bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopaminergic Modulation of Risky Decision-Making
Authors: Simon Nicholas W. , Montgomery Karienn S. , Beas Blanca S. , Mitchell Marci R. , LaSarge Candi L. , Mendez Ian A. , Bañuelos Cristina , Vokes Colin M. , Taylor Aaron B. , Haberman Rebecca P. , Bizon Jennifer L. , Setlow Barry
Published: December 2011

Many psychiatric disorders are characterized by abnormal risky decision-making and dysregulated dopamine receptor expression. The current study was designed to determine how different dopamine receptor subtypes modulate risk-taking in young adult rats, using a “Risky Decision-making Task” that involves choices between small “safe” rewards and large “risky” rewards accompanied by adverse consequences. Rats showed considerable, stable individual differences in risk preference in the task, which were not related to multiple measures of reward motivation, anxiety, or pain sensitivity. Systemic activation of D2-like receptors robustly attenuated risk-taking, whereas drugs acting on D1-like receptors had no effect. Systemic amphetamine also reduced risk-taking, an effect which was attenuated by D2-like (but not D1-like) receptor blockade. Dopamine receptor mRNA expression was evaluated in a separate cohort of drug-naive rats characterized in the task. D1 mRNA expression in both nucleus accumbens shell and insular cortex was positively associated with risk-taking, while D2 mRNA expression in orbitofrontal and medial prefrontal cortex predicted risk preference in opposing nonlinear patterns. Additionally, lower levels of D2 mRNA in dorsal striatum were associated with greater risk-taking. These data strongly implicate dopamine signaling in prefrontal cortical-striatal circuitry in modulating decision-making processes involving integration of reward information with risks of adverse consequences.
Parietal Cortex and Insula Relate to Evidence Seeking Relevant to Reward-Related Decisions
Authors: Furl Nicholas , Averbeck Bruno B.
Published: December 2011

Decisions are most effective after collecting sufficient evidence to accurately predict rewarding outcomes. We investigated whether human participants optimally seek evidence and we characterized the brain areas associated with their evidence seeking. Participants viewed sequences of bead colors drawn from hidden urns and attempted to infer the majority bead color in each urn. When viewing each bead color, participants chose either to seek more evidence about the urn by drawing another bead (draw choices) or to infer the urn contents (urn choices). We then compared their evidence seeking against that predicted by a Bayesian ideal observer model. By this standard, participants sampled less evidence than optimal. Also, when faced with urns that had bead color splits closer to chance (60/40 versus 80/20) or potential monetary losses, participants increased their evidence seeking, but they showed less increase than predicted by the ideal observer model. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed that urn choices evoked larger hemodynamic responses than draw choices in the insula, striatum, anterior cingulate, and parietal cortex. These parietal responses were greater for participants who sought more evidence on average and for participants who increased more their evidence seeking when draws came from 60/40 urns. The parietal cortex and insula were associated with potential monetary loss. Insula responses also showed modulation with estimates of the expected gains of urn choices. Our findings show that participants sought less evidence than predicted by an ideal observer model and their evidence-seeking behavior may relate to responses in the insula and parietal cortex.
Opioid-Sensitive GABA Inputs from Rostromedial Tegmental Nucleus Synapse onto Midbrain Dopamine Neurons
Authors: Matsui Aya , Williams John T.
Published: December 2011

Opioids increase dopamine release in the brain through inhibition of GABA-A IPSCs onto dopamine cells. Immunolabeling indicates that GABA neurons in the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), also known as the tail of the ventral tegmental area, send a dense projection to midbrain dopamine neurons stain for μ-opioid receptors. There is however, little functional evidence that these neurons play a role in the opioid-dependent increase in dopamine neuron activity. The present study used retrograde tracers injected into the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra (VTA/SN) to identify RMTg neurons that project to the VTA/SN. Whole-cell current-clamp and cell-attached recordings from labeled RMTg neurons were performed in sagittal slices from rat. The rhythmic spontaneous firing rate of RMTg neurons was decreased and the membrane potential was hyperpolarized in response to application of μ-opioid agonist DAMGO. Agonists that act at κ- and δ-opioid receptors (U69593 and DPDPE) failed to hyperpolarize RMTg neurons. Whole-cell recordings made in dopamine neurons revealed rhythmic, large amplitude spontaneous IPSCs that had a similar frequency, pattern and opioid sensitivity to the firing of RMTg neurons. In addition, electrical and channelrhodopsin-2 stimulation within the RMTg evoked GABA-A IPSCs in dopamine neurons that were inhibited by μ-opioid agonists DAMGO, but not κ- and δ-opioid agonists. Thus, this study demonstrates functional connection from the RMTg to the VTA/SN mediated by a dense, opioid-sensitive GABA innervation, and that the RMTg is a key structure in the μ-opioid receptor-dependent regulation of dopamine neurons.
Perceiving the Tree in the Woods: Segregating Brain Responses to Stimuli Constituting Natural Scenes
Authors: Martens Ulla , Trujillo-Barreto Nelson , Gruber Thomas
Published: December 2011

Conventional neuroscientific methods are inadequate for separating the brain responses related to the simultaneous processing of different parts of a natural scene. In the present human electroencephalogram (EEG) study, we overcame this limitation by tagging concurrently presented backgrounds and objects with different presentation frequencies. As a result, background and object elicited different steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs), which were separately quantified in the frequency domain. We analyzed the effects of semantic consistency and inconsistency between background and object on SSVEP amplitudes, topography, and tomography [variable resolution electromagnetic tomography (VARETA)]. The results revealed that SSVEPs related to background processing showed higher amplitudes in the consistent as opposed to the inconsistent condition, whereas object-related SSVEPs showed the reversed pattern of effects. Given the SSVEPs' sensitivity to visual attention, the results indicate that semantic inconsistency leads to greater attention focused on the object. If all image parts are semantically related, attention is rather directed to the background. The attentional advantage to inconsistent objects in a scene is likely the result of a mismatch between background-based expectations and semantic object information. A clear lateralization of the consistency effect in the anterior temporal lobes indicates functional hemispheric asymmetries in processing background- and object-related semantic information. In summary, the present study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of SSVEPs to unravel the respective contributions of concurrent neuronal processes involved in the perception of background and object.
An Integrated Biochemistry and Genetics Outreach Program Designed for Elementary School Students
Authors: Ross Eric D , Lee Sarah K , Radebaugh Catherine A , Stargell Laurie A
Published: December 2011

Exposure to genetic and biochemical experiments typically occurs late in one’s academic career. By the time students have the opportunity to select specialized courses in these areas, many have already developed negative attitudes toward the sciences. Given little or no direct experience with the fields of genetics and biochemistry, it is likely that many young people rule these out as potential areas of study or career path. To address this problem, we developed a 7-week (∼1 hr/week) hands-on course to introduce fifth grade students to basic concepts in genetics and biochemistry. These young students performed a series of investigations (ranging from examining phenotypic variation, in vitro enzymatic assays, and yeast genetic experiments) to explore scientific reasoning through direct experimentation. Despite the challenging material, the vast majority of students successfully completed each experiment, and most students reported that the experience increased their interest in science. Additionally, the experiments within the 7-week program are easily performed by instructors with basic skills in biological sciences. As such, this program can be implemented by others motivated to achieve a broader impact by increasing the accessibility of their university and communicating to a young audience a positive impression of the sciences and the potential for science as a career.
Transcriptional Regulatory Circuitries in the Human Pathogen Candida albicans Involving Sense–Antisense Interactions
Authors: Ahmad Ausaf , Kravets Anatoliy , Rustchenko Elena
Published: December 2011

Candida albicans, a major human fungal pathogen, usually contains a diploid genome, but controls adaptation to a toxic alternative carbon source L-sorbose, by the reversible loss of one chromosome 5 (Ch5). We have previously identified multiple unique regions on Ch5 that repress the growth on sorbose. In one of the regions, the CSU51 gene determining the repressive property of the region was identified. We report here the identification of the CSU53 gene from a different region on Ch5. Most importantly, we find that CSU51 and CSU53 are associated with novel regulatory elements, ASUs, which are embedded within CSUs in an antisense configuration. ASUs act opposite to CSUs by enhancing the growth on sorbose. In respect to the CSU transcripts, the ASU long antisense transcripts are in lesser amounts, are completely overlapped, and are inversely related. ASUs interact with CSUs in natural CSU/ASU cis configurations, as well as when extra copies of ASUs are placed in trans to the CSU/ASU configurations. We suggest that ASU long embedded antisense transcripts modulate CSU sense transcripts.
Computerized Neurocognitive Testing for the Management of Sport-Related Concussions
Authors: Meehan William P. , d’Hemecourt Pierre , Collins Christy L. , Taylor Alex M. , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

To describe the prevalence of computerized neurocognitive testing for the assessment of high school athletes who sustain concussions, and to describe associations between using computerized neurocognitive tests, timing of return-to-play, and medical provider managing the athlete.

Methods:

Concussions recorded in the High School Reporting Information Online injury surveillance system during the 2009–2010 academic year were included. Measures of association between use of computerized neurocognitive testing and outcomes were analyzed. A questionnaire was sent to athletic trainers (ATs) querying the use of computerized neurocognitive testing. χ2 analyses were conducted for categorical variables. Logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for potential confounders. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

High School Reporting Information Online recorded 1056 concussions. Athletes who underwent computerized neurocognitive testing were less likely to be returned to play within 10 days of injury (38.5% vs 55.7%, P < .001) and more likely to be returned to play by a physician (60.9% vs 45.6%, P < .001). We had a response rate of 97.3% for the survey. Of respondents, 39.9% used computerized neurocognitive testing; 93.0% of those used ImPACT. Tests were most often interpreted by ATs (78.9%) and/or physicians (78.8%), as opposed to neuropsychologists (16.9%).

Conclusions:

Approximately 40% of US high schools that employ an AT use computerized neurocognitive tests when managing sport-related concussions. Tests are most often interpreted by ATs and physicians, as opposed to neuropsychologists. Computerized neurocognitive tests are significantly associated with the timing of return-to-play.
Towards a Framework for Communication Evidence
Authors: Gibbons John
Published: December 2011

This article attempts to construct a mid-level theoretical overview of communication evidence (sometimes referred to as ‘forensic linguistics’), using decision trees as a theoretical framework. It suggests that there are three main issues – the nature of the sample, the type of evidence and the analysis used. The types of evidence are categorised into language crimes, tradenames, meaning transfer and author attribution, and examples and discussion are given for each. They are further subcategorised, and distinguishing features and characteristics are discussed. It is suggested that the type of analysis used to provide linguistic evidence needs to take into account simultaneously the method of analysis and the communication systems involved. Communication systems in turn are categorised according to ‘levels’ and variable features. This article is regarded as programmatic rather than conclusive – it is intended to stir debate, rather than be seen as a firm statement.
Interpretation of a Crisis Call: Persistence of a primed perception of a disputed utterance
Authors: Fraser Helen , Stevenson Bruce , Marks Tony
Published: December 2011

This article describes an experiment designed to explore the effects of ‘priming’ (i.e. being exposed to a suggested interpretation of an audio signal) on how juries perceive disputed utterances in poor quality recordings used as evidence in legal cases. Using the actual disputed utterance from a real case, the experiment tracks how participants’ perception of its content changes as evidence about the case is gradually revealed to them. At a certain point, participants are randomly divided into two groups, each receiving parallel but slightly different evidence. Results indicate the dangers of priming may be considerably greater than is sometimes recognised, and unlikely to be overcome by a mere caution from the judge. They also indicate that participants’ propensity to consider the defendant guilty may be based on judgements of his trustworthiness influenced by initial impressions of his style of speech, rather than on objective evidence presented to them.
International Practices in Forensic Speaker Comparison
Authors: Gold Erica , French Peter
Published: December 2011

The results of the first international survey on forensic speaker comparison practices are presented in this paper. Thirty-six experts from 13 countries and 5 continents responded to a series of questions concerning their practices in casework. Despite the responses revealing a range of differences, there is nevertheless a reasonably strong convergence with respect to the importance assigned to particular speech features, methodology and choice of framework for expressing conclusions. Practices and preferences revealed by the survey are discussed in the context of constraints imposed by the institutions and jurisdictions within which the participants are situated, and in relation to contemporary trends and developments within forensic speech science.
INCREASING FOLLOWING HEADWAY WITH PROMPTS, GOAL SETTING, AND FEEDBACK IN A DRIVING SIMULATOR
Authors: Arnold Michelle L. , Van Houten Ron
Published: December 2011

We evaluated the effects of prompting, goal setting, and feedback on following headway of young drivers in a simulated driving environment and assessed whether changes produced in following headway were associated with reductions in hard braking when drivers were and were not using cell phones. Participants were 4 university students. During baseline, drivers spent half of the time talking on cell phones while driving. At the start of the intervention, drivers were prompted to increase following headway while on the cell phones and were provided a specific target for following headway. Drivers were given feedback on increasing following headway when on cell phones at the end of each session. The intervention package was associated with an increase in following headway and a decrease in hard braking when participants were on and off the cell phones. Cell phone use did not affect any of the measures.
USING NONCONTINGENT REINFORCEMENT TO INCREASE COMPLIANCE WITH WEARING PRESCRIPTION PROSTHESES
Authors: Richling Sarah M. , Rapp John T. , Carroll Regina A. , Smith Jeanette N. , Nystedt Aaron , Siewert Brook
Published: December 2011

We evaluated the effects of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) on compliance with wearing foot orthotics and a hearing aid with 2 individuals. Results showed that NCR increased the participants' compliance with wearing prescription prostheses to 100% after just a few 5‐min sessions, and the behavior change was maintained during lengthier sessions. The results are discussed in terms of the potential value‐altering effects of NCR.
SEQUENTIAL TREATMENT OF A FEEDING PROBLEM USING A PACIFIER AND FLIPPED SPOON
Authors: Rivas Kristi D. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Kadey Heather J. , Volkert Valerie M. , Stewart Victoria
Published: December 2011

Parents may be reluctant to treat the feeding disorder of a chronically ill child who exhibits distressed behavior during feeding. In this study, we identified a child with chronic medical problems and a feeding disorder who cried during feedings. We introduced treatment components sequentially to address parental concerns about crying. First, we used a pacifier to reduce crying, and then we used a flipped spoon to increase mouth clean. The results showed that a sequential approach to treatment can be effective for children with complex medical and behavioral problems.
Seasonal affective disorder: a review of the syndrome and its public health implications.
Authors: Jacobsen F M , Wehr T A , Sack D A , James S P , Rosenthal N E
Published: December 2011

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a disturbance of mood and behavior which resembles some seasonal changes seen in lower mammals. Like these animal seasonal changes, SAD is thought to be related to decreased sunlight during winter months. [SAD has been successfully treated with exposure to bright artificial light of higher intensity than is usually present in the home or workplace. Many people not suffering from SAD may nonetheless have seasonal changes which could be helped by environmental light supplementation. Lighting standards in the home and workplace should be re-evaluated on the basis of new knowledge of the psychobiological effects of light.] We review the literature on SAD and discuss its public health implications in the context of a typical case presentation.
Effect of disinfectants on pseudomonads colonized on the interior surface of PVC pipes.
Authors: Anderson R L , Holland B W , Carr J K , Bond W W , Favero M S
Published: December 2011

We investigated the effect of disinfectants on microbial contamination present on the interior surface of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes filled with 600 ml of water contaminated with Pseudomonas pickettii and P. aeruginosa. After eight weeks, water was removed, and the test pipes exposed to various types of aqueous disinfectants. Disinfectant samples were removed, neutralized, and examined for recovery of microorganisms by membrane filtration. After seven-days exposure, disinfectant solutions were removed and pipes filled with sterile distilled water. Water was examined by membrane filtration at seven-day intervals to determine whether the organisms had survived in the pipes. Colonization of PVC surfaces were examined during each study phase by scanning electron-microscopy (SEM). P. aeruginosa was isolated directly from iodophor disinfectant, phenolic germicide, and iodophor antiseptic solutions. After addition of sterile water, P. aeruginosa was recovered from PVC pipes previously exposed to chlorine, phenolic, quaternary-ammonium, and iodophor disinfectants; P. pickettii was recovered from water in pipes treated with iodophor disinfectant, chlorine, and ethanol. The existence of glycocalyx-like cellular masses on the interior wall of PVC pipes most likely protected embedded organisms from the microbicidal action of some of the disinfectants tested and served as the reservoir for continuous contamination.
Post-hospital support program for the frail elderly and their caregivers: a quasi-experimental evaluation.
Authors: Oktay J S , Volland P J
Published: December 2011

This paper evaluates the Post-Hospital Support Program for the frail elderly and their caregivers using a quasi-experimental design. The program goals were to reduce stress in the caregivers, improve functioning and reduce mortality in patients, and reduce health service utilization in patients. Subjects were patients at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, age 65 or over, who were returning home to the care of a non-paid caregiver and who had extensive post-hospital care needs which were expected to continue for at least one year. The 93 comparison group patient/caregiver pairs were discharged between May 15, 1983 and May 14, 1984. The 98 treatment group pairs were discharged between May 15, 1984 and May 14, 1985. Interviews were conducted with patients and caregivers at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after discharge. Results showed a slight reduction in caregiver stress and a substantial reduction in hospital days used by the treatment group. When confounding and history effects are taken into consideration, an average difference of 6.5 days per patients remains. The data also suggest that the treatment program may have postponed some deaths and nursing home placements. The results suggest that support services for the frail elderly and their caregivers can be cost efficient by reducing hospital length-of-stay. Savings were estimated at $4,585 per patient per year in this study. However, further work is needed to design programs which more effectively reduce caregiver stress.
Predictors of the initiation of psychotherapeutic medicine use.
Authors: Trinkoff A M , Anthony J C , Muñoz A
Published: December 2011

This study examined the hypothesized predictive association between illicit drug use and the onset of prescribed psychotherapeutic medicine use. The effect of psychiatric symptoms on this relationship was also explored. Data were gathered retrospectively, through standardized household interviews conducted in 1981 for the Baltimore site of the National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program. For this analysis, the sample was restricted to 1,716 respondents ages 18-44 at the time of interview, drawn by probability sampling area household residents of all adult ages. Using Cox proportional hazards models, the onset of psychotherapeutic medicine use was modeled as a function of illicit drug use and psychiatric symptoms, both defined as time-dependent covariates. Newly observed in this analysis was an independent association of illicit drug use with psychotherapeutic medicine use, which was unexplained by psychiatric symptoms (relative hazard = 2.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.15, 3.18). Adjustment for age of onset of alcohol intoxication did not alter the impression that illicit drug users were more likely to initiate use of prescribed psychotherapeutic medicines (relative hazard = 2.52, 95% CI = 2.02, 3.11).
A randomized evaluation of smoking cessation interventions for pregnant women at a WIC clinic.
Authors: Mayer J P , Hawkins B , Todd R
Published: December 2011

Pregnant smokers attending a local health department WIC clinic were randomly assigned to one of two self-help smoking cessation programs or usual care. The multiple component program resulted in larger quit rates than usual care during the last month of pregnancy (11 percent vs 3 percent) and postpartum (7 percent vs 0 percent). Achieving quit rates in WIC similar to those in studies conducted at prenatal care settings, suggests that smoking cessation programs for low-income pregnant WIC clients are feasible.
Variables influencing condom use among intravenous drug users.
Authors: Magura S , Shapiro J L , Siddiqi Q , Lipton D S
Published: December 2011

Correlates of condom use were identified using cross-sectional data from a convenience sample of 211 sexually active intravenous drug users enrolled in methadone maintenance in New York City. Sixty-eight percent did not use condoms at all in the previous month and only 11 percent used condoms every time. Nineteen percent were planning on conception, only 20 percent of whom had been tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody (all seronegative). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that condom use was independently associated with greater personal acceptance of condoms, greater partner receptivity to sexual protection, and recent entry to methadone treatment.
Alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use among fourth-grade urban schoolchildren in 1988/89 and 1990/91.
Authors: Bush P J , Iannotti R J
Published: December 2011

A public-school-based epidemiological survey of fourth-grade students in Washington, DC, was performed in 1988/89 (n = 4675) and 1990/91 (n = 4678). Comparisons of data for the two periods revealed that the lifetime prevalence of self-reported alcohol use, alcohol use without parental knowledge, and smoking more than a puff of cigarettes declined; marijuana use and cigarette experimentation did not. Seven variables were associated with use. Declines were observed in perceived peer pressure to use; seeing a family member/friend selling drugs; and being offered alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana by peers. No declines were observed in family use, perceived friends' use, being bothered a lot if best friends use, or seeing someone else selling drugs.
Commentary: balancing life and death--proceed with caution.
Authors: Dubler N N
Published: December 2011

Hospital professionals' decisions to permit death are amalgams of medical, ethical, and legal judgments. Medical education and socialization and the business of health all focus on offering and providing treatment, not on facilitating death. Some patients are suspicious that rights to refuse care will foster abandonment by care providers. Lawyers and risk managers often let exaggerated fears of future liability limit patients' and families' rights. The culture of medical institutions must change to accommodate notions of negotiated death.
Demographic factors in the use of children's mental health services.
Authors: Cohen P , Hesselbart C S
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVES. This study was designed to (1) determine mental health service use by children of varying age, sex, socioeconomic status, and urbanicity of residence; (2) compare the prevalence of mental disorder in children in these groups; and (3) determine the extent to which differences in service use are consonant with the prevalence differences. METHODS. Data on psychiatric diagnoses and service use were taken from a random longitudinal sample of 760 children. Information was gathered by interviews of mothers and of youth aged 12 to 21. RESULTS. Significant lags in mental health service use were found for youth 18 to 21 years of age, for those living in rural and semirural areas, and for those in middle-income families. To some extent, these service use differences paralleled differences in diagnostic rates. However, when diagnostic differences were controlled, the same patterns of service use inequalities were present. CONCLUSIONS. Mental health service use rates for youth vary by age, urbanicity, and family income. The underservice of middle-income and rural children may reasonably be ascribed to access problems; we explore explanations for the underservice of older youth.
Demographic predictors of mammography and Pap smear screening in US women.
Authors: Calle E E , Flanders W D , Thun M J , Martin L M
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVES. Proven screening technologies exist for both breast and cervical cancer, but they are underused by many women. We sought to evaluate the effect of demographic characteristics on the underuse of mammography and Pap smear screening. METHODS. We analyzed responses from 12,252 women who participated in the 1987 National Health Interview Survey Cancer Control Supplement. Demographic profiles were produced to target severely underserved groups of women. RESULTS. Low income was a strong predictor of mammography underuse, as was Hispanic ethnicity and other race, low educational attainment, age greater than 65, and residence in a rural area. A strong predictor of never having had a Pap smear was never having been married; however, the importance of this characteristic is difficult to interpret in the absence of data on sexual activity. Hispanic women and women of other races of all ages and all income levels underused Pap smear screening, as did older women, particularly older Black women. CONCLUSIONS. The tendency of women to underuse screening technologies varies greatly across levels of basic demographic characteristics. The importance of these characteristics differs for mammography screening versus Pap smear screening.
Survival with AIDS in Massachusetts, 1979 to 1989.
Authors: Seage G R , Oddleifson S , Carr E , Shea B , Makarewicz-Robert L , van Beuzekom M , De Maria A
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVES. The goal of the study was to determine survival time after diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and to identify predictors of survival. METHODS. We conducted a population-based prospective survival analysis of all Massachusetts-resident adult AIDS patients diagnosed from January 1, 1979, through December 31, 1988. RESULTS. Median survival was 406 days, with a 5-year survival rate of 3%. Age older than 40 years (P = .001), a diagnosis other than Kaposi's sarcoma (P = .001), and a history of intravenous drug use (P < or = .01) were associated with shorter survival after confounding was controlled. Survival increased as year of diagnosis became more recent (P < .0001). This temporal effect was strongest for patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Individuals with Kaposi's sarcoma, Hispanics, homosexual men who were concurrent intravenous drug users, and residents of the greater Boston standard metropolitan statistical area, excluding the city of Boston, did not experience increases in survival over time. CONCLUSIONS. With the exception of cases initially defined by Kaposi's sarcoma, recently diagnosed AIDS case subjects survive longer than those diagnosed earlier in the epidemic. Further work is needed to determine whether this effect is due to lead-time bias or better treatment after diagnosis.
Activity level and risk of overweight in male health professionals.
Authors: Ching P L , Willett W C , Rimm E B , Colditz G A , Gortmaker S L , Stampfer M J
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVES. This study undertook to examine relationships between nonsedentary activity level, time spent watching television (TV)/videocassette recorder (VCR), and risk of overweight among men. METHODS. Men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study were mailed surveys. Cross-sectional analyses examined the prevalence and odds of being overweight, prospective analyses determined cumulative incidence rates and relative risks of becoming overweight over 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS. Cross-sectionally, odds of being overweight were 50% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 45%; 55%) lower for men in the highest quintile of nonsedentary activity level when compared with men in the lowest quintile. Among men watching 41 or more hours of TV/VCR per week, the odds of being overweight were 406 (95% CI = 2.67, 6.17) times greater than those for men watching no more than 1 hour per week. Prospectively, higher levels is of nonsedentary activity and lower levels of TV/VCR viewing were independently associated with lower relative risks for becoming overweight between survey years. CONCLUSIONS. Both a lack of nonsedentary activity and time spent watching TV/VCR contribute to the development of overweight in men. Sedentary and nonsedentary activities represent separate domains, each with independent risks for overweight.
Total hip arthroplasty: use and select complications in the US Medicare population.
Authors: Baron J A , Barrett J , Katz J N , Liang M H
Published: December 2011

Use and outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty among US Medicare recipients more than 65 years of age were investigated by means of physician and hospital claims for a 5% random sample during 1986 through 1989. Cases involving hip fracture or evidence of existing orthopedic devices in the hip were omitted. Use rates were higher for women than for men and were substantially lower for Blacks than Whites. Major complications (death, further hip surgery, infection pulmonary embolism) were uncommon. These data document the frequent use of total hip arthroplasty, and confirm the rarity of serious adverse outcomes. Further studies should investigate the lower use of total hip arthroplasty among Blacks.
A survey of injuries among Broadway performers.
Authors: Evans R W , Evans R I , Carvajal S , Perry S
Published: December 2011

To obtain more information about injuries of Broadway performers, 313 performers appearing in 23 Broadway companies were surveyed. The percentage of performers injured was 55.5%, with a mean of 1.08 injuries performer. Lower extremity injuries were the most common. Sixty-two percent of performers believed that their injuries were preventable. As this study reports factors that significantly increase the risk of injury for dancers and actors, it may help to heighten concern with reducing the incidence of injuries to professional performers, theatrical students, and nonprofessionals worldwide.
Burn-related physical impairments and disabilities in Ghanaian children: prevalence and risk factors.
Authors: Forjuoh S N , Guyer B , Ireys H T
Published: December 2011

The prevalence, and risk factors for childhood burn-related physical impairments and disabilities in Ghana were determined with data from mothers of burned children. Of 650 identified burns 113 (174%) resulted in physical impairments, 5 (1%) resulted in physical disabilities. After multivariate adjustment, the odds of developing burn-related physical impairments were increased by burns with protracted healing (odds ratio [OR] = 5.80), burns to the head/neck (OR = 344), burns involving skin removal (OR = 3.04), and wound infection (OR = 2.03) and decreased by first aid (OR = 0.51) and maternal education (OR = 0.54). Education on the proper care of burns may prevent burn-related physical impairments. The results also underscore the link between maternal education and child morbidity.
Exercise--it's never too late: the strong-for-life program.
Authors: Jette A M , Lachman M , Giorgetti M M , Assmann S F , Harris B A , Levenson C , Wernick M , Krebs D
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVES: This investigation determined whether an in-home resistance training program achieved health benefits in older adults with disabilities. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial compared the effects of assigning 215 older persons to either a home-based resistance exercise training group or a waiting list control group. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 3 and 6 months following randomization. The program consisted of videotaped exercise routines performed with elastic bands of varying thickness. RESULTS: High rates of exercise adherence were achieved, with 89% of the recommended exercise sessions performed over 6 months. Relative to controls, subjects who participated in the program achieved statistically significant lower extremity strength improvements of 6% to 12%, a 20% improvement in tandem gait, and a 15% to 18% reduction in physical and overall disability at the 6-month follow-up. No adverse health effects were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide important evidence that home-based resistance exercise programs designed for older persons with disabilities hold promise as an effective public health strategy.
Persistence of susceptibility to measles in France despite routine immunization: a cohort analysis.
Authors: Chauvin P , Valleron A J
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the impact of French routine programs urging the combined measles-mumps-rubella immunization of 15-month-old children. METHODS: We applied a cohort analysis to surveillance data collected by general practitioners to estimate the cumulative incidence rate per 1000 unvaccinated children and the proportion of susceptible children, by age and for each birth cohort between 1985 and 1995. RESULTS: More than 70% of unvaccinated children born in 1985 and 1986 had measles by the age of 10. This incidence rate dramatically decreased after implementation of the routine measles-mumps-rubella immunization program in 1989, but the proportion of 5-year-olds susceptible to measles has not decreased appreciably. In 1996, more than 15% of the children born between 1990 and 1995 were susceptible. CONCLUSIONS: The measles vaccine coverage achieved by the French routine immunization program remains insufficient as regards reducing the number of susceptible children.
Deaths attributable to Alzheimer's disease in the United States.
Authors: Ewbank D C
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVES: This study provided 2 estimates of the number of deaths attributable to Alzheimer's disease in the United States. METHODS: One estimate was based on data from the East Boston, Mass, study. The second was based on a simulation using population-based estimates of prevalence and separate estimates of excess death by duration of disease. RESULTS: Despite different methods and very different estimates of prevalence, these 2 methods led to very similar estimates of 173,000 and 163,000 excess deaths. CONCLUSIONS: These estimates suggest that 7.1% of all deaths in the United States in 1995 are attributable to Alzheimer's disease, placing it on a par with cerebrovascular diseases as the third leading cause of death.
Thalidomide and the Titanic: reconstructing the technology tragedies of the twentieth century.
Authors: Annas G J , Elias S
Published: December 2011

The Titanic has become a metaphor for the disastrous consequences of an unqualified belief in the safety and invincibility of new technology. Similarly, the thalidomide tragedy stands for all of the "monsters" that can be inadvertently or negligently created by modern medicine. Thalidomide, once banned, has returned to the center of controversy with the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) announcement that thalidomide will be placed on the market for the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum, a severe dermatological complication of Hansen's disease. Although this indication is very restricted, thalidomide will be available for off-label uses once it is on the market. New laws regarding abortion and a new technology, ultrasound, make reasonable the approval of thalidomide for patients who suffer from serious conditions it can alleviate. In addition, the FDA and the manufacturer have proposed the most stringent postmarketing monitoring ever used for a prescription drug, including counseling, contraception, and ultrasonography in the event of pregnancy. The Titanic/thalidomide lesson for the FDA and public health is that rules and guidelines alone are not sufficient to guarantee safety. Continuous vigilance will be required to ensure that all reasonable postmarketing monitoring steps are actually taken to avoid predictable and preventable teratogenic disasters.
Coming Home From Jail: The Social and Health Consequences of Community Reentry for Women, Male Adolescents, and Their Families and Communities
Authors: Freudenberg Nicholas , Daniels Jessie , Crum Martha , Perkins Tiffany , Richie Beth E.
Published: December 2011

Each year, more than 10 million people enter US jails, most returning home within a few weeks. Because jails concentrate people with infectious and chronic diseases, substance abuse, and mental health problems, and reentry policies often exacerbate these problems, the experiences of people leaving jail may contribute to health inequities in the low-income communities to which they return.

Our study of the experiences in the year after release of 491 adolescent males and 476 adult women returning home from New York City jails shows that both populations have low employment rates and incomes and high rearrest rates. Few received services in jail. However, overall drug use and illegal activity declined significantly in the year after release. Postrelease employment and health insurance were associated with lower rearrest rates and drug use. Public policies on employment, drug treatment, housing, and health care often blocked successful reentry into society from jail, suggesting the need for new policies that support successful reentry into society.
Racial/Ethnic Discrimination and Health: Findings From Community Studies
Authors: Williams David R. , Neighbors Harold W. , Jackson James S.
Published: December 2011

The authors review the available empirical evidence from population-based studies of the association between perceptions of racial/ethnic discrimination and health. This research indicates that discrimination is associated with multiple indicators of poorer physical and, especially, mental health status.

However, the extant research does not adequately address whether and how exposure to discrimination leads to increased risk of disease. Gaps in the literature include limitations linked to measurement of discrimination, research designs, and inattention to the way in which the association between discrimination and health unfolds over the life course.

Research on stress points to important directions for the future assessment of discrimination and the testing of the underlying processes and mechanisms by which discrimination can lead to changes in health.
Antioxidant activities and phenolic constituents of Cephalotaxus oliveri Mast. aerial parts
Authors: Zeng Lingbin , Vrijmoed L.L.P.
Published: December 2011

The present study was to analyze the antioxidant activity and the responsible
chemical constituents in Cephalotaxus oliveri Mast. aerial parts. DPPH
(2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl), ABTS
[2,2?-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid)], reducing power and
total phenolic content assays indicate that the methanol extract of the
aerial parts is the most potent radical-scavenger and reducing agent with
the highest level of phenolic content among the test extracts. The highly
positive linear correlations implicate that the four assays have similar
capacity to predict the antioxidant potential of the aerial parts and
phenolic compounds present contribute significantly to DPPH and ABTS radical
scavenging activity and reducing power of the extracts. The plant also
displayed considerable superoxide anion radical scavenging activity.
LC-MS/MS and GC-MS analyses resulted in the identification of 22 compounds
in the methanol extract, among which are 15 phenolic compounds. The total
amount of the phenolic compounds in the methanol extract determined by HPLC
method was more than 5622.39 ?g/g dry weight. The considerable antioxidant
potential and a high content of phenolic antioxidants suggest that C.
oliveri aerial parts are a potential source of natural antioxidants.
A Survey of Consumer Information Privacy from the Accounting Information Systems Perspective
Authors: Kauffman Robert J. , Lee Yong J. , Prosch Marilyn , Steinbart Paul J.
Published: December 2011

The information privacy of consumers is an important public policy issue in today's society, and one that businesses, industries, and governments are continuing to struggle with as information technology (IT) innovations create ever-stronger impacts. In this article, we explore consumer information privacy issues and review the results of related prior research. We provide a survey of the literature on information privacy based on our assessment from: (1) the societal and public policy perspective, (2) the business practices perspective, and (3) the individual privacy and consumer behavior perspectives that relate to the disclosure of private information by individuals to firms. From the societal and public policy perspective, we identify a number of research directions that relate to the social welfare implications of personal information surveillance, the safeguards needed at the societal level, and the nature of privacy-enhancing regulations. From the business practices perspective, we suggest other research directions that involve the examination of factors influencing organizational choices of privacy practices. We also offer some ways to discover how organizations can leverage their investments in information privacy. The individual and consumer behavior perspective, in turn, prompts Accounting Information Systems (AIS) researchers to look at the nature of people's beliefs and attitudes about privacy; the ways such attitudes affect their intentions and behaviors; and how individuals' behaviors can be influenced by organizational privacy policies and practices. The main contribution of this article is to understand these issues and identify opportunities for AIS researchers to enrich the current body of knowledge on this critical topic.
Wireworms (Elateridae) occurring in decaying birch (Betula spp.) wood in the Kampinos National Park
Authors: Perliński Stanisław , Sawoniewicz Michał
Published: December 2011

Larwy sprężykowatych (Elateridae) występujące w próchnie brzóz (Betulaspp.) na terenie Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego
Deep brain stimulation in children: experience and technical pearls
Authors: Air Ellen L. , Ostrem Jill L. , Sanger Terence D. , Starr Philip A.
Published: December 2011

Object

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established technique for the treatment of several movement disorders in adults. However, the technical approach, complications, and results of DBS in children have not been well documented.

Methods

A database of DBS implantations performed at a single institution, prospectively established in 1998, was reviewed for patients who received DBS prior to the age of 18. Diagnoses, surgical technique, and complications were noted. Outcomes were assessed using standard rating scales of neurological function.

Results

Of 815 patients undergoing DBS implantation over a 12-year period, 31 were children (mean age at surgery 13.2 years old, range 4–17 years old). Diagnoses included the following: DYT1 primary dystonia (autosomal dominant, Tor1AΔGAG mutation, 10 cases), non-DYT1 primary dystonia (3 cases), secondary dystonia (11 cases), neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA, 3 cases), levodopa-responsive parkinsonism (2 cases), Lesch-Nyhan disease (1 case), and glutaric aciduria Type 1 (1 case). Six children ages 15–17 years old underwent awake microelectrode-guided surgery. For 25 children operated under general anesthesia, the surgical technique evolved from microelectrode-guided surgery to image-guided surgeries using real-time intraoperative MR imaging or CT for lead location confirmation. Complications included 5 hardware infections, all in children younger than 10 years old. At 1 year after implantation, patients with DYT1 dystonia had a mean improvement in the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale movement subscore of 75%, while those with secondary dystonia had only small improvements. Outcomes in the 3 children with NBIA were disappointing.

Conclusions

Results of DBS in children with primary and secondary dystonias were similar to those in adults, with excellent results for DYT1 dystonia in children without fixed orthopedic deformity and much more modest results in secondary dystonia. In contrast to reported experience in adults with NBIA, these results in children with NBIA were poor. Infection risk was highest in the youngest patients.