bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF TEACHER ATTITUDES AND RELATED FACTORS ON FFA PROFICIENCY AWARDS WON ABOVE THE FEDERATION LEVEL
Authors: Clark Robert W. , Scanlon Dennis C.
Published: January 2011

Chapter participation in the FFA proficiency awards program for Pennsylvania has been alarmingly low in comparison to other states in the Eastern Region of the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of teacher attitudes and selected variables on chapter participation rates in the FFA proficiency awards program. North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania were selected for the study based on state FFA structure and overall proficiency award participation. North Carolina and Ohio judge proficiency awards on local, district, and state levels where as Pennsylvania only judges proficiency awards on the state level. Because of the close relationship between proficiency awards and supervised agricultural experiences (SAE), teacher attitudes toward SAE were also to be studied. Two sub-populations were identified: 1) teachers in North Carolina and Ohio with district winners and teachers in Pennsylvania with state winners for 1990-1992; and, 2) teachers in North Carolina and Ohio without district winners and teachers in Pennsylvania without state winners. The findings indicated a significant relationship between teacher attitude toward proficiency awards and teacher attitude toward supervised agricultural experience programs. In addition, the number of awards is significantly related to teacher attitudes toward proficiency awards and supervised agricultural experience programs.
AN INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE ON CHANGES NEEDED IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CURRICULA
Authors: Scanlon Dennis C. , Bruening Thomas H. , Cordero Ana
Published: January 2011

If agricultural education programs are to survive, they must be dynamic and able to adjust to new situations and environments that help to improve the on-the-job effectiveness of future graduates. The purpose of the study was to identify appropriate modifications for the agricultural education curricula being offered by the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at The Pennsylvania State University. Data for the study were collected via a focus group technique. Four focus groups consisting of 42 people participated in the study. The findings indicated that employers in the agribusiness industry recognized the need for changes in the agricultural education curricula to include the incorporation of an agricultural industry option. The most mentioned business skills included human relations, organizational, managerial, and analytical thinking. The respondents also recognized the need for employees to work together in teams and the critical need for leadership skills. The results of this study suggest that there is potential for an agricultural industry option to be incorporated into the major. Participants felt that students pursuing a major in agricultural education should have the opportunity to select between preparation for formal educational settings or non-formal educational jobs in agricultural industry.
AGRICULTURAL LITERACY OF MISSOURI SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATORS
Authors: Harris Clark Richard , Birkenholz Robert J.
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess secondary educators' knowledge of and attitude toward agriculture. The population consisted of teachers and administrators in 245 secondary schools in Missouri that offered an Agricultural Education program as part of the curriculum. The sample consisted of 200 randomly selected schools and a cohort group of educators representing: administrators, agriculture teachers, language arts teachers, mathematics teachers, science teachers, and social science teachers. Data collection instruments included 35 items to assess respondents' knowledge of agriculture and 35 items to assess their attitude toward agriculture. Usable responses were collected from 616 educators representing 146 schools. Data analysis revealed that agriculture teachers were the most knowledgeable and had the most positive attitude toward agriculture. Language arts and mathematics teachers were the least knowledgeable and had the least positive attitude toward agriculture. However, each of the educator groups surveyed were judged to be knowledgeable of and had a positive attitude toward the industry of agriculture. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that pre-service and in-service programs be conducted to promote strategies to integrate agricultural concepts and illustrations into other courses in the secondary school curriculum.
A GUIDE TO ASSESS EXCELLENCE IN INSTITUTIONS WITH VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Authors: Wardlow George , Joerger Richard
Published: January 2011

A naturalistic study of institutional - level factors which contribute to excellence in a national pool of institutions offering exemplary vocational education programs served as the basis for the development of a quantitative guide to assess excellence. This could assist in the empowerment of agricultural educators to make programmatic improvement in agricultural education programs and in the institutions in which they exist. This paper describes the process used in the creation and testing of a quantitative instrument developed from a qualitative study of the interpretive research paradigm.
ATTITUDES OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE FRESHMEN TOWARD AGRICULTURE
Authors: Dyer James E. , Lacey Raquel , Osborne Edward W.
Published: January 2011

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes and intentions of University of Illinois College of Agriculture freshmen toward high school and university agriculture programs and the field of agriculture in an effort to better identify, recruit, and retain students in the College. Results indicated that a majority of freshmen students were female, Caucasian, had no background in agriculture, and viewed agriculture as being both scientific and technical. Students also believed high school agriculture to be good preparation for college. Whereas attitudes were generally positive, only about 60% of the freshmen class intended to graduate with a major in the College of Agriculture. However, of the students who had completed some high school agriculture, approximately 95% intended to graduate with a major in the College. That percentage increased to nearly 98% if the student had been an FFA member. Also, 86% of students who had been members of 4-H indicated they intended to graduate with majors in the College of Agriculture. Freshmen who completed high school agriculture programs indicated more positive attitudes toward university agriculture programs, high school agriculture programs, and agriculture as a career than did students with no high school agriculture experience.
Modeling and computation of effective emissions: a position paper
Authors: Paoli R. , Cariolle D. , Sausen R.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. An important issue in the evaluation of the environmental impact of emissions from concentrated sources such as transport modes, is to understand how processes occurring at the scales of exhaust plumes can influence the physical and chemical state of the atmosphere at regional and global scales. Indeed, three-dimensional global circulation models or chemistry transport models generally assume that emissions are instantaneously diluted into large-scale grid boxes, which may lead, for example, to overpredict the efficiency of NOx to produce ozone. In recent times, various methods have been developed to incorporate parameterizations of plume processes into global models that are based either on the correction of the original emissions or on the introduction of subgrid reaction rates in the models. This paper provides a review of the techniques proposed so far in the literature to account for local conversion of emissions in the plume, as well as the implementation of these techniques into atmospheric codes.
Fully automated immunoassay for quantitative determination of FXIII
Authors: Stephan S. , Duwe C. , Pechmann L. , Althaus H. , Ehm M. , Fischer B. , Hahn M. , Schwarz H. , Vitzthum F. , Kappel A.
Published: January 2011

Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) is essential for clot stabilization. Deficiency of FXIII is associated with a risk of bleeding and impaired wound healing. Substitution therapy with FXIII remedies for patients with low plasma levels of FXIII requires diagnostic quantification of the factor before and during therapy. Here, we describe a prototype of a preliminary research immunoassay for quantification of FXIII antigen on automated coagulation instruments. The prototype assay is based on a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against FXIII A chain, whereas the mAbs are coupled to latex particles. FXIII in a plasma specimen causes agglutination of the latex particles, which can be quantified turbidimetrically. Performance data of the assay prototype processed on BCS® XP and Sysmex® CA-1500 instruments demonstrate a good correlation to the Berichrom® factor XIII activity assay1 from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics (r = 0.94). Results: Comparability of instruments was excellent (r = 0.98). Coefficients of variation of total imprecision measurements ranged from 2.2 to 3.4%. Linearity was excellent over the range tested (12–121% FXIII). Analytical sensitivity was 0.51% FXIII on BCS XP and 0.44% FXIII on Sysmex CA-1500, respectively. No interference (> 10% bias) was observed with haemoglobin (up to 400 mg/dl), cholesterol (up to 300 mg/dl), bilirubin (up to 60 mg/dl) or triglycerides (up to 3000 mg/dl). Conclusion: The preliminary research assay prototype has the potential for excellent analytical sensitivity, precision, and dynamic range suitable to measure reliably FXIII antigen levels in human plasma.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Piano‐Stool Iron Complexes as Efficient Catalysts for Hydrosilylation of Carbonyl Derivatives
Authors: Jiang Fan , Bézier David , Sortais Jean‐Baptiste , Darcel Christophe
Published: January 2011

Hydrosilylation with well defined piano‐stool iron(II) complexes bearing both N‐heterocyclic carbene and cyclopentadienyl ligands was accomplished with both aldehydes and ketones. Typically, the reduction of aldehydes exhibited good activities (full reduction at 30 °C in 3 h), whereas for ketones, the reaction need 16 h at 70 °C to obtain good conversions. Of notable interest is the use of visible light irradiation to generate one of the active catalyst.
Grob‐Mengen‐Theorie in der Analyse der Struktur‐Wirkung‐Beziehungen von quartären Chinolinium‐ und Isochinoliniumverbindungen
Authors: Krysinskid Jerzy
Published: January 2011

Die Beziehungen zwischen chemischer Struktur und antimikrobieller Wirkung von 72 quartären Chinolinium‐ und Isochinoliniumverbindungen wurden mittels der Grob‐Mengen‐Theorie analysiert. Im Informationssystem wurde die Struktur der Verbindungen mit 11 Attributen beschrieben und in 3 Klassen der Aktivität eingeteilt. Mittels der Grob‐Mengen‐Methode wurden die kleinsten Teilmengen der Attribute gefunden, die signifikant für die hohe Qualität der Klassifikationen waren. Der vom Informationssystem erhaltene Entscheidungs‐Algorithmus zeigt signifikante Beziehungen zwischen Struktur und Wirkung von Chinolinium‐ und Isochinoliniumverbindungen und kann bei Synthesen neuer antimikrobiell aktiver Verbindungen behilflich sein.
Antiarrhythmic properties of triamterene derivatives in the coronary artery ligated rat model
Authors: Busch A. E. , Ullrich F. , Mutschler E.
Published: January 2011

Triamterene and several triamterene derivatives (Table 1) were tested for antiarrhythmic activity in the coronary artery ligated and reperfused (CAL‐R) rat. The class‐III antiarrhythmic drugs (±)‐sotalol and amiodarone, the class‐I antiarrhythmics lidocaine and quinidine as well as the potassium sparing diuretic amilorid were used as reference drugs. Triamterene at the highest dose (30 μmol/kg) revealed a 100% protection against ventricular fibrillation (VF), whereas at 10 μmol/kg no antiarrhythmic activity for triamterene could be found. For compound 4 (10 μmol/kg) a 75% protection against VF could be demonstrated, while 2, 3, and 5 revealed only a 25% protection. Compared to the reference drugs, triamterene and the derivatives 2–5 are more potent than (±)‐sotalol, but less potent than lidocaine, quinidine and amiodarone. For amiloride as well as for the potent potassium retaining triamterene derivative 6 no antiarrhythmic activity could be shown. Therefore, we conclude different mechanisms responsible for the potassium sparing and antiarrhythmic properties of triamterene and its derivatives.
Synthesis of C‐13‐alkylated 8‐oxoberbines
Authors: Weimar Christian , von Angerer Silvia , Wiegrebe Wolfgang
Published: January 2011

C‐13‐alkylated methoxy‐8H‐dibenzo[a,g]quinolizin‐8‐ones 2a‐e were synthesized by photocyclization of 1‐alkylidene‐N‐benzoyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines 1. Moreover, condensation of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐6,7‐dirnethoxy‐1‐oxo‐isoquinoline with homophthalic acid anhydrides 7a and b leads to the C‐13‐alkylated 8‐oxoberbines 2b and c and improves the yields compared with those of the photocyclization method.
Synthesis and acidic properties of 1,2‐benzisothiazolyl‐tetrazoles and analogous alkanoic acids
Authors: Vicini P. , Fisicaro E.
Published: January 2011

A new convenient method to synthesize some tetrazolyl derivatives of 1,2‐benzisothiazole is reported. The pKa of a series of 5‐(1,2‐benzisothiazolyl)‐tetrazoles and of the analogous 1,2‐benzisothiazolylalkanoic acids have been determined by potentiometry in methanol/water and compared with literature data. The acidic properties are discussed for possible LFER and correlation with the biological activity. The physico‐chemical properties of two series are strictly correlated but do not appear to be responsible for the modulation of their biological activity.
Electronic Effects of para‐Substitution on the Melting Points of TAAILs
Authors: Schulz Tobias , Ahrens Sebastian , Meyer Dirk , Allolio Christoph , Peritz Anke , Strassner Thomas
Published: January 2011

Owing to numerous new applications, the interest in “task‐specific” ionic liquids increased significantly over the last decade. But, unfortunately, the imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (by far the most frequently used cations) have serious limitations when it comes to modifications of their properties. The new generation of ionic liquids, called tunable aryl–alkyl ionic liquids (TAAILs), replaces one of the two alkyl chains on the imidazolium ring with an aryl ring which allows a large degree of functionalization. Inductive, mesomeric, and steric effects as well as potentially also ππ and ππ+ interactions provide a wide range of possibilities to tune this new class of ILs. We investigated the influence of electron‐withdrawing and ‐donating substituents at the para‐position of the aryl ring (NO2, Cl, Br, EtO(CO), H, Me, OEt, OMe) by studying the changes in the melting points of the corresponding bromide and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, (N(Tf)2−), salts. In addition, we calculated (B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p)) the different charge distributions of substituted 1‐aryl‐3‐propyl‐imidazolium cations to understand the experimentally observed effects. The results indicated that the presence of electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups leads to strong polarization effects in the cations.
Geological discontinuities, main flow path and chemical alteration in a marly hill prone to slope instability: Assessment from petrophysical measurements and borehole image analysis
Authors: Lofi Johanna , Pezard Philippe , Loggia Didier , Garel Emilie , Gautier Stéphanie , Merry Christophe , Bondabou Karim
Published: January 2011

Clay shale landscapes are sensitive to landslide, erosion, and re‐sedimentation processes. In this context, tectonized clay shales have peculiar hydrological and mechanical behaviours. In order to improve our understanding of the processes involved in such systems, an experimental site has been settled in the Draix Observatory (ORE DRAIX) on a black marl hill slope of the Southern Alps (France) in the framework of the ECOU‐PREF project. The site is a natural laboratory to study the evolution of clay shale landscapes at several scales (regional to µm). In this study, we aim to characterize the internal structure and fissure patterns of a stable interfluve, in order to locate preferential water flows within the system, and anticipate its evolution. This work is based on a series of mutli‐disciplinary approaches including petrophysical analyses, well pulse injection tests and downhole geophysical measurements. Borehole geophysical results were combined with laboratory measurements on core plugs (permeability, density, porosity, and acoustic velocity). Optical and acoustical images have been used as an original tool for internal discontinuities characterisation and potential active flow path detection. They allowed the identification of three main lithological units interpreted as several stages of shale alteration. In addition, several main structural plane discontinuities (open fractures, schistosity planes, and fractures infilled with calcite or clays) were identified from the images and their potential transmissivity discussed with regard to piezometric and tracer measurements. In all, the integration of measurements leads to propose a simple scenario of fluid circulation and chemical alteration of the interfluve. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fingerprinting the 8.2 ka event climate response in a coupled climate model
Authors: Wiersma Ane P. , Roche Didier M. , Renssen Hans
Published: January 2011

Using results from coupled climate model simulations of the 8.2 ka climate event that produced a cold period over Greenland in agreement with the reconstructed cooling from ice cores, we investigate the typical pattern of climate anomalies (fingerprint) to provide a framework for the interpretation of global proxy data for the 8.2 ka climate event. For this purpose we developed an analysis method that isolates the forced temperature response and provides information on spatial variations in magnitude, timing and duration that characterise the detectable climate event in proxy archives. Our analysis shows that delays in the temperature response to the freshwater forcing are present, mostly in the order of decades (30 a over central Greenland). The North Atlantic Ocean initially cools in response to the freshwater perturbation, followed in certain parts by a warm response. This delay, occurring more than 200 a after the freshwater pulse, hints at an overshoot in the recovery from the freshwater perturbation. The South Atlantic and the Southern Ocean show a warm response reflecting the bipolar seesaw effect. The duration of the simulated event varies for different areas, and the highest probability of recording the event in proxy archives is in the North Atlantic Ocean area north of 40° N. Our results may facilitate the interpretation of proxy archives recording the 8.2 ka event, as they show that timing and duration cannot be assumed to correspond with the timing and duration of the event as recorded in Greenland ice cores. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correction of optical distortions in dry depth profiling with confocal Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Tomba J. Pablo , de la Paz Miguel María , Perez Claudio J.
Published: January 2011

We present a generalized approach to obtain improved Raman intensity profiles from in‐depth studies performed by confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM) with dry objectives. The approach is based on regularized deconvolution of the as‐measured confocal profile, through a kernel that simulates optical distortions due to diffraction, refraction and collection efficiency on the depth response. No specific shape or restrictions for the recovered profile are imposed. The strategy was tested by probing, under different instrumental conditions, a series of model planar interfaces, generated by the contact of polymeric films of well‐defined thickness with a substrate. Because of the aforementioned optical distortions, the as‐measured confocal response of the films appeared highly distorted and featureless. The signal computed after deconvolution recovers all the films features, matching very closely with the response expected. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting local recurrence following breast‐conserving therapy for early stage breast cancer: The significance of a narrow (≤2 mm) surgical resection margin
Authors: Groot Gary , Rees Henrike , Pahwa Punam , Kanagaratnam Sivaruban , Kinloch Mary
Published: January 2011

Background and Objectives

Controversy continues over the extent of surgical resection margin required to minimize the risk of local recurrence (LR) in breast‐conserving therapy (BCT) for early stage breast cancer. This study explores whether or not a narrow (≤2 mm) but negative resection margin affects LR.

Methods

All patients registered at the Saskatoon Cancer Center between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 2000 with a diagnosis of early stage invasive duct carcinoma treated with BCT were examined. All charts and pathology reports were reviewed with a review of the pathology for all cases where the resection margin was unclear in the original report. Other factors known or thought to effect LR (age, radiation boost, grade, extensive DCIS, ER/PR receptor status) were considered in the statistical analysis.

Results

Amongst the 200 narrow margin cases 19 LR were detected (19/201 = 9.5%) while 52 LR were detected in the 491 wide margin cases (52/491 = 10.6%). This difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

A narrow (≤2 mm) surgical resection margin does not result in an increase in LR compared to a surgical resection margin >2 mm in BCT for early stage duct carcinoma and does not warrant re‐excision. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:212–216. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PML protein as a prognostic molecular marker for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinomas receiving primary surgery
Authors: Yen Chueh‐Chuan , Tsao Yen‐Po , Chen Paul Chih‐Hsueh , Wu Yu‐Chung , Liu Jin‐Hwang , Pan Chin‐Chen , Liu Chun‐Yu , Tzeng Cheng‐Hwai , Chen Po‐Min , Chen Yann‐Jang , Lin Chi‐Hung , Hsu Wen‐Hu
Published: January 2011

Background and Objectives

We evaluated the clinicopathological associations and prognostic implications of promyelocytic leukemia gene (PML) expressions in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) receiving primary surgery.

Methods

Expression patterns of PML and tumor protein 53 (TP53) of 132 cases of ESCC were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the prognostic influence of clinicopathological factors on progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Forty‐two cases (31.82%) were classified as lost expression of PML, 25 (18.94%) as focally positive, and 65 (49.24%) as diffusely expressed. Sixty‐three cases (47.73%) were classified as over‐expression of TP53. High expression of TP53 and down‐regulation of PML were often found in advanced disease; and, in together with high pathological staging, grading, and positive margin, were associated with poor survival. However, only tumor differentiation (P = 0.016), distant metastasis (P = 0.001), and PML expression (P = 0.001) could act as independent prognostic factors for PFS, and LN metastasis (P = 0.004), TP53 (P = 0.006), and PML expression (P = 0.029) were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated PML protein as an independent prognostic marker for patients with ESCC receiving primary surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:761–767. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of nuclear receptor DAX‐1 and androgen receptor in human breast cancer
Authors: Chae Byung Joo , Lee Ahwon , Bae Ja Seong , Song Byung Joo , Jung Sang Seol
Published: January 2011

Background

The functions of nuclear receptor DAX‐1 and androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancer are unknown and have not been well‐characterized in terms of their importance as a predictive or a prognostic factor. The study investigated the relationship between expression of AR, DAX‐1, and clinicopathological factors in primary breast cancer patients.

Methods

The data of 476 breast cancer patients who were treated at Seoul St. Mary's hospital from January 2004 to March 2006 were reviewed. Among them, 169 cases (35.5%) were consecutively evaluated for AR and DAX‐1 expression.

Results

DAX‐1 expression was associated with smaller tumor size; earlier disease stage; and higher expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR) and AR. AR was significantly expressed in patients with smaller tumor size and higher expression of ER, PgR, and DAX‐1. In the subgroup analysis of triple negative breast cancer patients, the expression rate of DAX‐1 (4/12, 33.3%) was higher than AR (1/12, 8.3%).

Conclusions

The present review revealed a very high expression rate of DAX‐1 in human breast cancer (74%). DAX‐1 might modify steroidogenic hormone systems like as AR, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor. DAX‐1 might be a more effective target than AR for triple negative breast cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:768–772. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Goblet cell carcinoids at extraappendiceal locations of gastrointestinal tract: An underrecognized diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Gui Xianyong , Qin Lihui , Gao Zu‐hua , Falck Vincent , Harpaz Noam
Published: January 2011

Background

Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) is a clinicopathologically distinctive tumor that typically arises in appendix and metastasizes frequently. Although rare cases of ostensibly primary extraappendiceal GCC (EGCC) have been reported, the distinction from extraappendiceal metastasis of occult appendiceal primary may be problematic and has not been dealt with systematically in literature.

Methods

We reviewed our combined experience with EGCC at four North American hospitals and reevaluated all EGCC cases published in literature.

Results

We encountered 16 cases that were initially reported as EGCC. Five cases presented with disseminated abdominopelvic spread, nine cases with mass lesions in stomach, ileum, cecum, ascending colon, hepatic flexure, sigmoid, and rectum. One case was found incidentally in an ascending colon adenomatous polyp. A negative appendix was confirmed in 2 (12.5%) cases, whereas a primary appendiceal GCC was discovered in 4 (25%) cases at a later date, and appendix was not available for review in 10 cases (62.5%). Of 10 cases of EGCC found in literature, the tumor sites included stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, spelenic flexure, and rectum. Primary appendiceal tumor was excluded histologically in one (10%), grossly in three (30%), and not at all in six (60%). Nine of our cases were initially misdiagnosed as signet‐ring cell adenocarcinomas.

Conclusions

True EGCC is extremely rare. GCC found at locations other than appendix are most likely extraappendiceal presentations of appendiceal primary. A thorough review of the pathologic status of appendix should be a mandatory diagnostic criterion and should always be documented in the pathology reports. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:790–795. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A quantitative analysis of antidepressant and antipsychotic prescriptions following an earthquake in Italy
Authors: Rossi Alessandro , Maggio Roberto , Riccardi Ilaria , Allegrini Fabio , Stratta Paolo
Published: January 2011

Because natural disasters provoke an increase in mental and medical disorders in survivors, an increase in psychotropic prescriptions has been observed following disasters. This study assesses the pharmacoepidemiology of antidepressant and antipsychotic drug prescriptions after an earthquake in Italy by using an administrative database. Statins and diabetic medications served as control medications. Comparison of the rates in the 6 months after the earthquake to the same period one year before revealed a 37% increase of new prescriptions for antidepressants and a 129% increase for antipsychotic prescriptions. Older age and female gender was associated with the increased number of prescriptions.
Weight‐based strategy of dose administration in children using intravenous busulfan: Clinical and pharmacokinetic results
Authors: Michel Gérard , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Gentet Jean‐Claude , Esperou Hélène , Socié Gérard , Méchinaud Françoise , Doz François , Neven Bénédicte , Bertrand Yves , Galambrun Claire , Demeocq François , Yakouben Karima , Bordigoni Pierre , Frappaz Didier , Nguyen Laurent , Vassal Gilles
Published: January 2011

Background

A prospective clinical trial was performed in order to validate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and clinical benefits of a new dosing schedule of intravenous busulfan (IV Bu) in children.

Procedure

IV Bu was administered as a 2‐hr infusion every 6 hr for 4 days. Five dose levels were given according to body‐weight strata.

Results

The 67 children aged from 4 months to 17.2 years were followed up over 50 months after autologous or allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation. Reduced PK variability was seen after IV Bu administration enabling efficient targeting with 78% of patients within the 900–1,500 µM · min therapeutic window and reproducible exposures across administrations. No neurological complications occurred. The low incidence of hepatic veno‐occlusive disease (VOD) recorded was not correlated with high area under the curve (AUC). Only stomatitis was correlated with high AUC in the autologous group. The 4‐year overall survival was 59% in the autologous group and 82% in the allogeneic group.

Conclusion

The new dosing schedule using IV Bu provides adequate therapeutic targeting from the first administration, with low toxicity and good disease control in high‐risk children. The choice of this formulation of Bu should be considered because of its low morbidity and good outcome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 90–97. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study of resveratrol‐copper complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations
Authors: Tamboli Vajir , Defant Andrea , Mancini Ines , Tosi Paolo
Published: January 2011

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in plants and human foods which has shown biological activities including chemoprevention, acting through a mechanism which involves the reduction of Cu(II) species. By electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry we have produced and detected the resveratrol‐copper complexes [Resv+Cu]+, [Resv+Cu+H2O]+ and [2Resv+Cu]+ by using a resveratrol/CuSO4 solution in CH3CN/H2O. The most stable structures of the detected complexes have been calculated at the B3LYP/6‐311G(d) level of theory. Resveratrol interacts with the copper ion through nucleophilic carbon atoms on the aromatic ring and the alkenyl group. The fact that only singly charged ions were observed implies that Cu(II) is reduced to Cu(I) in the ESI process. For investigating the structure‐reactivity correlation, we have carried out a similar study on the synthetic analogue dihydroresveratrol (DHResv). For the latter only the [DHResv+Cu]+ complex has been detected. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seizures and stupor during intravenous mannose therapy in a patient with CDG syndrome type 1b (MPI‐CDG)
Authors: Schroeder A. Sebastian , Kappler Matthias , Bonfert Michaela , Borggraefe Ingo , Schoen Carola , Reiter Karl
Published: January 2011

MPI‐CDG (formally called CDG 1b), caused by phosphomannose isomerase (MPI) deficiency, leads to hypoglycaemia, protein losing enteropathy, hepatopathy, and thrombotic events, whereas neurologic development remains unaffected. Dietary supplementation of mannose can reverse clinical symptoms by entering the N‐glycosylation pathway downstream of MPI. When oral intake of mannose in patients with MPI‐CDG is not possible, e.g. due to surgery, mannose has to be given intravenously. We report a patient with MPI‐CDG on intravenous mannose therapy that showed severe depression of consciousness and seizures without apparent cause. EEG and cranial MRI findings were compatible with metabolic coma whereas extended laboratory examinations including repeated blood glucose measurements were normal. Importantly, an intravenous bolus of glucose immediately led to clinical recovery and EEG improvement. Mannose did not interfere with glucose measurement in our assay. We suggest that in patients with MPI‐CDG, intravenous mannose infusion can lead to intracellular ATP deprivation due to several mechanisms: (1) in MPI deficiency, mannose 6‐P cannot be isomerised to fructose 6‐P and therefore is unavailable for glycolysis; (2) animal data has shown that accumulating intracellular mannose 6‐P inhibits glycolysis; and (3) elevated intracellular mannose 6‐P may induce an ATP wasting cycle of dephosphorylation and rephosphorylation (“honey bee effect”). The mannose‐induced metabolic inhibition may be overcome by high‐dose glucose treatment. We caution that, in patients with MPI‐CDG, life‐threatening central nervous system disturbances may occur with intravenous mannose treatment. These may be due to intracellular energy failure. Clinical symptoms of energy deficiency should be treated early and aggressively with intravenous glucose regardless of blood glucose levels.
New insights on culture and calcium signalling in neurons and astrocytes from epileptic patients
Authors: Cano‐Abad M.F. , Herrera‐Peco I. , Sola R.G. , Pastor J. , García‐Navarrete E. , Moro R. Carrasco , Pizzo P. , Ruiz‐Nuño A.
Published: January 2011

Primary brain cell cultures are a useful tool for understanding the physiopathology of epilepsy and for searching new potential antiepileptic drugs. These cell types are usually prepared from murine species and few human models have been described. The main goal of this study is the establishment of experimental conditions to isolate and culture neurons and astrocytes from human brain and to test its functionality. The tissues came from antiepileptic drug‐resistant epileptic patients undergoing surgery. Human neurons and astrocytes were isolated following an enzymatic and mechanical dissociation protocol. Cultures were viable for 3–6 weeks. Cytological characterization was performed by immunocytochemistry using specific antibodies against both neuron (anti‐NeuN) and astrocyte (anti‐GFAP) protein markers. In order to test their viability and functionality, cells were loaded with the fluorescent calcium probe fura‐2 and variations in cytosolic calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]c) were measured by cell imaging. [Ca2+]c increases were evoked upon cell stimulation with high K+ (KCl 75 mM), glutamate (500 μM) or bicuculline (100 μM). Interestingly, spontaneous [Ca2+]c transients were also observed in some neuron‐like cells. A novel unreported finding in this study has been the incorporation of human serum that was critical for cell functionality. The setting of these human cultures open the opportunity to new insights on culture and calcium signalling studies on the mechanism(s) of cell resistance to antiepileptic drugs, as well as to studies on plasticity, maturation and possible neurite emission for graft studies.
Late Quaternary cryptotephra detection and correlation in loess in northeastern Japan using cummingtonite geochemistry
Authors: Matsu'ura Tabito , Miyagi Isoji , Furusawa Akira
Published: January 2011

We detected late Pleistocene cummingtonite-bearing cryptotephras in loess deposits in NE Japan and correlated them with known tephras elsewhere by using major-element compositions of the cummingtonite. This is the first time cryptotephras have been identified by analysis of a crystal phase rather than glass shards. In central NE Japan, four cummingtonite-bearing tephras, the Ichihasama pumice, the Dokusawa tephra, the Naruko–Nisaka tephra, and the Adachi–Medeshima tephra, are present in late Pleistocene loess deposits. Because the cummingtonite chemistry of each tephra is different and characteristic, it is potentially a powerful tool for detecting and identifying cryptotephras. An unidentified cummingtonite-bearing cryptotephra previously reported to be present in the late Pleistocene loess deposits at Kesennuma (Pacific coast) did not correlate with any of the known cummingtonite-bearing tephras in central NE Japan, but instead with the Numazawa–Kanayama tephra (erupted from the Numazawa caldera, southern NE Japan), although Kesennuma is well beyond the previously reported area of the distribution of the Numazawa–Kanayama tephra. Three new cummingtonite-bearing cryptotephras in the mid and late Pleistocene loess deposits (estimated to be less than 82 ka, 100–200 ka, and ca. 250 ka) on the Isawa upland were also detected.
Spaces of commuting elements in SU(2)
Authors: Crabb M. C.
Published: January 2011

Based on the work of Adem and Cohen, this note describes an explicit stable decomposition of the space of commuting n-tuples in SU(2) as a wedge of indecomposable summands.
Die Entwicklung des wissenschaftlichen Denkens im Grundschulalter
Authors: Koerber Susanne , Sodian Beate , Kropf Nicola , Mayer Daniela , Schwippert Knut
Published: January 2011

Zusammenfassung. Ausgehend von neueren Forschungsergebnissen, die auf Basiskompetenzen wissenschaftlichen Denkens schon im Grundschulalter hinweisen, stellen wir ein dreistufiges Entwicklungsmodell (natur)wissenschaftlicher Kompetenz vor, das einen Übergang von naiven Vorstellungen über teilweise adäquate Vorstellungen hin zu wissenschaftlich adäquaten Vorstellungen annimmt. In einer Studie an N=73 Zweit- und Viertklässlern untersuchten wir, ob die alterskorrelierten Veränderungen in drei Kernkomponenten des wissenschaftlichen Denkens (Theorieverständnis, Experimentierstrategien und Dateninterpretation) mit diesem Entwicklungsmodell konsistent sind. Generell konnten signifikante Verbesserungen zwischen der zweiten und vierten Klasse festgestellt werden, die sich v.a. im Theorieverständnis und in den Experimentierstrategien manifestierten. Der Großteil der Zweitklässler konnte in mindestens zwei Bereichen dem Niveau der naiven Vorstellung und ein Großteil der Viertklässler dem Niveau der Zwischenvorstellung zugeordnet werden. Daneben zeigten sich bereits im Grundschulalter substantielle Korrelationen zwischen Experimentierstrategien und Dateninterpretation. Die Befunde sind konsistent mit der entwicklungspsychologischen Forschungsliteratur und weisen auf systematische Entwicklungsveränderungen zwischen dem frühen und späten Grundschulalter hin.
Determinanten von Satzgedächtnis-Leistungen bei deutsch- und mehrsprachigen Vorschulkindern
Authors: von Goldammer Ariane , Mähler Claudia , Hasselhorn Marcus
Published: January 2011

Zusammenfassung. Die vorschulische Satzgedächtnis-Kapazität hat sich bei deutschsprachigen Kindern als starker Prädiktor für Lese- und Rechtschreibleistungen in der Grundschule erwiesen. Da zu den Risikofaktoren für den Schriftspracherwerb die nicht-deutsche Muttersprache eines Kindes zählt, prüft die vorliegende Studie die diagnostische Validität einer Satzgedächtnisaufgabe bei deutsch- und mehrsprachigen Vorschulkindern. Es wurden N = 180 mehrsprachige Kinder und N = 180 ausschließlich deutschsprachige Kinder im Alter von 5 Jahren untersucht. Mehrsprachige Vorschulkinder schneiden hinsichtlich aller erfassten sprachlichen und phonologischen Leistungen schlechter ab als deutschsprachige Kinder. Dennoch lässt sich die Leistungsvarianz in der Satzgedächtnis-Aufgabe in beiden Gruppen gleichermaßen durch die Größe des Wortschatzes und die Kapazität des phonologischen Arbeitsgedächtnisses erklären. Der familiäre Sprachgebrauch hat lediglich auf den Zusammenhang der verbalen Informationsverarbeitungsgeschwindigkeit mit dem Satzgedächtnis einen schwachen moderierenden Einfluss. Da sich die Nachsprech-Leistung damit in beiden Gruppen weitgehend aus der gleichen Linearkombination von Kompetenzen erklärt, hat sich die untersuchte Satzgedächtnis-Aufgabe für deutsch- und mehrsprachige Kinder als gleichermaßen diagnostisch valide und damit „culture fair” erwiesen.
Relationale und physische Aggression in der mittleren Kindheit
Authors: Gasser Luciano , Malti Tina
Published: January 2011

Zusammenfassung. Diese Studie untersucht Zusammenhänge zwischen physischer und relationaler Aggression einerseits und andererseits moralischem Wissen und moralischen Gefühlen bei 237 7- und 9-jährigen Grundschulkindern. Es wurde zum einen erwartet, dass physische Aggression mit Defiziten in moralischem Wissen und moralischen Gefühlen einhergeht. Zum anderen wurde angenommen, dass relationale Aggression negative Zusammenhänge mit moralischen Gefühlen, nicht aber mit moralischem Wissen aufweist. Zur Erfassung relationaler und physischer Aggression wurden Gleichaltrigennennungen und Lehrereinschätzungen verwendet. Moralisches Wissen wurde über moralische Urteile und Urteilsbegründungen, moralische Gefühle über Emotionszuschreibungen zu Regelverletzern und Emotionsbegründungen erfragt. Regressionsanalytische Auswertungen zeigten, dass physische Aggression mit Defiziten sowohl in Bereichen moralischen Wissens als auch moralischer Gefühle einherging. Relationale Aggression hing – entgegen unserer Erwartung – nicht mit moralpsychologischen Defiziten zusammen, sondern ging mit einem fortgeschrittenen Verständnis moralischer Gefühle einher. Dieser Befund wurde dahingehend interpretiert, dass Kinder mit hoher relationaler Aggression ein fortgeschrittenes moralisches Gefühlsverständnis für strategische Ziele instrumentalisieren.
Mütterliche Erziehungspraktiken und Verhaltensauffälligkeiten von Kindern im Vorschulalter
Authors: Schreyer-Mehlhop Ina , Petermann Ulrike
Published: January 2011

Zusammenfassung. Vielfach wurde belegt, dass das mütterliche Erziehungsverhalten in Zusammenhang mit dem kindlichen Sozialverhalten steht. Im deutschen Sprachraum liegen jedoch nur wenige Studien für das Vorschulalter vor. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde an 183 Kindern im Alter von 48–72 Monaten (105 Jungen und 78 Mädchen) untersucht, wie das mütterliche Erziehungsverhalten im Vorschulalter mit Verhaltensauffälligkeiten und prosozialem Verhalten der Kinder zusammenhängt, wobei auch der Einfluss des Geschlechts des Kindes und des Migrationsstatus auf das Erziehungsverhalten der Mütter geprüft wurde. Datengrundlage waren Angaben der Mütter zum eigenen Erziehungsverhalten und zum Sozialverhalten ihrer Kinder. Bestrafende Erziehungspraktiken der Mütter waren mit Verhaltensproblemen der Kinder assoziiert. Für prosoziales Verhalten zeigte sich ein negativer Zusammenhang mit bestrafenden Erziehungspraktiken und ein positiver Zusammenhang mit positiven Erziehungspraktiken. Die Befunde legen nahe, dass das Geschlecht des Kindes und der Migrationsstatus einen Einfluss auf mütterliche Erziehungspraktiken haben. Die Ergebnisse sprechen für einen hohen Stellenwert von Präventionsmaßnahmen im Hinblick auf elterliche Erziehungskompetenzen.
The Role of Suicide Risk in the Decision for Psychiatric Hospitalization After a Suicide Attempt
Authors: Miret Marta , Nuevo Roberto , Morant Consuelo , Sainz-Cortón Enrique , Jiménez-Arriero Miguel Ángel , López-Ibor Juan J. , Reneses Blanca , Saiz-Ruiz Jerónimo , Baca-García Enrique , Ayuso-Mateos José Luis
Published: January 2011

Background: Suicide prevention can be improved by knowing which variables physicians take into account when considering hospitalization or discharge of patients who have attempted suicide. Aims: To test whether suicide risk is an adequate explanatory variable for predicting admission to a psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. Methods: Analyses of 840 clinical records of patients who had attempted suicide (66.3% women) at four public general hospitals in Madrid (Spain). Results: 180 (21.4%) patients were admitted to psychiatric units. Logistic regression analyses showed that explanatory variables predicting admission were: male gender; previous psychiatric hospitalization; psychiatric disorder; not having a substance-related disorder; use of a lethal method; delay until discovery of more than one hour; previous attempts; suicidal ideation; high suicidal planning; and lack of verbalization of adequate criticism of the attempt. Conclusions: Suicide risk appears to be an adequate explanatory variable for predicting the decision to admit a patient to a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, although the introduction of other variables improves the model. These results provide additional information regarding factors involved in everyday medical practice in emergency settings.
Key Considerations for Preventing Suicide in Older Adults
Authors: Erlangsen Annette , Nordentoft Merete , Conwell Yeates , Waern Margda , De Leo Diego , Lindner Reinhard , Oyama Hirofumi , Sakashita Tomoe , Andersen-Ranberg Karen , Quinnett Paul , Draper Brian , Lapierre Sylvie , International Research Group on Suicide Among the Elderly
Published: January 2011

Background: The number of older adults is growing rapidly. This fact, combined with the high rates of suicide in later life, indicates that many more older adults will die by their own hands before rigorous trials can be conducted to fully understand the best approaches to prevent late life suicide. Aims: To disseminate key considerations for interventions addressing senior suicidal behavior. Methods: An international expert panel has reviewed and discussed key considerations for interventions against suicide in older adults based on existing evidence, where available, and expert opinion. Results: A set of new key considerations is divided into: universal, selective, and indicated prevention as well as a section on general considerations. Conclusions: The suggestions span a wide range and are offered for consideration by local groups preparing new interventions, as well as large scale public health care planning.
Specific Psychological Treatment Versus Treatment as Usual in Adolescents with Self-Harm
Authors: Ougrin Dennis , Latif Saqib
Published: January 2011

Background: Despite recent advances in the understanding and treatment of self-harm, poor engagement with therapy remains a serious problem. Aims: To investigate whether offering specific psychological treatment (SPT) leads to better engagement than offering treatment as usual (TAU) in adolescents who have self-harmed. Methods: Data sources were identified by searching Medline, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and PubMed for randomized controlled trials comparing SPT versus TAU in adolescents presenting with self-harm. Results: Seven studies met inclusion criteria, and six were entered into the meta-analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the number of subjects not completing four or more sessions of an SPT (27.7%, 70/253) than TAU (43.3%, 106/245), RR = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.49–1.05). Conclusions: Engaging adolescents with psychological treatment is necessary although not sufficient to achieve treatment goals. Further research is needed to develop tools for maximizing engagement.
The Big Five Inventory (BFI)
Authors: Fossati Andrea , Borroni Serena , Marchione Donatella , Maffei Cesare
Published: January 2011

The internal consistency reliability, factor structure, and convergent-discriminant validity of the Italian translation of the Big Five Inventory (BFI) were assessed in two independent samples of nonclinical adult volunteers (Sample 1: N = 500; Sample 2: N = 316) and in one sample of adolescent volunteers (Sample 3: N = 223). Two adult subsamples (n = 70, and n = 141, respectively) also provided 2-month retest reliability data. The internal consistency reliabilities were adequate for all five BFI scales (mean α values were .77, .78, and .81 for Sample 1, Sample 2, and Sample 3, respectively); all test-retest correlations were greater than .75 in both adult participant subsamples. Principal component analyses showed that only the first five components of the BFI item correlation matrix could be reproduced safely across the three samples. The BFI scales showed adequate convergent-discriminant validity coefficients in all three samples. These findings suggest that the BFI is a succinct measure of the Big Five personality traits and it provides satisfactory reliability and validity data.