bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dapsone (Adults): Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia)
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: June 2011

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a quarterly publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@kumc.edu .
Interview with David L. Altheide
Authors: Lores Mònica , Lozano Natàlia
Published: May 2011

David L. Altheide is a sociology professor at Arizona State University. His main research interest is the role of the mass media in the dissemination of discourses on fear and risk to control the population. The following interview, which was held at the beginning of October 2010 at
the opening ceremony for the Master's in Political, Institutional and Corporate Communication in Crisis and Risk Environments offered by Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Tarragona, Spain), is a summary of his theories on fear and risk discourse and the roles played by journalists and researchers.
Reviews
Authors: Hutchison David , Argelaguet Jordi , Canovaca de la Fuente Enrique , Sampedro Víctor , Laffond José Carlos Rueda , Ruiz Carlota Coronado , Busquet Jordi
Published: May 2011

NATIONAL DAYS: CONSTRUCTING AND MOBILISING NATIONAL IDENTITY, DAVID McCRONE AND GAYLE McPHERSON (EDS) (2009) Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 232xiv pp., ISBN-13: 978-0-230-23661-5, Hardback, 60

CATALONIA. NATIONAL IDENTITY AND CULTURAL POLICY 19802003, KATHRYN
CRAMERI (2008) Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 229 pp., ISBN 978-0-7083-2013-6, Hardback, 75.00

EL DISCURSO TELEVISIVO SOBRE LA INMIGRACIN. FICCIN Y CONSTRUCCIN DE IDENTIDAD, CHARO LACALLE (2008) Barcelona: Ediciones Omega, 147 pp., ISBN 978-84-282-1505-3, Paperback,
40.00

L'ESPECTRE DEL TRIPARTIT. COMUNICACI POLTICA I COMPORTAMENT ELECTORAL A LES ELECCIONS CATALANES DEL 2006, JORDI PERICOT AND ARANTXA CAPDEVILA (EDS) (2009) Barcelona: UNICA, 226 pp., ISBN 978-84-92707-04-1, Paperback, 26.00

THE NATION ON SCREEN. DISCOURSES OF
THE NATIONAL ON GLOBAL TELEVISION, ENRIC CASTELL, ALEXANDER DHOEST AND HUGH O'DONNELL (EDS) (2009) Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 345 pp., ISBN (10): 1-4438-0614-5, Hardback, $76.99

HISTORIAS DE LA PEQUEA PANTALLA. REPRESENTACIONES HISTRICAS EN
LA TELEVISIN DE LA ESPAA DEMOCRTICA, FRANCISCA LPEZ, ELENA CUETO ASN AND DAVID R. GEORGE, JR. (EDS) (2009) Madrid-Frankfurt-am-Main: Iberoamericana-Vervuert, 321 pp., ISBN 978-84-8480-462-9; 978-3-86527-487-8, Paperback, 28.00

INFORME DE LA COMUNICACI A CATALUNYA 20072008,
MIQUEL DE MORAGAS, ISABEL FERNNDEZ ALONSO, NRIA ALMIRN, JOS JOAQUN BLASCO GIL, JOAN M. CORBELLA CORDOM, MARTA CIVIL I SERRA AND ORIOL GILBERT I FORTUNY (2009) Bellaterra: InCom (Universitat Autnoma de Barcelona), 400 pp., ISBN 978-84-393-8063-4, Paperback, 35.00
The use of IST applications in Catalan museums: A comparative evaluation carried out at the Museum-Monastery of Sant Cugat del Valls
Authors: Pujol-Tost Laia , Busanya-Vilar Anna , González-Marcén Paloma
Published: May 2011

This article presents some preliminary conclusions on the use of information society technologies (IST) as communication tools in Catalan museums, drawn from a research project that was undertaken jointly by the University of Manchester and the Universitat Autnoma de Barcelona. The
general aim of the project was to widen the understanding of the specific usefulness of technology for exhibitions. We evaluated an exhibition in the United Kingdom and a second exhibition in Catalonia, by interviewing staff, observing and interviewing visitors and holding a round table discussion
with museum experts. The general conclusion was that the integration of technological applications might ultimately depend on the museological tradition of the country, which influences the use and perceptions of technologies. The article also describes empirical data for Catalonia and guidelines
for future applications.
Spain's 2008 cyber-campaign: Only for a very active minority
Authors: Sampedro Víctor , López-Rey José , Goy Celia Muñoz , Dader José Luis , Domínguez Eva Campos
Published: May 2011

This article clarifies the applicability of the cyber-campaign concept to the Spanish 2008 general elections in the light of data from two surveys of Internet use for political purposes during the elections, namely, of general and of intensive Internet users. Our results are compared
with patterns of political use of the Internet in Spain and other countries. Findings reveal poor use of the political resources available online (not explained only by a comparatively lower Internet-adoption rate) and a multimedia political information consumption pattern even among intensive
Internet users in which the most interactive devices have the least importance. These results are explained by an imbalance between demand for online political action during elections and the technology and content offered by political actors over the Internet.
Zombie language: The parody of newspaper columns in Quim Monz's radio commentaries
Authors: Brotons Antoni Maestre
Published: May 2011

In postmodernist fiction and new journalism, parody is used to combat the manipulation of classical literary and journalistic genres, based on objectivism as a commonplace, which usually impose an unequivocal vision of facts preventing any kind of dissidence. This shrewd control of
language, revealed in clich use, also characterizes political discourse. Parody has been studied in Quim Monz's fiction and non-fiction, but not in his radio and television shows. The aim of this article is to examine parody in the radio show Articles que no farem/Articles we won't write
(20052006), where Monz imitates the trite style of archetypal columnists issuing banal opinions on society, culture and politics. Rather than express original ideas, they merely strengthen mainstream ideas using commonplaces. Monz's parody mainly operates through the manipulation of individuals
and their column titles; he also uses humoristic devices such as paronomasia and comparison. As a complement to previous research into Monz's journalism, it will help us understand his conception of columns and of the mainstream ideas he humorously censures, particularly political correctness.
Mapping communication research in Catalonia: A comparative analysis of publication patterns in scholarly journals (20072009)
Authors: Masip Pere , Fernández-Quijada David
Published: May 2011

The article analyses the main characteristics of scientific production in the communication sciences by Catalan authors during the years 20072009. Bibliometric techniques were used to observe institutional productivity, publication patterns, collaboration dynamics (intra- and inter-institutional)
and journal consumption. The study is based on articles by authors attached to Catalan universities, companies and institutions and published in any of the sixteen main Spanish communication journals or in publications listed in the communication section of the Social Sciences Citation Index.
Results reveal two different patterns of behaviour, depending on whether a Catalan researcher publishes in a Spanish or international journal.
A study of an after-school art programme and critical thinking
Authors: Lampert Nancy
Published: May 2011

In this article, I discuss an Institutional Review Board-approved, community arts programme that was designed to enhance the critical thinking skills of ten urban elementary children by engaging them in enquiry-based art lessons. I conducted a single group, mixed methods study on a
US campus through an undergraduate service-learning, honors course. Eight undergraduate honors students enrolled in the class. The interdisciplinary group of college students consisted of three art education students; a student from the sculpture department, one from social work, and three
students from humanities and sciences. All of the undergraduate students had worked with children before and all had an interest in serving the community. To assess the children's critical thinking gains from the programme, I used qualitative observations and a quantitative critical thinking
pre-test/post-test. The results of a t-test showed a statistically significant increase in the children's average critical thinking scores from the pre-tests to the post-tests (p.020).
Cartoon and gender: Masculinities in SpongeBob
Authors: Pillar Analice
Published: May 2011

This article reports on a study that deals with how male gender is constituted in SpongeBob SquarePants, one of the most widely watched cartoons on TV in Brazil. By analysing three episodes, the research team sought to understand the effects of meaning related to masculinity
and how this signification is constructed in the interplay between visual and sound systems. Another objective was to understand the significations children elicit from this syncretic text. Both the cartoon episodes and the children's interpretations were analysed based on the discursive semiotics
theory, in studies regarding cartoons and contemporary studies concerning childhood and cultural production. The results indicate that discussing in school what is portrayed and how genders are represented in cartoons is a way of denaturalizing the process of the constitution of men and women
in our culture.
Internal Model Control of Nonlinear Systems with Input Saturation
Authors: Hilsch Michael , Lunze Jan , Nitsche Rainer
Published: May 2011

An Internal Model Control structure for nonlinear, stable single-input single-output systems with actuator saturation is proposed. The main topic is the analysis of the stability and the steady-state input-output behaviour of the IMC filter which is an integral part of the IMC structure. Despite of the actuator magnitude limitation and the plant nonlinearities, the closed IMC loop is shown to be internally stable and to possess the set-point tracking property. The performance of the approach is demonstrated by its application to the intake manifold pressure control of a combustion engine.
Iterative Fahrweisenoptimierung der annularen Elektro-Chromatographie
Authors: Behrens Malte , Engell Sebastian
Published: May 2011

Die kontinuierliche annulare Elektrochromatographie (Continuous Annular Electro-chromatography, CAEC) ist ein neuartiges kontinuierliches Trennverfahren für die Gewinnung hochwertiger Substanzen aus Produktgemischen. Eine entsprechende Anlage wird derzeit im Rahmen eines EU-Projekts1 entwickelt und getestet. In diesem Beitrag beschreiben wir eine iterative Fahrweisenoptimierung dieses Prozesses auf Basis eines rigorosen 2D-Modells des Trennprozesses und der sog. Gradientenmodifikationsmethode, die für die Optimierung von Batch-Chromatographie-Prozessen bereits von Gao und Engell [7] angewendet wurde.
Exakte Ein-/Ausgangslinearisierung für die translatorische Dynamik eines Quadrocopters
Authors: Buhl Michael , Fritsch Oliver , Lohmann Boris
Published: May 2011

Der Beitrag beschreibt eine exakte E/A-Linearisierung für die translatorische Dynamik eines Quadrocopters. Die hierfür relevante Lageinformation reduziert sich auf die Ausrichtung des Schubvektors (bzw. der körperfesten z-Achse), welche mit zwei Freiheitsgraden beschrieben werden kann. Hierzu wird im vorliegenden Beitrag ein spezielles Schubachsenquaternion eingeführt. Die E/A-Linearisierung selbst erfolgt in zwei Stufen. Zunächst wird eine E/A-Linearisierung zwischen der z-Position und dem Schub durchgeführt und anschließend eine E/A-Linearisierung zwischen der xy-Position und den Stellmomenten.
Method of moment estimation in time-changed Lévy models
Authors: Kallsen Jan , Muhle-Karbe Johannes
Published: May 2011

This paper introduces a method of moment estimator for the time-changed Lévy processes proposed by Carr, Geman, Madan and Yor (2003). By establishing that the returns sequence is strongly mixing with exponentially decreasing rate, we prove consistency and asymptotic normality of the resulting estimators. In addition, we fit parametrized versions of the model to real data and examine the quality of our estimators by performing a simulation study. Finally, we also show how to estimate the current level of volatility.
Rückführbarkeit von Konturmessungen mit einem Mikro-Koordinatenmessgerät
Authors: Neugebauer Michael , Krystek Michael , Feifel Stefan , Müller Christoph
Published: May 2011

Die Kalibrierung eines Bezugs-Konturnormals mit einem Mikro-Koordinatenmessgerät F25 wird beschrieben. Erste Ergebnisse bezüglich der Verwendung eines Bezugs-Konturnormals zur Kalibrierung von Gebrauchs-Konturnormalen mit Hilfe von Konturmessgeräten werden vorgestellt.
Optimale Geradenschätzung für Time-of-Flight Umfeldsensoren
Authors: Stellet Jan , Kutzera Christian
Published: May 2011

Dieser Artikel stellt einen verbesserten Algorithmus zur Geradenschätzung für Umfeldsensoren vor. Eine optimale Schätzung ist nur möglich, wenn die stochastischen Eigenschaften der Messfehler berücksichtigt werden. Lidar- und Ultraschallsensoren erfassen die radiale Entfernung r und den Azimutwinkel φ. Deshalb ist es sinnvoll, unkorrelierte Messfehler in Polarkoordinaten anzunehmen. Schätzverfahren, die die daraus folgende Korrelation in kartesischen Koordinaten nicht berücksichtigen, können daher einen systematischen Schätzfehler aufweisen. Zwei neuere Ansätze zur Maximum-Likelihood-Schätzung der Geradenparameter werden hier vorgestellt und es wird die Verbesserung eines der Verfahren vorgeschlagen.
Mutational analysis of GCMB, a parathyroid-specific transcription factor, in parathyroid adenoma of primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Mannstadt Michael , Holick Emily , Zhao Wenping , Jüppner Harald
Published: June 2011

Sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), one of the most common endocrine disorders, is characterized by hypercalcemia and elevated PTH levels. The majority of cases are caused by a benign parathyroid adenoma, but somatic or de novo germ-line mutations that lead to adenoma formation have only been identified in few glands. GCMB is a parathyroid-specific transcription factor, which causes hypoparathyroidism when inactivated on both parental alleles or when a dominant-negative, heterozygous mutation is present. It is overexpressed in some parathyroid adenomas, and we therefore tested the hypothesis that GCMB mutations can be a cause of parathyroid adenomas. Nucleotide sequence analysis was performed on all coding exons and exon–intron borders of GCMB in 30 sporadic parathyroid adenomas and we identified several known polymorphisms that were either heterozygous or homozygous. In addition, one of the 30 investigated glands revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation, c.1144G>A, which introduced methionine at position 382 for valine (V382M), a conserved amino acid residue. Western blot analysis using mutant GCMB (GCMB-V382M) from lysates of transiently transfected DF-1 fibroblasts, luciferase assays using extracts from these cells, and electrophoretic mobility assays failed to reveal differences between wild-type and mutant GCMB in expression level, transactivational capacity, and DNA-binding ability. Furthermore, pulse-chase experiments demonstrated no difference in half-life of wild-type and mutant protein. We conclude that mutations in the transcription factor GCMB do not seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of PHPT.
Local Selection Across a Latitudinal Gradient Shapes Nucleotide Diversity in Balsam Poplar, Populus balsamifera L
Authors: Keller Stephen R , Levsen Nicholas , Ingvarsson Pär K , Olson Matthew S , Tiffin Peter
Published: May 2011

Molecular studies of adaptive evolution often focus on detecting selective sweeps driven by positive selection on a species-wide scale; however, much adaptation is local, particularly of ecologically important traits. Here, we look for evidence of range-wide and local adaptation at candidate genes for adaptive phenology in balsam poplar, Populus balsamifera, a widespread forest tree whose range extends across environmental gradients of photoperiod and growing season length. We examined nucleotide diversity of 27 poplar homologs of the flowering-time network—a group of genes that control plant developmental phenology through interactions with environmental cues such as photoperiod and temperature. Only one gene, ZTL2, showed evidence of reduced diversity and an excess of fixed replacement sites, consistent with a species-wide selective sweep. Two other genes, LFY and FRI, harbored high levels of nucleotide diversity and exhibited elevated differentiation between northern and southern accessions, suggesting local adaptation along a latitudinal gradient. Interestingly, FRI has also been identified as a target of local selection between northern and southern accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana, indicating that this gene may be commonly involved in ecological adaptation in distantly related species. Our findings suggest an important role for local selection shaping molecular diversity and reveal limitations of inferring molecular adaptation from analyses designed only to detect species-wide selective sweeps.
Cell Polarity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Depends on Proper Localization of the Bud9 Landmark Protein by the EKC/KEOPS Complex
Authors: Kato Yu , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Ohyama Yoshifumi , Morishita Takashi , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Kokubo Tetsuro , Hirano Hisashi
Published: May 2011

In diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, bud-site selection is determined by two cortical landmarks, Bud8p and Bud9p, at the distal and proximal poles, respectively. Their localizations depend on the multigenerational proteins Rax1p/Rax2p. Many genes involved in bud-site selection were identified previously by genome-wide screening of deletion mutants, which identified BUD32 that causes a random budding in diploid cells. Bud32p is an atypical kinase involved in a signaling cascade of Sch9p kinase, the yeast homolog of Akt/PKB, and a component of the EKC/KEOPS (endopeptidase-like, kinase, chromatin-associated/kinase, putative endopeptidase, and other proteins of small size) complex that functions in telomere maintenance and transcriptional regulation. However, its role in bipolar budding has remained unclear. In this report, we show that the Sch9p kinase cascade does not affect bipolar budding but that the EKC/KEOPS complex regulates the localization of Bud9p. The kinase activity of Bud32p, which is essential for the functions of the EKC/KEOPS complex but is not necessary for the Sch9p signaling cascade, is required for bipolar bud-site selection. BUD9 is necessary for random budding in each deletion mutant of EKC/KEOPS components, and RAX2 is genetically upstream of EKC/KEOPS genes for the regulation of bipolar budding. The asymmetric localization of Bud9p was dependent on the complex, but Bud8p and Rax2p were not. We concluded that the EKC/KEOPS complex is specifically involved in the regulation of Bud9p localization downstream of Rax1p/Rax2p.
Anterior–Posterior Axis Specification in Drosophila Oocytes: Identification of Novel bicoid and oskar mRNA Localization Factors
Authors: Chang Chin-Wen , Nashchekin Dmitry , Wheatley Lucy , Irion Uwe , Dahlgaard Katja , Montague Tessa G , Hall Jacqueline , St. Johnston Daniel
Published: May 2011

The Drosophila melanogaster anterior–posterior axis is established during oogenesis by the localization of bicoid and oskar mRNAs to the anterior and posterior poles of the oocyte. Although genetic screens have identified some trans-acting factors required for the localization of these transcripts, other factors may have been missed because they also function at other stages of oogenesis. To circumvent this problem, we performed a screen for revertants and dominant suppressors of the bicaudal phenotype caused by expressing Miranda–GFP in the female germline. Miranda mislocalizes oskar mRNA/Staufen complexes to the oocyte anterior by coupling them to the bicoid localization pathway, resulting in the formation of an anterior abdomen in place of the head. In one class of revertants, Miranda still binds Staufen/oskar mRNA complexes, but does not localize to the anterior, identifying an anterior targeting domain at the N terminus of Miranda. This has an almost identical sequence to the N terminus of vertebrate RHAMM, which is also a large coiled-coil protein, suggesting that it may be a divergent Miranda ortholog. In addition, we recovered 30 dominant suppressors, including multiple alleles of the spectroplakin, short stop, a lethal complementation group that prevents oskar mRNA anchoring, and a female sterile complementation group that disrupts the anterior localization of bicoid mRNA in late oogenesis. One of the single allele suppressors proved to be a mutation in the actin nucleator, Cappuccino, revealing a previously unrecognized function of Cappuccino in pole plasm anchoring and the induction of actin filaments by Long Oskar protein.
The Effect of Maternity Leave Length and Time of Return to Work on Breastfeeding
Authors: Ogbuanu Chinelo , Glover Saundra , Probst Janice , Liu Jihong , Hussey James
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:

We investigated the effect of maternity leave length and time of first return to work on breastfeeding.

METHODS:

Data were from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort. Restricting our sample to singletons whose biological mothers were the respondents at the 9-month interview and worked in the 12 months before delivery (N = 6150), we classified the length of total maternity leave (weeks) as 1 to 6, 7 to 12, ≥13, and did not take; paid maternity leave (weeks) as 0, 1 to 6, ≥7, and did not take; and time of return to work postpartum (weeks) as 1 to 6, 7 to 12, ≥13, and not yet returned. Analyses included χ2 tests and multiple logistic regressions.

RESULTS:

In our study population, 69.4% initiated breastfeeding with positive variation by both total and paid maternity leave length, and time of return to work. In adjusted analyses, neither total nor paid maternity leave length had any impact on breastfeeding initiation or duration. Compared with those returning to work within 1 to 6 weeks, women who had not yet returned to work had a greater odds of initiating breastfeeding (odds ratio [OR]: 1.46 [1.08–1.97]; risk ratios [RR]: 1.13 [1.03–1.22]), continuing any breastfeeding beyond 6 months (OR: 1.41 [0.87–2.27]; RR: 1.25 [0.91–1.61]), and predominant breastfeeding beyond 3 months (OR: 2.01 [1.06–3.80]; RR: 1.70 [1.05–2.53]). Women who returned to work at or after 13 weeks postpartum had higher odds of predominantly breastfeeding beyond 3 months (OR: 2.54 [1.51–4.27]; RR: 1.99 [1.38–2.69]).

CONCLUSION:

If new mothers delay their time of return to work, then duration of breastfeeding among US mothers may lengthen.
Development and Validation of a Pictorial Nausea Rating Scale for Children
Authors: Baxter Amy L. , Watcha Mehernoor F. , Baxter William Valentine , Leong Traci , Wyatt Matthew M.
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:

The lack of a widely used, validated measure limits pediatric nausea management. The goal of this study was to create and validate a pictorial scale with regular incremental levels between scores depicting increasing nausea intensity.

METHODS:

A pictorial nausea scale of 0 to 10 with 6 faces (the Baxter Retching Faces [BARF] scale) was developed in 3 stages. The BARF scale was validated in emergency department patients with vomiting and in healthy patients undergoing day surgery procedures. Patients were presented with visual analog scales for nausea and pain, the pictorial Faces Pain Scale–Revised, and the BARF scale. Patients receiving opioid analgesics or antiemetic agents had their pain and nausea assessed before and 30 minutes after therapy. Spearman's ρ correlation coefficients were calculated. A Wilcoxon matched-pair rank test compared pain and nausea scores before and after antiemetic therapy.

RESULTS:

Thirty oncology patients and 15 nurses participated in the development of the scale, and 127 patients (52, emergency department; 75, day surgery) ages 7 to 18 years participated in the validation. The Spearman ρ correlation coefficient of the first paired BARF and visual analog scale for nausea scores was 0.93. Visual analog scales for nausea and BARF scores (P = .20) were significantly higher in patients requiring antiemetic agents and decreased significantly after treatment, while posttreatment pain scores (P = .47) for patients receiving only antiemetic agents did not.

CONCLUSIONS:

We describe the development of a pictorial scale with beginning evidence of construct validity for a self-report assessment of the severity of pediatric nausea. The scale had convergent and discriminant validity, along with an ability to detect change after treatment.
Association of Interpersonal Violence With Self-Reported History of Head Injury
Authors: Stoddard Sarah A. , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in interpersonal violence among individuals who reported a head injury compared with those who did not report a head injury.

METHODS:

We used data from an 8-year longitudinal study of youth selected by their grade point average to study those at-risk for high school dropout in 4 public high schools in a Midwestern city (N = 850). Participants were followed up from mid-adolescence to the transition into young adulthood. One-way analyses of variance were used to test for differences in levels of interpersonal violence, and repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance were used to assess differences in levels of violence over time among participants based on reports of head injury. A series of multivariate regression analyses examined whether head injury was associated with subsequent violent behavior.

RESULTS:

Participants who had ever experienced a head injury before young adulthood reported more interpersonal violence in young adulthood than participants who had never had a head injury. In multivariate analyses, respondents who had a head injury in the past year reported more subsequent interpersonal violence than respondents who had not had a head injury.

CONCLUSION:

Our findings support other studies that link history of head injury to later interpersonal violence.
Decision-Making Around Gastrostomy-Feeding in Children With Neurologic Disabilities
Authors: Mahant Sanjay , Jovcevska Vesna , Cohen Eyal
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to understand the decision-making experiences, perspectives, and beliefs of parents of children with a neurologic disability around gastrostomy tube-feeding.

DESIGN AND METHODS:

We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies to explore the experiences of parents of children with a neurologic disability around gastrostomy-feeding. We searched 5 electronic databases from inception to July 2010. Two authors independently selected articles and extracted data. Concepts and themes relevant to decision-making were constructed by using thematic analysis.

RESULTS:

Eleven studies were selected in which experiences relevant to decision-making were reported. The decision-making process was characterized by decisional conflict. Concepts important to understanding conflict were categorized under 3 themes: values; context; and process. The value and meaning of feeding by mouth and, in contrast, with a gastrostomy tube was the dominant theme that led to internal distress for parents in decision. Feeding by mouth was seen as an enjoyable activity, an important social process, but also a struggle. Gastrostomy-feeding represented a loss of normality, a sign of disability, and a disruption of maternal nurturing and bonding. Context (child and family characteristics) and process (information sharing and support) modified the decision-making experience.

CONCLUSIONS:

Values associated with gastrostomy-feeding and feeding by mouth, the context of child and family, and the process of decision-making facilitated by the health care system shape parental experiences and decisional conflict. This framework will help guide interventions, such as patient decision aids, that are aimed at improving parental decision-making.
Parents' Decisions to Screen Newborns forFMR1Gene Expansions in a Pilot Research Project
Authors: Skinner Debra , Choudhury Summer , Sideris John , Guarda Sonia , Buansi Allen , Roche Myra , Powell Cynthia , Bailey Donald B.
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to document rates of parental consent in a pilot study of newborn screening for FMR1 gene expansions, examine demographic characteristics of mothers who consented or declined, describe the reasons for their decision, and discuss ethical and social aspects of the consent process.

METHODS:

A brief survey was used to record basic demographic data from mothers and an open-ended question was used to elicit parents' reasons for accepting or declining screening. A descriptive analysis was conducted on the number of mothers who consented to or declined screening, and a logistic regression model predicted mothers' likelihood to agree to screening based on demographic characteristics. Reasons for decisions were analyzed using content analysis. The study was conducted at University of North Carolina Hospitals. A total of 2137 mothers were approached.

RESULTS:

The uptake rate for couples was 63%. Acceptance rates varied by race/ethnicity, with black respondents being less likely to accept screening. Primary reasons for accepting were “to know,” “belief in research,” and “the test was minimal/no risk.” Reasons for declining included not wanting to know or worry, not being a good time, and issues with testing children or with genetic tests.

CONCLUSIONS:

Findings demonstrate that a majority of parents accepted newborn screening for FMR1 gene expansions, but decision rates and reasons for accepting or declining varied in part as a function of race/ethnicity and in part as a function of what parents most valued or feared in their assessment of risks and benefits.
Early Childhood Caries in Indigenous Communities
Authors:   American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Native American Child Health, Canadian Paediatric Society, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Committee
Published: May 2011

The oral health of Indigenous children of Canada (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) and the United States (American Indian, Alaska Native) is a major child health issue: there is a high prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and resulting adverse health effects in this community, as well as high rates and costs of restorative and surgical treatments under general anesthesia. ECC is an infectious disease that is influenced by multiple factors, including socioeconomic determinants, and requires a combination of approaches for improvement. This statement includes recommendations for preventive oral health and clinical care for young infants and pregnant women by primary health care providers, community-based health-promotion initiatives, oral health workforce and access issues, and advocacy for community water fluoridation and fluoride-varnish program access. Further community-based research on the epidemiology, prevention, management, and microbiology of ECC in Indigenous communities would be beneficial.
A physical analogue material to simulate sturzstroms
Authors: Imre Bernd , Wildhaber Beat , Springman Sarah Marcella
Published: June 2011

A physical analogue material is presented as a synthetic rock for use in centrifuge experiments on sturzstroms. Sturzstroms are rock slides of very large volume, which display intense fragmentation of blocks of rock owing to inter-particle collisions. Although the stresses within the centrifugal experimental set`-up are significantly enhanced owing to acceleration forces, compared with 1g laboratory experiments, the original rock of a sturzstrom event is still too strong and does not display fragmentation in the centrifuge. An analogue material has been developed to exhibit similar mechanical properties as well as reduced strength. A literature review on the development of analogue materials is included together with the recipe of the newly developed synthetic soft rock, based on Quartz sand bonded with Portland cement. A comprehensive mechanical characterisation of this material is given.
High‐resolution mapping of the world's reservoirs and dams for sustainable river‐flow management
Authors: Lehner Bernhard , Liermann Catherine Reidy , Revenga Carmen , Vörösmarty Charles , Fekete Balazs , Crouzet Philippe , Döll Petra , Endejan Marcel , Frenken Karen , Magome Jun , Nilsson Christer , Robertson James C , Rödel Raimund , Sindorf Nikolai , Wisser Dominik
Published: May 2011

Despite the recognized importance of reservoirs and dams, global datasets describing their characteristics and geographical distribution are largely incomplete. To enable advanced assessments of the role and effects of dams within the global river network and to support strategies for mitigating ecohydrological and socioeconomic costs, we introduce here the spatially explicit and hydrologically linked Global Reservoir and Dam database (GRanD). As of early 2011, GRanD contains information regarding 6862 dams and their associated reservoirs, with a total storage capacity of 6197 km3. On the basis of these records, we estimate that about 16.7 million reservoirs larger than 0.01 ha – with a combined storage capacity of approximately 8070 km3 – may exist worldwide, increasing Earth's terrestrial surface water area by more than 305 000 km2. We find that 575 900 river kilometers, or 7.6% of the world's rivers with average flows above 1 cubic meter per second (m3 s−1), are affected by a cumulative upstream reservoir capacity that exceeds 2% of their annual flow; the impact is highest for large rivers with average flows above 1000 m3 s−1, of which 46.7% are affected. Finally, a sensitivity analysis suggests that smaller reservoirs have substantial impacts on the spatial extent of flow alterations despite their minor role in total reservoir capacity.
Woodpeckers, decay, and the future of cavity‐nesting vertebrate communities worldwide
Authors: Cockle Kristina L , Martin Kathy , Wesołowski Tomasz
Published: May 2011

In forests worldwide, tree‐cavity supply can limit populations of the 10–40% of bird and mammal species that require cavities for nesting or roosting. Conservation efforts aimed at cavity‐using communities have often focused on woodpeckers because, as cavity excavators, they are presumed to control cavity supply. We show that avian excavators are the primary cavity producers in North America (77% of nesting cavities), but not elsewhere (26% in Eurasia and South America; 0% in Australasia). We studied survivorship of 2805 nest cavities and found similar persistence of cavities created by woodpeckers and those created by decay in Canada, but low persistence of woodpecker‐excavated cavities in Poland and Argentina. Outside of North America, the ephemeral nature of many woodpecker cavities may render most cavity‐using vertebrates critically dependent on the slow formation of cavities by damage and decay. The future of most cavity‐using communities will therefore be highly dependent on changing forest policies to stem the current loss of old trees.
ASSOCIATIVE SYMMETRY BY PIGEONS AFTER FEW‐EXEMPLAR TRAINING
Authors: Velasco Saulo M. , Huziwara Edson M. , Machado Armando , Tomanari Gerson Y.
Published: May 2011

The present experiment investigated whether pigeons can show associative symmetry on a two‐alternative matching‐to‐sample procedure. The procedure consisted of a within‐subject sequence of training and testing with reinforcement, and it provided (a) exemplars of symmetrical responding, and (b) all prerequisite discriminations among test samples and comparisons. After pigeons had learned two arbitrary‐matching tasks (A–B and C–D), they were given a reinforced symmetry test for half of the baseline relations (B1–A1 and D1–C1). To control for the effects of reinforcement during testing, two novel, nonsymmetrical responses were concurrently reinforced using the other baseline stimuli (D2–A2 and B2–C2). Pigeons matched at chance on both types of relations, thus indicating no evidence for symmetry. These symmetrical and nonsymmetrical relations were then directly trained in order to provide exemplars of symmetry and all prerequisite discriminations for a second test. The symmetrical test relations were now B2–A2 and D2–C2 and the nonsymmetrical relations were D1–A1 and B1–C1. On this test, 1 pigeon showed clear evidence of symmetry, 2 pigeons showed weak evidence, and 1 pigeon showed no evidence. The previous training of all prerequisite discriminations among stimuli, and the within‐subject control for testing with reinforcement seem to have set favorable conditions for the emergence of symmetry in nonhumans. However, the variability across subjects shows that methodological variables still remain to be controlled.
OBSERVING BEHAVIOR AND ATYPICALLY RESTRICTED STIMULUS CONTROL
Authors: Dube William V. , Dickson Chata A. , Balsamo Lyn M. , O'Donnell Kristin Lombard , Tomanari Gerson Y. , Farren Kevin M. , Wheeler Emily E. , McIlvane William J.
Published: May 2011

Restricted stimulus control refers to discrimination learning with atypical limitations in the range of controlling stimuli or stimulus features. In the study reported here, 4 normally capable individuals and 10 individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) performed two‐sample delayed matching to sample. Sample‐stimulus observing was recorded with an eye‐tracking apparatus. High accuracy scores indicated stimulus control by both sample stimuli for the 4 nondisabled participants and 4 participants with ID, and eye tracking data showed reliable observing of all stimuli. Intermediate accuracy scores indicated restricted stimulus control for the remaining 6 participants. Their eye‐tracking data showed that errors were related to failures to observe sample stimuli and relatively brief observing durations. Five of these participants were then given interventions designed to improve observing behavior. For 4 participants, the interventions resulted initially in elimination of observing failures, increased observing durations, and increased accuracy. For 2 of these participants, contingencies sufficient to maintain adequate observing were not always sufficient to maintain high accuracy; subsequent procedure modifications restored it, however. For the 5th participant, initial improvements in observing were not accompanied by improved accuracy, an apparent instance of observing without attending; accuracy improved only after an additional intervention that imposed contingencies on observing behavior. Thus, interventions that control observing behavior seem necessary but may not always be sufficient for the remediation of restricted stimulus control.
CHOICE IN QUAIL NEONATES: THE ORIGINS OF GENERALIZED MATCHING
Authors: Schneider Susan M. , Lickliter Robert
Published: May 2011

Although newborns have surprised scientists with their learning skills, proficiency on concurrent schedules of reinforcement requires (in effect) the ability to integrate and compare behavior—consequence relations over time. Can very young animals obey the quantitative relation that applies to such repeated choices, the generalized matching law? The provenance of the skill is not well understood, and this study provides the first investigation of matching in neonates. Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) hatchlings pecked left and right targets on a touchscreen for heat delivery on a concurrent variable‐interval reinforcement schedule. Within 5 days after hatching, the chicks showed sensitivity levels significantly greater than zero, but short of typical adult levels. However, stable sequential patterns emerged almost immediately, including a consistent choose‐rich tendency after unreinforced responses, one that entails some degree of temporal integration. These exploratory data suggest that the basic ability to match develops quickly in this precocial species, but that more extensive experience may be required to achieve the higher sensitivities typically seen in adults.
SIGNALED AND UNSIGNALED TERMINAL LINKS IN CONCURRENT CHAINS I: EFFECTS OF REINFORCER PROBABILITY AND IMMEDIACY
Authors: Mattson Karla M. , Hucks Andrew , Grace Randolph C. , McLean Anthony P.
Published: May 2011

Eight pigeons responded in a three‐component concurrent‐chains procedure, with either independent or dependent initial links. Relative probability and immediacy of reinforcement in the terminal links were both varied, and outcomes on individual trials (reinforcement or nonreinforcement) were either signaled or unsignaled. Terminal‐link fixed‐time schedules were varied across components within conditions to yield immediacy ratios of 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1. The probabilities of reinforcement were varied across conditions to yield reinforcer ratios of 1:5, 1:2, 2:1 and 5:1. Results showed that a model based on the generalized matching law provided a good description of response allocation, accounting for 92% of the variance overall. As expected, sensitivity to probability was greater in the unsignaled conditions. However, sensitivity to immediacy was also greater in the unsignaled conditions, suggesting that the effect of signaling terminal‐link outcomes may not be limited to probability but apply to reinforcer variables in general. The effects of signaling can be explained in terms of conditioned reinforcement added to each alternative's outcomes in the matching law. There was some evidence for an interaction between reinforcer probability and immediacy, particularly for the dependent‐schedules group, such that sensitivity to immediacy was greater at moderate rather than extreme reinforcer ratios. However, further analysis suggested that this could have been due to a ceiling effect on response allocation imposed by dependent scheduling. Overall, the present results show that the generalized matching law can provide a useful account of choice between outcomes that vary in both probability and immediacy of reinforcement.
Are Gingival Phenotype, Residual Ridge Height, and Membrane Thickness Critical for the Perforation of Maxillary Sinus?
Authors: Yilmaz Hasan Guney , Tözüm Tolga F.
Published: May 2011

Background: Sinus membrane perforation is the most common complication of the sinus‐augmentation procedure. Anatomic factors have been implicated in the risk of sinus membrane perforation (SMP) during sinus‐lift surgery. However, there are no reports on the relationships among gingival phenotype (GP), residual ridge height (RRH), membrane thickness (MT), and perforation rate of the maxillary sinus. Therefore, the aim of this clinical study is to determine the associations among GP, RRH, MT, and SMP rate.

Methods: Forty‐four patients (64 sinus‐lift procedures) were included in the study. Preoperative computed tomography scanning was performed to radiographically evaluate GP, RRH, and MT. The smallest RRH, highest MT, and gingival thickness values were recorded. These values were classified as follows: RRH, < or >3.5 mm; MT, < or >1 mm; and GP, <1.5 or >2 mm. Sinus‐lift surgery was performed with a lateral window approach, and SMPs were detected at 11 sinus sites. Perforation size and locations were recorded, and the perforations were repaired with collagen membrane. One hundred seventy‐six implants were placed immediately after augmentation procedure.

Results: Strong correlations of GP with RRH (r = 0.722, P = 0.001) and MT (r = 0.702, P = 0.001) were noted. Moderate correlations were found between RRH and MT (r = 0.596, P = 0.001) and between MT and SMP (r = 0.417, P = 0.001). Furthermore, mild correlations of SMP with RRH (r = 0.290, P = 0.020) and GP (r = 0.248, P = 0.04) were established. Four implants were lost, but no significant difference was found between implant failure and SMP.

Conclusion: Within the limits of the study, it may be suggested that GP, RRH, and MT may be important factors for sinus perforation.
Men in Transit and Prostitution: Using Political Conventions as a Natural Experiment
Authors: Cunningham Scott , Kendall Todd D
Published: June 2011

Approximately 100,000 visitors came to Denver, Colorado and Minneapolis, Minnesota to attend the 2008 Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Economic theory suggests that men in transit can shift demand for commercial sex work. We estimate the responsiveness of labor supply to these two conventions, focusing on a previously neglected but increasingly important segment of the prostitution market: indoor sex workers who advertise on the Internet. Using a differences-in-differences estimator of prostitution advertisements posted on a major classified ads website, we find that the conventions caused a 29-44 percent increase in advertisements in Minneapolis and a 47-77 percent increase in Denver. Given the key role prostitution plays in the transmission of STIs, these results imply that focusing public health resources on men in transit may be beneficial.
Formation of porous ceramics using cullet and biological waste of water purification
Authors: Vlasova M. , Rosales I. , Kakazey M. , Parra Parra , Guardian R.
Published: May 2011

Porous ceramics (bricks) was obtained using red clay, milled fusible cullet,
and biowaste in the temperature range 950-1000?C. The high content of water
in biowaste eliminates the necessity of introducing water in soft mud forming
of bricks. The porosity, water absorption capacity, and mechanical properties
of the prepared ceramics depend on content of milled cullet and sintering
temperature.
Assessment of Akodon cursor (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae) as permissive host to Schistosoma mansoni infection: morphology of adult worms
Authors: Machado-Silva José , Neves Renata , Rodrigues-Silva Rosângela , Oliveira Regina , Júnior Arnaldo
Published: May 2011

The natural infection with parasitic helminths is common in wild rodent populations. Once such interactions are better understood in the laboratory, it will be more feasible to extend the findings to infected hosts in nature. The flukes recovered from laboratory-infected Akodon cursor at 63 days post-infection were stained with hydrochloric carmine and individually mounted on glass slide as whole-mounts. Light and laser scanning confocal microscopy studies of adult male and female Schistosoma mansoni are reported. The parasites were examined morphologically and biometrically, which was obtained in a digital system for image analysis. Parameters used were: tegument thickness, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems. The overall conclusion of this experiment is that the morphological features of adult worm were similar to laboratory mice. It has been confirmed that the grass mouse is a permissive host to S. mansoni infection.
Ultrastructure of musculature of the marginal hooklets of Macrogyrodactylus congolensis, a monogenean skin parasite from the catfish Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Arafa Safaa
Published: May 2011

The musculature of the marginal hooklets of adult Macrogyrodactylus congolensis (Prudhoe, 1957) Yamaguti, 1963 has been studied. Each marginal hooklet of M. congolensis is associated with three pairs of muscles. The possible role of these muscles in the operation of the marginal hooklet is discussed. Transmission electron microscopy has been used for the first time to study the marginal hooklets of M. congolensis. The handle articulates with the blade in the region of the guard. Internally, the handle, the proximal region of the blade in the articulation region and the distal pointed region of the blade consist of three layers. Distal to the articulation region, the blade consists of four layers with differing electron densities. A cavity is associated with the distal region of the blade and the handle. A cyton containing secretory bodies of different sizes and shapes was found in association with each marginal hooklet. The possible function of these secretions is discussed.