bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incremental maintenance of generalized association rules under taxonomy evolution
Authors: Tseng Ming-Cheng , Lin Wen-Yang , Jeng Rong
Published: January 2008

Mining association rules from large databases of business data is an important topic in data mining. In many applications, there are explicit or implicit taxonomies (hierarchies) for items, so it may be useful to find associations at levels of the taxonomy other than the primitive concept level. Previous work on the mining of generalized association rules, however, assumed that the taxonomy of items remained unchanged, disregarding the fact that the taxonomy might be updated as new transactions are added to the database over time. If this happens, effectively updating the generalized association rules to reflect the database change and related taxonomy evolution is a crucial task. In this paper, we examine this problem and propose two novel algorithms, called IDTE and IDTE2, which can incrementally update the generalized association rules when the taxonomy of items evolves as a result of new transactions. Empirical evaluations show that our algorithms can maintain their performance even for large numbers of incremental transactions and high degrees of taxonomy evolution, and are faster than applying contemporary generalized association mining algorithms to the whole updated database.
RoMEO studies 7: creation of a controlled vocabulary to analyse copyright transfer agreements
Authors: Jenkins Celia , Oppenheim Charles , Probets Steve , Hubbard Bill
Published: January 2008

This paper describes the process of creating a controlled vocabulary which can be used to systematically analyse the copyright transfer agreements (CTAs) of journal publishers with regard to self-archiving. The analysis formed the basis of the newly created Copyright Knowledge Bank of publishers' self-archiving policies. Self-archiving terms appearing in publishers' CTAs were identified and classified, then simplified, merged, and discarded to form a definitive list. The controlled vocabulary consists of three categories describing `what' can be self-archived, the `conditions' and the `restrictions' of self-archiving. Condition terms include specifications such as `where' an article can be self-archived; restriction terms include specifications such as `when' the article can be self-archived. Additional information on any of these terms appears in `free-text' fields. Although this controlled vocabulary provides an effective way of analysing CTAs, it will need continual review and updating in light of any major new additions to the terms used in publishers' copyright and self-archiving policies.
Self-esteem in an acute stroke rehabilitation sample: a control group comparison
Authors: Vickery Chad D. , Sepehri Arash , Evans Clea C.
Published: January 2008

Objective: To compare ratings of self-esteem and depressive mood in a sample of stroke survivors in an acute inpatient rehabilitation setting to those of a matched control group.

Design: Stroke survivors (n = 80) were matched on age and education to a group of neurologically intact community-dwelling control participants. Between-group analysis compared mean ratings of self-esteem and depressive measures. Within-group correlational analyses explored the relationship between self-esteem and mood. Between-group comparison of the correlations between self-esteem and mood explored differences in the strength of association between these constructs. Regression analyses explored the relationship of self-esteem measures after controlling for depressive mood.

Main measures: Visual Analogue Self-Esteem Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results: Stroke survivors rated significantly lower mean levels of self-esteem on the Visual Analogue Self-Esteem Scale (37 versus 41) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (21 versus 24) than the control group. Stroke survivors also rated higher mean levels of depressive mood on the Geriatric Depression Scale (9 versus 6). Significantly higher correlations between self-esteem and mood ratings were noted in the stroke group than in the control group. Lower self-esteem ratings do not appear to be a byproduct of depressive mood.

Conclusions: Self-esteem is negatively impacted by stroke and is strongly, but independently, associated with depressive mood. Clinicians may better facilitate the emotional adjustment of the survivor by considering this facet of psychological impact and intervening to address self-esteem.
Chronic disease management programme in people with severe knee osteoarthritis: efficacy and moderators of response
Authors: Lamb S.E. , Toye F. , Barker K.L.
Published: January 2008

Aims: To establish (1) the efficacy of a six-week chronic disease management programme for knee osteoarthritis and (2) whether previous physiotherapy or being wait listed for surgery moderated the outcome of the programme.

Design: A pretest, posttest design with multivariate statistical modelling.

Participants: One hundred and twenty-one people with severe osteoarthritis who were waiting, or being considered, for surgery.

Methods and measures: Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, arthritis self-efficacy, distress and a patient-rated global indicator of response were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. History of previous physiotherapy, waiting list status, symptom duration, New Zealand disease severity score, radiographic changes and self-perceived need for surgery were recorded at baseline.

Results: There were moderate improvements in most outcomes; WOMAC function decreased by 0.29, WOMAC pain by 0.27, pain self-efficacy by 4.4, function self-efficacy by 5.6 and visual analogue scale (VAS) distress by 0.2 (effect sizes ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 at 12 weeks). Waiting list status was a significant modifier for function, pain, distress and self-related outcomes. Participants on the waiting list for surgery experienced lesser improvements. Previous physiotherapy was associated with greater improvements in WOMAC scores at six weeks, but not at 12 weeks.

Conclusion: The chronic disease management programme could be considered for people with severe knee osteoarthritis, but should be given prior to referral and placement on the waiting list for surgery. Previous physiotherapy should not preclude people from participating in a chronic disease management programme.
Is aripiprazole the only choice of treatment of the patients who developed anti-psychotic agents-induced leucopenia and neutropenia? A case report
Authors: Yalcin Demet Ozen , Goka Erol , Aydemir M Cigdem , Kisa Cebrail
Published: January 2008

Leucopenia and neutropenia could be side effects of anti-psychotic drugs, especially clozapine. However, there is evidence that other anti-psychotics can cause leucopenia and neutropenia. We present the clinical follow-up and treatment process of a patient, who had initially developed quetiapine and amisulpride related neutropenia, but not with aripiprazole.
Oestradiol attenuates the cognitive deficit induced by acute phencyclidine treatment in mature female hooded-Lister rats
Authors: Sutcliffe JS , Rhaman F. , Marshall KM , Neill JC
Published: January 2008

Gender differences in psychiatric research are becoming more widely recognized, and changes in levels of the steroid hormone, oestrogen, over the menstrual or oestrous cycle are becoming increasingly implicated in alterations in cognitive strategies and capacities. The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between oestrogen, NMDA receptor function and cognitive processing in rats. Forty-five mature female hooded-Lister rats received vehicle, 0.5, 5 or 10 μg/kg of oestradiol benzoate (EB, s.c. in olive oil) 24 h prior to an acute dose of 2 mg/kg phencyclidine (PCP, i.p. in 0.9% w/v saline), or vehicle (0.9% saline). After 30 min following PCP treatment, animals completed the novel object recognition task with a 1 min inter-trial interval to assess object recognition memory. Results show that 5 and 10 μg/kg of EB 24 h prior to 2 mg/kg PCP significantly ( P < 0.01 and < 0.001, respectively) protected against the cognitive impairing effect of PCP in contrast to vehicle and 0.5 μg/kg EB plus PCP (not significant). EB may exert a neuromodulatory effect in this animal model leading to attenuation of the PCP-induced impairment in object recognition memory, suggesting an interaction between the gonadal steroids and NMDA receptor-mediated cognitive dysfunction, which is of potential relevance to schizophrenia.
Do the affective properties of smoking-related cues influence attentional and approach biases in cigarette smokers?
Authors: Bradley BP , Field M. , Healy H. , Mogg K.
Published: January 2008

Research indicates that drug-related cues elicit attention and approach biases in drug users. However, attentional biases are not unique to addiction (e.g., they are also found for emotional information). This study examined whether attentional and approach biases in cigarette smokers are mediated by the motivational salience of cues (relevance to drug-taking), rather than by their affective properties (subjective liking of the cues). Cues included pleasant and unpleasant smoking-related pictures. Attentional biases, approach tendencies and subjective evaluation of the cues were assessed on visual probe, stimulus—response compatibility and rating tasks, respectively. Compared with non-smokers, smokers showed a greater attentional bias for both pleasant and unpleasant smoking-related cues presented for 2000 ms, but not for 200 ms. Smokers showed a greater approach bias for unpleasant cues, although the groups did not differ significantly in approach bias for pleasant smoking-related cues. Smokers rated both pleasant and unpleasant smoking pictures more positively than did non-smokers. Results suggest that a bias to maintain attention on smoking-related cues in young adult smokers is primarily a function of drug-relevance, rather than affective properties, of the cues. In contrast, approach tendencies and pleasantness judgements were influenced by drug use, drug-relevance and the affective properties of the cues.
An open-label study of citalopram for major depression following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Rapoport MJ , Chan F. , Lanctot K. , Herrmann N. , McCullagh S. , Feinstein A.
Published: January 2008

Major depression is associated with substantial psychosocial dysfunction and post-concussive symptomatology following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies to date of anti—depressant treatment for major depression post-TBI have been limited by small sample size. The goal of the present study is to examine the rates of response and remission associated with citalopram treatment for major depression following traumatic brain injury. Subjects with major depression following mild-to moderate TBI were treated with open-label citalopram with a starting dose of 20 mg/day to a maximum of 50 mg/day for either 6 weeks (n = 54) or 10 weeks (n = 26). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) was used to assess depression severity. Response was defined by a 50% reduction in HAMD score, and remission was defined by a HAMD score of ≤7. The mean HAMD at baseline and 6 weeks were 23.66 (SD 6.8) and 16.30 (SD 9.3), respectively (t[53] = 7.157, p < 0.0001). The mean HAMD at 10 weeks was 12.96 (SD 7.9) (t[25] = 7.323, p < 0.0001). At 6 weeks, 54 subjects were assessed and 27.7% responded with 24.1% in remission. At 10 weeks, 26 subjects were assessed and 46.2% responded with 26.9% in remission. The response rate in the present sample was substantially lower than previously reported for patients with TBI, but comparable to the results of the largest effectiveness trial of citalopram for general out-patients with major depression in the absence of TBI.
Self and Identity in Early Adolescence
Authors: Schwartz Seth J.
Published: January 2008

This article reviews contemporary issues in the study of self and identity and introduces the special issue. Particularly highlighted are the need to integrate the various currents in self and identity, the need to study the role of context in the development of self and identity, research on self and identity in ethnic minority and international populations, and studies of national identity. The article concludes with recommendations for future research on self and identity.
A Longitudinal Examination of Latino Adolescents' Ethnic Identity, Coping With Discrimination, and Self-Esteem
Authors: Umaña-Taylor Adriana J. , Vargas-Chanes Delfino , Garcia Cristal D. , Gonzales-Backen Melinda
Published: January 2008

The current longitudinal study tested the premise that Latino adolescents' ( N = 323) proactive coping with discrimination would mediate the relationship between ethnic identity and self-esteem. Each component of ethnic identity (i.e., exploration, resolution, and affirmation) was positively associated with concurrent assessments of adolescents' self-esteem. However, in the longitudinal analyses, none of the ethnic identity components predicted future levels of self-esteem. Ethnic identity resolution was the only ethnic identity component to predict proactive coping over time. Furthermore, proactive coping did not mediate the relationship between ethnic identity and self-esteem. However, there was evidence to suggest that the association between proactive coping and self-esteem was bidirectional. These findings underscore the importance of examining the unique components of ethnic identity as well as using longitudinal designs to examine the associations between ethnic identity and adolescents' psychological well-being.
Identity Representations in Patterns of School Achievement and Well-Being Among Early Adolescent Girls
Authors: Roeser Robert W. , Galloway Mollie , Casey-Cannon Shannon , Watson Cary , Keller Laura , Tan Elyn
Published: January 2008

This study examines relations between early adolescent girls' well-being, achievement, and emerging identities. Variable-centered results showed that girls' moral and student identities were the strongest predictors of their achievement, whereas their moral, student, physical, and peer identities predicted their well-being. Person-centered results delineated four subgroups of girls based on their profiles of well being and achievement. The largest group of girls (46%) was characterized by well being and positive school achievement and had balanced adult- and peer-oriented identities. The second largest group (35%), characterized by emotional distress and average school achievement, had positive student and negative physical and peer identity representations. The third group (12%), characterized by emotional distress and poor school achievement, reported pervasive negative representations. The final group (7%), characterized by well being and poor achievement, did not consider themselves good students but did see themselves as physically attractive. Interviews revealed identity challenges characteristic of girls in each subgroup.
Review Essay: Casebooks, Social Context, and Criminal Procedure for Law Enforcement
Authors: De Angelis Joseph
Published: January 2008

In this essay the author reviews a couple of the most prominent criminal procedure casebooks for criminal justice students. In particular, the author focuses on the question of how well these texts function as training tools for nonlawyers who require a working understanding of criminal procedure for law enforcement. After providing a general review of these titles, the author situates the strengths and weaknesses of these texts within a growing debate over the best approaches to teaching criminal procedure to undergraduate criminal justice students.
Coping With Discrimination Among Mexican Descent Adolescents
Authors: Edwards Lisa M. , Romero Andrea J.
Published: January 2008

The current research is designed to explore the relationship among discrimination stress, coping strategies, and self-esteem among Mexican descent youth ( N = 73, age 11-15 years). Results suggest that primary control engagement and disengagement coping strategies are positively associated with discrimination stress. Furthermore, self-esteem is predicted by an interaction of primary control engagement coping and discrimination stress, such that at higher levels of discrimination stress, youth who engaged in more primary control engagement coping reported higher self-esteem. The authors' findings indicate that Mexican descent youth are actively finding ways to cope with the common experience of negative stereotypes and prejudice, such that their self-esteem is protected from the stressful impact of discrimination and prejudice. Implications of these findings for Latino/a youth resilience are discussed.
Cross-Cultural Validity of Alcohol Dependence Across Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Caucasians
Authors: Carle Adam C.
Published: January 2008

Confirmatory factor analyses for ordered-categorical measures probed for differential item functioning on a standardized measure of alcohol dependence across Hispanics ( n = 834) and non-Hispanic Caucasians ( n = 14,001) in a nationally representative survey of alcohol use in the United States conducted in 1992. Analyses investigated whether 30 items operationalizing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) construct of alcohol dependence provided equivalent measurement. The results demonstrated statistically significant differential item functioning for 7 items, suggesting caution regarding the cross-ethnic validity of alcohol dependence. Sensitivity analyses suggested that item-level differences had a limited impact, lending confidence to previous findings. The findings underscore the necessity of cultural sensitivity when generalizing measures and constructs developed in the majority to Hispanic individuals and demonstrate the need for evaluations of differential item functioning in contemporary data.
ATSDR evaluation of health effects of tungsten and relevance to public health
Authors: Keith L. Samuel , Moffett Daphne B. , Rosemond Zemoria A. , Wohlers David W.
Published: January 2008

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry prepares toxicological profiles, as part of its mandate, on hazardous chemicals found at Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act National Priorities List sites that have the greatest public health impact. These profiles comprehensively summarize toxicological and environmental information. This article constitutes the release of portions of the Toxicological Profile for tungsten. The primary purpose of this article is to provide public health officials, physicians, toxicologists and other interested individuals and groups with an overall perspective on the toxicology of tungsten. It contains descriptions and evaluations of toxicological studies and epidemiological investigations and provides conclusions, where possible, on the relevance of toxicity and toxicokinetic data to public health. Toxicology and Industrial Health 2007; 23: 347—387
Making Bulgarians Socialist: The Fatherland Front in Communist Bulgaria, 1944—1989
Authors: Brunnbauer Ulf
Published: January 2008

This paper discusses the activities of the Fatherland Front in communist Bulgaria. The Fatherland Front evolved from the communist-led anti-fascist coalition, which had taken power in 1944, into the largest mass organization in socialist Bulgaria, though without real political power. Since the late 1950s, its primary goal was the creation of the “socialist way of life,” which would signal the triumph of communist ideology in all walks of life. Propaganda campaigns, lobbying efforts, and the peculiar institution of “Comrade Courts” were employed by the Front in its struggle for rendering everyday life socialist. The analysis, which is based on archival records and published texts, elucidates some of the party-state's strategies to establish cultural hegemony. The activities of the Fatherland Front also reveal which popular practices and consequences of social change were considered problematic by the communist regime, and how they were addressed.
Intellectuals and Post-Communist Politics in Romania
Authors: Tănăsoiu Cosmina
Published: January 2008

This article starts from the assumption that public intellectuals have the potential of being valuable actors of democratization through their propensity of creating debate by cultivating the alternative and relentlessly challenging thinking patterns in the societies in which they live. By examining the public discourses practiced during the first decade of post-communist politics, this article considers whether the Romanian public intellectuals have fulfilled this function. This article identifies both deconstructive, anti-discourses aimed at dismantling specific narratives (i.e., communism, ethnic nationalist rhetoric, clan politics) and constructive discourses centered on building new narratives (i.e., European, civil society, democratic). The article argues that the performance of public intellectuals should not be judged on their electoral success, but on their ability to fuel debate and deal with those issues considered to be politically uncomfortable by conventional political actors and by the society at large.
The Successful Laggards: Bulgaria and Romania's Accession to the EU
Authors: Noutcheva Gergana , Bechev Dimitar
Published: January 2008

The article examines the power as well as the limits of the EU's leverage on domestic governance in candidate countries from Eastern Europe through the cases of Bulgaria and Romania. It argues that the reasons for Bulgaria and Romania's lagging behind in meeting the EU accession criteria have to do with a set of domestic factors. Powerful veto players and institutional structures embedded in the domestic sociopolitical context have obstructed reform in the sectors most susceptible to political influence and least likely to be reformed without external pressure. The EU's leverage helps explain why the two laggards did succeed in breaking the vicious circle of semireforms and in ultimately qualifying for EU membership. The EU conditionality has tilted the political balance in favour of a consensus on pro-EU reforms, but before these reforms can take root, they need to generate further demand `from below.'
What Has Limited the EU's Impact on Minority Rights in Accession Countries?
Authors: Rechel Bernd
Published: January 2008

Using Bulgaria as a case study, this article investigates what has limited the impact of the European Union (EU) on minority rights in accession countries. It is possible to identify a number of factors. They include a lack of internal minority rights standards, an emphasis on the acquis communautaire, missing expertise on minority issues, the superficial monitoring of candidate states, a lack of concern for human rights, and a failure in addressing public attitudes towards minorities. The case of Bulgaria differed from that of its neighbors in lacking involvement of the High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Enhancement of In situ Self-crack-healing Efficient Temperature Region by SiC Nanosizing
Authors: Nakao Wataru , Tsutagawa Yasuyuki , Ando Kotoji
Published: January 2008

Self-crack-healing by oxidation of silicon carbide (SiC) is the most effective method to improve the reliability of ceramics, as this eliminates surface cracks completely. Furthermore, if the service condition corresponds to the state under which self-crack-healing can occur, cracks introduced during service can be completely healed during service. However, the ceramic composites having crack-healing ability exhibit only a small efficient temperature region for crack-healing during service. Therefore, the authors have tried to decrease the temperature at which crack-healing reaction becomes active, as well as to increase the temperature limit for bending strength by size reduction in the contained SiC particles. The present study adapts the following self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) to fabricate alumina composite containing nanosized SiC particles: 3(3Al2O32SiO2) + 8Al + 6C = 13Al2O3 + 6SiC. The formed nanosized SiC particles have a particle size of 10—30 nm and exist in alumina grain. As a result, the temperature at which self-crack-healing becomes active can be decreased 200°C by using SHS. Furthermore, the crack-healed specimen has no large strength decrease up to 1300°C. Therefore, new alumina/ SiC nanocomposite is found to exhibit the in situ self-crack-healing efficient temperature region of 300°C.
Energy Transfer in Vibratory Systems with Friction Exhibiting Low-velocity Collisions
Authors: Svahn Fredrik , Dankowicz Harry
Published: January 2008

This paper investigates the dynamic response of an initially stationary part of a mechanism in the presence of a restoring force and dry friction to low-velocity collisions with a relatively more massive oscillating element. Of particular interest is the persistence of a local attractor in the motion of the less massive part as the path of the oscillating element grows to encompass the entire set of possible equilibrium positions in the absence of contact. It is argued that loss of a local attractor and the associated large-amplitude oscillations of the less massive part affords a means for energy transfer through the mechanism and a means for energy damping. The paper contains a rigorous derivation of conditions that appear sufficient for the persistence of a local attractor in the case where the massive oscillating element is replaced by an oscillating rigid unilateral constraint corresponding to an infinite mass ratio. Numerical simulations are subsequently used to investigate the response in the case where the mass ratio is assumed finite.
Generalized Design of an Anti-swing Fuzzy Logic Controller for an Overhead Crane with Hoist
Authors: Trabia Mohamed B. , Renno Jamil M. , Moustafa Kamal A.F.
Published: January 2008

The behavior of many mechanical systems, such as overhead cranes, can be predicted through intuitive observation of their motion under various forces. Mathematical modeling of an overhead crane shows that it is highly coupled. Nonetheless, it is surprisingly easy for an experienced crane operator to drive payloads to target positions with minimal cable swing. This observation naturally promotes the use of fuzzy logic to control overhead cranes. Traditionally, fuzzy logic controllers of overhead cranes were presented for specific crane system/motion parameters. This work presents a novel approach for automatically creating anti-swing fuzzy logic controllers for overhead cranes with hoisting. The model of the crane includes the distributed mass of the cable. The presented approach uses the inverse dynamics of the overhead crane and the desired motion parameters to determine the ranges of the variables of the controllers. The control action is distributed among three fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs): The travel controller, hoist controller, and anti-swing controller. Simulation examples show that the proposed controller can successfully drive overhead cranes under various operating conditions.
A Longitudinal Study of Arrested Batterers, 1995-2005
Authors: Klein Andrew R. , Tobin Terri
Published: January 2008

An examination of the abuse and criminal careers of 342 men arraigned in the Quincy, Massachusetts, District Court for a crime of domestic violence between 1995 and 1996 through 2004 reveals decade-long criminal and abuse careers largely undeterred by arrest, prosecution, probation supervision, incarceration, and batterer treatment. Although only a minority reabused (32%) or were arrested for any crime (43%) within a year of the study court arraignment, over the next decade, the majority (60%) reabused, and almost three fourths were rearrested for a domestic abuse or non–domestic abuse crime. The research suggests that short-term cessation of domestic violence achieved after a variety of interventions may not indicate longer-term behavior change.
Resistance Among Domestic Violence Offenders
Authors: Levesque Deborah A. , Velicer Wayne F. , Castle Patricia H. , Greene R. Neil
Published: January 2008

Batterers' resistance to traditional intervention programs has been well documented. Within a Transtheoretical Model of Change (stage of change) framework, a measure of processes of resistance was developed and administered to 346 adult male domestic violence offenders in treatment. The study yielded a 38-item measure that assesses eight dimensions of resistance: (a) System Blaming, (b) Problems with Partner, (c) Problems with Alliance, (d) Social Justification, (e) Hopelessness, (f) Isolation, (g) Psychological Reactance, and (h) Passive Reactance. The relationship between resistance and stage of change, time in treatment, and partner aggression are reported. Results suggest that we look beyond the most common forms of resistance (e.g., denial and victim-blaming) to identify and address other forms of resistance that may be more internally based and difficult to detect. The processes of resistance measure provides a tool for measuring those types of resistance.
Deconstructing Male Violence Against Women
Authors: Douglas Ulester , Bathrick Dick , Perry Phyllis Alesia
Published: January 2008

Men Stopping Violence (MSV), a 24-year-old metro Atlanta-based organization that works to end male violence against women, uses an ecological, community-based accountability model as the foundation of its analysis of the problem of male violence against women and of its work with individuals and in communities. The MSV community-accountability model of male violence against women offers a view of the cultural and historical mechanisms that support violence against women. The model, and the strategies and programs that have grown out of it, demonstrate the potential for disrupting traditions of abuse and dominance at the individual, familial, local, national, and global levels.
Avonex Combination Trial in relapsing—remitting MS: rationale, design and baseline data
Authors: Cohen JA , Calabresi PA , Chakraborty S. , Edwards KR , Eickenhorst T. , Felton WL , Fisher E. , Fox RJ , Goodman AD , Hara-Cleaver C. , Hutton GJ , Imrey PB , Ivancic DM , Mandell BF , Perryman JE , Scott TF , Skaramagas TT , Zhang H.
Published: January 2008

Objective To review the rationale, design and baseline data of the Avonex Combination Trial (ACT), an investigator-run study of intramuscular interferon beta-1a (IM IFNβ-1a) combined with methotrexate (MTX) and/or IV methylprednisolone (IVMP) in relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients with continued disease activity on IM IFNβ-1a monotherapy.

Methods Eligibility criteria included RRMS, Expanded Disability Status Scale score 0—5.5, and ≥1 relapse or gadolinium-enhancing MRI lesion in the prior year while on IM IFNβ-1a monotherapy. Subjects continued IFNβ-1a 30 mcg IM weekly and were randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design to adjunctive weekly placebo or MTX 20 mg PO, with or without IVMP 1000 mg/day for three days every other month. ACT was industry-supported, and collaboratively designed and governed by an Investigator Steering Committee with independent Advisory and Data Safety Monitoring Committees. Study operations, MRI analysis and aggregated data were managed by the Cleveland Clinic MS Academic Coordinating Center.

Results In total 313 subjects were enrolled with clinical and MRI characteristics typical of RRMS. Most subjects (86.9%) qualified with a clinical relapse, with or without an enhancing MRI lesion, in the preceding year. At baseline, 21.4% had enhancing lesions, and 5.1% had anti-IFNβ neutralizing antibodies. ACT's management and operational structures functioned well.

Conclusion This study provides an innovative model for academic—industry collaborative MS research and will enhance understanding of the utility of combination therapy for RRMS patients with continued disease activity on an established first-line treatment. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 370—382. http://msj.sagepub.com
Selective association of multiple sclerosis with infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Zaadstra BM , Chorus AMJ , van Buuren S. , Kalsbeek H. , van Noort JM
Published: January 2008

Previous studies have suggested an association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and infectious mononucleosis (IM) but data on the exact strength of this association or its selectivity have been conflicting. In this study we have evaluated the association between MS and a variety of common childhood infections and afflictions in a large population-based case-control study involving 2877 MS cases and 2673 controls in the Netherlands. We examined the frequency of different common infections and afflictions before the age of 25 and the age at which they occurred, using a self-administered questionnaire.

The Odds ratios (ORs) for the occurrence of a variety of clinically manifest common childhood infections including rubella, measles, chicken pox and mumps before the age of 25 for MS cases versus controls ranged between 1.14 and 1.42, values similar to those for irrelevant probe variables used to reveal recall bias. In contrast, the OR for clinically manifest IM in MS cases versus controls, corrected for demographic variables, was 2.22 (95% confidence interval 1.73 — 2.86; P < 0.001). The average age of onset of IM in the population of MS cases (16.5 years) did not differ from controls (16.8 years). Our data confirm previous much smaller studies to show that the risk for MS is significantly enhanced by prior IM, and extend those previous data by showing that this association is far stronger than with other common childhood infections or afflictions. Multiple scelerosis 2008; 14: 307—313. http://msj.sagepub.com
MDC/CCL22 intrathecal levels in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Galimberti D. , Fenoglio C. , Comi C. , Scalabrini D. , De Riz M. , Leone M. , Venturelli E. , Cortini F. , Piola M. , Monaco F. , Bresolin N. , Scarpini E.
Published: January 2008

MDC/CCL22 has been detected in the brain of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. MDC/CCL22 cerebrospinal fluid levels were evaluated in 56 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and in 17 controls. No significant differences were found, even when stratifying patients according to the disease subtype. Stratifying by gender, significantly increased MDC/CCL22 levels were observed in female patients when compared with female controls and male patients (109.03 versus 98.54 and 99.37 pg/mL, P = 0.034 and 0.018, respectively). Therefore, MDC/CCL22 is likely to play a role in the development of MS in females only, possibly influencing the intracerebral recruitment of Th2 cells, which produce anti-inflammatory cytokines. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 547—549. http://msj.sagepub.com
A longitudinal study on effects of a six-week course for energy conservation for multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Sauter C. , Zebenholzer K. , Hisakawa J. , Zeitlhofer J. , Vass K.
Published: January 2008

Objective Fatigue management and energy conservation are effective strategies to minimize fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS). Sustained results have not yet been reported.

Methods A fatigue management course was provided for 32 MS patients. They were tested prior to, directly after participation in the course and in a 7—9 month follow-up with the Fatigue Severity Scale, the MS-specific Fatigue Scale, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a self-rating scale for depression. The Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) and the MS functional composite (MSFC) were evaluated before and after participation in the course.

Results The total score and the Cognitive and Physical subscores of the MFIS showed significant improvements on both points of time. Scores in the Fatigue Severity Scale, MS-specific Fatigue Scale and Psychosocial Fatigue Impact Scale did not improve significantly. MS functional composite and EDSS remained unchanged after six weeks of course participation. Subjective sleep quality improved directly after participation in the course and after 7—9 months. The depression score decreased significantly to a normal level at the end of training and in the 7—9 month follow-up.

Conclusion Fatigue management enables MS patients to cope with their fatigue and energy more effectively. Follow-up evaluations showed stable results after 7—9 months. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 500—505. http://msj.sagepub.com
Large-scale, multicentre, quantitative MRI study of brain and cord damage in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rovaris Marco , Judica Elda , Sastre-Garriga Jaume , Rovira Alex , Pia Sormani Maria , Benedetti Beatrice , Korteweg Tijmen , De Stefano Nicola , Khaleeli Zhaleh , Montalban Xavier , Barkhof Frederik , Miller David H , Polman Chris , Thompson Alan J , Filippi Massimo
Published: January 2008

Although the mechanisms underlying the accumulation of disability in primary progressive (PP) multiple sclerosis (MS) are still unclear, a major role seems to be played by `occult' tissue damage. We investigated whether conventional and magnetization transfer (MT) MRI may provide complementary information for the assessment of PPMS severity. Conventional and MT MRI scans from 226 PPMS patients and 84 healthy controls were collected for centralized analysis. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score was rated at the time of MRI acquisition. T2 lesion volume, normalized brain volume (NBV) and cervical cord cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured. Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) histograms from whole brain tissue, normal-appearing white matter and grey matter (NAGM) were also obtained. Mean NBV, CSA and MTR histogram-derived metrics showed significant inter-centre heterogeneity. After correcting for the acquisition centre, pooled average MTR and histogram peak height values were different between PPMS patients and controls for all tissue classes ( P-values between 0.03 and 0.0001). More severe brain and cord atrophy and MT MRI-detectable NAGM damage were found in patients who required walking aids than in those who did not ( P-values: 0.03, 0.001 and 0.016). A composite score of NBV, CSA, whole brain and NAGM MTR histogram peak height z-scores was correlated with patients' EDSS ( r = 0.37, P 0.001). Magnetization transfer MRI might provide information complementary to that given by conventional MRI when assessing PPMS severity. Sequence-related variability of measurements makes the standardization of MT MRI acquisition essential for the design of multicentre studies. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 455—464. http://msj.sagepub.com
A nonparametric model for quality control of database search results in shotgun proteomics
Authors: Zhang Jiyang , Li Jianqi , Liu Xin , Xie Hongwei , Zhu Yunping , He Fuchu
Published: January 2008

Background

Analysis of complex samples with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has become routine in proteomic research. However, validation of database search results creates a bottleneck in MS/MS data processing. Recently, methods based on a randomized database have become popular for quality control of database search results. However, a consequent problem is the ignorance of how to combine different database search scores to improve the sensitivity of randomized database methods.

Results

In this paper, a multivariate nonlinear discriminate function (DF) based on the multivariate nonparametric density estimation technique was used to filter out false-positive database search results with a predictable false positive rate (FPR). Application of this method to control datasets of different instruments (LCQ, LTQ, and LTQ/FT) yielded an estimated FPR close to the actual FPR. As expected, the method was more sensitive when more features were used. Furthermore, the new method was shown to be more sensitive than two commonly used methods on 3 complex sample datasets and 3 control datasets.

Conclusion

Using the nonparametric model, a more flexible DF can be obtained, resulting in improved sensitivity and good FPR estimation. This nonparametric statistical technique is a powerful tool for tackling the complexity and diversity of datasets in shotgun proteomics.
DArT markers: diversity analyses and mapping in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Mace Emma S , Xia Ling , Jordan David R , Halloran Kirsten , Parh Dipal K , Huttner Eric , Wenzl Peter , Kilian Andrzej
Published: January 2008

Background

The sequential nature of gel-based marker systems entails low throughput and high costs per assay. Commonly used marker systems such as SSR and SNP are also dependent on sequence information. These limitations result in high cost per data point and significantly limit the capacity of breeding programs to obtain sufficient return on investment to justify the routine use of marker-assisted breeding for many traits and particularly quantitative traits. Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT™) is a cost effective hybridisation-based marker technology that offers a high multiplexing level while being independent of sequence information. This technology offers sorghum breeding programs an alternative approach to whole-genome profiling. We report on the development, application, mapping and utility of DArT™ markers for sorghum germplasm.

Results

A genotyping array was developed representing approximately 12,000 genomic clones using Pst I+Ban II complexity with a subset of clones obtained through the suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH) method. The genotyping array was used to analyse a diverse set of sorghum genotypes and screening a Recombinant Inbred Lines (RIL) mapping population. Over 500 markers detected variation among 90 accessions used in a diversity analysis. Cluster analysis discriminated well between all 90 genotypes. To confirm that the sorghum DArT markers behave in a Mendelian manner, we constructed a genetic linkage map for a cross between R931945-2-2 and IS 8525 integrating DArT and other marker types. In total, 596 markers could be placed on the integrated linkage map, which spanned 1431.6 cM. The genetic linkage map had an average marker density of 1/2.39 cM, with an average DArT marker density of 1/3.9 cM.

Conclusion

We have successfully developed DArT markers for Sorghum bicolor and have demonstrated that DArT provides high quality markers that can be used for diversity analyses and to construct medium-density genetic linkage maps. The high number of DArT markers generated in a single assay not only provides a precise estimate of genetic relationships among genotypes, but also their even distribution over the genome offers real advantages for a range of molecular breeding and genomics applications.
Impairment of intellectual functions after surgery and posterior fossa irradiation in children with ependymoma is related to age and neurologic complications
Authors: von Hoff Katja , Kieffer Virginie , Habrand Jean-Louis , Kalifa Chantal , Dellatolas Georges , Grill Jacques
Published: January 2008

Background

To investigate the neuropsychological outcome of children treated with surgery and posterior fossa irradiation for localized infratentorial ependymoma.

Methods

23 patients (age 0.3 – 14 years at diagnosis) who were treated with local posterior fossa irradiation (54 Gy) underwent one (4 patients) or sequential (19 patients) neuropsychologic evaluation. The last evaluation was performed at a median of 4.5 (1 to 15.5) years after RT.

Results

Mean last full scale IQ (FSIQ), verbal IQ (VIQ) and PIQ were 89.1, 94.0, and 86.2 respectively. All patients had difficulties with reading, and individual patients showed deficits in visuospatial, memory and attentional tasks. There was no trend for deterioration of intellectual outcome over time. All 5 children with IQ scores ≤ 75 were under the age of four at diagnosis. There was a significant association between the presence of cerebellar deficits and impaired IQ (72.0 vs 95.2, p < 0,001). The absence of hydrocephalus was an indicator of better neuropsychologic outcome (mean FSIQ of 102.6 vs 83.9, p = 0.025).

Conclusion

Within the evaluated cohort, intellectual functions were moderately impaired. Markedly reduced IQ scores were only seen with early disease manifestation and treatment, and postoperative neurological deficits had a strong impact on intellectual outcome.
The crystal structure of the putative peptide-binding fragment from the human Hsp40 protein Hdj1
Authors: Hu Junbin , Wu Yunkun , Li Jingzhi , Qian Xinguo , Fu Zhengqing , Sha Bingdong
Published: January 2008

Background

The mechanism by which Hsp40 and other molecular chaperones recognize and interact with non-native polypeptides is a fundamental question. How Hsp40 co-operates with Hsp70 to facilitate protein folding is not well understood. To investigate the mechanisms, we determined the crystal structure of the putative peptide-binding fragment of Hdj1, a human member of the type II Hsp40 family.

Results

The 2.7Å structure reveals that Hdj1 forms a homodimer in the crystal by a crystallographic two-fold axis. The Hdj1 dimer has a U-shaped architecture and a large cleft is formed between the two elongated monomers. When compared with another Hsp40 Sis1 structure, the domain I of Hdj1 is rotated by 7.1 degree from the main body of the molecule, which makes the cleft between the two Hdj1 monomers smaller that that of Sis1.

Conclusion

This structural observation indicates that the domain I of Hsp40 may possess significant flexibility. This flexibility may be important for Hsp40 to regulate the size of the cleft. We propose an "anchoring and docking" model for Hsp40 to utilize the flexibility of domain I to interact with non-native polypeptides and transfer them to Hsp70.
An inter-country comparison of unofficial payments: results of a health sector social audit in the Baltic States
Authors: Cockcroft Anne , Andersson Neil , Paredes-Solís Sergio , Caldwell Dawn , Mitchell Steve , Milne Deborah , Merhi Serge , Roche Melissa , Konceviciute Elena , Ledogar Robert J
Published: January 2008

Background

Cross-country comparisons of unofficial payments in the health sector are sparse. In 2002 we conducted a social audit of the health sector of the three Baltic States.

Methods

Some 10,320 household interviews from a stratified, last-stage-random, sample of 30 clusters per country, together with institutional reviews, produced preliminary results. Separate focus groups of service users, nurses and doctors interpreted these findings. Stakeholder workshops in each country discussed the survey and focus group results.

Results

Nearly one half of the respondents did not consider unofficial payments to health workers to be corruption, yet one half (Estonia 43%, Latvia 45%, Lithuania 64%) thought the level of corruption in government health services was high. Very few (Estonia 1%, Latvia 3%, Lithuania 8%) admitted to making unofficial payments in their last contact with the services. Around 14% of household members across the three countries gave gifts in their last contact with government services.

Conclusion

This social audit allowed comparison of perceptions, attitudes and experience regarding unofficial payments in the health services of the three Baltic States. Estonia showed least corruption. Latvia was in the middle. Lithuania evidenced the most unofficial payments, the greatest mistrust towards the system. These findings can serve as a baseline for interventions, and to compare each country's approach to health service reform in relation to unofficial payments.