bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The threshold for definition of impaired fasting glucose in a Japanese population
Authors: Inoue K. , Matsumoto M. , Akimoto K.
Published: September 2009

Aims  We examined whether the cut‐off value of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) for diagnosing impaired fasting glucose (IFG) should be lowered, using data from a large Japanese population.

Methods  A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 1998 to 2006. Follow‐up (2002–2006) data were merged with baseline (1998–2002) data, yielding 11 129 persons who had participated on both occasions. Among these, 10 475 persons who did not have diabetes (known diabetes or defined as FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/l) or suspected diabetes (glycated haemoglobin ≥ 6.4%) were analysed.

Results  During follow‐up of an average of 5.4 years, 279 (5.2%) out of 5372 men and 98 (1.9%) out of 5103 women developed diabetes. According to the three baseline FPG categories (< 5.6, 5.6–6.1 and 6.2–6.9 mmol/l), 28/3401 (0.8%), 91/1456 (6.3%) and 160/515 (31.1%), respectively, in men and 13/4231 (0.3%), 30/695 (4.3%) and 55/177 (31.1%), respectively, in women developed diabetes. The optimal cut‐off FPG value to predict diabetes was 5.7 mmol/l for both men (sensitivity 84.2%, specificity 76.9%) and women (81.6%, 91.0%). However, lowering the cut‐off from 6.1 to 5.7 mmol/l increased the prevalence of IFG 2.7‐fold in men and 3.0‐fold in women. Lowering the value further to 5.6 mmol/l increased the prevalence of IFG 3.8‐fold in men and 4.9‐fold in women.

Conclusions  It may be reasonable to retain the conventional lower FPG limit for IFG and treat FPG values of 5.6–6.1 mmol/l as non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia, considering the four‐ to fivefold increase in individuals classified as IFG when the new cut‐off is applied.
ACCOUNTING FOR NON‐COMPLIANCE IN THE ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED RESPONSE DATA
Authors: Van Den Hout Ardo , Klugkist Irene
Published: September 2009

The randomized response model is a misclassification design that is used to protect the privacy of respondents with respect to sensitive questions. Conditional misclassification probabilities are specified by the researcher and are therefore considered to be known. It is to be expected that some of the respondents do not comply with respect to the misclassification design. These respondents induce extra perturbation, which is not accounted for in the standard randomized response model. An extension of the randomized response model is presented that takes into account assumptions with respect to non‐compliance under simple random sampling. The extended model is investigated using Bayesian inference. The research is motivated by randomized response data concerning violations of regulations for social benefit.
Distributed Augmented Reality for Collaborative Design Applications
Authors: Ahlers Klaus H. , Kramer André , Breen David E. , Chevalier Pierre‐Yves , Crampton Chris , Rose Eric , Tuceryan Mihran , Whitaker Ross T. , Greer Douglas
Published: September 2009

This paper presents a system for constructing collaborative design applications based on distributed augmented reality. Augmented reality interfaces are a natural method for presenting computer‐based design by merging graphics with a view of the real world. Distribution enables users at remote sites to collaborate on design tasks. The users interactively control their local view, try out design options, and communicate design proposals. They share virtual graphical objects that substitute for real objects which are not yet physically created or are not yet placed into the real design environment.

We describe the underlying augmented reality system and in particular how it has been extended in order to support multi‐user collaboration. The construction of distributed augmented reality applications is made easier by a separation of interface, interaction and distribution issues. An interior design application is used as an example to demonstrate the advantages of our approach.
Reasoning About Gestural Interaction
Authors: Duke D.J.
Published: September 2009

Many of the reported developments in the design of virtual spaces or visualisation systems are based on improvements in technology, either physical devices or algorithms for achieving realistic renderings within real‐time constraints. While this experimental approach produces a wealth of empirical results, it operates largely without a sound underlying theory that can be used to design systems that will effectively support users in real‐world domains. One of the main problems is that these sophisticated technologies rely on, but rarely assess, the cognitive abilities of the user. This paper introduces a new approach to modelling human‐system interaction. A syndetic model combines a formal expression of system behaviour with an approximate representation of cognitive resources to allow reasoning about the flow and utilisation of information within the combined system. The power of the approach to provide insight into novel interaction techniques is illustrated by developing a syndetic model of a gesture‐driven user interface.
Spherical Triangular B‐splines with Application to Data Fitting
Authors: Pfeifle Ron , Seidel Hans‐Peter
Published: September 2009

Triangular B‐splines surfaces are a tool for representing arbitrary piecewise polynomial surfaces over planar triangulations, while automatically maintaining continuity properties across patch boundaries. Recently, Alfeld et al. [1] introduced the concept of spherical barycentric coordinates which allowed them to formulate Bernstein‐Bézier polynomials over the sphere.

In this paper we use the concept of spherical barycentric coordinates to develop a similar formulation for triangular B‐splines, which we call spherical triangular B‐splines. These splines defined over spherical triangulations share the same continuity properties and similar evaluation algorithms with their planar counterparts, but possess none of the annoying degeneracies found when trying to represent closed surfaces using planar parametric surfaces. We also present an example showing the use of these splines for approximating spherical scattered data.
An Incremental Alignment Algorithm for Parallel Volume Rendering
Authors: Or Daniel Cohen , Fleishman Shachar
Published: September 2009

This paper introduces a data distribution scheme and an alignment algorithm for parallel volume rendering. The algorithm performs a single wrap‐around shear transformation which requires only a regular inter‐processor communication pattern. The alignment can be implemented incrementally consisting of short distance shifts, thus significantly reducing the communication overhead. The alignment process is a non‐destructive transformation, consisting of a single non‐scaling shear operation. This is a unique feature which provides the basis for the incremental algorithm.
A Multimedia Constraint System1
Authors: van Hintum J.E.A. , Reynolds G.J.
Published: September 2009

The MADE constraint system provides excellent opportunities to introduce constraints in a multimedia application. Multimedia applications are not only a good place to experiment with constraint systems; constraints in a multimedia environment are almost indispensable. Due to the overwhelming amount of data and the number of relations between several parts of this data, multimedia applications almost demand the support of a constraint management system.

The MADE constraint system combines the object oriented programming paradigm, inherited from the mC++ language, the declarative constraint programming paradigm and the special requirements imposed upon the constraint system by the multimedia environment. Among other things, the MADE constraint system provides parallel satisfaction techniques; several constraints may be solved simultaneously and this satisfaction process is performed in parallel with the application. This not only reduces the time needed to solve the constraints, it also allows the multimedia application to proceed with its presentation while (beneath the surface) the constraints are maintained. This not only holds for the parts of the presentation that are not constrained at all, but also for those parts that are. Furthermore, the constraint system is transparent to the multimedia application; no special coding or preparation of the objects in the application is necessary. Constraints can be added later to the application without much work. Besides that, it is also possible to add and remove constraints at runtime; objects may be constrained for only a period of the time the application is running.
The MADE Help System
Authors: Haindl Michal , de Ruiter Bèhr
Published: September 2009

MADE is the acronym for the ESPRIT project 6307, whose aim is to develop an object oriented multimedia application development environment. As part of this project the MADE help system is designed to be a distributed hypermedia system with additional support for run‐time object monitoring and contextual help.
A Direct Manipulation Interface for 3D Computer Animation
Authors: Snibbe Scott Sona
Published: September 2009

We present a new set of interface techniques for visualizing and editing animation directly in a single three‐dimensional scene. Motion is edited using direct‐manipulation tools which satisfy high‐level goals such as “reach this point at this time” or “go faster at this moment”. These tools can be applied over an arbitrary temporal range and maintain arbitrary degrees of spatial and temporal continuity.

We separate spatial and temporal control of position by using two curves for each animated object: the motion path which describes the 3D spatial path along which an object travels, and the motion graph, a function describing the distance traveled along this curve over time. Our direct‐manipulation tools are implemented using displacement functions, a straightforward and scalable technique for satisfying motion constraints by composition of the displacement function with the motion graph or motion path. This paper will focus on applying displacement functions to positional change. However, the techniques presented are applicable to the animation of orientation, color, or any other attribute that varies over time.
The HUMANOID Environment for Interactive Animation of Multiple Deformable Human Characters
Authors: Boulic R. , Capin T. , Huang Z. , Kalra P. , Lintermann B. , Magnenat‐Thalmann N. , Moccozet L. , Molet T. , Pandzic I. , Saar K. , Schmitt A. , Shen J. , Thalmann D.
Published: September 2009

We describe the HUMANOID environment dedicated to human modeling and animation for general multimedia, VR, and CAD applications integrating virtual humans. We present the design of the system and the integration of the various features: generic modeling of a large class of entities with the BODY data structure, realistic skin deformation for body and hands, facial animation, collision detection, integrated motion control and parallelization of computation intensive tasks.
Discrete Ray‐Tracing of Huge Voxel Spaces
Authors: Stolte Nilo , Caubet René
Published: September 2009

The quality of images produced by Discrete Ray‐Tracing voxel spaces is highly dependent on 3d grid resolution. The huge amount of memory needed to store such grids often discards discrete Ray‐Tracing as a practical visualization algorithm. The use of an octree can drastically change this when most of space is empty, as such is the case in most scenes.

Although the memory problem can be bypassed using the octree, the performance problem still remains. A known fact is that the performance of discrete traversal is optimal for quite low resolutions. This problem can be easily solved by dividing the task in two steps, working in two low resolutions instead of just one high resolution, thus taking advantage of optimal times in both steps. This is possible thanks to the octree property of representing the same scene in several different resolutions. This article presents a two step Discrete Ray‐Tracing method using an octree and shows, by comparing it with the single step version, that a substantial gain in performance is achieved.
A Graph–Based Approach to Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Mencl Robert
Published: September 2009

A new approach to the reconstruction of a surface from an unorganized set of points in space is presented. The point set may for example be obtained with a laser scanner or a manual digitizing tool, and is the only source of information about the shape of the acquired object. The basic idea is to calculate the Euclidean minimum spanning tree (EMST) of the given points. The EMST is then augmented to the so‐called surface description graph (SDG). Finally the wire frame defined by the SDG are filled with triangles. The advantage of our approach is that also highly non‐convex and even disconnected surfaces are reconstructed quite reliably. This is demonstrated for a variety of data sets.
Fair Surface Reconstruction Using Quadratic Functionals
Authors: Kolb Andreas , Pottmann Helmut , Seidel Hans‐Peter
Published: September 2009

An algorithm for surface reconstruction from a polyhedron with arbitrary topology consisting of triangular faces is presented. The first variant of the algorithm constructs a curve network consisting of cubic Bézier curves meeting with tangent plane continuity at the vertices. This curve network is extended to a smooth surface by replacing each of the networks facets with a split patch consisting of three triangular Bézier patches. The remaining degrees of freedom of the curve network and the split patches are determined by minimizing a quadratic functional. This optimization process works either for the curve network and the split patches separately or in one simultaneous step. The second variant of our algorithm is based on the construction of an optimized curve network with higher continuity. Examples demonstrate the quality of the different methods.
‘Order Out of Chaos’: The Politics of Transitional Justice
Authors: McGrattan Cillian
Published: September 2009

This article critically assesses the application of the ‘transitional justice’ model of conflict transformation in Northern Ireland. The model addresses a number of important issues for societies emerging from violent conflict, including victims’ rights and dealing with the past. This article claims that the model is founded upon highly contentious political assumptions that give rise to a problematic framing of the issues involved. The underlying implication is that by eschewing basic political analysis in favour of unexamined ideals concerning conflict transformation, the TJ approach belies its commitment to truth recovery, victims’ rights and democratic accountability.
The Challenge of Sustainability in the Politics of Climate Change: A Finnish Perspective on the Clean Development Mechanism
Authors: Teräväinen Tuula
Published: September 2009

This article addresses an international dimension in the politics of climate change by scrutinising the objective of sustainable development in the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Through the example of Finland, which has been one of the world's pioneering countries in utilising the CDM, this article analyses the degree to which the current mainstream eco-modernist policy discourse is reflected in national policy documents and what kinds of implications this has for the CDM's objective of sustainable development. The results point to ambiguities in Finnish policies, especially in terms of balancing national interests and broader developmental objectives.
The Policy Brief: Building Practical and Academic Skills in International Relations and Political Science
Authors: Boys James D. , Keating Michael F.
Published: September 2009

The policy brief is an innovative and underutilised form of teaching, learning and assessment which provides undergraduate students with practical skills that translate directly into the workplace. This alternative to standard essays also challenges students to expand their research, writing and presentation skills. Further pedagogical advantages include assisting students in building personal development portfolios, improving internship programmes and making it difficult to plagiarise. International relations and political science curricula in the UK would benefit from the wider use of this tool.
The Truth about Interviewing Elites
Authors: Morris Zoë Slote
Published: September 2009

This article reviews the small literature on how to interview elites. It examines the veracity of three sets of assumptions embedded in the literature: about the nature of truth; dishonest respondents; and sophisticated but powerless researchers. It suggests ways forward, including ensuring that researchers place their work in more explicit philosophical and reflexive frameworks. This would result in more rigorous research and improved pedagogy.
Liberalism, Democracy and the Ethics of Voting
Authors: Lever Annabelle
Published: September 2009

This article summarises objections to compulsory voting developed in my previous work. It shows that compulsory turnout is harder to justify than compulsory voting and that considerations of democratic legitimacy do not usually justify it either. When abstention is morally wrong, it is unlikely to be because it is unfair to those who voted. So concerns for fairness will not justify compulsory voting. The article shows that democracy is a competitive as well as a co-operative business, and this means that political ethics are more complex than proponents of compulsory voting suppose.
Product Market Competition, Managerial Incentives and Firm Valuation
Authors: Beiner Stefan , Schmid Markus M. , Wanzenried Gabrielle
Published: September 2009

This paper contributes to the very small empirical literature on the effects of competition on managerial incentive schemes. Based on a theoretical model that incorporates both strategic interaction between firms and a principal agent relationship, we analyse the relationship between product market competition, incentive schemes and firm valuation. The model predicts a nonlinear relationship between the intensity of product market competition and the strength of managerial incentives. We test the implications of our model empirically based on a unique and hand‐collected dataset comprising over 600 observations on 200 Swiss firms over the 2002–2005 period. Our results suggest that, consistent with the implications of our model, the relation between product market competition and managerial intensive schemes is convex indicating that above a certain level of intensity in product market competition, the marginal effect of competition on the strength of the incentive schemes increases in the level of competition. Moreover, competition is associated with lower firm values. These results are robust to accounting for a potential endogeneity of managerial incentives and firm value in a simultaneous equations framework.
Plugging the Prisoner Finance Gap: A Critical Analysis of Financial Support for Newly‐Released Prisoners
Authors: HARTFREE YVETTE , DEARDEN CHRIS , POUND ELSPETH
Published: September 2009

Abstract: The prison discharge grant is intended to meet prisoners' immediate needs on release and assist with living costs prior to their receiving their first benefit payment. It has been widely criticised for providing inadequate financial support, leaving prisoners with a gap in their finances on release. This article discusses the extent to which recent policy developments have been effective in closing this gap. The analysis is based on data from a longitudinal qualitative study of 40 prisoners who were tracked over a six‐month period following their release from prison. This research shows that despite new policy initiatives the prisoner finance gap remains.
Faith as Self‐Understanding: Towards a Post‐Barthian Appreciation of Rudolf Bultmann
Authors: MYERS BENJAMIN
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  The tradition of post‐Barthian systematic theology has consistently criticized Rudolf Bultmann's doctrine of faith. Following Barth's critique, contemporary theologians have argued that Bultmann's concept of faith as self‐understanding undermines the reality of God and reduces theology to anthropology. This article argues that such arguments rest on a misreading of Bultmann. Far from anthropologizing theological knowledge, Bultmann identifies faith with self‐understanding precisely in order to maintain the distinctiveness of God's reality. According to Bultmann, the locus of all true knowledge of God is the living christological event of divine–human encounter in which God is both related to and differentiated from humanity. This conception of God and faith remains relevant, and it offers valuable resources to theological reflection today.
Descartes: God as the Idea of Infinity
Authors: CRUMPLIN MARY‐ANN
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  This article returns to Descartes' texts and correspondence and looks to recent scholarship to reveal three key elements of Descartes' distinctive epistemological structure. It shows that because objectors ignore Descartes' opposition to the ‘order of being’ they are led to a binary and incorrect reading of his argument. However, by correctly following Descartes' own logic, the method of doubt can be used to prove the existence of an infinite God.
Building capacity for anaesthesia in low resource settings
Authors: Grady K
Published: September 2009

Direct causes of maternal deaths are responsible for about 80% of maternal mortality in developing regions of the world. Death from any one of these can be prevented by the use of relatively inexpensive, simple medical interventions which includes the use of anesthesia and anesthetic techniques. Lack of anesthetic care and anesthesia has been recognized as a limiting factor to successful provision of life saving interventions that could prevent maternal deaths in low resource settings. Doctor anesthetists are few and the anesthetic care has been adequately provided by non doctor anesthetist in many of these settings. Increasing the numbers of non doctor anesthetists and strengthening their capacity where they exist, is a strategy which will contribute to maternal mortality reduction in such settings. Several UK based organizations have contributed to increasing the capacity to deliver anesthesia in developing countries over the past 15‐20 years. Learning from their experiences, a high level of training in anesthesia for non doctors can be introduced or existing programmes improved upon. This article proposes a mechanism to achieve this through national and international links for resource poor settings.
Thioctic acid protects against carrageenan‐induced acute inflammation in rats by reduction in oxidative stress, downregulation of COX‐2 mRNA and enhancement of IL‐10 mRNA
Authors: El‐Shitany Nagla A. , El‐Masry Sanaa A. , El‐Ghareib Mahmoud A. , El‐Desoky Karema
Published: September 2009

Free radicals are highly reactive species which played an important role in the pathogenesis of acute inflammation. In this study, the protective role of the known antioxidant, thioctic acid, in carrageenan‐induced acute inflammation in rats was assessed and was compared to the reference non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) indomethacin. In addition, the roles of oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO), inducible cyclooxygenase isoform (COX‐2) and interleukin (IL)‐10 mRNA expressions in thioctic acid‐induced effects were also investigated. Inflammation was induced by injection of 0.1 ml of 1.5% carrageenan into the plantar side of right hind paws of the rats. Thioctic acid (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg), indomethacin (10 mg/kg), DMSO and saline were injected i.p. 2 h before carrageenan injection. The percentage increase in paw weight was calculated. Frozen hind paw were used for estimation of lipid peroxides (MDA), NO, GSH, COX‐2 and IL‐10 mRNA expression. Formalin fixed hind paw were used for histopathological examination. Thioctic acid (200 mg/kg) reduced both paw edema formation and lymphocytes infiltration more significant than indomethacin itself: Both thioctic acid and indomethacin reduced paw MDA and NO formation. In addition, both agents restored the depleted GSH contents in the paw. Thioctic acid decreased the elevated COX‐2 mRNA while indomethacin, failed. Furthermore, thioctic acid increased IL‐10 mRNA expression while indomethacin decreased its expression. Thioctic acid exhibited a potent anti‐inflammatory effect on carrageenan‐induced inflammation compared to the NSAID indomethacin. The mechanisms of thioctic induced protection were proved to be due to reduction of NO, MDA, COX‐2 mRNA and induction of GSH, IL‐10 mRNA.
Low‐Paid Employment and Unemployment Dynamics in Australia*
Authors: BUDDELMEYER HIELKE , LEE WANG‐SHENG , WOODEN MARK
Published: September 2009

This article uses longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (or HILDA) Survey to examine the extent to which the relatively high rates of transition from low‐paid employment into unemployment are the result of disadvantageous personal characteristics or are instead a function of low‐paid work itself. Dynamic random effects probit models of the likelihood of unemployment are estimated. After controlling for unobserved heterogeneity and initial conditions, we find that, relative to high‐paid employment, low‐paid employment is associated with a higher risk of unemployment, but this effect is only significant among women. We also find only weak evidence that low‐paid employment is a conduit for repeat unemployment.
Coupling of deformation and reactions during mid‐crustal shear zone development: an in situ frictional–viscous transition
Authors: MARSH J. H. , JOHNSON S. E. , YATES M. G. , WEST JR D. P.
Published: September 2009

A well preserved strain and reaction gradient records the progressive transformation of a megacrystic Kfs+Cpx+Opx+Bt1±Qtz syenitic pluton to a strongly sheared Kfs+Act+Bt2+Ab+Qtz tectonite within the exhumed Norumbega Fault System, Maine, USA. Detailed microstructural analysis indicates that fracturing and localized fluid infiltration initiated the deconstruction of the existing K‐feldspar and two‐pyroxene load‐bearing framework, and that feedback among metamorphic reactions, fabric development and enhanced permeability during progressive shearing led to the development of an interconnected, biotite‐ and actinolite‐rich foliation. The activation of dislocation creep in biotite and quartz, and dissolution–precipitation creep in actinolite and feldspar, with increasing strain ultimately resulted in a transition from dominantly frictional to dominantly viscous deformation processes. Petrological data show that various scales of geochemical disequilibrium exist across the strain and reaction gradient, and that reaction progress was limited by slow chemical diffusion during the early stages of deformation. Petrological modelling results indicate that the existing plutonic assemblage was metastable at mid‐crustal conditions, and that fluid infiltration and deformation allowed the product assemblage to advance towards chemical equilibration. Comparison of the observed microstructures and deformation mechanisms with experimental and numerical modelling results suggest that the development of an interconnected biotite‐dominated fabric probably caused a major (up to three fold) reduction in bulk rock strength and localization of strain into the foliated margin.
The Role of Negative Emotions on Adolescent Evaluation of Clinical Reproductive Healthcare Services
Authors: Alden Dana L. , Chen Qimei
Published: September 2009

Despite extensive research on adults, we know relatively little about the factors and processes that influence adolescent satisfaction with clinical reproductive healthcare. In this study, survey responses from 135 adolescent clinic users in the western U.S. support a client‐satisfaction model that differs from the traditional coping response framework by featuring negative emotions as a primary antecedent of service‐quality evaluations, rather than a consequence. Quality evaluations directly impacted satisfaction, which, in turn, affected word of mouth and intentions to return to the clinic. This research represents an initial step toward better understanding of ways that adolescents may differ from adults on factors influencing satisfaction with clinical reproductive healthcare and, hence, holds both theoretical and managerial significance.
Social Attractiveness and Blame
Authors: Alicke Mark D. , Zell Ethan
Published: September 2009

Blame attributions are influenced by various extralegal factors, although at present there is no compelling evidence to link what may be one of the most pervasive sources of bias in blame judgments—an actor's social attractiveness or likableness—to blame attributions. We conducted 2 studies that varied an actor's social attractiveness and assessed its influence on blame. Social attractiveness influenced blame ratings in both studies, and perceptions of the actor's likableness mediated this effect.
Episodic Envy
Authors: Cohen‐Charash Yochi
Published: September 2009

Episodic envy, the unpleasant emotion resulting from a specific negative social comparison, is discussed. A new measure designed to assess it is developed, validated, and cross‐validated in 3 studies. The implications of episodic envy are also examined. Results show that episodic envy is composed of a feeling component and a comparison component; and is different from unfairness, admiration, and competition. The feeling component is strongly correlated with negative emotional reactions (anxiety, depression, negative mood, hostility) and behavioral reactions (e.g., harming the other, creating a negative work atmosphere) to envy. The comparison component is correlated with behaviors intended to improve one's position in the organization. Episodic envy predicts reactions to envy above and beyond dispositional envy.
Rater Effects and Attitudinal Barriers Affecting People With Disabilities in Personnel Selection1
Authors: Leasher Megan K. , Miller Corey E. , Gooden Martin P.
Published: September 2009

This study assessed potential barriers of the employment of individuals with disabilities. Participants reviewed the interview notes and résumé of a simulated applicant with a disability, along with the job description for a simulated position. Hiring ratings were assigned, followed by a series of measures assessing personality and attitudes toward people with disabilities. Results indicate that variance in both hiring ratings and attitudes differed as a function of individual differences in raters, suggesting that individual differences not only affect attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, but also impact subsequent hiring recommendations. Findings can be used by human resource professionals to eliminate attitudinal barriers in employment of applicants with disabilities, as well as stress the diversification of selection committees.
A stochastic model for transepidermal drug delivery
Authors: Zhong Wen , Xing Malcolm M. Q. , Hui Xiaoying , Maibach Howard I.
Published: September 2009

Background: Topical drug application has been widely used to manage skin diseases as well as to treat a variety of local and systemic disorders. To evaluate the efficiency of transepidermal drug delivery, an efficient model is needed to study the process of percutaneous transport.

Model description: A stochastic model based on Monte Carlo methods and Cellular Automata is presented in this work to study the molecular transport through the stratum corneum of the human skin, which is a typical process in transepidermal drug delivery.

Methods: To validate the model, an in vitro experiment on percutaneous absorption of radioactive 17β‐estradiol was performed.

Results and discussion: The simulation results agree with the experimental data.

Conclusion: The use and power of the presented approach in studying the process of transepidermal drug delivery were demonstrated.
Melanin and facial skin fluorescence as markers of yellowish discoloration with aging
Authors: Ohshima Hiroshi , Oyobikawa Midori , Tada Akihiro , Maeda Tetsuo , Takiwaki Hirotsugu , Itoh Masatoshi , Kanto Hiromi
Published: September 2009

Background: Although one clinical sign of aging and/or photoaging is a yellowish discoloration of the facial skin, little is known about the cause of this change. In addition to the increase in the epidermal melanin content, it has been suggested that advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are known to accumulate in photoaged skin, may affect this discoloration.

Aim: The objective of this pilot study was to non‐invasively investigate the roles of melanin and AGEs in this yellowish discoloration of the facial skin.

Methods: We examined the spectral reflectance at the cheek in 40 healthy Japanese women of various ages (mean age, 38.1 years) using a reflectance spectrophotometer and a spectrofluorimeter. The degree of yellowish tint was evaluated in terms of b*. The amount of melanin in the skin was evaluated by calculating the melanin index (MI) A640–A670 [Aλ: log10 (1/reflectance) at a wavelength of λ]. The amount of AGEs was roughly evaluated using the AGEs index, which is thought to linearly correlate with the amount of intrinsic fluorescence markers irrespective of the concentration of melanin and is defined as follows: AGEs index=I5/SQR (I1×I2). In this equation, the intensities of reflectance are I1 at an excitation wavelength of 335 nm, I2 at an emission wavelength of 390 nm and I5 at 390 nm under an excitation wavelength of 335 nm.

Results: Both b* and the AGEs index were significantly correlated with subject age (r=0.34, P<0.05 and r=0.68, P<0.0001, respectively). Significant correlations were also observed between MI and b* (r=0.63, P<0.0001) and between the AGEs index and b* (r=0.53, P<0.0005). However, no significant correlations were seen between MI and the AGEs index.

Conclusion: The AGEs index does not appear to be influenced by the amount of melanin and may be utilized as an indicator of the amount of AGEs in the skin. AGEs are likely to play a role in the yellowish discoloration of skin with aging.
Mapping tree species in temperate deciduous woodland using time‐series multi‐spectral data
Authors: Hill R. A. , Wilson A.K. , George M. , Hinsley S.A.
Published: September 2009

Questions: What is the optimum combination of image dates across a growing season for tree species differentiation in multi‐spectral data and how does species composition affect overstorey canopy density?

Location: Monks Wood, Cambridgeshire, eastern England, UK.

Methods: Six overstorey tree species were mapped using five Airborne Thematic Mapper images acquired across the 2003 growing season (17 March, 30 May, 16 July, 23 September, 27 October). After image pre‐processing, supervised maximum likelihood classification was performed on the images and on all two‐, three‐, four‐ and five‐date combinations. Relationships between tree species composition and canopy density were assessed using regression analyses.

Results: The image with the greatest tree species discrimination was acquired on 27/10 when the overstorey species were in different stages of leaf tinting and fall. In this image, tree species were mapped with an overall classification accuracy (OCA) of 71% (kappa 0.63). A similar OCA was achieved from the other four images combined (OCA 72%, kappa 0.64). The highest classification accuracy was achieved by combining three images: 17 March, 16 July, 27 October. This achieved an OCA of 84% (kappa 0.79), increasing to 88% (kappa 0.85) after a post‐classification clump and sieve procedure. Canopy height and percentage cover of oak explained 72% of variance in canopy density.

Conclusions: The ability to discriminate and map temperate deciduous tree species in airborne multi‐spectral imagery is increased using time‐series data. An autumn image supplemented with an image from both the green‐up and full‐leaf phases was optimum. The derived tree species map provides a more powerful ecological tool for determining woodland structural/compositional relationships than field‐based measures.
A LAWYER FOR EVERY CHILD: CLIENT‐DIRECTED REPRESENTATION IN DEPENDENCY CASES
Authors: Taylor LaShanda
Published: September 2009

The article begins with a due process analysis concluding that children are legally entitled to counsel and continues by presenting examples of federal and state legislation, court decisions, and public policy arguments that support this right. The article then goes a step further to advocate for a traditional, client‐directed model of representation, which empowers children and leads to better judicial decision making. Finally, the article discusses the impact of high caseloads and lack of training on attorney performance. This article serves as an important addition to the academic literature examining the need for and role of the child's attorney in dependency proceedings.
WHERE IS THE JUSTICE? PARENTAL EXPERIENCES OF THE CANADIAN JUSTICE SYSTEM IN CASES OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE*
Authors: Alaggia Ramona , Lambert Elizabeth , Regehr Cheryl
Published: September 2009

Research concerning child victims of sexual abuse in the judicial system cites largely negative experiences and outcomes. However, few investigations focus on parental experiences of the justice system. Using a grounded theory method this Canadian study explored parental experiences of legal and judicial processes for child sexual abuse victims. Nineteen in‐depth interviews with parents encountering the justice system, as well as interviews with professionals working in those systems were analyzed. Results show a wide range of experiences, with parents reporting predominantly negative outcomes that potentially impede healing for children, indicating earlier judicial reforms have not been realized. Recommendations call for structural changes in the judicial system and more provision of parent‐focused supports.
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER AND THE FAMILY COURT
Authors: Eme Robert
Published: September 2009

A major focus of the Youth at Risk Initiative is the provision of appropriate community based mental health services to help prevent unnecessary residential placement of troubled youth and thereby reduce the risk of troubled youth becoming criminal offenders. Yet, inexplicably, one of the major factors contributing to the risk of criminal offending has received scant attention. That factor is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This article established the widespread prevalence of ADHD among troubled youth and hence, the critical importance of identifying and treating ADHD as an essential component for any best practices model for the Family Court. It also examined the major mechanisms whereby ADHD increases the risk for criminal offending.
PARENTING COORDINATION AND COURT RELITIGATION: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Henry Wilma J. , Fieldstone Linda , Bohac Kelly
Published: September 2009

This case study explores the degree to which the number of court motions changed 1 year after parenting coordination was implemented with high‐conflict co‐parenting couples and examines the parents' demographic profile. Findings indicate a reduction of approximately 75% in child‐related court filings, as well as a 40% decrease in other motions, resulting in a decrease of 50% in all motions filed, thus saving these once high‐conflict couples, and the court, significant time and resources. The diverse demographic profile illuminates training and research implications regarding the use of parenting coordination as an intervention for high‐conflict co‐parenting couples.
WHO'S YOUR DADDY?: THE INHERENT UNFAIRNESS OF THE MARITAL PRESUMPTION FOR CHILDREN OF UNMARRIED PARENTS*
Authors: Moulton Rebecca
Published: September 2009

Many states have marital presumptions of legitimacy, which provide children born to married parents with protection against paternity lawsuits questioning their legitimacy. However, most states do not have legitimacy presumption statutes for unmarried couples. This lack of equality between married and unmarried couples makes it so that children born to unmarried parents, who have developed a psychological bond with a man they have always thought to be their father, are not afforded the same protection as other children in similar situations, simply because their parents were not married at the time of their birth. Therefore, this Note advocates for states to amend their paternity statutes to provide protection against nonpaternity lawsuits to psychological fathers and their psychological children. State statutes should provide a psychological father with the right to be declared the legal parent of his psychological child in cases where the child's legal father has been substantially absent from the child's life.
NEED TO BE HEARD: INCREASING CHILD PARTICIPATION IN PROTECTION MEDIATION THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MODEL STANDARDS*
Authors: Jordan Krystle
Published: September 2009

There are more than three million reports of abuse and neglect each year. Some children may enter the court system while others will voluntarily or by court order enter a mediation program. What these children have in common is these youths are often removed from their home and placed in foster or institutional care without ever expressing their wishes or concerns. This Note advocates for the adoption of model standards drafted to ensure universal and meaningful child participation. The Model Standards are set forth in detail and accompanied by useful tips on their implementation. Through the course of this Note, the benefits of child participation are outlined, as are the reasons most often given for denying children the opportunity to meaningfully participate. The Note concludes with an explanation of how the benefits derived from implementing these standards far outweigh any potential negative side effects.
A novel HLA‐B allele, B*5214, detected in a Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donor using a sequence‐based typing method
Authors: Chen M. J. , Chu C. C. , Shyr M. H. , Lin C. L. , Lin P. Y. , Yang K. L.
Published: September 2009

HLA‐B*5214, a novel rare allele of HLA‐B*52 variant, was found in a Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donor by sequence‐based typing method. The sequence of B*5214 is identical to that of B*520101 in exon 2 but differs from B*520101 in exon 3 at nucleotide positions 419 A→T and 435 A→G. Alteration of these two nucleotides resulted an amino acid substitution at amino acid residue 116 Y→F ( TAC→TTC) and a silent exchange at residue 121 K→K (AAA→AAG).
Pediatric influenza‐associated myositis – Nebraska, 2001–2007
Authors: Buss Bryan F. , Shinde Vivek M. , Safranek Thomas J. , Uyeki Timothy M.
Published: September 2009

Objective  Influenza‐associated myositis (IAM), characterized by severe lower‐extremity myalgia and reluctance to walk, is a complication of influenza among children. We investigated IAM in Nebraska during six influenza seasons, 2001–2007.

Methods  During 2006–2007, we requested reports of severe influenza illness among persons aged <18 years and investigated medical records to identify and confirm IAM cases defined as severe myalgia with elevated serum creatinine kinase level in a patient aged <18 years, occurring within 7 days of laboratory confirmed influenza illness onset. Statewide hospital discharge data (HDD) were reviewed to identify retrospectively confirmed IAM cases during 2006–2007 and five previous seasons, by using surveillance data to define periods of influenza activity. Statewide IAM incidence was estimated for 2001–2002 through 2006–2007.

Results  During 2006–2007, a total of 13 IAM cases were confirmed by enhanced surveillance. Median age was 6 years (range, 4–11 years). Influenza diagnosis was established by viral isolation from six patients (one influenza A and five influenza B) and rapid diagnostic tests for seven. Twelve (92%) patients, including one who died, were hospitalized for a median of 3 days (range, 1–4 days). Review of HDD identified 12 retrospectively confirmed IAM cases during 2006–2007, including four not reported through enhanced surveillance, and only one during five previous seasons (2003–2004). The HDD‐derived, retrospectively confirmed statewide IAM incidence estimates/1 00 000 population aged <18 years were 2·693 and 0·225 during 2006–2007 and 2003–2004, respectively.

Conclusion  An IAM epidemic occurred in Nebraska during the 2006–2007 influenza season.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Green Tea Extract and Its Effect on the Biscuits Lipid Fraction Oxidative Stability
Authors: Mildner‐Szkudlarz S. , Zawirska‐Wojtasiak R. , Obuchowski W. , Gośliński M.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  This article investigates the effect of green tea extract (GTE) on biscuits lipid fraction oxidative stability. The antioxidant activity of GTE was compared with commonly used synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Biscuits were prepared in 3 variations. Control samples were prepared without addition of antioxidants. The other variations were prepared by adding BHA (0.02%) and GTE at 3 different levels: 0.02%, 0.1%, and 1%. Biscuits were subjected to sensory studies and instrumental and chemical analysis. Phenolic compounds of GTE characterized powerful antioxidant activities evaluated using free radical, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl method, compared with gallic acid and significantly better than BHA. Antioxidants added to the samples clearly slowed down the process of oxidation of fatty acids, inhibiting the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decomposition. Addition of GTE at the level of 1% gave an excellent antioxidant effect on the biscuits lipid stability, inhibiting hydroperoxides formation by about 47% to 73% compared with BHA, which showed about 16% to 60% inhibition. However, GTE did not improve significantly lipid stability, measured by anisidine value (p‐AV), and inhibited formation of secondary oxidation products only by 3.5%. After accelerated storage time, insensitivity of oxidized‐like flavor was about 2 times higher for control samples compared to samples with addition of antioxidants. Moreover, after storage biscuits treated with natural antioxidant received a higher panel score of overall acceptance compared to samples with BHA. Using volatile compound formation as a marker of lipid oxidation, both GTE and BHA were effective inhibitors of the decomposition of hydroperoxides.
Monoclonal Antibody‐Based Sandwich ELISA for Reliable Identification of Imported Pangasius Catfish
Authors: Hsieh Yun‐Hwa P. , Chen Yi‐Tien , Gajewski Kamil
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  Pangasius catfish, primarily tra (Pangasius hypophthalmus) and basa (Pangasius bocourti), are farm‐raised catfish imported from Asia and have become a common substitute for domestic catfish, grouper, and other high‐valued fish in restaurant‐served dishes in the United States. This article reports on the development of a monoclonal antibody‐based sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the identification of cooked Pangasius fish, basa, and tra. The assay uses a pair of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs F7B8 and T7E10) specific to a heat‐stable 36‐kDa protein present in a saline extraction of the fish muscle; MAb F7B8, which cross‐reacts to all fish species, is the capture antibody and the biotin‐conjugated MAb T7E10, which is specific to Pangasius fish, is the detection antibody. This sandwich ELISA reliably identified fully cooked basa and tra from more than 70 common finfish, shellfish, land animal species, and other protein materials tested. It can also sensitively detect 0.5% of adulterated basa or 0.1% tra in a mixed crabmeat products with low intra‐assay (%CV: 2.59 to 4.14) and inter‐assay (%CV: 3.36 to 3.71) variabilities. The new assay provides a rapid and reliable means of distinguishing fish in the Pangasiidae family from other common food fish and nonfish species and will greatly assist efforts to discourage the illegal practice of substituting high‐value popular fish species by the cheaper farm‐raised imported Pangasius fish at the retail and restaurant levels.