bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health‐related quality of life of children and adolescents prior to hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation: Diagnosis and age effects
Authors: Barrera Maru , Gee Carolyn , Andrews Gail S. , Armstrong Christine A. , Saunders Fred E.
Published: September 2005

Background

The health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) may vary among children before undergoing hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT). This study examined the HRQOL of children scheduled for HPCT, the effects of diagnosis and age on HRQOL, and the convergent validity of one generic and two disease‐specific measures of HRQOL.

Procedure

The sample consisted of 111 children (mean age = 10.4 years) diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; 22%), other leukemias (26%), neuroblastoma (19%), other solid tumors (18%), and hematologic disorders (15%). Convergence validity was tested with 67 children (mean age = 10.3 years) who had an equivalent distribution of diagnoses except for neuroblastoma (12%). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), a generic measure, and the Pediatric Oncology Quality of Life Scale (POQOL) and the Play Performance Scale (PPS), disease‐specific measures, were completed by one parent prior to HPCT.

Results

Compared to the norms for healthy children, the CHQ Physical summary scores for every diagnostic subgroup and the CHQ Psychosocial summary scores for ALL were poorer. Compared to the cancer norms for Total POQOL and PPS scores, scores for ALL and neuroblastoma were the poorest. These measures also revealed that adolescents' HRQOL was perceived to be worse than children's. Total POQOL scores showed strong convergent validity with CHQ Physical and Psychosocial scores and moderate convergent validity with the PPS scores.

Conclusions

Based on parental reports, children treated for ALL and neuroblastoma appear to be at the greatest risk for poor HRQOL before undergoing HPCT, and adolescents seem to be more compromised than younger children, based on parental reports. The POQOL measure seems to be the best predictor of HRQOL. These results have clinical implications for the care of children undergoing HPCT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006;47:320–326. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the human blood plasma proteome
Authors: Shen Yufeng , Kim Jeongkwon , Strittmatter Eric F. , Jacobs Jon M. , Camp David G. , Fang Ruihua , Tolié Nikola , Moore Ronald J. , Smith Richard D.
Published: September 2005

We describe methods for broad characterization of the human plasma proteome. The combination of stepwise immunoglobulin G (IgG) and albumin protein depletion by affinity chromatography and ultrahigh‐efficiency capillary liquid chromatography separations coupled to ion trap‐tandem mass spectrometry enabled identification of 2392 proteins from a single plasma sample with an estimated confidence level of > 94%, and an additional 2198 proteins with an estimated confidence level of 80%. The relative abundances of the identified proteins span a range of over eight orders of magnitude in concentration (< 30 pg/mL to ∼30 mg/mL), facilitated by the attomole‐level sensitivity of the analysis methods. More than 80% of the observed proteins demonstrate interactions with IgG and/or albumin, and the human plasma protein loss in the affinity chromatography/strong cation exchange/reversed‐phase liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry methodology was investigated in detail. The results of this study provide a basis for a wide range of plasma proteomics studies, including broad quantitation of relative abundances in comparative studies of the identification of novel protein disease markers, as well as further studies of protein‐protein interactions.
Poly(silarylene–siloxane)polyimides from allyl‐terminated oligoimides and hydride‐functional silarylene–siloxanes via hydrosilylation polymerization
Authors: Homrighausen Craig L. , Kennedy Brent J. , Schutte Erick J.
Published: September 2005

This research was focused on the design and execution of new synthetic routes to low‐temperature‐curable poly(silarylene–siloxane)polyimides. The synthesis of individual oligoimide and silarylene–siloxane blocks was followed by hydrosilylation polymerization to produce crosslinked copolymers. The silarylene–siloxane and polyimide blocks were structurally characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography. The high‐temperature resistance of the copolymers was evaluated through the measurement of heat distortion temperatures (THD's) via thermomechanical analysis and by the determination of the weight loss at elevated temperatures via thermogravimetric analysis. Glass‐transition temperatures (Tg's) of the silarylene–siloxane segments were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Hydrosilylation curing was conducted at 60 °C in the presence of chloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6). The copolymers displayed both high‐temperature resistance and low‐temperature flexibility. We observed Tg of the silarylene–siloxane segment as low as −77 °C and THD of the polyimide segment as high as 323 °C. The influence of various oligoimide molecular weights on the properties of copolymers containing the same silarylene–siloxane was examined. The effect of various silarylene–siloxane molecular weights on the properties of copolymers containing the same oligoimide was also examined. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4922–4932, 2005
Determinants of colorectal cancer screening behavior among Chinese Americans
Authors: Teng Ellen J. , Friedman Lois C. , Green Charles E.
Published: September 2005

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Chinese Americans and is the third leading cause of cancer death in this population. The objectives of this study were to determine the rates of CRC screening (via fecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG), and colonoscopy) among Chinese Americans and predictors of utilizing these screening procedures. Participants (N=206) completed a self‐administered questionnaire assessing cancer screening behaviors and beliefs about perceived risk of developing cancer and treatment efficacy. A series of logistic regressions indicated that physician recommendation to obtain CRC screening significantly predicted whether Chinese Americans undergo FOBT, FSIG, or colonoscopy screening (p<0.001). Acculturation and perceived risk of developing CRC did not predict obtaining any of the screening procedures. FOBT was the most commonly reported screening method used by respondents (65%), followed by FSIG (54%) and colonoscopy (49%). These findings highlight the need to make physicians more aware of the impact their recommendations have in determining CRC screening behavior among Chinese Americans. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient delay in oral cancer: a qualitative study of patients' experiences
Authors: Scott S.E. , Grunfeld E.A. , Main J. , McGurk M.
Published: September 2005

Up to 30% of patients delay seeking the advice of a healthcare professional after self‐discovery of symptom(s) of oral cancer. Reasons for this patient delay are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to explore patients' initial experiences and reactions to developing symptoms of oral cancer, and to identify factors influencing their decision to consult a health care professional.

In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 17 consecutive patients who had received a diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma, but had yet to start treatment. Participants were asked about their beliefs about their symptoms over the course of the disease and their decision to seek help. The tape‐recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using ‘Framework analysis’.

Oral symptoms were rarely attributed to cancer and were frequently interpreted as minor oral conditions. As a result of these beliefs, patients tended to postpone seeking help or fail to be concerned over their symptoms. Prior to seeking help, patients responded to symptoms by using self‐medication, changing the way they ate and disclosing their discovery of symptoms to friends or family. Problems with access to healthcare professionals and patients' social responsibilities acted as barriers to prompt help‐seeking.

This study has documented that an individual's interpretation of oral cancer symptoms may be misguided and this can adversely affect subsequent help‐seeking behaviour. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can agrobiont spiders (Araneae) avoid a surface with pesticide residues?
Authors: Pekár Stano , Haddad Charles R
Published: September 2005

Integrated pest management includes the use of various pesticides that can have a detrimental effect on spiders. A pesticide can express its activity directly or via residues. Most of the attention paid to the impact of pesticides on spiders has investigated the effects of direct exposure. Our aim in this study was to investigate the residual activity (repellency and toxicity) of selected pesticides on six principal species of spider occurring in an apple orchard. Four of these species (Clubiona spp., Pardosa spp., Philodromus spp., Xysticus spp.) are hunting spiders, and two species (Dictyna spp., Theridion spp.) are web‐building. We were interested to see whether these spiders could avoid a surface with residues and to examine their susceptibilities to fresh and 1‐day‐old residues. For this purpose we conducted laboratory experiments using three types of pesticide, an organophosphate, phosalone (Zolone), a pyrethroid, permethrin (Ambush) and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt; Novodor), which were applied to paper discs or branches. Spiders could choose to stay on any treated paper/branch within a dish. Except for Theridion spp., all species were repelled by fresh residues but not by 1‐day‐old residues. Clubiona spp., Dictyna spp., Pardosa spp. and Xysticus spp were repelled by phosalone and permethrin residues only, whereas Philodromus spp. specimens were repelled also by Bt residues. Theridion spp. avoided contact with residues by making a web on any available branch. Regarding toxicity, neither fresh nor 1‐day‐old residues of phosalone or Bt caused significant mortality to any spider species. In contrast, both fresh and 1‐day‐old residues of permethrin caused significant mortality to all species except for Theridion spp. In conclusion, spiders can recognise and avoid only fresh residues, although older residues might still be toxic to them. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Development and reproduction of Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on eggs of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae) and pollen
Authors: De Clercq Patrick , Bonte Maarten , Van Speybroeck Kenny , Bolckmans Karel , Deforce Koen
Published: September 2005

Due to growing criticism over the use of non‐indigenous coccinellids, the two‐spot ladybird, Adalia bipunctata (L.), has enjoyed increasing attention for aphid biocontrol in Europe. In the current study, eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, whether or not supplemented with bee pollen, were evaluated as a factitious food for larvae and adults of A. bipunctata. The predator showed slower larval development and lower survival when reared on live pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), than on E. kuehniella eggs. Survival on gamma‐irradiated eggs of E. kuehniella was superior to that on frozen flour moth eggs, but other developmental characteristics were similar. Adults of A. bipunctata reared on Ac. pisum were only half as fecund as those offered irradiated or frozen E. kuehniella eggs, but egg hatch was markedly better on live aphids than on flour moth eggs (61 versus 20–27%, respectively). However, when a diet of flour moth eggs was supplemented with frozen moist bee pollen, egg hatch of A. bipunctata was equally as good as on live aphids. Supplementing flour moth eggs with dry pollen did not yield satisfactory results. Only 10% of larvae reached adulthood on moist bee pollen alone and resulting adults weighed less than half as much as those obtained on flour moth eggs. Our findings indicate that A. bipunctata is able to compensate for a suboptimal diet of animal prey by supplementary feeding on flower pollen. It is concluded that pollinivory may be a crucial trait for both the rearing of this natural enemy and its use in biological control programmes. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Beetle‐specific Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa toxin reduces larval growth and curbs reproduction in Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.)
Authors: Hussein Hany M , Habuštová Oxana , Sehnal František
Published: September 2005

Application of Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis (Bt) and expression of the Bt protein Cry3Aa in genetically modified crops are used for targeted control of the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). The Cry3A proteins are selectively toxic for the beetles but the present study describes effects of Cry3Aa on the Egyptian armyworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval). Cry3Aa expressed in potatoes or added to an agar‐base wheat‐germ diet reduced the growth of S. littoralis caterpillars and the fertility of adults. The effect of 1.4 mg kg−1 Cry3Aa in potato leaves was comparable with that of 3.3 mg kg−1 in the diet. This difference in activity was correlated with better digestibility and higher conversion efficiency of the diet that also supported higher reproduction rate: S. littoralis grown on the potatoes reached a similar size to those on the diet but laid only 702 instead of 1077 eggs per female. Cry3Aa consumption reduced body growth as a consequence of lower food intake without significantly affecting food digestibility and the conversion efficiency of nutrients. The 11% and 5% body weight reductions caused by 1.4 mg kg−1 Cry3Aa in potatoes and 3.3 mg kg−1 in the diet, respectively, were associated with 74% and 65% reduction in the number of progeny; S littoralis grown on a diet with 9.1 mg kg−1 Cry3Aa were 10% smaller and produced no viable progeny. These data suggest that the curtailment of reproduction was not caused by a general shortage of nutrient reserves but by a more direct Cry3Aa effect on the reproduction process. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐organization of para‐sexiphenyl on crystalline substrates
Authors: Hlawacek Gregor , Teichert Christian , Andreev Andrei Yu. , Sitter Helmut , Berkebile Stephen , Koller Georg , Ramsey Michael , Resel Roland
Published: September 2005

The understanding of fundamental growth processes is critical for the fabrication of organic semiconductor thin films to be used in optoelectronic devices. Atomic‐force microscopy is a vital tool to quantitatively analyze the evolving crystalline nanostructures and their spontaneous ordering. Here, para‐sexiphenyl – a semiconducting light emitting oligomer – has been grown epitaxially by different high vacuum and ultra high vacuum methods onto crystalline substrates like mica(001), TiO2(110), or Al(111). Depending on the actual growth parameters, characteristically shaped crystallites composed of lying molecules or terraced mounds of upright standing molecules are formed. With ongoing deposition, quasi 1D arrays of crystallites can evolve due to a rearrangement process of the earlier formed crystallites. For highly anisotropic surfaces, like mica(001) and TiO2(110), these para‐sexiphenyl structures are correlated to the surface geometry of the substrate. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new method for measurement of (−)‐sophocarpine, a candidate therapeutic for viral myocarditis, in plasma: application to a toxicokinetic study in beagle dogs
Authors: Guo Bin , Li Chuan , Deng Zhongping , Chen Shuxia , Ji Zhouhua , Zhang Junwei , Chen Meifang , Xu Fang
Published: September 2005

The naturally occurring alkaloid (−)‐sophocarpine (SC) has been developed as a novel anti‐coxsackieviral agent for potential treatment of viral myocarditis. However, there is currently no rapid, sensitive method available for ascertaining systemic exposure during the course of SC toxicity studies. The development and full validation of the first rapid and sensitive method, based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), for determination of SC in plasma is reported here. This new assay increases sample throughput by using minimal sample clean‐up procedures and short chromatographic analysis times. The bio‐matrix effect on the ionization of SC and the internal standard, (−)‐stepholidine, was investigated for method development and validation, and two organic solvents (methyl tert‐butyl ether and ethyl acetate) were found for sample preparation that led to low matrix effects. The new analytical method was used to analyze plasma samples obtained from a repeated‐dose toxicity study of SC in beagle dogs. The results of the toxicokinetic analysis indicated that the systemic exposure to SC was proportional to the dose, and that no significant accumulation of SC was observed after 3 months of repeated treatments with intravenous SC at 7.5, 15, or 30 mg/kg/day. This sensitive and specific LC/MS/MS technique can form the basis for accurate quantification of SC in various biological fluids for preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic evaluation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of microwave‐assisted enzymatic digestion by measuring glycated hemoglobin A1c by mass spectrometry
Authors: Vesper Hubert W. , Mi Luchuan , Enada Archibold , Myers Gary L.
Published: September 2005

Enzymatic digestion of proteins and analysis of the resulting peptides by mass spectrometry is an established approach in proteomics and in clinical and environmental chemistry. The long digestion times of several hours prevent the fast turnover of samples and results. Qualitative applications showed that microwave radiation profoundly shortens enzymatic digestion. However, its usefulness for quantitative applications had not been assessed. In this study, the microwave‐assisted enzymatic digestion of hemoglobin at different temperatures, buffer concentrations, and digestion times was assessed and compared with conventional digestion for the proteolytic enzymes trypsin and Glu‐C. A microwave‐assisted enzymatic digestion method optimized for digestion time and temperature was applied for the analysis of glycated hemoglobin HbA1c and compared with a reference method. Using trypsin, complete digestion was obtained at 50°C within 20 min. Under these conditions, the digestion efficiency was 20% higher than with conventional trypsin digestion. These effects were not observed with Glu‐C as enzyme, probably because of the decreased stability of Glu‐C at elevated temperatures in comparison with the trypsin used. The comparison of the optimized microwave‐assisted digestion method using trypsin with the reference method for HbA1c using Glu‐C gave a close correlation in the results (R2: 0.996). A significant bias of 0.33% HbA1c was observed, with higher values obtained with the microwave‐assisted tryptic digest; this finding might have resulted from the use of a different enzyme. This study showed that microwave‐assisted enzymatic digestion can substantially reduce digestion times to minutes and can be used in qualitative as well as quantitative applications. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved sensitivity for quantification of proteins using triply charged cleavable isotope‐coded affinity tag peptides
Authors: Qu Jun , Straubinger Robert M.
Published: September 2005

Isotope‐coded affinity tag (ICAT) methods, in conjunction with capillary liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), represent a promising approach for accurate protein quantification. However, sensitivity remains a challenge for the quantification of low‐copy proteins in complex biological matrices. Here we investigated the electrospray ionization (ESI) and collision‐activated dissociation (CAD) behavior of peptides derivatized with the cleavable ICAT (cICAT) reagent. For cICAT‐peptides that were either synthesized or obtained by digestion of model proteins, the cICAT moiety showed a tendency toward protonation under positive ESI, producing relatively intense triply charged cICAT‐peptide ions ([IP+3H]3+). [IP+3H]3+ exhibited significantly higher CAD reactivity than did the doubly charged cICAT‐peptide ([IP+2H]2+), and produced a greater abundance of fragments at lower collision energies. Fragmentation spectra of [IP+3H]3+ showed variable intensities of doubly charged y and b ions, and the amount of sequence information obtained was dependent on the position of the cICAT‐labeled cysteine residue in the peptide sequence. However, the absolute abundances of major fragments of [IP+3H]3+ were much higher than for [IP+2H]2+. Although the efficiency of identification of cICAT‐peptides was compromised by their charge distribution toward the triply charged state and by the unique CAD behavior of the [IP+3H]3+ ions, it was found that the triply charged ions provided higher sensitivity than [IP+2H]2+ for quantification using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). ESI and CAD conditions for MRM of [IP+3H]3+ were optimized, and, for all cICAT‐peptides studied, MRM using [IP+3H]3+ as precursors showed 2‐ to 8‐fold higher sensitivity than obtained using [IP+2H]2+, without compromising quantitative accuracy. Using this approach, the time course of tyrosine aminotransferase induction by methylprednisolone was monitored in rat livers. A remarkably better signal‐to‐noise ratio was observed by using [IP+3H]3+ for quantification compared to [IP+2H]2+. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approaches to fitting age‐period‐cohort models with unequal intervals
Authors: Holford Theodore R.
Published: September 2005

Age‐period‐cohort models have provided useful insights into the analysis of time trends for disease rates, in spite of the well known identifiability problem. Unique parameter estimates that avoid arbitrary constraints are provided by estimable functions of the parameter estimates. For data that are generated using equal interval widths for age and period, the identifiability issue may be expressed in terms of the age, period and cohort slopes. However, when the interval widths are not the same for age and period, additional identifiability problems arise. These may be represented in terms of macro‐trends, which have the identical identifiability problem seen in the equal interval case, and micro‐trends, which are the source of the additional problems. A framework for testing estimability is presented, and a variety of potentially interesting functions of the parameters considered. Unlike the equal interval case, drift is not estimable for unequal intervals, but local drift may be. In addition, the available functions for forecasting are much more restrictive in the latter case. This estimability problem induces cyclical patterns in the estimates of trend as is demonstrated using data on leukaemia in Connecticut males, but this can be avoided through the use of smoothing splines. These methods of are illustrated for three‐year period and five‐year age intervals using data on lung cancer mortality in Californian women. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probabilistic index: an intuitive non‐parametric approach to measuring the size of treatment effects
Authors: Acion Laura , Peterson John J. , Temple Scott , Arndt Stephan
Published: September 2005

Effect sizes (ES) tell the magnitude of the difference between treatments and, ideally, should tell clinicians how likely their patients will benefit from the treatment. Currently used ES are expressed in statistical rather than in clinically useful terms and may not give clinicians the appropriate information. We restrict our discussion to studies with two groups: one with n patients receiving a new treatment and the other with m patients receiving the usual or no treatment. The standardized mean difference (e.g. Cohen's d) is a well‐known index for continuous outcomes. There is some intuitive value to d, but measuring improvement in standard deviations (SD) is a statistical concept that may not help a clinician. How much improvement is a half SD? A more intuitive and simple‐to‐calculate ES is the probability that the response of a patient given the new treatment (X) is better than the one for a randomly chosen patient given the old or no treatment (Y) (i.e. P(X > Y), larger values meaning better outcomes). This probability has an immediate identity with the area under the curve (AUC) measure in procedures for receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve comparing responses to two treatments. It also can be easily calculated from the Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon, or Kendall τ statistics. We describe the characteristics of an ideal ES. We propose P(X > Y) as an alternative index, summarize its correspondence with well‐known non‐parametric statistics, compare it to the standardized mean difference index, and illustrate with clinical data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective number of subjects and number of raters for inter‐rater reliability studies
Authors: Saito Yuki , Sozu Takashi , Hamada Chikuma , Yoshimura Isao
Published: September 2005

A reliability study in which multiple raters evaluate multiple subjects was assumed in order to confirm the inter‐rater reliability of rating scales. The two‐way ANOVA model defining subjects and raters as random effects was applied, and the combination of the number of subjects and the number of raters that minimizes variance of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with a fixed total number of ratings (number of subjects × number of raters) was studied. The results revealed that the optimal combination depends on the relative ratio (between‐rater variance/error variance), and that large number of raters brings the high precision of estimation of the ICC when the relative ratio was greater. It was concluded that when information concerning the relative ratio is unreliable, the use of identical numbers of raters and subjects minimizes variance when the relative ratio is substantially large and variance is maximized, providing a good study design from the viewpoint of ‘maximin’. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring series of multivariate censored temporal data through fuzzy coding and correspondence analysis
Authors: Goldfarb Bernard , Pardoux Catherine M.
Published: September 2005

We present an exploratory analysis methodology for a multiple series of multivariate temporal data subject to censoring, and thus requiring the introduction of a coding technique: fuzzy coding preserving a large amount of the distributional information is fully adapted. Correspondence analysis is performed on the array produced by fuzzy coding. Projections of mean paths on factorial mappings, according to subgroup characteristics, highlight the behaviour of the underlying process. This approach is illustrated with an application to a randomized controlled clinical trial designed for comparing non‐diabetic chronic renal failure treatments. Our methodology has resulted in the identification of a difference between the treatments with an interpretation of the effects in subgroups of patients not obtainable with traditional survival methodology; it also provides some valuable insights for designing further studies on treatment of renal impairment. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A score test for zero‐inflation in correlated count data
Authors: Xiang Liming , Lee Andy H. , Yau Kelvin K. W. , McLachlan Geoffrey J.
Published: September 2005

To account for the preponderance of zero counts and simultaneous correlation of observations, a class of zero‐inflated Poisson mixed regression models is applicable for accommodating the within‐cluster dependence. In this paper, a score test for zero‐inflation is developed for assessing correlated count data with excess zeros. The sampling distribution and the power of the test statistic are evaluated by simulation studies. The results show that the test statistic performs satisfactorily under a wide range of conditions. The test procedure is further illustrated using a data set on recurrent urinary tract infections. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An interval scale for development of children aged 0–2 years
Authors: Jacobusse Gert , van Buuren Stef , Verkerk Paul H.
Published: September 2005

Measurement of development is often less precise than that of height and weight. Developmental scores are typically based on passing one or more developmental markers, but do not have interval scale so calculating differences between scores can be nonsensical. Age‐specific standardized scores are sometimes used, but fail to have a common metric that allows comparison of developmental scores across age. The goal of this study is to develop a quantitative developmental score (D‐score) with improved measurement characteristics. The basic assumption of the D‐score is the existence of a common continuous scale for the development. Scores of 2151 children between 0 and 2 years on a Dutch developmental instrument were analysed. Application of the Rasch Model resulted in excellent reliability and satisfactory fit. This indicates that the new quantitative D‐score succeeds in representing outcomes of the instrument on a common interval scale. Age‐conditional reference values for the D‐score were derived by means of the LMS method. The definition of the D‐scores is not specific to age, so the D‐score of a measured person can be compared to the D‐score of another person of a different age. Difference scores between sessions can be used to evaluate developmental velocity on the individual level. To our knowledge this is the first developmental scale for children with such properties. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeted mid‐trimester ultrasound examination: how does fetal anatomic visualization depend upon the duration of the scan?
Authors: Catanzarite V. , Delaney K. , Wolfe S. , Dowling D. , Daneshmand S. , Cousins L. , Poeltler D.
Published: September 2005

Objective

To determine the relationship between visualization of key fetal anatomic structures during mid‐trimester ultrasound examination with gestational age and duration of examination.

Methods

One hundred ultrasound examinations at 16–22 weeks' gestation were reviewed to determine the times at which key fetal anatomic features were seen. Scans were terminated at 30 min or when a comprehensive anatomic survey was complete. Exclusion criteria included multiple gestation, maternal weight > 77 kg, abdominal wall scarring, and suspected fetal anomalies.

Results

Visualization of cranial anatomy including lips, face, midline, ventricles, choroid plexus, and cerebellum was achieved in 98% of patients within 30 min. The corresponding figures for spine, cardiac screening (four‐chamber, aortic, and pulmonary outflow views) and for abdominal anatomy (stomach, kidneys, bladder, ventral wall, and three‐vessel cord) were 91%, 91%, and 99%, respectively. A complete anatomic survey including each of the above elements was obtained by 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min in 8%, 31%, 53%, 72% and 81% of the subjects. Rates of complete anatomic surveys within 30 min improved by gestational age interval, from 20/30 (67%) at 16–18 weeks, to 36/44 (82%) at 18–20 weeks, and 25/26 (96%) at 20–22 weeks; this rise was primarily due to improvements in visualization of the spine and heart.

Conclusions

A comprehensive anatomical survey can be completed in 10 min or less in a minority of patients. For each 5‐min time increment up to 30 min, the rate of complete surveys improves. Rates of completed anatomic surveys rise with gestational age. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal trunk and head volume in chromosomally abnormal fetuses at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation
Authors: Falcon O. , Peralta C. F. A. , Cavoretto P. , Auer M. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: September 2005

Objective

To examine the pattern of growth in chromosomally abnormal fetuses at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation and compare the trunk and head volume to crown–rump length (CRL) in defining the growth deficit in such fetuses.

Methods

The fetal trunk and head volume was measured using three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound in 140 chromosomally abnormal fetuses at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 (median 12) weeks of gestation, and the values were compared to 500 chromosomally normal fetuses. In each chromosomally abnormal fetus, the observed fetal trunk and head volume was subtracted from the expected mean (delta value) of the chromosomally normal fetuses of the same gestational age, and this difference was expressed as a percentage of the appropriate normal mean. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to determine the significance of differences between the chromosomally normal and abnormal groups.

Results

In trisomy 21 (n = 72) and Turner syndrome (n = 14) fetuses, compared to chromosomally normal fetuses, the CRL for gestation was similar (P = 0.335 and P = 0.317, respectively), but the fetal trunk and head volume was about 10–15% lower (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). In trisomy 18 (n = 29), trisomy 13 (n = 14) and triploidy (n = 11), the deficit in volume was about 45% (P < 0.001), whereas the deficit in CRL was less than 15% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In the quantification of the degree of early growth impairment in chromosomally abnormal fetuses, measurement of the fetal trunk and head volume using 3D ultrasound may be better than measurement of CRL. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a K‐shell x‐ray fluorescence measurement of cadmium in bone
Authors: Carew S. E. , Gastaldo J. , Roels H. A. , O'Meara J. M. , Chettle D. R.
Published: September 2005

Cadmium is known to accumulate in the human body and chronic exposures have been clearly linked to adverse health effects, showing the kidney as the critical target organ. However, there is evidence of an association between extensive environmental exposure to cadmium and alterations in bone/calcium metabolism. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to measure bone cadmium non‐invasively in humans. Tibia was selected as a measurement site and source‐excited K‐shell x‐ray fluorescence was investigated both experimentally and computationally. Initially the 88 keV γ‐rays from 109Cd were used to assess minimum detectable level (MDL) of cadmium in phantoms comprising plaster of Paris (bone) and wax (soft tissue). An MDL of 3–4µg g−1 was achieved for overlying tissue thicknesses of up to 5 mm. Alternative sources were 125I and 241Am. Monte Carlo simulation showed that the spectral contrast for 125I would be poor. The 60 keV γ‐rays from 241Am were more promising, provided that the 26 keV γ‐rays were filtered out. Experiments with 241Am confirmed that a lower MDL could be achieved. However, the product of MDL and square root of dose (a figure of merit) was not improved. Since effective doses for these source‐excited x‐ray fluorescence procedures are low (typically of the order of 0.1 µSv or less), it may be that lower MDL would be preferred over lower dose. Nevertheless, development continues as a further reduction in MDL is highly desirable. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new microfocus x‐ray source, iMOXS, for highly sensitive XRF analysis in scanning electron microscopes
Authors: Bjeoumikhov A. , Arkadiev V. , Eggert F. , Hodoroaba V.‐D. , Langhoff N. , Procop M. , Rabe J. , Wedell R.
Published: September 2005

Scanning electron microscopes are usually equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray detectors for electron probe microanalysis. This widespread analytical method allows investigators to determine the elemental composition of specimens with a spatial resolution of about 1 µm. However, owing to the electron–specimen interaction, the emitted spectra reveal, in addition to characteristic lines, also a high level of continuous bremsstrahlung background. As a result, elements with low concentrations cannot be identified. The minimum detection limit can be diminished by two orders of magnitude if the characteristic lines are excited as fluorescence by an additional x‐ray source. In this case, the emergence of bremsstrahlung is considerably reduced. Combining a high‐brilliance microfocus x‐ray tube with efficient polycapillary optics enables one to realize an experimental arrangement for performing local fluorescence analysis at the same point where the electron beam hits the sample. The polycapillary optics under consideration focuses the emitted x‐radiation onto focal spots between 30 and 100 µm in diameter. Count rates of several thousands cps have been achieved. Elemental maps have been obtained by means of the motorized specimen stage of the microscope. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topographic and climatic controls on soil environments and net primary production in a rugged temperate hardwood forest in Korea
Authors: Kang Sinkyu , Lee Dowon , Lee Jangho , Running Steven W.
Published: September 2005

Eight years (1994–2001) of field data and a biogeochemical process model, BIOME‐BGC, were used to examine effects of local topography and inter‐annual climatic variability on soil physical (i.e., soil moisture and temperature) and biogeochemical (i.e., organic matter content, soil respiration, and leaf litter production) variables in a temperate hardwood forest in Korea. The field data were collected from adjacent south‐facing (S) and north‐facing (N) slopes, respectively, to examine effects of local topography, and were utilized to validate predictability according to BIOME‐BGC which was applied to model unmeasured hydro‐ecological processes [i.e., evapotranspiration, net primary production (NPP), and net ecosystem exchange of carbon]. Our field‐data analyses indicated that soil‐related variables including soil temperature, water content, organic matter, soil respiration, and floor leaf litter store significantly differed between the S and N slopes, while leaf litter production did not differ as significantly as the soil‐related variables. The BIOME‐BGC predictions showed good agreement with the mean field data aggregated across the slopes. Our simulation results and field observations indicated that the inter‐annual variations of leaf litter production and maximum leaf area index were best explained by precipitation, both at a 1‐year lag, while variation in annual NPP was well correlated with precipitation without a temporal lag. Our results imply that: (1) local topography needs to be explicitly considered in ecosystem studies as a forcing function generating spatial heterogeneity in soil physical and biogeochemical variables within a rugged landscape, and (2) water limits vegetation productivity in our study forest, in spite of a relatively high annual precipitation rate (1,579 mm year−1).
Postgraduate training for young psychiatrists—experience of the Berlin Summer School
Authors: Mihai A. , Ströhle A. , Maric N. , Heinz A. , Helmchen H. , Sartorius N.
Published: September 2005

Background

Growing professional exchange between Eastern and Western European countries increases the possibilities for international postgraduate training courses and by that satisfying the need for rapid and facilitation of travel and migration in the enlarged European Union increase achieving high standards. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a summer school program that trained young Eastern European psychiatrists and to assess the impact of the program on their professional development and future activities.

Method

We evaluated the training effect of the first 3 years of the Berlin Summer School with respect to (1) the participants' satisfaction with the topics, quality and originality of the presentations, and (2) long-term effects and implications for their professional career. All participants (N = 43) filled out anonymously the evaluation form at the end of each summer school. An evaluation of long-term effects was carried out 2 years later with a questionnaire that was sent via e-mail to all former participants.

Results

Participants were most satisfied with practical topics such as “how to prepare a paper”, “how to evaluate a paper”, or “how to participate in a congress.” The appreciation of the presented topics and the appreciation of courses increased in each consecutive summer school. All summer school participants reported that the course had some influence on their future career, and one fifth of the participants felt that their professional development was influenced “a lot”.

Conclusions

Although limited to 1 week of intensive training, a summer school program can have a longer lasting positive influence on the professional development of the participants. Participants felt that particularly the training of practical skills improved their research performance. Former participants founded an independent multicentric and multinational research group and supported national courses that were organized similar to the Berlin Summer School.
The Debate About Over‐the‐Counter Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Authors: Shi Chih‐Wen , Ganiats Theodore G.
Published: September 2005

Many prescription drugs have been converted to over‐the‐counter (OTC) status in recent years. Another drug that has been proposed for OTC status is a levonorgestrel‐only emergency contraceptive pill. The debate surrounding OTC access to emergency contraceptive pills echoes issues encountered in previous reclassification processes and raises new challenges. This article discusses the emergency contraceptive pill, the evolution of its access options, and the context and implications of changing its status from a prescription to an OTC medication.
Infant Sleep and Feeding Pattern: Effects on Maternal Sleep
Authors: Thomas Karen A. , Foreman Shuyuann Wang
Published: September 2005

Factors contributing to maternal sleep when infants are 4 to 10 weeks of age were examined. Twenty‐four‐hour sleep‐wake diaries collected from 37 mother‐infant dyads in the home environment were summarized to describe total, longest, and mean sleep period; synchrony of maternal and infant sleep; and feeding frequency and duration. Regression and post hoc analysis of variance were used to examine factors contributing to maternal and infant sleep. Maternal sleep is driven by infant sleep and feeding pattern. The minimum and maximum numbers of infant sleep episodes per day were 6 and 15, respectively, and mean infant total sleep was 13.47 hours (SD 1.73). Mean maternal total sleep was 7.18 hours (SD 1.51), with half of the mothers reporting less than 7 hours of sleep per 24 hours. Mean number of infant feedings was 11.14 (SD 3.27), with 11 infants (29.7%) receiving 13 or more feedings per 24 hours; minimum and maximum times per feeding were 15 and 41.7 minutes, respectively. Male infants had more sleep episodes, shorter sleep periods, and less sleep than females, and these gender differences resulted in shorter and more fragmented sleep for mothers. Findings suggest there is continued need for interventions to improve maternal sleep following childbearing.
Nuchal Cord Management and Nurse‐Midwifery Practice
Authors: Mercer Judith S. , Skovgaard Rebecca L. , Peareara‐Eaves Joann , Bowman Tracey A.
Published: September 2005

Nuchal cord, or cord around the neck of an infant at birth, is a common finding that has implications for labor, management at birth, and subsequent neonatal status. A nuchal cord occurs in 20% to 30% of births. All obstetric providers need to learn management techniques to handle the birth of an infant with a nuchal cord. Management of a nuchal cord can vary from clamping the cord immediately after the birth of the head and before the shoulders to not clamping at all, depending on the provider's learned practices. Evidence for specific management techniques is lacking. Cutting the umbilical cord before birth is an intervention that has been associated with hypovolemia, anemia, shock, hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy, and cerebral palsy. This article proposes use of the somersault maneuver followed by delayed cord clamping for management of nuchal cord at birth and presents a new rationale based on the available current evidence.
fünf soziologische theorien der demokratie eine typologie handlungstheoretisch begründeter demokratietheorien als ausgangspunkt komparativer demokratieforschung
Authors: schubert hans-joachim
Published: September 2005

why do actors participate in the democratic process? the sociological theory of democracy offers five modes of democratic action and democratic order: economic theory of democracy: strategic action and democracy as efficient market order. normativistic theory: emotional bounded action and solidarity with the great community. communitaristic theory: action as strong valuation and democracy as moral order. deliberative theory: communicative action and democracy as order of formal procedures. constitutional theory: reflexive or creative action and active trust in negotiated democratic orders.
what is axial about the axial age?
Authors: bellah robert n.
Published: September 2005

the idea of an axial age in the mid-first millennium b.c. has a long history but was crystallized by karl jaspers in his 1949 book the meaning and goal of history. since then, voegelin, eisenstadt and many others have contributed to clarifying the four cases of axial “breakthrough”, to use jaspers's term, namely ancient israel, greece, india, and china. a number of significant background conditions — economic, social, and political — have been identified that indicate dramatic social change all across the old world, but there is no clear indication of the causal relation of these changes to the emergence of strikingly new cultural-religious formations. this article uses categories derived from the work of merlin donald to argue that in all four cases “theoretic” culture was applied to the reformulation of basic cultural premises, though “mimetic” and “narrative” traditions that had been central in older civilizations continued to be significant, but reformulated in the light of the new theoretic understandings. the four cases, however, are far from homogeneous. they show such differences between them that we can speak of “multiple axialities”, as we have come to speak of “multiple modernities”.
Clonal analysis of the serogroup B meningococci causing New Zealand's epidemic
Authors: DYET K. H. , MARTIN D. R.
Published: September 2005

An epidemic of meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B meningococci expressing the P1.7-2,4 PorA protein began in New Zealand in 1991. The PorA type has remained stable. Different porB have been found in association with the P1.7-2,4 PorA, although type 4 has been most common. The clonal origins of B:P1.7-2,4 meningococci isolated from cases during 1990 to the end of 2003 were analysed. In 1990, the year immediately preceding the recognized increase in disease rates, all three subclones (ST-41, ST-42, and ST-154) of the ST-41/44 clonal complex occurred among the five isolates of B:P1.7-2,4. The two sequence types, ST-42 and ST-154, continued to cause most disease throughout New Zealand. Isolates belonging to subclone ST-41 were mostly identified early in the epidemic and in the South Island. 16S rRNA typing indicated that isolates belonging to the subclones ST-41 and ST-154 share a common ancestor, with those typing as ST-42 more distantly related with some genetically ambiguous. It is possible that ST-41 and ST-154 may have evolved one from the other but evolution to ST-42 is more difficult to explain. It is possible that one or more of the ST types could have been introduced into New Zealand prior to the first detection of clinical cases in 1990. Genetic diversity may have occurred during carriage in the community.
Long-lasting Campylobacter jejuni contamination of milk associated with gastrointestinal illness in a farming family
Authors: SCHILDT M. , SAVOLAINEN S. , HÄNNINEN M.-L.
Published: September 2005

This report describes an outbreak of gastroenteritis of 5 months' duration in a farming family, associated with the consumption of unpasteurized cows' milk, where Campylobacter jejuni was implicated. A total of six individuals in the family acquired the illness, and two had several episodes of diarrhoea within the 5-month period. Identical PFGE genotypes of C. jejuni were isolated from human and bovine faeces, and bulk tank milk samples. Incompletely sealed rubber liners fitted to a milking machine shortly before the outbreak started was the probable reason, allowing faecal material to contaminate the milk over the period concerned.