bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors and correlates of edentulism in the healthy old people in Edinburgh (HOPE) study
Authors: Starr John M. , Hall Roanna J. , Macintyre Sally , Deary Ian J. , Whalley Lawrence J.
Published: April 2008

Objectives:  To determine the extent to which correlates of edentulism are explained by an association between tooth loss and cognitive ability.

Methods:  Participants in the Healthy Old People in Edinburgh (HOPE) study aged 70 or more at baseline were assessed and health, cognitive, socio‐economic and socio‐environmental data collected on four consecutive occasions. It was noted whether the participant had any retained teeth and if not, the age when the last tooth was lost. Prior determinants of edentulism were investigated with binary logistic regression models. At the 9‐year follow‐up, associations with edentulism were examined using general linear models with edentulism as an independent factor.

Results:  201 participants were adequately tested, of whom 104 (51.7%) were edentulous. A logistic regression model that considered age, sex, education, social class, deprivation index of residence, objective distance from dentist, participant’s estimate of distance from dentist and NART‐estimated IQ (NARTIQ) found age (p = 0.032), occupational class (p = 0.019) and NARTIQ (p = 0.027) as significant predictors of edentulism. Cox’s proportional hazards modelling found only NARTIQ (p = 0.050) to be correlated. Being edentulous was associated with poorer respiratory function but not hand grip strength (p = 0.23). Edentulous participants had lower self esteem scores (p = 0.020) and poorer dietary assessment scores (p = 0.028). Being edentulous was also associated with significantly lower mean scores on all cognitive testing, although these associations became non‐significant after adjustment for NARTIQ and age.

Conclusions:  In healthy older people, edentulism is associated with relative impairment of cognitive ability, although this association is explained by the fact that lower original intelligence predisposes to edentulism and poorer performance on cognitive tests in old age. Once original intelligence is adjusted for, tooth loss is not related to cognitive ability. Tooth loss is, however, associated with poorer status across a wide range of health measures: physical health, nutrition, disability and self‐esteem. Establishing the degree to which these health outcomes are causally related to edentulism could usefully be factored into cost–benefit analyses of programmes designed to prevent tooth loss.
Structure and function of KH domains
Authors: Valverde Roberto , Edwards Laura , Regan Lynne
Published: April 2008

The hnRNP K homology (KH) domain was first identified in the protein human heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) 14 years ago. Since then, KH domains have been identified as nucleic acid recognition motifs in proteins that perform a wide range of cellular functions. KH domains bind RNA or ssDNA, and are found in proteins associated with transcriptional and translational regulation, along with other cellular processes. Several diseases, e.g. fragile X mental retardation syndrome and paraneoplastic disease, are associated with the loss of function of a particular KH domain. Here we discuss the progress made towards understanding both general and specific features of the molecular recognition of nucleic acids by KH domains. The typical binding surface of KH domains is a cleft that is versatile but that can typically accommodate only four unpaired bases. Van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions and, to a lesser extent, electrostatic interactions, contribute to the nucleic acid binding affinity. ‘Augmented’ KH domains or multiple copies of KH domains within a protein are two strategies that are used to achieve greater affinity and specificity of nucleic acid binding. Isolated KH domains have been seen to crystallize as monomers, dimers and tetramers, but no published data support the formation of noncovalent higher‐order oligomers by KH domains in solution. Much attention has been given in the literature to a conserved hydrophobic residue (typically Ile or Leu) that is present in most KH domains. The interest derives from the observation that an individual with this Ile mutated to Asn, in the KH2 domain of fragile X mental retardation protein, exhibits a particularly severe form of the syndrome. The structural effects of this mutation in the fragile X mental retardation protein KH2 domain have recently been reported. We discuss the use of analogous point mutations at this position in other KH domains to dissect both structure and function.
The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Young Korean Women: An Internet-Based Survey
Authors: Song Sang Hoon , Jeon Hyewon , Kim Soo Woong , Paick Jae-Seung , Son Hwancheol
Published: April 2008

Introduction

In Korea, although male sexual problems have been relatively well addressed, few surveys have been conducted on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in the general population. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence and identified the risk factors of sexual dysfunction in young Korean women.

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of FSD in young Korean women.

Methods

A total of 47,000 women were initially approached. All received an e-mail requesting that they participate in a Web-based survey. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire requesting detailed medical and sexual histories, which included the questions contained in the Korean version of the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

The prevalence of FSD in young Korean women in the different age groups and risk factors for developing FSD.

Results

A total of 504 women of average age 28.5 years (18–52 years) were evaluated during this survey. Setting the cutoff score for FSD using a receiver operating characteristic curve of our data as 25.0 points, 43.1% of women under 40 years old reported FSD. FSD was detected as a desire problem in 44.0% of women, an arousal problem in 49.0%, a lubrication problem in 37.0%, an orgasm problem in 32.0%, a satisfaction problem in 37.0%, and a pain problem in 34.6%. Risk factors for FSD as determined by logistic regression analysis were increasing age, a low frequency of sex, depression, a sexually abused history, and voiding dysfunction.

Conclusions

The prevalence of FSD in Korean young women was common and comparable to those reported worldwide.
Does Circumcision Make a Difference to the Sexual Experience of Gay Men? Findings from the Health in Men (HIM) Cohort
Authors: Mao Limin , Templeton David J. , Crawford June , Imrie John , Prestage Garrett P. , Grulich Andrew E. , Donovan Basil , Kaldor John M. , Kippax Susan C.
Published: April 2008

Introduction

The relevance of circumcision in preventing male-to-male sexual transmission of HIV is poorly understood, in particular because any potential beneficial effect could be diminished by the impact of circumcision on sexual behavior.

Aim

We examined the impact of circumcision on sexual experience.

Methods

Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed on data from 1,426 HIV-negative homosexually active men.

Main Outcome Measures

We compared the sexual behaviors and preferences of circumcised with uncircumcised men, and men who were circumcised at infancy with those who were circumcised after infancy.

Results

Overall, 66% of men (N = 939) in the cohort were circumcised. After adjusting for age and ethnicity, we found no differences between circumcised and uncircumcised men in any insertive or receptive anal intercourse, difficulty using condoms, or sexual difficulties (e.g., loss of libido). Among the circumcised men, we compared those circumcised at infancy (N = 854) with those circumcised after infancy (N = 81). The majority cited phimosis (i.e., an inability to fully retract the foreskin) and parents' decision as the main reasons for circumcision after infancy. After adjusting for age and ethnicity, the men circumcised after infancy were more likely to practice any receptive anal sex (88% vs. 75%, P < 0.05) and to experience erection difficulties (52% vs. 47%, P < 0.05), but less likely to practice any insertive anal sex (79% vs. 87%, P < 0.05) and to experience premature ejaculation (15% vs. 23%, P < 0.05) than those circumcised at infancy.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that overall circumcision status does not affect the HIV-negative gay men's anal sexual behaviors, experience of condom use, or likelihood of sexual difficulties. However, there is some suggestion of differences in sexual practices and preferences among circumcised gay men depending on the age at circumcision. In particular, gay men circumcised later are more likely to engage in and prefer receptive anal intercourse.
Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy and aortic remodelling in NO‐deficient hypertensive rats: effect of l‐arginine and spironolactone
Authors: Paulis L. , Matuskova J. , Adamcova M. , Pelouch V. , Simko J. , Krajcirovicova K. , Potacova A. , Hulin I. , Janega P. , Pechanova O. , Simko F.
Published: April 2008

Aim: We investigated, whether the substrate for nitric oxide (NO) formation –l‐arginine – and the aldosterone receptor antagonist – spironolactone – are able to reverse alterations of the left ventricle (LV) and aorta inNω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME)‐induced hypertension.

Methods: Six groups of male adult Wistar rats were investigated: controls after 4 and 7 weeks of experiment, rats treated withl‐NAME for 4 weeks and three recovery groups: spontaneous‐reversion (4 weeksl‐NAME + 3 weeks placebo), spironolactone‐induced reversion (4 weeksl‐NAME + 3 weeks spironolactone) andl‐arginine‐induced reversion (4 weeksl‐NAME+ 3 weeksl‐arginine). Blood pressure was measured by tail‐cuff plethysmography. Relative weight of the LV, myocardial fibrosis (based upon histomorphometry and hydroxyproline determination) and conjugated dienes in the LV and aortic cross‐sectional area, inner diameter and wall thickness were determined. NO‐synthase activity was investigated in the LV and aorta.

Results: l‐NAME administration induced hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), LV fibrosis, aortic thickening and diminution of NO‐synthase activity in the LV and aorta. Reduction in blood pressure and regression of LVH were observed in all recovery groups, yet reduction in LV fibrosis and aortic thickening were not. NO‐synthase activity was restored only in thel‐arginine and spironolactone group.

Conclusion: In our study, the reversion of hypertension and LVH was not dependent on the restoration of NO‐synthase activity. Moreover, LV fibrosis and aortic remodelling seem to be more resistant to conditions resulting in regression of LVH. Preserved level of fibrosis in the initial period of LVH regression might result in loss of structural homogeneity and possible functional alterations of the LV.
Factors explaining the abundance of rodents in the city of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, as revealed by field and household surveys
Authors: PROMKERD Prasartthong , KHOPRASERT Yuvaluk , VIRATHAVONE Phongthep , THOUMMABOUTH Manivone , SIRISAK Ouane , JÄKEL Thomas
Published: April 2008

A field and a household survey, the latter of which included inspections and interviews with the residents of a total of 1370 properties, were conducted in 2004 in 30 villages of the city of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, in order to assess the degree of rodent infestation and to identify potential factors influencing infestations. Roof rats, Rattus rattus, and the Polynesian rat, Rattus exulans, were the only rodents found in the city, and trapping results showed a clear dominance of roof rats (80–90% of all individuals). Measurements of rodent activity using tracking patches correlated positively with the trapping data, and revealed a significantly higher degree of rat infestation during the rainy season (September) than during the dry season (November). If households in the vicinity of the sampling locations were considered, villagers' accounts of indoor rodent infestations recorded during the household survey correlated positively with measurements of rodent activity. At least every second household reported indoor infestations. Using explorative statistical analyses (classification trees, factor analysis) we checked the predictive or explanatory value of up to 28 variables assessed during household inspections for villagers' observations on rodent infestation as the dependent variable. Trophic factors such as exposed food (indoors) and garbage (outdoors), and structural features such as open ceilings (indoors) and rat harborage in gardens (outdoors) ranked highest as explanatory variables. Assessment of a small sample of roof rat droppings collected inside houses revealed the presence of the potential disease agents Salmonella javiana, Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis and the parasitic nematode Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica). These results underline the need for an appropriate rodent management strategy for the city, whereby simple sanitation and rodent‐proofing measures could be cheap means of reducing rat infestation rates.
Understanding and managing sanitary risks due to rodent zoonoses in an African city: beyond the Boston Model
Authors: TAYLOR Peter J. , ARNTZEN Lorraine , HAYTER Mel , ILES Malcolm , FREAN John , BELMAIN Steven
Published: April 2008

The Boston Model describes a successful rodent management plan that succeeded in a first‐world city in the USA. In third‐world cities, which often contain informal shack settlements, it is debatable whether the Boston Model would apply. In Durban, a major harbor city of three million people on the east coast of South Africa, we investigated the sanitary risks due to rodents in both formal (residential and commercial) and informal (shacks) sectors, and we evaluated the relative merits of different management interventions suggested by the Boston Model. Blood and tissue samples of six species (Rattus norvegicus, R. tanezumi, R. rattus, Mus musculus, Mastomys natalensis, Tatera brantsi) from 262 live‐trapped rodents from 54 localities were tested for antibodies or DNA for plague (n= 193: antibody test), leptospirosis (n= 221 for antibody test; n= 69 for polymerase chain reaction test for DNA) and toxoplasmosis (n= 217: antibody test). We conducted a socioeconomic survey of 90 household to determine environmental and socioeconomic disease risk factors in the shack settlement of Cato Crest. No rodents were seropositive for plague, but nine Norway rats, R. norvegicus (4.1% of the sample tested) were seropositive for toxoplasmosis, and 22 R. norvegicus (10.0% of sample tested) were seropositive for leptospirosis. Disease endemic areas were concentrated in Cato Crest and the commercial district of Durban. Serology tests of humans living in Cato Crest (n= 219) showed 0% exposure to plague, 23% to leptospirosis and 35% to toxoplasmosis. Compared with shack‐dwellers, the residents of brick houses had slightly lower levels of exposure to leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis. Based on our results, environmental hygiene and rodent‐trapping campaigns were launched in Cato Crest. The initiative owes much of its current success to implementation of the principles inherent in the Boston Model, even though certain elements were lacking.
Specialist predator in a multi‐species prey community: boreal voles and weasels
Authors: SUNDELL Janne , YLÖNEN Hannu
Published: April 2008

Dissimilar vulnerabilities of different prey types and preferences of predators are factors likely to contribute to community dynamics. This may happen via differential individual properties of prey animals (e.g. vigilance, escape) or via habitat effects making hunting by a predator easier and more rewarding in some habitats, or both. Furthermore, community dynamics may be influenced by predator mediated apparent competition, in which an increase in one prey type has negative effects on another prey type indirectly via the shared predator. We summarize the current knowledge from the field in a model predator‐prey system consisting of sympatric boreal vole species and their common specialist predator and review field studies using predator manipulation and studies on the responses of individuals in the laboratory and in outdoor enclosures. The vole species studied represent different prey types that are thought to have different vulnerabilities. Our observations on the main resident specialist predator, the least weasel (Mustela nivalis nivalis L.), show that it hunts according to prey availability and suitability of the hunting habitat. Prey voles respond to the presence of the predator behaviorally in various ways to avoid predation. We conclude that even if the least weasel is a specialized predator of small rodents it acts like a generalist predator within the small rodent guild and may facilitate the coexistence of prey species via predator switching. This may lead to interspecific synchrony between prey populations, which has often been observed. We suggest that the processes determining the community impact of predator‐prey interactions are driven by the behavioral arms race between the predator and the prey, together with the habitat‐dependent density of prey and net gain for the predator.
Tumor Necrosis Factor α is Reparative via TNFR1 in the Hippocampus and via TNFR2 in the Striatum after Virus‐Induced Encephalitis
Authors: Rodriguez Moses , Zoecklein Laurie , Papke Louisa , Gamez Jeff , Denic Aleksandar , Macura Slobodan , Howe Charles
Published: April 2008

Differentiating between injurious and reparative factors facilitates appropriate therapeutic intervention. We evaluated the role of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in parenchymal brain pathology resolution following virus‐induced encephalitis from a picornavirus, Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). We infected the following animals with TMEV for 7 to 270 days: B6/129 TNF−/− mice (without TNFα expression), B6/129 TNFR1−/− mice (without TNFα receptor 1 expression), and B6/129 TNFR2−/− mice (without TNFα receptor 2 expression). Normal TNFα‐expressing controls were TMEV‐infected B6, 129/J, B6/129F1 and B6/129F2 mice. Whereas all strains developed inflammation and neuronal injury in the hippocampus and striatum 7 to 21 days postinfection (dpi), the control mice resolved the pathology by 45 to 90 dpi. However, parenchymal hippocampal and striatal injury persisted in B6/129 TNF−/− mice following infection. Treating virus‐infected mice with active recombinant mouse TNFα resulted in less hippocampal and striatal pathology, whereas TNFα‐neutralizing treatment worsened pathology. T1 “black holes” appeared on MRI during early infection in the hippocampus and striatum in all mice but persisted only in TNF−/− mice. TNFR1 mediated hippocampal pathology resolution whereas TNFR2 mediated striatal healing. These findings indicate the role of TNFα in resolution of sublethal hippocampal and striatal injury.
Antagonism of the Chemokine Receptors CXCR3 and CXCR4 Reduces the Pathology of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Kohler Rachel E. , Comerford Iain , Townley Scott , Haylock‐Jacobs Sarah , Clark‐Lewis Ian , McColl Shaun R.
Published: April 2008

Chemokines regulate lymphocyte trafficking under physiologic and pathologic conditions. In this study, we have investigated the role of CXCR3 and CXCR4 in the activation of T lymphocytes and their migration to the central nervous system (CNS) using novel mutant chemokines to antagonize CXCR3 and CXCR4 specifically. A series of truncation mutants of CXCL11, which has the highest affinity for CXCR3, were synthesized, and an antagonist, CXCL11(4–79), was obtained. CXCL11(4–79) strongly inhibited the migration of activated mouse T cells in response to all three high‐affinity CXCR3 ligands, CXCL9, 10 and 11. CXCL12(P2G2), while exhibiting minimal agonistic activity, potently inhibited the migration of activated mouse T cells in response to CXCL12. Interfering with the action of CXCR3 and CXCR4 with these synthetic receptor antagonists inhibited experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis and reduced the accumulation of CD4+ T cells in the CNS. Further investigation demonstrated that CXCL12(P2G2) inhibited the sensitization phase, whereas CXCL11(4–79) inhibited the effector phase of the immune response. Our data suggest that simultaneous targeting of CXCR4 and CXCR3 may be of benefit in the treatment of the CNS autoimmune disease.
Immunohistochemical Analysis Supports a Role for INI1/SMARCB1 in Hereditary Forms of Schwannomas, but Not in Solitary, Sporadic Schwannomas
Authors: Patil Sushama , Perry Arie , MacCollin Mia , Dong Shumin , Betensky Rebecca A. , Yeh Tu‐Hsueh , Gutmann David H. , Stemmer‐Rachamimov Anat O.
Published: April 2008

The INI1/SMARCB1 protein product (INI1), a component of a transcription complex, was recently implicated in the pathogenesis of schwannomas in two members of a single family with familial schwannomatosis. Tumors were found to have both constitutional and somatic mutations of the SMARCB1 gene and showed a mosaic pattern of loss of INI1 expression by immunohistochemistry, suggesting a tumor composition of mixed null and haploinsufficient cells. To determine if this finding could be extended to all tumors arising in familial schwannomatosis, and how it compares with other multiple schwannoma syndromes [sporadic schwannomatosis and neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2)] as well as to sporadic, solitary schwannomas, we performed an immunohistochemistry analysis on 45 schwannomas from patients with multiple schwannoma syndromes and on 38 solitary, sporadic schwannomas from non‐syndromic patients. A mosaic pattern of INI1 expression was seen in 93% of tumors from familial schwannomatosis patients, 55% of tumors from sporadic schwannomatosis, 83% of NF2‐associated tumors and only 5% of solitary, sporadic schwannomas. These results confirm a role for INI1/SMARCB1 in multiple schwannoma syndromes and suggest that a different pathway of tumorigenesis occurs in solitary, sporadic tumors.
Melatonin Attenuates Hypoxia‐Induced Ultrastructural Changes and Increased Vascular Permeability in the Developing Hippocampus
Authors: Kaur Charanjit , Sivakumar Viswanathan , Lu Jia , Tang Feng Ru , Ling Eng Ang
Published: April 2008

Hypoxic injury in the perinatal period may be involved in damaging the developing hippocampus. The damage may be mediated by excess production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO). We examined the hippocampus of neonatal Wistar rats subjected to hypoxia for VEGF and NO production. The mRNA and protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor‐1α, endothelial, neuronal, inducible nitric oxide synthase and VEGF was found to be up‐regulated significantly after the hypoxic exposure. Tissue VEGF concentration and NO production were also increased. By electron microscopy, swollen dendrites, vacuolated axons and hypertrophic astrocyte end feet associated with blood vessels were observed in hypoxic animals. In hypoxic rats, the passage of rhodamine isothiocyanate (RhIC) and horseradish peroxidase, administered intraperitoneally or intravenously, was observed through vascular walls. Furthermore, immunoglobulin G was localized in the neuropil and neurons. We suggest that increased VEGF and NO production in hypoxia had resulted in increased vascular permeability, leading to structural alteration of the dendrites and axons. Melatonin administration reduced VEGF and NO levels as well as leakage of RhIC, suggesting that it has a therapeutic potential in reducing hypoxia‐associated damage in the developing hippocampus.
You Must Be Joking: The Sociological Critique of Humour and Comic Media
Authors: Lockyer Sharon , Pickering Michael
Published: April 2008

Recent work in the sociological critique of humour and comic media has challenged the notion that humour is an absolute good. In this article, we review some of the most interesting work that takes humour seriously and addresses the difficult topic of whether there are ethical limits to humour and media comedy. We outline three main reasons for taking humour seriously and review some of the ways in which humour has been studied sociologically through a consideration of how British ‘alternative’ comedy directed the work of those interested in the limits of humour in relation to gender, race and ethnicity. We also summarise some of the most controversial examples of contemporary media comedy – the comedic performances and personae of Sacha Baron Cohen (Ali G and Borat) and the Danish cartoons of the Holy Prophet Muhammad – in order to illustrate the importance of the critical analysis of humour and how the ethics of humour can be applied to comic media.
The Sociology of Religious Organizations
Authors: Scheitle Christopher P. , Dougherty Kevin D.
Published: April 2008

Whether willingly or not, the sociology of religion has become increasingly influenced by organizational theories and research. Despite objections, the sociology of religious organizations is an area of study rising in prominence. Growth comes from both explicit and implicit applications of organizational theories. In a push toward more explicit connections, we review three organizational theories with particular relevance to the study of religion: organizational ecology, resource dependence, and new institutionalism. For each, we suggest possible paths for future research. Methodological challenges complicate this research. Religious organizations vary widely in size and scope. The advent of new nationally representative surveys of religious congregations opens new analytic opportunities, although these data remain limited in significant ways. In closing, theoretical and methodological implications for the sociology of religious organizations are discussed.
Childrearing, Class and the New Politics of Parenting
Authors: Gillies Val
Published: April 2008

Recent years have seen Governments prioritise family as a mechanism for tackling social ills. More particularly, in the UK, bad parenting has been identified as a prominent causal factor in poverty and social disorder, with contemporary policy solutions focusing on regulating and controlling childrearing practices. Analysis of political rhetoric and policy initiatives reveals a class specific focus on disadvantaged or ‘socially excluded’ families as failing their children and society as a whole. Poor parents are viewed as reproducing a cycle of deprivation and anti‐social behaviour and are therefore targeted to receive state intervention. This paper presents a critical analysis of the new politics of parenting to challenge the notion that equity can be promoted at the level of the family. Drawing on qualitative research with marginalised mothers and fathers, it shows how parenting practices and values are grounded in social and economic realities and highlights the extent to which prevailing childrearing prescriptions are detached from the lives and values of those they are directed at.
Protest and Human Rights Networks: The Case of the Zapatista Movement
Authors: Muñoz José A.
Published: April 2008

The Zapatistas gained political access due in part to Mexico's efforts to participate and sustain its position in the world economy. This goal demanded greater sensitivity to the call for democratic openness by the human rights community, anti–North American Free Trade Agreement groups, and indigenous rights organizations. Mexico's effort to bolster its record on human rights internationally created a political opening for the Zapatista protest. The Zapatistas’ network of support created a situation where it was able to force the government to constrain their traditional military policy towards popular movements. This is in part due to the need to placate financial and human rights interests in Mexico and internationally. However, the tactics used by paramilitary groups and low‐intensity measures taken by the military to deal with the Zapatistas were not under similar constraints, leaving space for their liberal application.
Gazing into a Distorted Looking Glass: Masculinity, Femininity, Appearance Ideals, and the Black Body
Authors: Ford Kristie A.
Published: April 2008

This article reviews socio‐psychological literature on racial identity development and feminist work on the body in an effort to better understand past and present constructions of the Black body. I begin by providing a brief overview of previous research on Black identity and self‐image, noting how these theories have been applied to appearance. I then historically trace the unique raced and gendered constructions of Black masculinity and femininity – showing how the experiences of Black men and women differ from the White hegemonic paradigm. Finally, I review current research on the Black body and highlight areas of inquiry where the field can be further expanded.
Non‐custodial Mothers: Thematic Trends and Future Directions
Authors: Bemiller Michelle
Published: April 2008

The non‐custodial mother is an anomaly. She does not live with her children on a full‐time basis, putting her outside of the dominant expectations associated with motherhood. Although there has been an increase in the number of non‐custodial mothers in recent years, information on the experience of being a non‐custodial mother is minimal. The majority of our knowledge of non‐custodial mothers stems from research conducted during the mid‐1980s through the 1990s. This research was primarily descriptive in nature, lacking theoretical density. This article provides an overview of research completed on non‐custodial mothers over the past two decades, with attention to the family and the role of the courts. After reviewing past research, the current state of the field is discussed, and future research directions are suggested.
When the Levee Breaks: Treating Adolescents and Families in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Rowe Cynthia L. , Liddle Howard A.
Published: April 2008

Hurricane Katrina brought to the surface serious questions about the capacity of the public health system to respond to community‐wide disaster. The storm and its aftermath severed developmentally protective family and community ties; thus its consequences are expected to be particularly acute for vulnerable adolescents. Research confirms that teens are at risk for a range of negative outcomes under conditions of life stress and family disorganization. Specifically, the multiple interacting risk factors for substance abuse in adolescence may be compounded when families and communities have experienced a major trauma. Further, existing service structures and treatments for working with young disaster victims may not address their risk for co‐occurring substance abuse and traumatic stress reactions because they tend to be individually or peer group focused, and fail to consider the multi‐systemic aspects of disaster recovery. This article proposes an innovative family‐based intervention for young disaster victims, based on an empirically supported model for adolescent substance abuse, Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT; Liddle, 2002). Outcomes and mechanisms of the model’s effects are being investigated in a randomized clinical trial with clinically referred substance‐abusing teens in a New Orleans area community impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Beyond Individual War Trauma: Domestic Violence Against Children in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka
Authors: Catani Claudia , Schauer Elisabeth , Neuner Frank
Published: April 2008

To date, research on the psychosocial consequences of mass trauma resulting from war and organized violence on children has primarily focused on the individual as the unit of treatment and analysis with particular focus on mental disorders caused by traumatic stress. This body of research has stimulated the development of promising individual‐level treatment approaches for addressing psychological trauma. In contrast, there is virtually no literature addressing the effects of mass trauma on the family and community systems. Research conducted in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, two long‐standing war‐torn societies, found that in addition to multiple exposure to war or disaster‐related traumatic events children also indicated high levels of exposure to family violence. These findings point to the need for conjoint family‐ and community‐based programs of prevention and intervention that are specifically tailored for the context of the affected society. In particular, programs should take issues such as poverty, child labor, and parental alcohol use into account in assessing and treating children in the aftermath of mass trauma.
A Virginia Tech MFT Ethics Class Reflects on the Shootings at Virginia Tech
Authors: Piercy Fred , Banker Jamie , Traylor Ryan , Krug Sarah , Castanos Carolina , Cole Elise , Ciafardini Anthony J. , Jordal Christian , Rodgers Brandon , Stewart Shelley , Goodwin Annabelle
Published: April 2008

The authors of this article include the professor and most of the students in a doctoral course on marriage and family therapy ethical and professional issues that met the semester that a disturbed student shot and killed 32 Virginia Tech students and faculty before killing himself. In this article, we reflect through short essays on issues related to the tragedy, ethics, and recovery.
Predicting inadequate spirometry technique and the use of FEV1/FEV3 as an alternative to FEV1/FVC for patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Allen Stephen , Yeung Pan , Janczewski Marek , Siddique Nasir
Published: April 2008

Introduction and Objectives:  Some patients cannot perform forced vital capacity (FVC). We conducted a study to answer three questions: Can the ability to perform components of spirometry be predicted by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)? What proportion of subjects can perform forced expiratory volume in 3 s (FEV3) but not FVC? Does the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FEV3 ratio concord with FEV1/FVC ratio in patients with airflow obstruction?

Methods:  We conducted a prospective observational study of 267 patients with a mean age of 79 years, including subjects with indicators of frailty. They performed spirometry and the MMSE. Spirometric recordings were compared to the American Thoracic Society 1994 criteria.

Results:  FVC was achieved by 51% of patients. Inability to perform FVC was predicted by an MMSE < 24 (specificity 94%, sensitivity of 51%). An FEV1/FEV3 ratio < 80% matched a FEV1/FVC ratio < 70% (sensitivity 96%, specificity 97%). Twenty‐five percent of subjects were able to reach FEV3 but not FVC; 14% of that group had an MMSE < 24. Subjects with an MMSE < 20 were unable reliably to perform any spirometry.

Conclusion:  Patients with an MMSE < 24 are usually unable to reach FVC reliably when tested on a single occasion, but some can reach FEV3. Patients with MMSE < 20 cannot do spirometry. An FEV1/FEV3 ratio < 80% can be used to help identify patients with airflow obstruction if they are unable to perform full spirometry to FVC.

Please cite this paper as: Allen S, Yeung P, Janczewski M and Siddique N. Predicting inadequate spirometry technique and the use of FEV1/FEV3 as an alternative to FEV1/FVC for patients with mild cognitive impairment. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2008; 2: 208–213.
American Empires: Past and Present*
Authors: MANN MICHAEL
Published: April 2008

L'auteur établit une typologie des empires. Qu'ils soient «directs» ou «indirects», les empires possèdent nécessairement des colonies. Ce n'est pas le cas des empires «informels», mais ceux–ci peuvent être divisés en trois sous‐types: les empires «canonniers», «mandataires» et d' «ajustement structurel», à quoi s'ajoute «hégémoniques» comme type de domination non impérial, chaque type tendant à présenter une forme de règles plus douces que le précédent. Les vrais empires sont constitués de différents assortiments de ces règles et, à mesure qu'ils vieillissent, elles tendent à s'alléger. C'est pour cette raison que l'empire américain n'a pas eu de véritable colonie depuis le début du XXesiècle et que des formes plus modérées d'empires informels, après la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, se sont alliées à l'hégémonie. Pourtant, les années 1970 ont connu un plus grand ajustement structurel de l'impérialisme américain alors que les années 1990 et 2000 ont fait face à une tentative d'établissement d'un empire américain canonnier à grande échelle. L'échec de celui‐ci menace présentement l'impérialisme américain en général.

This paper lays out a typology of empires. “Direct” and “indirect” empires involve colonies. “Informal” empire does not, but can be divided into three subtypes, “gunboats,”“proxies,” and “structural adjustment.”“Hegemony” is added as a nonimperial type of domination. Each tends to be a lighter form of rule than the preceding one. Real empires contain varying mixtures of these and as they age, their rule tends to lighten. Thus in the American empire, there have been no real colonies since the beginning of the twentieth century, and after World War II milder forms of informal empire were blended with hegemony. Yet the 1970s saw an increase in American structural adjustment imperialism, while the 1990s and the 2000s saw an attempt at large‐scale American gunboat empire. The failure of the latter is now threatening American imperialism more generally.
A Socioeconomic Scale for Canada: Measuring Occupational Status from the Census
Authors: BOYD MONICA
Published: April 2008

Cet article présente une nouvelle échelle professionnelle pour la classification nationale des professions (CNP) au Canada. En premier, l'on discute le contexte historique dans lequel la production des échelles des professions, faites par des sociologues aux Canada et aux États‐Unis, s'est réalisée. La méthodologie de la récente échelle Nam–Powers–Boyd utilisée aux États‐Unis est ensuite appliquée au recensement des professions de 2001. Celle‐ci sert à créer des scores des statuts professionnels pour les titres professionnels de la classification nationale des professions (CNP 2001) à Statistiques Canada. Ces scores soulignent les inégalités démographiques et socio‐économiques qui existent parmi les groupes au Canada. L'article se termine par une discussion des débats courants concernant l'utilisation des scores composites professionnels.

This paper provides a new occupational scale for the Canadian National Occupational Classification system. The historical context for occupational scales produced by sociologists in Canada and the United States is first discussed. The methodology used in the recent Nam–Powers–Boyd scale in the United States then is applied to the 2001 census of occupations to construct occupational status scores for the occupational titles found in the National Occupational Classification for Statistics (2001) at Statistics Canada. The occupational status scores highlight inequalities existing among groups in Canada along demographic and socioeconomic dimensions. The paper concludes with a discussion of current debates over the use of composite occupational scores.
The Canada Research Chairs Program and Social Science Reward Structures
Authors: SILER KYLE S. , McLAUGHLIN NEIL
Published: April 2008

Les auteurs analysent les comptes rendus des publications et des citations des Chaires de recherche du Canada en sociologie, en science politique et en économie au cours des cinq années pendant lesquelles le programme s'est poursuivi. Ils les comparent à des échantillons aléatoires de comptes rendus de publications et de citations qui ne sont pas le fruit des Chaires de recherche du Canada dans leur discipline respective pour tester leur qualité professionnelle. Les données et les analyses démontrent que les membres de ces Chaires de recherche constituent une population hétérogène ayant peu de «vedettes» authentiques et dont plusieurs personnes présentent des comptes rendus de publications et de citations semblables ou inférieurs à ceux de leurs collègues qui ne sont pas membres des Chaires de recherche du Canada. Les auteurs explorent la monotonie institutionnelle, l'appropriation institutionnelle ainsi que la périphéricité et l'organisation disciplinaire canadiennes en tant qu'explications possibles de ces résultats.

This article analyzes the publishing and citation records of Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) in sociology, political science, and economics over the first 5 years of the program. Publication and citation records of CRCs are compared with random samples of non‐CRCs in their respective disciplines as empirical tests of professional strength. The data and analyses suggest that CRCs are a heterogeneous population with a few obvious “stars” and many with publishing and citation records similar or inferior to their non‐CRC peers. Institutional flatness, institutional appropriation, and Canadian peripherality and disciplinary organization are explored as possible explanations for these results.
Stability and Change at FPTL: An Institutional Perspective
Authors: Sharma Umesh , Lawrence Stewart
Published: April 2008

Once institutionalised, routines are a force for stability and resistance to change. This creates a problem for institutional theorists in explaining changes in accounting practice. This paper attempts to illustrate that institutional theory can encompass a processual explanation of change, through a case study of Fiji Posts and Telecommunications Limited (FPTL). We illustrate how institutional contradictions or inconsistencies were an impetus to institutional change in the organisation. Institutional entrepreneurs were instrumental in abandoning the existing routines and introducing new commercial ones. The commercial business norms were stabilised by the management team through the process of enactment, reproduction and routinisation.
Extended Fatigue Life by Shot Peening Process via Shakedown Analysis
Authors: Tirosh Jehuda
Published: April 2008

The goal of this work was to quantify the improvement in the fatigue limit of solid structures which have undergone shot peening (SP) by small rigid particles. The work was based on Melan’s shakedown theorem for estimating the allowable safe stress amplitude (in a lower bound sense) of structures that otherwise might fail during fatigue loading by plastic strain accumulation (ratcheting). Aided by geometrical simplification (mainly by assuming that the residual craters of the peened surfaces are shallow and flat), the benefit of SP to increase fatigue limits of structures subjected to fluctuating loads was quantified and compared to experiments. As a by-product, the long-time accepted empirical formulas for decreasing fatigue limits due to an increase of the loading mean tensile stress (Gerber, 1874, Z Bayer Arch Ingenieur-Vereins, 6, pp. 101–110; Goodman, 1899, Mechanics Applied to Engineering, Longmans, Green, London) have received a theoretical justification from shakedown analysis. The suggested empiricism-free solution traces well Gerber and Goodman’s empirical formulas in the positive mean stress regime of the applied load. It has a notable advantage that it also smoothly extends to the negative mean-stress regime (akin to the superimposed residual compressive stresses in a thin layer generated by the SP process) not covered hitherto by formulas. This shakedown analysis manifests the merit of shot peening processes by showing specifically the existence of larger range of fatigue-safe stress amplitudes (or equivalently, exhibiting a prolonged fatigue life) before disruption by ratcheting. Various fatigue experiments which were found in the open literature, are in a satisfactory agreement with the theoretical analysis.
Parametric Instability of a Moving Particle on a Periodically Supported Infinitely Long String
Authors: Metrikine A. V.
Published: April 2008

A new method is proposed of theoretical analysis of the dynamic instability of a moving object on a periodically supported, infinitely long elastic structure. To demonstrate this method, a simple example is considered of a moving particle on an elastically supported string. The equations are obtained that govern the system parameters that correspond to the boundaries separating stability and instability in the parameter space. These equations are in the form of the determinant of an infinite matrix and are analogous to Hill’s infinite determinant. A parametric analysis of the instability zones is carried out in the plane of the normalized particle mass and particle velocity. The focus is placed on the effect of elasticity and viscosity of the supports. An analytical validation is presented of the numerically obtained instability zones. This is done using a simplified model of the string on the corresponding continuous foundation.
Flexural Resonant Frequencies of Thin Rectangular Cantilever Plates
Authors: Looker Jason R. , Sader John E.
Published: April 2008

Knowledge of the flexural vibration frequencies of thin rectangular cantilever plates forms the basis for numerous applications in sensing and instrumentation. Despite the seemingly simple nature of the problem, an accurate formula for the fundamental resonant frequency that is valid for all aspect ratios and Poisson’s ratios is notably lacking in the literature. In this article, we present such a result using a variational and singular perturbation formulation. This yields a simple analytical formula that exhibits a maximum error of 2%.
Extended Stoney’s Formula for a Film-Substrate Bilayer With the Effect of Interfacial Slip
Authors: Zhang Yin
Published: April 2008

The curvature-stress relation is studied for a film-substrate bilayer with the effect of interfacial slip and compared with that of an ideal interface without interfacial slip. The interfacial slip together with the dimensions, elastic and interfacial properties of the film and substrate layers can cause a significant deviation of curvature-stress relation from that with an ideal interface. The interfacial slip also results in the so-called free edge effect that the stress, constraint force, and curvature vary dramatically around the free edges. The constant curvature as predicted by Stoney’s formula and the Timoshenko model of an ideal interface is no longer valid for a bilayer with a nonideal interface. The models with the assumption of an ideal interface can also lead to an erroneous evaluation on the true stress state inside a bilayer with a nonideal interface. The extended Stoney’s formula incorporating the effects of both the layer dimensions and interfacial slip is presented.
Temperature Rise in Polymeric Materials During High Rate Deformation
Authors: Garg M. , Mulliken A. D. , Boyce M. C.
Published: April 2008

Many polymeric materials undergo substantial plastic strain prior to failure. Much of this post yield deformation is dissipative and, at high strain rates, will result in a substantial temperature rise in the material. In this paper, an infrared (IR) detector system is constructed to measure the rise in temperature of a polymer during high strain rate compression testing. Temperature measurements were made using a high-speed mercury-cadmium-telluride (HgCdTe) single-element photovoltaic detector sensitive in the mid-infrared spectrum (6–12μm), while mechanical deformation was accomplished in a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Two representative polymers, an amorphous thermoplastic (polycarbonate (PC)) and a thermoset epoxy (EPON 862/W), were tested in uniaxial compression at strain rates greater than 1000s−1 while simultaneously measuring the specimen temperature as a function of strain. For comparison purposes, analogous measurements were conducted on these materials tested at a strain rate of 0.5s−1 on another test system. The data are further reduced to energy quantities revealing the dissipative versus storage character of the post yield work of deformation. The fraction of post yield work that is dissipative was found to be a strong function of strain for both polymers. Furthermore, a greater percentage of work is found to be dissipative at high rates of strain (>1000s−1) than at the lower rate of strain (0.5s−1) for both polymers; this is consistent with the need to overcome an additional energy barrier to yield at strain rates greater than 100s−1 in these two polymers. The highly cross-linked thermoset polymer was found to store a greater percentage of the post yield work of deformation than the physically entangled thermoplastic.