bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Immunological Analysis of Semen
Authors: Sayce M. D. , Rees B.
Published: January 2017

Semen from men attending a subfertility clinic and a post-vasectomy clinic has been studied by immunodiffusion using polyvalent and monospecific antisera. In total, semen samples from 277 men have been studied and a ‘normal profile’ of seminal proteins established. There are no obvious differences in the semen samples from these two different populations. The majority of proteins studied are unlikely to be useful for discriminating between semen samples in medicolegal enquiries.
An Unusual Forensic Application of Blood Group Studies
Authors: Usher A. , Stapleton R. R.
Published: January 2017

An unusual case of mass paternity testing in 36 men suspected of impregnating a 16-year-old mentally handicapped girl is described. The results of blood tests excluded all but 3 of the suspects and enabled the police to reach a satisfactory conclusion to their investigation.
Blood Alcohol and Social Drinking
Authors: Flanagan N. G. , Lochridge G. K. , Henry J.G. , Hadlow A. J. , Hamer P. A.
Published: January 2017

A field study was carried out using 131 volunteers in an attempt to relate alcohol consumption at 12 social functions with actual blood alcohol levels under reasonably controlled conditions. Food, taken at 7 of these functions, caused an unpredictable delay in alcohol absorption and some subjects had blood alcohol figures approaching recently defined ‘high risk’ levels. Better correlation was found at those functions without food intake, but again there was considerable individual variation. In 36 subjects samples were taken on the following morning. About 12 per cent showed significantly raised levels but all were under the legal limit for driving. The authors are concerned that other factors in addition to the alcohol level should be considered before a driver is placed in the ‘high risk’ category.
The Activity of Lactate Dehydrogenase in Cadaver Sera: A Comparison of Different Sampling Sites
Authors: Lythgoe A.S.
Published: January 2017

Blood samples were taken from six regions of the cadaver cardiovascular system and the serum assayed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Attempts were then made to correlate the results with age, sex, postmortem interval, cause of death and electrolyte state of the serum. Values for activity from the peripheral regions appeared similar, whereas the enzyme levels in the right heart were comparatively much higher, as to a lesser extent in the left heart. A possible explanation of the anomalous heart results is suggested.
Psychiatric Reports Requested by the Courts in Six Countries
Authors: Soothill K. L. , Adserballe H. , Bernheim J. , Dasananjali T. , Harding T. W. , Thomaz T. , Reinhold F. , Ghali H.
Published: January 2017

Consecutive series of individuals for whom psychiatric reports were requested by the courts in the context of criminal proceedings were studied in six countries: Brazil, Denmark, Egypt, Swaziland, Switzerland, Thailand. A total sample of 96 cases was obtained. Careful study of the court records and psychiatric reports revealed three types of situation which could trigger a request for such a report; an ‘offence-oriented’ response where the offence itself is seen as indicative of mental morbidity, a ‘patient-oriented’ response in which the patient's previous contact with the mental health system serves as trigger and a ‘behaviour-oriented’ response in which the patient's disturbed behaviour in detention or in court arouses concern. The majority of the individuals were first offenders (60 per cent), while a similar proportion had had previous psychiatric treatment.
Computers in Forensic Medicine—I
Authors: Sivaloganathan S.
Published: January 2017

This is the first of two papers on the use of computers in a department or forensic medicine. It deals with general considerations of computing, with particular reference to confidentiality and the processing of postmortem records.
Phenotyping of Phosphoglucomutase (PGM1) Subtypes in Chinese, with Special Reference to New Variant (PGM1, China)
Authors: Wei Wang , Jingtao Jia
Published: January 2017

The distribution of phosphoglucomutase (PGM1) subtypes in human red cells from 320 Chinese was determined by isoelectric focusing. Ten common phenotypes were observed corresponding to the following frequencies of the four alleles at the PGM1 locus: PGM1+1 0·6420, PGM1−1 0·1240, PGM2+1 0·1755 and PGM2−1 0·0765. In addition, two variants were detected, one of them was PGM8.1; the other a new variant (PGM1 China). The pedigree of the propositus of the new variant shows that it occurs in combination with the common alleles PGM1+1 and PGM1−1 and that it has an autosomal dominant inheritance.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): The Metropolitan Dade County Experience, 1979–1983
Authors: Copeland Arthur R.
Published: January 2017

A study of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or ‘crib death’ cases was performed on the case files of the office of the Medical Examiner of Metropolitan Dade County in Miami, Florida, during the years 1979 to 1983. One hundred and thirty-nine cases were collected and analysed according to: the rate per thousand live births; racial and ethnic variation in this rate; the age distribution of the victims; the race and sex of the victim; the location of the terminal incident; and the scene circumstances. The rate of occurrence of SIDS in Dade County has decreased overall in the five years studied—more so in white and Spanish-surnamed individuals than in blacks. The victim is most commonly from eight to nine weeks of age or three to six months of age. Most victims were black males. The most common scenario was being found dead after a feeding in a bed at home. Other SIDS deaths in the family were not common. The mother of the decedent most frequently found the victim and fire rescue intervention (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) occurred approximately half the time.
Sudden Natural Death Due to Pulmonary Thromboembolism in the Medical Examiner's Jurisdiction
Authors: Copeland Arthur R.
Published: January 2017

A study of sudden natural death due to pulmonary thromboembolism was performed on the case files of the office of the Medical Examiner of Metropolitan Dade County in Miami, Florida; 150 cases which occurred during the five-year period 1982–6 were analysed.

The average male victim was 63·4 years of age, 174·5 cm (68·7 in) in height, 78·0 kg (172 lb) in weight with a 475·5-gram (16·77 oz) heart, and with mild or moderate coronary artery disease. Racially, 42 per cent of the male victims were black and 58 per cent of them were white. The average female victim was 61·9 years of age, 162·3 cm (63·9 in) in height, 76·5 kg (168·7 lb) in weight with a 382·4-gram (13·49 oz) heart, and with mild or moderate coronary artery disease. Racially, the female group was approximately evenly divided between blaks and whites. In further analysis of the scene circumstances of the terminal event and the past medical history of the victim, approximately 21 per cent of the victims had had surgery or hospitalization within the 120 days preceeding demise. Only 4·7 per cent of the victims were taking anticoagulant medication at the time of their demise. A discussion ensues comparing these data to those from other studies and considering what role the forensic pathologist can have in future work on this phenomenon.
Determination of Sex from the Pubic Bone
Authors: Suri R. K. , Tandon J. K.
Published: January 2017

One hundred pubic bones (right and left) of adult individuals (78 males and 22 females) have been studied to establish criteria for determination of sex. The gross anatomical features on anterior and posterior surfaces have been examined, and the height and width of the pubic bones have been measured. Some of the observations have been found to be statistically significant.
A Study of Attempted Suicides in Prisons
Authors: Wool Rosemary J. , Dooley Enda
Published: January 2017

To date there have been very few studies of attempted suicide occurring in prison. This study analyses 111 reports of attempted suicide occurring in a one-year period in the prisons of the Midlands and South West regions of England. Unlike the general population, where there are marked differences (age, sex, etc.) between those attempting and those completing suicide, the characteristics for both groups in prison are similar, high risk being associated with youth, with being on remand or recently sentenced, and with a history of mental or physical illness. There is some indication that those in Young Offender Establishments may be more likely to attempt suicide by hanging. The motivation given by the inmates most commonly stated some form of emotional stress relating to poor communication with family or friends, and in this respect they are similar to attempters outside prison.
The Use of DNA Profiling and Behavioural Science in the Investigation of Sexual Offences
Authors: Daves Anne
Published: January 2017

The Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory has been using DNA profiling in crime cases since 1987 and has established an index of results from personal samples, together with those from stains from serious unsolved cases. Despite the small numbers recorded as yet, series of unsolved sexual crimes have been detected, new cases have been added to established series and suspects have been nominated for several rapes. The laboratory also has a Sexual Assault Index which is used to identify linked cases in the absence of DNA. This is done using behavioural factors, which inevitably leads to the acquisition of knowledge about the perpetrator and is part of the process known as offender profiling. The effect of the use of DNA profiling and behavioural science on some aspects of forensic science is described.
Rape — A Comparison of Stranger and Acquaintance Assaults
Authors: Bownes Ian T. , O'Gorman Ethna C. , Sayers Angela
Published: January 2017

One of the variables that influences victim trauma in rape attacks is the relationship between assailant and victim (Ellis, 1981). Rapes by strangers have been shown to involve more violence and trauma (Katz and Mazur, 1979). Rapes by acquaintances may involve a betrayal of trust.

The study compares 21 rape attacks where the assailant was known to the victim with 30 attacks where the assailant was a stranger. Three main elements of each assault are described: the contextual nature of the rape encounter, the assault characteristics (force, injuries, nature of sexual activity) and the post-rape behaviour. Significant differences were found between the two groups in each of these respects. Contact between rapist and victim took place in a social setting immediately prior to the assault in significantly more of the acquaintance rapes. Significantly more of the stranger rapes involved the display of a weapon. Coercive reciprocation of sexual activity occurred in proportionately more of stranger rapes. The role of verbal aggression was more prominent in acquaintance rapes.

Significantly more of the acquaintance rapists (95% as opposed to 17%) interacted with the victim after the overtly sexual part of the attack. Two types of behaviour were displayed in almost equal proportions. Conciliatory/non-threatening behaviour consistent with a distorted affirmation of a person-orientated relationship with the victim was displayed by 43% of these assailants; 48% displayed threatening behaviour.

We believe that stranger and acquaintance rapes can be clearly differentiated in terms of the behavioural dimensions of the assault. An understanding of such differences has implications for professionals involved in the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders and their victims.
Embryo Research: The Significance of the New Law
Authors: Samuels Alec
Published: January 2017

Embryo research is lawful in the United Kingdom: Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. Subject to licence and regulation. Embryo research raises medical, scientific, legal, social, philosophical, and ultimately conscience, moral and ethical issues. In the end each individual has to make his own value judgment, to be respected by all the rest of us.
Alleged Shoplifters and Psychiatric Outpatients: Drugs, Absent-Mindedness and Mental State Compared
Authors: Mortimer Ann
Published: January 2017

Thirteen shoplifters were found to fit into a new classification based on mens rea. When compared to an age and sex matched control group of new psychiatric outpatients there were no significant differences in psychiatric morbidity, drug impaired arousal, absent-mindedness and course of illness. There was evidence that absent-mindedness may be responsible for some alleged offences and that this may occur repeatedly.
Four Unusual Cases of Sudden and Unexpected Cardiovascular Death in Infancy and Childhood
Authors: Byard R W , Jimenez C L , Carpenter B F , Cutz E , Smith C R
Published: January 2017

Four unusual cases of sudden and unexpected cardiovascular death in infancy and early childhood that were found during a ten-year autopsy review at our institutions are presented. In Case 1, an asymptomatic 2-year-old male, sudden death resulted from an acute myocardial infarct due to occlusion of coronary arteries that had been previously damaged by unsuspected arteritis. Case 2, a previously well 7-month-old male, died from an acute myocardial infarct due to an unsuspected anomalous origin of the coronary arteries from a single, stenotic coronary ostium. Case 3, a previously well 21-month-old black male, died from a splenic sequestration crisis due to undiagnosed sickle cell disease. Case 4, a 2-month-old female with suspected Marfan syndrome, died from a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of a patent ductus arteriosus. Accuracy of diagnosis was of particular importance in the latter two cases because of the possible genetic implications.
The Response of Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing Instruments with Subjects Exposed to Organic Solvents and Gases
Authors: Gill R , Warner H E , Broster C G , Osselton M D , Ramsey J D , Wilson H K , Wilcox A H
Published: January 2017

Following exposure to white spirit vapour, the effect of the expired solvent on evidential breath alcohol equipment was investigated under controlled exposure chamber conditions and in a simulated painting exercise. Five volunteers inhaled the solvent in an exposure chamber at a concentration of 100ppm for periods up to 4h 17min. Two other volunteers were exposed to white spirit while painting with domestic gloss paint in an un ventilated room under which conditions exposure concentrations reached 185ppm for 20min. Following all white spirit exposures, volunteers underwent breath tests with the Lion Intoximeter 3000. In all instances the apparent alcohol responses were very small and never exceeded a reading of 1 μg/100ml for breath samples more than 10min post-exposure. Simultaneous analytical work was conducted to demonstrate that white spirit was absorbed during exposure and was present in the breath and blood after the volunteers had left the exposure atmospheres. A further study involved the exposure of a volunteer to nonane vapour at 100ppm, demonstrating that this compound, being one of the principal components of white spirit, appears to be a good model for studying the uptake and elimination of white spirit.
Who Commits Matricide?
Authors: Singhal S , Dutta A
Published: January 2017

The authors studied sixteen men who committed matricide. Fifteen out of sixteen cases had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and the remaining patient had a diagnosis of schizophrenia with personality disorder. All were single at the time of the matricide. Data indicate an intense conflict-laden and ambivalent relationship between the majority of patients with their mothers. Thirteen out of sixteen cases described their mothers as quite domineering and demanding but the EMBU inventory revealed that the Matricidal group differed from the Control group in how tolerant they saw their parents. The sample as a whole saw mothers were more over-involved, over-protective, tolerant, affectionate, stimulating, performance-orientated and shaming. The matricidal group differed from the control group in the way they viewed the difference between mother and father on various scales, like over-involved, tolerant, affectionate and performance-orientated. The matricidal groups' mothers were found to be more over-involved, tolerant, affectionate, and fathers more abusive. Mothers in the control group were more performance-orientated.
The Hillsborough Football Disaster and Claims for ‘Nervous Shock’
Authors: Teff H
Published: January 2017

The article investigates the scope for ‘nervous shock’ claims consequent on negligently inflicted injury, in the light of the Hillsborough disaster. It analyses the existing case law, including the first instance and Court of Appeal judgments in litigation arising from the disaster (for the House of Lords judgment, see Addendum). Its main purpose is to show that several of the arguments and conclusions in these judgments are driven by considerations of policy rather than principle, and primarily by a concern to prevent the ‘floodgates of litigation’ from opening. It is submitted that greater attention to medical perspectives on psychiatric illness would reveal that this concern is overstated and that a more principled approach would not have the adverse consequences predicted.
2. XYY Genotype and Crime: 2 Cases
Authors: Freyne A , O'Connor A
Published: January 2017

The presence of 47, XYY genotype has stimulated much debate as to whether these men are more likely to indulge in criminal and violent behaviour than 46, XY males. Two cases of XYY men who had committed murder are described, and the current literature regarding criminality and psychopathology in XYY males is reviewed. It is important that Forensic Psychiatrists with XYY patients are aware of these issues as the link between XYY genotype and criminality may be raised in court.
4. Amyl Nitrite Related Deaths
Authors: Sarvesvaran E R , Fysh R. , Bowen D A L
Published: January 2017

Two cases of death associated with amyl nitrite are discussed. An attempt is made to highlight its noxious properties and the difficulty in attributing death to it when inhaled.
Mentally Incapacitated Adults and Decision-Making: A Psychological Perspective
Authors: McNulty Craig
Published: January 2017

The law commission is currently proposing new legislation to protect the rights of mentally incapacitated adults. This paper describes, briefly, the proposed legislation. The author notes that the proposed legislation relies on categories established for the purposes of the Mental Health Act, 1983, which is itself under revision, and that these categories fail to capture the full range of cases to which the proposed legislation is intended to apply. The author suggests the use of more established international classification schemes which may be more readily understood across the European Community. Further, the author draws attention to developments in psychological theory and methodology, and urges the adoption of scientific methods in the assessment of cognitive incapacity, and in the more general application of the proposed legislation.
Routine Use of Ultraviolet Light in Medicolegal Examinations to Evaluate Stains and Skin Trauma
Authors: Lynnerup Niels , Hjalgrim Henrik , Eriksen Birthe
Published: January 2017

The use of ultraviolet light induced fluorescence as an aid in forensic medical examinations of rape victims was evaluated preliminarily in a retrospective, non-consecutive study.

In a four-month period, 17 cases were referred by the police for examinations at the Institute of Forensic Pathology. Ultraviolet light illumination (UVI) was used in seven cases, and in six cases fluorescent skin areas were observed. The fluorescence was due to lesions in four cases and stainings with saliva and semen in other two cases. In at least two cases, skin trauma detected with UVI were unobserved in ordinary light.

It is concluded that UVI should be a routine part of forensic medical examinations. It may assist the forensic medical examiner in finding skin trauma and in locating stains, thus enabling retrieval of material for serological analyses. UVI is simple to carry out, requiring only a small, portable ultraviolet light source.
Medical Evidence for the Defence in Homicide Trials
Authors: Sivaloganathan S
Published: January 2017

The legal system for the investigation of major crime appears to be rather loose, in that there are no specific statutory provisions available to a defendant to present his or her case properly and adequately in court. There are no guidelines issued to the coroners nor are there any legal powers available to them to facilitate and authorize post-mortem examinations on behalf of the defence. This paper focuses attention on this legal dilemma, and attempts to suggest possible remedies.
Reasons for Homicide and Suicide in Episodes of Dyadic Death in Yorkshire and Humberside
Authors: Milroy C M
Published: January 2017

Fifty-two episodes of homicide-suicide were examined to determine the reasons behind the episodes. Forty-nine of the assailants were male. The major reason for homicide-suicide was breakdown in a relationship (46%), the victim usually being the spouse. Mental illness was the second commonest reason (21%). Physical ill health (11%) and financial stress (10%) were important reasons in older couples. Criminal behaviour was the reason in 11% of cases. Alcohol was detected in 15 (29%) of assailants, with 10 (19%) having a blood-alcohol level over 100mg/100ml. The results are compared with other published studies.
Social Skills Differences in Aggressive and Non-Aggressive Male Young Offenders within an Unfamiliar Social Situation
Authors: Munro Fiona M
Published: January 2017

Forty male young offenders categorized as ‘aggressive’ or ‘non-aggressive’ according to criminal records, were filmed in conversation with an unknown prison officer on two occasions. Independent observers, blind to the offender's category, rated the aggressive subjects as having significantly poorer social skills than non-aggressive subjects, but only during subjects’ first conversation with the officer, i.e. within a novel, unfamiliar social situation. This finding has implications for the treatment of ‘aggressive’ individuals as it may be interpreted as evidence of their responding inappropriately (e.g. becoming withdrawn or verbally abusive) because they perceive ambiguous situations as threatening. It also might explain the recent finding from prison violence literature that inexperienced prison officers are more likely to become involved in violent incidents, because they are perceived by aggressive prisoners as ‘ambiguous’.
Integrating Viral Hepatitis Prevention into STD Clinics in Illinois (excluding Chicago), 1999–2005
Authors: Zimmerman Richard , Finley Carol , Rabins Charlie , McMahon Karen
Published: January 2017

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all clients of sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics. Hepatitis A vaccination and hepatitis C testing are recommended for STD clinic clients who report specific risks for those viruses. In 1999, the Illinois Department of Public Health began working with local health departments in Illinois (excluding Chicago) to introduce hepatitis B testing and vaccination in public STD clinics. Hepatitis A vaccination and hepatitis C counseling and testing were introduced in 2001. Illinois state funding has covered more than one-third of the costs of offering these integrated viral hepatitis services to STD clients. Hepatitis A and B vaccination and hepatitis C counseling and testing are now the standard of care in almost all (35 of 41) Illinois public STD clinics (excluding Chicago). In 2005, 29.4% of STD client visits included a hepatitis B vaccination. In public STD clinics in Illinois, hepatitis A and B vaccinations and hepatitis C counseling and testing have increased from essentially no activity in 1999 to substantial levels of service in 2005.
Establishing a Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Program: Florida's Experience
Authors: Baldy Linda M. , Urbas Cheryl , Harris Jennie L. , Jones T. Stephen , Reichert Philip E.
Published: January 2017

In 1999, the Florida State Legislature established and funded the statewide Hepatitis Prevention Program (HPP) to address growing concern about hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its potential public health burden. HPP supports county health departments' (CHDs') provision of viral hepatitis prevention services to at-risk adults through free hepatitis A and B vaccine in most CHDs and hepatitis serologic testing and statewide viral hepatitis-related education, consultation, and referral services. Some CHDs are directly funded by HPP.

In 2001–2005, HPP support helped CHDs provide 59,228 hepatitis A and 74,039 hepatitis B vaccinations statewide. In 2005, HPP supported almost 17,000 hepatitis B and C tests. From January to June 2005, 1,603 positive HCV tests were reported, a 9.5% seropositivity rate.

With $24 million from the Florida State Legislature through 2006, HPP has helped CHDs statewide provide substantial viral hepatitis prevention services to at-risk adults.
Expansion of Adult Hepatitis A and B Vaccination in STD Clinics and other Settings in New York State
Authors: Herlihy Elizabeth J. , Klein Susan J. , Newcomb Martha L. , Blog Debra S. , Birkhead Guthrie S.
Published: January 2017

Since 1995, the New York State (NYS) Adult Hepatitis Vaccination Program has promoted adult hepatitis B vaccination for those receiving sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic services. An average of 6,333 doses was administered annually from 1995 to 1999. By 2000, only 15 of 57 county STD programs in NYS outside of New York City participated. From 2000 to 2005, efforts to enroll county health departments and others included outreach, provision of hepatitis A and B vaccine, materials and training, and new collaborations. All 57 counties now participate. From 2000 to 2005, the number of settings offering hepatitis vaccination increased from 57 to 119. Sites include STD clinics; jails; migrant, Indian health, and college health centers; and methadone clinics. More than 125,000 doses of hepatitis A and B vaccine were administered from 1995 through 2005, with annual increases up to a high of 21,025 doses in 2005. Intensive promotion expanded hepatitis vaccination to all county STD clinics and other settings where high-risk adults can be vaccinated.
Low Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Antibody in Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Do Not Inject Drugs
Authors: Buffington Joanna , Murray Paula J. , Schlanger Karen , Shih Linda , Badsgard Tracy , Hennessy Robin R. , Wood Robert , Weisfuse Isaac B. , Gunn Robert A.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

It is well documented that injection drug users (IDUs) have a high prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Sexual transmission of HCV can occur, but studies have shown that men who have sex with men (MSM) without a history of injection drug use are not at increased risk for infection. Still, some health-care providers believe that all MSM should be routinely tested for HCV infection. To better understand the potential role of MSM in risk for HCV infection, we compared the prevalence of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) in non-IDU MSM with that among other non-IDU men at sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing sites in three cities.

Methods.

During 1999–2003, public health STD clinics or HIV testing programs in Seattle, San Diego, and New York City offered counseling and testing for anti-HCV for varying periods to all clients. Sera were tested using enzyme immunoassays, and final results reported using either the signal-to-cutoff ratio or recombinant immunoblot assay results. Age, sex, and risk information were collected. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results.

Anti-HCV prevalence among IDUs (men and women) was between 47% and 57% at each site, with an overall prevalence of 51% (451/887). Of 1,699 non-IDU MSM, 26 (1.5%) tested anti-HCV positive, compared with 126 (3.6%) of 3,455 other non-IDU men (prevalence ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.28, 0.64).

Conclusion.

The low prevalence of anti-HCV among non-IDU MSM in urban public health clinics does not support routine HCV testing of all MSM.
Project ECHO: Linking University Specialists with Rural and Prison-Based Clinicians to Improve Care for People with Chronic Hepatitis C in New Mexico
Authors: Arora Sanjeev , Thornton Karla , Jenkusky Steven M. , Parish Brooke , Scaletti Joseph V.
Published: January 2017

Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (Project ECHO) is a telemedicine and distance-learning program designed to improve access to quality health care for New Mexicans with hepatitis C. Project ECHO links health-care providers from rural clinics, the Indian Health Service, and prisons with specialists at the University of New Mexico. At weekly clinics, partners present and discuss patients with hepatitis C with specialists. Partners can receive continuing education credits for participating. Since June 2003, 173 hepatitis C clinics have been conducted with 1,843 case presentations. Partners have received 390 hours of training and 2,997 hours of continuing education credits. And in 2006, the State Legislature approved $1.5 million in annual funding for the project. Project ECHO has increased access to state-of-the art hepatitis C virus care for patients living in rural areas or prisons. Because of its success with hepatitis C, this project is being expanded to other chronic medical conditions.
National Trends in Occupational Injuries before and after 1992 and Predictors of Workers' Compensation Costs
Authors: Bhushan Abhinav , Leigh J. Paul
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Numbers and costs of occupational injuries and illnesses are significant in terms of morbidity and dollars, yet our understanding of time trends is minimal. We investigated trends and addressed some common hypotheses regarding causes of fluctuations.

Methods.

We pulled data on incidence rates (per 100 full-time employed workers) for injuries and illnesses from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and on costs and benefits from the National Academy of Social Insurance for 1973 through 2007. Rates reflected all injury and illness cases, lost work-time cases, and cases resulting in at least 31 days away from work. We adjusted dollar costs (premiums) and benefits for inflation and measured them per employed worker. We plotted data in time-trend charts and ran linear regressions.

Results.

From 1973 to 1991, there was a weak to nonexistent downward trend for injury and illness rates, and rates were strongly and negatively correlated with the unemployment rate. From 1992 to 2007, there were strong, consistent downward trends, but no longer were there statistically significant correlations with unemployment. Significant predictors (and signs) of workers' compensation premiums for 1973–2007 included medical price inflation (positive), number of lost-time injuries (positive), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (negative), and inflation-adjusted interest rate on U.S. Treasury bonds (negative). Dollars of benefits were positively and significantly predicted by medical inflation and number of lost-time cases. For 1992–2007, the Dow Jones variable was the only robust predictor of premiums; the number of injuries was not a significant positive predictor.

Conclusion.

We had two major conclusions. First, the year 1992 marked a sharp contrast in trends and correlations between unemployment and incidence rates for occupational injuries and illnesses. Second, for the entire time period (1973–2007), insurance carriers' premiums were strongly associated with returns on investments.
Recruitment-Adjusted Estimates of HIV Prevalence and Risk among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Effects of Weighting Venue-Based Sampling Data
Authors: Jenness Samuel M. , Neaigus Alan , Murrill Christopher S. , Gelpi-Acosta Camila , Wendel Travis , Hagan Holly
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We investigated the impact of recruitment bias within the venue-based sampling (VBS) method, which is widely used to estimate disease prevalence and risk factors among groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), that congregate at social venues.

Methods.

In a 2008 VBS study of 479 MSM in New York City, we calculated venue-specific approach rates (MSM approached/MSM counted) and response rates (MSM interviewed/MSM approached), and then compared crude estimates of HIV risk factors and seroprevalence with estimates weighted to address the lower selection probabilities of MSM who attend social venues infrequently or were recruited at high-volume venues.

Results.

Our approach rates were lowest at dance clubs, gay pride events, and public sex strolls, where venue volumes were highest; response rates ranged from 39% at gay pride events to 95% at community-based organizations. Sixty-seven percent of respondents attended MSM-oriented social venues at least weekly, and 21% attended such events once a month or less often in the past year. In estimates adjusted for these variations, the prevalence of several past-year risk factors (e.g., unprotected anal intercourse with casual/exchange partners, ≥5 total partners, group sex encounters, at least weekly binge drinking, and hard-drug use) was significantly lower compared with crude estimates. Adjusted HIV prevalence was lower than unadjusted prevalence (15% vs. 18%), but not significantly.

Conclusions.

Not adjusting VBS data for recruitment biases could overestimate HIV risk and prevalence when the selection probability is greater for higher-risk MSM. While further examination of recruitment-adjustment methods for VBS data is needed, presentation of both unadjusted and adjusted estimates is currently indicated.
Smoke-Free Laws in Bars and Restaurants: Does Support among Teens and Young Adults Change after a Statewide Smoke-Free Law?
Authors: Fabian Lindsey E. A. , Bernat Debra H. , Lenk Kathleen M. , Shi Qun , Forster Jean L.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

We assessed changes in levels of support for smoke-free bars and restaurants among teens and young adults before and after implementation of a statewide smoke-free law.

Methods.

We measured support for smoke-free bars and restaurants among teens and young adults aged 16–24 years living in Minnesota ( n=2,785) and five comparison states ( n=404), up to 12 months before and up to six months after Minnesota's smoke-free law went into effect in October 2007. We compared changes in support among three subgroups—Minnesota participants who lived with a previous local smoke-free law, Minnesota participants who did not live with a previous local smoke-free law, and participants from the comparison states—before and after Minnesota's statewide smoke-free law went into effect.

Results.

Support for smoke-free restaurants and bars among participants in Minnesota and comparison states increased after Minnesota's smoke-free law went into effect. Minnesotans, both those living with and without a previous local smoke-free law, showed similar increases in support for smoke-free restaurants as participants in comparison states. However, Minnesotans living without a previous local law showed larger increases in support for smoke-free bars than both those in comparison states and those living in Minnesota with a previous local smoke-free law.

Conclusions.

Our study employed a more robust design than similar studies and focused on the teen and young adult population. Our results will help advocates and policy makers demonstrate how public support for smoke-free laws increases following smoke-free legislation, particularly among those who were not previously living with a local smoke-free law.
The Persistent Gap in Health-Care Coverage between Low- and High-Income Workers in Washington State: BRFSS, 2003–2007
Authors: Fan Z. Joyce , Anderson Naomi J. , Foley Michael , Rauser Eddy , Silverstein Barbara A.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We examined the disparities in health-care coverage between low- and high-income workers in Washington State (WA) to provide support for possible policy decisions for uninsured workers.

Methods.

We examined data from the WA Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2003–2007 and compared workers aged 18–64 years of low income (annual household income <$35,000) and high income (annual household income ≤$35,000) on proportions and sources of health-care coverage. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses on factors that were associated with the uninsured.

Results.

Of the 54,536 survey respondents who were working-age adults in WA, 13,922 (25.5%) were low-income workers. The proportions of uninsured were 38.2% for low-income workers and 6.3% for high-income workers. While employment-based health benefits remained a dominant source of health insurance coverage, they covered only 40.2% of low-income workers relative to 81.5% of high-income workers. Besides income, workers were more likely to be uninsured if they were younger; male; Hispanic; less educated; not married; current smokers; self-employed; or employed in agriculture/forestry/fisheries, construction, and retail. More low-income workers (28.7%) reported cost as an issue in paying for health services than did their high-income counterparts (6.7%).

Conclusion.

A persistent gap in health-care coverage exists between low- and high-income workers. The identified characteristics of these workers can be used to implement policies to expand health insurance coverage.
Predictive Modeling the Physician Assistant Supply: 2010–2025
Authors: Hooker Roderick S. , Cawley James F. , Everett Christine M.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

A component of health-care reform in 2010 identified physician assistants (PAs) as needed to help mitigate the expected doctor shortage. We modeled their number to predict rational estimates for workforce planners.

Methods.

The number of PAs in active clinical practice in 2010 formed the baseline. We used graduation rates and program expansion to project annual growth; attrition estimates offset these amounts. A simulation model incorporated historical trends, current supply, and graduation amounts. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to systematically adjust parameters in the model to determine the effects of such changes.

Results.

As of 2010, there were 74,476 PAs in the active workforce. The mean age was 42 years and 65% were female. There were 154 accredited educational programs; 99% had a graduating class and produced an average of 44 graduates annually (total n=6,776). With a 7% increase in graduate entry rate and a 5% annual attrition rate, the supply of clinically active PAs will grow to 93,099 in 2015, 111,004 in 2020, and 127,821 in 2025. This model holds clinically active PAs in primary care at 34%.

Conclusions.

The number of clinically active PAs is projected to increase by almost 72% in 15 years. Attrition rates, especially retirement patterns, are not well understood for PAs, and variation could affect future supply. While the majority of PAs are in the medical specialties and subspecialties fields, new policy steps funding PA education and promoting primary care may add more PAs in primary care than the model predicts.
Trends in Childhood Influenza Vaccination Coverage—U.S., 2004–2012
Authors: Santibanez Tammy A. , Lu Peng-Jun , O'Halloran Alissa , Meghani Ankita , Grabowsky Mark , Singleton James A.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

We compared estimates of childhood influenza vaccination coverage by health status, age, and racial/ethnic group across eight consecutive influenza seasons (2004 through 2012) based on two survey systems to assess trends in childhood influenza vaccination coverage in the U.S.

Methods.

We used National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and National Immunization Survey-Flu (NIS-Flu) data to estimate receipt of at least one dose of influenza vaccination among children aged 6 months to 17 years based on parental report. We computed estimates using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis methods.

Results.

Based on the NHIS, overall influenza vaccination coverage with at least one dose of influenza vaccine among children increased from 16.2% during the 2004–2005 influenza season to 47.1% during the 2011–2012 influenza season. Children with health conditions that put them at high risk for complications from influenza had higher influenza vaccination coverage than children without these health conditions for all the seasons studied. In seven of the eight seasons studied, there were no significant differences in influenza vaccination coverage between non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white children. Influenza vaccination coverage estimates for children were slightly higher based on NIS-Flu data compared with NHIS data for the 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 influenza seasons (4.1 and 4.4 percentage points higher, respectively); both NIS-Flu and NHIS estimates had similar patterns of decreasing vaccination coverage with increasing age.

Conclusions.

Although influenza vaccination coverage among children continued to increase, by the 2011–2012 influenza season, only slightly less than half of U.S. children were vaccinated against influenza. Much improvement is needed to ensure all children aged ≥6 months are vaccinated annually against influenza.
Cellulose Swelling Measured by Propanol-2 Retention
Authors: Andrews Charles M. , Oberg A. G.
Published: January 2017

The necessity for swelling cellulose in chemical and textile processes gives rise to the demand for a new and more rapid technique for the determination of the degree of swelling. The method described here is based upon the displacement of the swelling agent with propanol-2, which allows no further swelling and permits removal of extraneous fluid by centrifuging.
Investigation of the Relation between the Tensile Properties of Cotton Fiber Bundles and Yarns in the Dry and Wet States
Authors: Pillay K. P. R.
Published: January 2017

Relationships existing between the tensile properties of cotton fiber bundles and yarns under two ambient conditions,(i) in standard atmosphere and (ii) in the wet state have been studied on 27 cottons varying widely in fiber properties. The cottons have been processed into 24s (24.6 tex) yarn with twist multipliers ranging from 3.75 to 6.0 Correlations between the elastic properties of fibers on the one hand and corresponding yarn properties on the other have been determined for different twist multipliers The combined influence of six fiber properties on yarn strength, elongation, stiffness, and toughness at twists for maximum strength and the order of importance of fiber properties have also been determined by multiple correlation analysis.

It is shown that cottons vary widely in their response to wetting, and the elastic properties of single yarns are significantly correlated with the corresponding yarn properties, the degree of association varying, however, with the twist in yarn and conditions of test. Multiple correlation coefficients in the wet state are lower than those in the dry state, indicating that wetting increases the importance of some fiber properties not included in the six investigated.
Comfort Properties of Blankets
Authors: Rowlands R. J.
Published: January 2017

An apparatus for determination of thermal resistance of blankets under conditions similar to those on a bed is described. The reliability and precision of this apparatus is discussed, and its extension to water vapor transfer is mentioned. The effects of relative humidity, use of counterpane, type and construction of blanket, washing, and number of thicknesses are discussed in reference to several possible blanket types suggested for institutional use in Australia. The importance of comfort consideration in selection of blanket type is stressed.
Effect of Light upon Wool
Authors: Launer Herbert F.
Published: January 2017

It is shown that comparative diffuse reflectance measured simultaneously on test and control specimens with a recording spectrophotometer affords a sensitive measure of color changes by light in undyed wool fabrics, especially of the “orange dip” caused by ultraviolet at 254 m μ. For this purpose comparative reflectance was found to be much more sensitive than absolute or relative reflectance or than comparative or simple transmittance. Transmittance in an immersion liquid, o-dichlorobenzene, was the least sensitive. An expression for calculating transmission from reflectance values is derived and applied. Optical properties of three fabrics are compared for the above uv and visible region.
The Effects of Physical and Chemical Properties of Cellulosic Fibers on Anaerobic Deterioration by Pure Cultures
Authors: Ghose Sourendra Nath , King Kendall W.
Published: January 2017

Decomposition of cellulosic fibers by thirteen strains including three species of the obligately anaerobic genus Ruminococcus has been investigated with regard to the effects of the chemical composition and physical state of the fiber. Of the thirteen strains only six were actively cellulolytic. In test systems containing 50 mg of fiber in 10 ml of medium, nearly complete solubilization of substrate was observed in 11 to 14 days. The substrates were jute, cotton, alfalfa, filter paper, and varous materials derived from these. As with other cellulolytic systems, crystalline celluloses and coarse particles were resistant to attack. Gravimetric assays indicated that lignification reduced digestibility more than could be predicted from the lignin content alone, suggesting that in part the resistance of lignified fibers results from masking of the cellulose. The protective effect of lignification in jute is further supported by the fact that alfalfa stems having the same lignin content as jute were about five times as digestible as jute. Acid treatment enhanced the resistance of both jute and cotton to degradation. Alkali treatment decreased resistance to degradation of both jute and cotton, the effect on jute being particularly pronounced. Pure α-celluloses were rapidly degraded regardless of their origin. Stimulation of cellulose degradation by the hemicellulose present in the holocellulose was negligible.
Effects of the KMnO4/Salt Shrinkproofing Treatment on the Frictional Properties of Wool Fibers
Authors: Makinson K. Rachel
Published: January 2017

Following on the observation that the KMnO4/salt shrinkproofing process attacks the scales on the intrados of the crimp of wool fibers preferentially, the “static” friction of wool fibers over polished horn in aqueous media has been measured by the standard capstan method under conditions chosen to ensure that some contact is made with the intrados of the crimp. It has been found that the treatment causes a large increase in the with-scale friction and in some circumstances a decrease in the frictional difference. When the proportion of contact with the intrados of the crimp is reduced, these effects become much smaller. Both types of frictional change are the result of degradation of the material inside the scale-cells, which makes the scales, when wet, softer and less elastic than the scales of untreated fibers. Experimental conditions determine whether this softening is expressed as an increase in with-scale friction or as a decrease in the frictional difference.
The Thermal Shrinkage of an Oriented Polyester Yarn as a Function of Time, Temperature, and Stress
Authors: Ribnick Arthur
Published: January 2017

Measurements have been made with a linear variable-displacement transducer of the thermal shrinkage of an oriented polyester yarn in dry nitrogen as a function of time, temperature, and stress. The shrinkage of this material has been found to be nonlinear with respect to these three variables.

A modified form of the Tobolsky and Eyring creep-rate equation has been found to describe the temperature and stress dependence. The activation energy for the process has been estimated to be 55.6 kcal/mole and the displacement volume to be 810 Å3.

Interpretation of these experimental results appears to support a recently proposed model that thermal shrinkage of oriented semicrystalline polymers is a reflection of a structural transformation between extended-chain and folded-chain crystallites.