bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Need fulfillment and stay–leave behavior
Authors: VanderDrift Laura E. , Agnew Christopher R.
Published: December 2011

Need fulfillment has been found to be associated with numerous positive relationship outcomes, but its impact on stay–leave behavior is less clear. In the current study, we considered whether the fulfillment of different needs might differentially affect stay–leave behavior. We distinguished between needs that are personal in nature and those that are relational in nature. Central to our theoretical analysis is the interdependence-based contention that the fulfillment of different kinds of needs provides diagnostic information regarding a partner’s motives and intentions regarding a relationship. Using two-wave longitudinal data obtained from romantically involved participants, we tested the relative fit of two alternative models that specified the associations between the fulfillment of different kinds of needs, commitment, and stay–leave behavior. Consistent with an interdependence approach, we found that the influence of the fulfillment of personal needs on stay–leave behavior was mediated by commitment, whereas the fulfillment of relational needs directly influenced stay–leave behavior. Implications for relationship functioning are considered.
The role of dissonance, social comparison, and marital status in thinking about divorce
Authors: Stalder Daniel R.
Published: December 2011

Using a cognitive dissonance framework, this research tried to identify predictors of openness toward divorce and trivialization of wedding vows. Using single undergraduates, Study 1 showed that those reminded of traditional (divorce-inconsistent) wedding vows reported less openness toward divorce than those not reminded (possibly indicative of dissonance-induced attitude change). Study 1 also showed that those who received social-comparison (divorce-rate) information were more likely to trivialize the vows than those who did not receive such information. Study 2 showed that marital status moderated these two primary effects: married individuals showed a stronger vow-reminder effect than divorced individuals, and divorced individuals showed a stronger social-comparison effect. Study 2 also demonstrated pluralistic ignorance in that participants took divorce more seriously than they thought “other people” did. Other results, implications, and counseling applications are discussed.
The division of labor and depressive symptoms at the couple level
Authors: Kalmijn Matthijs , Monden Christiaan W.S.
Published: December 2011

This paper studies the effect of the division of labor within households on husbands’ and wives’ depressive symptoms. Economic theory argues that specialization enhances mental health and wellbeing, whereas other, more psychological theories argue that equity matters most. We analyze data on husbands and wives from two waves of the National Survey of Families and Households. By combining information on the time spent on household and paid labor, we are able to construct separate and partly independent measures of equity and specialization. We find clear evidence for the equity hypothesis. When hours spent on paid and household labor are more equally distributed between husband and wife, both report fewer depressive symptoms. Only weak and inconsistent support was found for a positive effect of specialization.
The different effects of “living together”
Authors: Willoughby Brian J. , Carroll Jason S. , Busby Dean M.
Published: December 2011

Utilizing a sample of 1365 never-married cohabiting couples, we developed a typology of premarital cohabitation. Latent class analysis was used to create a five-class model of cohabiting couples who were then compared to engaged and non-engaged non-cohabiting couples on measures of interpersonal dynamics and relational outcomes. Results suggested that being in different types of cohabiting relationships was associated with different risks and benefits in terms of relational outcomes. Engaged cohabiting couples who have an agreed trajectory toward marriage appear to do as well, or better, than other types of couples. Cohabiting couples who are not utilizing cohabitation as a current pathway toward marriage appeared very similar to non-cohabiting dating couples. It was also found that couples with ambiguity regarding their perceived movement toward marriage were at risk for negative relationship outcomes compared to other couple types.
Methodological and theoretical issues in the adaptation of sign language tests: An example from the adaptation of a test to German Sign Language
Authors: Haug Tobias
Published: December 2011

Despite the current need for reliable and valid test instruments in different countries in order to monitor the sign language acquisition of deaf children, very few tests are commercially available that offer strong evidence for their psychometric properties. This mirrors the current state of affairs for many sign languages, where very little research is available. No previous empirical study has focused explicitly on the linguistic, methodological, and theoretical issues involved in the process of adapting a test from a source sign language to a target sign language. Problems during the adaptation process can arise from linguistic differences between the source and the target language and differences in the source and the target cultures. Both are important aspects that need to be considered in the adaptation of a sign language test from a source to a target language. This study proposes a model for sign language test adaptation, based on the adaptation of the British Sign Language Receptive Skills Test to German Sign Language. The model includes different methodological steps, with a particular focus on construct validation.
Long-term biocompatibility and osseointegration of electron beam melted, free-form–fabricated solid and porous titanium alloy: Experimental studies in sheep
Authors: Palmquist A , Snis A , Emanuelsson L , Browne M , Thomsen P
Published: December 2011

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long-term osseointegration and biocompatibility of electron beam melted (EBM) free-form–fabricated (FFF titanium grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) implants. Porous and solid machined cylindrical and disk-shaped implants were prepared by EBM and implanted bilaterally in the femur and subcutaneously in the dorsum of the sheep. After 26 weeks, the implants and surrounding tissue were retrieved. The tissue response was examined qualitatively and quantitatively using histology and light microscopic (LM) morphometry. Selected bone implants specimens were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and micro-computed tomography (mCT). The results showed that both porous and solid implants were osseointegrated and high bone–implant contact was observed throughout the porous implant. In the soft tissue, the porous implants showed thinner fibrous encapsulation while no signs of intolerance were observed for either implant type. Taken together, the present experimental results show that FFF Ti6Al4V with and without porous structures demonstrate excellent long-term soft tissue biocompatibility and a high degree of osseointegration. The present findings extend earlier, short-term experimental observations in bone and suggest that EBM, FFF Ti6Al4V implants possess valuable properties in bone and soft tissue applications.
Positive charge of chitosan retards blood coagulation on chitosan films
Authors: He Qing , Gong Kai , Ao Qiang , Ma Tuo , Yan Yufang , Gong Yandao , Zhang Xiufang
Published: December 2011

In this study, a series of chitosan films with different protonation degrees were prepared by deacidification with NaOH aqueous or ethanol solutions. The films were then used as a model to investigate the effects of the positive charge of chitosan on blood coagulation. The results showed that the positive charge of chitosan acted as a double-edged sword, in that it promoted erythrocyte adhesion, fibrinogen adsorption, and platelet adhesion and activation, but inhibited activation of the contact system. In contrast to prevailing views, we found that the positive charge of chitosan retarded thrombin generation and blood coagulation on these films. At least two reasons were responsible for this phenomenon. First, the positive charge inhibited the contact activation, and second, the positive charge could not significantly promote the activation of non-adherent platelets in the bulk phase during the early stage of coagulation. The present findings improve our understanding of the events leading to blood coagulation on chitosan films, which will be useful for the future development of novel chitosan-based hemostatic devices.
‘White knuckle care work’: violence, gender and new public management in the voluntary sector
Authors: Baines Donna , Cunningham Ian
Published: December 2011

Drawing on comparative data from Canada and Scotland, this article explores reasons why violence is tolerated in non-profit care settings. This article provides insights into how the predominantly female (paid) workers’ orientations to work, the desire to care and the intrinsic rewards from working in a non-profit context interact with the organization of work and managerially constructed workplace norms and cultures to offset the tensions in an environment characterized by scarce resources and poor working conditions. This article also outlines how the same environment of scarce resources causes strains in management’s efforts to establish these cultures. Working with highly excluded service users, workers find themselves working at the edge of their endurance, beginning to participate in various forms of resistance, suggesting that even among the most highly committed, ‘white knuckle care’ may be unsustainable.
Macroeconomic policy, labour market institutions and employment outcomes
Authors: Appelbaum Eileen
Published: December 2011

The increase in income inequality and household debt of middle- and lower-income households in the USA over several decades led to increasingly fragile financial institutions and set the stage for the most serious recession in the last 60 years. The proximate cause of the economic crisis was the collapse of the housing bubble that caused both the recession that began at the end of 2007 and the financial crisis that erupted in 2008. The drop in GDP in the USA, while steep, was not more severe than in most of the other OECD countries and the macroeconomic policy response was better. Yet the increase in the US unemployment rate was among the steepest. This article examines this failure of US labour market institutions to respond to these policy initiatives and the implications of the analysis for economic policy.
Is the Map in Our Head Oriented North?
Authors: Frankenstein Julia , Mohler Betty J. , Bülthoff Heinrich H. , Meilinger Tobias
Published: December 2011

We examined how a highly familiar environmental space—one’s city of residence—is represented in memory. Twenty-six participants faced a photo-realistic virtual model of their hometown and completed a task in which they pointed to familiar target locations from various orientations. Each participant’s performance was most accurate when he or she was facing north, and errors increased as participants’ deviation from a north-facing orientation increased. Pointing errors and latencies were not related to the distance between participants’ initial locations and the target locations. Our results are inconsistent with accounts of orientation-free memory and with theories assuming that the storage of spatial knowledge depends on local reference frames. Although participants recognized familiar local views in their initial locations, their strategy for pointing relied on a single, north-oriented reference frame that was likely acquired from maps rather than experience from daily exploration. Even though participants had spent significantly more time navigating the city than looking at maps, their pointing behavior seemed to rely on a north-oriented mental map.
Late-Holocene asynchronous extinction of endemic mammals on the eastern Canary Islands
Authors: Rando Juan Carlos , Alcover Josep Antoni , Michaux Jacques , Hutterer Rainer , Navarro Juan Francisco
Published: December 2011

The Lava mouse ( Malpaisomys insularis), and the Canarian shrew ( Crocidura canariensis) are endemic of the Eastern Canary Islands and islets. The former is extinct while Canarian shrew survives in the two main islands and two islets. In order to provide insights regarding causes and processes contributing to the extinction of these endemic mammals: (i) we established last occurrence dates for Lava mouse, and first records for two exotic species – House mouse ( Mus musculus) and Black rat ( Rattus rattus) – through direct 14C AMS dating of collagen from bones; (ii) we analysed recent material from Barn owl ( Tyto alba gracilirostris) roosting sites to evaluate its impact on Canarian shrew in the presence of introduced rodents. The new data strongly suggest that the extinction of Lava mouse was the result of an accumulative process of independent disappearances (or ‘local extinctions’) affecting the isolated populations. The timing of the introduction of the Black rat on the main islands (before Middle Age European contact in Lanzarote and after Middle Age European contact in Fuerteventura) matches with the last occurrence dates for the presence of Lava mouse on these islands, and are very probably their cause. The losses of these Lava mouse populations occurred in an asynchronous way, spreading across at least six centuries. On small islands, hyperpredation emerges as the most plausible process to explain the disappearance of the Lava mouse in the absence of rat populations, although stochastic processes can not be definitively excluded.
The Future of Community Corrections Is Now
Authors: Lutze Faith E. , Johnson W. Wesley , Clear Todd R. , Latessa Edward J. , Slate Risdon N.
Published: December 2011

The political, economic, and social context in which community corrections functions makes it extremely difficult to achieve successful outcomes. The current fiscal crisis, however, is forcing change as many states can no longer support the cost of our 30-year imprisonment binge. As in the past, community corrections will be expected to pick up the pieces of an overcrowded and expensive prison system. The authors argue that community corrections is capable of taking on this challenge and can be successful if policy makers take action to reduce prison and community supervision populations, ensure that agencies are structured to proactively support evidence-based practice, and recognize corrections as a human services profession. The authors present a number of actions that can be taken to promote a new era of shared responsibility in corrections that is framed within a human rights perspective and driven by an ethic of care.
A Utopian Prison
Authors: Pollock Joycelyn M. , Hogan Nancy L. , Lambert Eric G. , Ross Jeffrey Ian , Sundt Jody L.
Published: December 2011

Given the often disquieting history of correctional institutions, we question the notion of a utopian prison and, instead, make suggestions for simply improving existing institutions. First, prisons should adopt a clear commitment to the principles of restorative justice and rehabilitation. Second, the recruitment, training, and retention of staff should be reformed so that staff members are more likely to have a high commitment to such principles. Third, the physical, social, psychological, and moral/ethical safety of the prison must be improved so that individuals can concentrate on change rather than mere survival. Fourth, the evidence supporting rehabilitative programming should be consulted, but, in addition, a more nuanced measure of success should also be considered. Finally, it is necessary to understand the barriers to improving prisons, including the vested interests that profit from the “prison-industrial complex,” public opinion, and budgetary restraints. In conclusion, we argue that prisons will never be utopian, but they can be more just, more humane, and more effective as a place to change lives. Evidence suggests this is what the public wants.
A Comparison of Four General Theories of Crime and Deviance
Authors: Meneses Rohald Ardwan , Akers Ronald L.
Published: December 2011

Explanations of deviant and criminal behavior have been widely studied in the United States and Europe with some studies also conducted in Asian countries. The authors believe that this study is the first to compare directly the extent to which major general social psychological theories of criminal and deviant behavior developed primarily in the United States (General Strain, Social Bonding, Self-Control, and Social Learning) are applicable to a Latin American society. The authors compare how well the theories explain variation in marijuana use among samples of university students in the United States and Bolivia using the same methodology and measurements in each. The results indicate that each of the theories do account for individual differences in use in both samples to some extent, with social learning theory receiving somewhat more support as an explanation of marijuana use in both societies.
Penality, Power, and Polity
Authors: Gould Laurie A. , Pate Matthew
Published: December 2011

Worldwide, the punishment of law violators takes many forms, with some countries relying heavily on incarceration and others favoring a mix of punishments including incarceration, corporal punishment, and the death penalty. Determining why a nation chooses to implement one sanction over another requires an examination of political factors. While some notable research has examined the correlations between incarceration rates, death penalty retention, and various measures of political power and repression, the influence of political factors on punishment needs a fuller explication. Specifically, the use of corporal punishment as a criminal sanction has not been fully examined within the political repression and punishment literature. To address this gap, authors employ a cross-national comparative approach to examine how repressive governments and failing regimes influence the use of corporal punishment by the formal justice system. Findings reveal that more repressive and failing regimes are more likely to use corporal punishment, compared to freer and more sustainable nations.
Into The Woods
Authors: Eckstein Sarah , Straub Jennifer , Russo Nicole , Eckstein Daniel
Published: December 2011

Metaphors are creative ways of drawing comparisons. Metaphors are also a way of exploring relationship role perceptions. The authors describe how to use the six slices of a relationship metaphoric pie to explore and to strengthen relationships within couples. Metaphor use in everyday language, the arts, and case examples are provided. You as a couple are invited to complete your own Couples Metaphoric Interview Matrices. The article concludes with additional role perception activities from previous “for couples” columns in the Family Journal.
Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Ileum
Authors: D’Amico Francesco E. , Ruffolo Cesare , Romeo Salvatore , Massani Marco , Dei Tos Angelo P. , Bassi Nicolò
Published: December 2011

Introduction.

Clear cell sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract (CCS-GI) is an extremely rare and aggressive tumor, which often mimics other neoplastic processes. Because of this feature, its real incidence may have been underestimated, especially in the past when genetic tests were less available than nowadays. To date, less then 30 cases have been described in the literature on the GI tract.

Case presentation.

We report the case of a 69-year-old woman who presented with active rectal bleeding. After a negative colonoscopy, the patient underwent a video-capsule endoscopy. The latter detected an ileal mass that was surgically resected. The microscopic appearance was consistent with a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm; immunohistochemistry was positive for S100 protein, CD56, and INI1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed a translocation involving the EWSR1 (Ewing sarcoma 1) gene region. All these findings were consistent with a CCS-GI.

Conclusion.

Herein we present a case of CCS-GI, discuss its clinical and pathological features, and review the literature on the subject.
All the Stereotypes Confirmed
Authors: Ferrar Katia E. , Olds Tim S. , Walters Julie L.
Published: December 2011

Background. To influence adolescent health, a greater understanding of time use and covariates such as gender is required. Purpose. To explore gender-specific time use patterns in Australian adolescents using high-resolution time use data. Method. This study analyzed 24-hour recall time use data collected as part of the 2007 Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey ( n = 2,200). Univariate analyses to determine gender differences in time use were conducted. Results. Boys spent more ( p < .0001) time participating in screen-based (17.7 % vs. 14.2% daily time) and physical activities (10.7% vs. 9.2%). Girls spent more ( p < .0001) time being social (4.7% vs. 3.4% daily time), studying (2.0% vs. 1.7%), and doing household chores (4.7% vs. 3.4%). Conclusions. There are gender-specific differences in time use behavior among Australian adolescents. The results reinforce existing time use gender-based stereotypes. Implications. The gender-specific time use behaviors offer intervention design possibilities.
A nationwide survey of the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in immigrant populations of Sweden
Authors: Ahlgren Cecilia , Odén Anders , Lycke Jan
Published: December 2011

Background:

In 2008, immigrants constituted 14% of the population of Sweden, a high-risk area for multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated the largest Swedish immigrant populations for the prevalence of MS.

Method:

Data on foreign-born MS patients were retrieved from Swedish national health and population registers. We calculated observed versus expected numbers of MS patients and gender- and age-specific prevalence ratios (PR) between immigrant populations and the general population of Sweden and, where possible, of the countries of birth.

Results:

The 19 largest immigrant populations included 1327 MS patients. The global variation in MS prevalence was reflected in Sweden. The prevalence in immigrant populations who had moved to Sweden from countries with a lower MS risk was however higher than in their countries of birth. Notably, the MS prevalence in the population born in Iran was at least as high as in the general population of Sweden (men: PR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.81–1.46, p = 0.537, women: PR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.97–1.44, p = 0.855) and more than twice as high as in Isfahan, Iran (men: PR = 3.06 (95% CI 2.26–4.06), p <0.001, women: PR = 2.21 (95% CI 1.81–2.68), p <0.001).

Conclusions:

The MS prevalence increased in migrants who moved to Sweden from countries with a lower MS risk. In the Iranian immigrant population the prevalence exceeded that in the general population of Sweden. This indicates that Iranians carry genetic factors that contribute to a higher MS risk when environmental–lifestyle MS risk factors change.
Mental health disorders in children of non-drug-abusing parents
Authors: Asanbe Comfort B , Hall Charlene , Bolden Charles
Published: December 2011

A representative sample of 58 preschoolers (aged 4 and 5) and 78 school-age children (aged 8 and 9) from methamphetamine-producing (MP) and non-producing (NP) homes was drawn from a rural county in Tennessee, for two separate studies. The researchers assessed the psychological functioning of the children using age appropriate Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) forms, and compared the scores of children with NP status with population-based data. The results indicate that in this rural sample, the prevalence of internalizing and externalizing disorders in children from NP homes was higher than in population-based norms. Specifically, the preschoolers showed a higher rate of depression, and the school-age children had higher rates of anxiety, depression, and atypical behaviors than their population-based peers. The results are interpreted in terms of low SES and accessibility to mental health services in rural communities. The authors suggest nurse practitioners include brief psychological screenings in their assessment protocols for this population.
Developmentally appropriate New Media Literacies: Supporting cultural competencies and social skills in early childhood education
Authors: Alper Meryl
Published: December 2011

Young children explore their world through manipulatives, playing with ‘technology’ that may or may not be digital. To this end, I offer an exploration into how the existing framework of the New Media Literacies (NMLs) paradigm set forth by Henry Jenkins (2006) in Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century might be applicable to early childhood education. For the purposes of this paper, I focus on three of the twelve NML skills ( play, distributed cognition and transmedia navigation) and how they might each be reflected in the interplay between digital and non-digital media within Reggio Emilia-inspired teaching and learning. Aligning the discussion of young children's media use with NMLs might allow for greater examination of the potential positive benefits of digital and non-digital media and technology.
Employee-Led, Employee Engagement in the Federal Government
Authors: Rivera Aurelio “PJ” , Flinck Jacob
Published: December 2011

The Problem.

Estimates show that in recent employee engagement studies, employees who are disengaged cost organizations approximately 35% of their payrolls. Disengagement is purported to cost organizations US$343 billion annually, including US$65 billion of taxpayer dollars of lost employee productivity for the federal government alone.

The Solution.

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) undertook a substantive employee-led, employee engagement initiative, resulting in improved employee satisfaction and sense of ownership in creating a positive place to work. Using a case review method, the authors share personal stories of insight and challenge that detail specific steps taken to increase levels of engagement in the federal government.

The Stakeholders.

Researchers and HRD practitioners interested in designing, implementing and evaluating employee-led employee engagement initiatives for public service workers, will find this case study offers insights into the many facets of a successful intervention.
Both variant and IGHV4-34–expressing hairy cell leukemia lack the BRAF V600E mutation
Authors: Xi Liqiang , Arons Evgeny , Navarro Winnifred , Calvo Katherine R. , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Raffeld Mark , Kreitman Robert J.
Published: December 2011

Recently, the BRAF V600E mutation was reported in all cases of hairy cell leukemia (HCL) but not in other peripheral B-cell neoplasms. We wished to confirm these results and assess BRAF status in well-characterized cases of HCL associated with poor prognosis, including the immunophenotypically defined HCL variant (HCLv) and HCL expressing the IGHV4-34 immunoglobulin rearrangement. Fifty-three classic HCL (HCLc) and 16 HCLv cases were analyzed for BRAF, including 5 HCLc and 8 HCLv expressing IGHV4-34. BRAF was mutated in 42 (79%) HCLc, but wild-type in 11 (21%) HCLc and 16 (100%) HCLv. All 13 IGHV4-34+ HCLs were wild-type. IGHV gene usage in the 11 HCLc BRAF wild-type cases included 5 IGHV4-34, 5 other, and 1 unknown. Our results suggest that HCLv and IGHV4-34+ HCLs have a different pathogenesis than HCLc and that a significant minority of other HCLc are also wild-type for BRAF V600.
Expression divergence measured by transcriptome sequencing of four yeast species
Authors: Busby Michele A , Gray Jesse M , Costa Allen M , Stewart Chip , Stromberg Michael P , Barnett Derek , Chuang Jeffrey H , Springer Michael , Marth Gabor T
Published: December 2011

Background

The evolution of gene expression is a challenging problem in evolutionary biology, for which accurate, well-calibrated measurements and methods are crucial.

Results

We quantified gene expression with whole-transcriptome sequencing in four diploid, prototrophic strains of Saccharomyces species grown under the same condition to investigate the evolution of gene expression. We found that variation in expression is gene-dependent with large variations in each gene's expression between replicates of the same species. This confounds the identification of genes differentially expressed across species. To address this, we developed a statistical approach to establish significance bounds for inter-species differential expression in RNA-Seq data based on the variance measured across biological replicates. This metric estimates the combined effects of technical and environmental variance, as well as Poisson sampling noise by isolating each component. Despite a paucity of large expression changes, we found a strong correlation between the variance of gene expression change and species divergence (R2 = 0.90).

Conclusion

We provide an improved methodology for measuring gene expression changes in evolutionary diverged species using RNA Seq, where experimental artifacts can mimic evolutionary effects.

GEO Accession Number: GSE32679
Validation of obesity based on self-reported data in Spanish women participants in breast cancer screening programmes
Authors: Isidoro Beatriz , Lope Virginia , Pedraz-Pingarrón Carmen , Collado-García Francisca , Santamariña Carmen , Moreo Pilar , Vidal Carmen , Laso María Soledad , García-Lopez Milagros , Pollán Marina
Published: December 2011

Background

Measurement of obesity using self-reported anthropometric data usually involves underestimation of weight and/or overestimation of height. The dual aim of this study was, first, to ascertain and assess the validity of new cut-off points, for both overweight and obesity, using self-reported Body Mass Index furnished by women participants in breast cancer screening programmes, and second, to estimate and validate a predictive model that allows recalculate individual BMI based on self-reported data.

Methods

The study covered 2927 women enrolled at 7 breast cancer screening centres. At each centre, women were randomly selected in 2 samples, in a ratio of 2:1. The larger sample (n = 1951) was used to compare the values of measured and self-reported weight and height, to ascertain new overweight and obesity cut-off points with self-reported data, using ROC curves, and to estimate a predictive model of real BMI using a regression model. The second sample (n = 976) was used to validate the proposed cut-off points and the predictive model.

Results

Whereas reported prevalence of obesity was 19.8%, measured prevalence was 28.2%. The sensitivity and specificity of this classification would be maximised if the new cut-off points were 24.30 kg/m2 for overweight and 28.39 kg/m2 for obesity. The probability of classifying women correctly in their real weight categories on the basis of these points was 82.5% in the validation sample. Sensitivity and specificity for determining obesity using the new cut-off point in the validation sample were 90.0% and 92.3% respectively. The predictive model for real BMI included the self-reported BMI, age and educational level (university studies vs lower levels of education). This model succeeded in correctly classifying 90.5% of women according to BMI categories, but its performance was similar to that obtained with the new cut-off points.

Conclusions

Quantification of self-reported obesity entails a considerable underestimation of this problem, thereby questioning its validity. The new cut-off points established in this study and the predictive equation both allow for more accurate estimation of these prevalences.
The effectiveness of moxibustion for the treatment of functional constipation: a randomized, sham-controlled, patient blinded, pilot clinical trial
Authors: Park Ji-Eun , Sul Jae-Uk , Kang Kyungwon , Shin Byung-Cheul , Hong Kwon-Eui , Choi Sun-Mi
Published: December 2011

Background

Moxibustion is an ancient traditional medicine using burning mugworts to stimulate acupuncture points. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of moxibustion for the treatment of constipation using a randomized, sham-controlled, participant-blinded, pilot trial.

Methods

Twenty-six participants (identified with either qi (vital energy) deficiency or qi excess syndrome) were randomly divided into either a moxibustion or sham group. Participants were treated with real or sham moxibustion at 4 acupuncture points, ST23 and ST27, bilaterally, 3 times per week for four weeks. The primary outcome was the frequency of defecations; secondary outcomes were the Bristol stool form scale (BSS) and the constipation assessment scale (CAS).

Results

Of the 26 participants that were randomized, 24 completed the study. Defecation frequency, BSS, and CAS showed no difference between the moxibustion and sham groups. The differences were -0.25 (95% CI: -2.08, 1.58, p = 0.78), -1.22 (95% CI: -2.7, 0.26, p = 0.1), 0.91 (95% CI: -1.46, 3.28, p = 0.44) in defecation frequency, BSS, CAS, respectively. The defecation frequency increased from an average of 3.3 to 4.6 times per week in the moxibustion group (1.5[-0.5, 2], p = 0.06) and from 2.7 to 3.7 stools per week in the sham group (1[-1, 2], p = 0.15) after four weeks of treatment. The difference between participants with a deficiency or an excess syndrome, determined based on assessment of sweat, facial features, pain, body energy, and pulse type, was significant in only defecation frequency. The difference was 3.3 (95% CI: 0.41, 6.19, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Moxibustion treatment appears safe, but showed no positive effect on constipation. The effectiveness of moxibustion treatment may depend on the syndrome pattern, and further long-term studies with a larger number of subjects are warranted.

Trial registration

Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0000168
Developing a patient-centered outcome measure for complementary and alternative medicine therapies II: Refining content validity through cognitive interviews
Authors: Thompson Jennifer J , Kelly Kimberly L , Ritenbaugh Cheryl , Hopkins Allison L , Sims Colette M , Coons Stephen J
Published: December 2011

Background

Available measures of patient-reported outcomes for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) inadequately capture the range of patient-reported treatment effects. The Self-Assessment of Change questionnaire was developed to measure multi-dimensional shifts in well-being for CAM users. With content derived from patient narratives, items were subsequently focused through interviews on a new cohort of participants. Here we present the development of the final version in which the content and format is refined through cognitive interviews.

Methods

We conducted cognitive interviews across five iterations of questionnaire refinement with a culturally diverse sample of 28 CAM users. In each iteration, participant critiques were used to revise the questionnaire, which was then re-tested in subsequent rounds of cognitive interviews. Following all five iterations, transcripts of cognitive interviews were systematically coded and analyzed to examine participants' understanding of the format and content of the final questionnaire. Based on this data, we established summary descriptions and selected exemplar quotations for each word pair on the final questionnaire.

Results

The final version of the Self-Assessment of Change questionnaire (SAC) includes 16 word pairs, nine of which remained unchanged from the original draft. Participants consistently said that these stable word pairs represented opposite ends of the same domain of experience and the meanings of these terms were stable across the participant pool. Five pairs underwent revision and two word pairs were added. Four word pairs were eliminated for redundancy or because participants did not agree on the meaning of the terms. Cognitive interviews indicate that participants understood the format of the questionnaire and considered each word pair to represent opposite poles of a shared domain of experience.

Conclusions

We have placed lay language and direct experience at the center of questionnaire revision and refinement. In so doing, we provide an innovative model for the development of truly patient-centered outcome measures. Although this instrument was designed and tested in a CAM-specific population, it may be useful in assessing multi-dimensional shifts in well-being across a broader patient population.
Activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha ameliorates ethanol induced steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Kong Lingbo , Ren Weiguang , Li Wencong , Zhao Suxian , Mi Hongmei , Wang Rongqi , Zhang Yuguo , Wu Wenjuan , Nan Yuemin , Yu Jun
Published: December 2011

Background

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) regulates lipids metabolism and inhibits inflammatory response. However, the role of PPARα in alcoholic liver disease is largely unknown. We aim to elucidate the effect and the molecular basis of PPARα in ethanol induced hepatic injury in mice.

Results

C57BL/6J mice fed with 4% ethanol-containing Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet for 12 weeks exhibited hepatocyte steatosis, necrosis and inflammatory infiltration, accompanied with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartic transaminase (AST) levels, decreased hepatic expression of PPARα, lipids oxidation promoting genes and anti-inflammatory factors, as well as enhanced hepatic expression of fatty acids synthesis promoting genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Induction of PPARα by PPARα agonist WY14643 treatment for 2 weeks ameliorated the severity of liver injury and restored expression of genes altered by ethanol treatment. However, administration of PPARα antagonist GW6471 for 2 weeks promoted the inflammatory response.

Conclusions

The present study provided the evidence for the protective role of PPARα in ameliorating ethanol induced liver injury through modulation of the genes related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory response.
Fatty acid distribution of cord and maternal blood in human pregnancy: special focus on individual trans fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids
Authors: Enke Uta , Jaudszus Anke , Schleussner Ekkehard , Seyfarth Lydia , Jahreis Gerhard , Kuhnt Katrin
Published: December 2011

Background

Maternal nutrition in pregnancy has a crucial impact on the development of the fetus. Dietarytransfatty acids (tFA) are known to have adverse health effects, especially during pregnancy. However, the distribution oftFA produced via partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils (mainly elaidic acid;t9) differs compared to ruminant-derivedtFA (mainly vaccenic acid;t11). Recent findings indicate that they may have different impact on human health.

Therefore, in this study, plasma and erythrocytes of mother-child pairs (n = 55) were sampled to investigate the distribution oftFA, including individualtransC18:1 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in fetal related to maternal lipids; with additional consideration of maternal dairy fat intake.

Results

Portion oft9 andt11, but also ofc9,t11 CLA was higher in maternal than in fetal blood lipids. The portion oft9 in maternal and fetal lipids differed only slightly. In contrast, the portion of fetalt11 was only half of that in maternal blood. This led to a fetalt9/t11-index in plasma and erythrocytes being twice as high compared to the maternal values. A high dairy fat intake resulted in elevated portions oft11 and its Δ9-desaturation productc9,t11 CLA in maternal blood. In contrast, in the respective fetal blood lipids onlyc9,t11 CLA, but nott11 was increased. Nevertheless, a positive association between maternal and fetal plasma exists for botht11 andc9,t11 CLA. Furthermore, in contrast tot9,t11 was not negatively associated with n-3 LC-PUFA in fetal blood lipids.

Conclusions

Fetal blood fatty acid composition essentially depends on and is altered by the maternal fatty acid supply. However, in addition to dietary factors, other aspects also contribute to the individual fatty acid distribution (oxidation, conversion, incorporation). The lower portion of fetalt11 compared to maternalt11, possibly results from Δ9-desaturation toc9,t11 CLA and/or oxidation. Based on the fatty acid distribution, it can be concluded thatt11 differs fromt9 regarding its metabolism and their impact on fetal LC-PUFA.
Rapid and specific influenza virus detection by functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and mass spectrometry
Authors: Chou Tzu-Chi , Hsu Wei , Wang Ching-Ho , Chen Yu-Ju , Fang Jim-Min
Published: December 2011

Background

The timely and accurate diagnosis of specific influenza virus strains is crucial to effective prophylaxis, vaccine preparation and early antiviral therapy. The detection of influenza A viruses is mainly accomplished using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques or antibody-based assays. In conjugation with the immunoassay utilizing monoclonal antibody, mass spectrometry is an alternative to identify proteins derived from a target influenza virus. Taking advantage of the large surface area-to-volume ratio, antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles can act as an effective probe to extract influenza virus for sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and on-bead mass spectrometric analysis.

Results

Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) were functionalized with H5N2 viral antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin protein and capped with methoxy-terminated ethylene glycol to suppress nonspecific binding. The antibody-conjugated MNPs possessed a high specificity to H5N2 virus without cross-reactivity with recombinant H5N1 viruses. The unambiguous identification of the captured hemagglutinin on magnetic nanoparticles was realized by SDS-PAGE visualization and peptide sequence identification using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Conclusions

The assay combining efficient magnetic separation and MALDI-MS readout offers a rapid and sensitive method for virus screening. Direct on-MNP detection by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) provided high sensitivity (~103 EID50 per mL) and a timely diagnosis within one hour. The magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated with monoclonal antibodies could be used as a specific probe to distinguish different subtypes of influenza.
Numerical-analytic technique for investigation of solutions of some nonlinear equations with Dirichlet conditions
Authors: Rontó Andrei , Rontó Miklos , Holubová Gabriela , Nečesal Petr
Published: December 2011

The article deals with approximate solutions of a nonlinear ordinary differential equation with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. We provide a scheme of numerical-analytic method based upon successive approximations constructed in analytic form. We give sufficient conditions for the solvability of the problem and prove the uniform convergence of the approximations to the parameterized limit function. We provide a justification of the polynomial version of the method with several illustrating examples.

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification:34B15; 65L10.
Interleukin-1α expression precedes IL-1β after ischemic brain injury and is localised to areas of focal neuronal loss and penumbral tissues
Authors: Luheshi Nadia M , Kovács Krisztina J , Lopez-Castejon Gloria , Brough David , Denes Adam
Published: December 2011

Background

Cerebral ischemia is a devastating condition in which the outcome is heavily influenced by inflammatory processes, which can augment primary injury caused by reduced blood supply. The cytokines interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and IL-1β are key contributors to ischemic brain injury. However, there is very little evidence that IL-1 expression occurs at the protein level early enough (within hours) to influence brain damage after stroke. In order to determine this we investigated the temporal and spatial profiles of IL-1α and IL-1β expression after cerebral ischemia.

Findings

We report here that in mice, as early as 4 h after reperfusion following ischemia induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, IL-1α, but not IL-1β, is expressed by microglia-like cells in the ischemic hemisphere, which parallels an upregulation of IL-1α mRNA. 24 h after ischemia IL-1α expression is closely associated with areas of focal blood brain barrier breakdown and neuronal death, mostly near the penumbra surrounding the infarct. The sub-cellular distribution of IL-1α in injured areas is not uniform suggesting that it is regulated.

Conclusions

The early expression of IL-1α in areas of focal neuronal injury suggests that it is the major form of IL-1 contributing to inflammation early after cerebral ischemia. This adds to the growing body of evidence that IL-1α is a key mediator of the sterile inflammatory response.
Population-based outcomes after whole brain radiotherapy and re-irradiation in patients with metastatic breast cancer in the trastuzumab era
Authors: Karam Irene , Nichol Alan , Woods Ryan , Tyldesley Scott
Published: December 2011

Purpose

This study examined the population-based use and outcomes of brain radiotherapy (BRT) for brain metastases (BM) from breast cancer with a focus on repeat BRT in the trastuzumab era.

Methods and materials

All women with breast cancer diagnosed from 2000-2007 and treated with BRT were retrospectively identified from a provincial database.

Results

A total of 441 women with BM from breast cancer were identified. The median age was 55 years and 40% (176/441) had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive disease. The median survival (MS) from the initial BRT for all 441 women was 4.5 months. The MS by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Recursive Partitioning Analysis (RPA) class was: 1 (14.5 months), 2 (6.4 months) and 3 (1.8 months). For the 37 cases receiving repeat BRT, 27% (10/37) had stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and 70% (26/37) had HER2 positive disease, of which, 81% (21/26) received trastuzumab in the metastatic setting. For repeat BRT, the median survival by RPA class was: 1 (9.8 months), 2 (7.4 months) and 3 (2.0 months). For RPA class 1 and 2, the one-year overall survival (OS) was 45%.

Conclusion

The proportion of cases with HER2 positive disease was increased at repeat BRT compared to initial BRT. RPA class 1 and 2 patients should be considered for repeat BRT.
Pregnancy in multiple system atrophy: a case report
Authors: Zhu Lirong , Cairns Nigel J , Tabbal Samer D , Racette Brad A
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Multiple system atrophy is a late, adult-onset α-synucleinopathy with no data on the effect of pregnancy on the disease course. Early stage multiple system atrophy can be difficult to distinguish from Parkinson's disease.

Case presentation

We describe the case of an Irish woman with parkinsonism starting at age 31, initially diagnosed as having dopa-responsive, idiopathic Parkinson's disease, who successfully delivered a full-term child at age 35. Her pregnancy was complicated by severe orthostatic hypotension and motor fluctuations. Two years post-partum, she underwent bilateral subthalamic nuclei deep brain stimulation for intractable motor fluctuations and disabling dyskinesia. After this treatment course she experienced deterioration of motor symptoms and death eight years after disease onset. Post-mortem neuropathological examination revealed striatonigral degeneration and α-synuclein-positive glial cytoplasmic inclusions in brain stem nuclei, basal ganglia and white matter tracts, consistent with a neuropathological diagnosis of multiple system atrophy.

Conclusions

Multiple system atrophy can affect women of child-bearing age and pregnancy may be associated with marked disease progression.