bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Anatomical Basis of Effective Connectivity Models with DTI‐Based Fiber Tractography
Authors: Fonteijn Hubert M. J. , Norris David G. , Verstraten Frans A. J.
Published: May 2008

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is considered to be a promising tool for revealing the anatomical basis of functional networks. In this study, we investigate the potential of DTI to provide the anatomical basis of paths that are used in studies of effective connectivity, using structural equation modeling. We have taken regions of interest from eight previously published studies, and examined the connectivity as defined by DTI‐based fiber tractography between these regions. The resulting fiber tracts were then compared with the paths proposed in the original studies. For a substantial number of connections, we found fiber tracts that corresponded to the proposed paths. More importantly, we have also identified a number of cases in which tractography suggested direct connections which were not included in the original analyses. We therefore conclude that DTI‐based fiber tractography can be a valuable tool to study the anatomical basis of functional networks.
Exact Interior Reconstruction from Truncated Limited‐Angle Projection Data
Authors: Ye Yangbo , Yu Hengyong , Wang Ge
Published: May 2008

Using filtered backprojection (FBP) and an analytic continuation approach, we prove that exact interior reconstruction is possible and unique from truncated limited‐angle projection data, if we assume a prior knowledge on a subregion or subvolume within an object to be reconstructed. Our results show that (i) the interior region‐of‐interest (ROI) problem and interior volume‐of‐interest (VOI) problem can be exactly reconstructed from a limited‐angle scan of the ROI/VOI and a 180 degree PI‐scan of the subregion or subvolume and (ii) the whole object function can be exactly reconstructed from nontruncated projections from a limited‐angle scan. These results improve the classical theory of Hamaker et al. (1980).
Synthetic Polymers as Drug-Delivery Vehicles in Medicine
Authors: Neuse Eberhard W.
Published: May 2008

Cancerous diseases present a formidable health problem worldwide. While the
chemotherapy of cancer, in conjunction with other treatment modalities, has reached a
significant level of maturity, efficacious use of such agents is still restricted by numerous
pharmacological deficiencies, such as poor water solubility, short serum circulation
lifetimes, and low bioavailability resulting from lack of affinity to cancer tissue and
inadequate mechanisms of cell entry. More critically still, most drugs suffer from toxic
side effects and a risk of drug resistance. The class of platinum anticancer drugs,
although outstandingly potent, is particularly notorious in that respect. Among the
countless methods developed in recent years in an effort to overcome these deficiencies,
the technology of polymer-drug conjugation stands out as a particularly advanced
treatment modality. The strategy involves the bioreversible binding, conjugating, of a
medicinal agent to a water-soluble macromolecular carrier. Following pharmacokinetic
pathways distinctly different from those of the common, nonpolymeric drugs, the
conjugate so obtained will act as a prodrug providing safe transport of the bioactive
agent to and into the affected, that is, cancerous cell for its ultimate cell-killing activity. The
present treatise will acquaint us with the pharmacological fundamentals of this drug
delivery approach, applied here specifically to the metalorganic platinum-type drug
systems and the organometallic ferrocene drug model. We will see just how this
technology leads to conjugates distinctly superior in antiproliferative activity to cisplatin,
a clinically used antitumor agent used here as a standard. Polymer-drug conjugation
involving metal-based and other medicinal agents has unquestionably matured to a
practical tool to the pharmaceutical scientist, and all indications point to an illustrious
career for this nascent drug delivery approach in the fight against cancer and other
human maladies.
Silver Nanoparticles Confined in SBA‐15 Mesoporous Silica and the Application as a Sensor for Detecting Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Lin Dong-Hai , Jiang Yan-Xia , Wang Ying , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: May 2008

Silver nanoparticles within the pore channels of selectively grafted mesoporous silica SBA‐15 were synthesized. Silanols on the external surface of as‐SBA‐15 were first capped by – groups. After removal of the template of capped SBA‐15 by calcination, silanols on the internal surface of SBA‐15 were modified by 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS), and then formaldehyde was grafted by amino groups of APTMS, and further AgSBA‐15). High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, and UV‐vis spectra confirm that the silver nanoparticles have been confined inside the channels of SBA‐15. In addition, the Ag‐mSBA‐15 modified electrode (Ag‐mSBA‐15/GC) exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The proposed H2O2 sensor exhibits a linear range of 48.5 μM–0.97 M with a detection limit of 12 μM (S/N = 3
) and analytical time of 10 seconds per sample.
Influence of Even-Order Dispersion on Super-Sech Soliton Transmission Quality under Coherent Crosstalk
Authors: Panajotovic Aleksandra , Milovic Daniela , Biswas Anjan , Zerrad Essaid
Published: May 2008

The transmission speed of optical network strongly depends on the impact of higher order dispersion. In presence of coherent crosstalk, which cannot be otherwise controlled by optical filtering, the impact of higher order dispersions becomes more pronounced. In this paper, the general expressions, that describe pulse deformation due to second- and fourth-order dispersions in a single-mode fiber, are given. The responses for such even-order dispersions, in presence of coherent crosstalk, are characterized by waveforms with long trailing edges. The transmission quality of optical pulses, due to both individual and combined influence of second- and fourth-order dispersions, is studied in this paper. Finally, the pulse shape and eye diagrams are obtained.
C‐Peptide and Its C‐Terminal Fragments Improve Erythrocyte Deformability in Type 1 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Hach Thomas , Forst Thomas , Kunt Thomas , Ekberg Karin , Pfützner Andreas , Wahren John
Published: May 2008

Aims/hypothesis. Data now indicate that proinsulin C‐peptide exerts important physiological effects and shows the characteristics of an endogenous peptide hormone. This study aimed to investigate the influence of C‐peptide and fragments thereof on erythrocyte deformability and to elucidate the relevant signal transduction pathway.
Methods. Blood samples from 23 patients with type 1 diabetes and 15 matched healthy controls were incubated with 6.6 nM of either human C‐peptide, C‐terminal hexapeptide, C‐terminal pentapeptide, a middle fragment comprising residues 11–19 of C‐peptide, or randomly scrambled C‐peptide. Furthermore, red blood cells from 7 patients were incubated with C‐peptide, penta‐ and hexapeptides with/without addition of ouabain, EDTA, or pertussis toxin. Erythrocyte deformability was measured using a laser diffractoscope in the shear stress range 0.3–60 Pa. Results. Erythrocyte deformability was impaired by 18–25% in type 1 diabetic patients compared to matched controls in the physiological shear stress range 0.6–12 Pa (P < .01–.001). C‐peptide, penta‐ and hexapeptide all significantly improved the impaired erythrocyte deformability of type 1 diabetic patients, while the middle fragment and scrambled C‐peptide had no detectable effect. Treatment of erythrocytes with ouabain or EDTA completely abolished the C‐peptide, penta‐ and hexapeptide effects. Pertussis toxin in itself significantly increased erythrocyte deformability. Conclusion/interpretation. C‐peptide and its C‐terminal fragments are equally effective in improving erythrocyte deformability in type 1 diabetes. The C‐terminal residues of C‐peptide are causally involved in this effect. The signal transduction pathway is Ca2+‐dependent and involves activation of red blood cell Na+,K+‐ATPase.
Genetic Algorithm Applied to the Eigenvalue Equalization Filtered‐x LMS Algorithm (EE‐FXLMS)
Authors: Lovstedt Stephan P. , Thomas Jared K. , Sommerfeldt Scott D. , Blotter Jonathan D.
Published: May 2008

The FXLMS algorithm, used extensively in active noise control (ANC), exhibits frequency‐dependent convergence behavior. This leads to degraded performance for time‐varying tonal noise and noise with multiple stationary tones. Previous work by the authors proposed the eigenvalue equalization filtered‐x least mean squares (EE‐FXLMS) algorithm. For that algorithm, magnitude coefficients of the secondary path transfer function are modified to decrease variation in the eigenvalues of the filtered‐x autocorrelation matrix, while preserving the phase, giving faster convergence and increasing overall attenuation. This paper revisits the EE‐FXLMS algorithm, using a genetic algorithm to find magnitude coefficients that give the least variation in eigenvalues. This method overcomes some of the problems with implementing the EE‐FXLMS algorithm arising from finite resolution of sampled systems. Experimental control results using the original secondary path model, and a modified secondary path model for both the previous implementation of EE‐FXLMS and the genetic algorithm implementation are compared.
The Function of TiO2 with Respect to Sensitizer Stability in Nanocrystalline Dye Solar Cells
Authors: Barkschat A. , Moehl T. , Macht B. , Tributsch H.
Published: May 2008

Dyes of characteristically different composition have been tested with respect to long‐term stability in operating standardized dye sensitized cells during a time period of up to 3600 hours. Selective solar illumination, the use of graded filters, and imaging of photocurrents revealed that degradation is linked to the density of photocurrent passed. Photoelectrochemical degradation was observed with all sensitizers investigated. Sensitization was less efficient and sensitizers were less photostable with nanostructured ZnO compared to nanostructured TiO2. The best performance was confirmed for cis‐ on TiO2. However, it was 7–10 times less stable under other identical conditions on ZnO. Stability is favored by carboxylate anchoring and metal‐centred electron transfer. In presence of TiO2, it is enhanced by formation of a stabilizing charge‐transfer complex between oxidized Ru dye and back‐bonding interfacial Ti3+ states. This is considered to be the main reason for the ongoing use of expensive Ru complexes in combination with TiO2. The local surface chemistry of the nanocrystalline TiO2 turned out to be a crucial factor for sensitizer stability and requires further investigation.
An Effective Multimedia Item Shell Design for Individualized Education: The Crome Project
Authors: Cheng Irene , Basu Anup
Published: May 2008

There are several advantages to creating multimedia item types and applying computer‐based adaptive testing in education. First is the capability to motivate learning by making the learners feel more engaged and in an interactive environment. Second is a better concept representation, which is not possible in conventional multiple‐choice tests. Third is the advantage of individualized curriculum design, rather than a curriculum designed for an average student. Fourth is a good choice of the next question, associated with the appropriate difficulty level based on a student′s response to the current question. However, many issues need to be addressed when achieving these goals, including: (a) the large number of item types required to represent the current multiple‐choice questions in multimedia formats, (b) the criterion used to determine the difficulty level of a multimedia question item, and (c) the methodology applied to the question selection process for individual students. In this paper, we propose a multimedia item shell design that not only reduces the number of item types required, but also computes difficulty level of an item automatically. The concept of question seed is introduced to make content creation more cost‐effective. The proposed item shell framework facilitates efficient communication between user responses at the client, and the scoring agents integrated with a student ability assessor at the server. We also describe approaches for automatically estimating difficulty level of questions, and discuss preliminary evaluation of multimedia item types by students.
Integration of Bass Enhancement and Active Noise Control System in Automobile Cabin
Authors: Wang Liang , Gan Woon Seng , Kuo Sen M.
Published: May 2008

With the advancement of digital signal processing technologies, consumers are more concerned with the quality of multimedia entertainment in automobiles. In order to meet this demand, an audio enhancement system is needed to improve bass reproduction and cancel engine noise in the cabins. This paper presents an integrated active noise control system that is based on frequency‐sampling filters to track and extract the bass information from the audio signal, and a multifrequency active noise equalizer to tune the low‐frequency engine harmonics to enhance the bass reproduction. In the noise cancellation mode, a maximum of 3 dB bass enhancement can be achieved with significant noise suppression, while higher bass enhancement can be achieved in the bass enhance mode. The results show that the proposed system is effective for solving both the bass audio reproduction and the noise control problems in automobile cabins.
Stem Cells and Transplant Arteriosclerosis
Authors: Xu Qingbo
Published: May 2008

Stem cells can differentiate into a variety of cells to replace dead cells or to repair damaged tissues. Recent evidence indicates that stem cells are involved in the pathogenesis of transplant arteriosclerosis, an alloimmune initiated vascular stenosis that often results in transplant organ failure. Although the pathogenesis of transplant arteriosclerosis is not yet fully understood, recent developments in stem cell research have suggested novel mechanisms of vascular remodeling in allografts. For example, stem cells derived from the recipient may repair damaged endothelial cells of arteries in transplant organs. Further evidence suggests that stem cells or endothelial progenitor cells may be released from both bone marrow and non–bone marrow tissues. Vascular stem cells appear to replenish cells that died in donor vessels. Concomitantly, stem/progenitor cells may also accumulate in the intima, where they differentiate into smooth muscle cells. However, several issues concerning the contribution of stem cells to the pathogenesis of transplant arteriosclerosis are controversial, eg, whether bone marrow–derived stem cells can differentiate into smooth muscle cells that form neointimal lesions of the vessel wall. This review summarizes recent research on the role of stem cells in transplant arteriosclerosis, discusses the mechanisms of stem cell homing and differentiation into mature endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and highlights the controversial issues in the field.
A Negative Soil Moisture–Precipitation Relationship and Its Causes
Authors: Wei Jiangfeng , Dickinson Robert E. , Chen Haishan
Published: May 2008

This study examines a lagged soil moisture–precipitation (S–P) correlation for 24 yr of boreal summer (1979–2002) from the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40), the NCEP–Department of Energy (DOE) reanalysis 2 (R-2), the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR), 10 yr (1986–95) of data from phase 2 of the Global Soil Wetness Project (GSWP-2), and two 24-yr model simulations with the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model version 3.1 (CAM3). The different datasets and model simulations all show a similar negative-dominant S–P correlation pattern with wet areas having more significantly negative correlations than the dry areas. The experiments with CAM3 show that this correlation pattern is not caused by the soil moisture feedback. Rather, the combined effect of the precipitation variability and the memory of soil moisture is the main reason for this correlation pattern. Theoretical analysis confirms this conclusion and shows that the correlation pattern is related to both the precipitation spectrum and the time scale of soil moisture retention. This study suggests that the attribution of lagged correlations of precipitation with soil moisture or related variables should be done cautiously.
On the Upwelling of Downwelling Currents
Authors: Matano Ricardo P. , Palma Elbio D.
Published: May 2008

The term “downwelling currents” refers to currents with a downslope mass flux in the bottom boundary layer. Examples are the Malvinas and Southland Currents in the Southern Hemisphere and the Oyashio in the Northern Hemisphere. Although many of these currents generate the same type of highly productive ecosystems that is associated with upwelling regimes, the mechanism that may drive such upwelling remains unclear. In this article, it is postulated that the interaction between a downwelling current and the continental slope generates shelfbreak upwelling. The proposed mechanism is relatively simple. As a downwelling current flows along the continental slope, bottom friction and lateral diffusion spread it onto the neighboring shelf, thus generating along-shelf pressure gradients and a cross-shelf circulation pattern that leads to shelfbreak upwelling. At difference with previous studies of shelfbreak dynamics (e.g., Gawarkiewicz and Chapman, Chapman and Lentz, and Pickart), the shelfbreak upwelling in the proposed model is not controlled by the downslope buoyancy flux associated with the presence of a shelf current but by the along-shelf pressure gradient associated with the presence of a slope current. As these experiments demonstrate, shelfbreak upwelling will occur in flat-bottomed domains or even in the absence of a bottom boundary layer. The shelfbreak upwelling, moreover, is not evidence of the separation of the bottom boundary layer but of the downstream divergence of the slope currents, and its magnitude is proportional to the volume transport of that current. To prove this hypothesis, the results of a series of process-oriented numerical experiments are presented.
Summertime Influence of SST on Surface Wind Stress off the U.S. West Coast from the U.S. Navy COAMPS Model*
Authors: Haack Tracy , Chelton Dudley , Pullen Julie , Doyle James D. , Schlax Michael
Published: May 2008

High-resolution mesoscale model sea surface temperature (SST) analyses and surface wind stress forecasts off the U.S. West Coast are analyzed on monthly time scales for robust signatures of air–sea interaction as the surface winds encounter ocean surface features such as SST fronts, filaments, and eddies. This interaction is manifest by the linear relationship, or coupling coefficient, between the downwind SST gradient and wind stress divergence and between the crosswind SST gradient and wind stress curl evident from analysis of fields averaged over 29 days. This study examines fields from the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) model, spanning the summer months, June–September, for four consecutive years, 2002–05. Relative to several models evaluated previously, coupling coefficients are much closer to those calculated from Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) satellite measurements. In addition, the summertime correlation between the wind stress derivative field and its corresponding SST gradient field on monthly time scales agrees well with satellite-derived correlations. Sensible and latent heat flux fields are also analyzed for features indicative of pronounced air–sea exchange associated with SST influence.
Evaluation of a Portable DVD Player and System of Least Prompts to Self-Prompt Cooking Task Completion by Young Adults With Moderate Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Mechling Linda C. , Gast David L. , Fields Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2008

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a portable DVD player plus the system of least prompts (SLP) for DVD player use as a self-prompting device to teach cooking tasks to three young adults with moderate intellectual disabilities. A multiple probe design across three cooking tasks and replicated across three students was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the portable DVD player to prompt completion of multistep tasks. Results indicate that the self-prompting, portable DVD player with the SLP was effective in teaching multistep cooking tasks that were maintained over time.
Contexts, Funding History, and Implications for Evaluating the Office of Special Education Program’s Investment in Personnel Preparation
Authors: Kleinhammer-Tramill Jeannie , Tramill James , Brace Heather
Published: May 2008

In this article, the authors explore contexts that have shaped the federal program for personnel preparation in special education. A brief review is provided of the historical, political, and policy considerations that influenced the directions, implementation, and impacts of the federal personnel preparation program funding at particular points in time. Issues and questions are posed for those who seek to understand the impact of the program, and recommendations are provided for how answers to those questions might be used to improve the program and enhance its impact.
Dynamics of Entertainment and Affect in a Super Bowl Audience
Authors: David Prabu , Horton Brian , German Tom
Published: May 2008

Entertainment was modeled as a nested temporal process using ecological momentary assessments. In natural viewing conditions, participants watched a Super Bowl game on television and answered a brief questionnaire via the Internet at the beginning of commercial breaks. Multilevel data analytic techniques were employed to analyze the longitudinal data from these assessments. After controlling for individual differences, such as gender, fandom, and team support, affect played a critical role. Average positive affect, averaged over the course of the game, and situational positive affect during specific moments in the game had a significant impact on entertainment, suggesting a baseline level of entertainment that is associated with the ritual of watching the event and added situational entertainment that is tied to the events in the game. Interestingly, situational negative affect was also significant and seemed to work in concert with positive affect.
Political Ideology and Labor Arbitrators' Decision Making in Work–Family Conflict Cases
Authors: Biernat Monica , Malin Martin H.
Published: May 2008

Labor arbitrators were asked to render decisions about grievances brought by employees who had been fired because of problems created by work conflicts with family responsibilities. The study examined the effects of experimentally manipulated grievant attributes (gender, type of work–family conflict) as well as arbitrator attributes (gender, political ideology) on decision making. When employees were depicted as having had child care problems, liberal arbitrators tended to favor female over male grievants, and political conservatism predicted more favorable judgments rendered toward male grievants. Overall, the data suggest that child care responsibilities cue different patterns of gender bias among liberal and conservative decision makers.
Daily Measurements of Anxiety and Affect: A Study among Spouse Caregivers
Authors: Shifren Kim , Hooker Karen
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this study was to explore the level of variability in anxiety and affect, and the relationship between these variables among caregivers for spouses with probable Alzheimer's disease. Thirty spouse caregivers (17 husbands, 13 wives) completed a measure of anxiety and affect for 30 consecutive days. The results indicated that this caregiving sample showed inter-individual differences in the level of variability in anxiety and affect. Some individuals displayed a moderate amount of stability while others showed much variability over the 30 days. In addition, the results indicated inter-individual differences in the correlations between state anxiety and positive affect for this caregiving sample. The caregivers with low levels of variability in anxiety showed significantly more positive affect and less negative affect than caregivers with high levels of variability in anxiety. It may not be necessary to completely eliminate anxiety in caregivers. Instead, techniques for keeping anxiety at a relatively stable level within individuals may be beneficial for the caregivers.
Response to Failure, Strategic Flexibility, and Learning
Authors: Shafrir Uri , Eagle Morris
Published: May 2008

Recent studies have shown that good problem-solvers spend more time in contemplating their errors, as compared to the time they spend in contemplating success (Shafrir, Ogilvie, & Bryson, 1990; Shafrir & PascualLeone, 1990). This study tested the hypotheses that: (1) Subjects who spend long periods of time thinking about their mistakes (post-failure reflectives) are not only good problem-solvers, but are also aware of and make more frequent use of task-relevant and effective strategies, than subjects who do not spend a lot of time in contemplating their errors (post-failure impulsives). (2) Subjects who are post-failure reflective and post-failure impulsive respond differently to failure in situations where learning is not involved. The results of two experiments supported these hypotheses; children in the 10-13 age group who were post-failure reflective were better problem-solvers, and were more aware of the strategies that they had used, than post-failure impulsive children. On a projective test of response to failure, post-failure reflective children took a more serious view of failure, even when the situational context of the failure experience did not involve learning, than post-failure impulsive children. These results suggest that a general model of response to failure is needed in order to account not only for failure-related behaviour in a learning context, but also in other situations where the contemplation of a recent failure does not produce obvious or immediate gains in future performance.
A Major Difference?
Authors: Lewis Gregory B. , Seong Soo Oh
Published: May 2008

Men's greater tendency to study such high-paying fields as engineering, computer science, and business may account for half of the pay gap between male and female college graduates in the general economy, and women's mobility into traditionally male fields may explain the closing of the gender pay gap in recent decades. Do similar patterns hold for the federal civil service? Using 1% samples of college graduates in 1983, 1993, and 2003, we find that most of women's average pay rose from 72% to 89% of men's, largely because women's seniority levels rose and pay differences between seemingly comparable male and female college graduates fell. Women's concentration in lower paying fields of study explains another 3% or 4% of the pay disparity, but women's migration into fields traditionally dominated by men has not contributed much to the narrowing of the pay gap.
Games and Terrorism
Authors: Sandler Todd , Siqueira Kevin
Published: May 2008

This article provides an updated survey of recent advances in game-theoretic analyses of terrorism. In particular, it investigates the government's allocation of a fixed budget to counter attacks against potential targets. The choice between proactive and defensive countermeasures is addressed, along with the impact that domestic politics has on this choice. Other topics include the interaction between political and militant factions within terrorist groups, the role of asymmetric information, and game-theoretic analysis of suicide terrorism. Throughout, the article highlights surprising results from the application of game theory. Unanswered questions are also indicated.
Making Academic Work Advocacy Work
Authors: Propen Amy , Schuster Mary Lay
Published: May 2008

Through interviews and courtroom observations in a case study done in collaboration with a community partner in two judicial districts in Minnesota, the authors extend the scholarly conversation about critical, activist research in business and technical communication and make pedagogical suggestions by studying two groups who contribute to the discourse about victim rights: judges who accept plea negotiations and make sentencing decisions and advocates who help victims contribute, through victim impact statements, their reactions as crime victims and their requests for certain punishments and conditions for the crime perpetrators. The authors identify the technologies of power used by each group to assert their disciplinary authority and trace how these assertions play out in the courtroom. They conclude that by capitalizing on the normative structures of impact statements, advocates may actually give victims more power. Such activist research might benefit research participants and enhance research methods.
“Handles to Hang on to Our Sobriety”
Authors: Travis Trysh
Published: May 2008

Commonplace books—collections of edifying prose and poetry—have been recognized as an important tool of self-fashioning from the early modern period onward. This article examines the practice of commonplace making by men in the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, where the form becomes a unique expression of the “surrendered masculinity” on which recovery from addiction hinges. The author argues that the embrace of this nontraditional gender identity by the predominately White male population of AA suggests that the category of hegemonic masculinity may be destabilized by men’s spiritual investments.
Behavioral Summer Treatment Program Improves Social and Behavioral Functioning of Four Children With Asperger's Disorder
Authors: Mrug Sylvie , Hodgens J. Bart
Published: May 2008

Difficulty in social functioning, especially in the context of a peer group, is one of the defining features of Asperger's disorder. A number of specific deficits in social behavior and cognitions have been identified as underlying the pervasive social problems experienced by these children. Although treatment guidelines recommend the use of behavioral modification to increase social interactions and integration, few studies evaluate treatment effectiveness of specific interventions. In this report, the authors describe the responses of 4 boys with Asperger's disorder to an intensive and comprehensive intervention developed for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the Summer Treatment Program. This naturalistic, 6-week-long behavioral program produced substantial positive changes in the boys' behavior, social skills, and social relationships. The potential effective components of the program are discussed.
Does an Instruction of a Verbal Labeling Strategy for Hand Movements Improve General Motor Coordination as Well as the Gestural Performance?
Authors: Miyahara Motohide , Leeder Tiffany , Francis Georgina , Inghelbrecht Annelies
Published: May 2008

This multiple-case study investigated whether an instruction of a verbal labeling strategy could enhance developmental coordination disorder (DCD) as well as developmental dyspraxia (DD) on the basis of relative changes in the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) Performance Test scores and the Kaufmann Hand Movement Test (KHMT) scores. The authors used a case formulation approach and taught 4 children with DCD during an 8-week intervention period. During the last half of the intervention, the authors additionally instructed the verbal labeling strategy for hand movements. Visual inspection of plotted time-series data from the MABC and the KHMT showed discordant trend lines in 3 children and concordant lines in 1 child. The results indicated that the verbal labeling strategy could be useful for temporary improvement of DD but not for DCD and that DCD and DD might not be directly related.
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles in Women: Are Pharmacists Doing Enough?
Authors: Prevost Rebecca R.
Published: May 2008

There is evidence that weight reduction, increased physical activity, improved nutritional choices, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol ingestion can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus in women. Pharmacists must increase their incorporation of lifestyle interventions while performing medication counseling. To prepare, pharmacists need increased didactic training during pharmacy school, and practicing pharmacists need focused continuing education. Pharmacists must also look for simple but creative ways to engage patients while performing medication counseling. As heath care costs continue to rise, pharmacists must be willing to participate in research that may demonstrate a reduction in prescription burden due to the combination of healthy lifestyle counseling with medication counseling.
Sequence diversity in the A domain of Staphylococcus aureusfibronectin-binding protein A
Authors: Loughman Anthony , Sweeney Tara , Keane Fiona M , Pietrocola Giampiero , Speziale Pietro , Foster Timothy J
Published: May 2008

Background

Fibronectin-binding protein A (FnBPA) mediates adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to fibronectin, fibrinogen and elastin. We previously reported that S. aureus strain P1 encodes an FnBPA protein where the fibrinogen/elastin-binding domain (A domain) is substantially divergent in amino acid sequence from the archetypal FnBPA of S. aureus NCTC8325, and that these variations created differences in antigenicity. In this study strains from multilocus sequence types (MLST) that spanned the genetic diversity of S.aureus were examined to determine the extent of FnBPA A domain variation within the S. aureus population and its effect on ligand binding and immuno-crossreactivity.

Results

Seven different isotype forms (I – VII) of the FnBPA A domain were identified which were between 66 to 76% identical in amino acid sequence in any pair-wise alignment. The fnbA allelic variants in strains of different multilocus sequence type were identified by DNA hybridization using probes specific for sequences encoding the highly divergent N3 sub-domain of different isotypes. Several isotypes were not restricted to specific clones or clonal complexes but were more widely distributed. It is highly likely that certain fnbA genes have been transferred horizontally. Residues lining the putative ligand-binding trench were conserved, which is consistent with the ability of each A domain isotype to bind immobilized fibrinogen and elastin by the dock-latch-lock mechanism. Variant amino acid residues were mapped on a three-dimensional model of the FnBPA A domain and were predicted to be surface-exposed. Polyclonal antibodies raised against the recombinant isotype I A domain bound that protein with a 4 – 7 fold higher apparent affinity compared to the A domains of isotypes II – VII, while some monoclonal antibodies generated against the isotype I A domain showed reduced or no binding to the other isotypes.

Conclusion

The FnBPA A domain occurs in at least 7 different isotypes which differ antigenically and exhibit limited immuno-crossreactivity, yet retain their ligand-binding functions. Antigenic variation of the FnBPA A domain may aid S. aureus to evade the host's immune responses. These findings have implications for the development of vaccines or immunotherapeutics that target FnBPA.
Determinants of participation in a longitudinal two-stage study of the health consequences of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident
Authors: Guey Lin T , Bromet Evelyn J , Gluzman Semyon F , Zakhozha Victoria , Paniotto Vlodomyr
Published: May 2008

Background

The determinants of participation in long-term follow-up studies of disasters have rarely been delineated. Even less is known from studies of events that occurred in eastern Europe. We examined the factors associated with participation in a longitudinal two-stage study conducted in Kyiv following the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident.

Methods

Six hundred child-mother dyads (300 evacuees and 300 classmate controls) were initially assessed in 1997 when the children were 11 years old, and followed up in 2005–6 when they were 19 years old. A population control group (304 mothers and 327 children) was added in 2005–6. Each assessment point involved home interviews with the children and mothers (stage 1), followed by medical examinations of the children at a clinic (stage 2). Background characteristics, health status, and Chornobyl risk perceptions were examined.

Results

The participation rates in the follow-up home interviews were 87.8% for the children (88.6% for evacuees; 87.0% for classmates) and 83.7% for their mothers (86.4% for evacuees and 81.0% for classmates). Children's and mothers' participation was predicted by one another's study participation and attendance at the medical examination at time 1. Mother's participation was also predicted by initial concerns about her child's health, greater psychological distress, and Chornobyl risk perceptions. In 1997, 91.2% of the children had a medical examination (91.7% of evacuees and 90.7% of classmates); in 2005–6, 85.2% were examined (83.0% of evacuees, 87.7% of classmates, 85.0% of population controls). At both times, poor health perceptions were associated with receiving a medical examination. In 2005–6, clinic attendance was also associated with the young adults' risk perceptions, depression or generalized anxiety disorder, lower standard of living, and female gender.

Conclusion

Despite our low attrition rates, we identified several determinants of selective participation consistent with previous research. Although evacuee status was not associated with participation, Chornobyl risk perceptions were strong predictors of mothers' follow-up participation and attendance at the medical examinations. Understanding selective participation offers valuable insight for future longitudinal disaster studies that integrate psychiatric and medical epidemiologic research.
Facilitating access to voluntary and community services for patients with psychosocial problems: a before-after evaluation
Authors: Grayer Justin , Cape John , Orpwood Lisa , Leibowitz Judy , Buszewicz Marta
Published: May 2008

Background

Patients with psychosocial problems may benefit from a variety of community, educational, recreational and voluntary sector resources, but GPs often under-refer to these through lack of knowledge and time. This study evaluated the acceptability and effectiveness of graduate primary care mental health workers (GPCMHWs) facilitating access to voluntary and community sector services for patients with psychosocial problems.

Methods

Patients with psychosocial problems from 13 general practices in London were referred to a GPCMHW Community Link scheme providing information and support to access voluntary and community resources. Patient satisfaction, mental health and social outcomes, and use of primary care resources, were evaluated.

Results

108 patients consented to take part in the study. At three-month follow-up, 63 (58%) had made contact with a community service identified as suitable for their needs. Most were satisfied with the help provided by the GPCMHW in identifying and supporting access to a suitable service. There was a reduction in the number of patients with a probable mental health problem on the GHQ-12 from 83% to 52% (difference 31% (95% CI, 17% – 44%). Social adjustment improved and frequencies of primary care consultations and of prescription of psychotropic medications were reduced.

Conclusion

Graduates with limited training in mental health and no prior knowledge of local community resources can help patients with psychosocial problems access voluntary and community services, and patients value such a scheme. There was some evidence of effectiveness in reducing psychosocial and mental health problems.
Decrease of PECAM-1-gene-expression induced by proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IFN-α is reversed by TGF-β in sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Neubauer Katrin , Lindhorst Alexander , Tron Kyrylo , Ramadori Giuliano , Saile Bernhard
Published: May 2008

Background and aim

The mechanisms of transmigration of inflammatory cells through the sinusoids are still poorly understood. This study aims to identify in vitro conditions (cytokine treatment) which may allow a better understanding of the changes in PECAM (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule)-1-gene-expression observed in vivo.

Methods and results

In this study we show by immunohistochemistry, that there is an accumulation of ICAM-1 (intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1) and ED1 positive cells in necrotic areas of livers of CCl4-treated rats, whereas there are few PECAM-1 positive cells observable. After the administration of CCl4, we could detect an early rise of levels of IFN-γ followed by an enhanced TGF-β protein level. As shown by Northern blot analysis and surface protein expression analysed by flow cytometry, IFN-γ-treatment decreased PECAM-1-gene-expression in isolated SECs (sinusoidal endothelial cells) and mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) in parallel with an increase in ICAM-1-gene-expression in a dose and time dependent manner. In contrast, TGF-β-treatment increased PECAM-1-expression. Additional administration of IFN-γ to CCl4-treated rats and observations in IFN-γ-/-mice confirmed the effect of IFN-γ on PECAM-1 and ICAM-1-expression observed in vitro and increased the number of ED1-expressing cells 12 h after administration of the toxin.

Conclusion

The early decrease of PECAM-1-expression and the parallel increase of ICAM-1-expression following CCl4-treatment is induced by elevated levels of IFN-γ in livers and may facilitate adhesion and transmigration of inflammatory cells. The up-regulation of PECAM-1-expression in SECs and MNPs after TGF-β-treatment suggests the involvement of PECAM-1 during the recovery after liver damage.
Biological exposure assessment to tetrachloroethylene for workers in the dry cleaning industry
Authors: McKernan Lauralynn T , Ruder Avima M , Petersen Martin R , Hein Misty J , Forrester Christy L , Sanderson Wayne T , Ashley David L , Butler Mary A
Published: May 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting biological tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene, PCE) exposure assessments of dry cleaning employees in conjunction with evaluation of possible PCE health effects.

Methods

Eighteen women from four dry cleaning facilities in southwestern Ohio were monitored in a pilot study of workers with PCE exposure. Personal breathing zone samples were collected from each employee on two consecutive work days. Biological monitoring included a single measurement of PCE in blood and multiple measurements of pre- and post-shift PCE in exhaled breath and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in urine.

Results

Post-shift PCE in exhaled breath gradually increased throughout the work week. Statistically significant correlations were observed among the exposure indices. Decreases in PCE in exhaled breath and TCA in urine were observed after two days without exposure to PCE. A mixed-effects model identified statistically significant associations between PCE in exhaled breath and airborne PCE time weighted average (TWA) after adjusting for a random participant effect and fixed effects of time and body mass index.

Conclusion

Although comprehensive, our sampling strategy was challenging to implement due to fluctuating work schedules and the number (pre- and post-shift on three consecutive days) and multiplicity (air, blood, exhaled breath, and urine) of samples collected. PCE in blood is the preferred biological index to monitor exposures, but may make recruitment difficult. PCE TWA sampling is an appropriate surrogate, although more field intensive. Repeated measures of exposure and mixed-effects modeling may be required for future studies due to high within-subject variability. Workers should be monitored over a long enough period of time to allow the use of a lag term.
Evidence of scrapie transmission via milk
Authors: Konold Timm , Moore S Jo , Bellworthy Susan J , Simmons Hugh A
Published: May 2008

Background

The risk of scrapie infection increases with increased duration and proximity of contact between sheep at lambing. Scrapie infectivity has not been detected in milk but cellular prion protein, the precursor of disease-associated prion protein PrPd, has been found in milk from ruminants. To determine whether milk is able to transmit scrapie, 18 lambs with a prion protein genotype associated with high susceptibility to scrapie (VRQ/VRQ) were fed milk from twelve scrapie-affected ewes of the same genotype, and 15 VRQ/VRQ sheep reared on scrapie-free dams served as controls.

Results

Three lambs fed milk from scrapie-affected ewes were culled due to intercurrent diseases at 43, 44 and 105 days of age respectively, and PrPdwas detected in the distal ileum of the first two lambs, whilst PrPdwas not found in lymphoreticular tissues in the third lamb. A control lamb, housed in a separate pen and culled at 38 days of age, was also negative for PrPdin a range of tissues. Samples of recto-anal mucosa associated lymphoid tissue collected from the remaining 15 live lambs at seven months of age (between five to seven months after mixing) were positive for PrPdin the scrapie milk recipients, whereas PrPdwas not detected in the remaining 14 controls at that time. A subsequent sample collected from control lambs revealed PrPdaccumulation in two of five lambs eight months after mixing with scrapie milk recipients suggestive of an early stage of infection via lateral transmission. By contrast, the control sheep housed in the same building but not mixed with the scrapie milk recipients were still negative for PrPd.

Conclusion

The presence of PrPdin distal ileum and rectal mucosa indicates transmission of scrapie from ewe to lamb via milk (or colostrum) although it is not yet clear if such cases would go on to develop clinical disease. The high level of infection in scrapie-milk recipients revealed by rectal mucosal testing at approximately seven months of age may be enhanced or supplemented by intra-recipient infection as these lambs were mixed together after feeding with milk from scrapie-affected ewes and we also observed lateral transmission from these animals to lambs weaned from scrapie-free ewes.
Cardiac retransplantation is an efficacious therapy for primary cardiac allograft failure
Authors: Atluri Pavan , Hiesinger William , Gorman Robert C , Pochettino Alberto , Jessup Mariell , Acker Michael A , Morris Rohinton J , Woo Y Joseph
Published: May 2008

Background

Although orthotopic heart transplantation has been an effective treatment for end-stage heart failure, the incidence of allograft failure has increased, necessitating treatment options. Cardiac retransplantation remains the only viable long-term solution for end-stage cardiac allograft failure. Given the limited number of available donor hearts, the long term results of this treatment option need to be evaluated.

Methods

709 heart transplants were performed over a 20 year period at our institution. Repeat cardiac transplantation was performed in 15 patients (2.1%). A retrospective analysis was performed to determine the efficacy of cardiac retransplantation. Variables investigated included: 1 yr and 5 yr survival, length of hospitalization, post-operative complications, allograft failure, recipient and donor demographics, renal function, allograft ischemic time, UNOS listing status, blood group, allograft rejection, and hemodynamic function.

Results

Etiology of primary graft failure included transplant arteriopathy (n = 10), acute rejection (n = 3), hyperacute rejection (n = 1), and a post-transplant diagnosis of metastatic melanoma in the donor (n = 1). Mean age at retransplantation was 45.5 ± 9.7 years. 1 and 5 year survival for retransplantation were 86.6% and 71.4% respectively, as compared to 90.9% and 79.1% for primary transplantation. Mean ejection fraction was 67.3 ± 12.2% at a mean follow-up of 32.6 ± 18.5 mos post-retransplant; follow-up biopsy demonstrated either ISHLT grade 1A or 0 rejection (77.5 ± 95.7 mos post-transplant).

Conclusion

Cardiac retransplantation is an efficacious treatment strategy for cardiac allograft failure.