bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endogenous Steroid Hormone Concentrations and Risk of Breast Cancer: Does the Association Vary by a Woman's Predicted Breast Cancer Risk?
Authors: Eliassen A. Heather , Missmer Stacey A. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Hankinson Susan E.
Published: March 2006

Purpose

To examine whether the associations of endogenous estrogens and testosterone with breast cancer risk differ between high- and low-risk women, as determined by the Gail model and the Rosner and Colditz model, and by family history of breast cancer.

Methods

We conducted a prospective nested case-control study within the Nurses' Health Study. From 1989 or 1990 until June 2000, blood samples were collected, 418 breast cancer patient cases were identified, and two controls (total n = 817) were matched to each case. We classified women as high or low risk based on their family history of breast cancer, their 5-year Gail risk score, and their 5-year Rosner and Colditz risk score. Multivariate relative risks (RR) and 95% CI were calculated by unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for matching and breast cancer risk factors.

Results

Estrone sulfate was statistically significantly associated with breast cancer risk among women with low (< 1.66%) and high (≥ 2.52%; 75th percentile) Gail predicted risk (fourth v first quartile RR = 3.6; 95% CI, 1.9 to 7.0; RR = 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.1, respectively). Testosterone results were similar across strata of predicted risk, with two times the risk in the fourth (v first) quartile. Estradiol appeared more strongly associated with breast cancer in women with higher predicted risk (RR = 4.5; 95% CI, 2.1 to 9.5) compared with women with lower risk (RR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.6), but differences were not statistically significant. Results were similar across predicted Rosner and Colditz risk scores.

Conclusion

These data suggest that higher levels of endogenous estrogens and testosterone are associated with increased breast cancer risk, regardless of predicted risk or family history of breast cancer.
Prospective Evaluation of the Relationship of Patient Age and Paclitaxel Clinical Pharmacology: Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB 9762)
Authors: Lichtman Stuart M. , Hollis Donna , Miller Antonius A. , Rosner Gary L. , Rhoades Chris A. , Lester Eric P. , Millard Frederick , Byrd John , Cullinan Stephen A. , Rosen D. Marc , Parise Robert A. , Ratain Mark J. , Egorin Merrill J.
Published: March 2006

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate the pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile of paclitaxel in relation to patient age in adults ≥ 55 years old.

Patients and Methods

Paclitaxel was administered at 175 mg/m2 for 3 hours to 153 patients, 46 of whom were ≥ 75 years of age. Pharmacokinetic and toxicity assessments were performed. Data were analyzed by cohort (cohort 1, age 55 to 64 years; cohort 2, age 65 to 74 years; cohort 3, age ≥ 75 years).

Results

Paclitaxel concentration versus time (AUC) and total-body clearance (CLtb) data were available for 122 patients (cohort 1, 46 patients; cohort 2, 44 patients; cohort 3, 32 patients). Mean paclitaxel AUC increased across cohorts (P = .01). Mean (SE) AUCs were 22.4 (2.5) μmol/L × hour, 26.2 (2.8) μmol/L × hour, and 31.7 (5.6) μmol/L × hour for cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was a corresponding significant (P = .007) age-related decrease in mean (SE) paclitaxel CLtb (cohort 1, 11.0 [0.7] L/h/m2; cohort 2, 9.3 [0.6] L/h/m2; cohort 3, 8.2 [0.6] L/h/m2). Patients in cohort 3 experienced significantly lower absolute neutrophil count nadirs than did younger groups (P = .02). There was also a significant increase in percentage of patients with ≥ grade 3 neutropenia across age cohorts (cohort 1, 22%; cohort 2, 35%; cohort 3, 49%; P = .006). However, the increased exposure of patients to paclitaxel and increased neutropenia were not reflected in adverse clinical sequelae such as hospitalization for toxicity (P = .82), receiving intravenous antibiotics (P = .21), or experiencing a temperature more than 38°C (P = .45).

Conclusion

Although paclitaxel CLtb decreases with increasing patient age, there is great interpatient variability. Cooperative group studies to evaluate the effect of aging on pharmacokinetics are feasible.
Genomics Identifies Medulloblastoma Subgroups That Are Enriched for Specific Genetic Alterations
Authors: Thompson Margaret C. , Fuller Christine , Hogg Twala L. , Dalton James , Finkelstein David , Lau Ching C. , Chintagumpala Murali , Adesina Adekunle , Ashley David M. , Kellie Stewart J. , Taylor Michael D. , Curran Tom , Gajjar Amar , Gilbertson Richard J.
Published: March 2006

Purpose

Traditional genetic approaches to identify gene mutations in cancer are expensive and laborious. Nonetheless, if we are to avoid rejecting effective molecular targeted therapies, we must test these drugs in patients whose tumors harbor mutations in the drug target. We hypothesized that gene expression profiling might be a more rapid and cost-effective method of identifying tumors that contain specific genetic abnormalities.

Materials and Methods

Gene expression profiles of 46 samples of medulloblastoma were generated using the U133av2 Affymetrix oligonucleotide array and validated using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Genetic abnormalities were confirmed using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and direct sequencing.

Results

Unsupervised analysis of gene expression profiles partitioned medulloblastomas into five distinct subgroups (subgroups A to E). Gene expression signatures that distinguished these subgroups predicted the presence of key molecular alterations that we subsequently confirmed by gene sequence analysis and FISH. Subgroup-specific abnormalities included mutations in the Wingless (WNT) pathway and deletion of chromosome 6 (subgroup B) and mutations in the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway (subgroup D). Real-time RT-PCR analysis of gene expression profiles was then used to predict accurately the presence of mutations in the WNT and SHH pathways in a separate group of 31 medulloblastomas.

Conclusion

Genome-wide expression profiles can partition large tumor cohorts into subgroups that are enriched for specific genetic alterations. This approach may assist ultimately in the selection of patients for future clinical trials of molecular targeted therapies.
The Effect of Timing of Cord Clamping on Neonatal Venous Hematocrit Values and Clinical Outcome at Term: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Ceriani Cernadas José M. , Carroli Guillermo , Pellegrini Liliana , Otaño Lucas , Ferreira Marina , Ricci Carolina , Casas Ofelia , Giordano Daniel , Lardizábal Jaime
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND. The umbilical cord is usually clamped immediately after birth. There is no sound evidence to support this approach, which might deprive the newborn of some benefits such as an increase in iron storage.

OBJECTIVES. We sought to determine the effect of timing of cord clamping on neonatal venous hematocrit and clinical outcome in term newborns and maternal postpartum hemorrhage.

METHODS. This was a randomized, controlled trial performed in 2 obstetrical units in Argentina on neonates born at term without complications to mothers with uneventful pregnancies. After written parental consents were obtained, newborns were randomly assigned to cord clamping within the first 15 seconds (group 1), at 1 minute (group 2), or at 3 minutes (group 3) after birth. The infants' venous hematocrit value was measured 6 hours after birth.

RESULTS. Two hundred seventy-six newborns were recruited. Mean venous hematocrit values at 6 hours of life were 53.5% (group 1), 57.0% (group 2), and 59.4% (group 3). Statistical analyses were performed, and results were equivalent among groups because the hematocrit increase in neonates with late clamping was within the prespecified physiologic range. The prevalence of hematocrit at <45% (anemia) was significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. The prevalence of hematocrit at >65% was similar in groups 1 and 2 (4.4% and 5.9%, respectively) but significantly higher in group 3 (14.1%) versus group 1 (4.4%). There were no significant differences in other neonatal outcomes and in maternal postpartum hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS. Delayed cord clamping at birth increases neonatal mean venous hematocrit within a physiologic range. Neither significant differences nor harmful effects were observed among groups. Furthermore, this intervention seems to reduce the rate of neonatal anemia. This practice has been shown to be safe and should be implemented to increase neonatal iron storage at birth.
Evaluation of Natural-Source Vitamin E, RRR-α-Tocopheryl Acetate, as a Micronutrient in Sunshine Bass Feed
Authors: Trushenski Jesse T , Kohler Christopher C
Published: March 2006

A variety of vitamin E isomers can be used in the manufacture of animal feeds, though the efficacy of these sources varies. Our purpose was to evaluate natural-source vitamin E, RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate (NSVE), as an alternative to synthetic vitamin E, all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate (SYNE), in the diets of sunshine bass (female white bass Morone chrysops × male striped bass M. saxatilis). Our specific objectives were to evaluate graded levels of NSVE in terms of meeting the vitamin E requirement of sunshine bass and to address the physiological and economic suitability of NSVE by direct comparison with SYNE. Five isocaloric, isonitrogenous, semipurified diets were prepared and supplemented with NSVE at 0, 10, 20, or 30 mg/kg or SYNE at 30 mg/kg. Each dietary treatment was fed to fish in four replicate tanks, each housing 10 juvenile sunshine bass (mean weight = 25.1 g) in a recirculating system. One-way multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated that significant differences among treatment groups (Wilks' λ = 0.006) were most greatly attributable to differential survival, growth, food conversion ratio, and liver aldehyde concentration. Fish fed diets containing NSVE at less than 22 mg /kg (as-fed concentration, or 20 mg/kg supplemental dietary treatment) exhibited significantly lower survival (≤65% versus ≥92%) and weight gain (≤359% versus ≥591%), impaired food conversion ratio (2.9 versus ≤1.9), and evidence of heightened liver tissue oxidation (aldehyde, 0.62 nmol/g of tissue versus ≤0.22 nmol/g). Fish fed diets containing an NSVE as-fed concentration of 22 mg/kg or more exhibited performance equivalent to those fed the SYNE control within all parameters. Accordingly, we conclude that NSVE is as effective as SYNE, but at lower concentrations, and that it may be of greater value as a micronutrient source for aquaculture feeds.
Profile of Microflora of the Posterior Intestine of Chinook Salmon before, during, and after Administration of Rations with and without Erythromycin
Authors: Moffitt Christine M , Mobin Saleh M A
Published: March 2006

We describe the resident heterotrophic aerobic microflora of the salmonid posterior intestine before, during, and after the administration of rations with erythromycin in a hatchery raceway environment. We compare the profiles of medicated Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha with those of control fish that were not fed erythromycin. The combined counts of bacteria and yeasts per gram of fish intestine originating from four upstream raceways ranged from 3.0 × 102 to 9.6 × 105 colony-forming units (CFU) over the study period. Yeasts were commonly identified in the gut, and abundances ranged from 0% to more than 80% of the CFU. Erythromycin therapy decreased the total microbial population and altered the bacterial diversity in the gut during treatment. The intestinal microbial populations in fish medicated with erythromycin increased rapidly after treatment ceased, and by 25 d after treatment the CFU were similar in samples from both medicated and control fish populations. Of 325 isolates from fish selected for biochemical profiles, we identified a total of eight gram-positive and eight gram-negative genera. Bacillus spp. were common throughout sampling and were identified in samples of fish feed. Erythromycin-resistant, gram-positive bacteria were observed throughout the sampling in medicated and control fish. We identified seven gram-positive and two gram-negative genera in 74 selected isolates from control and erythromycin feeds. Our studies suggest that the aerobic microflora of the posterior intestine varies over time, and it is likely that few resistant genera of concern to human health are present.
Comparing Historical Catch Rates of American Shad in Multifilament and Monofilament Nets: A Step toward Setting Restoration Targets for Virginia Stocks
Authors: Maki Kristin L. , Hoenig John M. , Olney John E. , Heisey Dennis M.
Published: March 2006

Recreational and commercial harvest of American shad Alosa sapidissima in the Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries has been prohibited since 1994. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Shad and River Herring Management Plan requires that Virginia develop restoration targets for its shad populations, but estimates of their sizes are not available and there is little information about historic population levels. Thus, establishing restoration targets based on population size is problematic. A current spawning stock monitoring program yields catch rate information that can be compared with historic catch rate information recorded in commercial fishery logbooks from the 1950s and the 1980s. However, multifilament gill nets were used in the 1950s and monofilament nets were used in the 1980s (as well as in the current monitoring program). A Latin square design was employed to test the differences in relative fishing power of the two gear types over 2 years of seasonal sampling on the York River, Virginia. Estimates are that the monofilament nets are roughly twice as efficient as the multifilament nets. Reported catch rates in the 1950s and 1980s are roughly equivalent. However, when adjustments are made for the differences in fishing gear, catch rates for the 1950s are twice as high as those during the 1980s. These results provide valuable information for setting restoration targets for Virginia stocks of American shad.
Sound Production by Atlantic Cod during Spawning
Authors: Rowe Sherrylynn , Hutchings Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2006

Using captive groups of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua from two Northwest Atlantic populations (western Scotian Shelf and southern Gulf of St. Lawrence), we quantified the temporal patterns and behavioral contexts of sound production during the spawning season. We found that sound production occurs most frequently during the peak of the spawning period, particularly after the onset of darkness. The rate of sound production by males in the western Scotian Shelf group was 8.4 times greater on average than that of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence group, and this corresponded to differences in the mass of the sound‐producing musculature. Based on behavioral observations during daylight hours, we found that sounds were associated with both courtship behavior and agonistic displays. Although sounds were produced on only 14.5% of the occasions in which a male and female swam together in a “ventral mount,” limited data suggest that ventral mounts accompanied by sound were more likely to lead to spawning. While almost all sounds produced by Atlantic cod in our study matched the short “grunt” type previously documented for this species, we report evidence for another sound, described as a “hum,” which occurs during the ventral mount immediately before gamete release. We hypothesize that sound production is related to competition among males for access to females and may help synchronize gamete release, underscoring the potential importance of sound production to Atlantic cod spawning behavior.
Temporary Staging of Columbia River Summer Steelhead in Coolwater Areas and Its Effect on Migration Rates
Authors: High Brett , Peery Christopher A. , Bennett David H.
Published: March 2006

We used radiotelemetry to evaluate the temporary staging of adult migrating steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss into nonnatal tributary rivers of the Columbia River and to determine the effects of staging behavior on migration rate. By monitoring the movement patterns of 2,900 individual steelhead over 3 years (1996, 1997, and 2000), we determined that an average of 61% of the steelhead destined for upstream areas temporarily staged in one or more tributaries in the lower Columbia River for durations from less than 1 h to 237 d. Median residence time varied significantly by tributary used and year and, based on canonical correlation analysis, was correlated with main‐stem Columbia River water temperature. Steelhead that temporarily staged in tributary rivers migrated through the lower Columbia River significantly more slowly than steelhead that did not use tributaries. Use of coolwater tributaries as thermal refugia during warm summertime conditions significantly influences the migratory behavior of Columbia River adult steelhead. Our results highlight the need to preserve the water quality parameters of existing cooler‐water Columbia River tributaries and to rehabilitate watersheds that historically maintained cooler‐water tributaries as sources of thermal refugia for adult summer steelhead returning to the basin.
Distribution and Movement of Humpback Chub in the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Based on Recaptures
Authors: Paukert Craig P. , Coggins Lewis G. , Flaccus Christopher E.
Published: March 2006

Mark–recapture data from the federally endangered humpback chub Gila cypha in the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, were analyzed from 1989 to 2002 to determine large‐scale movement patterns and distribution. A total of 14,674 recaptures from 7,127 unique fish were documented; 87% of the recaptures occurred in the same main‐stem river reach or tributary as the original captures, suggesting restricted distribution by most fish. A total of 99% of all recaptures were from in and around the Little Colorado River (LCR), a tributary of the Colorado River and primary aggregation and spawning location of humpback chub in Grand Canyon. Time at liberty averaged 394 d, but some fish were recaptured near their main‐stem capture location over 10 years later. Proportionally fewer large (>300‐mm) humpback chub exhibited restricted distribution than small (<200‐mm) fish. However, several fish did move more than 154 km throughout Grand Canyon between capture and recapture, suggesting that limited movement occurs throughout Grand Canyon. The majority of the recaptured fish remained in or returned to the LCR or the Colorado River near the LCR. Although many large‐river fishes exhibit extensive migrations to fulfill their life history requirements, most of the humpback chub in Grand Canyon appear to remain in or come back to the LCR and LCR confluence across multiple sizes and time scales. Detecting trends in the overall abundance of this endangered fish in Grand Canyon can probably be accomplished by monitoring the area in and around the LCR.
Remediation of municipal wastewater sludge by electrokinetic geobox
Authors: Tyagi V. K.
Published: March 2006

A pilot-scale study was conducted on in situ decontamination of municipal wastewater sludge containing relatively high concentrations of target metal contaminants such as cadmium (6.85 mg/kg), chromium (117.5 mg/kg), copper (335.7 mg/kg) and lead (64.1 mg/kg). A new type of geosystem (a cellular geobox) composed of geocomposites (electrokinetic geosynthetic, GEK) was developed for waste remediation. A low-level direct current results in physicochemical changes in the applied media, leading to species transport by coupled mechanisms, such as electromigration, electro-osmosis, electrophoresis and electrolysis of water. The removal efficiencies for heavy metals were significantly dependent on their speciation in the sludge matrices and on various geosynthetic properties. The modified geotextile and geocomposite with functions of filtration, drainage, conduction, and ion exchange capacity accelerated the contaminant removal rate. The electrokinetic removal efficiencies of abiotic heavy metals exceeded 85% for the mobile and weakly bound fractions, such as the exchangeable and carbonate fractions, and were higher than 69% for the strongly bound fractions, such as the organic/sulphide and residual fractions. The final product can be used as landfill material.
A semi-analytical methodology for development of woven geotextile filter selection criteria
Authors: Aydilek A. H.
Published: March 2006

Geotextiles have been commonly used in geotechnical and environmental engineering projects to prevent erosion of soils in contact with the filter without impeding the flow of seeping water through the soil. Several empirical criteria incorporating varying factors of safety have been proposed for selection of geotextile filters. A probabilistic numerical filter model, named RETAIN, using image-based geotextile pore structure was developed for woven geotextile filters and is presented in this paper. The paper also summarizes a new methodology to propose filter selection criteria using the results of RETAIN. The proposed criteria based on this methodology and the existing empirical criteria from the literature were evaluated against the actual performance observed in the laboratory filtration tests on a silty sand specimen and a wide range of woven geotextiles. The results indicated that RETAIN can model the filtration behavior of silty sands and woven geotextiles, and the model output can be used to develop new geotextile selection criteria. The method is currently applicable to one type of soil; however, the method is rational, and the applicability of the methodology to other soils with a range of particle size distributions can be checked after conducting laboratory filtration tests on these soils.
Influence of asphalt cement type and oven type on asphalt retention capacity of paving geotextiles
Authors: Castro D. , Ballester F.
Published: March 2006

This paper presents results from asphalt retention tests on geotextile products carried out in accordance with ASTM D 6140 . Three different geotextile products were used in combination with three different asphalt cements and two different types of oven (convection and forced air types). The results show important variations in retention values depending on the asphalt cement and the oven used. The current ASTM standard recommends using a convection oven. If the tests are carried out using a forced air oven, significantly lower values of asphalt retention capacity can be expected.
Prediction of shear strength in high-strength concrete beams considering size effect
Authors: Bae Y.-H. , Lee J.-H. , Yoon Y.-S.
Published: March 2006

Recent research has indicated that the current American Concrete Institute (ACI) shear provisions provide nonconservative prediction for large slender beams with a low level of longitudinal reinforcement, but conservative predictions for deep beams. In the present paper, to modify these problems in the ACI shear provisions, the ultimate shear strength equation, considering size effect and arch action, is presented for computing the shear strength in high-strength concrete beams without stirrups. Three basic equations, namely those for the size reduction factor, ρ factor and arch action factor, are derived from the crack band model of fracture mechanics, analysis of previous shear equations for longitudinal reinforcement ratio and concrete strut described as a linear function in deep beams. Constants of basic equations were determined by using statistical analysis of previous shear testing data. To verify the proposed shear strength equation for each variable, about 300 experimental data were used and the proposed equation was compared with ACI 318 code, CEB–FIP model code, Kim and Park's equation, CSA 94 code and Zsutty's equation. While the proposed shear equation is simpler than other shear equations, it gives economical predictions of shear strength and reasonable safety margin.
Transient thermal creep of concrete in accidental conditions at temperatures up to 400°C
Authors: Hassen S. , Colina H.
Published: March 2006

In this work, the transient thermal strains of high-performance concrete (HPC) under constant load and increasing temperatures up to 400°C in accidental conditions are studied experimentally. Heating is applied at a rate of 1·5°C/min until successive constant temperature levels are reached. These temperature stages are maintained for 24 h to ensure the stabilisation of internal temperature and the physico-chemical thermo-dependent process. The analysis of experimental measures is concentrated on the so-called transient thermal creep. Test results confirm the existence of transient thermal strains during heating even for small loads. The transient thermal creep (TTC) values were estimated for four temperature levels: 150, 200, 300 and 400°C.
Experimental investigation of plain concrete under triaxial tension–compression cyclic loading
Authors: Cao W. , Liu H.-C. , Song Y.-P.
Published: March 2006

Experimental investigations of the properties of plain concrete subjected to triaxial constant-amplitude and variable-amplitude tension–compression fatigue loadings are presented. The sustained lower level of the cyclic stress is 0·2fc and the upper level ranges between 0·2ft and 0·65ft. Three constant lateral loadings are 0·1fc, 0·2fc and 0·3fc, respectively. The three-stage evolution rule of the maximum and minimum longitudinal strains, fatigue modulus and damage evolution are analysed. Combined with the former test results, a unified S–N curve formula is obtained by regression analysis and the fatigue strength factors for different lower stress levels are discussed. In addition, Miner's rule is examined for variable loading sequences and a non-linear cumulative damage model is established. Based on the model the residual fatigue number to failure is evaluated. Comparing with the experimental results shows that the model is of better precision and applicability.
Residual bond strength of corroded plain round bars
Authors: Cairns J. , Du Y. , Law D.
Published: March 2006

This paper reports results of an experimental programme to measure changes in bond characteristics of plain round reinforcement as a result of corrosion. Principal parameters included in the investigation are the amount of corrosion, the presence of confining reinforcement in the form of links, cover thickness and the initial condition of the reinforcement. In the absence of confining links, bond strength of bars cast near the bottom of a pour is found to reduce with increasing corrosion. However, although top-cast bars were initially weaker, small amounts of corrosion were sufficient to raise bond strength to that of bottom-cast bars. With increasing corrosion, strength reduced in a similar manner to bottom-cast bars. Confining reinforcement had little influence on bond strength prior to the onset of corrosion, but plays an important role in maintaining strength once corrosion becomes established. Results from these tests suggest that surface crack width may provide a better parameter than section loss or corrosion penetration through which to assess residual bond strength. The reasons for this are explained, and empirical relationships for residual strength are derived.
Ductility reinforcement for flat slabs in seismic areas
Authors: Broms C. E.
Published: March 2006

The reinforcement concept ‘ductility reinforcement’ has previously been shown to give flat slabs such extremely ductile behaviour that the punching failure mode for gravity loading can be considered safely eliminated. That concept is now tested for imposed cyclic storey drift during earthquakes and found to be capable of resisting even severe earthquakes without any additional precautions than those already taken for normal gravity loading. The specimens were loaded with gravity load up to about 75% of their flexural yield capacity in order to simulate the ultimate limit load case involving seismic loads. Design recommendations are given based on these findings, where assessment of transferred moment between slab and column as currently dictated by North American practice is not required.
Integrated a‐Si TFT row driver circuits for high‐resolution applications
Authors: Kim Cheon‐Hong , Yoo Se‐Jong , Kim Hyun‐Jin , Jun Jung‐Mok , Lee Jung‐Yeal
Published: March 2006

Abstract— A 12.1‐in. tablet liquid‐crystal‐display (LCD) panel with integrated amorphous‐silicon row driver circuits has been developed using a standard TFT process and Advanced Fringe‐Field Switching (AFFS) technology. An XGA‐resolution 768‐stage shift‐register circuit with two‐phase clocks has been designed and fabricated. The circuit parameters were optimized in order to obtain a highly reliable a‐Si row‐driver‐circuit structure. Thermal Humidity Operation (THO) test results at 50°C and 80% humidity during 500 hours of operation shows that the fabricated panel is reliable during long‐term operation and any abnormal display phenomenon was not observed at 0°C.
Compact and power‐saving polysilicon data driver with common‐decoder DA converter (CD‐DAC)
Authors: Kageyama Hiroshi , Miyamoto Mitsuhide , Akimoto Hajime , Nishitani Shigeyuki , Sato Toshihiro , Miyazawa Toshio
Published: March 2006

Abstract— A common‐decoder architecture for a data‐driver circuit fabricated by using a polysilicon process has been developed. The architecture achieves a compact circuit and low‐power consumption. In application to an integrated polysilicon data driver for small‐sized displays, this architecture reduces the area of the data driver by removing the vertical bus lines that occupy a large area. It also suppresses the power consumption of the data bus by reducing the number of driven lines in the data bus during word‐to‐word transitions from six to two. By using a conventional 4‐μm design rule, we fabricated an active‐matrix OLED (AMOLED) panel with an integrated six‐bit data‐driver circuit with 384 outputs. The driver circuit had a height of 2.6 mm and a pitch between output lines of 84 μm. The maximum power consumption of the driver was only 5 mW, i.e., 3.8 mW for logic‐data transfer and 1.2 mW for reference‐voltage source. Furthermore, we also fabricated an active‐matrix LCD (AMLCD) panel including driver circuits of the same type as the integrated elements. Six‐bit full‐color images were successfully displayed on both panels.
LTPS circuit integration for system‐on‐glass LCDs
Authors: Lin Alex Ching‐Wei , Chang Ting‐Kuo , Jan Chueh‐Kuei , Hsieh Meng‐Hsun , Tsai Chung‐Yang , Chang James Shih‐Chang , Tsai Alan Yaw‐Ming
Published: March 2006

Abstract—A 3.5‐in. QVGA‐formatted driving‐circuit fully integrated LCD has been developed using low‐temperature poly‐Si (LTPS) technology. This display module, in which no external ICs are required, integrates all the driving circuits for a six‐bit RGB digital interface with an LTPS device called a “FASt LDD TFT” and achieves a high‐quality image, narrow frame width, and low power consumption. The LTPS process, device, and circuit technologies developed for system‐on‐glass LCD discussed. The development phase of LTPS circuit integration for system‐on‐glass LCDs is also reviewed.
Motion artifact elimination technology for liquid‐crystal‐display monitors: Advanced dynamic capacitance compensation method
Authors: Lee Seung‐Woo , Kim Myeongsu , Souk Jun H. , Kim Sang Soo
Published: March 2006

Abstract— A new technology, advanced dynamic capacitance compensation (A‐DCC), for improved dynamic performance of LCD monitors, is presented. Conventional LCD monitors suffer from certain specific artifacts, such as wire‐frame flicker and line dimming, which are not issues for the simpler motion images found in television content. A‐DCC addresses these more‐challenging monitor cases by means of an advanced architecture which analyzes multi‐frame data and applies more comprehensive lookup‐table corrections according to the specific frame sequence.
Advanced bus system interface (ABSI) LCD module
Authors: Berkeley Brian H. , Kim Taesung , Kang Namsoo , Bell Marshall J. , Kozisek James , McCartney Richard I.
Published: March 2006

Abstract— Samsung has successfully developed the world's first notebook panel based on Advanced Bus System Interface (ABSI) technology. ABSI is a new architecture which uses a point‐to‐point topology, serial gamma reference distribution, current‐mode interface, and chip‐on‐glass (COG) technology to deliver a high‐performance low‐emission minimal‐interconnect 8‐bit‐capable cost‐effective LCD module in the smallest possible form factor. The first model is a 12.1‐in. WXGA panel designed to work in an ultra‐slim notebook application. This model combines ABSI technology with a‐Si integrated gate drivers, resulting in the most advanced notebook panel manufactured to date.
Peripheral circuit designs using low‐temperature p‐type poly‐Si thin‐film transistors
Authors: Nam Woo‐Jin , Lee Jae‐Hoon , Lee Hye‐Jin , Shin Hee‐Sun , Han Min‐Koo
Published: March 2006

Abstract— P‐type low‐temperature (450°C) polycrystalline‐silicon thin‐film‐transistor circuits for peripheral driver integration in active‐matrix displays are proposed and verified. A low‐voltage (5 V) driven poly‐Si scan driver is designed by employing a level shifter and shift register. A source driver for six‐bit digital interface is proposed, and the building blocks such as latch, DAC, and analog buffer are described. The latch samples and holds the digital bits (D and D') without an output voltage loss. A new source‐follower type analog buffer is developed and exhibits a small offset deviation regardless of the VTH variation of the buffer TFT. The simulation and measurement results ensure that the proposed circuits were successfully designed for p‐type panel integration.
A new current‐mirror pixel circuit employing poly‐Si TFTs for active‐matrix organic light‐emitting‐diode displays
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hoon , Nam Woo‐Jin , Shin Hee‐Sun , Han Min‐Koo , Ha Yong‐Min , Choi Hong‐Seok , Lee Chang‐Hwan , Hong Soon Kwang
Published: March 2006

Abstract— A novel active‐matrix organic light‐emitting‐diode (AMOLED) display employing a new current‐mirror pixel circuit, which requires four‐poly‐Si TFTs and one‐capacitor and no additional signal lines, has been proposed and sucessfully fabricated. The experimental results show that a new current mirror can considerably compensate luminance non‐uniformity and scale down a data current more than a conventional current‐mirror circuit in order to reduce the pixel charging time and increase the minimum data current. Compared with a conventional two‐TFT pixel, the luminance non‐uniformity induced by the grain boundaries of poly‐Si TFTs can be decreased considerably from 41% to 9.1%.
Person-Centered Planning Training for Consumer-Directed Care for the Elderly and Disabled
Authors: Davis Courtney B. , Cornman Carol B. , Lane Marcia J. , Patton Maria
Published: March 2006

Based on the need for a training program for person-centered planning, SC Choice, a Real Choice/Independent Living Grant, included the development of training materials and a training program for the implementation of the transformation from agency case manager to care advisor. The development of this training included receiving the person-centered planning training currently used by the developmentally disabled agencies, as well as interviews and focus groups with interested staff and participants. A training program for the Elderly/Disabled Waiver population using adult learning techniques is described in detail. Included in this training are the philosophy, the activities, and the necessary steps to complete person-centered planning for the transition of a case manager to a care advisor in a consumer-directed program for the elderly.
Variations in Care Management Arrangements for People With Mental Health Problems in England
Authors: Venables Dan , Hughes Jane , Stewart Karen , Challis David
Published: March 2006

Since 1989, government policy in the United Kingdom has advocated that social services providers develop care management systems in order to deliver coordinated and individually tailored packages of care to all user groups. This cross-sectional postal survey describes national variations in care management arrangements for people with mental health problems in England on 14 key indicators developed from previous research. One hundred and one social services providers (response rate: 77%) completed two questionnaires: The first related to care management arrangements for all user groups, and the second related specifically to arrangements for people with mental health problems. Significant national variation was found. Furthermore, there was little evidence of integration between health and social care, of care management being delivered through specialist multidisciplinary mental health teams, and of selective arrangements targeted at those most in need. The results are discussed in the context of apparently widespread disparity between existing care management arrangements and government policy guidance.
The Caregiver Balancing Act: Giving Too Much or Not Enough
Authors: Lowder Janet L. , Buzney Sandra J. , Buzo Amanda M.
Published: March 2006

Although there are many reasons why an individual becomes a caregiver, there are even more ways for a caregiver to suffer “burnout,” which can endanger his or her well-being and limit the ability to provide adequate care to another. This article provides a summary of the manner in which an individual may approach caregiving, the reasons for becoming a caregiver, the causes of caregiver fatigue and burnout, and the liability that a caregiver may face if he or she does not provide adequate care. Additionally, this article will discuss federal and state programs to assist caregivers, as well as recommendations for public policies and programs to help caregivers and protect the individuals in need of care.
Development and Validation of the Emotional Intimacy Scale
Authors: Sinclair Vaughn G. , Dowdy Sharon W.
Published: March 2006

Although many measures have been developed to capture elements of social support, only a few include an assessment of emotional intimacy. Emotional intimacy involves a perception of closeness to another that allows sharing of personal feelings, accompanied by expectations of understanding, affirmation, and demonstrations of caring. The 5-item Emotional Intimacy Scale (EIS) was developed to assess the emotional intimacy component in one close relationship. A sample of 90 women with rheumatoid arthritis was used to assess the reliability and validity of the scale. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability for a 6-week period were .88 and .85, respectively. To assess construct validity, significant, positive correlations were obtained between the EIS and measures of social support, self-efficacy, perceived health competence, reappraisal coping behaviors, life satisfaction, and positive affect. Significant negative correlations were obtained between the EIS and perceived stress levels, helplessness, negative pain coping behaviors, pain, and fatigue. In support of criterion-related validity, the EIS predicted outcomes from an intervention program. To further assess criterion-related validity, scores on the EIS and helplessness predicted scores on two indicators of psychological well-being that measured positive affect and life satisfaction. The EIS is a brief measure of emotional intimacy with good psychometric properties.
Need for Population Specific Validation of a Portable Metabolic Testing System: A Case of Sedentary Pregnant Women
Authors: Yeo Seonae , Ronis David L. , Antonakos Cathy L. , Roberts Katherine , Hayashi Robert
Published: March 2006

Commercially available portable metabolic systems have been validated with samples of young, healthy, and well-fit subjects, but use of these systems with a special population, such as healthy but sedentary pregnant women, requires a unique set of considerations. These include a woman’s limited testing time necessary for fetal safety, relatively low oxygen consumption, and the unique physiology of pregnancy (woman, the placenta, and the fetus). The purpose of this study was to validate a portable metabolic testing system (VO2000) with healthy sedentary pregnant women. A total of 9 sedentary pregnant women who averaged 30 years of age (SD= 3), 93 kg (SD= 19) weight, 163 cm (SD= 7) height, and at 19 weeks’ gestation (SD= 5) volunteered to participate. Submaximum fitness tests using the Cornell protocol were conducted once with two systems (VO2000 and CPX/D, a reference) simultaneously, and then subsequently twice with one system (VO2000). The VO2000 consistently overestimated VO2measurement, compared to the same manufacturer’s reference system, by 4.4 +/− 3.6 (SD) ml/kg/min, and when VO2000 was used twice, the mean difference was statistically significant (1.0 +/− 1.8 [SD] ml/kg/min; t(45)= 3.9,p< .001). The results of the study show that although VO2000 is an established and validated portable metabolic system for measurement on adult males and females who are relatively well fit, this portable system consistently overestimates VO2readings for pregnant women compared to standard full-size system. Measurements, when repeated, were not consistent.
Factors That Influence Battered Women to Leave Their Abusive Relationships
Authors: Koepsell Jennifer K. , Kernic Mary A. , Holt Victoria L.
Published: March 2006

This study examines factors associated with leaving an abusive relationship, including relationship characteristics, external support, and health status of the abused subjects. The subjects included 448 Seattle women whose abuse resulted in police involvement or filing for a civil protection order against their male partner. Women were followed longitudinally for 9 months. Stepwise logistic regression analyses assessed factors independently predictive of leave taking. Predictors of leaving the abusive relationship were young age, leaving the relationship previously, and having a protection order, an abuse-related physician visit, and a high score of psychological vulnerability to abuse. Seeking but not receiving external support was negatively associated with leave taking.
Help-Seeking and Coping Strategies for Intimate Partner Violence in Rural and Urban Women
Authors: Shannon Lisa , Logan TK , Cole Jennifer , Medley Karen
Published: March 2006

Women experiencing intimate partner violence may use a variety of help-seeking resources and coping strategies. The purpose of this study was to examine rural (n = 378) and urban (n = 379) women’s help seeking, coping, and perceptions of the helpfulness of resources used in dealing with partner violence. Overall, results suggest that women from both areas utilized a variety of help-seeking resources and coping strategies in significantly different ways. Urban women used more help-seeking resources than rural women. Urban and rural women used different types of resources. Rural women perceived the justice system services as less helpful than urban women. Coping strategies and help seeking are related, with problem-focused coping associated with the use of more formalized help-seeking resources. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Emotional Functioning, Attachment Style, and Attributions as Predictors of Child Abuse Potential in Domestic Violence Victims
Authors: Rodriguez Christina M.
Published: March 2006

To explore cognitive and emotional factors that may exacerbate child-abuse potential among domestic violence victims, 80 participants reported on their depression, hopelessness, anxiety, and anger as well as their attachment style and attributional style. Increased emotional difficulties as well as insecure attachment styles were significantly positively correlated with child abuse potential, although depression and anxiety were the strongest predictors. Externalizing blame for the spousal abuse was not associated with abuse risk. Women residing in shelters demonstrated significantly greater abuse risk than those in transitional housing programs, suggesting that greater temporal proximity to the spousal abuse may in part account for the increased abuse potential. Depression and hopelessness, however, appeared particularly relevant to increased abuse risk in domestic violence victims in the transitional housing system. Implications of these findings for working with battered women in terms of their emotional functioning and attachment style are discussed.
Domestic Violence Cases Involving Children: Effects of an Evidence-Based Prosecution Approach
Authors: Gewirtz Abigail , Weidner Robert R. , Miller Holly , Zehm Keri
Published: March 2006

This article reports findings from the evaluation of a city-county criminal prosecution unit for domestic violence involving children. Data from 446 cases prosecuted in the first 2 years of the Joint Prosecution Unit (JPU) were compared to a matched group of 446 domestic abuse cases prosecuted by both the city and county attorneys’ offices in the 2 years prior to inception of the JPU. Results of the comparisons indicated that fewer cases were declined or dismissed by the new unit, and that cases were prosecuted at a significantly more stringent level. Multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that child and weapon factors were associated with increased likelihood of a more serious (i.e., felony) plea for the new prosecution unit, relative to the comparison group. Results are presented in the context of addressing the difficulties inherent in the prosecution of domestic abuse and in light of the increasing awareness of the detrimental effects of domestic violence on children.
A Comparative Study Examining Associations Between Women’s Drug-Related Lifestyle Factors and Victimization Within the Family
Authors: Hequembourg Amy , Mancuso Richard , Miller Brenda
Published: March 2006

This study explores and compares the interrelationships between lifespan childhood and adult partner victimization and the drug lifestyles for 609 women, aged 18–65, from a drug-treatment sample, a women’s domestic violence shelter sample, and community samples matched with the drug-treatment and shelter samples. Significant findings indicate that lifespan childhood and adult partner victimization were the strongest predictors of women’s drug-related lifestyle activities. Three proposed hypotheses were supported to suggest that an association exists between the respondents’ lifespan childhood and partner victimization scores and drug-related lifestyle activities scores, with these relationships modified by intervening variables, such as age, marital status, partner substance use, and parental substance use. Findings also indicate significant differences among the four sample groups in terms of victimization and drug-related lifestyle factors. Implications, limitations, and areas for future research are discussed.
Intimate Partner Violence: Prevalence and Risk Factors for Men in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Abrahams Naeemah , Jewkes Rachel , Laubscher Ria , Hoffman Margaret
Published: March 2006

This study examined the prevalence of and risk factors for intimate partner physical violence against women. Interviews were conducted with a sample of 1,378 men working in Cape Town municipalities. An average of 42.3% (95% CI: 39.6, 44.8) reported physical violence against a partner of the last 10 years, and 8.8% (95% CI: 7.3, 10.3) reported physical violence in the past year. After adjustment for age, occupational group, and race, the factors associated with use of violence against partners of the last 10 years were having no post-school training (OR = 2.10), witnessing parental violence in childhood (OR = 1.87), involvement in fights at work (OR = 2.73) and in communities (OR = 1.54), drug use (OR = 1.99), problem alcohol use (OR = 1.98), perceiving hitting women to be acceptable (OR = 4.54), frequent conflict (OR = 2.40), women’s alcohol use (OR = 2.25), conflict about sex (OR = 2.16), and conflict about his infidelity (OR = 2.81). The study shows that ideas supportive of gender inequality and normative use of violence in different settings are major underlying factors for men’s violence against partners.