bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enrichment of phosphorylated proteins from cell lysate using a novel phosphate‐affinity chromatography at physiological pH
Authors: Kinoshita‐Kikuta Emiko , Kinoshita Eiji , Yamada Atsushi , Endo Mika , Koike Tohru
Published: August 2006

While phosphoproteins have attracted great interest toward the post‐genome research (e.g. clinical diagnosis and drug design), there have been few procedures for the specific enrichment of native phosphoproteins from cells or tissues. Here, we describe a simple and efficient protocol to enrich phosphoproteins comprehensively from a complex mixture containing solubilized cellular proteins. This method is based on immobilized metal affinity chromatography using a phosphate‐binding tag molecule (i.e. a dinuclear zinc(II) complex) attached on a highly cross‐linked agarose. The binding, washing, and elution processes were all conducted without a detergent or a reducing agent at pH 7.5 and room temperature. An additive, 1.0 M CH3COONa, was necessary in the binding and washing buffers (0.10 M Tris‐CH3COOH, pH 7.5) to prevent the nonphosphorylated protein from binding. The absorbed phosphoproteins were eluted using a mixed buffer solution (pH 7.5) consisting of 0.10 M Tris‐CH3COOH, 10 mM NaH2PO4‐NaOH, and 1.0 M NaCl. In this study, we demonstrate a typical example of phosphate‐affinity chromatography using an epidermal growth factor‐stimulated A431 cell lysate. The total time for the column chromatography (1 mL gel scale) was less than 1 h. The strong enrichment of the phosphoproteins into the elution fraction was evaluated using SDS‐PAGE followed by Western blotting analysis.
Miscibility and crystallization behavior of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) blends
Authors: Lim Jung Seop , Noda Isao , Im Seung Soon
Published: August 2006

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHB‐HHx) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG) blends were prepared using melt blending. The single glass transition temperature, Tg, between the Tgs of the two components and the negative χ value indicated that PHB‐HHx and MPEG formed miscible blends over the range of compositions studied. The Gordon–Taylor equation proved that there was an interaction between PHB‐HHx and MPEG in their blends. FTIR supported the presence of hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl group of MPEG and the carbonyl group of PHB‐HHx. The spherulitic morphology and isothermal crystallization behavior of the miscible PHB‐HHx/MPEG blends were investigated at two crystallization temperatures (70 and 40 °C). At 70 °C, melting MPEG acted as a noncrystalline diluent that reduced the crystallization rate of the blends, while insoluble MPEG particles acted as a nucleating agent at 40 °C, enhancing the crystallization rate of the blends. However, no interspherulitic phase separation was observed at the two crystallization temperatures. The constant value of the Avrami exponent demonstrated that MPEG did not affect the three‐dimensional spherulitic growth mechanism of PHB‐HHx crystals in the blends, although the MPEG phase, such as the melting state or insoluble state, influenced the crystallization rate of the blends. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2852–2863, 2006
Hydrogen bond effect of azido polyurethane elastomer by dynamic mechanical analysis
Authors: Qiu Shaojun , Gan Xiaoxian , Gao Chao , Zheng Xiaodong , Yu Hongjian , Fan Huiqing
Published: August 2006

Hydrogen bond effects in azido polyurethane elastomers (APUE) have been studied by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and the results show that the hydrogen bond effect has stronger temperature dependence. The activation energy of hydrogen bond dissociation (Ea) and the hydrogen bond density (vs/V) have been evaluated from the elastic modulus–temperature relationship. The calculated Ea in this work is much higher than the reported values of normal polyurethane elastomer (PUE). The values of Ea are 81.3, 68.1, 53.3, and 42.3 kJ/mol at 150, 110, 50, and 20 Hz, respectively, for PUE‐1 (CPPB/HDI trimer elastomer); 94.6, 75.8, 48.4, and 36.9 kJ/mol at 150, 110, 50, and 20 Hz, respectively, for PUE‐2 (APPB/HDI trimer elastomer); 82.1, 74.4, 59.8, and 46.5 kJ/mol at 150, 110, 50, and 20 Hz, respectively, for PUE‐3 (APPB/HDI trimer/EG elastomer); 145, 124, 88.0, and 75.5 kJ/mol at 150, 110, 50, and 20 Hz, respectively, for PUE‐4 (APPB/HDI trimer/BD elastomer); and 72.2, 64.3, 49.8, and 39.9 KJ/mol at 150, 110, 50, and 20 Hz, respectively, for PUE‐5 (APPB/HDI trimer/HD elastomer). The DMA estimations are semiquantitative for it ignores other physical crosslinking effects and the results give relative order of vs/V and Ea. The values of vs/V of crosslinked APUE (PUE‐3, PUE‐4, and PUE‐5) are much higher than PUE‐2. The test frequency could affect the values of vs/V and higher frequency would minify the difference of the values of vs/V for two given temperatures. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2841–2851, 2006
Protective effects of Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) against carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Yemitan Omoniyi K. , Izegbu Matthew C.
Published: August 2006

The effect of the ethanol extract of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale was tested against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and acetaminophen‐induced liver toxicities in rats. Increases in serum and liver marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase as well as sorbitol and glutamate dehydrogenases were produced in normal rats that were not pretreated with the extract. However, extract‐pretreated rats attenuated in a dose‐dependent manner, CCl4 and acetaminophen‐induced increases in the activities of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH and SDH in the blood serum. The protective effect of the extract on CCl4 and acetaminophen‐induced damage was confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver. These results indicate that the oil from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale could be useful in preventing chemically induced acute liver injury. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation for cross‐species proteomics research by publicly available expressed sequence tag database search using tandem mass spectral data
Authors: Huang Mei , Chen Tong , Chan ZhuLong
Published: August 2006

With 1383 tandem mass spectra derived from 120 individual protein spots separated by the two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel electrophoresis of protein samples from three different species, comparative analyses were performed by searching the Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) database (DB) and the NCBI non‐redundant (nr) DB of green plants, respectively, which uses the Mascot search engine to establish a statistical basis. It was confirmed that the former could identify more peptides manually validated by de novo sequencing (DNS) from fewer species in more closely phylogenetic relationships than the latter in a statistically significant manner. Our data demonstrated that correct peptide identifications were given low Mascot scores (e.g. 6–14) and incorrect peptide identifications were given high Mascot scores (e.g. 68–83). Our data also showed that the current evaluation approaches to protein assignments are unsatisfactory because a few ‘false‐positive’ proteins are recognized and several ‘false‐negative’ proteins are rescued by manual validation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis of pepper volatiles
Authors: Cardeal Z. L. , Gomes da Silva M. D. R. , Marriott P. J.
Published: August 2006

The headspace compositions of 13 pepper and peppercorn samples of different species, colloquially also referred to as pepper, were analyzed, and more than 300 compounds were tentatively characterized by means of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography in tandem with flame ionization detection, quadrupole mass spectrometric detection and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric detection (GC × GC‐FID, GC × GC/qMS and GC × GC/TOFMS, respectively). The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was performed after solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) using a 75‐µm PDMS/DVB fibre. Fingerprint comparison between the three techniques permitted peaks to be assigned in the GC × GC‐FID experiment based on the analogous MS analysis, taking into account retention shifts arising from method variations.

When using GC × GC/TOFMS, about five times more peaks were identified than in GC × GC/qMS. Retention indices for all peaks were calculated in the bi‐dimensional column set comprising of a 5% phenyl polysilphenylene‐siloxane primary column and a polyethylene glycol second column. The spectra obtained by both mass detection techniques (qMS and TOFMS) give very similar results when spectral library searching was performed. The majority of the identified compounds eluted as pure components as a result of high‐resolution GC × GC separations, which significantly reduces co‐elution, and therefore increases the likelihood that pure spectra can be obtained. The differences between TOFMS and qMS (in fast scanning mode) spectra were generally small. Whilst spectral quality and relative ion ratios across a narrow peak (e.g. wb ∼ 100–150 ms) do vary more for the fast peaks obtained in GC × GC/qMS operation, than with TOFMS, in general adequate spectral matching with the library can be achieved. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of triacetone triperoxide by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry by electron and chemical ionization
Authors: Sigman Michael E. , Clark C. Douglas , Fidler Rebecca , Geiger Cherie L. , Clausen Christian A.
Published: August 2006

The explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP) has been analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and sub‐nanogram detection limits are reported by ammonia positive ion chemical ionization (PICI), electron ionization (EI) and methane negative ion chemical ionization (NICI). Analysis by methane PICI and ammonia NICI gave detection limits in the low nanogram range. Analyses were carried out on (linear) quadrupole and ion trap instruments. Analysis of TATP by PICI using ammonia reagent gas is the preferred analytical method, producing low limits of detection as well as an abundant (greater than 60% of base peak) diagnostic adduct ion at m/z 240 corresponding to [TATP + NH4]+. Isolation of the [TATP + NH4]+ ion with subsequent collision‐induced dissociation (CID) produces extremely low abundance product ions at m/z values greater than 60, and the m/z 223 ion corresponding to [TATP + H]+ was not observed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B88LYP/DVZP level indicate that dissociation of the complex to form NH and TATP occurs at energies lower than peroxide bond dissociation, while protonation of TATP leads to cleavage of the ring structure. These results provide a method for pico‐gram detection levels of TATP using commercial instrumentation commonly available in forensic laboratories. As a point of comparison, a detection limit of 15 ng was obtained by flame ionization detection. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
δ13C analyses of calcium carbonate: comparison between the GasBench and elemental analyzer techniques
Authors: Skrzypek Grzegorz , Paul Debajyoti
Published: August 2006

Measurements of stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of carbonates or carbonate‐rich soils are seldom performed in a continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) using an elemental analyzer (EA) as an online sample preparation device. Such analyses are routinely carried out with an external precision better than 0.1‰ using a GasBench II (GB) sample preparation device coupled online with a continuous‐flow IRMS. In this paper, we report and compare δ13C analyses (86 total analyses) of calcium carbonates obtained by using both the GB and the EA. Using both techniques, the δ13C compositions of two in‐house carbonate standards (MERCK carbonate and NR calcite) and ten selected carbonate‐rich paleosol samples (of variable CaCO3 content) were analyzed, and data are reported in the VPDB scale calibrated against international standards, NBS 18 and 19. For the in‐house standards analyzed by both techniques, a precision better than 0.08‰ is achieved. The analytical errors (1σ) computed from multiple analyses of the δ13C of both the MERCK and NR obtained by the above two techniques are nearly identical. In general, the 1σ (internal error) of paleosol analyses obtained in the GB is better than 0.06‰, whereas that for the analyses in the EA (three repetitive analyses of the same sample) varies in the range 0.05–0.21‰. However, for paleosols having more than 85% CaCO3, 1σ is better than 0.15‰ (similar to the instrument precision), and in this case the δ13CVPDB of samples obtained by the GB is similar to that obtained by the EA. Our results suggest that the δ13C of pure calcium carbonate samples can also be analyzed using the EA technique. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved method for cyanide determination in blood using solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Frison Giampietro , Zancanaro Flavio , Favretto Donata , Ferrara Santo Davide
Published: August 2006

A new method is described for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of cyanide, a very short‐acting and powerful toxic agent, in human whole blood. It involves the conversion of cyanide into hydrogen cyanide and its subsequent headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and detection by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Optimizing the conditions for the GC/MS (type of column, injection conditions, temperature program) and SPME (choice of SPME fiber, effect of salts, adsorption and desorption times, adsorption temperature) led to the choice of a 75‐µm carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane SPME fiber, with D3‐acetonitrile as internal standard, and a capillary GC column with a polar stationary phase. Method validation was carried out in terms of linearity, precision and accuracy in both aqueous solutions and blood. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were determined only in aqueous solutions. The assay is linear over three orders of magnitude (water 0.01–10, blood 0.05–10 µg/mL); and the LOD and LOQ in water were 0.006 and 0.01 µg/mL, respectively. Good intra‐ and inter‐assay precision was obtained, always <8%. The method is simple, fast and sensitive enough for the rapid diagnosis of cyanide intoxication in clinical and forensic toxicology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Story telling in sustainable development projects
Authors: Bell Simon , Morse Stephen
Published: August 2006

This paper constitutes an attempt to find a means to represent multiple stories in the strong narrative of conventional sustainable development (SD) projects. The authors' experience of such projects in various parts of the world indicates that they have a tendency to arise from and reflect a dominant mindset, placing the SD project in what can be a working environment that is inimical to the very ideals that SD is supposed to represent. Short‐termism and value for money drive project formats and objectives, whilst counter‐narratives and alternative stories arising from stakeholders in such projects are often ignored. Yet these alternative threads often contain strong SD messages of their own and could, if effectively utilized, enhance the SD project process. This paper sets out the case for a new field – ‘project ethnography’ – allied with the growing use of meta‐analysis to compare project ‘stories’. The analytical model applied to compare projects is based on the Kolb learning cycle and involves a (3 × 4)‐fold questioning of project conceptualization and roll‐out. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Access control in ad hoc networks with selfish nodes
Authors: Zhao Dongmei
Published: August 2006

We propose an access control scheme for ad hoc networks where nodes compete for transmissions selfishly in order to maximize their own payoffs. A game theory‐based model is first formulated and an equilibrium transmission probability is derived based on the total number of competing nodes, packet transmission error probabilities and other parameters. Packet transmission performance, including both transmission throughput and delay, is then analyzed. Our results show that the proposed channel access scheme allows good spatial reuse of the same channel and its saturation throughput can be much higher than the physical transmission rate of the channel under relatively good channel conditions. The mean packet transmission delay can be kept very low (e.g., less than 10 ms) so long as the offered traffic load is below the capacity. The main advantage of this access control scheme is that it allows fair channel access even nodes are selfish and do not corporate with each other in competing for transmissions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MAPLE: a framework for mobility‐aware pro‐active low energy clustering in ad hoc mobile wireless networks
Authors: Palit Rajesh , Hossain Ekram , Thulasiraman Parimala
Published: August 2006

We propose a framework for mobility‐aware pro‐active low energy (MAPLE) clustering in ad hoc mobile wireless networks. Most of the clustering approaches proposed in the literature primarily focus on the algorithmic aspects of clustering without considering the practical implementation issues and these are often reactive in nature. The proposed approach addresses the problem of clustering in a medium‐access control framework and enables pro‐active and energy‐efficient clustering by exploiting the node mobility information. In particular, for pro‐active clustering we introduce a method to exploit the link level information to estimate the mobility pattern of the wireless nodes and the cost of using a wireless link in terms of required transmission power. A channel reservation technique is used to reduce the number of contentions among the nodes while accessing the channel during cluster formation. Simulation results show that the proposed framework results in superior clustering performance in terms of stability, load distribution, and control overhead compared to other clustering approaches proposed in the literature. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power control and scheduling with minimum rate constraints in clustered multihop TD/CDMA wireless ad hoc networks
Authors: Qian Lijun , Vaman Dhadesugoor R. , Li Xiangfang , Gajic Zoran
Published: August 2006

In order to achieve high end‐to‐end throughput in a multihop wireless ad hoc network, TD/CDMA has been chosen as the Medium Access Control (MAC) scheme due to its support for high network throughput in a multihop environment. The associated power control and scheduling problem needs to be addressed to optimize the operations of TD/CDMA. In this paper, cluster‐based architecture is introduced to provide centralized control within clusters, and the corresponding power control and scheduling schemes are derived to maximize a network utility function and guarantee the minimum rate required by each traffic session, given routes for multiple end‐to‐end multihop traffic sessions. Because the resulted optimal power control reveals bang‐bang characteristics, that is, scheduled nodes transmit with full power while other nodes remain silent, the joint power control and scheduling problem is reduced to a scheduling problem. The multi‐link version of the throughput‐optimal and the proportional fair scheduling algorithms for multihop wireless ad hoc networks are proposed. In addition, a generic token counter mechanism is employed to satisfy the minimum rate requirements. By ensuring different minimum rate for different traffic sessions, service differentiation is also achieved. Approximation algorithms are suggested to reduce the computational complexity. In networks that are lack of centralized control, distributed scheduling algorithms are also derived and fully distributed implementation is provided. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health‐related quality of life in child patients with temporomandibular disorder pain
Authors: Jedel Elizabeth , Carlsson Jane , Stener‐Victorin Elisabet
Published: August 2006

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) occurs frequently in children and measuring health‐related quality of life (HRQL) can complement efficacy measures, offering a complete picture of the impact of disease and treatment on overall well‐being.

Aim: To compare HRQL, pain threshold (PT) and range of motion (ROM) in child patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain and an age and gender matched control group.

Methods: The study design was a controlled cross‐sectional study. Forty‐two children participated in the study. Twenty‐one child patients referred to a dental pediatric clinic for specialist treatment because of TMD pain and an age and gender matched control group completed the Child health questionnaire‐child form 87 (CHQ‐CF87). PT was measured with Pain matcher® and ROM in terms of maximum unassisted mandibular opening was measured with a ruler.

Results: The child patients with pain more than once a week had a pain duration ranging from 3 months to almost 6 years. The median for pain intensity measured with visual analogue scale (VAS) was 47 ranging from 5 to 80 and the median for behavioral rating scale (BRS) was 3 ranging from 1 to 4. Child patients with TMD pain more than once a week reported significantly lower scores in CHQ‐CF87 when compared with a control group. The results for PT and ROM were non‐significant.

Conclusion: CHQ‐CF87 could be used for measuring health and to evaluate the efficacy of treatment in child patients with TMD pain.
Functions of the MAPK family in vertebrate‐development
Authors: Krens S.F. Gabby , Spaink Herman P. , Snaar-Jagalska B. Ewa
Published: August 2006

The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, consisting of the extracellular signal regulated protein kinase, c‐Jun amino terminal MAPK and p38 subfamilies, is conserved in evolution throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. These proteins have been implicated in diverse cellular processes including cell growth, migration, proliferation, differentiation, survival and development. Gene‐targeting approaches in mice, chickens, frogs and zebrafish revealed crucial roles of MAPK in vertebrate development. Gene‐disruption or ‐silencing often lead to lethal effects, therefore the zebrafish ex utero development provides an excellent in vivo model to study the function of MAPK in early embryogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the MAPK family function in vertebrate‐development and place this into the perspective of possibilities for future research.
About lipids and toxins
Authors: Reig Núria , van der Goot F.Gisou
Published: August 2006

Many mono or multicellular organisms secrete soluble proteins, referred to as protein toxins, which alter the behavior of foreign, or target cells, possibly leading to their death. These toxins affect either the cell membrane by forming pores or modifying lipids, or some intracellular target. To reach this target, they must cross one of the cellular membranes, generally that of an intracellular organelle. As described in this minireview, lipids play crucial roles in the intoxication process of most if not all toxins, by allowing/promoting binding, endocytosis, trafficking and/or translocation into the cytoplasm.
Basic Electrocardiogram Interpretation for the OR Nurse
Authors: Hutchisson Bettyann , Cossey Shirley , Wheeler Rosemarie
Published: August 2006

A basic understanding of electrocardiogram (EKG) interpretation is necessary for all perioperative nurses. This includes knowledge of the conduction system of the heart and skill at identification of normal and abnormal EKG rhythms. This article discusses basic EKG interpretation for OR nurses. AORN J 69 (Jan 1999) 222–239.
Phacoemulsification Procedures Performed with Topical Anesthesia
Authors: Garbee Deborah Delaney
Published: August 2006

Phacoemulsification procedures with topical anesthesia, performed with small comeal incisions and 4% lidocaine hydrochloride methylparaben‐free eye drops, have very high patient satisfaction rates because patients do not experience intraoperative pain, do not require sutures or eye patches, and have immediate improvements in their vision. Phacoemulsification procedures with topical anesthesia are cost‐effective for surgery departments because patients have shorter hospitalizations and require fewer chargeable items. The perioperative nursing role is essential to the success of phacoemulsification procedures with topical anesthesia. AORN J 66 (Aug 1997) 253–265.
Interventional Uroradiologic Procedures
Authors: Strangio Linda
Published: August 2006

Fifteen years ago, most genitourinary procedures were performed only in ORs. Advances in imaging and minimal access surgery (MAS) techniques offer patients a choice between open surgical procedures that often require lengthy hospital stays or interventional uroradiologic procedures that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Percutaneous nephrostomy procedures are one of the most common interventional uroradiologic procedures performed in radiology departments today. A percutaneous nephrostomy tube is passed under fluoroscopic guidance through the skin and into the renal pelvis to drain urine for patients with obstructions above their bladders or with strictured or nonfunctional ureters. These MAS procedures are safe and cost‐effective and usually can be performed with IV conscious sedation and local anesthesia. AORN J 66 (Aug 1997) 286–294.
The Role of the Breast Clinic Nurse
Authors: Deane Karen A.
Published: August 2006

Women scheduled for breast biopsy procedures experience heightened anxiety about the outcomes of their diagnostic procedures. Perioperative nurses have unique opportunities to provide quality nursing care for patients awaiting breast biopsy procedures and their definitive diagnoses. The prevalence (ie, 50%) of benign breast disease in women of reproductive age and the anxiety related to the threat of breast cancer are important nursing concerns. This article addresses the breast clinic nurse's role in meeting the emotional and informational needs of women scheduled for breast biopsy procedures. The human response to illness (HRI) model is used as a framework for understanding the phenomenon of anxiety within this context. The HRI model provides a basis for delivering quality nursing care through the development of an enhanced role for the breast clinic nurse. AORN J 66 (Aug 1997) 304–310.
A Prospective, Controlled Study Showing that Rubber Gloves are the Major Contributor to Latex Aeroallergen Levels in the Operating Room
Authors: Steelman Victoria M.
Published: August 2006

A Prospective, Controlled Study Showing that Rubber Gloves are the Major Contributor to Latex Aeroallergen Levels in the Operating Room, DK Heilman, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 92, August 1996, 325–330
Implementation Recommendations for Making Health Care Facilities Latex Safe
Authors: Kim KT , Graves PB , Safadi GS , Alhadeff G , Metcalfe J
Published: August 2006

The problem of latex allergy is not limited to health care workers who provide direct patient care. Individuals in environmental services, dietary, engineering, and medical records departments have the potential for sensitization. Due to the significant liability that may arise from a latex‐induced anaphylaxis or death, It is no longer prudent for health care facilities to ignore the problem. This article proposes practical recommendations for implementation of an institutionwide latex‐safe environment in health care facilities. AORN J 67 (March 1998) 615–632.
Using a Case Scenario Approach to Evaluate Age‐Specific Competencies
Authors: Chard Robin R.
Published: August 2006

Age‐specific competencies for staff members having direct patient contact is a requirement of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. This article addresses an annual competency evaluation of perioperative staff members relating to age‐specific criteria. Several types of case scenarios were developed and given to staff members (eg, RNs, surgical technologists, OR assistants, postanesthesia care unit attendants) according to their specific job descriptions and responsibilities within the surgical services department. A case scenario format was used because of the variety of health care personnel and the ability to manipulate the scenarios according to the needs of patients, staff members, and the institution. The evaluation tools were meant to adequately assess staff members' abilities to care for patients throughout the life span. AORN J 67 (March 1998) 634–642.
Participation and interest in leisure activities by adolescent schoolchildren
Authors: Garton Alison F. , Pratt Chris
Published: August 2006

Knowledge of the leisure activities and pursuits of adolescents is important as it can provide a greater understanding of the social world of the adolescent. Further, it is necessary not only to know what adolescents actually do in their leisure time, but what they are interested in doing. In this study, the relationship between levels of participation and levels of interest in leisure activities was investigated via analysis of a comprehensive 77 item questionnaire administered to 247 adolescents. Factor analytic techniques were used to summarize the data, enabling comparisons to be made between boys and girls. Adolescents were found to engage in and be interested in activities characterised by their sex stereotyped nature, although in general none of the popular pursuits was either physically or mentally demanding. There was a high correlation between participation and interest, with adolescents participating in activities that interested them. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Development and validation of the occupational identity scale
Authors: Melgosa Julian
Published: August 2006

Ego‐identity research utilizing Marcia's (1966) identity statuses has been prolific during the past 15 years. The four types of statuses—achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, diffusion—have become part of the ego‐identity development theory. The development of a research tool to study further one of the dimensions of ego‐identity development (occupational dimension) was perceived as a need. Therefore, items were created utilizing the criteria established by previous research and content validated by a group of experts. These statements were validated by 417 students from six high schools and colleges. Responses were analyzed and measures of construct and concurrent validity were obtained. Also indexes of internal consistency and item discrimination were estimated. Through factor analysis techniques, four factors were identified for the occupational identity statuses. They accounted for 49 per cent of the total variance. Reliability coefficients ranged between 0·70 and 0·87. Concurrent validity coefficients ranged between 0·38 and 0·79, when correlated with a similar instrument. After deletion of those items that did not contribute significantly to the validity of the instrument, a 28‐item Occupational Identity Scale was established.
Physical abuse, sexual victimization and illicit drug use: A structural analysis among high risk adolescents
Authors: Dembo Richard , Dertke Max , La Voie Lawrence , Borders Scott , Washburn Mark , Schmeidler James
Published: August 2006

The relationships between child physical and sexual abuse and illicit drug use are relatively unexplored and obscure. Data gathered from a sample of youths in a juvenile detention center permitted an examination of this important issue. A structural model, specifying the influence of child physical and sexual abuse variables on the youths' illicit drug use, directly and as mediated by self‐derogation, was estimated among male and female detainees. Results suggest that for both gender groups, sexual victimization had a primarily direct effect on drug use, whereas physical abuse had both a direct and an indirect effect on drug use. The indirect effect of physical abuse on drug use was mediated by self‐derogation. Further analysis indicated race did not affect the results. The implications of these results for theroy and research on the etiology of drug use and the identification of youths in high risk groups who are likely to become seriously involved in drug use are discussed.
Adolescent exhibitionists: Theory and therapy
Authors: Green David
Published: August 2006

In the absence of an agreed etiology or preferred treatment for exhibitionism the author reviews his clinical experience in working with adolescent boys who have indecently exposed themselves. A retrospective analysis indicates that the implicit theories that informed clinical practice construed exhibitionism as social behaviour rather than psychological symptom and placed it in a clear developmental context. It is argued that adolescent exhibitionism can be viewed as a “strategic interaction” that is characteristically adolescent. Using the individual adolescent's account of his misconduct it may be possible to determine the particular “game” in which he is engaged. This formulation can lead to clinical interventions which will best foster a future change of strategy and reduce the prospects of re‐offending. Three clinical vignettes illustrate this model in action. Finally the theoretical limitations and practical difficulties associated with this way of understanding adolescent exhibitionists are discussed.
Humanistic approaches to the understanding and treatment of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Dittmar Helga , Bates Brian
Published: August 2006

Research and treatment approaches to anorexia nervosa are primarily based on behaviourist psychology. This review summarizes some attempts to understand the causes and consequent treatments of the condition from the viewpoints of psychoanalytically informed, family, existential and feminist psychology. These perspectives, which focus on the individual experience of the anorexic, leave many questions unanswered, but provide fresh frameworks from which to investigate and treat the condition.
Adolescent self‐reports of social activity: Assessment of stability and relations to social adjustment
Authors: Connolly Jennifer , White Donna , Stevens Renee , Burstein Sam
Published: August 2006

Adolescents' self‐reports of peer social activity were examined with regard to short‐term stability and in relation to social adjustment. Two separate periods of data collection are reported; year 1 with 74 grade nine students and year 2 with 76 grade nine students. On both occasions, four administrations of a self‐report questionnaire were undertaken. As well, in year 2, social adjustment ratings, indices of perceived competence and self‐efficacy, and IQ were collected. The analyses of the measure's consistency indicated acceptable stability of the self reports across two weeks and high internal consistency. These findings indicate the potential utility of this methodology for studying peer activity. Zero‐order and multiple correlation analyses between social activity, self‐evaluations and social adjustment were computed. The analyses suggest that peer social activity is correlated with social self‐esteem, enhanced social self‐efficacy and teacher's ratings of social engagement. Social isolation appeared to be an independent dimension and was related to lowered self‐esteem and teacher ratings of social withdrawal. Overall, the results of the study add to our understanding of the components of social adjustment in adolescence.
Cultural and cognitive considerations in the prevention of American Indian adolescent suicide
Authors: Lafromboise Teresa D. , Bigfoot Delores Subia
Published: August 2006

A description of cultural considerations associated with American Indian adolescent coping is presented within a transactional, cognitive‐phenomenological framework. Select cultural values and cultural beliefs of American Indians associated with death are discussed in terms of person variables and situational demand characteristics that interplay in the transactional coping process. Three situational demand characteristics (ambiguity of identity, frequency of loss, and pervasiveness of hardships) are then presented to illustrate the reciprocal relationship between environmental contingencies and American Indian individual and community efforts at coping. The dynamic interdependence between person and environmental variables is emphasized and considered essential for inclusion in the design of interventions to prevent suicide. Existing intervention efforts with American Indian adolescent suicide attempters are reviewed and a school‐wide cognitive behavioural approach based on the transactional model of coping with suicide is described. It is suggested that on‐going cognitive restructuring, social skills training, and peer counselling training activities be culturally adapted and integrated into relevant areas of the school curricula in order that coping be enhanced and suicide ameliorated.
Folk hero modeling therapy for Puerto Rican adolescents
Authors: Costantino Giuseppe , Malgady Robert G. , Rogler Lloyd H.
Published: August 2006

Puerto Ricans are concentrated in the Northeastern United States in predominantly low socioeconomic status, urban Hispanic communities. Due to a constellation of stressors associated with their minority status, bilingualism and bicultural conflicts, Puerto Rican adolescents are at high risk of mental disorder. Research has shown that factors such as migration experiences, low socioeconomic status, and Hispanic values conflicting with Anglo culture (e.g., familism, spiritualistic and folk beliefs, orientation to time) are associated with higher rates of psychiatric symptomatology in the Hispanic population. Community mental health resources are under utilized, and traditional therapy modalities have had limited success in remedying the emotional and behavioural problems of Hispanics. This paper reviews several approaches to the delivery of culturally sensitive mental health services to Hispanic populations and describes the development of a new modality for Puerto Rican adolescents. The modality presents Puerto Rican folk heroes and heroines in a modelling therapy targeted towards enhancing adolescents' pride in their ethnic heritage, self‐esteem, and adaptive coping with stress. The therapy was implemented on a small‐group basis with 21 Puerto Rican adolescents, some of whom participated with their mothers. A clinical evaluation of the therapy was conducted by summarizing therapists' progress reports on each participant and by interviewing the participants about their impressions of the therapy experience. Progress reports and participants' self‐reports indicated that the adolescents increased in self‐disclosure and self‐confidence; they gained pride in being Puerto Rican; they learned adaptive mechanisms for coping with stress; and they enjoyed learning about famous Puerto Ricans and their culture.
Systematic review of resource utilization in the hospital management of deliberate self-harm
Authors: SINCLAIR JULIA M. A. , GRAY ALASTAIR , HAWTON KEITH
Published: August 2006

Background. Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a significant public health problem, representing a major burden in terms of morbidity to the individual and health-service utilization. While clinical guidelines suggest good practice for the short-term hospital management of DSH, there remains considerable variability in the way that services are provided.

Method. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to examine the current evidence on hospital resource use and costs involved in the short-term hospital management of adults following DSH and to elucidate the factors that influence these differences, in terms of clinical characteristics and service provision.

Results. Twenty-one papers reporting on 17 studies met the inclusion criteria for review. Clinical characteristics associated with an increase in resource use included overdose with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) compared with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (weighted ratio 2·6[ratio ]1) and co-ingestion of alcohol with SSRIs. Variations in service provision, including medical admissions policy and provision of a specialist liaison service, affected resource utilization independently of the clinical needs of patients.

Conclusions. Overdoses of TCAs incur substantially greater hospital costs than overdoses of SSRIs. Variations in the medical seriousness of DSH, and in the structure of service provision, affect the resources used in its short-term hospital management, with little evidence about the impact these differences have on clinical outcome. Research is needed to evaluate the impact of different styles of service provision on outcome, and to incorporate these factors into the trial design of future cost-effectiveness studies of interventions following DSH.
Functional and psychosocial impairment in adults with undiagnosed ADHD
Authors: ABLE STEPHEN L. , JOHNSTON JOSEPH A. , ADLER LENARD A. , SWINDLE RALPH W.
Published: August 2006

Background. Identify a group of adults with ‘undiagnosed’ attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and compare their personal and family medical histories, psychosocial profiles, functional impairment and quality of life with non-ADHD controls. Additionally, compare adults with undiagnosed and diagnosed ADHD to investigate possible reasons why the undiagnosed avoid clinical detection.

Method. ICD-9 codes for ADHD in administrative claims records and responses to a telephone-administered adult ADHD screener [the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)] were used to classify approximately 21000 members of two large managed health-care plans as ‘undiagnosed’ (no coded diagnosis; ASRS positive) or ‘non-ADHD’ controls (no coded diagnosis; ASRS negative). Patients identified as ‘undiagnosed’ ADHD were compared with samples of non-ADHD controls and ‘diagnosed’ ADHD patients (ICD-9 coded ADHD diagnoses) on the basis of demographics, socio-economic status, past and present mental health conditions, and self-reported functional and psychosocial impairment and quality of life.

Results. A total of 752 ‘undiagnosed’ ADHD subjects, 199 ‘non-ADHD’ controls and 198 ‘diagnosed’ ADHD subjects completed a telephone interview. Overall, the ‘undiagnosed’ ADHD cohort demonstrated higher rates of co-morbid illness and greater functional impairment than ‘non-ADHD’ controls, including significantly higher rates of current depression, and problem drinking, lower educational attainment, and greater emotional and interpersonal difficulties. ‘Undiagnosed’ ADHD subjects reported a different racial composition and lower educational attainment than ‘diagnosed’ ADHD subjects.

Conclusion. Individuals with ‘undiagnosed’ ADHD manifest significantly greater functional and psychosocial impairment than those screening negative for the disorder, suggesting that ADHD poses a serious burden to adults even when clinically unrecognized.
Differential and inverse kinematics of robot devices using conformal geometric algebra
Authors: Bayro-Corrochano Eduardo , Zamora-Esquivel Julio
Published: August 2006

In this paper, the authors use the conformal geometric algebra in robotics. This paper computes the inverse kinematics of a robot arm and the differential kinematics of a pan–tilt unit using a language of spheres showing how we can simplify the complexity of the computations.

This work introduces a new geometric Jacobian in terms of bivectors, which is by far more effective in its representation as the standard Jacobian because its derivation is done in terms of the projections of the involved points onto the line axes. Furthermore, unlike the standard formulation, our Jacobian can be used for any kind of robot joints.

In this framework, we deal with various tasks of three-dimensional (3D) object manipulation, which is assisted by stereo-vision. All these computations are carried out using real images captured by a robot binocular head, and the manipulation is done by a five degree of freedom (DOF) robot arm mounted on a mobile robot. In addition to this, we show a very interesting application of the geometric Jacobian for differential control of the binocular head. We strongly believe that the framework of conformal geometric algebra can generally be of great advantage for visually guided robotics.
Risk of hospitalization during influenza season among a cohort of patients with congestive heart failure
Authors: SANDOVAL C. , WALTER S. D. , KRUEGER P. , SMIEJA M. , SMITH A. , YUSUF S. , LOEB M. B.
Published: August 2006

It is uncertain whether hospitalization among patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) increases during the influenza season. This retrospective cohort study used influenza surveillance data from the United States (1986–1987 to 1990–1991), clinical information from the Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD) database, and daily temperature data from the National Climatic Data Center to assess the effect of influenza season on hospitalizations in this cohort of patients. The overall hospitalization rate was higher during influenza seasons compared to non-influenza seasons [relative risk (RR) 1·08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·01–1·16]. Multivariable Cox modelling revealed an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1·11 for hospitalization during the influenza season (95% CI 1·03–1·20, P=0·005). Overall death rates were also higher during influenza seasons than non-influenza seasons (RR 1·09, 95% CI 0·97–1·21), but the corresponding adjusted HR for death was not significant (HR 1·01, 95% CI 0·98–1·24, P=0·11). Patients with CHF have a greater risk of hospitalization during the influenza season than in the non-influenza season, supporting the current belief that patients with CHF should be regarded as a high-risk group.
Capture–recapture analysis to estimate the incidence of invasive meningococcal disease in Germany, 2003
Authors: SCHRAUDER A. , CLAUS H. , ELIAS J. , VOGEL U. , HAAS W. , HELLENBRAND W.
Published: August 2006

The incidence of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Germany in 2003 was estimated by the two-source capture–recapture method. As a unique personal identifier was unavailable, cases with IMD tested at the National Reference Centre for Meningococci (NRZM) were matched with cases reported to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) through the statutory surveillance system by using demographic and disease-specific variables common to both datasets. The estimated overall incidence was 1·1 IMD cases/100 000 inhabitants, with a sensitivity of ascertainment of 64·8% for NRZM and 89·4% for RKI. Case-fatality rate was estimated at 8·8%. Adjustment for heterogeneity of capture according to age, region and serogroup observed in the NRZM (but not RKI) source had minimal effect on the estimated incidence. The IMD incidence estimated by capture–recapture analysis is thus only slightly higher than through statutory surveillance data. As a degree of positive dependence between the systems cannot be ruled out, this estimate may still be an underestimate. However, under ascertainment appears insufficient to explain the low incidence of IMD in Germany compared to other European countries.