10%), and average sucrose intake (80%). Absolute and relative weights and heights were recorded at 7, 13, and 24 months of age and annually thereafter until 9 years old.

RESULTS. The high sucrose-intake group exceeded the recommended sucrose intake (<10% of energy intake, World Health Organization) already at the age of 2 years. Energy and total fat intake did not differ between the sucrose-intake groups. Children with low and average sucrose intake consumed more protein and had a better dietary fat quality than children with high sucrose intake. They also tended to receive more vitamin E, niacin, calcium, iron, zinc, and dietary fiber than children who consumed a high sucrose diet. Children in the low sucrose-intake group consumed more grains, vegetables, and dairy products than the other children. Sugar intake had no direct association with obesity, but weight, height, and BMI of children differed between the sucrose-intake groups between 7 months and 9 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS. In children aged 13 months to 9 years, long-term low sucrose intake is associated with better nutrient intake and growth than high sucrose intake.
Factors Influencing Parental Satisfaction With Neonatal Intensive Care Among the Families of Moderately Premature Infants
Authors: McCormick Marie C. , Escobar Gabriel J. , Zheng Zheng , Richardson Douglas K.
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to examine the factors influencing parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care for moderately premature infants in 10 hospitals in Massachusetts and California.

METHODS. A total of 677 infants without major anomalies or chromosomal disorders who were born between 30 and 34 weeks of gestation in the participating hospitals and discharged alive were included. Parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care was ascertained 3 months after discharge by using a previously developed scale of 12 Likert items (scored 1–5), addressing such issues as perceptions regarding the staff providing emotional support, information, or education. The questionnaire, which was administered by telephone, also included parental ratings of child health and reports of subsequent health care use, sociodemographic characteristics, and history of infertility treatment. Data on the prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal course were abstracted from the medical charts, and the factors associated with parental satisfaction were analyzed.

RESULTS. Parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care varied significantly across the 10 hospitals. The major predictors of satisfaction were sociodemographic characteristics, history of infertility treatment, and especially parental ratings of child health 3 months after discharge, rather than aspects of the perinatal or neonatal course. Controlling for these factors, differences across hospitals were not statistically significant. However, the variance explained by all of the measured factors, including child health rating, was modest (19%).

CONCLUSIONS. Although we included variables across the full spectrum of neonatal intensive care, we found that the major predictor of parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care was child health at the time of the interview, followed by sociodemographic factors and previous infertility treatment. However, the variance explained was limited, which suggests that research is needed on the factors influencing satisfaction.
Accuracy of Bedside Electroencephalographic Monitoring in Comparison With Simultaneous Continuous Conventional Electroencephalography for Seizure Detection in Term Infants
Authors: Shah Divyen K. , Mackay Mark T. , Lavery Shelly , Watson Susan , Harvey A. Simon , Zempel John , Mathur Amit , Inder Terrie E.
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE. Our goals were to compare (1) single-channel amplitude-integrated electroencephalography alone, (2) 2-channel amplitude-integrated electroencephalography alone, and (3) amplitude-integrated electroencephalography plus 2-channel electroencephalography with simultaneous continuous conventional electroencephalography for seizure detection in term infants to check the accuracy of limited channels and compare the different modalities of bedside electroencephalography monitoring.

METHODS. Infants referred to a tertiary center with clinical seizures underwent simultaneous continuous conventional electroencephalography and 2-channel (C3-P3 and C4-P4) bedside monitoring. Off-line analysis of the continuous conventional electroencephalographic results was performed independently by 2 neurologists. Two experienced neonatal readers reviewed results obtained with amplitude-integrated electroencephalography and 2-channel electroencephalography combined and single-channel and 2-channel amplitude-integrated electroencephalography. All readings were performed independently and then compared.

RESULTS. Twenty-one term newborns were monitored. Seizures were detected in 7 patients who had up to 12 electrical seizures, with 1 infant in status epilepticus. Seizures were identified correctly in 6 of 7 patients with amplitude-integrated electroencephalography plus 2-channel electroencephalography. The missed infant had an isolated 12-second seizure. With amplitude-integrated electroencephalography plus 2-channel electroencephalography, 31 of 41 non–status epilepticus seizures were correctly identified (sensitivity, 76%; specificity, 78%; positive predictive value, 78%; negative predictive value, 78%), with a substantial level of interrater agreement. The seizures missed were predominantly slow sharp waves of occipital origin from a single patient (7 of 10 seizures). Nine false-positive results were obtained in 351 hours of recording (1 false-positive result per 39 hours). These were thought to be related to muscle, electrode, and patting artifacts. Use of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography alone (1 or 2 channel) provided low sensitivity (27%–56%) and low interobserver agreement.

CONCLUSIONS. Limited-channel bedside electroencephalography combining amplitude-integrated electroencephalography with 2-channel electroencephalography, interpreted by experienced neonatal readers, detected the majority of electrical seizures in at-risk newborn infants.