bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Onset of Depression in Elderly Persons After Hip Fracture: Implications for Prevention and Early Intervention of Late‐Life Depression
Authors: Lenze Eric J. , Munin Michael C. , Skidmore Elizabeth R. , Amanda Dew Mary , Rogers Joan C. , Whyte Ellen M. , Quear Tanya , Begley Amy , Reynolds Charles F.
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of onset of major depressive disorder (MDD) and of depressive symptoms in subjects who suffered a hip fracture.

DESIGN: Prospective naturalistic study.

SETTING: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center—Shadyside, a large urban hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty‐six elderly patients who received surgical fixation for hip fracture and who were not experiencing a major depressive episode at the time of the fracture; severely cognitively impaired persons were excluded.

MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were evaluated at the time of hospital discharge using a battery of clinical measures (including apathy measured using the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), delirium, cognitive measures, social support, and disability level). Depression was assessed at the end of the surgical stay, 2 weeks later, and then monthly for 6 months, using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham‐D) to evaluate symptomatology and the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders to evaluate diagnosis of MDD.

RESULTS: Eighteen of 126 subjects (14.3%) developed MDD after hip fracture. Of these, 11 developed MDD by the end of the hospitalization, and seven developed MDD between 2 and 10 weeks later. Logistic regression showed that baseline apathy score, as measured using the AES, was the only clinical measure associated with the development of MDD (odds ratio=1.09, 95% confidence interval=1.03–1.16, P=.003); 46.2% of those with high AES scores developed MDD, versus 10.9% of those with lower scores. In contrast, cognitive variables, delirium, disability after hip fracture, and other factors related to the fracture (e.g., fracture type) were not associated with MDD. A repeated‐measures analysis with Ham‐D over time as a dependent variable generally confirmed these findings; depressive symptoms were highest immediately after the fracture, and apathy and delirium scores were associated with higher depressive symptom levels.

CONCLUSION: The onset of MDD is common after hip fracture, and the greatest period of risk is immediately after the fracture. Individuals with clinical evidence of apathy are at high risk for developing MDD, and evaluation and close follow‐up of such individuals is warranted. However, further research is needed to examine other candidate variables (e.g., clinical measures or biomarkers) to model adequately the risk for MDD after hip fracture and other disabling medical events.
The Japanese Centenarian Study: Autonomy Was Associated with Health Practices as Well as Physical Status
Authors: Ozaki Akiko , Uchiyama Makoto , Tagaya Hirokuni , Ohida Takashi , Ogihara Ryuji
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of centenarians who have preserved activities of daily living (ADLs) and good cognitive and psychosocial status in Japan.

DESIGN: Census‐based survey.

SETTING: Cross‐Sectional Investigation of Half of All Japanese Centenarians Study, 2000.

PARTICIPANTS: A nationwide census‐based study was conducted of all of the male centenarians and a random sample of half of all the female centenarians who were included in the National Census of Japan. After excluding those who had died and whose addresses could not be identified, 1,907 centenarians (53.0%) participated in the present visitation interview survey.

MEASUREMENTS: ADLs, cognitive status, and psychosocial status. Centenarians who have preserved ADLs and good cognitive and psychosocial status were defined as autonomous centenarians.

RESULTS: Of the study subjects, 10.4% were judged to be autonomous centenarians. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that autonomy in centenarians was associated with better visual acuity, getting regular exercise, spontaneous awakening regularly in the morning, preserved masticatory ability, having no history of drinking, having no history of severe falls after the age of 95, more frequent intake of protein, living at home, and being male. It was also demonstrated that autonomous centenarians were not associated with appetite, vegetable or seaweed intake, smoking habits, auditory capacity, body mass index, or present illness.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that health practices play an important role in preserving ADLs and good cognitive and psychosocial status after reaching the age of 100 and should be useful for establishing an educational program for the ever‐increasing “super elderly” population in Japan.
Nonlinear Stiffness Profiles of External Fixators Constructed with Composite Rods
Authors: CARLSON KIMBERLY R. , KRAUS KARL H. , KOWALESKI MICHAEL P.
Published: December 2006

Objective—To determine if composite connecting rods confer nonlinear stiffness characteristics on unilateral and bilateral external skeletal fixators (ESF) in cranial–caudal bending and axial loading.

Study Design—Mechanical testing performed on models.

Sample Population—Six models of 6‐pin ESF constructs composed of birch dowels, a commercial ESF system, and composite connecting rods.

Methods—Unilateral and bilateral ESF configurations were assembled using either specially designed composite titanium and silicone (composite group) or solid titanium (solid group) connecting rods. Mechanical testing was performed in axial loading and 4‐point cranial–caudal bending. Stiffness was determined at a low and high‐load range, and was considered increasing and nonlinear if the stiffness at high loads was greater than at low loads.

Results—The stiffness of the solid group was linear in all testing modes and configurations. Bilateral composite fixators had a nonlinear increasing stiffness in axial loading and cranial–caudal bending. Unilateral composite fixators had a nonlinear increasing stiffness in axial loading, but not cranial–caudal bending. Solid connecting rods conferred a higher stiffness in all testing modes and configurations.

Conclusions—Composite connecting rods resulted in nonlinear increasing axial and bending stiffness in bilateral fixators, and in axial load in unilateral fixators.

Clinical Relevance—Conventional ESF can be constructed so that the stiffness increases as load increases. This provides the surgeon with additional options to control the local mechanical environment of a healing fracture, which may be used to enhance fracture healing.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Canine Shoulder: An Anatomic Study
Authors: SCHAEFER SUSAN L. , FORREST LISA J.
Published: December 2006

Objectives—To describe the normal anatomy of the soft tissue stabilizing components of the canine shoulder identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to evaluate specific acquisition sequences and planes for observing structures of diagnostic interest.

Study Design—Descriptive study.

Animal—Canine cadavers (n=3).

Methods—T1‐weighted, proton density fat saturation (PD), and T2*‐weighted gradient echo (GE) MRI sequences were obtained in the sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes of the left shoulder of 3 canine cadavers. After imaging, each shoulder was embedded and thin sectioned. The corresponding right shoulder was frozen and thick sectioned. The anatomic structures on the histologic and frozen thick sections were visually correlated with the MR images.

Results—The sagittal plane provided a longitudinal view of the bicep, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus tendons. The biceps, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis tendons, and the medial and lateral glenohumeral ligaments were identified in the transverse and dorsal planes. The dorsal plane allowed for the bicep tendon to be evaluated transversely as it passed over the humeral head. The GE sequence was more useful in identifying tendons and ligaments. The PD sequence was more helpful in identifying fluid accumulations in the joint and around tendons.

Conclusions—The tendinous and ligamentous structures that stabilize the canine shoulder joint can be readily identified with MRI.

Clinical Relevance—MRI has the potential to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of canine soft tissue shoulder injuries.
Comparison of Biofragmentable Anastomosis Ring and Sutured Anastomoses for Subtotal Colectomy in Cats with Idiopathic Megacolon
Authors: RYAN STEWART , SEIM HOWARD , MacPHAIL CATRIONA , BRIGHT RON , MONNET ERIC
Published: December 2006

Objective—To report use of a biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) device in cats with idiopathic megacolon (FIM) and compare outcome after subtotal colectomy with sutured colocolic anastomosis.

Study Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—Nineteen cats with megacolon.

Methods—Medical records (January 1990–January 2004) of cats treated surgically for idiopathic megacolon with sutured (SUT) or BAR anastomosis were retrieved and reviewed. Operative, short‐ and long‐term complications, and survival times were recorded and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis used to assess outcome.

Results—There were 11 SUT and 8 BAR cats. One BAR cat had anastomotic dehiscence 36 hours after surgery. Mild serosal tearing during BAR insertion in 6 cats was corrected by suture reinforcement. One SUT cat developed anastomotic stricture at 32 days. Short‐term complication rates at 3 and 7 days were 18% and 45% in the SUT group and 25% and 87.5% in the BAR group, respectively (P=.058). Two SUT cats had persistent loose stool consistency and were euthanatized 254 and 1661 days after surgery. One BAR cat had recurrence of constipation which was managed medically. Long‐term complication rates were not significantly different between SUT and BAR (P=.61). The 1 and 4‐year survival rates were 90% for SUT and 100% for BAR (P=.29).

Conclusions—No difference was detected for short and long‐term complication rates and survival times between SUT and BAR groups.

Clinical Relevance—The BAR device can be used for colocolic anastomosis in cats with idiopathic megacolon. Serosal tearing during BAR insertion was a common intraoperative complication. Regardless of anastomotic technique, survival outcome after colonic resection is excellent for cats with FIM.
Effect of Nephrotomy on Renal Function and Morphology in Normal Cats
Authors: KING MICHAEL D. , WALDRON DON R. , BARBER DON L. , LARSON MARTHA M. , SAUNDERS GEOFFREY K. , TROY GREGORY C. , ZIMMERMAN‐POPE NANCY , WARD DAN L.
Published: December 2006

Objective—To assess effects over 12 weeks of bisection nephrotomy on renal function, size, and morphology in cats.

Study Design—Controlled, randomized, blinded experiment.

Sample Population—Ten adult female cats.

Methods—Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), determined by quantitative renal scintigraphy using99mTechnetium‐diethylenetriamine‐pentaacetic acid, urinalysis, urine culture, and ultrasonographic measurement of renal size were performed preoperatively. Left or right nephrotomy (5 cats/group) was performed. Total and individual kidney GFRs were determined at 2, 28, and 84 days, ultrasonographic measurements at 28 and 86 days, and ultrasound‐guided biopsy at 86 days.

Results—No significant differences in mean GFR and kidney size of operated versus unoperated kidneys were observed. Individual GFR and renal size of all except 1 cat remained within normal limits. Two cats had evidence of transient ureteral obstruction in the immediate postoperative period. No significant, generalized histologic abnormalities were observed.

Conclusions—Bisection nephrotomy in normal cats does not adversely affect renal function or morphology during the initial 12 weeks.

Clinical Relevance—Bisection nephrotomy can be safely performed in normal feline kidneys without causing a significant deleterious effect on renal function. Studies in cats with pre‐existing renal insufficiency are needed to ensure adverse effects would not occur in clinical cases where this surgical procedure is warranted.
On Robustness and Model Flexibility in Survival Analysis: Transformed Hazard Models and Average Effects
Authors: Gustafson Paul
Published: December 2006

Summary Yin and Ibrahim (2005a, Biometrics61, 208–216) use a Box–Cox transformed hazard model to acknowledge uncertainty about how a linear predictor acts upon the hazard function of a failure‐time response. Particularly, additive and proportional hazards models arise for particular values of the transformation parameter. As is often the case, however, this added model flexibility is obtained at the cost of lessened parameter interpretability. Particularly, the interpretation of the coefficients in the linear predictor is intertwined with the value of the transformation parameter. Moreover, some data sets contain very little information about this parameter. To shed light on the situation, we consider average effects based on averaging (over the joint distribution of the explanatory variables and the failure‐time response) the partial derivatives of the hazard, or the log‐hazard, with respect to the explanatory variables. First, we consider fitting models which do assume a particular form of covariate effects, for example, proportional hazards or additive hazards. In some such circumstances, average effects are seen to be inferential targets which are robust to the effect form being misspecified. Second, we consider average effects as targets of inference when using the transformed hazard model. We show that in addition to being more interpretable inferential targets, average effects can sometimes be estimated more efficiently than the corresponding regression coefficients.
A Semiparametric Odds Ratio Model for Measuring Association
Authors: Yun Chen Hua
Published: December 2006

Summary We propose a semiparametric odds ratio model to measure the association between two variables taking discrete values, continuous values, or a mixture of both. Methods for estimation and inference with varying degrees of robustness to model assumptions are studied. Semiparametric efficient estimation and inference procedures are also considered. The estimation methods are compared in a simulation study and applied to the study of associations among genital tract bacterial counts in HIV infected women.
Accounting for Variability in Sample Size Estimation with Applications to Nonadherence and Estimation of Variance and Effect Size
Authors: Fay Michael P. , Halloran M. Elizabeth , Follmann Dean A.
Published: December 2006

Summary We consider sample size calculations for testing differences in means between two samples and allowing for different variances in the two groups. Typically, the power functions depend on the sample size and a set of parameters assumed known, and the sample size needed to obtain a prespecified power is calculated. Here, we account for two sources of variability: we allow the sample size in the power function to be a stochastic variable, and we consider estimating the parameters from preliminary data. An example of the first source of variability is nonadherence (noncompliance). We assume that the proportion of subjects who will adhere to their treatment regimen is not known before the study, but that the proportion is a stochastic variable with a known distribution. Under this assumption, we develop simple closed form sample size calculations based on asymptotic normality. The second source of variability is in parameter estimates that are estimated from prior data. For example, we account for variability in estimating the variance of the normal response from existing data which are assumed to have the same variance as the study for which we are calculating the sample size. We show that we can account for the variability of the variance estimate by simply using a slightly larger nominal power in the usual sample size calculation, which we call the calibrated power. We show that the calculation of the calibrated power depends only on the sample size of the existing data, and we give a table of calibrated power by sample size. Further, we consider the calculation of the sample size in the rarer situation where we account for the variability in estimating the standardized effect size from some existing data. This latter situation, as well as several of the previous ones, is motivated by sample size calculations for a Phase II trial of a malaria vaccine candidate.
Exploring the Information in p‐Values for the Analysis and Planning of Multiple‐Test Experiments
Authors: Ruppert David , Nettleton Dan , Hwang J. T. Gene
Published: December 2006

Summary A new methodology is proposed for estimating the proportion of true null hypotheses in a large collection of tests. Each test concerns a single parameter δ whose value is specified by the null hypothesis. We combine a parametric model for the conditional cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the p‐value given δ with a nonparametric spline model for the density g(δ) of δ under the alternative hypothesis. The proportion of true null hypotheses and the coefficients in the spline model are estimated by penalized least squares subject to constraints that guarantee that the spline is a density. The estimator is computed efficiently using quadratic programming. Our methodology produces an estimate of the density of δ when the null is false and can address such questions as “when the null is false, is the parameter usually close to the null or far away?” This leads us to define a falsely interesting discovery rate (FIDR), a generalization of the false discovery rate. We contrast the FIDR approach to Efron's (2004, Journal of the American Statistical Association99, 96–104) empirical null hypothesis technique. We discuss the use of in sample size calculations based on the expected discovery rate (EDR). Our recommended estimator of the proportion of true nulls has less bias compared to estimators based upon the marginal density of the p‐values at 1. In a simulation study, we compare our estimators to the convex, decreasing estimator of Langaas, Lindqvist, and Ferkingstad (2005, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B67, 555–572). The most biased of our estimators is very similar in performance to the convex, decreasing estimator. As an illustration, we analyze differences in gene expression between resistant and susceptible strains of barley.
Gregarina niphandrodes may Lack Both a Plastid Genome and Organelle
Authors: TOSO MARC A. , OMOTO CHARLOTTE K.
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT. Gregarines are early diverging apicomplexans that appear to be closely related to Cryptosporidium. Most apicomplexans, including Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, and Eimeria, possess both plastids and corresponding plastid genomes. Cryptosporidium lacks both the organelle and the genome. To investigate the evolutionary history of plastids in the Apicomplexa, we tried to determine whether gregarines possess a plastid and/or its genome. We used PCR and dot‐blot hybridization to determine whether the gregarine Gregarina niphandrodes possesses a plastid genome. We used an inhibitor of plastid function for any reduction in gregarine infection, and transmission electron microscopy to search for plastid ultrastructure. Despite an extensive search, an organelle of the appropriate ultrastructure in transmission electron microscopy, was not observed. Triclosan, an inhibitor of the plastid‐specific enoyl‐acyl carrier reductase enzyme, did not reduce host infection by G. niphandrodes. Plastid‐specific primers produced amplicons with the DNA of Babesia equi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Toxoplasma gondii as templates, but not with G. niphandrodes DNA. Plastid‐specific DNA probes, which hybridized to Babesia equi, failed to hybridize to G. niphandrodes DNA. This evidence indicates that G. niphandrodes is not likely to possess either a plastid organelle or its genome. This raises the possibility that the plastid was lost in the Apicomplexan following the divergence of gregarines and Cryptosporidium.
Viscous Flow as the Driving Force for the Densification of Low‐Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramics
Authors: Kemethmüller Stefan , Hagymasi Marcel , Stiegelschmitt Alfons , Roosen Andreas
Published: December 2006

Filled glass–ceramic composites, like low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC), must densify at temperatures <900°C. The densification mechanism of LTCC is often described by liquid‐phase sintering. The results of this paper clearly show that densification of ceramic‐filled glass–composites with a glass content above 60 wt% can be attributed to viscous sintering, which is decisively controlled by the viscosity of the glass during the heat treatment. This is demonstrated by the experimental determination of the viscosity of a MgO–Al2O3–B2O3–SiO2glass dependent on temperature, by investigation of the wetting behavior of the glass on the ceramic filler mullite, and of the microstructural development. It was found that the glass does not wet the filler material in a temperature range up to 1000°C. Therefore, liquid‐phase sintering can be excluded. Independent of any wetting effect and therefore in the absence of capillary forces, densification starts at a temperature of 750°C, which corresponds to a viscosity of 109.5dPa·s. This densification can be attributed to viscous flow of the glass matrix composite.
Porous, Functionally Gradient Pyroelectric Materials
Authors: Shaw Christopher P. , Whatmore Roger W. , Alcock Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2006

Properties of a new type of pyroelectric ceramic structure containing a layer of known porosity laminated between two dense layers, to form a functionally gradient material (FGM), are reported. The combination of theoretical models for pyroelectric, dielectric, and thermal properties gave a model for the pyroelectric voltage figure of merit (FV) in good agreement with experiment, which had shown a 20% improvement for an introduced central layer porosity of 27%. Preliminary pyroelectric responsivity measurements on FGM infrared detectors indicated an even better improvement. It is postulated that this is due to the porous layer acting as a thermal barrier in the structure.
Modeling of Rigidity Percolation and Incipient Plasticity in Germanium–Selenium Glasses
Authors: Mauro John C. , Varshneya Arun K.
Published: December 2006

We compute the bulk and surface structures of glasses in the germanium–selenium (Ge–Se) system using Monte Carlo simulations and our previously derived set of ab initio potentials. We investigate the elastic response of the Ge–Se glasses under a flat “micro”‐indentation and incipient plasticity under a spherical nanoindentation. The glasses with a high average coordination number (〈m〉>2.4) display structural frustration owing to an excess of bond constraints, leading to permanent densification from both types of indentations. The glasses with a low average coordination number (〈m〉<2.4) exhibit a large number of floppy modes, enabling continuous shear flow. According to the Phillips theory of topological constraints, the ideal glass former is one in which the number of constraints exactly equals the number of degrees of freedom (GeSe4, where 〈m〉=2.4). In both types of indentation simulations, we find that the GeSe4 glass structure is most resistant to distortions of its basic structural unit.
Modeling the Influence of Orientation Texture on the Strength of WC–Co Composites
Authors: Kim Chang‐Soo , Massa Ted R. , Rohrer Gregory S
Published: December 2006

Two‐dimensional finite element simulations were used to study the effects of orientation texture on the transverse rupture strengths of WC–Co composites. The model incorporates observed microstructural geometries, anisotropic thermal and elastic properties, and a fracture criterion that reproduces the strengths of known specimens. The results show that the greatest potential for increasing the strength occurs when the [001] axes of the carbide grains are orientated perpendicular to the sample loading direction. Furthermore, the strength increases in proportion to the degree of texture, and the texture‐derived strength enhancement is greater in microstructures with a larger contiguity.
Role of Family Factors in Adolescent Delinquency in an Elazig/Turkey Reformatory
Authors: Isir Aysun Baransel , Tokdemir Mehmet , Küçüker Hüdaverdi , Dulger Hikmet Ergin
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT: Family is one of the most important factors in the social and psychological progress of an adolescent. Social behavior disorders in childhood have been reported to be caused by many factors that may lead children to commit a crime. Our study included a total of 106 convicted adolescents from Eastern Turkey in a reformatory and 126 unconvicted adolescents with a similar socio‐economic status. A survey form was completed during a face‐to‐face interview and a review of official records was undertaken. The role of family disruption, education levels of parents, the rate of imprisonment among first‐ and second‐degree relatives, migration as a family from their place of birth, and the number of delinquent children in the family were evaluated. There was a significant difference between the conditions in the families of convicted and unconvicted adolescents. Family factors play an important role in the development of adolescent delinquency. To prevent or decrease this rate of childhood or adolescent delinquency, there needs to be an improvement in the socio‐cultural conditions of families.
Computation of Likelihood Ratios in Fingerprint Identification for Configurations of Any Number of Minutiæ
Authors: Neumann Cédric , Champod Christophe , Puch‐Solis Roberto , Egli Nicole , Anthonioz Alexandre , Bromage‐Griffiths Andie
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT:Recent court challenges have highlighted the need for statistical research on fingerprint identification. This paper proposes a model for computing likelihood ratios (LRs) to assess the evidential value of comparisons with any number of minutiæ. The model considers minutiae type, direction and relative spatial relationships. It expands on previous work on three minutiae by adopting a spatial modeling using radial triangulation and a probabilistic distortion model for assessing the numerator of the LR. The model has been tested on a sample of 686 ulnar loops and 204 arches. Features vectors used for statistical analysis have been obtained following a preprocessing step based on Gabor filtering and image processing to extract minutiae data. The metric used to assess similarity between two feature vectors is based on an Euclidean distance measure. Tippett plots and rates of misleading evidence have been used as performance indicators of the model. The model has shown encouraging behavior with low rates of misleading evidence and a LR power of the model increasing significantly with the number of minutiæ. The LRs that it provides are highly indicative of identity of source on a significant proportion of cases, even when considering configurations with few minutiæ. In contrast with previous research, the model, in addition to minutia type and direction, incorporates spatial relationships of minutiæ without introducing probabilistic independence assumptions. The model also accounts for finger distortion.
Child Abduction Murder: An Analysis of the Effect of Time and Distance Separation Between Murder Incident Sites on Solvability
Authors: Brown Katherine M. , Keppel Robert D.
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT: Empirical studies of child abduction murder investigations are lacking. Accordingly, an empirical analysis of the effect of time and distance relationships on case solvability in child abduction murders (N=735) was conducted. The murders occurred across the United States from 1968 to 2002. Murder incident components examined were: victim last seen site, initial contact site, murder site, and body recovery site. Time and distance intervals between component pairings were also examined. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to determine if information relating to time and distance intervals between components were critical solvability factors. Results show that information about time and distance increases case solvability. Results also demonstrate that time and distance relationships contribute uniquely to case solvability in murders of abducted children. Findings also indicate that additional factors such as type of forensic evidence, investigative resources, or actions by first responders, may be critical to case solvability.
Brain Arteriovenous Malformation and Its Implication in Forensic Pathology*
Authors: Racette Stéphanie , Sauvageau Anny
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT: Despite the fact that brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are a possible cause of sudden and unexplained death, very few papers have discussed their importance in the forensic context. BAVMs consist of tangled masses of tortuous arteries and veins devoid of intervening capillaries that frequently extend from brain parenchyma into the subarachnoid space. Apart from BAVMs, three major groups of vascular malformations of the brain are known: cavernous hemangioma, venous angioma, and capillary telangiectasia. BAVMs and cavernous hemangioma often cause hemorrhages, while venous angioma and capillary telangiectasia are typically asymptomatic. Presented here is the case of a 14‐year‐old girl who died from a ruptured BAVM. The present case is a reminder that the forensic pathologist should be able to recognize BAVMs and to differentiate it from other types of vascular malformations. Although rare, it is a cause of sudden death not to be overlooked, especially in children.
6 Y‐SNP Typing of China and Korean Samples Using Primer Extension and DHPLC
Authors: Shi Meisen , Hou Yiping , Yan Jing , Bai Rufeng , Yu Xiaojun
Published: December 2006

POPULATION: Chinese, Korean.
Nonfarm employment, agricultural shocks, and poverty dynamics: evidence from rural Uganda
Authors: Kijima Yoko , Matsumoto Tomoya , Yamano Takashi
Published: December 2006

This article examines the role of off‐farm employment in poverty reduction over a short period of time by using panel data from 894 rural Ugandan households in 2003 and 2005. Taking advantage of the unique off‐farm labor supply and income data, we analyzed how households respond to negative agricultural shocks, especially through off‐farm labor supply and income to mitigate crop income loss. Our analysis indicates that the flexibility of labor time allocation varies across off‐farm jobs and that only low skilled and low wage jobs tend to be used to mitigate negative shocks, especially among the asset poor.
What are subcutaneous adipocytes really good for…?
Authors: Paus Ralf , Klein J. , Permana P. A. , Owecki M. , Chaldakov G. N. , Böhm M. , Hausman G. , Lapière C. M. , Atanassova P. , Sowiński J. , Fasshauer M. , Hausman D. B. , Maquoi E. , Tonchev A. B. , Peneva V. N. , Vlachanov K. P. , Fiore M. , Aloe L. , Slominski A. , Reardon C. L. , Ryan T. J. , Pond C. M. , Ryan Terence J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Our acute awareness of the cosmetic, psychosocial and sexual importance of subcutaneous adipose tissue contrasts dramatically with how poorly we have understood the biology of this massive, enigmatic, often ignored and much‐abused skin compartment. Therefore, it is timely to recall the exciting, steadily growing, yet underappreciated body of evidence that subcutaneous adipocytes are so much more than just ‘fat guys’, hanging around passively to conspire, at most, against your desperate attempts to maintain ideal weight. Although the subcutis, quantitatively, tends to represent the dominant architectural component of human skin, conventional wisdom confines its biological key functions to those of energy storage, physical buffer, thermoregulation and thermoinsulation. However, already the distribution of human superficial adipose tissue, by itself, questions how justified the popular belief is that ‘skin fat’ (which actually may be more diverse than often assumed) serves primarily thermoinsulatory purposes. And although the metabolic complications of obesity are well appreciated, our understanding of how exactly subcutaneous adipocytes contribute to extracutaneous disease – and even influence important immune and brain functions! – is far from complete. The increasing insights recently won into subcutaneous adipose tissue as a cytokine depot that regulates innate immunity and cell growth exemplarily serve to illustrate the vast open research expanses that remain to be fully explored in the subcutis. The following public debate carries you from the evolutionary origins and the key functional purposes of adipose tissue, via adipose‐derived stem cells and adipokines straight to the neuroendocrine, immunomodulatory and central nervous effects of signals that originate in the subcutis – perhaps, the most underestimated tissue of the human body. The editors are confident that, at the end, you shall agree: No basic scientist and no doctor with a serious interest in skin, and hardly anyone else in the life sciences, can afford to ignore the subcutaneous adipocyte – beyond its ample impact on beauty, benessence and body mass.
Expression of Pit2 sodium‐phosphate cotransporter during murine odontogenesis is developmentally regulated
Authors: Zhao Dawei , Vaziri Sani Forugh , Nilsson Jeanette , Rodenburg Michaela , Stocking Carol , Linde Anders , Gritli‐Linde Amel
Published: December 2006

Different sodium‐dependent inorganic phosphate (Pi) uptake mechanisms play a major role in cellular Pi homeostasis. The function and detailed distribution patterns of the type III Na+‐phosphate cotransporter, PiT‐2, in different organs during development are still largely unknown. We therefore examined the temporospatial expression patterns of Pit2 during murine odontogenesis. Odontoblasts were always devoid of Pit2 expression, whereas a transient, but strong, expression was detected in young secretory ameloblasts. However, the stratum intermedium and, later on, the papillary layer and cells of the subodontoblastic layer, exhibited high levels of Pit2 mRNA, which increased gradually as the tooth matured. Hormonal treatment or Pi starvation of tooth germs in vitro did not alter Pit2 levels or patterns of expression, indicating mechanisms of regulation different from those of PiT‐1 or other cell types. PiT‐2 also functions as a retroviral receptor, and functional membrane‐localized protein was confirmed throughout the dental papilla/pulp by demonstrating cellular permissiveness to infection by a gammaretrovirus that uses PiT‐2 as a receptor. The distinct pattern of Pit2 expression during odontogenesis suggests that its Pi‐transporter function may be important for homeostasis of dental cells and not specifically for mineralization of the dental extracellular matrices. The expression of viral receptors in enamel‐forming cells and the dental pulp may be of pathological significance.
Meningococcal Meningitis Prevention Programs for College Students: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Butler Karen M.
Published: December 2006

Background and Purpose: The incidence of meningococcal meningitis in college students is higher than in other populations. College students, especially 1st‐year students living in dormitories or residence halls, are among those at highest risk of developing the disease. It is estimated that immunization can prevent up to 83% of cases among adolescents and college students. A review of the literature was undertaken to identify and critique the research‐based prevention programs that are focused on college students.

Method: An extensive search of the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews, Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL was undertaken. The Journal of American College Health was hand searched, and bibliographies were reviewed for studies not otherwise identified. Four publications met the search criteria. These studies were reviewed and graded for level of evidence.

Findings: One study could not be compared with the other three because of its lack of detail. Of the other three studies, two were descriptive and factors were identified that related to vaccination and nonvaccination in the college student population (both Evidence Grade C). Only one study was described that included an educational intervention, which resulted in increased vaccination rates in a college student population (Evidence Grade B).

Conclusions and Implications: The published literature is severely limited in the area of meningococcal meningitis prevention programs in the at‐risk college student population. A critical need exists for controlled studies to test the interventions that are most effective in this population as well as broader‐based studies to further identify those students at increased risk for the disease as well as for nonvaccination.
Prognosis of stage I pressure ulcers and related factors
Authors: Sato Miwa , Sanada Hiromi , Konya Chizuko , Sugama Junko , Nakagami Gojiro
Published: December 2006

The prognosis of stage I pressure ulcers cannot be predicted; therefore, nursing interventions for preventing their deterioration have not been clearly established. This study describes the clinical course of stage I pressure ulcers and prospectively investigates the factors related to their deterioration. Thirty‐one stage I pressure ulcers in 30 patients in a long‐term care facility were studied, and morphological changes were assessed every day until the ulcers healed or deteriorated. The physiological changes were assessed by ultrasonography and thermography. Twenty ulcers healed, and 11 deteriorated. The characteristics of deterioration were as follows: (1) double erythema; (2) non blanchable erythema across the whole area determined by glass plate compression; (3) erythema away from the tip of the bony prominence; and (4) expanding erythema on the following day. We analysed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and positive likelihood ratio for the diagnostic utility of the indicators of deterioration double erythema and distance from the tip of bony prominence, which can be instantly assessed without the use of any special device. The values were 36·4%, 95·0%, 80·0%, 73·1% and 7·28, respectively. These results suggest that clinicians can predict the prognosis of stage I pressure ulcers by initial assessment and provide appropriate care based on the assessment.
Predictors of poor coronary heart disease knowledge level in women without prior coronary heart disease
Authors: Thanavaro Joanne L. , Moore Shirley M. , Anthony Mary K. , Narsavage Georgia , Delicath Timothy
Published: December 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure coronary heart disease (CHD) knowledge levels in women without a history of CHD and to determine predictors of poor CHD knowledge in these women.

Data sources: The sample included 120 women between the ages of 35 and 60, who had no CHD history. Women were asked to complete self‐administered surveys including demographic data, personal CHD risk factors, and a CHD Knowledge Test.

Conclusions: Women lack CHD knowledge. Low educational level, normal serum lipids, high body mass index (BMI), and lack of access to a nurse practitioner (NP) were predictors of poor CHD knowledge levels in women without CHD history.

Implications for practice: Women who had access to an NP were more likely to have higher CHD knowledge. In an attempt to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with CHD, NPs may be able to improve CHD knowledge in women, particularly in those with lower educational level, normal serum lipids and higher BMI.
Integrating practice issues in managed care into the curriculum: A Delphi survey
Authors: Hawkins Joellen W , Burke Pamela J. , Steinberg Sharon
Published: December 2006

Purpose: This project evolved from a partnership between an advanced practice nurse (APN) graduate program and a care management insurer. The purpose of this Delphi survey was to identify (a) role components germane to the practice of APNs in managed care and (b) topics reflecting these components in the curriculum.

Data sources: Data were gathered from two expert panels, clinician preceptors and faculty members. Each panel had 11 members: 11.3% and 100%, respectively, of the target populations of clinicians and faculty in the partnering agencies.

Conclusions: There was considerable congruence between the panels on the survey.

Implications for practice: Case vignettes could be used as a vehicle for discussion of the broader issues of population approaches to specific problems. Faculty could partner with clinicians to develop cases for discussion of evidence‐based practice. Faculty and clinicians could create preceptorships focused on business management, postgraduate fellowships within managed care systems, and regular opportunities to dialogue about curriculum and essential attributes of APN graduates.
Excision arthroplasty of the interphalangeal joint as an alternative to digit amputation in two dogs
Authors: De Rooster H. , Risselada M. , Van Bree H.
Published: December 2006

Excision arthroplasty of the interphalangeal joint was used as an alternative to digit amputation for comminuted fractures of the phalangeal bones in two dogs. Both patients had return of pain‐free use of the affected limb, even though both weight‐bearing digits were involved in one case. This type of surgery might prove to be superior to the more invasive digit amputation, salvaging the digits and providing a better functional outcome.
Lost in translation: exploring the link between HRM and performance in healthcare
Authors: Bartram Timothy , Stanton Pauline , Leggat Sandra , Casimir Gian , Fraser Benjamin
Published: December 2006

Using data collected in 2004 from 132 Victorian (Australia) public healthcare providers, comprising metropolitan and regional hospital networks, rural hospitals and community health centres, we investigated the perceptions of HRM from the experiences of chief executive officers, HR directors and other senior managers. We found some evidence that managers in healthcare organisations reported different perceptions of strategic HRM and a limited focus on collection and linking of HR performance data with organisational performance management processes. Using multiple moderator regression and multivariate analysis of variance, significant differences were found in perceptions of strategic HRM and HR priorities between chief executive officers, HR directors and other senior managers in the large organisations. This suggested that the strategic human management paradigm is ‘lost in translation’, particularly in large organisations, and consequently opportunities to understand and develop the link between people management practices and improved organisational outcomes may be missed. There is some support for the relationship between strategic HRM and improved organisational outcomes. Implications of these findings are drawn for managerial practice.
Regulating employment relations through workplace learning: a study of small employers
Authors: Kitching John
Published: December 2006

Using data from two employer samples, the article develops our understanding of small business employee skill formation and development processes in three main ways. First, it focuses on learning (what employees do) rather than on providing training (what employers do), as it is employee learning which influences individual and organisational performance. Second, it challenges the dominant focus on external training by presenting data on employer enablement of workplace employee learning and their motives for this. The diversity of workplace learning practices and their importance in smaller businesses are highlighted. Third, it situates workplace learning processes firmly within the context of the employment relationship, one in which employers and employees pursue distinctive interests in enabling/participating in learning.
El Niño and the delayed action oscillator
Authors: Boutle Ian , Taylor Richard H. S. , Römer Rudolf A.
Published: December 2006

We study the dynamics of El Niño using the model of a delayed-action oscillator. Topics such as the influence of the annual cycle, global warming, stochastic influences due to weather conditions and off-equatorial heat-sinks are discussed using only modest analytical and numerical resources. The delayed-action oscillator allows for a pedagogical introduction to the science of El Niño and La Niña and avoids the need for large-scale computing resources normally associated with much more sophisticated coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation models.
Direct simulation for a homogeneous gas
Authors: Karabulut Hasan
Published: December 2006

A probabilistic analysis of the direct simulation of a homogeneous gas is given. A hierarchy of equations similar to the BBGKY hierarchy for the reduced probability densities is derived. By invoking the molecular chaos assumption, an equation similar to the Boltzmann equation for the single particle probability density and the corresponding H-theorem is derived.
A note on the plasma sheath and the Bohm criterion
Authors: Severn G. D.
Published: December 2006

The Bohm criterion is an inequality signifying that the ion flow speed at the plasma boundary must be at least as great as the ion sound speed in order for a sheath to form at the boundary. A physical explanation for this phenomenon is given, and the phenomenon is compared with the flow of falling water.
Development and Characterization of a Stable Vero Cell Line Constitutively ExpressingPeste des Petits Ruminants Virus(PPRV) Hemagglutinin Protein and Its Potential Use as Antigen in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Serosurveillance of PPRV
Authors: Balamurugan V. , Sen A. , Saravanan P. , Rasool T. J. , Yadav M. P. , Bandyopadhyay S. K. , Singh R. K.
Published: December 2006

We developed and characterized a stable Vero cell line constitutively expressingPeste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV) hemagglutinin (H) protein and assessed its potential use as diagnostic antigen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PPRV H gene of the vaccine strain (Sungri-96) was amplified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, cloned into a eukaryotic expression vector (pTarget), and subsequently transfected and expressed in Vero cells. A stable Vero cell line was developed after 20 repeated passages by using G418 antibiotic selection pressure (400 to 600 μg/ml). The integration of PPRV H gene in the Vero cell genome and its genomic transcription were confirmed by PCR and RT-PCR assays, respectively, and the 70-kDa PPRV H protein was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. The recombinant protein reacted specifically with PPRV anti-H neutralizing monoclonal and polyclonal antibody in competitive, sandwich, and indirect ELISA, respectively, indicating that the native form of the protein was expressed. Evaluation of the protein in competitive ELISA and indirect ELISA vis a vis whole virus was done using 306 and 146 goat field serum samples, respectively; comparable results were obtained with high degrees of relative diagnostic specificity (93.53% and 100%, respectively) and sensitivity (99.04% and 79.16%, respectively). This study shows that the PPRV H protein could be a sustainable source of safe antigen in countries of nonendemicity without the need to handle infectious virus for serodiagnosis.