bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus from Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug) in the Middle East
Authors: Marjuki Henju , Wernery Ulrich , Yen Hui-Ling , Franks John , Seiler Patrick , Walker David , Krauss Scott , Webster Robert G.
Published: November 2008

There is accumulating evidence that birds of prey are susceptible to fatal infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. We studied the antigenic, molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenic properties of 2 HPAI H5N1 viruses isolated from dead falcons in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Phylogenetic and antigenic analyses grouped both isolates in clade 2.2 (Qinghai-like viruses). However, the viruses appeared to have spread westward via different flyways. It remains unknown how these viruses spread so rapidly from Qinghai after the 2005 outbreak and how they were introduced into falcons in these two countries. The H5N1 outbreaks in the Middle East are believed by some to be mediated by wild migratory birds. However, sporting falcons may be at additional risk from the illegal import of live quail to feed them.
Nonrandomized Comparison of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for the Treatment of Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease in Octogenarians
Authors: Rodés-Cabau Josep , DeBlois Jonathan , Bertrand Olivier F. , Mohammadi Siamak , Courtis Javier , Larose Eric , Dagenais François , Déry Jean-Pierre , Mathieu Patrick , Rousseau Melanie , Barbeau Gérald , Baillot Richard , Gleeton Onil , Perron Jean , Nguyen Can M. , Roy Louis , Doyle Daniel , De Larochellière Robert , Bogaty Peter , Voisine Pierre
Published: November 2008

Background—

The objective of the present study was to compare the midterm follow-up results of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG) for the treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery disease in octogenarians.

Methods and Results—

A total of 249 consecutive patients ≥80 years of age diagnosed with left main coronary artery disease underwent coronary revascularization in our center between January 2002 and January 2008; 145 patients underwent CABG, and 104 patients had PCI. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE [cardiac death, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular event, revascularization]) were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 23±16 months. Patients who underwent PCI were older; had higher creatinine levels, lower ejection fraction, and higher EuroSCORE; and presented more frequently with an acute coronary syndrome. Drug-eluting stents were used in 48% of PCI patients. A propensity score analysis was performed to adjust for baseline differences between the 2 groups. Survival free of cardiac death or myocardial infarction (PCI, 65.4%; CABG, 69.7%) and MACCE-free survival (PCI, 56.7%; CABG, 64.8%) at follow-up were similar between the groups (adjusted hazard ratio for survival free of cardiac death or myocardial infarction, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.64 to 2.56;
P
=0.47; adjusted hazard ratio for MACCE-free survival, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.59 to 2.0;
P
=0.73). The EuroSCORE value was an independent predictor of MACCE regardless of the type of revascularization (hazard ratio, 1.17 for each EuroSCORE increase of 1 point; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.25;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

In this single-center, nonrandomized study, there were no significant differences in cardiac death or myocardial infarction and MACCE between CABG and PCI for the treatment of left main coronary artery disease in octogenarians after a mean follow-up of 2 years. Baseline EuroSCORE was the most important predictor of MACCE regardless of the type of revascularization. Randomized studies comparing both revascularization strategies in this high-risk coronary population are warranted.
Catheter Ablation Versus Antiarrhythmic Drugs for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Jaïs Pierre , Cauchemez Bruno , Macle Laurent , Daoud Emile , Khairy Paul , Subbiah Rajesh , Hocini Mélèze , Extramiana Fabrice , Sacher Fréderic , Bordachar Pierre , Klein George , Weerasooriya Rukshen , Clémenty Jacques , Haïssaguerre Michel
Published: November 2008

Background—

The mainstay of treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains pharmacological; however, catheter ablation has increasingly been used over the last decade. The relative merits of each strategy have not been extensively studied.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a randomized multicenter comparison of these 2 treatment strategies in patients with paroxysmal AF resistant to at least 1 antiarrhythmic drug. The primary end point was absence of recurrent AF between months 3 and 12, absence of recurrent AF after up to 3 ablation procedures, or changes in antiarrhythmic drugs during the first 3 months. Ablation consisted of pulmonary vein isolation in all cases, whereas additional extrapulmonary vein lesions were at the discretion of the physician. Crossover was permitted at 3 months in case of failure. Echocardiographic data, symptom score, exercise capacity, quality of life, and AF burden were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months by the supervising committee. Of 149 eligible patients, 112 (18 women [16%]; age, 51.1±11.1 years) were enrolled and randomized to ablation (n=53) or “new” antiarrhythmic drugs alone or in combination (n=59). Crossover from the antiarrhythmic drugs and ablation groups occurred in 37 (63%) and 5 patients (9%), respectively (
P
=0.0001). At the 1-year follow-up, 13 of 55 patients (23%) and 46 of 52 patients (89%) had no recurrence of AF in the antiarrhythmic drug and ablation groups, respectively (
P
<0.0001). Symptom score, exercise capacity, and quality of life were significantly higher in the ablation group.

Conclusion—

This randomized multicenter study demonstrates the superiority of catheter ablation over antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with AF with regard to maintenance of sinus rhythm and improvement in symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life.
Von Willebrand Factor, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Frankel David S. , Meigs James B. , Massaro Joseph M. , Wilson Peter W.F. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Tofler Geoffrey H.
Published: November 2008

Background—

Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is inconsistently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This might be explained by associations of vWF with type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance.

Methods and Results—

We tested whether vWF predicted incident CVD in 3799 Framingham Offspring Study participants, and in particular, among those with type 2 diabetes mellitus or insulin resistance. During 11 years of follow-up, 351 participants developed CVD. In proportional hazards models (with adjustment for age, sex, blood pressure, smoking, body mass index, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and treatment with aspirin, insulin, antihypertensives, and lipid-lowering medications) with the lowest quartile of the vWF distribution as the referent, the hazard ratio (HR) for CVD was 0.94 in the second quartile, 0.98 in the third, and 1.32 in the highest (
P
=0.04 for trend). Additional adjustment for type 2 diabetes mellitus or insulin resistance (homeostasis model) partially attenuated the association (multivariable HRs for top quartile 1.28 and 1.21, respectively). We then stratified the models by diabetes status or the homeostasis model of insulin resistance distribution (top quartile versus lower 3 quartiles). vWF was associated with CVD among participants with diabetes mellitus (HR for top quartile relative to bottom 1.47,
P
=0.04 for trend) but not among nondiabetic participants (HR 1.15,
P
=0.5) and similarly among insulin-resistant (HR 1.50,
P
=0.01) but not insulin-sensitive (HR 1.02,
P
=0.9) participants.

Conclusions—

Higher levels of vWF were associated with risk of CVD in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus or insulin resistance, which suggests that vWF may be a risk factor unique to these populations.
Degradation and Healing Characteristics of Small-Diameter Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Vascular Grafts in the Rat Systemic Arterial Circulation
Authors: Pektok Erman , Nottelet Benjamin , Tille Jean-Christophe , Gurny Robert , Kalangos Afksendiyos , Moeller Michael , Walpoth Beat H.
Published: November 2008

Background—

Long-term patency of conventional synthetic grafts is unsatisfactory below a 6-mm internal diameter. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a promising biodegradable polymer with a longer degradation time. We aimed to evaluate in vivo healing and degradation characteristics of small-diameter vascular grafts made of PCL nanofibers compared with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts.

Methods and Results—

We prepared 2-mm–internal diameter grafts by electrospinning using PCL (M
n
=80 000 g/mol). Either PCL (n=15) or ePTFE (n=15) grafts were implanted into 30 rats. Rats were followed up for 24 weeks. At the conclusion of the follow-up period, patency and structural integrity were evaluated by digital subtraction angiography. The abdominal aorta, including the graft, was harvested and investigated under light microscopy. Endothelial coverage, neointima formation, and transmural cellular ingrowth were measured by computed histomorphometry. All animals survived until the end of follow-up, and all grafts were patent in both groups. Digital subtraction angiography revealed no stenosis in the PCL group but stenotic lesions in 1 graft at 18 weeks (40%) and in another graft at 24 weeks (50%) in the ePTFE group. None of the grafts showed aneurysmal dilatation. Endothelial coverage was significantly better in the PCL group. Neointimal formation was comparable between the 2 groups. Macrophage and fibroblast ingrowth with extracellular matrix formation and neoangiogenesis were better in the PCL group. After 12 weeks, foci of chondroid metaplasia located in the neointima of PCL grafts were observed in all samples.

Conclusions—

Small-diameter PCL grafts represent a promising alternative for the future because of their better healing characteristics compared with ePTFE grafts. Faster endothelialization and extracellular matrix formation, accompanied by degradation of graft fibers, seem to be the major advantages. Further evaluation of degradation and graft healing characteristics may potentially lead to the clinical use of such grafts for revascularization procedures.
Plasma Fetuin-A Levels and the Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Weikert Cornelia , Stefan Norbert , Schulze Matthias B. , Pischon Tobias , Berger Klaus , Joost Hans-Georg , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Boeing Heiner , Fritsche Andreas
Published: November 2008

Background—

Fetuin-A, a protein almost exclusively secreted by the liver, induces insulin resistance and subclinical inflammation in rodents. Circulating fetuin-A levels are elevated in humans with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, conditions that are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results—

We investigated the association between fetuin-A levels and the risk of future myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke (IS) in a case-cohort study based on the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)–Potsdam Study comprising 27 548 middle-aged subjects of the general population. Fetuin-A levels were measured in plasma of 227 individuals who developed MI, in 168 who developed IS, and in 2198 individuals who remained free of cardiovascular events during a mean follow-up of 8.2±2.2 years. Individuals in the highest compared with the lowest quintile of plasma fetuin-A had significantly increased risks of MI (relative risk, 3.80; 95% confidence interval, 2.37 to 6.10;
P
for trend <0.0001) and IS (relative risk, 3.93; 95% confidence interval, 2.17 to 7.12;
P
for trend <0.0001) after adjustment for sex and age. Additional adjustment for smoking status, body mass index, waist circumference, alcohol consumption, educational attainment, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and C-reactive protein only moderately attenuated these risks (MI: relative risk, 3.25; 95% confidence interval, 2.01 to 5.28;
P
for trend <0.0001; IS: relative risk, 3.78; 95% confidence interval, 2.06 to 6.94;
P
for trend <0.0001).

Conclusions—

Our data provide evidence for a link between high plasma fetuin-A levels and an increased risk of MI and IS. Therefore, more research is warranted to determine the role of fetuin-A in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease.
Contribution of Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Vav2 to Hyperhomocysteinemic Glomerulosclerosis in Rats
Authors: Yi Fan , Xia Min , Li Ningjun , Zhang Chun , Tang Lin , Li Pin-Lan
Published: November 2008

We currently reported that Vav2, a member of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor-Vav subfamily, participates in homocysteine-induced increases in Rac1 activity and consequent activation of NADPH oxidase in rat mesangial cells. However, the physiological relevance of this cellular action of Vav2 remains unknown. The present study tested a hypothesis that Vav2 importantly mediates the injurious action of homocysteine on glomeruli and thereby contributes to the development of glomerulosclerosis during hyperhomocysteinemia. We found that, among Vav members, Vav2 was abundantly expressed in glomeruli. When Vav2 short hairpin RNA was transfected into the kidneys of Sprague-Dawley rats, hyperhomocysteinemia induced by folate-free diet failed to significantly enhance Rac1 activity and increase NADPH-dependent superoxide production. In these rats with silenced renal Vav2 gene, glomerular injury during hyperhomocysteinemia was markedly attenuated compared with those rats only receiving mock vector transfection, as shown by ameliorated albuminuria and extracellular matrix metabolism. In the rat kidneys with transfection of a dominant-active Vav2 variant (onco-Vav2), we found that overexpression of Vav2 led to significant increases in Rac1 activity, superoxide production, and glomerular injury, which was similar to that induced by hyperhomocysteinemia. However, this Vav2 overexpression was unable to further enhance homocysteine-induced glomerular injury. We concluded that Vav2-mediated activation of NADPH oxidase is an important initiating mechanism resulting in hyperhomocysteinemic glomerular injury through enhanced local oxidative stress.
Increased Transient Receptor Potential Canonical Type 3 Channels in Vasculature From Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Liu Daoyan , Yang Dachun , He Hongbo , Chen Xiaoping , Cao Tingbing , Feng Xiaoli , Ma Liqun , Luo Zhidan , Wang Lijuan , Yan Zhencheng , Zhu Zhiming , Tepel Martin
Published: November 2008

We tested the hypothesis that transient receptor potential canonical type 3 (TRPC3) channels are increased in vascular smooth muscle cells and aortic tissue from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats. Expression of TRPC3 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. TRPC3 gene knockdown was performed by specific small interfering RNA and TRPC3 overexpression using the pAdEasy-1 system. Cytosolic calcium was measured using fluorescence spectrophotometry and vasoconstriction of aortic rings using a force transducer. In SHR, the expression of TRPC3 channel protein was significantly higher in aortic rings (1.48±0.05 versus 1.00±0.06; each n=6;P<0.01) and vascular smooth muscle cells (1.28±0.08 versus 1.00±0.03; each n=6;P<0.05) compared with Wistar Kyoto rats. Knockdown of TRPC3 gene expression by specific small interfering RNA significantly reduced the angiotensin II–induced calcium influx by 30±3% (n=6;P<0.01), whereas TRPC3 overexpression significantly increased it by 55±3% (n=6;P<0.01). The angiotensin II–induced calcium increase was significantly enhanced in vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR compared with Wistar Kyoto rats, even in the presence of the calcium channel blocker amlodipine. Angiotensin II significantly elevated the TRPC3 channel protein expression in vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR from 1.28±0.08 to 1.61±0.08 (each n=6;P<0.01). Angiotensin II–induced TRPC3 expression was prevented by telmisartan. Administration of telmisartan to SHR for 4 weeks significantly reduced blood pressure, angiotensin II–induced vasoconstriction, and TRPC3 channel protein expression in aortic tissue. TRPC3 expression was not significantly reduced after reduction of blood pressure in SHR using amlodipine. In conclusion, we give experimental evidence that increased TRPC3 channel protein expression in the vasculature is important for elevated blood pressure.
Genetic Effect on Blood Pressure Is Modulated by Age
Authors: Shi Gang , Gu Chi C. , Kraja Aldi T. , Arnett Donna K. , Myers Richard H. , Pankow James S. , Hunt Steven C. , Rao Dabeeru C.
Published: November 2008

Genome-wide linkage analysis was performed for systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the Hypertension Genetic Epidemiology Network. We investigated the role of gene–age interactions using a recently developed variance components method that incorporates age variation in genetic effects. Substantially improved linkage evidence, in terms of both the number of linkage peaks and their significance levels, was observed. Twenty-six linkage peaks were identified with maximum logarithm of odds scores ranging between 3.0 and 4.6, 15 of which were cross-validated by the literature. The chromosomal region 1p36 that showed the highest logarithm of odds score in our study was found to be supported by evidence from 3 studies. The new method also led to vastly improved validation across ethnic groups. Ten of the 15 supported linkage peaks were cross-validated between 2 different ethnic groups, and 2 peaks on chromosomal region 1q31 and 16p11 were validated in 3 ethnic groups. In conclusion, this investigation demonstrates that genetic effects on blood pressure vary by age. The improved genetic linkage results presented here should help to identify the specific genetic variants that explain the observed results.
Synoptic-Scale and Mesoscale Environments Conducive to Forest Fires during the October 2003 Extreme Fire Event in Southern California
Authors: Huang Chenjie , Lin Y-L. , Kaplan M. L. , Charney J. J.
Published: November 2008

This study has employed both observational data and numerical simulation results to diagnose the synoptic-scale and mesoscale environments conducive to forest fires during the October 2003 extreme fire event in southern California. A three-stage process is proposed to illustrate the coupling of the synoptic-scale forcing that is evident from the observations, specifically the high pressure ridge and the upper-level jet streak, which leads to meso-α-scale subsidence in its exit region, and the mesoscale forcing that is simulated by the numerical model, specifically the wave breaking and turbulence as well as the wave-induced critical level, which leads to severe downslope (Santa Ana) winds. Two surges of dry air were found to reach the surface in southern California as revealed in the numerical simulation. The first dry air surge arrived as a result of moisture divergence and isallobaric adjustments behind a surface cold front. The second dry air surge reached southern California as the meso-α- to meso-β-scale subsidence and the wave-induced critical level over the coastal ranges phased to transport the dry air from the upper-level jet streak exit region toward the surface and mix the dry air down to the planetary boundary layer on the lee side of the coastal ranges in southern California. The wave-breaking region on the lee side acted as an internal boundary to reflect the mountain wave energy back to the ground and created severe downslope winds through partial resonance with the upward-propagating mountain waves.
Frontal Rainfall Observation by a Commercial Microwave Communication Network
Authors: Zinevich Artem , Messer Hagit , Alpert Pinhas
Published: November 2008

A novel approach for reconstruction of rainfall spatial–temporal dynamics from a wireless microwave network is presented. It employs a stochastic space–time model based on a rainfall advection model, assimilated using a Kalman filter. The technique aggregates the data in time and space along the direction of motion of the rainfall field, which is recovered from the simultaneous observation of a multitude of microwave links. The technique is applied on a standard microwave communication network used by a cellular communication system, comprising 23 microwave links, and it allows for observation of near-surface rainfall at the temporal resolutions of 1 min. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated by comparing instantaneous rainfall estimates with measurements from five rain gauges, reaching correlations of up to 0.85 at the 1-min time interval with a bias and RMSE of −0.2 and 4.2 mm h−1, respectively, and up to 0.96 with RMSE of 1.6 mm h−1 at the 10-min time interval for a 22-h intensive rainstorm with an average rain rate of 3.0 mm h−1 and a peak rain rate of 84 mm h−1. The results are compared with those of other spatial reconstruction techniques. The proposed dynamic rainfall reconstruction approach can be applied to larger-scale dynamic rainfall assimilation methods, enabling interpolation over data-void regions and straightforward incorporation of data from other sources, for example, rain gauge networks and radars.
Testing Lagrangian Theories of Internal Wave Spectra. Part II: Varying the Number of Waves
Authors: Klaassen G. P.
Published: November 2008

It has been proposed by Allen and Joseph, Hines, and Chunchuzov that the kinematic advection produced by superpositions of sinusoidal Lagrangian gravity waves confined to lower vertical wavenumbers m provides an explanation for the quasi-universal m−3 Eulerian spectral tails commonly found at higher m in the oceans and the atmosphere. In support of these theories, Hines has proposed a prototype wave spectrum claimed to meet criteria for Lagrangian linearity and the production of m−3 Eulerian spectra. Although the shape of the Lagrangian spectrum is claimed not to play a major role in this process, Hines has argued that moderately large numbers of waves are required to ensure quasilinear behavior in the Lagrangian frame. The present results demonstrate that, for amplitudes consistent with measurements of saturated waves in the middle atmosphere and for wavenumbers consistent with Hines’ prototype, adiabatic excesses do not diminish with increasing numbers of waves; in contrast, consistency with adiabatic constraints is only achieved in the limit of a single wave, for which the advective nonlinearity u · ∇ vanishes. Moreover, fields with strong singularities yield Eulerian tail slopes as large as −1.6, whereas those with lesser violations of adiabatic constraints yield Eulerian spectral tail slopes that are much steeper (more strongly negative) than −3. The implications for theories based on superpositions of Lagrangian sinusoidal waves, for the Hines quasilinear criteria, and for the Hines Doppler-spread theory and parameterization are addressed. The results are also relevant for experimentalists interested in spectral analysis of internal wave fields.
Loewald's “Binocular Vision” and the Art of Analysis
Authors: Miller J. David
Published: November 2008

In his 1988 monograph on sublimation, Hans Loewald describes the process as a transformation of the drives aimed at re-creating what he presumes to be the subjective experience of infantile attachment. To describe this experience, he invokes a state of mind that he calls “binocular vision.” He maintains that this mental state may arise not only in activities usually associated with sublimation, such as the creation and enjoyment of art, but in all forms of sublimation, including effective psychoanalysis. Because Loewald's discussion is largely theoretical, it does not convey how the concept of binocular vision may inform clinical technique and interdisciplinary study. A comparative application of his theory to psychoanalytic process and to the viewer's response to art enables one to grasp binocular vision as a common aspect of both. It emerges as a useful model with which to conceptualize and integrate the ambiguous reality of analytic experience.
A Narrative Analysis of Helplessness in Depression
Authors: Vanheule Stijn , Hauser Stuart T.
Published: November 2008

The transcripts of semistructured clinical interviews with forty psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents were subjected to narrative analysis in an effort to map the logic of their explanations as they spontaneously talked about helplessness experiences, and to determine how helplessness is embedded in broader story lines. Three types of narrative composition were discerned, and are discussed by means of excerpts from the interviews. In a first and predominant type of narrative, a disturbing confrontation with another is pivotal: the other's intentions are obscure; this frightens the narrator, who does not know what to do. Helplessness arises as a direct result of not knowing how to manage the “unbearable riddle” of the other's intentions. In the second, more marginal type of narrative, helplessness is embedded in an account of emptiness and boredom. The protagonist relates enduring experiences of emptiness due to loss and the suffering consequent on it. In the third, also more marginal type of narrative, helplessness is framed in a context of failure: the protagonist adheres to strict standards, feels he or she has fallen short, and concludes that he or she is a failure. Only the first type of narrative is significantly related to the psychiatric diagnoses of mood disorder and major depression.
Writing About Clinical Theory and Psychoanalytic Process
Authors: Glick Robert Alan , Stern Gloria Jean
Published: November 2008

In the Senior Candidate Case Writing Seminar, the final component of the Writing as Pedagogy Program at the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, candidates write about one of their longer training cases, with attention to the ways they use clinical theory, particularly transference and countertransference, to deepen their understanding of psychoanalytic process and therapeutic action. Building on the previous four years of the writing program, this seminar teaches advanced candidates to recognize and integrate the lived experience of conducting an analysis, the micro- and macroprocesses, and the theories most relevant to an understanding of the analytic work. The seminar emphasizes the challenge of dealing with the power of the transference, unrecognized or unacknowledged countertransference, and the nature of therapeutic action. Pedagogical emphasis is placed on peer group discussions and group learning, and common problems in integrating theory and practice are described and illustrated.
Mapping the Macroprocess
Authors: Cabaniss Deborah L. , Graver Ruth
Published: November 2008

Over several years of teaching psychoanalytic case writing to advanced candidates at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, instructors noticed that while students can often learn to write convincingly about the moment-to-moment work in the analysis— the microprocess—it is often quite difficult for them to understand and convey a sense of the longitudinal movement of the case over time—the macroprocess. To redress this, a pedagogical method was devised that helps candidates visually map an analysis in order to facilitate case writing and formulation. Changes in the analysis are tracked over time, encouraging explication of how those changes have come about. The method is illustrated with a pedagogical vignette.
Hans Loewald, Psychoanalysis, and the Project of Autonomy
Authors: Whitebook Joel
Published: November 2008

For some time psychoanalysts have tended to view Freud's cultural writings—concerning modernity, secularism, science, and religion—disparagingly, seeing them as the unscientific speculations of a misguided genius. But the questions Freud explored in those works are pressing topics that deserve serious attention. Just as fascism provided the historical context in which the critical theorists of the Frankfurt School developed a psychoanalytic social theory in the 1930s and 1940s, so the rise of fundamentalism demands a similar effort today. The “project of autonomy” conceptualized by the psychoanalyst-philosopher Castoriadis can be used to situate psychoanalysis in its broader historical context, as part of the emancipatory movement of modernity, and to elucidate fundamentalism as an attempt to turn back that project and reinstate the values of premodern traditional societies. Because the widespread aversion to secularism today is in no small degree the responsibility of secularists themselves— Freud's relatively crude and simplistic disregard of some of the deepest yearnings of humankind is a case in point—it is time to formulate, using the work of Hans Loewald, a more sensitive and sophisticated psychoanalytic view of religion. Yet psychoanalytic secularists must avoid overcompensating for past mistakes by giving too much ground to antisecularists. The legitimate desire to do justice to religion must not trump the need to advance the project of autonomy as a first priority.
Organizational, Administrative, and Environmental Correlates of Complaints About Police Use of Force
Authors: Hickman Matthew J. , Piquero Alex R.
Published: November 2008

Minority representation among police personnel, relative to the communities they serve, has long been advanced as an explanatory factor for the prevalence of negative police—public interactions as well as police agency responsiveness to public concerns, particularly with regard to the use of force. But minority representation has rarely been studied empirically and on a large scale. The present study examined minority representation and additional organizational, administrative, and environmental correlates of citizen complaints about police use of force in 496 large municipal police departments. Data were drawn from the 2003 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) survey administered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Results indicate that (a) rates of force complaints were higher among agencies having greater spatial differentiation, internal affairs units, and higher violent crime rates; (b) the percentage of complaints sustained was higher among agencies characterized by greater formalization and lower where collective bargaining was authorized for officers; and (c) minority representation was unrelated to complaint rates nor to the percentage of complaints sustained. Implications for the policing literature as well as future refinements for the LEMAS survey are discussed.
Online Versus Paper
Authors: Dolnicar Sara , Laesser Christian , Matus Katrina
Published: November 2008

The popularity of online surveys is rising, yet the validity of survey data collected online is frequently questioned. This study compares online surveys versus paper surveys administered via regular mail in the tourism context, and examines in detail the extent and nature of survey bias resulting from survey format-specific respondent self-selection. Results suggest that (1) both online and mail samples deviate from census data population statistics regarding sociodemographics to the same extent (but differ in nature), (2) no differences exist in the contamination of data by response styles, (3) online respondents have a lower dropout rate and produce less incomplete data, and (4) responses to tourism-related questions differ significantly, indicating that survey format can dramatically influence results of empirical studies in tourism. Our findings show that neither pure online surveys nor pure paper surveys administered through regular mail are unbiased. Format-specific self-selection of respondents to participate leads to systematic biases in both cases, making multimethod survey approaches the most reliable way of data collection at present.
Estimating Spatial Autoregressive Models by GME-GCE Techniques
Authors: Fernández-Vázquez Esteban , Mayor-Fernández Matías , Rodríguez-Vález Jorge
Published: November 2008

The traditional approach to estimate spatial models bases on a preconceived spatial weights matrix to measure spatial interaction among locations. The a priori assumptions used to define this matrix are supposed to be in line with the ``true'' spatial relationships among the locations of the dataset. Another possibility consists of using some information present on the sample data to specify an empirical matrix of spatial weights. In this article we propose to estimate spatial autoregressive models by generalized maximum entropy (GME) and generalized cross entropy (GCE) econometrics. We compare some traditional methodologies with the proposed GME-GCE estimator by means of Monte Carlo simulations in several scenarios. The results show that the entropy-based estimation techniques can outperform traditional approaches under some circumstances. An empirical case is also studied to illustrate the implementation of the proposed techniques for a real-world example.
Effects of Trial Venue and Pretrial Bias on the Evaluation of Juvenile Defendants
Authors: Tang Connie M. , Nunez Narina , Bourgeois Martin
Published: November 2008

This research examines how the public evaluates juvenile defendants tried in different venues and whether participants with different pretrial dispositions evaluate these juvenile defendants differently. In Study 1, 144 undergraduate students judge juveniles tried as adults more harshly than adult defendants or juveniles who were tried in the juvenile court. Prosecution-biased participants judge all defendants more harshly than defense-biased participants. In Study 2, 123 community residents are recruited. Findings of Study 1 are largely replicated. In addition, defense-biased participants are more likely than prosecution-biased participants to endorse the wayward youth stereotype instead of the superpredator stereotype of juvenile defendants. Implications for juvenile justice and further research on the evaluation of juvenile defendants and pretrial bias are discussed.
Children's Gendered Sense of Self and Play as Represented Through Drawings and Written Descriptions
Authors: Bosacki Sandra Leanne , Varnish Amanda , Akseer Spogmai
Published: November 2008

This study investigates the relations between children's perceptions of self and play in 89 school-aged children (52 girls, 37 boys, ages 5 to 8) in two Canadian schools. The study involves standardized measures, interviews, and drawings to assess children's perceptions of play and self. Teacher ratings of emotional competencies were also collected. Findings show that children's play drawings and corresponding descriptions differ according to gender such that girls referred to more social and psychological aspects of play and boys focused mainly on physical activities. Compared to boys, family structure played a stronger role in girls' play and self-representations in that positive associations were found between number of characters drawn and number of siblings for girls only. Implications for socioemotional and cognitive development are discussed.
Nutrition Assessment in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Sungurtekin Hulya , Sungurtekin Ugur , Oner Ozlem , Okke Demet
Published: November 2008

Background: The aim of this study was to assess whether subjective global assessment (SGA) is useful in identifying malnutrition and outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: After obtaining institutional approval, 124 consenting patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were evaluated at admission using clinical data, SGA, height, weight, triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), mid‐arm circumference (MAC), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II), and Simplified Acute Physiologic Score (SAPS). Patients were classified as well nourished, moderately malnourished, or severely malnourished with SGA. Results: According to SGA, 62% (n = 77) of the patients were classified as well nourished, 26% (n = 33) as moderately malnourished, and 11% (n = 14) as severely malnourished. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), MAC, TSF, and mid‐arm muscle circumference (MAMC) were lower, whereas APACHE II and SAPS II scores and mortality were higher in the malnourished groups compared with the well‐nourished group. The SGA rating correlated significantly with age, body weight, percentage of weight loss, serum albumin level, APACHE II and SAPS II scores, and mortality. Anthropometrics data were correlated with SGA. Mortality rate was correlated with high APACHE II score, SAPS II score, days in the ICU and low BMI, MAMC, and serum albumin level. Conclusions: The results support that SGA is simple and may predict the patient's outcomes in the ICU.
An Overview of the Ketogenic Diet for Pediatric Epilepsy
Authors: Zupec‐Kania Beth A. , Spellman Emily
Published: November 2008

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in the world, with an estimated prevalence of 1% of the population. The highest incidence occurs in childhood and in the elderly, with lower levels in early adulthood. Traditional epilepsy management includes pharmacological treatment, epilepsy surgery, and vagal nerve stimulation. Despite these therapies, 25% of children continue to have uncontrolled seizures. The ketogenic diet (KD), which has been in use since 1921, is a treatment option for many of these children. A meta‐analysis of 19 studies with a combined sample of 1084 pediatric patients was completed in 1998 by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Estimates of the overall efficacy of the KD in controlling seizures were reported as follows: 16% became seizure free, 32% had a >90% reduction in seizures, and 56% had a> 50% reduction. The KD is high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates. This combination of energy results in a sustained ketosis that somehow serves to abate seizures through an unknown mechanism. Strict adherence to the diet is required for it to be effective. Newer, more liberal versions of the KDs have been recently introduced and are being studied in children and adults. Administration of all of these metabolically adjusted diets must be medically managed as there can be adverse effects. The focus of this review is on the pediatric application of the KD.
The Routine Bridling of Nasojejunal Tubes Is a Safe and Effective Method of Reducing Dislodgement in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Seder Christopher W. , Janczyk Randy
Published: November 2008

Purpose: To determine if the routine bridling of nasoenteric feeding tubes in the intensive care unit is a low‐morbidity, cost‐effective method of decreasing tube dislodgement. Methods: Data were prospectively collected from 62 consecutive bridled patients and compared with that from 172 consecutive unbridled patients for differences in tube dislodgement, nasal ulceration, and estimated cost. Results: Bridled patients demonstrated significantly less tube dislodgement (6.5% vs 32.6%, P < .0001). Bridling resulted in 4 cases of nasal ulceration per 800 tube feeding days, all of which were associated with red rubber catheter bridles. Conversion to 1/8‐in umbilical tape bridles eliminated ulceration and further reduced dislodgement from 10% to 4.8%. Implementation of bridling saved an estimated $4038 over 3 months. Conclusions: Nasal bridling is a simple, cost‐effective practice that may reduce the rate of nasoenteric tube dislodgement. The use of 1/8‐in umbilical tape may be more effective and safer than 8‐Fr red rubber catheters for this purpose.
The Push‐Pull T Technique: An Easy and Safe Procedure in Children With the Buried Bumper Syndrome
Authors: Furlano Raoul I. , Sidler Marc , Haack Horst
Published: November 2008

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is a well‐established procedure in adults as well as in pediatric patients who cannot be orally fed. However, potential serious complications may occur. The buried bumper syndrome is a well‐recognized long‐term complication of PEG. Overgrowth of gastric mucosa over the inner bumper of the tube will cause mechanical failure of formula delivery, rendering the tube useless. However, published experience in children with buried bumper syndrome is very scarce. In the authors' clinic, 76 PEG tubes were placed from 2001 to 2008, and buried bumper syndrome occurred in 1 patient. The authors report on their experience with buried bumper syndrome, an adapted safe endoscopic removal technique, as well as recommendations for prevention of buried bumper syndrome.
Prokinetic Therapy for Feed Intolerance in Critical Illness: One Drug or Two?
Authors: Davis Brian , Ferrone Marcus
Published: November 2008

Objective: To compare the efficacy of combination therapy, with erythromycin and metoclopramide, to erythromycin alone in the treatment of feed intolerance in critically ill patients. Design: Randomized, controlled, double‐blind trial. Setting: Mixed medical and surgical intensive care unit. Patients: Seventy‐five mechanically ventilated, medical patients with feed intolerance (gastric residual volume ≥250 mL). Interventions: Patients received either combination therapy (n = 37; 200 mg of intravenous erythromycin twice daily + 10 mg of intravenous metoclopramide four times daily) or erythromycin alone (n = 38; 200 mg of intravenous erythromycin twice daily) in a prospective, randomized fashion. Gastric feeding was re‐commenced and 6‐hourly gastric aspirates performed. Patients were studied for 7 days. Successful feeding was defined as a gastric residual volume <250 mL with the feeding rate ≥40 mL/hr, over 7 days. Secondary outcomes included daily caloric intake, vomiting, postpyloric feeding, length of stay, and mortality. Measurements and Main Results: Demographic data; use of inotropes, opioids, or benzodiazepines; and pretreatment gastric residual volume were similar between the two groups. The gastric residual volume was significantly lower after 24 hrs of treatment with combination therapy, compared with erythromycin alone (136 ± 23 mL vs. 293 ± 45 mL, p = .04). Over the 7 days, patients treated with combination therapy had greater feeding success, received more daily calories, and had a lower requirement for postpyloric feeding, compared with erythromycin alone. Tachyphylaxis occurred in both groups but was less with combination therapy. Sedation, higher pretreatment gastric residual volume, and hypoalbuminemia were significantly associated with a poor response. There was no difference in the length of hospital stay or mortality rate between the groups. Watery diarrhea was more common with combination therapy (20 of 37 vs. 10 of 38, p = .01) but was not associated with enteric infections, including Clostridium difficile. Conclusions: In critically ill patients with feed intolerance, combination therapy with erythromycin and metoclopramide is more effective than erythromycin alone in improving the delivery of nasogastric nutrition and should be considered as the first‐line treatment. (Crit Care Med. 2007;35:2561‐2567.)

NQ Nguyen, M Chapman, RJ Fraser, LK Bryant, C Burgstad, RH Holloway
Through the Clinician's Lens: Objective and Subjective Views of Disability
Authors: Stineman Margaret G. , Rist Pamela M. , Burke Janice P.
Published: November 2008

In this study, we used recovery preference exploration (RPE) to explore how clinicians practicing in an inpatient medical rehabilitation facility assign meaning to alternative paths of recovery from profound disability. Through the RPE procedure, 33 clinicians ranked preference for recovery from 18 imagined activity limitations and provided narrative explanations for their choices. We used mixed methods, including grounded theory, to identify themes that expressed their recovery choices. Sixteen themes emerged that were classified into separate but linked procedural and conditional reasoning taxonomies. These theme taxonomies represented logical scientific inquiries vs. more phenomenological inquiries into lifeworld meanings, respectively. Just over two thirds (66.8%) of all quotes specified themes from the conditional reasoning taxonomy. The RPE procedure appeared to simulate a lived experience of imagined disability for the clinicians through which contexts and meanings began to emerge independent of the clinicians' scientific attitudes.
Quality and Consumer Decision Making in the Market for Health Insurance and Health Care Services
Authors: Kolstad Jonathan T. , Chernew Michael E.
Published: November 2008

This article reviews the literature relating quality to consumer choice of health plan or health care provider. Evidence suggests that consumers tend to choose better performing health plans and providers and are responsive to initiatives that provide quality information. The response to quality and quality information differs significantly among consumers and across population subgroups. As such the effect of quality information on choice is apparent in only a relatively small, though perhaps consequential, number of consumers. Despite the wealth of findings on the topic to date, the authors suggest directions for future work, including better assessment of the dynamic issues related to information release, as well as a better understanding of how the response to information varies across different groups of patients.
Tools Clinicians Use
Authors: Caesar Lena G. , Kohler Paula D.
Published: November 2008

This study used a mail survey to gather information from 409 school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the state of Michigan regarding the types of language assessment procedures they employed when assessing children's language skills. Descriptive data regarding respondents' demographic, caseload, and employment characteristics were also obtained. Results indicated that respondents were a homogenous group with homogenous assessment practices. Although respondents used both formal and informal procedures when assessing English-speaking children's skills, informal procedures were used more frequently. With regard to informal procedures, almost all responding SLPs (98%) reported frequently using parent—teacher interviews as an assessment procedure. Among formal, standardized procedures, the Clinical Evaluation of Language Functions was used frequently by the highest proportion of respondents (79%). Implications regarding SLPs' conformity to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association's recommended guidelines for unbiased language assessment are discussed.
Investigation of Phonemic Awareness and Phonic Skills in Spanish-English Bilingual and English-Speaking Kindergarten Students
Authors: Brice Roanne G. , Brice Alejandro E.
Published: November 2008

The ability to read on grade level is a fundamental skill required for children to achieve academic success. Students who are English language learners (ELLs) and/or those who have learning disabilities often find it extremely difficult to achieve at the reading expectation level. This study examines English phonemic awareness and phonic skills in four groups of kindergarten students with and without disabilities: (a) 20 high-reading-level English monolinguals, (b) 20 low-reading-level English monolinguals, (c) 20 high-reading-level English-Spanish bilinguals, and (d) 20 low-reading-level English-Spanish bilinguals. Findings indicated differences for monolingual versus bilingual speakers in their ability to identify voiced versus voiceless contrasts. It appears from these findings that an achievement gap in reading levels between monolingual and bilingual students exists even at the kindergarten grade level.
Effect of SiC particle size on cold sprayed Al–SiC composite coatings
Authors: Lee H. , Ko K.
Published: November 2008

Al–SiC composites as well as pure Al were prepared on Si and Al substrate by cold spray. The powder composition of metal (Al) and ceramic SiC was varied into 1 : 1 and 10 : 1 (vol.-%) respectively. SiC with various particle sizes has been successfully coated with the soft metal of Al. Also, when the large SiC particles were coated with Al, the hard ceramic particles showed a high velocity impact on the substrate surfaces. In the case of pure Al metal coating, there was no crater formation on hard Si substrate. However, in the composite coatings with large SiC particles, the craters were observed at the interface between the coatings and Si substrate and it was also found that depth and sizes of craters depended on the size of SiC raw materials.