bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence from knockout mice that neuropeptide-Y Y2 and Y4 receptor signalling prevents long-term depression-like behaviour caused by immune challenge
Authors: Painsipp Evelin , Herzog Herbert , Holzer Peter
Published: November 2009

Neuropeptide Y participates in the acute behavioural responses to immune challenge, since Y2 receptor knockout (Y2-/-) mice are particularly sensitive to the short-term anxiogenic-like effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. The present exploratory study addressed the involvement of Y2 and Y4 receptors in the long-term behavioural responses to immune challenge. A single intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (0.83 mg/kg) to control mice did not affect open field behaviour 3 h post-treatment but enhanced anxiety-like behaviour in Y2-/- as well as Y4-/- mice. Four weeks post-treatment this behavioural effect of lipopolysaccharide persisted in Y4-/- mice but had gone in Y2-/- mice. Depression-related behaviour in the forced swim test was enhanced 1 day post-lipopolysaccharide in control and Y2-/- mice, but not in Y4-/- mice. Four weeks post-treatment, the depressogenic-like effect of lipopolysaccharide had waned in control mice, persisted in Y2-/- mice and was first observed in Y4-/- mice. In summary, knockout of Y2 and/or Y4 receptors unmasks the ability of a single lipopolysaccharide injection to cause a delayed and prolonged increase in anxiety- and/or depression-like behaviour. These findings suggest that neuropeptide Y acting via Y2 and Y4 receptors prevents the development of long-term anxiety- and depression-like behaviour caused by acute immune challenge.
Depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms and quality of life in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during three-month methylphenidate treatment
Authors: Gürkan Kağan , Bilgiç Ayhan , Türkoğlu Serhat , Kılıç Birim G , Aysev Ayla , Uslu Runa
Published: November 2009

The current study was designed to investigate the changes that occur in depression, anxiety, obsessive—compulsive symptoms and health-related quality of life during methylphenidate (MPH) treatment in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Forty-five treatment naive children with ADHD, aged 8—14, were assessed based on self, parent and teacher reports at the baseline and at the end of the first and third month of MPH treatment regarding changes in inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, depression, anxiety and obsessive—compulsive symptoms. Changes in the quality of life were also noted. Repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests with Bonferroni corrections were conducted in order to evaluate the data. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity were significantly reduced (p < 0.017) following a three-month MPH treatment. There were significant decreases in depression (p = 0.004), trait anxiety (p = 0.000) and checking compulsion symptom scores (p = 0.001). Moreover, parents reported significant improvements in psychosocial (p = 0.001) and total scores (p = 0.009) of quality of life, despite no change in physical health scores (p > 0.05). Children’s ratings of quality of life measures showed no significant changes in physical health and psychosocial scores (p > 0.05), while total scores significantly improved (p = 0.001) after the treatment. Over a three-month MPH treatment, depression, trait anxiety and checking compulsion symptoms decreased and quality of life seemed to improve along with those of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Cocaine self-administration alters the expression of chromatin-remodelling proteins; modulation by histone deacetylase inhibition
Authors: Host Lionel , Dietrich Jean-Bernard , Carouge Delphine , Aunis Dominique , Zwiller Jean
Published: November 2009

Injection of the histone deacetylases inhibitor trichostatin A to rats has been shown to decrease the reinforcing properties of cocaine. In the present study, we investigated alterations in gene expression patterns in the anterior cingulate cortex, caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens of rats self-administering cocaine and treated with trichostatin A. As recent studies highlighted the importance of chromatin remodelling in the regulation of gene transcription in neurons, we studied the expression of Mecp2 and of several histone deacetylases. Cocaine self-administration was accompanied by an increased synthesis of Mecp2, HDAC2 and HDAC11 and by a decreased nuclear localization of HDAC5 and of the phospho-form of HDAC5, suggesting a nuclear export of this protein in response to the drug. The latter mechanism was further addressed by the demonstration of an enhanced expression of MEF2C transcription factor. Among the genes we examined, treatment with trichostatin A before each cocaine self-administration session was found to mostly affect Mecp2 and HDAC11 expression. A correlation was found between the modification of Mecp2 and MEF2C gene expression and the reinforcing property of cocaine. The two factors known to regulate gene transcription are likely to play a role in the neurobiological mechanism underlying a decrease in the reinforcing properties of cocaine.
Effects of acute and sustained administration of the catecholamine reuptake inhibitor nomifensine on the firing activity of 2 J monoaminergic neurons
Authors: Katz Noam S , Guiard Bruno P , El Mansari Mostafa , Blier Pierre
Published: November 2009

Nomifensine potently inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in vitro. It is one of few antidepressants with marked potency to block dopamine reuptake that has ever been used clinically. Acute and sustained administration of nomifensine was investigated on the firing of monoaminergic neurons to understand its mechanism of action. In vivo extracellular recordings of locus coeruleus, ventral tegmental area and dorsal raphe nucleus neurons were obtained from male Sprague-Dawley rats. The intravenous injection of nomifensine in the locus coeruleus and ventral tegmental area yielded ED50values of 40 ± 1 and 450 ± 41 μg/kg, respectively, suggesting that nomifensine directly acted upon dopamine and norepinephrine neurons, since these values are proportional to its affinities for norepinephrine and dopamine transporters. There was no effect on 5-HT neurons. Nomifensine (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous, using minipumps) potently and significantly inhibited dopamine neuronal firing in the ventral tegmental area after 2 days, with recovery to normal after the 14-day treatment due to D2autoreceptor desensitization. Norepinephrine neuronal firing in the locus coeruleus was significantly decreased after 2 and 14 days. A significant increase in dorsal raphe nucleus 5-HT neuronal firing was seen after a two-day regimen, and remained elevated after 14 days. Desensitization of the 5-HT1Areceptor on 5-HT neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus occurred after two days of nomifensine administration. Nomifensine likely treated depression by acting on dopamine, norepinephrine and 5-HT neurons, highlighting the importance of the functional connectivity between these three monoaminergic systems.
A controlled trial of flumazenil and gabapentin for initial treatment of methylamphetamine dependence
Authors: Urschel Harold C , Hanselka Larry L , Baron Michael
Published: November 2009

Drug use has been associated with craving, which may be described as a powerful and sometimes overwhelming urge to use the drug. Patients seeking treatment for methylamphetamine dependence must cope with drug cravings as they engage in psychosocial treatments. Changes in brain GABAAreceptors during substance use and withdrawal provide a neurobiological basis for craving and associated anxiety. Flumazenil (a benzodiazepine antagonist) plus gabapentin (an antiepileptic) were compared with placebo in a randomized, double-blind study to assess the effects on craving during initial treatment for methylamphetamine dependence. Evaluation was conducted over a 30-day period. Craving and drug use were found to be highly correlated. Craving was reduced significantly in the flumazenil plus gabapentin group compared with placebo following the initial treatment period and throughout the 30 days. Decreased methylamphetamine use was also observed, as measured by urine drug screens and self-reports.
Carryover effects to addiction-associated stimuli in a group of marijuana and cocaine users
Authors: Sharma Dinkar , Money Sharon
Published: November 2009

Addiction has been characterized as an attentional bias towards drug-related cues. In two experiments we investigate the effects of non-words that have been associatively trained to addiction-related images in a group of marijuana and cocaine users. These associated non-words were presented along with unstudied non-words in a subsequent addiction Stroop task. Results indicate a slowdown in responding to the colour of non-words that were paired with cocaine-related images compared with non-cocaine related images. The slowdown was also characterized as a carryover effect, with the largest effect occurring on trials following the addiction-associated non-word. No effects were found for marijuana images associated with non-words.
Forecasting Distribution of Body Mass Index in the United States: Is There More Room for Growth?
Authors: Basu Anirban
Published: November 2009

Background. Much of the literature on obesity has consistently documented the unprecedented rise in body weight over the past 2 decades. Less attention is paid to future projections of the population distribution of body mass index (BMI). Objective. To forecast the distribution of BMI in children (6—17 years) and adults (>17 years) in the United States (US) by age group, sex, and race over the period 2004—2014. Methods. Analysis of Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (2001—2002 and 2004— 2005) to estimate and compare the 1-year transitions across BMI categories for children and adults. Forecasting distributions of obesity over 2004—2014 using a probabilistic population-level simulation model and validating it with prevalence data from 2005—2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results. During 2004— 2005, a majority of adults in each BMI category remained in the same category after 1 year, these estimates being not significantly different than the corresponding estimates in 2001—2002. Among children, stabilities within BMI categories are low during 2004—2005, and compared with 2001—2002, transition probabilities into overweight class 2 from other BMI categories increase substantially. Forecasts reveal significant increases in the risk of overweight category among children 6 to 9 years old (5% to 14% in 5 years), with a greater increase anticipated in males, and increases in the overweight category for many years to come for adults, although the adult obesity prevalence remains at the current levels. Conclusions. Although the absolute levels of obesity remain high among US adults, the growth in obesity appears to have stagnated. On the contrary, continued growth in the prevalence of the highest BMI category for children is anticipated.
Bioethics and the Reinforcement of Socio-technical Expectations
Authors: Hedgecoe Adam
Published: November 2009

Over the past few years, considerable interest has been paid to the way in which social expectations (hopes, hypes, fears) about new genomic technologies help shape, and in themselves are shaped by, emerging technologies, regulatory regimes and social concerns. In comparison, little attention has been paid to the role of expectations in related, but non-scientific discourses, such as bioethics. Drawing on a review of publications addressing the ethical issues associated with pharmacogenetics, this paper presents a detailed critique of bioethicists’ contribution to these debates. The review highlights how, almost a decade after bioethical debate around pharmacogenetics started, and in contrast to the profession’s self-perception as a form of regulator, bioethicists still largely restrict themselves to reviews of possible ethical issues raised by this technology, rather than critiquing others’ positions and arguing for specific points of view. In addition the paper argues that bioethicists tend to: accept unquestioningly scientists’ expectations about the development and ethical issues raised by pharmacogenetics; ignore contributions from bioethicists who do question these expectations; and engage in an ethical debate, the boundaries of which have been laid down and defined by academic and industry scientists. The paper concludes by offering some possible explanations for why the bioethical discourse has taken this form.
Collagen-Platelet Composite Enhances Biomechanical and Histologic Healing of the Porcine Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Joshi Shilpa M. , Mastrangelo Ashley N. , Magarian Elise M. , Fleming Braden C. , Murray Martha M.
Published: November 2009

Background

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) fails to heal after traumatic rupture. Furthermore, large-animal models have recently shown that 1-month functional ACL healing is augmented after suture repair when a bioactive scaffold is placed in the tear site.

Hypothesis

At the time of suture repair, placement of a bioactive scaffold in the ACL wound site would improve the structural properties of the tissue.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Twenty-seven knees in immature pigs underwent ACL transection and suture repair. A collagen-platelet composite (CPC) was used to supplement the repair in 14 knees. Knees were harvested at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Mechanical testing and histologic analysis were performed.

Results

The addition of a CPC to a suture repair resulted in improvements in yield load and linear stiffness of the repair tissue at 3 months, as well as a significant increase in cell density. A reduction in yield load and stiffness occurred at the 6-week time point in both groups, a phase when revascularization was noted.

Conclusion

The addition of a CPC to a suture repair enhanced the structural properties of the ACL, and the improvement was associated with increased cellularity within the healing ligament.

Clinical Relevance

The addition of a bioactive scaffold to the wound site improved the functional healing of the ACL after suture repair. The decreased repair strength during revascularization may indicate a need to protect the repair site through this period.
Biomechanical Analysis of a Knotless Transtendon Interimplant Mattress Repair for Partial-Thickness Articular-Sided Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Park Maxwell C. , Jun Bong J. , Park Chong J. , Oh Joo H. , Lee Thay Q.
Published: November 2009

Background

A transtendon interimplant mattress repair along the medial row for partial-thickness rotator cuff repairs has been described with clinical success. However, the biomechanical characteristics for such a repair have not been elucidated.

Hypothesis

A knotless interimplant mattress repair may show improved or equivalent load and strain characteristics, compared with a repair using isolated mattress repairs over each of 2 anchors.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Seven matched pairs of human cadaveric shoulders were dissected. Articular-sided tears were created involving 50% of the supraspinatus footprint. In 7 shoulders, repairs were performed with mattress configurations isolated over each of 2 anchor sites (control group). In 7 contralateral shoulders, a knotless interimplant mattress suture configuration was employed creating bridging sutures between implants. For all specimens, a materials-testing machine was used to cyclically load each repair from 10 to 180 N for 30 cycles; each repair was then loaded to failure. A deformation rate of 1 mm per second was employed for all tests. A video-digitizing system was employed to quantitatively measure the gap formation and strain on the footprint area of the repair. For detecting gap formation, 7 matched pairs were necessary for achieving a power of at least 90%.

Results

During cyclic loading, gap formation at the anterior tendon was significantly lower in the control group ( P < .05) but did not exceed 0.5 mm. There were no significant differences for linear stiffness, hysteresis, and strain between the 2 constructs. During tensile load-to-failure testing, there were no significant differences at yield load between the control and knotless techniques (293.90 ± 132.72 N and 320.38 ± 237.01 N, respectively; P > .05). There were no differences for stiffness, ultimate load, and energy absorbed to failure between the 2 repairs ( P > .05). Gap formation in 3 regions was not significantly different between groups at yield and ultimate loads ( P > .05). The anterior regions of the repair were the first to fail in all constructs.

Conclusion

A transtendon interimplant mattress rotator cuff repair for partial articular-sided tendon tears involving 50% of the footprint has biomechanical characteristics similar to those of a repair employing 2 isolated mattress configurations. An interim-plant mattress repair can protect tendon strain; it also exhibits yield loads that exceed those typically experienced in the early postoperative period.

Clinical Relevance

A medial-row interimplant mattress repair configuration that is knotless may facilitate repair without compromising biomechanical characteristics.
Anatomy of Normal Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament Attachments Evaluated by Divided Small Bundles
Authors: Hara Kenji , Mochizuki Tomoyuki , Sekiya Ichiro , Yamaguchi Kumiko , Akita Keiichi , Muneta Takeshi
Published: November 2009

Background

Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has several potential advantages over single-bundle reconstruction with hamstring tendons. However, there are still controversies regarding tunnel placement in tibial and femoral attachments.

Hypothesis

The macroscopically normal ACL consists of small bundles about 1 mm in diameter. Detailed observation of the divided smaller bundles will achieve better understanding of the tunnel placement in anatomic ACL reconstruction.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

This study used 20 cadaveric knees. The ACL was divided into anteromedial and posterolateral bundles, then separated into 10 small bundles of 2-mm diameters, with preservation of their attachment sites marked with color markers. The positional relationship between the femoral and tibial attachments of each small bundle was investigated.

Results

A layered positional correlation of small bundles was found between the tibial and femoral attachments. Small bundles aligned in the anterior-posterior direction in the tibia corresponded to the bundles aligned in a high-low direction in the femur in flexion. The femoral attachment pattern was relatively similar in each specimen; however, the tibial attachment showed 2 patterns: an oblique type (12 of 20) and a transverse type (8 of 20). The posterior portion of the posterolateral bundle was separately attached to the medial and lateral portions of the tibial attachment. There was no fibrous insertion in the center of the posterior portion of the ACL tibial attachment in any specimen. In this bare area, there was fat tissue and vascular bundles.

Conclusion

Small bundles constituting the ACL showed a relatively layered arrangement between 2 attachments. The tibial attachment showed 2 patterns of oblique and transverse types, and the vascular bundles were located in the center of the posterolateral bundle.

Clinical Relevance

The results of this study of the normal ACL will provide insights for surgeons when placing grafts during anatomic ACL reconstruction.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency Causes Brain Plasticity
Authors: Kapreli Eleni , Athanasopoulos Spyros , Gliatis John , Papathanasiou Matilda , Peeters Ronald , Strimpakos Nikolaos , Van Hecke Paul , Gouliamos Athanasios , Sunaert Stefan
Published: November 2009

Background

The mechanoreceptors located in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) constitute an afferent source of information toward the central nervous system. It has been proposed that ACL deficiency causes a disturbance in neuromuscular control, affects central programs and consequently the motor response resulting in serious dysfunction of the injured limb.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate whether chronic anterior cruciate ligament injury causes plastic changes in brain activation patterns.

Study Design

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Seventeen right leg–dominant male participants with chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and 18 matched healthy male participants with no special sport or habitual physical activity participated in this study. Patient selection criteria comprised a complete right unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture ≥6 months before testing. Brain activation was examined by using functional magnetic resonance imaging technique (1.5-T scanner).

Results

Results show that patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency had diminished activation in several sensorimotor cortical areas and increased activation in 3 areas compared with controls: presupplementary motor area, posterior secondary somatosensory area, and posterior inferior temporal gyrus.

Conclusion

The current study reveals that anterior cruciate ligament deficiency can cause reorganization of the central nervous system, suggesting that such an injury might be regarded as a neurophysiologic dysfunction, not a simple peripheral musculoskeletal injury. This evidence could explain clinical symptoms that accompany this type of injury and lead to severe dysfunction. Understanding the pattern of brain activation after a peripheral joint injury such as anterior cruciate ligament injury lead to new standards in rehabilitation and motor control learning with a wide application in a number of clinical and research areas (eg, surgical procedures, patient re-education, athletic training, etc).
Outcomes after Arthroscopic Revision Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Piasecki Dana P. , Verma Nikhil N. , Nho Shane J. , Bhatia Sanjeev , Boniquit Nicole , Cole Brian J. , Nicholson Gregory P. , Romeo Anthony A.
Published: November 2009

Background

Although a number of reports have documented outcomes after open revision rotator cuff repair, there are few studies reporting results after arthroscopic revision.

Hypothesis

Arthroscopic repair of failed rotator cuff results in significant improvement in shoulder functional outcome and pain relief.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Multiple variables including demographic data, the number of prior ipsilateral shoulder surgeries, and tear size were recorded from chart review. An independent examiner then measured shoulder strength, range of motion, and shoulder functional outcome scores including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test, and visual analog pain scale. Paired t tests were performed to compare preoperative and postoperative measures. Additionally, contingency table analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors for failure of repair requiring further surgery and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score less than 50.

Results

Fifty-four patients (88.5%) were available for follow-up evaluation with a mean age of 54.9 ± 10.1 years (range, 22.7-82.5 years) and a mean follow-up of 31.1 ± 11.9 months. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores improved from 43.8 ± 5.7 (mean ± 95% confidence interval) before revision to 68.1 ± 7.2 at final follow-up (P = .0039). The Simple Shoulder Test improved significantly from 3.56 ± 0.8 before surgery to 7.5 ± 1.1 at most recent follow-up (P < .0001). Visual analog pain scale scores improved from 5.17 ± 0.8 to 2.75 ± 0.8 (P = .03), and forward elevation increased from 121.0° ± 12.3° to 136° ± 11.8° postoperatively (P = .025). Greater than 1 prior shoulder surgery was associated with cases that required additional surgery (P = .031). Female gender (P = .007) and preoperative abduction less than 90° (P = .009) were associated with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores less than 50.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair may be a reasonable treatment option even after prior open repairs and provides both improved pain relief and shoulder function. Nonetheless, results are not completely optimal. Female patients and those who have undergone more than 1 ipsilateral shoulder surgery are at increased risk for poorer results.
Simultaneous 3D Assessment of Glenohumeral Shape, Humeral Head Centering, and Scapular Positioning in Atraumatic Shoulder Instability
Authors: von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Mayr Hermann Otto , Hinterwimmer Stefan , Graichen Heiko
Published: November 2009

Background

Success rates in the treatment of atraumatic shoulder instability differ, and in vivo identification of the individual insufficient stabilizers is difficult.

Hypothesis

Atraumatic shoulder instability is an inhomogeneous entity with varying alterations of the active and passive stabilizers. This might be a reason for inferior treatment results.

Study Design

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Shoulders of 28 healthy volunteers and both shoulders of 14 patients with atraumatic instability and multidirectional laxity were examined in different arm positions using open magnetic resonance imaging. Three-dimensional postprocessing techniques were applied to determine 3D glenoid size and retroversion, radius of the humeral head, and curvature of the glenoid. The results of static stabilizers were compared with those of glenohumeral and scapular positioning in the same patients for identification of the individual insufficient stabilizers.

Results

The atraumatic unstable shoulders showed an increased mean retroversion on both sides, the difference being significant on the affected side (9.4° ± 4.8° vs healthy 3.9° ± 1.3°; P < .05) with a range of 2.6° to 16.6°. The curvature analysis demonstrated a pronounced flatness of the glenoid with a significantly increased mean radius (103.8 mm vs healthy 41.7 mm). The extent of these changes varied widely among patients. Comparison of the static stabilizers with glenohumeral and scapular positioning revealed that isolated changes of the active stabilizers exist in some patients, whereas no isolated changes of passive stabilizers were found.

Conclusion

All active and passive stabilizers need to be analyzed in patients with atraumatic instability because the magnitude of alteration varied widely among individuals. Different combinations of alterations of the stabilizers were found. The presented technique allows for in vivo identification of the specific alterations. This is necessary for a better understanding of individual pathomechanics and for initiating a specific causal treatment.
Understanding Genre through the Lens of Advocacy: The Rhetorical Work of the Victim Impact Statement
Authors: Propen Amy D. , Lay Schuster Mary
Published: November 2009

Through interviews with judges and victim advocates, courtroom observations, and rhetorical analyses of victims’ reactions to proposed sentences, the authors examine the features that judges and advocates think make victims’ arguments persuasive.The authors conclude that this genre, recently imposed upon the court, functions as a mediating device through which advocates push for collective change, particularly for judicial acceptance of personal and emotional appeals. This study understands genres as responsive to changes within the activity systems in which they work and extends knowledge about genres that function as advocacy tools within internal institutional systems.
Linguistic Features of Writing Quality
Authors: McNamara Danielle S. , Crossley Scott A. , McCarthy Philip M.
Published: November 2009

In this study, a corpus of expert-graded essays, based on a standardized scoring rubric, is computationally evaluated so as to distinguish the differences between those essays that were rated as high and those rated as low. The automated tool, Coh-Metrix, is used to examine the degree to which high- and low-proficiency essays can be predicted by linguistic indices of cohesion (i.e., coreference and connectives), syntactic complexity (e.g., number of words before the main verb, sentence structure overlap), the diversity of words used by the writer, and characteristics of words (e.g., frequency, concreteness, imagability). The three most predictive indices of essay quality in this study were syntactic complexity (as measured by number of words before the main verb), lexical diversity (as measured by the Measure of Textual Lexical Diversity), and word frequency (as measured by Celex, logarithm for all words). Using 26 validated indices of cohesion from Coh-Metrix, none showed differences between high- and low-proficiency essays and no indices of cohesion correlated with essay ratings. These results indicate that the textual features that characterize good student writing are not aligned with those features that facilitate reading comprehension. Rather, essays judged to be of higher quality were more likely to contain linguistic features associated with text difficulty and sophisticated language.
Adverse Health Outcomes, Perpetrator Characteristics, and Sexual Violence Victimization Among U.S. Adult Males
Authors: Choudhary Ekta , Coben Jeffrey , Bossarte Robert M.
Published: November 2009

In the United States, an estimated three million men are victims of sexual violence each year, yet the majority of existing studies have evaluated the consequences and characteristics of victimization among women alone. The result has been a gap in the existing literature examining the physical and psychological consequences of sexual assault among men. The main objective of this study was to identify health outcomes, risk behaviors, and perpetrator/victim relationship characteristics among men who have experienced an attempted or completed sexual assault using data from the sexual violence module of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. A total of 59,511 male respondents participated in the sexual violence module, and the majority of participants were White (73.7%), between the ages of 35 to 44 years (19.8%), married (69.0%), graduated from college (34.6%), and had an annual household income of more than US$50,000 (49.9%). Stratified multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to test the associations between victimization and health outcomes and risk behaviors controlling for age, marital status, race/ethnicity, income, education, and other potential confounders. Results of these analyses suggest important associations between health and sexual violence victimization. Specifically, men who reported unwanted attempted intercourse and attempted and completed intercourse were more likely to report poor mental health, poor life satisfaction, activity limitations, and lower emotional and social support. The current study extends knowledge of consequences of male sexual violence by considering characteristics of sexual assault and by identifying associations between victimization and a broad range of health indicators.
Computer Literacy and the Accuracy of Substance Use Reporting in an ACASI Survey
Authors: Johnson Timothy P. , Fendrich Michael , Mackesy-Amiti Mary Ellen
Published: November 2009

In recent years, audio computer-assisted self-interviews (ACASI) have been demonstrated to increase and presumably improve the quality of drug reporting in epidemiologic research. Surprisingly little research is available, however, regarding the potential limitations of this technique. For example, it is unclear what effects computer literacy may have on the validity of substance use information collected via ACASI. Respondents with limited computer skills may become distracted by the automated technology, requiring the devotion of considerable cognitive effort to the navigation of unfamiliar computer equipment and software that would otherwise be available for use to more carefully process and answer survey questions. In this study, we report findings from a community ACASI survey conducted in Chicago, which are used to address this problem. Using multiple indicators of computer literacy, a covariance structure model was developed to test the hypothesis that persons with low computer literacy skills may report drug use with less accuracy. Biological assays were used to evaluate 30-day cocaine use reporting accuracy. Model findings confirmed a positive relationship between computer literacy and the accuracy of cocaine use reports. Future research should investigate strategies for improving the usability of self-administrated computer reporting systems for persons with little direct computer experience.
The Mode Effect in Mixed-Mode Surveys
Authors: Börkan Bengü
Published: November 2009

Web surveys can suffer from their nonrandom nature (coverage error) and low response rate (nonresponse error). Therefore, web surveys should be supported by mail survey to eliminate these problems. However, using different survey methods together may introduce another problem: the mode effect. This experimental study investigated the mode effect between two survey modes. A randomly selected group of 1,500 teachers were assigned to two experimental groups, one of which received mail surveys, while the other received web surveys. Nonrespondents in both groups were followed up with the opposite mode. Overall, results show that there is no mode effect between mail surveys and web surveys on psychometric quality of the rating scales and data quality (item nonresponse rate) of the survey except regarding respondents’ age and unit-response rate. Our findings indicate that web surveys had a substantially lower unit-response rate than mail surveys and that web survey respondents are significantly younger than mail survey respondents.
Examining the Role of Technology in the Formation of Deviant Subcultures
Authors: Holt Thomas J.
Published: November 2009

This article examines the development of technology-focused deviant subcultures. The adoption of new technologies cause shifts in human behavior patterns, and a small body of research has considered the ways that criminals adjust their offending practices due to new technology. Few have, however, explored the ways that technology produces new forms of crime and deviance. This study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the argot of the technology-focused computer hacker subculture using multiple data sets. The findings explore the dynamic use of hacker argot and how these terms reflect the role of technology in shaping attitudes toward and support for deviance and crime.
Examining the Process of Developing a Research-Based Mathematics Curriculum and Its Policy Implications
Authors: Castro Superfine Alison , Randall Kelso Catherine , Beal Susan
Published: November 2009

The implementation of “research-based” mathematics curricula is increasingly becoming a central element of mathematics education reform policies. Given the recent focus on grounding mathematics curriculum policies in research, it is important to understand precisely what it means for a curriculum to be research-based. Using the Curriculum Research Framework (CRF), this paper examines the development process of Math Trailblazers to help situate decision-making processes related to curricula in the broader mathematics education policy landscape. In the process of developing and revising the curriculum, the development and research teams have specifically developed field test materials, researched ways in which teachers and students use and learn with the materials in a small number of classrooms, and then completed research-based revisions of the curriculum materials. While certain elements of the CRF are represented in the research and revision process, other elements, such as why and under what conditions the curriculum is effective, are underrepresented. Making visible research and development processes of research-based mathematics curricula has profound implications for understanding the effectiveness of certain policy initiatives. Merging policy, practice, and research is a difficult activity, but a critical one for enhancing the effectiveness of these fields in education. As these fields become increasingly intertwined, policymakers should be sensitive to the different demands of each field, and look for opportunities to enhance the capacities of organizations that exist at this nexus.
An Examination of the McKinney-Vento Act and Its Influence on the Homeless Education Situation
Authors: Miller Peter Michael
Published: November 2009

This article describes the central elements of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and, drawing from Spillane’s distributed leadership perspective, examines the policy’s impact on the homeless education situation. Although the initial passing and subsequent revisions to McKinney-Vento are depicted as providing numerous benefits for students who are homeless, its full actualization is seen to be inhibited by several intra- and interorganizational leadership issues at school, community, and state levels. After analyzing some of the common barriers to McKinney-Vento’s full implementation, several recommendations and implications for practice are posited.
Evaluating School Improvement Plans and their Affect on Academic Performance
Authors: Fernandez Kenneth E.
Published: November 2009

The development of a school improvement plan (SIP) has become an integral part of many school reform efforts. However, there are almost no studies that empirically examine the effectiveness of SIPs. The few studies examining the planning activities of organizations have generally focused on the private sector and have not provided clear or consistent evidence that such planning is effective. Some studies have even suggested formal planning can lead to inflexible and myopic practices or may simply waste time and resources. This study explores the relationship between the quality of SIPs and school performance by examining a unique dataset from the Clark County School District, the fifth largest school district in the nation. The study finds that, even when controlling for a variety of factors, there is a strong and consistent association between the quality of school planning and overall student performance in math and reading.
Biomarker evaluation of Greek adolescents’ exposure to secondhand smoke
Authors: Vardavas CI , Tzatzarakis MN , Plada M. , Tsatsakis AM , Papadaki A. , Saris WH , Moreno LA , Kafatos AG ,   HELENA Heraklion Study Group
Published: November 2009

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a significant threat to public health, and represents a danger for both the development and health status of children and adolescents. Taking the above into account, our aim was to quantify Greek adolescents’ exposure to SHS using serum cotinine levels. During 2006, 341 adolescents aged 13-17 were randomly selected from high schools in Heraklion and agreed to participate as part of the European Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study. Blood samples were drawn from a random sample of 106 adolescents, while serum cotinine/nicotine concentrations were measured by Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The mean levels of serum cotinine and nicotine were calculated at 1.60 ± 2.18 ng/mL and 4.48 ± 4.00 ng/mL, respectively, while 97.7% of the non-smoker adolescents were found to have measureable levels of serum cotinine indicating exposure to SHS. The analysis revealed that their paternal (p = .001) and maternal smoking habits (p = .018) as also the existence of a younger brother or sister (p = .008) were the main modifiers of SHS exposure during adolescence. Conclusively, almost all of the measured Greek adolescents were exposed to SHS, even when their parents were non-smokers. This finding indicates the need for both community and school-based educational programmes as also the implementation of a comprehensive ban on smoking in public places.
Successful treatment of invasive gastric mucormycosis in a child with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shenoi S. , Emery HM
Published: November 2009

We describe a child with systemic lupus erythematosus and invasive gastric mucormycosis, who was successfully treated with aggressive antifungal therapy and a unique interventional radiology procedure. Lupus (2010) 19, 646—649.
Damage Detection in Bolted Space Structures
Authors: Doyle Derek , Zagrai Andrei , Arritt Brandon , Çakan Hakan
Published: November 2009

To overcome the current limitations of satellite operation timelines, responsive space satellites are being developed for rapid configuration and assembly. Time spent for assembly, integrating, and verifying a satellite ready for launch and on-orbit operations must be reduced to less than a week. Structural health monitoring is seen as a possible avenue for real-time assessment of satellite integrity and qualification before launch. Embedded ultrasonics and magneto-mechanical impedance (MMI) are considered as potential candidates for diagnostics of critical system elements. Piezoelectric wafer active sensors in conjunction with acousto-elastic SHM methods are used for assessing aerospace structures with bolted joints. In the present analysis, the acousto-elastic behavior of the joint is used as an indicator of structural integrity. Experimental data show changes in the acoustic signal phase as a result of differing bolt torques. Localization potential of the acousto-elastic technique is demonstrated in a complex structure analogous to a typical satellite panel. The MMI method has shown utility in assessing the condition of bolted joints in complex satellite structures. Experimental data reveal changes in position of impedance peaks induced by the difference in structural loads applied to the joint. Repeatability of the MMI measurements is evaluated and spectral energy representation suitable for automation of MMI diagnostics is suggested. It is advocated that both the acousto-elastic and MMI methods have indicated possibilities for detecting and characterizing damage in satellite bolted joints.
Acoustic Absorption of Foams Coated with MR Fluid under the Influence of Magnetic Field
Authors: Zielinski Tomasz G. , Rak Michal
Published: November 2009

The article presents results of the acoustic measurements on open-cell porous media coated with a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. Sound absorption of polyurethane foams of different, single and dual porosity was tested in the impedance tube. The measurements were conducted in three stages using clean samples, the same samples moistened with MR fluid, and finally, exposing the MR fluid-coated samples to a constant magnetic field. The transfer function method was employed to determine the acoustic absorption coefficient. Two significant, controllable effects were observed in the curve illustrating the variation of the acoustic absorption coefficient with frequency, especially, for the foams of dual porosity. Namely, relative to the field-free conditions, or to the clean foams, the most substantial peak in the absorption curve could be shifted by applying a magnetic field. Moreover, a resulting significant increase in acoustic absorption yields, in a wide frequency range directly behind the peak.
Writing Therapeutic Letters in Undergraduate Nursing Education: Promoting Relational Skill Development
Authors: SmithBattle Lee , Leander Sheila , Westhus Nina , Freed Patricia E. , McLaughlin Dorcas E.
Published: November 2009

Although therapeutic letters (TLs) have been included in graduate nursing programs, studies have not examined the impact of TLs on the clinical learning of undergraduate students. This qualitative study was part of a larger project that introduced TLs into already established undergraduate clinical courses. Instructors prepared students for writing TLs by discussing their purpose and by providing a relevant article and examples. In all, 74 students participated in 12 focus group interviews. Interviews were audiotaped, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative description. Results suggest that TLs cultivate rapport building and the development of students’ relational skills. Although the assignment promoted clinical learning and reflection on helping relationships for the vast majority of students, a few students treated TLs as an instrumental activity. Implications for educating health professionals are described.
The Experiences of Korean Immigrant Caregivers of Non-English-Speaking Older Relatives With Dementia in American Nursing Homes
Authors: Kong Eun-Hi , Deatrick Janet A. , Evans Lois K.
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this article is to describe Korean immigrant caregivers’ experiences regarding American nursing home placement of their non-English-speaking older relatives with dementia. Qualitative descriptive methods and qualitative content analysis were used. A total of 17 semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 Korean immigrant family caregivers. The “Korean way of thinking” emerged as a fundamental cultural belief about caregiving. Six major themes were identified: (a) I never thought about a nursing home; (b) If I think in a Korean way, I feel . . . ; (c) Nursing home staff cannot communicate with . . . ; (d) My care recipient maintains Korean culture; (e) Nursing home services are better than expected but . . . ; and (f) My care recipient is more vulnerable because of dementia. This study provides valuable insights for health care providers about communication and cultural issues of immigrant caregivers for non-English-speaking older relatives with dementia.
Managing Identity While Living With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: MacRae Hazel
Published: November 2009

Although any illness can negatively affect the self, Alzheimer’s disease poses a special threat. Based on interviews with nine Canadians diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, and adopting a symbolic interactionist perspective, this study examines the impact of the illness on identity. Findings indicate that, given the necessary resources, persons with Alzheimer’s can live meaningful, purposeful lives and creatively manage to protect and preserve identity. In contrast to previous research, participants did not reveal a great deal of concern about potential loss of self.
Age-Specific Factors Influencing Asthma Management by Older Adults
Authors: Baptist Alan P. , Deol Bibban Bant K. , Reddy Raju C. , Nelson Belinda , Clark Noreen M.
Published: November 2009

Although many asthma patients experience their first attack after age 40, the experiences and concerns of older adults with asthma remain largely unknown. We conducted six focus groups, each consisting of participants over the age of 65 with a physician diagnosis of asthma. Semistructured questions regarding asthma education, symptoms, and management were used. A total of 46 adults participated in the six focus groups. The mean age of the participants was 72.6 years, and 43.5% were African American. The majority of participants had coexisting cardiac disease or hypertension. Major age-specific domains identified in all focus groups were atypical asthma symptoms, inability to distinguish asthma from other medical conditions, use of complementary and alternative therapies, desire for independence in asthma management, and a lack of participation in asthma education. Participants acknowledged that they did not commonly address these issues with their physicians or with family members. Optimal care will require physicians and researchers to explicitly address these issues unique to the geriatric asthmatic population.