bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gross and microscopic study of the filum terminale: does the filum contain functional neural elements?
Authors: Gaddam Samson Sujit Kumar , Santhi Vissa , Babu Srinivasa , Chacko Geeta , Baddukonda Ramakrishna Appala , Rajshekhar Vedantam
Published: December 2011

Object

The filum terminale (FT) is considered a fibrous structure that extends from conus medullaris of the spinal cord to coccyx. Based on previous studies and from their own experience with intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring of the sacral nervous system, the authors postulate that the FT contains functional neural elements in some individuals.

Methods

The FT was dissected from 13 fresh stillborn cadavers (7 male, 6 female; mean gestational age 36 weeks and 1 day). The gross anatomical features were recorded, and connections between the FT and the nerve roots of the cauda equina were noted. These connections, when present, were sectioned for histological studies. The fila (both interna and externa) were also sectioned for histological and immunohistochemical studies. In addition, FT specimens were obtained from 5 patients undergoing sectioning of the FT in an untethering surgical procedure.

Results

There were 5 gross connections between the FT and nerve roots demonstrating nerve fibers that were positive for S100. The FT showed islands of cells that were positive for GFAP in 10 cases, synaptophysin in 3 cases, S100 in 11 cases, and nestin in 2 cases. The nerve fibers in the FT were myelinated in 2 cases. The conus ended at the L-1 or L-2 vertebral level in all 13 specimens. The dural sac terminated at the S-2 vertebral level in most of the specimens. The 5 FT specimens that were obtained from patients revealed nerve bundles that were positive for S100 in 4 cases and cells that were positive for GFAP in 3 cases.

Conclusions

There are gross anatomical connections between the FT and nerve roots that contain nerve fibers. Apart from fibrous stroma, the FT may contain nerve bundles and cells that stain positive for GFAP, synaptophysin, S100, and nestin. These microscopic findings and previous intraoperative electrophysiological studies suggest a probable functional role for the FT in some individuals. At birth, the conus ends at a higher vertebral level (lower L-1 or upper L-2) than L-3.
Orbital hydatid cyst
Authors: Kahveci Ramazan , Sanli Ahmet Metin , Gürer Bora , Sekerci Zeki
Published: December 2011

Hydatid cysts rarely appear in the orbital cavity without the involvement of the other organs. Most of them are situated in the superolateral and superomedial angles of the orbit. Inferiorly located cysts are very uncommon. The authors report a case of a primary hydatid cyst of the orbit with inferolateral localization. The cyst was removed surgically via a frontotemporoorbitozygomatic approach combination with puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration technique. This case was considered as a primary infection, because there was no previous history of hydatid disease and no findings of liver and lung cysts on radiological examination. Physicians should include orbital hydatid cyst in the differential diagnosis of unilateral proptosis. To avoid complications that might occur during surgery, the cyst can be easily removed using the combination technique detailed in this report.
Intraventricular twin fetuses in fetu
Authors: Huddle Lauren N. , Fuller Christine , Powell Tiffany , Hiemenga Judith A. , Yan Jia , Deuell Brian , Lyders Eric M. , Bodurtha Joann N. , Papenhausen Peter R. , Jackson-Cook Colleen K. , Pandya Arti , Jaworski Margie , Tye Gary W. , Ritter Ann M.
Published: December 2011

The authors report a rare case of multiple intracranial fetuses in fetu, fulfilling Willis' traditional criteria, which include an axial and appendicular skeleton with surrounding organized tissue. This case was ascertained from studies of a full-term female neonate who presented with ventriculomegaly. A CT scan showed intracranial calcifications that were suggestive of an axial skeleton. Her birth weight was 3.176 kg (50th–75th percentile), length was 52 cm (90th percentile), head circumference was 35 cm (50th–75th percentile), and Apgar scores were 7 and 8 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. Prenatal ultrasonography studies performed at 12 weeks and 5 days, and 19 weeks and 6 days revealed normal findings. A 37-week prenatal ultrasonography study showed ventriculomegaly and obstructive hydrocephalus, with a possible intracranial teratoma. Cranial imaging at birth with ultrasonography, CT and MR imaging, and MR angiography demonstrated 2 complex intraventricular masses with cystic, solid, and bony elements. A craniotomy with resection of the masses was performed at 3 months of age. The infant survived and is now 12 months old with some developmental progress. Two axial skeletons, with accompanying rib cage and extremities, including well-formed feet and toes, were noted. Both anencephalic structures had skin with hair, fat, skeletal and smooth muscle, and bony structures with bone marrow and focal areas of calcification. Multiple viscera were present and included thymus, bowel, stomach, salivary gland, kidney, adrenal gland, lung, and presumed adnexal structures. A diagnosis of fetuses in fetu was rendered. Chromosomal studies of the child and tissue from the 2 fetuses in fetu showed normal female karyotypes. A single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis from the proband infant and tissue from the 2 identified fetuses in fetu appeared to be genetically identical. These results are consistent with a monozygotic twin embryonic origin of the fetus in fetu tissue, which is a mechanism that has been suggested in previous reports in which karyotypes, blood types, and limited genetic loci have been studied. This is the first report of a rare example of intracranial intraventricular twin fetuses in fetu for which a genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism assay has confirmed their genetic identity.
Juxtapontine abscess around a retained wooden fragment following a penetrating eye injury: surgical management via a transtentorial approach
Authors: Gupta Sunil K. , Umredkar Alok A.
Published: December 2011

Penetrating injury through the orbit with a retained intracranial wooden foreign body is rare. The authors report the case of a child with a juxtapontine brain abscess secondary to a retained foreign body. The pitfalls in diagnosis and the surgical management for removal of the wooden fragment and drainage of the abscess are discussed.
Intracranial endodermal sinus tumors associated with growth hormone replacement therapy in a girl
Authors: Tang Zhiwei , Shi Xiang'en , Singh Khatri Chhetri K. I. , Qi Xueling
Published: December 2011

The primary intracranial endodermal sinus tumor (EST) is regarded as a rare histological subtype that is often associated with components of other germ cell tumors, and there are no reports on the onset of intracranial ESTs after growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy. The authors report an extremely rare case of pure primary EST associated with GH replacement therapy. A 15-year-old girl with GH deficiency experienced headache, nausea, and vomiting after GH replacement therapy for a 17-month period. Magnetic resonance imaging showed 2 tumor masses located in the pineal region and frontal horn of the right lateral ventricle, respectively. Before surgery, the authors administered 1 cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which shrank the tumor and facilitated surgical intervention. The larger mass located in the pineal region was removed via a right occipital transtentorial approach, and postoperative histopathological analysis revealed a pure EST. While there is a clear association between the initiation of GH replacement therapy and the development of the EST in this case, the causal effect cannot be specified. Nevertheless, this case demonstrates that GH replacement therapy must be used cautiously.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, Part 2: management of pediatric patients
Authors: Kano Hideyuki , Kondziolka Douglas , Flickinger John C. , Yang Huai-che , Flannery Thomas J. , Awan Nasir R. , Niranjan Ajay , Novotny Josef , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: December 2011

Object

The authors conducted a study to define the long-term outcomes and risks of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Methods

Between 1987 and 2006, the authors performed Gamma Knife surgery in 996 patients with brain AVMs; 135 patients were younger than 18 years of age. The median maximum diameter and target volumes were 2.0 cm (range 0.6–5.2 cm) and 2.5 cm3 (range 0.1–17.5 cm3), respectively. The median margin dose was 20 Gy (range 15–25 Gy).

Results

The actuarial rates of total obliteration documented by angiography or MR imaging at 71.3 months (range 6–264 months) were 45%, 64%, 67%, and 72% at 3, 4, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The median time to complete angiographically documented obliteration was 48.9 months. Of 81 patients with 4 or more years of follow-up, 57 patients (70%) had total obliteration documented by angiography. Factors associated with a higher rate of documented AVM obliteration were smaller AVM target volume, smaller maximum diameter, and larger margin dose. In 8 patients (6%) a hemorrhage occurred during the latency interval, and 1 patient died. The rates of AVM hemorrhage after SRS were 0%, 1.6%, 2.4%, 5.5%, and 10.0% at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The overall annual hemorrhage rate was 1.8%. Larger volume AVMs were associated with a significantly higher risk of hemorrhage after SRS. Permanent neurological deficits due to adverse radiation effects developed in 2 patients (1.5%) after SRS, and in 1 patient (0.7%) delayed cyst formation occurred.

Conclusions

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a gradually effective and relatively safe management option for pediatric patients in whom surgery is considered to pose excessive risks. Although hemorrhage after AVM obliteration did not occur in the present series, patients remain at risk during the latency interval until obliteration is complete. The best candidates for SRS are pediatric patients with smaller volume AVMs located in critical brain regions.
Welcome to Antibodies: A New Open Access, Multidisciplinary Journal
Authors: Kurosaki Tomohiro
Published: December 2011

Secreted antibodies are a key player for exerting appropriate humoral immunity. For instance, in infectious diseases, poly-specific “natural” antibodies provide early protection, independent of T cell help. If this line of defense is crossed, T cell-dependent immune responses then generate a humoral memory provided by long-lived plasma cells secreting specific antibodies of adapted avidity and isotype. Secreted antibodies provide an efficient line of defense against re-infection and are backed up by specific memory B and T cells. In the field of humoral immunity, great discoveries including identification of a special T cell subset helping B cell activation (TFH), have been made in a last couple of years; however, important questions (such as mechanisms for affinity maturation of antibodies) still remain. [...]
How Can We Study Learning with Geovisual Analytics Applied to Statistics?
Authors: Stenliden Linnea , Jern Mikael
Published: December 2011

It is vital to understand what kind of processes for learning that Geovisual Analytics creates, as certain activities and conditions are produced when employing Geovisual Anlytic tools in education. To understand learning processes created by Geovisual Analytics, first requires an understanding of the interactions between the technology, the workplace where the learning takes place, and learners’ specific knowledge formation. When studying these types of interaction it demands a most critical consideration from theoretical perspectives on research design and methods. This paper first discusses common, and then a more uncommon, theoretical approach used within the fields of learning with multimedia environments and Geovisual Analytics, the socio-cultural theoretical perspective. The paper next advocates this constructivist theoretical and empirical perspective when studying learning with multiple representational Geovisual Analytic tools. To illustrate, an outline of a study made within this theoretical tradition is offered. The study is conducted in an educational setting where the Open Statistics eXplorer platform is used. Discussion of our study results shows that the socio-cultural perspective has much to offer in terms of what kind of understanding can be reached in conducting this kind of studies. Therefore, we argue that empirical research to analyze how specific communities use various Geovisual Analytics to evaluate information is best positioned in a socio-cultural theoretical perspective.
Inhibition of Sevoflurane Postconditioning Against Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion-Induced Oxidative Injury in Rats
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Fu-Geng , Meng Chun , Tian Shou-Yuan , Wang Ya-Xin , Zhao Wei , Chen Jun , Zhang Xiu-Shan , Liang Yu , Zhang Shi-Dong , Xing Yan-Jie
Published: December 2011

The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane is capable of inducing preconditioning and postconditioning effects in the brain. In this study, we investigated the effects of sevoflurane postconditioning on antioxidant and immunity indexes in cerebral ischemia reperfusion (CIR) rats. Rats were randomly assigned to five separate experimental groups I–V. In the sham group (I), rats were subjected to the same surgery procedures except for occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and exposed to 1.0 MAC sevoflurane 90 min after surgery for 30 min. IR control rats (group II) were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min and exposed to O2 for 30 min at the beginning of reperfusion. Sevoflurane 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 groups (III, IV, V) were all subjected to MCAO for 90 min, but at the beginning of reperfusion exposed to 0.5 MAC, 1.0 MAC or 1.5 MAC sevoflurane for 30 min, respectively. Results showed that sevoflurane postconditioning can decrease serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and increase serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in cerebral ischemia reperfusion rats. In addition, sevoflurane postconditioning can still decrease blood lipid, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, infarct volume and increase antioxidant enzymes activities, normal pyramidal neurons density in cerebral ischemia reperfusion rats. It can be concluded that sevoflurane postconditioning may decrease blood and brain oxidative injury and enhance immunity indexes in cerebral ischemia reperfusion rats.
Synthesis and 5α-Reductase Inhibitory Activity of C21 Steroids Having 1,4-diene or 4,6-diene 20-ones and 4-Azasteroid 20-Oximes
Authors: Kim Sujeong , Kim Yong-ung , Ma Eunsook
Published: December 2011

The synthesis and evaluation of 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of some 4-azasteroid-20-ones and 20-oximes and 3β-hydroxy-, 3β-acetoxy-, or epoxy-substituted C21 steroidal 20-ones and 20-oximes having double bonds in the A and/or B ring are described. Inhibitory activity of synthesized compounds was assessed using 5α-reductase enzyme and [1,2,6,7-3H]testosterone as substrate. All synthesized compounds were less active than finasteride (IC50: 1.2 nM). Three 4-azasteroid-2-oximes (compounds 4, 6 and 8) showed good inhibitory activity (IC50: 26, 10 and 11 nM) and were more active than corresponding 4-azasteroid 20-ones (compounds 3, 5 and 7). 3β-Hydroxy-, 3β-acetoxy- and 1α,2α-, 5α,6α- or 6α,7α-epoxysteroid-20-one and -20-oxime derivatives having double bonds in the A and/or B ring showed no inhibition of 5α-reductase enzyme.
Computer Vision Based Method and System for Online Measurement of Geometric Parameters of Train Wheel Sets
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Feng , Gao Zhan , Liu Yuan-Yuan , Jiang Feng-Chun , Yang Yan-Li , Ren Yu-Fen , Yang Hong-Jun , Yang Kun , Zhang Xiao-Dong
Published: December 2011

Train wheel sets must be periodically inspected for possible or actual premature failures and it is very significant to record the wear history for the full life of utilization of wheel sets. This means that an online measuring system could be of great benefit to overall process control. An online non-contact method for measuring a wheel set’s geometric parameters based on the opto-electronic measuring technique is presented in this paper. A charge coupled device (CCD) camera with a selected optical lens and a frame grabber was used to capture the image of the light profile of the wheel set illuminated by a linear laser. The analogue signals of the image were transformed into corresponding digital grey level values. The ‘mapping function method’ is used to transform an image pixel coordinate to a space coordinate. The images of wheel sets were captured when the train passed through the measuring system. The rim inside thickness and flange thickness were measured and analyzed. The spatial resolution of the whole image capturing system is about 0.33 mm. Theoretic and experimental results show that the online measurement system based on computer vision can meet wheel set measurement requirements.
Single-Cell Chemical Lysis on Microfluidic Chips with Arrays of Microwells
Authors: Jen Chun-Ping , Hsiao Ju-Hsiu , Maslov Nikolay A.
Published: December 2011

Many conventional biochemical assays are performed using populations of cells to determine their quantitative biomolecular profiles. However, population averages do not reflect actual physiological processes in individual cells, which occur either on short time scales or nonsynchronously. Therefore, accurate analysis at the single-cell level has become a highly attractive tool for investigating cellular content. Microfluidic chips with arrays of microwells were developed for single-cell chemical lysis in the present study. The cellular occupancy in 30-mm-diameter microwells (91.45%) was higher than that in 20-mm-diameter microwells (83.19%) at an injection flow rate of 2.8 mL/min. However, most of the occupied 20-mm-diameter microwells contained individual cells. The results of chemical lysis experiments at the single-cell level indicate that cell membranes were gradually lysed as the lysis buffer was injected; they were fully lysed after 12 s. Single-cell chemical lysis was demonstrated in the proposed microfluidic chip, which is suitable for high-throughput cell lysis.
BIPV-Powered Smart Windows Utilizing Photovoltaic and Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Ma Rong-Hua , Chen Yu-Chia
Published: December 2011

A BIPV-powered smart window comprising a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panel and an all-solid-state electrochromic (EC) stack is proposed. In the proposed device, the output voltage of the BIPV panel varies in accordance with the intensity of the incident light and is modulated in such a way as to generate the EC stack voltage required to maintain the indoor illuminance within a specified range. Two different EC stacks are fabricated and characterized, namely one stack comprising ITO/WO3/Ta2O5/ITO and one stack comprising ITO/WO3/lithium-polymer electrolyte/ITO. It is shown that of the two stacks, the ITO/WO3/lithium-polymer electrolyte/ITO stack has a larger absorptance (i.e., approximately 99% at a driving voltage of 3.5 V). The experimental results show that the smart window incorporating an ITO/WO3/lithium-polymer electrolyte/ITO stack with an electrolyte thickness of 1.0 μm provides an indoor illuminance range of 750–1,500 Lux under typical summertime conditions in Taiwan.
European Union Research Vessels
Authors: von Spee Caspar Graf , Ollier Gilles
Published: December 2011

Ships are major capital consuming facilities and therefore cost intensive. They should be used as efficiently as possible. One of the goals of the European Union (EU) is to encourage transnational use of public or private facilities which address critical needs in order to further improve
their exploitation while avoiding unnecessary duplication and to cover emerging priority needs.To support this aim and to prepare the basis for future European steps, a survey of the existing fleet of multi-role research ships in Europe was undertaken and future scientific requirements
for research vessels were assessed.New projects such as new vessels have to be seen in a European context. Existing arrangements, such as the Tripartite-Agreement, which allows the exchange of ship time by a barter system, will have to be applied and extended. Such agreements will help
to improve collaboration, which should of course not be restricted to Europe. Marine research addresses world-wide knowledge, concerns and projects. Transparency in the field of the technology available will also support global cooperation.
Design Considerations for Oceanographic Research Vessels
Authors: Millick Sujata S.
Published: December 2011

As the oceanographic research vessel community prepares for updating its fleet of research vessels, they must consider vessel designs that improve the capability of the fleet to support science in the near and long-term. Advances in informational technologies have changed the "instruments"
of science and resulted in the ability to study ocean processes in smaller time and space scales than before. While, networked structures on the ocean floor, remote sensing, and autonomous vehicles will allow oceanographers to synoptically measure the environment, ships will remain the "host-platforms"
for such research. However, deployment and recovery of such systems, requires that future designs incorporate capabilities for increased speed, seakeeping, acoustic quietness, efficient power management systems, and lifecycle considerations. Consideration of such issues in the design phases
will allow for the development of a technologically advanced ship that can serve the research community in the near and long-term.A major aspect of oceanography through the decades has been the availability of research vessels for science. However, the access to and the capability of such
vessels under the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) must not be taken for granted. Changes in the oceanographer's ability to make measurements at smaller and smaller sampling scales are brought on by advents in computational and information technologies. These changes
necessitate that the researcher's "host-platform" evolves to handle these new observing systems. This evolution can include, but is not limited to speed, seakeeping, efficient ship power arrangements, and acoustic quietness. While each subject can be the focus of detailed individual papers,
this article presents a general discussion on four elements of oceanographic research vessel design—hull concepts, power systems, acoustics, and life cycle management.
Oceanographic Models as a Tool for Data Integration
Authors: Gill Stephen K. , Aikman III Frank
Published: December 2011

The use of the term “integration” in the oceanographic world is now ingrained in governmental infrastructure for strategic planning and program implementation. Indeed, the National Office for Integrated and Sustained Ocean Observations, Ocean.US, was formed in recognition
of the requirements of an Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS, Malone and Hemsley, this volume). The topic of this contribution is more narrowly focused on improving models through data integration in the larger context of how models are applied and how they interplay with observations.
The report from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy provides this context, along with conceptual planning documents for the various subsystems of IOOS developed by Ocean.US. Within NOAA, specific guidance on data integration is found in various program planning documents such as the NOAA Annual
Guidance Memorandum. The NOAA Storm Surge Partnership Project is an excellent example of a program that is built on the requirement to integrate activities across NOAA, academia, and stakeholders and has a nested data integration activity. Outside of NOAA, but within the IOOS umbrella structure,
several regional observing system entities are developing their own tailored data integration activities. Finally, there are a significant number of research activities that are focusing on various assimilation and integration techniques, both for improving and expanding model applications
and for optimizing the design of the observing systems themselves. We focus here on current coastal modeling and data integration activities to link existing work to the IOOS construct and goals and to discuss limitations and areas needing improvement.
Hardy Space Estimates for Multilinear Operators, I
Authors: Coifman Ronald R. , Grafakos Loukas
Published: December 2011

In this article, we study bilinear operators given by inner products of finite vectors of Calderón-Zygmund operators. We find that necessary and sufficient condition for these operators to map products of Hardy spaces into Hardy spaces is to have a certain number of moments vanishing and under these assumptions we prove a Holder-type inequality in the

H^p

space context.
Hardy Space Estimates for Multilinear Operators, II
Authors: Grafakos Loukas
Published: December 2011

We continue the study of multilinear operators given by products of finite vectors of Calderón–Zygmund operators. We determine the set of all

r ≤ 1

for which these operators map products of Lebesgue spaces

L^p(\mathbb R^n)

into the Hardy spaces

H^r(\mathbb R^n)

. At the endpoint case

r = n/(n + m + 1)

, where

m

is the highest vanishing moment of the multilinear operator, we prove a weak type result.
Weighted Poincaré and Sobolev inequalities for vector fields satisfying Hörmander's condition and applications
Authors: Lu Guozhen
Published: December 2011

In this paper we mainly prove weighted Poincaré inequalities for vector fields satisfying Hörmander's condition. A crucial part here is that we are able to get a pointwise estimate for any function over any metric ball controlled by a fractional integral of certain maximal function. The Sobolev type inequalities are also derived. As applications of these weighted inequalities, we will show the local regularity of weak solutions for certain classes of strongly degenerate differential operators formed by vector fields.
Health Promotion Efforts in Pennsylvania Schools
Authors: Cinelli Bethann , Rose-Colley Mary , Hayes David M.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe health promotion efforts within Pennsylvania public schools. A questionnaire was designed which addressed the following areas: demographics, health issues and concerns, health promotion programming, and variables pertinent to describe districts without programs. The sample consisted of 275 superintendents of public school districts, 41 of which indicated the existence of a health promotion program in their district. Superintendents of districts with health promotion programs indicated the following: the most frequently offered programs were physical fitness activities, stress management and weight reduction; programs were most frequently offered during the after school hours; many programs were not open to family and community; and the administration of the programs was most frequently the responsibility of a school administrator. The remaining 234 school districts did not have health promotion programs. The reasons cited by the superintendents included limited financial resources, an uninterested faculty and staff, and lack of school board support.
A Ballroom Dance Classroom Program Promotes Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in Elementary School Children
Authors: Huang Shirley Y. , Hogg Jeannette , Zandieh Stephanie , Bostwick Susan B.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To determine if an existing ballroom dance classroom program meets national recommendations to engage children in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for ≥ 50% of class time and to determine class effects on body mass index (BMI).

Design.

Prospective descriptive study.

Setting.

Two New York City public schools.

Participants.

Seventy-nine fourth and fifth grade students.

Measurements.

The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) and direct heart rate monitoring were used to determine participants' MVPA levels during class time. Weight and height were measured to calculate BMI.

Analysis.

Means were calculated for continuous variables; frequency counts and percentages were calculated for categorical variables. Change in BMI percentiles was assessed by using Bhapkar's χ2 test of overall marginal homogeneity.

Results.

Data from SOFIT observations showed that a mean of 50.0% and 67.0% of class time in the first and second halves of the program, respectively, were spent in MVPA. Data from the heart rate monitoring revealed that 71.1% of students were at ≥ 25% heart rate reserve, which indicated MVPA for ≥ 50% of class time. Improvement was seen in BMI percentile (p = .051).

Conclusion.

Ballroom dance provides MVPA in elementary school children for ≥ 50% of class time and has a positive impact on BMI percentiles.
U.S. Children's Preschool Weight Status Trajectories: Patterns from 9-Month, 2-Year, and 4-Year Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Birth Cohort Data
Authors: Moss Brian G. , Yeaton William H.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To track changes in U.S. children's early weight status (normal, at-risk, or obese) from infancy through preschool.

Design.

Patterns of change in individual children's weight status are established using three time points from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth cohort.

Setting.

United States.

Subjects.

Nationally representative sample of U.S. preschool children surveyed at 9 months (n = 8900), with follow-up at 2 years (n = 7500) and preschool (n = 7000).

Measures.

Individual children's weight status was determined from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts at multiple time periods.

Analysis.

Layered, categorical data analysis of changes in weight status patterns at three time periods during infancy through preschool.

Results.

Young children whose early weight status was normal tend to retain a normal weight status and not to develop an unfavorable status (at-risk, obese). In contrast, children who were obese at an early age were more likely to have an at-risk or obese weight category at a later age. Overall, both favorable and unfavorable early weight statuses were highly associated with subsequent status at preschool.

Conclusion.

Early weight status can provide important information relevant for early entry point prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
Making News: The Appearance of Tobacco Control Organizations in Newspaper Coverage of Tobacco Control Issues
Authors: Wakefield Melanie A. , Brennan Emily , Durkin Sarah J. , McLeod Kim , Smith Katherine C.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To characterize the presence of advocacy groups in media coverage about tobacco issues.

Design.

A content analysis of tobacco-related newspaper articles.

Setting.

Australia.

Sample.

All 12 national and state capital daily newspapers published in Australia between 2004 and 2007.

Measures.

We coded each article for explicit mentions of any of 16 major national or state tobacco control advocacy groups; for the article type, prominence, and topic; for the tone of the event; and for the author's opinion.

Analysis.

A series of 2 × 2 χ2 analyses assessed the extent to which advocacy groups were more or less likely to be mentioned in articles of each type, prominence, topic, event impact, and opinion orientation.

Results.

Of the 4387 tobacco-related articles published over this period, 22% mentioned an advocacy group. There was a greater-than-expected proportion of advocacy groups mentioned in news articles with very high prominence (44%; χ2 [1, N = 3118] = 27.4, p < .001), high prominence (34%; χ2 [1, N = 3118] = 10.9, p < .001), and medium prominence (30%; χ2 [1, N = 3118] = 7.3, p = .007), and in articles covering events with mixed (30%; χ2 [1, N = 4387] = 10.0, p = .002) or positive (24%; χ2 [1, N = 4387] = 26.1, p < .001) implications for tobacco control.

Conclusions.

Australian tobacco control advocacy groups have a reasonable presence within the news discourse on tobacco control issues and so are likely to contribute to generating and shaping this discourse, particularly in relation to evolving and controversial issues.
How Residential Mobility and School Choice Challenge Assumptions of Neighborhood Place—Based Interventions
Authors: Silver Diana , Weitzman Beth C. , Mijanovich Tod , Holleman Martha
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

Explore the importance of residential mobility and use of services outside neighborhoods when interventions targeting low-income families are planned and implemented.

Design.

Analysis of cross-sectional telephone household survey data on childhood mobility and school enrollment in four large distressed cities.

Setting.

Baltimore, Maryland; Detroit, Michigan; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Richmond, Virginia.

Subjects.

Total of 1723 teens aged 10 to 18 years and their parents.

Measures.

Continuous self-report of the number of years parents lived in the neighborhood of residence and city; self-report of whether the child attends school in their neighborhood; and categorical self report of parents' marital status, mother's education, parent race, family income, child's age, and child's sex.

Analysis.

Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression.

Results.

In this sample, 85.2% of teens reported living in the city where they were born. However, only 44.4% of black teens lived in neighborhoods where they were born, compared with 59.2% of white teens. Although 50.3% of black teens attended schools outside of their current neighborhoods, only 31.4% of whites did. Residential mobility was more common among black than white children (odds ratio = 1.82; p < .001), and black teens had 43% lesser odds of attending school in their home communities.

Conclusions.

Mobility among low-income and minority families challenges some assumptions of neighborhood interventions premised on years of exposure to enriched services and changes in the built environment.
Adopting Local Alcohol Policies: A Case Study of Community Efforts to Regulate Malt Liquor Sales
Authors: McKee Patricia A. , Nelson Toben F. , Toomey Traci L. , Shimotsu Scott T. , Hannan Peter J. , Jones-Webb Rhonda J.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To learn how the local context may affect a city's ability to regulate alcohol products such as high–alcohol-content malt liquor, a beverage associated with heavy drinking and a spectrum of nuisance crimes in urban areas.

Approach.

An exploratory, qualitative case study comparing cities that adopted policies to restrict malt liquor sales with cities that considered, but did not adopt policies.

Setting.

Nine large U.S. cities in seven states.

Participants.

City legislators and staff, alcohol enforcement personnel, police, neighborhood groups, business associations, alcohol retailers, and industry representatives.

Method.

Qualitative data were obtained from key informant interviews (n = 56) and media articles (n = 360). The data were coded and categorized. Similarities and differences in major themes among and across Adopted and Considered cities were identified.

Results.

Cities faced multiple barriers in addressing malt liquor–related problems, including a lack of enforcement tools, alcohol industry opposition, and a lack of public and political will for alcohol control. Compared to cities that did not adopt malt liquor sales restrictions, cities that adopted restrictions appeared to have a stronger public mandate for a policy and were less influenced by alcohol industry opposition and lack of legislative authority for alcohol control. Strategies common to successful policymaking efforts are discussed.

Conclusion.

Understanding the local context may be a critical step in winning support for local alcohol control policies.
Is Fear of Strangers Related to Physical Activity among Youth?
Authors: Ding Ding , Bracy Nicole L. , Sallis James F. , Saelens Brian E. , Norman Gregory J. , Harris Sion Kim , Durant Nefertiti , Rosenberg Dori , Kerr Jacqueline
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To (1) assess the reliability of the newly developed Fears of Stranger Danger (FSD) scale, (2) examine measurement invariance and identify demographic variation in FSD, and (3) examine associations of FSD with physical activity, screen time, and body mass index (BMI) z score.

Design.

Cross-sectional survey with test-retest.

Setting.

Neighborhoods with various socioeconomic characteristics and walkability in San Diego, Boston, and Cincinnati.

Participants.

Parent-adolescent pairs (n = 171), and parents of children (n = 116). Response rate was 47% for Survey 1, and 69% were retained for Survey 2.

Methods.

Data analyses included test-retest reliability and internal consistency for FSD, tests of differential functioning for measurement invariance, t-test for associations between FSD and demographic variables, and partial correlation for associations of FSD with physical activity, screen time, and BMI z score.

Results.

The FSD scale had moderate to substantial test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .65–.85) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach á = .88–.94). Measurement invariance was established across gender, race/ethnicity, and income. FSD was higher regarding younger children, females, nonwhites, and lower-income youth. FSD was positively associated with restrictive parental rules for playing outside (partial r = .28–.33), and negatively associated with children's outdoor physical activity in the neighborhood (partial r = −.27), but not associated with other measures of physical activity, screen time, or BMI z score.

Conclusion.

The new measure of FSD had good evidence of reliability and measurement invariance, but there were inconsistent associations of FSD with youth physical activity.
The Impact of Alternative Incentive Schemes on Completion of Health Risk Assessments
Authors: Haisley Emily , Volpp Kevin G. , Pellathy Thomas , Loewenstein George
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

The biggest challenge for corporate wellness initiatives is low rates of employee participation. We test whether a behavioral economic approach to incentive design (i.e., a lottery) is more effective than a direct economic payment of equivalent monetary value (i.e., a grocery gift certificate) in encouraging employees to complete health risk assessments (HRAs).

Design.

Employees were assigned to one of three arms. Assignment to a treatment arm versus the nontreatment arm was determined by management. Assignment to an arm among those eligible for treatment was randomized by office.

Setting.

A large health care management and information technology consulting company.

Patients.

A total of 1299 employees across 14 offices participated.

Intervention.

All employees were eligible to receive $25 for completing the HRA. Those in the lottery condition were assigned to teams of four to eight people and, conditional on HRA completion, were entered into a lottery with a prize of $100 (expected value, $25) and a bonus value of an additional $25 if 80% of team members participated. Those in the grocery gift certificate condition who completed an HRA received a $25 grocery gift certificate. Those in the comparison condition received no additional incentive.

Measures.

HRA completion rates.

Analysis.

Logistic regression analysis.

Results.

HRA completion rates were significantly higher among participations in the lottery incentive condition (64%) than in both the grocery gift certificate condition (44%) and the comparison condition (40%). Effects were larger for lower-income employees, as indicated by a significant interaction between income and the lottery incentive.

Conclusion.

Lottery incentives that incorporate regret aversion and social pressure can provide higher impact for the same amount of money as simple economic incentives.
Examining Physical Activity Levels and Alcohol Consumption: Are People Who Drink More Active?
Authors: Piazza-Gardner Anna K. , Barry Adam E.
Published: December 2011

Objective.

Summarize/categorize current scientific literature examining the association between alcohol consumption (AC) and levels of physical activity (PA).

Data Source.

Electronic databases spanning education, psychology, sociology, medicine, and interdisciplinary reports.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria.

Included studies (n = 17) must be published in a peer-reviewed, English language journal; measure either AC or PA as an independent/dependent variable; and primarily examine the relationship between AC and PA.

Data Extraction.

Search terms/phrases included alcohol, alcohol consumption, drinking, physical activity, exercise, and physically active.

Data Synthesis.

The Matrix Method and PRISMA guidelines organized pertinent literature and identified/extracted salient findings.

Results.

Alcohol consumers of all ages were more physically active than nondrinking peers. Further, several studies suggest a dose-response relationship between AC and PA, indicating that as drinking increases, so does PA level.

Conclusion.

Reviewed studies support a positive association between AC and PA across all ages. Findings were contrary to the hypothesis of the investigators. Future research should place specific emphasis on identifying why alcohol consumers exercise at higher levels than non–alcohol consumers.
Pilot study of an Internet-based personalized feedback intervention for problem gamblers
Authors: Cunningham John A. , Hodgins David C. , Toneatto Tony
Published: December 2011

This pilot study reports on the initial usage of an online personalized feedback screener for problem gamblers. The Check Your Gambling screener (CYG; www.CheckYourGambling.net) is an online version of a paper and pencil screener that had shown some promise in an initial evaluation to promote short-term reductions in gambling behaviour. The online CYG screener was linked to two existing Web pages for gambling in Ontario, Canada-the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline (OPGH) Web page and ProblemGambling.ca. While more participants used the ProblemGambling.ca (n = 730) version than the OPGH version (n = 591), the OPGH version appeared to be more targeted, as almost all of the participants using this Web site were Canadian (and the personalized feedback of the current version of the CYG is generated using Canadian norms). More work is needed to establish whether the online CYG screener can motivate reductions in gambling among participants or motivate treatment-seeking in those requiring assistance in addressing problematic gambling behviour.
How Sensory Experiences of Children With and Without Autism Affect Family Occupations
Authors: Bagby Molly Shields , Dickie Virginia A. , Baranek Grace T.
Published: December 2011

We used a grounded theory approach to data analysis to discover what effect, if any, children’s sensory experiences have on family occupations. We chose this approach because the existing literature does not provide a theory to account for the effect of children’s sensory experiences on family occupations. Parents of six children who were typically developing and six children who had autism were interviewed. We analyzed the data using open, axial, and selective coding techniques. Children’s sensory experiences affect family occupations in three ways: (1) what a family chooses to do or not do; (2) how the family prepares; and (3) the extent to which experiences, meaning, and feelings are shared.
Developing and Implementing Driving Rehabilitation Programs: A Phenomenological Approach
Authors: Stav Wendy B.
Published: December 2011

This qualitative research study examined the experiences of practitioners who developed and implemented driving rehabilitation programs within the past 5 yr. Researchers interviewed 4 occupational therapists with 10–19 yr of experience, who identified the following facilitators of and barriers to driving program implementation: funding and equipment, institutional support, interdisciplinary conflict, role expectations, professional development, and staffing. Results support prior quantitative research identifying barriers to developing and sustaining driving and community mobility programs. Findings also suggest that program success is dependent on much more than clinical expertise. Results provide occupational therapists with a foundation of expectations when developing new programs to assist them with anticipating and counteracting barriers to success.
Effects of Sensory-Enhanced Yoga on Symptoms of Combat Stress in Deployed Military Personnel
Authors: Stoller Carolyn C. , Greuel Jon H. , Cimini Lucy S. , Fowler Mary S. , Koomar Jane A.
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE. We examined the effects of sensory-enhanced hatha yoga on symptoms of combat stress in deployed military personnel, compared their anxiety and sensory processing with that of stateside civilians, and identified any correlations between the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory scales and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile quadrants.

METHOD. Seventy military personnel who were deployed to Iraq participated in a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-five received 3 wk (≥9 sessions) of sensory-enhanced hatha yoga, and 35 did not receive any form of yoga.

RESULTS. Sensory-enhanced hatha yoga was effective in reducing state and trait anxiety, despite normal pretest scores. Treatment participants showed significantly greater improvement than control participants on 16 of 18 mental health and quality-of-life factors. We found positive correlations between all test measures except sensory seeking. Sensory seeking was negatively correlated with all measures except low registration, which was insignificant.

CONCLUSION. The results support using sensory-enhanced hatha yoga for proactive combat stress management.
Relationship Between Intuition and Emotional Intelligence in Occupational Therapists in Mental Health Practice
Authors: Chaffey Lisa , Unsworth Carolyn A. , Fossey Ellie
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE. Clinical reasoning studies have acknowledged tacit aspects of practice, and recent research suggests that clinical reasoning contains intuition informed by tacit knowledge. Intuition also appears to be influenced by awareness and understanding of emotions. This study investigated the relationship between intuition and emotional intelligence among occupational therapists in mental health practice.

METHOD. We mailed a survey containing measures of cognitive style and of use of emotional competencies at work and demographic questions to 400 members of the national occupational therapy association; 134 occupational therapists responded.

RESULTS. A moderate relationship was found between intuitive cognitive style and emotional intelligence. Experienced therapists scored higher on the use of emotional competencies at work and reported a preference for an intuitive cognitive style to a greater extent than novices.

CONCLUSION. This study represents the first attempt to explore occupational therapists’ preferred cognitive style and self-reported emotional intelligence. Findings suggest that exploring emotions through reflective practice could enhance intuitive aspects of clinical reasoning.
Interrater Reliability in Finger Joint Goniometer Measurement in Dupuytren’s Disease
Authors: Engstrand Christina , Krevers Barbro , Kvist Joanna
Published: December 2011

We investigated interrater reliability of range of motion (ROM) measurement in the finger joints of people with Dupuytren’s disease. Eight raters measured flexion and extension of the three finger joints in one affected finger of each of 13 people with different levels of severity of Dupuytren’s disease, giving 104 measures of joints and motions. Reliability measures, represented by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of the mean (SEM), and differences between raters with the highest and lowest mean scores, were calculated. ICCs ranged from .832 to .973 depending on joint and motion. The SEM was ≤3° for all joints and motions. Differences in mean between highest and lowest raters were larger for flexion than for extension; the largest difference was in the distal interphalangeal joint. The results indicate that following these standardized guidelines, the interrater reliability of goniometer measurements is high for digital ROM in people with Dupuytren’s disease.