bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nordic Satanism and Satanism Scares: The Dark Side of the Secular Welfare State
Authors: Hjelm Titus , Bogdan Henrik , Dyrendal Asbjørn , Petersen Jesper Aagaard
Published: December 2009

The authors examine the interaction between the practice of Satanism and widespread public concern over Satanism in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The authors analyse the unique features of Satanism and Satanism scares in the social and cultural context of Nordic “folk church” Lutheranism and the Nordic welfare state. They also discuss how and why in certain periods the fear of Satanism became one of the most visible public issues in the region, and what factors contributed to the decline of public interest in Satanism.
Le satanisme moderne et contemporain en Italie
Authors: Introvigne Massimo
Published: December 2009

Les origines du satanisme en Italie remontent au 19ème siècle avec des rumeurs sur la présence de satanistes à Turin, dont la renommée de “ville de Satan” se poursuit jusqu’à nos jours. En effet, des groupes satanistes ont bien existé à Turin dans les années 1970—1990, mais leur importance a été exagérée. Parmi les groupes satanistes organisés, seuls les Enfants de Satan à Bologne ont eu une certaine importance et existent encore aujourd’hui. Plus préoccupant que le satanisme organisé, un satanisme “sauvage”, aux frontières extrêmes d’une subculture de musique “gothique” et de drogue, peut parfois conduire à des tragédies, comme le montre l’affaire des “Bêtes de Satan” à Varese (2004).
Who Watches the Watchmen?
Authors: Paynter Sharon , Kearney Richard C.
Published: December 2009

Scholars and human resource practitioners agree that effective performance appraisal systems have clear objectives, reliable and valid appraisal methodology, separation of personal judgments from job-based performance assessments, acceptance by employees, and leadership commitment. Using data from state reports, surveys, case histories, personal interviews, and judicial performance appraisal studies, this article juxtaposes judicial performance evaluation (JPE) and the criteria for effective appraisal systems to address the question of whether judicial independence can be preserved when judges’ performance is systematically evaluated by multiple raters. The authors conclude that JPE is an effective performance appraisal tool that can satisfy the need for accountability to the public while protecting judicial independence.
Our Cutting Edge Isn’t Cutting It
Authors: Oldfield Kenneth
Published: December 2009

During the past several years, various writers and commentators have argued that as part of their affirmative action efforts, universities should enroll more students of working-class origins because socioeconomic integration ensures greater social equity, democracy, and intellectual diversity. The present study shows that the justifications applied to student diversity pertain equally well to professors. This discussion proposes that if public administration were first to use socioeconomic status–based affirmative in faculty hiring, it would prove the discipline’s willingness to meet its self-imposed obligation to be cutting edge, a promise studies have shown it has yet to fulfill.
Women, resettlement and desistance
Authors: McIvor Gill , Trotter Chris , Sheehan Rosemary
Published: December 2009

With the numbers of women imprisoned increasing across Western jurisdictions over the last 15 or so years, so too have the numbers of women returning to the community following a period in custody. Despite increasing policy attention in the UK and elsewhere to prisoner resettlement, women’s experiences on release from prison have received limited empirical and policy attention. Drawing upon interviews with women leaving prison in Victoria, Australia, this article discusses the resettlement challenges faced by the women and highlights their similarity to the experiences of women leaving prison in other jurisdictions. Women had mixed (and predominantly negative) experiences and views of accessing services and supports following release, though experiences of parole supervision by community corrections officers were often positive, especially if women felt valued and supported by workers who demonstrated genuine concern. Analysis of factors associated with further offending and with desistance, points to the critical role of flexible, tailored and women-centred post-release support building, and, where possible, upon relationships established with women while they are still in prison.
The use of the community order and the suspended sentence order for women
Authors: Stanley Stephen
Published: December 2009

The Community Order and the Suspended Sentence Order were introduced by the 2003 Criminal Justice Act. This article reviews their use for women offenders in the context of the position, needs and treatment of women in the criminal justice system. It analyses current practice in the use of the new orders and addresses the question of whether women are overburdened by the numbers and types of requirements imposed. It reviews statistics on the use of breach and discusses how far, if at all, these orders have affected the use of immediate custody for women.
The use of measurement tools in clinical practice: an observational study of neurorehabilitation
Authors: Tyson Sarah , Greenhalgh Joanne , Long Andrew F , Flynn Robert
Published: December 2009

Objective: To explore the way in which standardized measurement tools are used in day-to-day clinical practice.

Design: Non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews.

Setting: Hospital-based adult neurorehabilition unit.

Participants: The multidisciplinary team delivering rehabilitation in the unit.

Results: The multidisciplinary team used the measurement tools internally to establish the presence and severity of patients’ impairments and activity limitations; predict recovery and discharge destination; inform treatment planning and monitor progress. They were used externally to demonstrate service effectiveness; communicate with patients, families and external agencies; enable other providers to plan continuing care and resource needs, and inform audit and service development.

Conclusion: When used in everyday clinical practice by a multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation team, standardized measures were used to support and inform, rather than replace, clinical decision-making.
Meeting stroke survivors’ perceived needs: a qualitative study of a community-based exercise and education scheme
Authors: Reed Mary , Harrington Rachel , Duggan Áine , Wood Victorine A
Published: December 2009

Objective: A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach, to explore stroke survivors’ needs and their perceptions of whether a community stroke scheme met these needs.

Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews of 12 stroke survivors, purposively selected from participants attending a new community stroke scheme. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of interviews by two researchers independently.

Results: Participants attending the community stroke scheme sought to reconstruct their lives in the aftermath of their stroke. To enable this they needed internal resources of confidence and sense of purpose to ‘create their social self’, and external resources of ‘responsive services’ and an ‘informal support network’, to provide direction and encouragement. Participants felt the community stroke scheme met some of these needs through exercise, goal setting and peer group interaction, which included social support and knowledge acquisition.

Conclusion: Stroke survivors need a variety of internal and external resources so that they can rebuild their lives positively post stroke. A stroke-specific community scheme, based on exercise, life-centred goal setting, peer support and knowledge acquisition, is an external resource that can help with meeting some of the stroke survivor’s needs.
A community-based exercise and education scheme for stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial and economic evaluation
Authors: Harrington Rachel , Taylor Gordon , Hollinghurst Sandra , Reed Mary , Kay Hazel , Wood Victorine A
Published: December 2009

Objective: The evaluation of a community-based exercise and education scheme for stroke survivors.

Design: A single blind parallel group randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Leisure and community centres in the south-west of England.

Subjects: Stroke survivors (median (IQR) time post stroke 10.3 (5.4—17.1) months). 243 participants were randomized to standard care (124) or the intervention (119).

Intervention: Exercise and education schemes held twice weekly for eight weeks, facilitated by volunteers and qualified exercise instructors (supported by a physiotherapist), each with nine participants plus carers or family members.

Method: Participants were assessed by a blinded independent assessor at two weeks before the start of the scheme, nine weeks and six months. One-year follow-up was by postal assessment.

Main measures: Primary outcomes: Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO); Frenchay Activities Index; Rivermead Mobility Index. NHS, social care and personal costs. Secondary outcomes included WHOQoL-Bref.

Analysis: Intention-to-treat basis, using non-parametric analysis to investigate change from baseline. Economic costs were compared in a cost-consequences analysis.

Results: There were significant between-group changes in SIPSO physical at nine weeks (median (95% confidence interval (CI)), 1 (0, 2): P = 0.022) and at one year (0 (—1, 2): P = 0.024). (WHOQol-Bref psychological (6.2 (—0.1, 9.1): P = 0.011) at six months. Mean cost per patient was higher in the intervention group. The difference, excluding inpatient care, was £296 (95% CI: —£321 to £913).

Conclusion: The community scheme for stroke survivors was a low-cost intervention successful in improving physical integration, maintained at one year, when compared with standard care.
The Creative Economy as “Big Business”: Evaluating State Strategies to Lure Filmmakers
Authors: Christopherson Susan , Rightor Ned
Published: December 2009

State policy makers across the United States have ramped up efforts to attract film and television production through tax-based subsidies that provide producers with money to finance productions. To better understand the role of tax-based financing, we examine evidence concerning the fiscal impacts of film and television subsidy programs, and the methods used to calculate job creation and tourism impacts. We also look at the potential for developing film and television industries outside Los Angeles and New York. Our findings illuminate why policy makers need to carefully evaluate the methods used to rationalize public expenditures on incentives for economic development.
Sonic City: The Evolving Economic Geography of the Music Industry
Authors: Florida Richard , Jackson Scott
Published: December 2009

Our research tracks the location of musicians and music establishments in U.S. regions from 1970 to 2004. We find that the music industry has become significantly more concentrated over time. New York and Los Angeles remain dominant locations, with Nashville emerging as a third major center. This reflects the economic and artistic advantages of large markets. We also find evidence of the persistence of musicians and music scenes in some smaller locations throughout the United States. This reflects demand for music in some small locations with more affluent, higher-human capital populations, location-specific assets, and technological changes that have lowered the costs for producing, distributing, and consuming music across locations.
Neurocognitive deficits and neuroimaging abnormalities are prevalent in children with lupus: clinical and research experiences at a US pediatric institution
Authors: Muscal E. , Bloom DR , Hunter JV , Myones BL
Published: December 2009

Neurocognitive impairments and neuroimaging abnormalities are frequently observed in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus. There is a paucity of similar data in childhood-onset disease. We hypothesized that neurocognitive and neuroimaging abnormalities would be prevalent in children undergoing neuropsychological evaluations. We reviewed patient neurocognitive evaluations performed at a large United States pediatric institution during the period 2001 to 2008. Records were retrieved from 24 children referred to neuropsychology due to clinical indications. Data from 15 children enrolled in a prospective structure—function association study were also analyzed. Subjects were predominantly African-American and Hispanic adolescent girls of average intelligence. aPL positivity and aspirin use was prevalent. Neurocognitive impairment was designated in 70.8% of retrospective, and 46.7% of prospective cohort patients. Deficits were seen at times of wellness, without previous neuropsychiatric lupus, and early in disease courses. Scores >1.5 standard deviations below published age-matched norms were common in tests of executive functioning, visual memory and visual—spatial planning. Features of depression were seen in 33.3% of the children in the retrospective cohort (clinical referrals). Cerebral and cerebellar volume loss was observed in a majority of blinded prospective cohort research magnetic resonance images (73.3% and 67.7% respectively). White matter hyperintensities were observed in retrospective and prospective cohort magnetic resonance images (36.6% and 46.7% respectively). Larger prospective studies that elucidate structure—function associations in children with systemic lupus erythematosus are planned. Lupus (2010) 19, 268—279.
Hemophagocytic syndrome as one of the main primary manifestations in acute systemic lupus erythematosus - case report and literature review
Authors: Carvalheiras G. , Anjo D. , Mendonça T. , Vasconcelos C. , Farinha F.
Published: December 2009

Hemophagocytic syndrome is an unusual but fatal disorder characterized by pancytopenia and activation of macrophages. We describe one case of acute systemic lupus erythematosus with an unusual presentation of hemophagocytic syndrome not related to infection. The patient presented with pancytopenia related to increasing hemophagocytic activity of histiocytes in the bone marrow. Concomitant class IV World Health Organization lupus nephritis, serositis, high titer of antinuclear factor and positive test for anti-DNA antibody fitted the diagnostic criteria of systemic lupus erythematosus. She also presented with alveolar hemorrhage and lupus myocarditis. She underwent immunosuppressive therapy with recovery from the hemophagocytic syndrome. Therefore, diagnosis of acute lupus hemophagocytic syndrome was made. The clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, and management of the patient are discussed and the literature was reviewed and presented, with emphasis on a possible distinct lupus subset, which includes a more aggressive systemic disease with heart involvement.
Implications of Sexuality Counseling With Women Who Have a History of Prostitution
Authors: Perrone Stebbins Jessica
Published: December 2009

Prostitution is a dangerous and illegal occupation that has far reaching consequences on the individual. In this article, reasons in which women become involved in prostitution and the effects of prostitution on the individual and her intimate relationships are explored. A guideline for sexuality counseling with this often traumatized population is provided including assessment criteria, treatment interventions, and ethical concerns.
Beyond the PhD: Putting the Right Tools in Your Research Toolbox
Authors: Downs Charles A. , Morrison Helena W.
Published: December 2009

Postdoctoral training is vital to a successful career for nurse researchers with a biological or biobehavioral focus. Such training provides structured time to devote to gaining substantive knowledge, expanding one’s biological-methods repertoire, and writing grants. However, for unknown reasons, relatively few nurses pursue postdoctoral training. A few plausible explanations include a near critical shortage of nursing faculty coupled with an aging population in need of health care, a lack of available mentoring for predoctoral students to pursue postdoctoral training, and the difficulty of navigating the process of finding and choosing the right match for a postdoctoral experience. The purposes of this article are to provide a rationale for choosing postdoctoral training, review common fellowship opportunities, and discuss the process of finding and choosing the right match for postdoctoral training. The authors provide two prospective plans for postdoctoral training and include a plan for staying on track during the postdoctoral experience.
Veiled Communication: Is Uncovering Necessary for Psychiatric Assessment?
Authors: Mistry Himanshu , Bhugra Dinesh , Chaleby Kutaiba , Khan Farooq , Sauer Justin
Published: December 2009

Facial expressions are significant to decipher information during a dialogue and more so in a clinical consultation. Veils (Niqab) worn by Muslim women may pose a clinical dilemma for the psychiatric assessment especially if clinicians are not aware of their religious significance. To investigate whether clinical judgment is affected if full facial expressions are not accessible, we conducted an email survey of psychiatrists and psychologists across the world who frequently work in these situations. Of 25 colleagues contacted 16 responded and 11 of them agreed for their comments to be included in the study. Nine out of 11 believed clinical assessment may be compromised, although respondents were aware of cultural sensitivity around the issue. Two out of 11 however, felt fully able to assess the mental state of a veiled woman. Some professionals reported that they feel unable to assess or treat if the request to take the veil off is declined. This small survey demonstrates the diverse opinions on whether unveiling is necessary for psychiatric assessment. Further qualitative examination of this area is needed to develop wider consensus and guidance to mental health care professionals who may be dealing with these groups.
Resettling Refugees and Safeguarding their Mental Health: Lessons Learned from the Canadian Refugee Resettlement Project
Authors: Beiser Morton
Published: December 2009

The Ryerson University Refugee Resettlement Project (RRP), a decade-long study of 1348 Southeast Asian refugees who came to Canada between 1979 and 1981, is one of the largest, most comprehensive and longest-lived investigations of refugee resettlement ever carried out. Knowledge gleaned from the RRP about research methodology, about the resettlement experience, about the social costs of resettling refugees, about factors that promote or hinder integration, about risk and protective factors for refugee mental health, and about the refugees’ consumption of mental health and social services is summarized in the form of 18 “Lessons.” The lessons are offered in order to encourage and stimulate further research, as well to suggest policy and practice innovations that could help make resettlement easier, less costly, more effective, and more humane.
High school health curriculum and health literacy: Canadian student voices
Authors: Begoray Deborah L. , Wharf-Higgins Joan , MacDonald Marjorie
Published: December 2009

This study explores the relevance of health literacy, and its development through a health curriculum, as a necessary but insufficient component to facilitate healthy living among adolescents through comprehensive school health models. This paper presents qualitative findings from focus groups with students ( N = 33) in four schools toward the end of their experience in a health class that focused on topics related to healthy living, healthy relationships, health information and decision-making. Students reported mostly negative experiences citing repetitive course content, routinely delivered by teachers and passively received by students. As well, students described their experiences of using health information sources beyond the classroom, such as the media. The findings suggest that the curriculum, and particularly its implementation, have had limited effect on health literacy: students’ abilities to access, understand, communicate and evaluate health information. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving health education. (Global Health Promotion, 2009; 16(4): pp. 35-42)
Health promotion and surveillance: the establishment of an IUHPE global working group
Authors: Campostrini Stefano , McQueen David V. , Evans Linnea
Published: December 2009

Following a series of international meetings on behavioral monitoring and surveillance, in 2007 the Italian Ministry of Health (Ministerio della Salute) and the Institute for Health (Istituto Superiore della Sanità) hosted the 5th International Conference on Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance (BRFS) in Rome. A key focus of the conference was on how current surveillance systems could be applied to the field of health promotion, particularly in building the evidence base for health promotion practice. As a result of these discussions, the World Alliance for Risk Factor Surveillance (WARFS), an IUHPE Global Working Group, was formed to work toward providing knowledge and expertise in surveillance as a tool for advancing health promotion. For those IUHPE members interested in participation, this article provides an overview on the strategic direction of WARFS and the newly formed sub-working groups. (Global Health Promotion, 2009; 16(4): pp. 58—60)
A healthy nutrition programme with child ‘Cub Scouts’
Authors: Sotgiu Alessandra , Mereu Alessandra , Spiga Giuseppe , Coroneo Valentina , Contu Paolo
Published: December 2009

This commentary describes the development of the Health Nutrition programme carried out by University of Cagliari with 19 Italian scout groups. In total 353 children between the ages of 6 and 10 participated in the programme. The objectives were to develop children’s knowledge on the Mediterranean diet through games. The project was developed between January and June of 2006. The activities were carried out by the Cub Scout leaders with the objective to improve the Cub Scouts’ knowledge on nutrition. Every week they implemented a different game, which showed the Cub Scouts’ increased levels of interest and participation. This experience demonstrated that it is possible to involve children in a context outside of the school to carry out a health promotion programme. (Global Health Promotion, 2009; 16 (4): pp. 61—64)
Creating the document ‘Promoting health in schools: from evidence to action’
Authors: St Leger Lawrence , Young Ian M.
Published: December 2009

Schools across the world have been involved in health promotion and health education for nearly a century. Do school based initiatives make any difference to the education and health outcomes of young people? This article describes the process in developing the document Promoting health in schools: from evidence to action. The document was produced primarily for the Education sector. It develops an argument about why schools should be undertaking health related initiatives. It also highlights major findings from the literature about what is possible to achieve in school health and the circumstances under which the gains will occur. Attention is focused both on the evidence from the education sector, e.g. effective schools, learning and teaching approaches, and from the health sector, e.g. a whole of school or Health Promoting School (HPS) approach, as well as identifying outcomes from topic areas such as mental and emotional health, healthy eating and nutrition, physical activity, hygiene, sexual health and relationships, substance use and misuse. (Global Health Promotion, 2009; 16(4): pp. 69-71)
Functional genomics of pH homeostasis in Corynebacterium glutamicum revealed novel links between pH response, oxidative stress, iron homeostasis and methionine synthesis
Authors: Follmann Martin , Ochrombel Ines , Krämer Reinhard , Trötschel Christian , Poetsch Ansgar , Rückert Christian , Hüser Andrea , Persicke Marcus , Seiferling Dominic , Kalinowski Jörn , Marin Kay
Published: December 2009

Background

The maintenance of internal pH in bacterial cells is challenged by natural stress conditions, during host infection or in biotechnological production processes. Comprehensive transcriptomic and proteomic analyses has been conducted in several bacterial model systems, yet questions remain as to the mechanisms of pH homeostasis.

Results

Here we present the comprehensive analysis of pH homeostasis in C. glutamicum, a bacterium of industrial importance. At pH values between 6 and 9 effective maintenance of the internal pH at 7.5 ± 0.5 pH units was found. By DNA microarray analyses differential mRNA patterns were identified. The expression profiles were validated and extended by 1D-LC-ESI-MS/MS based quantification of soluble and membrane proteins. Regulators involved were identified and thereby participation of numerous signaling modules in pH response was found. The functional analysis revealed for the first time the occurrence of oxidative stress in C. glutamicum cells at neutral and low pH conditions accompanied by activation of the iron starvation response. Intracellular metabolite pool analysis unraveled inhibition of the TCA and other pathways at low pH. Methionine and cysteine synthesis were found to be activated via the McbR regulator, cysteine accumulation was observed and addition of cysteine was shown to be toxic under acidic conditions.

Conclusions

Novel limitations for C. glutamicum at non-optimal pH values were identified by a comprehensive analysis on the level of the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome indicating a functional link between pH acclimatization, oxidative stress, iron homeostasis, and metabolic alterations. The results offer new insights into bacterial stress physiology and new starting points for bacterial strain design or pathogen defense.
Epidemiological investigations of human rabies in China
Authors: Song Miao , Tang Qing , Wang Ding-Ming , Mo Zhao-Jun , Guo Shou-Heng , Li Hao , Tao Xiao-Yan , Rupprecht Charles E , Feng Zi-Jian , Liang Guo-Dong
Published: December 2009

Background

The epidemic of rabies showed a rising trend in China in recent years. To identify the potential factors involved in the emergence, we investigated and analyzed the status and characteristics of human rabies between 1996 and 2008. Moreover, the status of rabies infection and vaccination in dogs, and prophylaxis of humans after rabies exposure were analyzed.

Methods

Human rabies data in China between 1996 and 2008 collected from the annual reports of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) were analyzed. To investigate the status of dogs and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) of humans, brain specimens of domestic dogs were collected and detected, and the demographic details, exposure status and PEP of rabies patients were obtained in 2005 and 2006 in Guangxi, Hunan and Guizhou provinces.

Results

The results showed 19,806 human rabies cases were reported in China from 1996 to 2008, with an average of 1,524 cases each year, and the incidence almost was rising rapidly, with the peak in 2007 (3,300 cases). It was notable that nearly 50% of the total rabies cases nationwide were reported in Guangxi, Hunan and Guizhou provinces. In these three provinces, the rabies infection rate in dogs was 2.3%, and 60% investigated cities had a dog vaccination rate of below 70%; among the 315 recorded human cases, 66.3% did not receive any PEP at all, 27.6% received inadequate PEP, and only 6.0% received a full regime of PEP.

Conclusions

In recent years, rabies is reemerging and becoming a major public-health problem in China. Our analysis showed that unsuccessful control of dog rabies and inadequate PEP of patients were the main factors leading to the high incidence of human rabies in China, then there are following suggestions: (1) Strict control of free-ranging dogs and mandatory rabies vaccination should be enforced. (2)Establishing national animal rabies surveillance network is imperative. (3) PEP should be decided to initiate or withhold according to postmortem diagnosis of the biting animal. (4) The cost of PEP should be decreased or free, especially in rural areas. (5)Education of the public and health care staff should be enhanced.
Smoldering (Asymptomatic) Multiple Myeloma: Current Diagnostic Criteria, New Predictors of Outcome, and Follow-Up Recommendations
Authors: Bladé Joan , Dimopoulos Meletios , Rosiñol Laura , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kyle Robert A.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

To provide an overview on smoldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma (SMM) including current diagnostic criteria, predictors of progression, pattern of progression, and outcome.

Design

A comprehensive review of the literature on risk factors for progression, treatment attempts to delay progression and outcome in patients with SMM.

Results

The risk factors for progression of SMM include: plasma cell mass including M-protein size and percentage of bone marrow clonal plasma cells (BMPC), abnormal free light chain ratio, proportion of phenotypically abnormal BMPC, immunoparesis, evolution pattern (evolving v nonevolving), and pattern of magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities. Most patients with SMM progress with anemia and/or skeletal involvement. Immediate therapy with cytotoxic agents, such as melphalan/prednisone has not resulted in improved outcome. Patients should not be treated until progressive disease with end-organ damage occurs. Increasing anemia is the most reliable indicator of progression.

Conclusion

These recently recognized predictors of outcome may be helpful for better disease monitoring and for investigation of new treatment approaches. Thus, recommendations for follow-up every to 3 to 6 months depending on the risk of progression are suggested, and clinical trials with new noncytotoxic biologically derived agents to delay progression, particularly in high-risk patients, are ongoing.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Follicular Lymphoma in the Prerituximab Era: Effect of Response Quality on Survival—A Study From the Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte
Authors: Bachy Emmanuel , Brice Pauline , Delarue Richard , Brousse Nicole , Haioun Corinne , Le Gouill Steven , Delmer Alain , Bordessoule Dominique , Tilly Hervé , Corront Bernadette , Allard Christian , Foussard Charles , Bosly André , Coiffier Bertrand , Gisselbrecht Christian , Solal-Celigny Philippe , Salles Gilles
Published: December 2009

Purpose

First-line treatment for patients with newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma (FL) still remains debated, even in the rituximab-based combination therapy era. Few studies have addressed the question whether complete remission (CR) translates into better survival. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term follow-up of prospectively treated patients with FL and the potential correlation between response quality to first-line treatment and overall survival (OS).

Patients and Methods

Data from 536 patients with FL with low (n = 193) or high (n = 343) tumor burden enrolled from October 1986 to May 1995 in the French and Belgian GELF86 studies were analyzed. Data from these trials have been previously reported for low–tumor burden and high–tumor burden patients.

Results

Median follow-up was 14.9 years, and median OS was 9.8 years. Treated patients who achieved a complete response (CR; n = 194; 45%) had a significant longer OS than those only reaching a partial response (PR; n = 168; 39%) throughout treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.72; P < .001) in an univariate time-dependent Cox model. Similar findings were found when response to treatment (CR v PR) was adjusted for potentially confounding factors in a multivariate model (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.73; P < .001).

Conclusion

These data provide a long follow-up of these patients' cohorts and indicate that a better response to first-line treatment translates into an improved survival for patients with FL. Therefore, response-adapted therapy aiming to achieve a CR should be considered as first-line treatment.
CD117-positive Cells of the Heart: Progenitor Cells or Mast Cells?
Authors: Zhou Yan , Pan Peng , Yao Lu , Su Meng , He Ping , Niu Na , McNutt Michael A. , Gu Jiang
Published: December 2009

Human cardiac stem/progenitor cells and their potential for repair of heart injury are a current hot topic of research. CD117 has been used frequently as a marker for identification of stem/progenitor cells in the heart. However, cardiac mast cells, which are also CD117+, have not been excluded by credible means when selecting putative cardiac progenitors by using CD117 as a marker. We evaluated the relationship between CD117+ cells and mast cells in the left ventricle of human hearts ( n = 5 patients, ages 1 week-75 years) with the well-established mast cell markers tryptase, toluidine blue, and thionine. A large number (85–100%) of CD117+ cells in the human heart were specifically identified as mast cells. In addition, mast cells showed weak or moderate CD45 immunostaining signals. These results indicate that the majority of CD117+ cells in the heart are mast cells and that these cells are distinctly positive for CD45, although staining was weak or moderate. These results strongly suggest that the newly reported CD117+/CD45dim/moderate putative cardiac progenitor cells are mast cells. The significance of this observation in stem cell research of the heart is discussed.

immunohistochemistry
Neonatal Screening for Treatable and Untreatable Disorders: Prospective Parents’ Opinions
Authors: Plass Anne Marie Catharina , van El Carla Geertruida , Pieters Toine , Cornel Martina Cornelia
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: In the Netherlands, in 2007, the national newborn screening program was expanded from 3 to 17 disorders that met the World Health Organization's Wilson and Jungner screening criteria, especially regarding treatability. The decision of whether to add diseases to the program is generally based on experts' advice, whereas the opinion of those whom it concerns—prospective parents—remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the opinion of prospective parents concerning newborn screening for disorders that are incurable yet treatable to some extent or even untreatable.

METHODS: A structured questionnaire that consisted of 3 parts in which similar questions were posed about treatable, less treatable, and untreatable childhood-onset disorders was posted on the Web site of a national pregnancy fair.

RESULTS: A total of 1631 prospective parents filled out the questionnaire, 259 of whom were excluded. In contrast to current policy, respondents showed a positive attitude toward inclusion of less treatable (88%) or untreatable childhood-onset disorders (73%) within the national newborn screening program. Respondents who already had children at the time of completing the questionnaire were even more in favor of screening for especially untreatable disorders. The most important reason mentioned was to prevent a long diagnostic quest. Obtaining information to enable reproductive choices in future pregnancies was hardly mentioned.

CONCLUSIONS: Prospective parents in the Dutch population seem interested in newborn screening for untreatable childhood-onset disorders; therefore, we argue that additional debate of pros and cons is needed among policy makers, health care professionals, and consumers.
Child Abuse, Confidentiality, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Authors:   Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect
Published: December 2009

The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 has significantly affected clinical practice, particularly with regard to how patient information is shared. HIPAA addresses the security and privacy of patient health data, ensuring that information is released appropriately with patient or guardian consent and knowledge. However, when child abuse or neglect is suspected in a clinical setting, the physician may determine that release of information without consent is necessary to ensure the health and safety of the child. This policy statement provides an overview of HIPAA regulations with regard to the role of the pediatrician in releasing or reviewing patient health information when the patient is a child who is a suspected victim of abuse or neglect. This statement is based on the most current regulations provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services and is subject to future changes and clarifications as updates are provided.
Effect of Striped Bass Larvae Transported from the Hudson River on Juvenile Abundance in Western Long Island Sound
Authors: Dunning Dennis J. , Ross Quentin E. , McKown Kim A. , Socrates Julia B.
Published: December 2009

Freshwater flow can have a profound influence on the transport of larvae within large tidal estuaries, and tidal flow can transport larvae away from those estuaries. Our objectives were to (1) confirm that a combination of freshwater and tidal flows transported post-yolk-sac larvae (PYSL) striped bass Morone saxatilis from the Hudson River, New York, to western Long Island Sound (WLIS), a nearby nursery area, and (2) assess the effect of PYSL transported from the river on the abundance of juvenile striped bass in WLIS. This approach included (1) calculating an index of juvenile striped bass abundance in WLIS (WLIS juvenile index) for July and regressing it on an index of striped bass PYSL abundance for the Battery region of the Hudson River (Battery region PYSL index), which represented annual changes in the abundance of striped bass PYSL that could be transported from the river to WLIS, and (2) regressing a WLIS juvenile index for August on the WLIS juvenile index for July. The regression of the WLIS juvenile index for July on the Battery region PYSL index was significant and positive. The regression of the WLIS juvenile index for August on that for July was not significant. We confirmed that striped bass PYSL were transported from the Hudson River to WLIS by a combination of freshwater and tidal flows. Furthermore, in years when striped bass PYSL abundance and freshwater flow in the Hudson River were unusually high, striped bass PYSL transported from the Hudson River substantially influenced abundance of juvenile striped bass in WLIS during July but not August. The difference in abundance between months was apparently due to high natural mortality early in the juvenile life stage.
Length-Based Reference Points for Data-Limited Situations: Applications and Restrictions
Authors: Cope Jason M. , Punt André E.
Published: December 2009

Current fisheries management policies generally require an assessment of stock status, which is a difficult task when population and fisheries data are limited. Three simple metrics based on catch length compositions (i.e., that reflect exclusive take of mature individuals, P  mat; that consist primarily of fish of optimal size, the size at which the highest yield from a cohort occurs, P  opt; and that demonstrate the conservation of large, mature individuals, P  mega) can be used to monitor population status relative to exploitation. The metrics (collectively referred to as Px) were intended to avoid growth and recruitment overfishing, but there was no quantitative linkage to stock status and calculation of future sustainable catches. We attempt to make this connection by exploring the relationship of Px measures to fishing mortality and spawning biomass (SB). The relationships are compared specifically to the current target reference point (0.4 times the virgin, or unfished, SB [SB0]) and limit reference point (0.25SB0) used for the U.S. West Coast groundfish fishery by using simulations based on a deterministic age-structured population dynamics model. Sensitivity to fishery selectivity, life history traits, and recruitment compensation (steepness) is explored. Each Px measure showed a wide range of possible values depending on fishery selectivity, steepness, and the ratio of the length at maturity (L  mat) to the optimal fishing length (L  opt). Although the values of Px may be compatible with sustainable fishing, these values are not always sufficient to ensure stock protection from overfishing. Moreover, values for Px cannot be interpreted adequately without knowledge of the selectivity pattern. A new measure, P  obj (the sum of P  mat, P  opt, and P  mega), is introduced to distinguish selectivity patterns and construct a decision tree for development of stock status indicators. Heuristic indicator values are presented to demonstrate the utility of this approach. Although several caveats remain, this approach builds on the recommendations of previous literature by giving further guidance related to interpreting catch length composition data under variable fishery conditions without collecting additional information. It also provides a link to developing harvest control rules that inform proactive fisheries management under data-limited conditions.
Color‐tuning projection system for adaptive combination of high brightness and wide color gamut
Authors: Maeda Makoto , Arai Kazuhiro , Haraguchi Masahiro , Abe Taka‐aki , Tanase Susumu , Mashitani Ken , Inoue Masutaka , Kanayama Hideyuki
Published: December 2009

Abstract— The demand for projectors with high brightness and wide color gamut has been increasing; however, UHP lamp projectors cannot deliver those two qualities efficiently and simultaneously because of its color‐separation system. The newly developed projection system — “Color‐Tuning Projection System” — realizes the adaptive combination of high brightness and wide color gamut with one projector. This projector features a fourth liquid‐crystal panel — “Color Tuner” — with a 3LCD optical engine, which controls yellow light separately from the RGB light of a UHP lamp. This color‐tuner‐based optical engine — “Color‐Tuning Optical Engine” — and a new color‐conversion signal‐processing algorithm — “Adaptive Color Conversion Algorithm” — controls the yellow‐light volume and corrects color‐shifted pixels according to the brightness and chromaticity analysis of the input image, key technologies of the Color‐Tuning Projection System. This additional panel system enables the projector to ach ieve up to 115% higher brightness and 120% wider color gamut according to the input image. This paper presents an innovative design concept, a novel technology regarding brightness and a color‐gamut conversion projection system, and the characteristics of the prototype.
The Intellectual Foundations of Education
Authors: Goodyear Rodney K. , Brewer Dominic J. , Gallagher Karen Symms , Tracey Terence J. G. , Claiborn Charles D. , Lichtenberg James W. , Wampold Bruce E.
Published: December 2009

Academic journals are the primary mode of communication among researchers, and they play a central role in the creation, diffusion, and use of knowledge. This article updates previous attempts to identify a core set of journals that most education scholars would acknowledge as consequential sources. On the basis of nominations from a panel of experts, 11 primary journals were identified; 3 of these— American Educational Research Journal, Educational Researcher, and Review of Educational Research—were nominated by at least one third of the respondents. The impact of these journals is assessed using a number of alternative metrics. In addition, differences in impact on policy and practice versus scholarship are considered.
Using Urban Landscape Trajectories to Develop a Multi-Temporal Land Cover Database to Support Ecological Modeling
Authors: Hepinstall-Cymerman Jeffrey , Coe Stefan , Alberti Marina
Published: December 2009

Urbanization and the resulting changes in land cover have myriad impacts on ecological systems. Monitoring these changes across large spatial extents and long time spans requires synoptic remotely sensed data with an appropriate temporal sequence. We developed a multi-temporal land cover dataset for a six-county area surrounding the Seattle, Washington State, USA, metropolitan region. Land cover maps for 1986, 1991, 1995, 1999, and 2002 were developed from Landsat TM images through a combination of spectral unmixing, image segmentation, multi-season imagery, and supervised classification approaches to differentiate an initial nine land cover classes. We then used ancillary GIS layers and temporal information to define trajectories of land cover change through multiple updating and backdating rules and refined our land cover classification for each date into 14 classes. We compared the accuracy of the initial approach with the landscape trajectory modifications and determined that the use of landscape trajectory rules increased our ability to differentiate several classes including bare soil (separated into cleared for development, agriculture, and clearcut forest) and three intensities of urban. Using the temporal dataset, we found that between 1986 and 2002, urban land cover increased from 8 to 18% of our study area, while lowland deciduous and mixed forests decreased from 21 to 14%, and grass and agriculture decreased from 11 to 8%. The intensity of urban land cover increased with 252 km2 in Heavy Urban in 1986 increasing to 629 km2 by 2002. The ecological systems that are present in this region were likely significantly altered by these changes in land cover. Our results suggest that multi-temporal (i.e., multiple years and multiple seasons within years) Landsat data are an economical means to quantify land cover and land cover change across large and highly heterogeneous urbanizing landscapes. Our data, and similar temporal land cover change products, have been used in ecological modeling of past, present, and likely future changes in ecological systems (e.g., avian biodiversity, water quality). Such data are important inputs for ecological modelers, policy makers, and urban planners to manage and plan for future landscape change.
Leaf Area Index (LAI) Estimation of Boreal Forest Using Wide Optics Airborne Winter Photos
Authors: Manninen Terhikki , Korhonen Lauri , Voipio Pekka , Lahtinen Panu , Stenberg Pauline
Published: December 2009

A new simple airborne method based on wide optics camera is developed for leaf area index (LAI) estimation in coniferous forests. The measurements are carried out in winter, when the forest floor is completely snow covered and thus acts as a light background for the hemispherical analysis of the images. The photos are taken automatically and stored on a laptop during the flights. The R2 value of the linear regression of the airborne and ground based LAI measurements was 0.89.
Traumatic Flap Striae 6 Years After LASIK: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ursea Roxana , Feng Matthew T.
Published: December 2009

Purpose:

To report a case of traumatic flap striae without flap dislocation 6 years after LASIK and provide a literature review of surgical flap striae, late traumatic flap striae, and their management.

Methods:

A 28-year-old man presented with late traumatic flap striae without concurrent flap dislocation, which closely approximated the longest reported interval between LASIK and the development of flap striae.

Results:

In the absence of flap dislocation, the finding of striae alone was subtle and went undetected initially. The flap was successfully refloated, stretched, and smoothed with recovery of 20/20 vision.

Conclusions:

Traumatic LASIK flap complications may occur many years after the original procedure. This report presents the first case of late traumatic flap striae without concurrent flap dislocation. Proper management can restore good visual function.