bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Intracapsular Femoral Neck Fractures in Adults Younger than 65 Years
Authors: Irene Lo , Siu-Bon Woo , Wai-Lam Chan , Wing-Cheung Wong
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The study is to review the results of intracapsular femoral neck fractures in young adults (age < 65) treated with reduction and multiple-screw fixation from 2000 to 2007.

Method

Sixty-four consecutive patients were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 53.5 (32–65) years old. All fractures were either closely or openly reduced and fixed with three 7.5-mm cancellous screws. The mean follow up period was 36.8 months (6–100).

Results

We found that 9 of 64 (14.1%) patients developed osteonecrosis of femoral head on follow up. Displacement of fracture (Garden classification), initial stability of fracture pattern (Pauwel classification), and quality of reduction (Haidukewych grading) were found to have significant effect on the development of osteonecrosis, whereas the effect of patient age, time lapse of surgery, capsulotomy, hip aspiration, and postoperative weight bearing regimen were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Fracture pattern and quality of reduction govern the fate of the femoral heads in young adults with their intracapsular femoral neck fractures fixed with screws.
Imageless Computer Navigation in Total Knee Arthroplasty—The
Authors: Kwok-Hing Chiu , Kin-Wing Cheung , Kwong-Yin Chung
Published: July 2011

Correct implant positioning and mechanical alignment are crucial for long-term survival of the total knee prosthesis. Imageless navigation can improve the femoral and tibial component position in the sagittal and coronal planes, as well as the overall lower limb mechanical axis. However, there are pitfalls related to the imageless computer navigation systems in total knee arthroplasty. We need to know these pitfalls and weight against the benefits of this new technology.
Removal of a Broken Intramedullary Femoral Nail by Transarticular Retrograde Technique—A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Hing-Cheong Wong , Sik-Chung Chiu
Published: July 2011

We report a 20-year-old Chinese female who presented with severe limping because of nonunion of her right proximal femoral fracture. The radiographs showed an intramedullary femoral nail fractured through one of its proximal locking holes. We successfully treated her by exchanging the intramedullary nail and grafting with autogenous bone. A transarticular retrograde technique was employed for the removal of the broken nail since it could not be removed by standard conventional techniques.
Ultrasound Measurement of Transversus Abdominis During Loaded, Functional Tasks in Asymptomatic Individuals: Rater Reliability
Authors: Watson Todd , McPherson Sue , Fleeman Sherry
Published: July 2011

Objective

To examine the ability of 2 clinicians to consistently measure recorded contractions of the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle via ultrasound imaging (USI) during lifting and reaching tasks typical of everyday or work‐related activities.

Design

Methodologic survey that measured inter‐ and intrarater reliability.

Setting

University laboratory.

Participants

A subset of 54 cine‐loop images that were randomly selected from 6 randomly selected asymptomatic adults from a larger study that consisted of a sample of convenience of 20 asymptomatic adults, with a mean (SD) age of 18.8 ± 2.5 years and mean (SD) body mass index of 25.5 ± 3.5 kg/m2.

Main Outcome Measures

Thickness changes in the TrA muscle at rest and during contraction while performing 5 functional, loaded tasks. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to estimate reliability. ICC model 2,1 was used for all reliability analyses on 3 TrA muscle measures: minimum thickness, maximum thickness, and percentage change in muscle thickness. Percentage thickness change of TrA muscle was calculated as ([thicknessmax − thicknessmin]/thicknessmin) × 100.

Results

Two clinicians both scored 9 trials of 6 randomly selected participants (54 cine loops). Rater 1 scored these images again 28 days later. All image information (participant, trial, task, and testing session) was masked. Interrater ICC (2,1) for TrA muscle measures were moderate (0.71 rested state, 0.83 contracted state, 0.81 percentage change of muscle thickness); and high for intrarater ICC (2,1) (0.97 rested state, 0.99 contracted state, and 0.95% change in muscle thickness).

Conclusion

This study provides data for ensuring acceptable reliability of USI measures of TrA muscle thickness and thickness changes taken during loaded and functional activities. This study is the first to examine interrater and intrarater reliability of recorded cine loop images of asymptomatic adults in upright positions on 3 measures of TrA muscle activation (minimum, maximum, and percent change in muscle thickness). Reliable USI measures of TrA muscle thickness changes meet the ongoing need for clinicians' knowledge of proper and sufficiently adequate muscle activation in the clinical setting to assist progression of lumbar stabilization exercises.
How Parties Shape Class Politics: Explaining the Decline of the Class Basis of Party Support
Authors: Evans Geoffrey , Tilley James
Published: July 2011

Why has the association between class and party declined over time? Contrary to conventional wisdom that emphasizes the fracturing of social structures and blurring of class boundaries in post-industrial society, it is argued here that class divisions in party preferences are conditioned by the changing shape of the class structure and the effect of parties’ strategic ideological responses to this transformation on the choices facing voters. This thesis is tested using British survey data from 1959 to 2006. We demonstrate that increasing class heterogeneity does not account for the decline of the class–party association, which occurs primarily as a result of ideological convergence between the main parties resulting from New Labour's shift to the centre.
The Structure of Party-Organization Linkages and the Electoral Strength of Cleavages in Italy, 1963–2008
Authors: Bellucci Paolo , Heath Oliver
Published: July 2011

No consensus exists on the causal mechanisms underpinning declining voting based on social cleavages – religion and class – in Europe. Previous research has emphasized two main factors: social change within the electorate (bottom-up) and parties’ policy polarization (top-down). This article presents a third level of analysis that links parties and cleavage-related social organizations, producing a factor capable of reinforcing group identity and interest representation. This hypothesis was tested for Italy in 1968–2008, where changes in the party system provided a natural experiment to assess the impact of changing structural alternatives at the party–organizational level. The level of cleavage voting in Italy then responded primarily to changes in the structure of party–organization linkages, while the impact of policy mobilization and social change was negligible.
The quality of school lunch consumed reflects overall eating patterns in 11–16-year-old schoolchildren in Finland
Authors: Tilles-Tirkkonen Tanja , Pentikäinen Saara , Lappi Jenni , Karhunen Leila , Poutanen Kaisa , Mykkänen Hannu
Published: July 2011

Objective

To explore how the quality of school lunch consumed reflected overall eating patterns in school-aged children.

Design

Children filled in an Internet-based questionnaire about their eating patterns. The children were then divided into balanced and imbalanced school lunch eaters on the basis of their responses in the questionnaire. A balanced school lunch consisted of, by the definition used in the present study, a main dish, salad and bread.

Setting

Eleven primary schools and one middle school in eastern Finland.

Subjects

A total of 531 schoolchildren (247 boys and 284 girls) aged 11–16 years.

Results

The school lunch was balanced in 46·5 % of children. Eating a balanced school lunch was associated with overall healthier eating patterns outside school. Children who ate a balanced school lunch had more regular meal times and consumed healthier snacks. They ate fruit or berries and vegetables, dairy products and wholegrain foods more often, consumed fewer salty snacks, pizzas, meat pies and drank fewer soft drinks and energy drinks. Their eating patterns at home were also healthier, with vegetables being offered at every family dinner and fruit being offered daily, whereas soft drinks were offered seldom.

Conclusions

The choices made by children in their school lunch reflect the overall eating patterns among school-aged children. Eating a balanced school lunch is associated with more regular meal patterns, the availability of healthier foods at home and an overall healthier diet, suggesting that healthy eating patterns are learnt at home.
Relationship between ultra-processed foods and metabolic syndrome in adolescents from a Brazilian Family Doctor Program
Authors: Tavares Letícia Ferreira , Fonseca Sandra Costa , Garcia Rosa Maria Luiza , Yokoo Edna Massae
Published: July 2011

Objective

To estimate the association between food intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Design

Cross-sectional design conducted from July 2006 to December 2007.

Setting

Adolescents assisted by the Family Doctor Program (FDP) in Niterói, a metropolitan area in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Subjects

Survey of 210 adolescents. Individuals with three or more of the following components of MetS were classified as having this syndrome: TAG ≥ 110 mg/dl; HDL cholesterol < 50 mg/dl for girls aged 12–19 years and boys aged 12–14 years or <45 mg/dl for boys aged 15–19 years; waist circumference ≥75th percentile; serum glucose >100 mg/dl; and blood pressure ≥90th percentile. A semi-quantitative FFQ was used, and foods were grouped as: unprocessed or minimally processed foods (Group 1), processed culinary and food industry ingredients (Group 2) and ultra-processed foods (Group 3). The associations between food consumption and MetS were adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioural and family history covariates and were estimated using generalized estimation equations with the Poisson regression model.

Results

MetS was diagnosed in 6·7 % of the adolescents; the most frequent diagnostic criteria included the reduction of HDL cholesterol (46·7 %), elevated serum glucose (17·1 %) and the elevation of waist circumference (16·7 %). Crude analysis showed higher average daily intakes of energy, carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods among adolescents with MetS. After statistical adjustment, the intake of ultra-processed foods (≥3rd quartile) remained associated with MetS (prevalence ratio = 2·5; P = 0·012).

Conclusions

High consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with the prevalence of MetS in this adolescents group.
Low oxygen and high inorganic carbon on the Vancouver Island Shelf
Authors: Bianucci L. , Denman K. L. , Ianson D.
Published: July 2011

Recently, independent concerns about declining oxygen and pH conditions in the coastal ocean have emerged. In coastal upwelling regions, hypoxia can be driven by onshore advection of oxygen‐depleted offshore waters as well as by local biological consumption triggered by high productivity. As both mechanisms can also decrease pH and carbonate saturation states, coupled studies of oxygen and carbon are imperative. A quasi two‐dimensional model coupling carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen was developed for the summer wind‐driven upwelling region off southern Vancouver Island, using the Regional Ocean Modeling System. The physical model is coupled to an ecosystem module that tracks 11 state variables and allows nonfixed C:N ratios for detritus and dissolved organic matter. Given uncertainties in sediment parameterizations in biophysical models, three sediment models are compared and discussed. Results demonstrate that sediment‐associated processes play a dominant role in consuming oxygen from, and releasing inorganic carbon to, the bottom waters over the shelf. This study also examines the unique characteristics of the southern Vancouver Island shelf. Two key features distinguish this region from other shelves in the California Current System and protect inner shelf waters from severe hypoxia and corrosive (i.e., undersaturated in aragonite) conditions. First, the near‐shore Vancouver Island Coastal Current provides a source of oxygen and nutrients and forms a barrier that prevents upwelled waters (depleted in oxygen and rich in carbon) from penetrating the inner shelf. Second, the greater width of the shelf dilutes these upwelled offshore waters and reduces their penetration onto the shallower shelf region.
Historical summer base flow and stormflow trends for New England rivers
Authors: Hodgkins Glenn A. , Dudley Robert W.
Published: July 2011

River base flow is important to aquatic ecosystems, particularly because of its influence on summer water temperatures. Summer (June through September) daily mean streamflows were separated into base flow and stormflow components by use of an automated method at 25 stations in the New England region of the United States that drain predominantly natural basins. Summer monthly mean base flows increased from 1950–2006 at most stations in western New England with many large increases (>20%) and some very large increases (>50%) in and near New Hampshire and Vermont. The same was true for increases in summer 7 day low base flows in and near New Hampshire and Vermont during this same period; in contrast, there were small and large decreases in 7 day low base flows in northern and coastal areas of Maine. Summer stormflows increased from 1950–2006 by more than 50% at many stations in New England, particularly in and near New Hampshire and Vermont. The increases in base flows and stormflows at many stations in and near New Hampshire and Vermont were likely driven by the large increases in summer precipitation recorded at weather stations in this area. Summer rainfall increased at most weather stations in New England from 1950–2006 with many increases of more than 20% in western New England. Summer air temperature increased on average by 1.1°C from 1950–2006 in New England and may have played a role in the decreased base flows in northern and coastal Maine through increased evapotranspiration. Many variables increased less from 1930–2006 than from 1950–2006.
Comparative hydrology across AmeriFlux sites: The variable roles of climate, vegetation, and groundwater
Authors: Thompson S. E. , Harman C. J. , Konings A. G. , Sivapalan M. , Neal A. , Troch P. A.
Published: July 2011

Watersheds can be characterized as complex space‐time filters that transform incoming fluxes of energy, water, and nutrients into variable output signals. The behavior of these filters is driven by climate, geomorphology, and ecology and, accordingly, varies from site to site. We investigated this variation by exploring the behavior of evapotranspiration signals from 14 different AmeriFlux sites. Evapotranspiration is driven by water and energetic forcing and is mediated by ecology and internal redistribution of water and energy. As such, it integrates biological and physical controls, making it an ideal signature to target when investigating watershed filtering. We adopted a paradigmatic approach (referred to as the null model) that couples the Penman‐Monteith equation to a soil moisture model and explored the deviations between the predictions of the null model and the observed AmeriFlux data across the sites in order to identify the controls on these deviations and their commonalities and differences across the sites. The null model reproduced evapotranspiration fluxes reasonably well for arid, shallow‐rooted systems but overestimated the effects of water limitation and could not reproduce seasonal variation in evapotranspiration at other sites. Accounting for plant access to groundwater (or deep soil moisture) reserves and for the effects of soil temperature on limiting evapotranspiration resolved these discrepancies and greatly improved prediction of evapotranspiration at multiple time scales. The results indicate that site‐specific hydrology and climatic factors pose important controls on biosphere‐hydrosphere interactions and suggest that plant–water table interactions and early season phenological controls need to be incorporated into even simple models to reproduce the seasonality in evapotranspiration.
Spatiotemporal averaging of in‐stream solute removal dynamics
Authors: Basu Nandita B. , Rao P. Suresh C. , Thompson Sally E. , Loukinova Natalia V. , Donner Simon D. , Ye Sheng , Sivapalan Murugesu
Published: July 2011

The scale dependence of nutrient loads exported from a catchment is a function of complex interactions between hydrologic and biogeochemical processes that modulate the input signals from the hillslope by aggregation and attenuation in a converging river network. Observational data support an empirical inverse relation between the biogeochemical cycling rate constant for nitrate k (T−1) and the stream stage h (L), k = vf/h, with vf, the uptake velocity (LT−1), being constant in space under steady flow conditions. Here we offer a physical explanation for the persistence of this pattern across scales and then extend the analysis to spatiotemporal scaling of k under transient‐flow conditions. Inverse k‐h dependence arose as an emergent pattern by coupling the mechanistic Transient Storage Model with a network model. Analytical modeling indicated that (1) nitrate processing efficiency increases with increasing variability in the discharge Q and (2) temporal averaging had no effect on the exponent a of the k‐h relationship (k = vf/ha) in catchments with low Q variability, but strong dependence arose in catchments with high variability in Q. Network modeling in domains with low Q variability confirmed that the exponent a was independent of temporal averaging, but vf was a function of the averaging timescale. The probability distribution functions for k could be adequately predicted using analytical approaches. Understanding the k‐h scaling relationships enables the direct estimation of the variability in nutrient losses due to in‐stream reactions without requiring explicit information for spatially distributed network modeling.
Endogeic earthworms shape bacterial functional communities and affect organic matter mineralization in a tropical soil
Authors: Bernard Laetitia , Chapuis-Lardy Lydie , Razafimbelo Tantely , Razafindrakoto Malalatiana , Pablo Anne-Laure , Legname Elvire , Poulain Julie , Brüls Thomas , O'Donohue Michael , Brauman Alain , Chotte Jean-Luc , Blanchart Eric
Published: July 2011

Priming effect (PE) is defined as a stimulation of the mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM) following a supply of fresh organic matter. This process can have important consequences on the fate of SOM and on the management of residues in agricultural soils, especially in tropical regions where soil fertility is essentially based on the management of organic matter. Earthworms are ecosystem engineers known to affect the dynamics of SOM. Endogeic earthworms ingest large amounts of soil and assimilate a part of organic matter it contains. During gut transit, microorganisms are transported to new substrates and their activity is stimulated by (i) the production of readily assimilable organic matter (mucus) and (ii) the possible presence of fresh organic residues in the ingested soil. The objective of our study was to see (i) whether earthworms impact the PE intensity when a fresh residue is added to a tropical soil and (ii) whether this impact is linked to a stimulation/inhibition of bacterial taxa, and which taxa are affected. A tropical soil from Madagascar was incubated in the laboratory, with a 13C wheat straw residue, in the presence or absence of a peregrine endogeic tropical earthworm, Pontoscolex corethrurus. Emissions of 12CO2 and 13CO2 were followed during 16 days. The coupling between DNA-SIP (stable isotope probing) and pyrosequencing showed that stimulation of both the mineralization of wheat residues and the PE can be linked to the stimulation of several groups especially belonging to the Bacteroidetes phylum.
Abundance and diversity of mucosa-associated hydrogenotrophic microbes in the healthy human colon
Authors: Nava Gerardo M , Carbonero Franck , Croix Jennifer A , Greenberg Eugene , Gaskins H Rex
Published: July 2011

Hydrogenotrophic microbiota have a significant impact on colonic health; however, little is known about their diversity and ecology in situ. Here, molecular-based methods and multivariate analyses were used to examine the abundance and diversity of mucosa-associated hydrogenotrophic microbes in 90 biopsies collected from right colon, left colon and rectum of 25 healthy subjects. Functional genes of all three hydrogenotrophic groups were detected in at least one colonic region of all subjects. Methanogenic archaea (MA) constituted approximately one half of the hydrogenotrophic microbiota in each colonic region. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were more abundant than acetogens in right colon, while acetogens were more abundant than SRB in left colon and rectum. MA genotypes exhibited low diversity, whereas SRB genotypes were diverse and generally similar across the three regions within subject but significantly variable among subjects. Multivariate cluster analysis defined subject-specific patterns for the diversity of SRB genotypes; however, neither subject- nor region-specific clusters were observed for the abundance of hydrogenotrophic functional genes. Sequence analyses of functional gene clones revealed that mucosa-associated SRB were phylogenetically related to Desulfovibrio piger, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and Bilophila wadsworthia; whereas MA were related to Methanobrevibacter spp., Mb. smithii and the order Methanomicrobiales. Together these data demonstrate for the first time that the human colonic mucosa is persistently colonized by all three groups of hydrogenotrophic microbes, which exhibit segmental and interindividual variation in abundance and diversity.
Association of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) Gene SNPs and Transcript Expression Levels With Severe Obesity
Authors: Clark Stephen J. , Falchi Mario , Olsson Bob , Jacobson Peter , Cauchi Stéphane , Balkau Beverley , Marre Michel , Lantieri Olivier , Andersson Johanna C. , Jernås Margareta , Aitman Timothy J. , Richardson Sylvia , Sjöström Lars , Wong Hang Y. , Carlsson Lena M. S. , Froguel Philippe , Walley Andrew J.
Published: July 2011

Recent studies have reported associations of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to both obesity and BMI. This study was designed to investigate association between SIRT1 SNPs, SIRT1 gene expression and obesity. Case‐control analyses were performed using 1,533 obese subjects (896 adults, BMI >40 kg/m2 and 637 children, BMI >97th percentile for age and sex) and 1,237 nonobese controls, all French Caucasians. Two SNPs (in high linkage disequilibrium (LD), r2 = 0.96) were significantly associated with adult obesity, rs33957861 (P value = 0.003, odds ratio (OR) = 0.75, confidence interval (CI) = 0.61–0.92) and rs11599176 (P value: 0.006, OR = 0.74, CI = 0.61–0.90). Expression of SIRT1 mRNA was measured in BMI‐discordant siblings from 154 Swedish families. Transcript expression was significantly correlated to BMI in the lean siblings (r2 = 0.13, P value = 3.36 × 10−7) and lower SIRT1 expression was associated with obesity (P value = 1.56 × 10−35). There was also an association between four SNPs (rs11599176, rs12413112, rs33957861, and rs35689145) and BMI (P values: 4 × 10−4, 6 × 10−4, 4 × 10−4, and 2 × 10−3) with the rare allele associated with a lower BMI. However, no SNP was associated with SIRT1 transcript expression level. In summary, both SNPs and SIRT1 gene expression are associated with severe obesity.
Obesity in Preschoolers: Behavioral Correlates and Directions for Treatment
Authors: Kuhl Elizabeth S. , Clifford Lisa M. , Stark Lori J.
Published: July 2011

Nearly 14% of American preschoolers (ages 2–5) are obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and gender), yet this group has received little attention in the obesity intervention literature. This review examines what is known about behavioral correlates of obesity in preschoolers and the developmental context for lifestyle modification in this age group. Information was used to critically evaluate existing weight management prevention and intervention programs for preschoolers and formulate suggestions for future intervention research development. A systematic search of the medical and psychological/behavioral literatures was conducted with no date restrictions, using PubMed, PsycInfo, and MEDLINE electronic databases and bibliographies of relevant manuscripts. Evidence suggests several modifiable behaviors, such as sugar sweetened beverage intake, television use, and inadequate sleep, may differentiate obese and healthy weight preschoolers. Developmental barriers, such as food neophobia, food preferences, and tantrums challenge caregiver efforts to modify preschoolers' diet and activity and parental feeding approaches, and family routines appear related to the negative eating and activity patterns observed in obese preschoolers. Prevention programs yield modest success in slowing weight gain, but their effect on already obese preschoolers is unclear. Multi‐component, family‐based, behavioral interventions show initial promise in positive weight management for already obese preschoolers. Given that obesity intervention research for preschoolers is in its infancy, and the multitude of modifiable behavioral correlates for obesity in this age group, we discuss the use of an innovative and efficient research paradigm (Multiphase Optimization Strategy; MOST) to develop an optimized intervention that includes only treatment components that are found to empirically reduce obesity in preschoolers.
The Impact of Weight Stigma on Caloric Consumption
Authors: Schvey Natasha A. , Puhl Rebecca M. , Brownell Kelly D.
Published: July 2011

The present study assessed the influence of exposure to weight stigma on energy intake in both overweight and normal‐weight adult women. Seventy‐three women (mean age: 31.71 ± 12.72 years), both overweight (n = 34) and normal weight (n = 39), were randomly assigned to view one of two videos depicting either weight stigmatizing material or neutral material, after which they consumed snacks ad libitum. Pre‐ and post‐video measures included blood pressure, attitudes toward overweight individuals, and positive and negative affect. Participants' body weight was measured, as was the number of kilocalories consumed following video exposure. Overweight women who watched the stigmatizing video ate more than three times as many kilocalories as overweight women who watched the neutral video (302.82 vs. 89.00 kcal), and significantly more calories than the normal‐weight individuals who watched either the stigmatizing or the neutral video. A two‐by‐two analysis of covariance revealed that even after adjusting for relevant covariates, there was a significant interaction between video type and weight status in that when overweight, individuals consumed significantly more calories if they were in the stigmatizing condition vs. the neutral condition (F(1,65) = 4.37, P = 0.04, η2 = 0.03). These findings suggest that among overweight women, exposure to weight stigmatizing material may lead to increased caloric consumption. This directly challenges the notion that pressure to lose weight in the form of weight stigma will have a positive, motivating effect on overweight individuals.
Effect of the Timing of Weight Cycling During Adulthood on Mortality Risk in Overweight and Obese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Taing Kevin Y. , Ardern Chris I. , Kuk Jennifer L.
Published: July 2011

Inconsistent results exist for whether or not weight cycling (WgtC) and weight variability (WgtV) increase mortality risk. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of WgtC and WgtV during adulthood on mortality risk. Data was obtained from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) observational study (OS) dataset, acquired from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (N = 47,473 overweight and obese women; age 50–79 years). Women were categorized (stable; WgtV: weight‐gainer or loser; or WgtC) based on weight changes during early (18–35 years), mid (35–50 years), and late (50 years to current age) adulthood. Those with weight changes of <5% during all three time‐periods were classified as being stable‐weight. Weight‐gainers were those with at least one period of weight‐gain (≥5%) without a period of weight‐loss (≥5%), and weight‐losers were those with at least one period of loss without a period of gain during all time‐periods. Those who experienced both a period of weight‐gain and loss (≥5%) were categorized as WgtC. Compared to stable‐weight individuals, WgtC and WgtV across adulthood were not significantly associated with mortality risk when the age‐period of weight change was not considered. However, when considering the age period, increased mortality risk was observed for every 5 kg of weight‐gain during early (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.04 (1.00–1.07)) or mid‐adulthood (HR = 1.05 (1.02–1.08)), or for every 5 kg of weight‐loss since mid (HR = 1.12 (1.01–1.24)) or late‐adulthood (HR = 1.12 (1.04–1.20)). In conclusion, merely investigating WgtC and WgtV by weight changes across adulthood may not be sufficient to fully describe mortality risk, and the age at which the weight change occurred might be as important to consider.
The Impact of Recent Technological Advances on the Trueness and Precision of DXA to Assess Body Composition
Authors: Toombs Rebecca J. , Ducher Gaele , Shepherd John A. , De Souza Mary Jane
Published: July 2011

The introduction of dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the 1980s for the assessment of areal bone mineral density (BMD) greatly benefited the field of bone imaging and the ability to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis. The additional capability of DXA to differentiate between bone mineral, fat tissue, and lean tissue has contributed to its emergence as a popular tool to assess body composition. Throughout the past 2 decades, technological advancements such as the transition from the original pencil‐beam densitometers to the most recent narrow fan‐beam densitometers have allowed for faster scan times and better resolution. The majority of reports that have compared DXA‐derived body composition measurements to the gold standard method of body composition appraisal, the four‐compartment model, have observed significant differences with this criterion method; however, the extent to which the technological advancements of the DXA have impacted its ability to accurately assess body composition remains unclear. Thus, this paper reviews the evidence regarding the trueness and precision of DXA body composition measurements from the pencil‐beam to the narrow fan‐beam densitometers.
Characterizing and Predicting Outcomes of Communication Delays in Infants and Toddlers: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Paul Rhea , Roth Froma P.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This article focuses on using currently available data to assist speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in making decisions regarding a child’s eligibility and considerations for recommended “dosage” of early intervention (EI) services.

Method

Literature describing the characteristics of infants and toddlers who are likely recipients of EI services was reviewed.

Results

Current literature provides information that can be used to inform clinical decisions for infants and toddlers with established medical conditions, as well as those with risk factors, for oral language, communication, and subsequent literacy disabilities. This information is summarized.

Conclusion

Extant literature suggests that EI makes a critical difference in the developmental course of communication as well as in other learning domains for children with a variety of established conditions. The literature also provides guidance to SLPs who must evaluate and weigh risk factors for children with less clear eligibility for services.
Guiding Principles and Clinical Applications for Speech-Language Pathology Practice in Early Intervention
Authors: Paul Diane , Roth Froma P.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This article describes guiding principles in early intervention (EI) and demonstrates how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can apply these principles to best serve infants and toddlers with communication and related problems and their families.

Method

Four principles guide the implementation of speech-language pathology services. EI services are services that are (a) family centered and culturally and linguistically responsive; (b) developmentally supportive, promoting children’s participation in their natural environments; (c) comprehensive, coordinated, and team based; and (d) based on the highest quality evidence available. Actual clinical scenarios are presented to illustrate each principle.

Results

The four principles provide a framework for the wide range of roles and responsibilities assumed by SLPs in EI: (a) screening/evaluation/assessment, (b) goal setting and intervention, (c) consultation with and education for team members, (d) service coordination, (e) transition planning, and (f) advocacy.

Conclusion

It is critical that families of infants and toddlers who are at risk for, or who have been diagnosed with, communication disorders receive all necessary services and supports. EI services should be tailored to the individual and the changing needs, preferences, and priorities of each family. The earlier services are provided, the more likely is the child’s chance to develop effective communication.
Participation as a Basis for Developing Early Intervention Outcomes
Authors: Wilcox M. Jeanne , Woods Juliann
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This article describes how participation in activities/routines can be used as a basis for understanding children’s communication and language skills and how that knowledge can be extended to collaborate with families and caregivers to develop meaningful early intervention outcomes.

Method

The approach is centered on children’s use of communication and language skills to participate in typical activities/routines. Implementation of the approach is based on an understanding of children’s performance abilities/disabilities and their use of those abilities to participate in family-identified activities/routines in their natural environments. Discussion and case examples illustrate how communication and language skills can enhance or enable participation in such activities. Family-centered procedures for gathering information about activities/routines from caregivers are described, and strategies for developing outcomes in collaboration with caregivers are presented.

Implications

Participation-based outcomes offer speech-language pathologists an option for embedding skills within important activities/routines, thereby promoting children’s communication and language growth in natural contexts.
Spoken Language Processing Model: Bridging Auditory and Language Processing to Guide Assessment and Intervention
Authors: Medwetsky Larry
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This article outlines the author’s conceptualization of the key mechanisms that are engaged in the processing of spoken language, referred to as the spoken language processing model. The act of processing what is heard is very complex and involves the successful intertwining of auditory, cognitive, and language mechanisms. Spoken language processing disorders occur when a breakdown in any of these mechanisms impacts an individual’s ability to effectively process and use the information that is heard. The symptoms vary depending on the underlying deficit(s). The primary purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a basic understanding of these mechanisms, and, in turn, enable readers to (a) review the literature concerning processing disorders with discernment and (b) have a foundation for developing a test battery to derive composite profiles of individuals' processing abilities.

Method

A review of the literature, overview of the spoken language processing model, and suggested approach to diagnostic assessment are presented.

Conclusion

Spoken language processing can break down due to a myriad of underlying causes. Central auditory nervous system deficits can impact not only the initial processing of stimuli but possibly the development of effective language skills. On the other hand, deficits in various cognitive and language mechanisms can similarly impact the auditory processing of speech stimuli. Therefore, it is critical to understand how these mechanisms interact and contribute to the processing of speech stimuli.
Auditory Processing Theories of Language Disorders: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Miller Carol A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide information that will assist readers in understanding and interpreting research literature on the role of auditory processing in communication disorders.

Method

A narrative review was used to summarize and synthesize the literature on auditory processing deficits in children with auditory processing disorder (APD), specific language impairment (SLI), and dyslexia. The history of auditory processing theories of these 3 disorders is described, points of convergence and controversy within and among the different branches of research literature are considered, and the influence of research on practice is discussed. The theoretical and clinical contributions of neurophysiological methods are also reviewed, and suggested approaches for critical reading of the research literature are provided.

Conclusion

Research on the role of auditory processing in communication disorders springs from a variety of theoretical perspectives and assumptions, and this variety, combined with controversies over the interpretation of research results, makes it difficult to draw clinical implications from the literature. Neurophysiological research methods are a promising route to better understanding of auditory processing. Progress in theory development and its clinical application is most likely to be made when researchers from different disciplines and theoretical perspectives communicate clearly and combine the strengths of their approaches.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Health Literacy for Education, Research, and Practice in Early Childhood Intervention
Authors: Pizur-Barnekow Kris , Rhyner Paula M. , Doering Jennifer , Patrick Timothy
Published: July 2011

“Health literacy” is gaining attention among professionals that serve young children with disabilities and their families. Given that parental health literacy might influence developmental outcomes for a child in early intervention, an interdisciplinary focus on health literacy in early intervention is important to consider. This article presents information on health literacy and the relevance to early childhood intervention. The authors summarize three interdisciplinary studies pertaining to health literacy and early intervention and discuss implications for clinical professionals.
A prototype transition-metal olefin complex C2H4⋯AgCl synthesised by laser ablation and characterised by rotational spectroscopy and ab initio methods
Authors: Stephens Susanna L. , Tew David P. , Mikhailov Victor A. , Walker Nicholas R. , Legon Anthony C.
Published: July 2011

C2H4⋯Ag−Cl has been synthesised in the gas phase in a pulsed-jet, Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer by the reaction of laser-ablated metallic silver with carbon tetrachloride to give AgCl, which subsequently reacts with ethene to give the complex. The ground-state rotational spectra of six isotopologues (C2H4⋯107Ag35Cl, C2H4⋯109Ag35Cl, C2H4⋯107Ag37Cl, C2H4⋯109Ag37Cl, 13C2H4⋯107Ag35Cl, and 13C2H4⋯109Ag35Cl) were recorded and analysed to give rotational constants A0, B0, and C0, centrifugal distortion constants ΔJ and ΔJK, and Cl nuclear quadrupole coupling constants χaa(Cl) and χbb(Cl) − χcc(Cl). These spectroscopic constants were interpreted in terms of a geometry for C2H4⋯Ag−Cl of C2V symmetry in which the AgCl molecule lies along the C2 axis of ethene that is perpendicular to the C2H4 plane. The Ag atom forms a bond to the midpoint (*) of the ethene π bond. A partial rs-geometry and a r0-geometry were determined, with the values r(*⋯Ag) = 2.1719(9) Å, r(C−C) = 1.3518(4) Å, and r(Ag−Cl) = 2.2724(8) Å obtained in the latter case. The C−C bond lengthens on formation of the complex. Detailed ab initio calculations carried out at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVQZ level of theory give results in good agreement with experiment and also reveal that the ethene molecule undergoes a small angular distortion. The distortion is such that the four H atoms move in a direction away from Ag but remain coplanar. The two C atoms are no longer contained in this plane, however. The electric charge redistribution when C2H4⋯Ag−Cl is formed and the strength of the π⋯Ag bond are discussed.
Comparison of standard and damped response formulations of magnetic circular dichroism
Authors: Kjærgaard Thomas , Kristensen Kasper , Kauczor Joanna , Jørgensen Poul , Coriani Sonia , Thorvaldsen Andreas J.
Published: July 2011

We apply damped response theory to the phenomenon of magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and we investigate how the numerical instability associated with the simulation of the MCD spectrum from individually calculated \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\cal A}$\end{document}A and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\cal B}$\end{document}B terms for close lying states can be remedied by the use of damped response theory. We also present a method for calculating the Faraday \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\cal A}$\end{document}A term, formulated as a double residue of the quadratic response function.
Theoretical investigation of vibronic and spin-orbit effects in the ground X 2Πu electronic state of the dicyanoacetylene cation
Authors: Ranković Radomir , Jerosimić Stanka , Perić Miljenko
Published: July 2011

The aim of the present study is to predict by means of ab initio calculations the vibronic and spin-orbit structure in the X 2Πu electronic state of NC4N+ and to elucidate some details in an observed laser-induced fluorescence spectrum of this species, particularly those interpreted in terms of the bending overtones and the spin-orbit splitting. The ground electronic state of NC4N+ was investigated by density functional (B3LYP) and complete active space self-consistent field-multi-reference configuration interaction (CASSCF-MRCI) methods. The bending vibrational frequencies ωT1 = 558 cm−1, ωT2 = 266 cm−1, ωC1 = 459 cm−1, and ωC2 = 113 cm−1 were obtained. The spin-orbit coupling constant was calculated using state-average CASSCF wave functions in the framework of the MRCI method, and the value of ASO = −44 cm−1 was determined. This quantity and the data for the bending frequencies and Renner parameters were employed for handling a combined effect of the vibronic and spin-orbit coupling, according to a model developed in our earlier studies.
Perspective: Water cluster mediated atmospheric chemistry
Authors: Vaida Veronica
Published: July 2011

The importance of water in atmospheric and environmental chemistry initiated recent studies with results documenting catalysis, suppression and anti-catalysis of thermal and photochemical reactions due to hydrogen bonding of reagents with water. Water, even one water molecule in binary complexes, has been shown by quantum chemistry to stabilize the transition state and lower its energy. However, new results underscore the need to evaluate the relative competing rates between reaction and dissipation to elucidate the role of water in chemistry. Water clusters have been used successfully as models for reactions in gas-phase, in aqueous condensed phases and at aqueous surfaces. Opportunities for experimental and theoretical chemical physics to make fundamental new discoveries abound. Work in this field is timely given the importance of water in atmospheric and environmental chemistry.
Collective density fluctuations of DNA hydration water in the time-window below 1 ps
Authors: Cornicchi Elena , Sebastiani Federico , De Francesco Alessio , Orecchini Andrea , Paciaroni Alessandro , Petrillo Caterina , Sacchetti Francesco
Published: July 2011

The coherent density fluctuations propagating through DNA hydration water were studied by neutron scattering spectroscopy. Two collective modes were found to be sustained by the aqueous solvent: a propagating excitation, characterised by a speed of about 3500 m/s, and another one placed at about 6 meV. These results globally agree with those previously found for the coherent excitations in bulk water, although in DNA hydration water the speed of propagating modes is definitely higher than that of the pure solvent. The short-wavelength collective excitations of DNA hydration water are reminiscent of those observed in protein hydration water and in the amorphous forms of ice.
A weak second order tau-leaping method for chemical kinetic systems
Authors: Hu Yucheng , Li Tiejun , Min Bin
Published: July 2011

Recently Anderson and Mattingly [Comm. Math. Sci. 9, 301 (2011)] proposed a method which can solve chemical Langevin equations with weak second order accuracy. We extend their work to the discrete chemical jump processes. With slight modification, the method can also solve discrete chemical kinetic systems with weak second order accuracy in the large volume scaling. Especially, this method achieves higher order accuracy than both the Euler τ-leaping and mid-point τ-leaping methods in the sense that the local truncation error for the covariance is of order τ3V−1 when τ = V−β (0 < β < 1) and the system size V → ∞. We present the convergence analysis, numerical stability analysis, and numerical examples. Overall, in the authors’ opinion, the new method is easy to be implemented and good in performance, which is a good candidate among the highly accurate τ-leaping type schemes for discrete chemical reaction systems.
Phylogeny and systematics of mammal-associated psoroptidian mites (Acariformes:Astigmata:Psoroptidia) derived from external morphology
Authors: Bochkov Andre V. , Mironov Sergey V.
Published: July 2011

We used morphological characters to explore the phylogeny of mammal-associated psoroptidian mites. In both maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses, the clades uniting Psoroptoidea and Analgoidea–Sarcoptoidea (higher Psoroptidia) were strongly supported, and monophyly of most sarcoptoid families was confirmed. However, the relationships among families of the higher Psoroptidia (Analgoidea and Sarcoptoidea) remained poorly resolved. Two most parsimonious trees were obtained after successive weighting. In these trees, higher Psoroptidia split into two main clusters with Sarcoptoidea in the traditional sense shown as diphyletic. Cluster I consists of two superfamilies: Analgoidea, including Dermationidae, and Psoroptoidea, stat. res.: Psoroptoidinae (Turbinoptidae–Paracoroptinae); (Pandalurinae (Pyroglyphidae–Lobalgidae); Paralgopsidae, stat. nov.–Ptyssalgidae (Epidermoptidae–Psoroptidae). Cluster II consists of the superfamily Sarcoptoidea represented by two lineages: Listropsoralgidae, stat. nov. (Myocoptidae (Rhyncoptidae–Sarcoptidae)) and Dromiciocoptidae, stat. nov. ((Listrophoridae–Atopomelidae) (Chirodiscidae (Gastronyssidae (Pneumocoptidae–Lemurnyssidae)))). We hypothesised that mites of the superfamilies Pterolichoidea, Analgoidea and Psoroptoidea have independently colonised birds with subsequent ancestral shifts of the families Lobalgidae and Psoroptidae and subfamily Paracoroptinae from birds to mammals. Mites of the superfamily Sarcoptoidea switched from nidicoly to parasitism on ancestors of therian mammals and evolved exclusively on this host group.