bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Penetrance
Authors: Chen Sining , Parmigiani Giovanni
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Genetic counseling is now routinely offered to individuals at high risk of carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Risk prediction provided by the counselor requires reliable estimates of the mutation penetrance. Such penetrance has been investigated by studies worldwide. The reported estimates vary. To facilitate clinical management and counseling of the at-risk population, we address this issue through a meta-analysis.

Methods

We conducted a literature search on PubMed and selected studies that had nonoverlapping patient data, contained genotyping information, used statistical methods that account for the ascertainment, and reported risks in a useable format. We subsequently combined the published estimates using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects modeling approach.

Results

Ten studies were eligible under the selection criteria. Between-study heterogeneity was observed. Study population, mutation type, design, and estimation methods did not seem to be systematic sources of heterogeneity. Meta-analytic mean cumulative cancer risks for mutation carriers at age 70 years were as follows: breast cancer risk of 57% (95% CI, 47% to 66%) for BRCA1 and 49% (95% CI, 40% to 57%) for BRCA2 mutation carriers; and ovarian cancer risk of 40% (95% CI, 35% to 46%) for BRCA1 and 18% (95% CI, 13% to 23%) for BRCA2 mutation carriers. We also report the prospective risks of developing cancer for currently asymptomatic carriers.

Conclusion

This article provides a set of risk estimates for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers that can be used by counselors and clinicians who are interested in advising patients based on a comprehensive set of studies rather than one specific study.
PancPRO: Risk Assessment for Individuals With a Family History of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wang Wenyi , Chen Sining , Brune Kieran A. , Hruban Ralph H. , Parmigiani Giovanni , Klein Alison P.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The rapid fatality of pancreatic cancer is, in large part, the result of an advanced stage of diagnosis for the majority of patients. Identification of individuals at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer is a first step towards the early detection of this disease. Individuals who may harbor a major pancreatic cancer susceptibility gene are one such high-risk group. The goal of this study was to develop and validate PancPRO, a Mendelian model for pancreatic cancer risk prediction in individuals with familial pancreatic cancer, to identify high-risk individuals.

Methods

PancPRO was built by extending the Bayesian modeling framework developed for BRCAPRO, trained using published data, and validated using independent prospective data on 961 families enrolled onto the National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry, including 26 individuals who developed incident pancreatic cancer during follow-up.

Results

We developed a risk prediction model, PancPRO, and free software for the estimation of pancreatic cancer susceptibility gene carrier probabilities and absolute pancreatic cancer risk. Model validation demonstrated an observed to predicted pancreatic cancer ratio of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.52 to 1.20) and high discriminatory ability, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.81) for PancPRO.

Conclusion

PancPRO is the first risk prediction model for pancreatic cancer. When we validated our model using the largest registry of familial pancreatic cancer, our model provided accurate risk assessment. Our findings highlight the importance of detailed family history for clinical cancer risk assessment and demonstrate that accurate genetic risk assessment is possible even when the causative genes are not known.
Lipid Rafts Are Triage Centers for Multimeric and Monomeric Thyrotropin Receptor Regulation
Authors: Latif R. , Ando T. , Davies T. F.
Published: April 2007

The TSH receptor (TSHR), a heptahelical G protein-coupled receptor on the surface of thyrocytes, is a major autoantigen and physiological regulator of the thyroid gland. Unlike other G protein-coupled receptors, the TSHR undergoes posttranslational cleavage of its ectodomain, leading to the existence of several forms of the receptor on the plasma membrane. We previously hypothesized that to achieve high fidelity and specificity of TSH ligand or TSHR autoantibody signaling, the TSHR may compartmentalize into microdomains within the plasma membrane. In support of this hypothesis we have shown previously that TSHRs reside in GM1 ganglioside-enriched lipid rafts in the plasma membrane of TSHR-expressing cells. In this study, we further explored the different forms of TSHRs that reside in lipid rafts. We studied both TSHR-transfected cells and rat thyrocytes, using both nondetergent biochemical analyses and receptor-lipid raft colocalization. Using the biochemical approach, we observed that monomeric receptors existed in both raft and nonraft fractions of the cell surface in the steady state. We also demonstrated that the multimeric forms of the receptor were preferentially partitioned into the lipid microdomains. Different TSHR forms, including multimers, were dynamically regulated both by receptor-specific and postreceptor-specific modulators. TSH ligand and TSHR antibody of the stimulating variety induced a decrease of multimeric forms in the raft fractions. In addition, multimeric and monomeric forms of the receptor were both associated with Gsα within and without the rafts. Although failure to achieve total lipid raft disruption prevented a conclusion regarding the relative power of TSHR signaling within and without the raft domains, these data showed clearly that not only were a significant proportion of TSHRs residing within lipid microdomains but that constitutive multimerization of TSHRs was actually regulated within the lipid rafts.
Increased Phosphorylation of Myosin Light Chain Prevents in Vitro Decidualization
Authors: Ihnatovych Ivanna , Hu WenYang , Martin Jody L. , Fazleabas Asgerally T. , de Lanerolle Primal , Strakova Zuzana
Published: April 2007

Differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells, which is critical to successful pregnancy, represents a complex transformation requiring changes in cytoskeletal architecture. We demonstrate that in vitro differentiation of human uterine fibroblasts into decidual cells includes down-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin and β-tubulin, phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, and redistribution of vinculin. This is accompanied by varied adhesion to fibronectin and a modified ability to migrate. Cytoskeletal organization is determined primarily by actin-myosin II interactions governed by the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20). Decidualization induced by cAMP [with estradiol-17β (E) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (P)] results in a 40% decrease in MLC20 phosphorylation and a 55% decline in the long (214 kDa) form of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK). Destabilization of the cytoskeleton by inhibitors of MLCK (ML-7) or myosin II ATPase (blebbistatin) accelerates decidualization induced by cAMP (with E and P) but inhibits decidualization induced by IL-1β (with E and P). Adenoviral infection of human uterine fibroblast cells with a constitutively active form of MLCK followed by decidualization stimuli leads to a 30% increase in MLC20 phosphorylation and prevents decidualization. These data provide evidence that the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics by MLC20 phosphorylation is critical for decidualization.
Growth Hormone Stimulates Hepatic Expression of Bovine Growth Hormone Receptor Messenger Ribonucleic Acid through Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 Activation of a Major Growth Hormone Receptor Gene Promoter
Authors: Jiang Honglin , Wang Ying , Wu Miaozong , Gu Zhiliang , Frank Stuart J. , Torres-Diaz Roberto
Published: April 2007

The objective of this study was to determine whether and how GH regulates hepatic expression of GH receptor (GHR) mRNA in cattle. Ribonuclease protection assays revealed that injection of GH in a slow-release formula increased both hepatic GHR and IGF-I mRNAs 1 wk after the injection. The increases in GHR and IGF-I mRNAs were highly correlated. Western blot analysis showed that the injection also increased liver GHR protein level. In cattle and other mammals, hepatic GHR mRNA is expressed as variants that differ in the 5′-untranslated region due to the use of different promoters in transcription and/or alternative splicing. We found that GH increased the expression of the liver-specific GHR mRNA variant GHR1A without affecting the other two major GHR mRNA variants in the bovine liver, GHR1B and GHR1C. In transient transfection analyses, GH could robustly activate reporter gene expression from a 2.7-kb GHR1A promoter, suggesting that GH augmentation of GHR1A mRNA expression in the liver is at least partially mediated at the transcriptional level. Additional transfection analyses of serially 5′-truncated fragments of this promoter narrowed the GH-responsive sequence element down to a 210-bp region that contained a putative signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) binding site. EMSAs demonstrated that this putative STAT5 binding site was able to bind to STAT5b protein. In cotransfection assays, deletion of this putative STAT5 binding site abolished most of the GH response of the GHR1A promoter. Like 1-wk GH action, 6-h (i.e. short-term) GH action also increased liver expression of GHR1A and total GHR mRNAs in cattle. These observations together suggest that GH directly stimulates the expression of one GHR mRNA variant, GHR1A, through binding STAT5 to its promoter, thereby increasing GHR mRNA and protein expression in the bovine liver.
Lutropin/Choriogonadotropin Stimulate the Proliferation of Primary Cultures of Rat Leydig Cells through a Pathway that Involves Activation of the Extracellularly Regulated Kinase 1/2 Cascade
Authors: Shiraishi Koji , Ascoli Mario
Published: April 2007

Primary cultures of progenitor and immature rat Leydig cells were established from the testes of 21- and 35-d-old rats, respectively. The cell population remained homogeneous after 4–6 d in culture as judged by staining for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, but the cells were unable to bind 125I-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or to respond to hCG with classical LH receptor (LHR)-mediated responses, including cAMP and inositol phosphate accumulation, steroid biosynthesis, or the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Infection of primary cultures with recombinant adenovirus coding for β-galactosidase showed that approximately 65% of the cells are infected. Infection with adenovirus coding for the human LHR (hLHR) allowed for expression of the hLHR at a density of approximately 25,000 receptors per cell and allowed the cells to respond to hCG with increases in cAMP and inositol phosphate accumulation, steroid biosynthesis, and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Although progenitor and immature cells were able to respond to hCG with an increase in progesterone, only the immature cells responded with an increase in testosterone. In addition to these classical LHR-mediated responses, the primary cultures of progenitor or immature rat Leydig cells expressing the recombinant hLHR proliferated robustly when incubated with hCG, and this proliferative response was sensitive to an inhibitor of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These studies establish a novel experimental paradigm that can be used to study the proliferative response of Leydig cells to LH/CG. We conclude that activation of the LHR-provoked Leydig cell proliferation requires activation of the ERK1/2 cascade.
Dehydration-Induced Proteome Changes in the Rat Hypothalamo-Neurohypophyseal System
Authors: Gouraud S. S. , Heesom K. , Yao S. T. , Qiu J. , Paton J. F. R. , Murphy D.
Published: April 2007

The hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system (HNS) mediates neuroendocrine responses to dehydration through the action of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin (VP). VP is synthesized as part of a prepropeptide in magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus. This precursor is processed during transport to axon terminals in the posterior pituitary gland, in which biologically active VP is stored until mobilized for secretion by electrical activity evoked by osmotic cues. During release, VP travels through the blood stream to specific receptor targets located in the kidney in which it increases the permeability of the collecting ducts to water, reducing the renal excretion of water, thus promoting water conservation. The HNS undergoes a dramatic function-related plasticity during dehydration. We hypothesize that alterations in steady-state protein levels might be partially responsible for this remodeling. We investigated dehydration-induced changes in the SON and pituitary neurointermediate lobe (NIL) proteomes using two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis. Seventy proteins were altered by dehydration, including 45 in the NIL and 25 in the SON. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, we identified six proteins in the NIL (four down, two up) and nine proteins in the SON (four up, five down) that are regulated as a consequence of chronic dehydration. Results for five of these proteins, namely Hsp1α (heat shock protein 1α), NAP22 (neuronal axonal membrane protein 22), GRP58 (58 kDa glucose regulated protein), calretinin, and ProSAAS (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 inhibitor), have been confirmed using independent methods such as semiquantitative Western blotting, two-dimensional Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunoassay, and immunohistochemistry. These proteins may have roles in regulating and effecting HNS remodeling.
Development and Multicenter Evaluation of the N Latex CDT Direct Immunonephelometric Assay for Serum Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin
Authors: Delanghe Joris R , Helander Anders , Wielders Jos PM , Pekelharing J Maurits , Roth Heinz J , Schellenberg François , Born Catherine , Yagmur Eray , Gentzer Wolfgang , Althaus Harald
Published: April 2007

Background: Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is a promising biomarker of alcohol abuse. We describe the development and multicenter evaluation of N Latex CDT (Dade Behring), an automated, particle-enhanced, homogeneous immunonephelometric assay for directly determining CDT.

Methods: N Latex CDT uses a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the structure of transferrin glycoforms lacking 1 or 2 complete N-glycans [i.e., disialo-, monosialo-, and asialotransferrins (CDT glycoforms)] in combination with a simultaneous assay for total transferrin. The Dade Behring BN II™ and BN ProSpec® systems automatically calculate the CDT value as a percentage of total transferrin (%CDT). No preanalytical sample treatment is used.

Results: Total imprecision values for serum pools containing 1.8%–8.7% CDT were 3.4%–10.4% (mean, 6.8%). The mean (SD) %CDT for 561 serum samples from healthy control individuals was 1.76% (0.27%; range, 1.01%–2.85%). No marked sex or age differences were noted. The 97.5th percentile was at 2.35%. Transferrin genetic variants did not interfere with measurements. High transferrin concentrations did not falsely increase %CDT values, but increased %CDT values were noted for some samples with transferrin concentrations <1.1 g/L. N Latex CDT results correlated with those of a commercial CDT immunoassay involving column separation (r2 = 0.862) and an HPLC candidate reference method (r2 = 0.978).

Conclusion: N Latex CDT is the first direct immunoassay for quantifying %CDT in serum. The specificity of N Latex CDT for identifying alcohol abuse may be higher than for immunoassays that use column separation, because transferrin genetic variants do not interfere with measurements.
Preclinical and clinical experiences with the role of dopamine receptors in the treatment of pituitary adenomas
Authors: Ferone Diego , Pivonello Rosario , Resmini Eugenia , Boschetti Mara , Rebora Alberto , Albertelli Manuela , Albanese Valeria , Colao Annamaria , Culler Michael D , Minuto Francesco
Published: April 2007

Pituitary tumors can cause symptoms of mass effect and hormonal hypersecretion that can be reversed with surgical resection or debulking of the adenoma, radiotherapy, or medical treatment. Medical treatment is the primary choice for prolactinomas because dopamine agonists are very effective in the treatment of these tumors, with rates of control (tumor size reduction and hormone suppression) as high as 80–90% for microprolactinomas and 60–75% for macroprolactinomas. The function of dopamine receptors in other histotypes of pituitary adenoma is still debated. However, new insights into receptor physiology and the introduction of new clinically available, as well as experimental, compounds have reopened a potential role of dopaminergic drugs in the medical treatment of pituitary tumors. The differences between the effectiveness and the resistance to different dopaminergic agents, the new challenging results from clinical and experimental studies, as well as the future of dopamine agonists in the therapy of pituitary tumors are discussed.
Novel insights in somatostatin receptor physiology
Authors: Tulipano Giovanni , Schulz Stefan
Published: April 2007

The experimental data reviewed in the present paper deal with the molecular events underlying the agonist-dependent regulation of the distinct somatostatin receptor subtypes and may suggest important clues about the clinical use of somatostatin analogs with different pattern of receptor specificity for the in vivo targeting of tumoral somatostatin receptors. Somatostatin receptor subtypes are characterized by differential β-arrestin trafficking and endosomal sorting upon agonist binding due, at least in part, to the differences in their C-terminal tails. Moreover, the subcellular expression pattern of somatostatin receptor subtypes and their activity in response to agonist treatment are affected by intracellular complements, such as proteins involved in intracellular vesicle trafficking. Different somatostatin analogs may induce distinct conformations of the receptor/ligand complex, preferentially coupled to either receptor signaling or receptor endocytosis.
Preparedness for Infectious Threats
Authors: Nelson Christopher B. , Birmingham Maureen , Costa Alejandro , Daviaud Joelle , Perea William , Kieny Marie-Paule , Tarantola Daniel
Published: April 2007

With the emergence of epidemic Neisseria meningitidis W135 meningitis in Burkina Faso during early 2002, the public health community was faced with the challenge of providing access to an appropriate and affordable vaccine in time for the upcoming 2003 epidemic season.

Recognizing the implications of the emergent threat, the World Health Organization developed a strategy, established a public–private partnership to provide the needed vaccine, and then ensured that a stockpile was available for future use.

The trivalent N meningitidis ACW135 polysaccharide vaccine that resulted is now one of the primary tools for epidemic response in African meningitis belt countries. It will remain so for the foreseeable future and until appropriate and affordable conjugate vaccines become part of national immunization programs in the region.
Expanding Bioshield: A Call for Caution
Authors: May Thomas
Published: April 2007

The Bioshield Initiative seeks to stimulate development of new drugs and vaccines to prevent and treat diseases caused by biological agents likely to be used by terrorists, and recent proposals have sought to expand patent protections in this context. To the extent that patent protections are needed as part of the incentive structure for new drug and vaccine development, it may be better to strengthen patent protections on nonterror-related drugs and vaccines to avoid production capacity problems, as well as follow-up research and development problems. However, at the same time, both practical and ethical considerations argue that the good that might be achieved through expanded patent protections come at costs that make this strategy unacceptable.
Vision for a Global Registry of Anticipated Public Health Studies
Authors: Choi Bernard C.K. , Frank John , Mindell Jennifer S. , Orlova Anna , Lin Vivian , Vaillancourt Alain D.M.G. , Puska Pekka , Pang Tikki , Skinner Harvey A. , Marsh Marsha , Mokdad Ali H. , Yu Shun-Zhang , Lindner M. Cristina , Sherman Gregory , Barreto Sandhi M. , Green Lawrence W. , Svenson Lawrence W. , Sainsbury Peter , Yan Yongping , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Zevallos Juan C. , Ho Suzanne C. , de Salazar Ligia M.
Published: April 2007

In public health, the generation, management, and transfer of knowledge all need major improvement. Problems in generating knowledge include an imbalance in research funding, publication bias, unnecessary studies, adherence to fashion, and undue interest in novel and immediate issues.

Impaired generation of knowledge, combined with a dated and inadequate process for managing knowledge and an inefficient system for transferring knowledge, mean a distorted body of evidence available for decisionmaking in public health. This article hopes to stimulate discussion by proposing a Global Registry of Anticipated Public Health Studies.

This prospective, comprehensive system for tracking research in public health could help enhance collaboration and improve efficiency. Practical problems must be discussed before such a vision can be further developed.
Optimizing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Response Strategies: Lessons Learned From Quarantine
Authors: Wang Tsung-Hsi , Wei Kuo-Chen , Hsiung Chao Agnes , Maloney Susan A. , Eidex Rachel Barwick , Posey Drew L. , Chou Wei-Hui , Shih Wen-Yi , Kuo Hsu-Sung
Published: April 2007

Taiwan used quarantine as 1 of numerous interventions implemented to control the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003. From March 18 to July 31, 2003, 147 526 persons were placed under quarantine. Quarantining only persons with known exposure to people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome could have reduced the number of persons quarantined by approximately 64%. Focusing quarantine efforts on persons with known or suspected exposure can greatly decrease the number of persons placed under quarantine, without substantially compromising its yield and effectiveness.
Legal Tools for Preparedness and Response
Authors: Shaw Frederic E. , McKie Karen L. , Liveoak Clint A. , Goodman Richard A. ,   the State Public Health Counsel Review Team
Published: April 2007

From April 2004 through December 2004, we reviewed the express legal authorities of the 10 most populous US states to restrict the movement of persons to control communicable diseases. All 10 of the states possessed express legal authority to quarantine and isolate individuals, but the laws varied substantially. In the absence of declared emergencies, only 4 states had express authority to conduct area quarantine, and only 2 states had express authority to conduct group quarantine. During declared emergencies, 7 states had additional authorities for area quarantine. Express authorities are only part of states’ legal powers to employ such movement restrictions, but substantial variation in express authorities across states could present potential challenges for the coordination of large national or regional epidemics.
Psychological Sequelae Resulting From the 2004 Florida Hurricanes: Implications for Postdisaster Intervention
Authors: Acierno Ron , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Galea Sandro , Resnick Heidi S. , Koenen Karestan , Roitzsch John , de Arellano Michael , Boyle John , Kilpatrick Dean G.
Published: April 2007

Objectives. Data are limited regarding mental health effects of disasters such as hurricanes. We sought to determine the prevalence of and major risk factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive episode 6 to 9 months after the 2004 Florida hurricanes.

Methods. Random-digit dialing was used to recruit a representative population sample of 1452 hurricane-affected adults.

Results. Posthurricane prevalence for PTSD was 3.6%, for generalized anxiety disorder was 5.5%, and for major depressive episode was 6.1%. Risk factors varied somewhat across disorders, with the exception of previous exposure to traumatic events, which increased risk of all negative outcomes.

Conclusions. Storm exposure variables and displacement were associated primarily with PTSD. Notably, high social support in the 6 months preceding the hurricanes protected against all types of disorders.
Evaluation of Potassium Iodide Prophylaxis Knowledge and Nuclear Emergency Preparedness: New Jersey 2005
Authors: Blando James , Robertson Corwin , Pearl Katina , Dixon Carline , Valcin Martin , Bresnitz Eddy
Published: April 2007

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires states to consider including potassium iodide as a protective measure in the unlikely event of a major release of radioactivity from a nuclear power plant. We evaluated emergency preparedness knowledge, including proper potassium iodide use, among the general public and emergency responders located around New Jersey’s nuclear power plants. We found that knowledge about responder chain of command, evacuation routes, and some aspects of potassium iodide usage was incomplete among the general public and emergency responders.
Disrupting the Transmission of Influenza A: Face Masks and Ultraviolet Light as Control Measures
Authors: Weiss Martin Meyer , Weiss Peter D. , Weiss Danielle E. , Weiss Joseph B.
Published: April 2007

In the event of an influenza pandemic, where effective vaccine and antiviral drugs may be lacking, disrupting environmental transmission of the influenza virus will be the only viable strategy to protect the public. We discuss 2 such modalities, respirators (face masks) and ultraviolet (UV) light. Largely overlooked, the potential utility of each is underappreciated. The effectiveness of disposable face masks may be increased by sealing the edges of the mask to the face. Reusable masks should be stockpiled, because the supply of disposable masks will likely prove inadequate. UV light, directed overhead, may be beneficial in hospitals and nursing homes.
Adequacy of State Capacity to Address Noncommunicable Disease Clusters in the Era of Environmental Public Health Tracking
Authors: Juzych Nadia Shalauta , Resnick Beth , Streeter Robin , Herbstman Julie , Zablotsky Joanna , Fox Mary , Burke Thomas A.
Published: April 2007

Objectives. We sought to assess the capacity of state public health agencies to address noncommunicable disease clusters (NCCs) and to develop recommendations to enhance agencies’ NCC response capacity.

Methods. We conducted an inventory of state public health agency Web sites and administered a Web-based survey of state health agency personnel to examine NCC capacity with respect to responsibility and authority, scope, protocols, trends in NCC investigations, and desired assistance.

Results. Twenty-six of the state agency Web sites listed an NCC contact, and 12 mentioned a cluster response team. Thirty-seven states completed the Web-based survey, all addressed cancer clusters, and 30 also responded to other NCCs, such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and autism.

Conclusions. NCCs are of key concern to communities, and all of the survey respondents indicated that citizen reports were an impetus for investigations; yet, state-level capacity to address NCCs was inconsistent and disjointed. State agency personnel were committed to responding to NCC inquiries but were hampered by lack of personnel, resources, and prescribed protocols, as well as inadequate interagency communication. We offer recommendations to address these challenges.
Encouraging Compliance With Quarantine: A Proposal to Provide Job Security and Income Replacement
Authors: Rothstein Mark A. , Talbott Meghan K.
Published: April 2007

A human influenza virus is considered the most likely source of a pandemic in the near future. Quarantine has the potential to be the most effective measure for limiting the spread of infection. The major obstacles to compliance for those asked to enter quarantine include loss of income during quarantine and loss of employment after quarantine. We discuss current antidiscrimination and compensation laws, as well as options to expand coverage for quarantined individuals to encourage public cooperation by guaranteeing job security and providing income replacement.
Mutual Aid Agreements: Essential Legal Tools for Public Health Preparedness and Response
Authors: Stier Daniel D. , Goodman Richard A.
Published: April 2007

Mutual aid is the sharing of supplies, equipment, personnel, and information across political boundaries. States must have agreements in place to ensure mutual aid to facilitate effective responses to public health emergencies and to detect and control potential infectious disease outbreaks. The 2005 hurricanes triggered activation of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid agreement among the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Although EMAC facilitated the movement of an unprecedented amount of mutual aid to disaster areas, inadequacies in the response demonstrated a need for improvement. Mutual aid may also be beneficial in circumstances where EMAC is not activated. We discuss the importance of mutual aid, examine obstacles, and identify legal “gaps” that must be filled to strengthen preparedness.
Hyperspectral Reflectance Response of Freshwater Macrophytes to Salinity in a Brackish Subtropical Marsh
Authors: Tilley David R. , Ahmed Muneer , Son Ji Ho , Badrinarayanan Harish
Published: April 2007

Coastal freshwater wetlands are threatened by increased salinity due to relative sea level rise and reduced freshwater inputs. Remote radiometric measurement of freshwater marsh canopies to detect small shifts in water column salinity would be useful for assessing salinity encroachment. We measured leaf hyperspectral (300–1100 nm) reflectance of freshwater macrophytes (cattail, Typha latifolia and sea oxeye, Borrichia frutescens) in a field study in a subtropical brackish (2.5–4.5 parts per thousand salinity, ‰) marsh to determine salinity effects on visible and near‐infrared spectral band reflectance and to identify reflectance indices sensitive to small (1‰) changes in wetland salinity. For sea oxeye, floating‐position water band index [fWBI = R900/minimum(R930 − R980), where Rλ = reflectance at band λ], normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI = (R774 − R681)/(R774 + R681)], and a proposed wetland salinity reflectance ratio (WSRR = R990/R933) were sensitive to salinity with R2 of 40, 35, and 65%, respectively (p < 0.01). For cattail, NDVI and photochemical reflectance index [PRI = (R531 − R570)/(R570 + R531)] were sensitive to salinity with R2 of 29 and 33%, respectively (p ≤ 0.01). Higher salinity significantly reduced mean reflectance of sea oxeye in 328‐ to 527‐nm and 600‐ to 700‐nm wavebands (p < 0.05), which corresponded to chlorophyll bands. Reflectance of cattail was not significantly affected by the highest salinity, although the spectral band most affected was 670 nm (p < 0.10), which is a chlorophyll a band. Our findings indicate that hyperspectral radiometry can detect the response of emergent freshwater plants to changes in wetland salinity, which would help with monitoring salinity effects on coastal wetlands.
Soil Microbial Community Response to Hexavalent Chromium in Planted and Unplanted Soil
Authors: Ipsilantis Ioannis , Coyne Mark S.
Published: April 2007

Theories suggest that rapid microbial growth rates lead to quicker development of metal resistance. We tested these theories by adding hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] to soil, sowing Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), and comparing rhizosphere and bulk soil microbial community responses. Four weeks after the initial Cr(VI) application we measured Cr concentration, microbial biomass by fumigation extraction and soil extract ATP, tolerance to Cr and growth rates with tritiated thymidine incorporation, and performed community substrate use analysis with BIOLOG GN plates. Exchangeable Cr(VI) levels were very low, and therefore we assumed the Cr(VI) impact was transient. Microbial biomass was reduced by Cr(VI) addition. Microbial tolerance to Cr(VI) tended to be higher in the Cr‐treated rhizosphere soil relative to the non‐treated systems, while microorganisms in the Cr‐treated bulk soil were less sensitive to Cr(VI) than microorganisms in the non‐treated bulk soil. Microbial diversity as measured by population evenness increased with Cr(VI) addition based on a Gini coefficient derived from BIOLOG substrate use patterns. Principal component analysis revealed separation between Cr(VI) treatments, and between rhizosphere and bulk soil treatments. We hypothesize that because of Cr(VI) addition there was indirect selection for fast‐growing organisms, alleviation of competition among microbial communities, and increase in Cr tolerance in the rhizosphere due to the faster turnover rates in that environment.
Phosphorus Transport through Subsurface Drainage and Surface Runoff from a Flat Watershed in East Central Illinois, USA
Authors: Algoazany A. S. , Kalita P. K. , Czapar G. F. , Mitchell J. K.
Published: April 2007

A long‐term water quality monitoring program was established to evaluate the effects of agricultural management practices on water quality in the Little Vermilion River (LVR) watershed, IL. This watershed has intensive random and irregular subsurface drainage systems. The objective of this study was to assess the fate and transport of soluble phosphorus (soluble P) through subsurface drainage and surface runoff. Four sites (sites A, B, C, and E) that had subsurface and surface monitoring programs were selected for this study. Three of the four study sites had corn (Zea mays L.) and soybeans (Glycine max L.) planted in rotations and the other site had seed corn and soybeans. Subsurface drainage and surface runoff across all sites removed an average of 16.1 and 2.6% of rainfall, respectively. Annual flow‐weighted soluble P concentrations fluctuated with the precipitation, while concentrations tended to increase with high precipitation coupled with high application rates. The long‐term average flow‐weighted soluble P concentrations in subsurface flow were 102, 99, 194, and 86 μg L−1 for sites A, B, C, and E, respectively. In contrast, the long‐term average flow‐weighted soluble P concentrations in surface runoff were 270, 253, 534, and 572 μg L−1 for sites As, Bs, Cs, and Es, respectively. These values were substantially greater than the critical values that promote eutrophication. Statistical analysis indicated that the effects of crop, discharge, and the interactions between site and discharge and crop and discharge on soluble P concentrations in subsurface flow were significant (α = 0.05). Soluble P mass loads in surface runoff responded to discharge more consistently than in the subsurface flow. Subsurface flow had substantially greater annual average soluble P mass loads than surface runoff due to greater flow volume.
Mitigation of Shallow Groundwater Nitrate in a Poorly Drained Riparian Area and Adjacent Cropland
Authors: Davis Jennifer H. , Griffith Stephen M. , Horwath William R. , Steiner Jeffrey J. , Myrold David D.
Published: April 2007

Riparian ecosystems, through their unique position in the agricultural landscape and ability to influence nutrient cycles, can potentially reduce NO3 loading to surface and ground waters. The purpose of this study was to determine the fate of NO3 in shallow groundwater moving along a lateral flowpath from a grass seed cropping system through an undisturbed mixed‐species herbaceous riparian area. Soil A (30–45 cm) and C horizon (135–150 cm) NO3, dissolved oxygen, and nitrous oxide concentrations were significantly higher in the cropping system than the adjacent riparian area. Nitrate concentrations in both horizons of the riparian soil were consistently at or below 0.05 mg N L−1 while cropping system concentrations ranged from 1 to 12 mg N L−1 Chloride data suggested that NO3 dilution occurred from recharge by precipitation. However, a sharp decrease in NO3/Cl ratios as water moved into the riparian area indicated that additional dilution of NO3 concentrations was unlikely. Riparian area A horizon soil water had higher dissolved organic carbon than the cropping system and when the riparian soil became saturated, available electron acceptors (O2, NO3) were rapidly reduced. Dissolved inorganic carbon was significantly higher in the riparian area than the cropping system for both horizons indicating high biological activity. Carbon limitation in the cropping system may have led to microbial respiration using primarily O2 and to a lesser degree NO3 Within 6 m of the riparian/cropping system transition, NO3 was virtually undetectable.
Occurrence and Fate of the Phytotoxin Juglone in Alley Soils under Black Walnut Trees
Authors: von Kiparski Guntram R. , Lee Linda S. , Gillespie Andrew R.
Published: April 2007

Juglone (5‐hydroxy‐1,4‐napthoquinone) is a chemical released by walnut trees, which can be toxic at various levels to several plant species. A balance among competing source and sink mechanisms and rates will ultimately determine whether juglone is capable of attaining sufficient levels to be allelopathic to intercrops in a walnut tree agroforestry system. In this study, juglone's release, accumulation, and decline in soil are explored using data from soil beneath a black walnut tree (Juglans nigra L) alley cropping system, greenhouse pot studies, and laboratory sorption/degradation studies. Juglone pore water concentrations estimated from extracts of surficial soil from beneath the alley cropping system exceeded the lowest solution culture toxicity levels reported for some plants of 10−7 M, but did not exceed the inhibition threshold reported for typical intercrops such as maize and soybeans 10−5 M Further assessment of the likely persistence of juglone in soils indicated that juglone is both microbially and abiotically degraded, and that it will be particularly short‐lived in soils supporting microbial activity. However, walnut seedlings planted in sand‐filled pots clearly showed that juglone is released in measurable quantities to the soil's rhizosphere. Therefore, juglone accumulation in low fertility soils is plausible, and may still be worthy of consideration in management of alley agroforestry systems.
Assessment of Contamination from Arsenical Pesticide Use on Orchards in the Great Valley region, Virginia and West Virginia, USA
Authors: Robinson Gilpin R. , Larkins Peter , Boughton Carol J. , Reed Bradley W. , Sibrell Philip L.
Published: April 2007

Lead arsenate pesticides were widely used in apple orchards from 1925 to 1955. Soils from historic orchards in four counties in Virginia and West Virginia contained elevated concentrations of As and Pb, consistent with an arsenical pesticide source. Arsenic concentrations in approximately 50% of the orchard site soils and approximately 1% of reference site soils exceed the USEPA Preliminary Remediation Goal (PRG) screening guideline of 22 mg kg−1 for As in residential soil, defined on the basis of combined chronic exposure risk. Approximately 5% of orchard site soils exceed the USEPA PRG for Pb of 400 mg kg−1 in residential soil; no reference site soils sampled exceed this value. A variety of statistical methods were used to characterize the occurrence, distribution, and dispersion of arsenical pesticide residues in soils, stream sediments, and ground waters relative to landscape features and likely background conditions. Concentrations of Zn, Pb, and Cu were most strongly associated with high developed land density and population density, whereas elevated concentrations of As were weakly correlated with high orchard density, consistent with a pesticide residue source. Arsenic concentrations in ground water wells in the region are generally <0.005 mg L−1 There was no spatial association between As concentrations in ground water and proximity to orchards. Arsenic had limited mobility into ground water from surface soils contaminated with arsenical pesticide residues at concentrations typically found in orchards.
Dissolved Phosphorus Export from an Animal Waste Impacted In‐Stream Wetland
Authors: Novak J. M. , Szogi A. A. , Stone K. C. , Watts D. W. , Johnson M. H.
Published: April 2007

The ability of wetlands to retain P makes them an important landscape feature that buffers P movement. However, their P retention ability can be compromised through hydrologic disturbances caused by hurricanes and tropical storms (TS). This study had three objectives: (i) to determine the effects of hurricanes and TS on dissolved phosphorus (DP) concentrations and loads discharged from a Coastal Plain in‐stream wetland (ISW); (ii) to evaluate shifts in P storage pools that would reflect P accretion/removal patterns; and (iii) to determine if relationships exist between storm characteristics with releases of DP and water volume. From January 1996 to October 1999, the ISW's outflow DP concentrations and flow volumes (Q) were measured and they were used to calculate DP mass export loads. In addition, the sediment total phosphorus (TP) concentrations were measured, and both the water column and sediment pore water DP concentrations were examined using passive samplers. In several instances, TS facilitated greater DP releases than a single hurricane event. The largest release of DP occurred in 1999 after Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, and Irene. The large differences in DP exports among the storms were explained by Q variations. Storm activity also caused changes in sediment pore water DP and sediment TP concentrations. This study revealed that some TS events caused higher DP releases than a single hurricane; however, multiple hurricanes delivering heavy precipitation totals significantly increased DP export.
If You Build Teachers, Will Students Come? The Role of Teachers in Broadening Computer Science Learning for Urban Youth
Authors: Goode Joanna
Published: April 2007

Despite the digital saturation of today's youth across demographic groups, students of color and females remain severely underrepresented in computer science. Reporting on a sequential mixed methods study, this article explores the ways that high school computer science teachers can act as change agents to broaden the participation in computing for historically underrepresented students. Three high school case studies reveal a critical need for professional development and support to do this work. The subsequent part of the study focuses on the impact of a district-university intervention which trained 25 urban teachers to teach Advanced Placement computer science in their schools. The swift success of this intervention was evident from the following years' dramatic increase in course offerings and enrollment of females, Latinos, and African Americans.
Profiling the Plagiarists: An Examination of the Factors That Lead Students to Cheat
Authors: Daly C. , Horgan J. M.
Published: April 2007

While much work has been done on identifying and measuring the incidence of plagiarism in coursework, very little is known about the plagiarists themselves, and it is this issue that we address in this article. A model, developed to determine the factors that lead students to plagiarize, indicates that males are more likely to cheat than females, and those with higher entrance qualifications are less likely. Other factors correlated with cheating were the rate at which the course work was completed, and the number of attempts needed to solve the problems; those who submitted their work early, and those who took fewer attempts to solve the problems, were less likely to cheat.
Three-Dimensionality as an Effective Mode of Representation for Expressing Sequential Time Perception
Authors: Eden Sigal , Passig David
Published: April 2007

The process of developing concepts of time continues from age 5 to 11 years (Zakay, 1998). This study sought the representation mode in which children could best express time concepts, especially the proper arrangement of events in a logical and temporal order. Usually, temporal order is examined and taught by 2D (2-dimensional) pictorial scripts. Using Bruner's (1973, 1986, 1990) representation stages, we tested the comparative effectiveness of VR (Virtual Reality) as a mode of representation on children's conception of sequential time with the pictorial representation mode, the oral, and textual modes. The study involved 65 participants, aged 4 to 10, in 2 groups: kindergarten and school children. The study examined their ability to arrange episodes of a scenario in which a temporal order exists, using the different modes of representation. The findings demonstrate substantial differences in the temporal order arrangement between the modes of representation. In the 3D VR representation, the subjects had a smaller number of errors than in the other representations. These findings suggest that even though the pictorial mode is the most common way of examining and expressing temporal sequence, we should establish new ways of presenting sequencing so that children will be better able to achieve their full cognitive and academic potential.
Vulcanization of polychloroprene rubber. I. A revised cationic mechanism for ZnO crosslinking
Authors: Desai H. , Hendrikse K. G. , Woolard C. D.
Published: April 2007

Data relating to the vulcanization of mercaptan‐grade polychloroprene (CR) by ZnO and MgO (alone or in combination) are examined. Compounds were vulcanized through the isothermal heating of samples at 140°C in a laboratory press and at programmed rates in a differential scanning calorimeter. The reaction was stopped at various points during the heating process. The crosslink densities were determined via swelling. Extractable ZnCl2 and MgCl2 were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Three different crosslinking processes were identified. The first crosslinking process involved the activation of the highly reactive tertiary allylic 1,2‐units along the polymer chain, whereas the second and third crosslinking processes were attributed to the activation toward crosslinking of 3,4‐ and 1,4‐units, respectively. The crosslinking reactions of the 1,2‐units comprised three distinct steps: isomerization (promoted by ZnO), dechlorination, and crosslinking. ZnCl2 (which formed during compounding and upon crosslinking) promoted crosslinking, and its addition to formulations decreased but did not eliminate the induction period before crosslinking. MgO retarded the crosslinking process by limiting the formation of ZnCl2 during mixing. The results of the CR/ZnO system are discussed, and a modified cationic mechanism for crosslinking is proposed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone from the surface of PP film
Authors: Sui Yuan , Zhao Jingbo , Gan Shenghua , Zhao Hongchi , Yang Wantai
Published: April 2007

This article presents the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) from PP film modified with an initiator layer composed of OSn(Oct) groups. This method consists of two steps: (1) Sn(Oct)2 exchanged with the hydroxyl groups on the surface of PP film, forming the OSn(Oct) groups bonded on the surface; (2) surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐CL with the OSn(Oct) groups. The initiator layer is characterized by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR), contact angles, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The growth of PCL chains from the initiator layer through ring‐opening polymerization is successfully achieved. ATR‐FTIR, XPS, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are also used to characterize the grafted film. XPS results reveal that the PCL chains cover the surface of PP film after 4 h. The SEM images reveal that the PCL chain clusters grow into regular spheroidal particles, which can be changed into other different morphology by treated with different solvents. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007