bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of warranty data with covariates
Authors: Karim M. R. , Suzuki K
Published: January 2008

The reliability characteristics of automobile components depend on factors or covariates such as the automobile operating environment (e.g. temperature, rainfall, humidity, etc.), usage conditions, manufacturing periods, types of automobile that use the components, etc. In recent years, many automotive manufacturing companies utilize the warranty database as a very rich source of field reliability data that provides valuable information on such covariates for feedback to new product development systems on product performance in actual usage conditions. In the warranty database, the information on those covariates is known for the components that fail within the warranty period and are unknown for the censored components. This article considers covariates associated with some reliability-related factors and presents a Weibull regression model for the lifetime of the component as a function of such covariates. The expectation maximization (EM) algorithm is applied to obtain the ML estimates of the parameters of the model because of incomplete information on covariates. An example based on real field data of an automobile component is given and simulation studies are conducted to illustrate the use of the proposed method.
Non-parametric predictive comparison of success-failure data in reliability
Authors: Coolen-Schrijner P , Coolen F. P. A.
Published: January 2008

Suppose a technical unit is required to perform a particular task in the future, and that several different types of the unit are available. The unit could be a system or a component, the different types might be different designs or units made by different producers. Units of each type have been tested, and the result of each test of a unit is success or failure to perform the task required. It is assumed that the available test data consist of the number of tests of units per type together with the numbers of successes in these tests. In this paper comparison of different types of units on the basis of such success-failure data is considered, where it is explicitly assumed that interest is in the future performance of m ≥1 units per type. Both pairwise and multiple comparisons of such different types of units are presented, with the overall idea of selecting the particular type of unit that is likely to lead to fewest failures in the m future tasks. The use of upper and lower probabilities makes it possible to work in a non-parametric statistical framework which requires only few modelling assumptions. The influence of the value of m on the inferences is studied. In addition, special attention is given to cases where for some types of units few, or even zero, failures were observed during testing.
Cabergoline-Associated Erythema Nodosum
Authors: Kaushik Prashant , Soule Matt R , Ellison Wesley A , Ahmed Bilal , Kaushik Richa
Published: January 2008

Objective:

To report a case of erythema nodosum (EN) and related inflammatory arthropathy in a patient on cabergoline therapy for a microprolactinoma.

Case Summary:

A 25-year-old white female, who had been receiving cabergoline 0.5 mg orally once per week for the preceding 2 months for a microprolactinoma, developed classic skin lesions of EN (proved by histology) and an associated acute inflammatory arthropathy of her left ankle joint in the absence of any other identifiable causes of EN. She improved substantially (skin lesions of EN and inflammatory arthropathy disappeared) after cessation of cabergoline therapy, Rechallenge with cabergoline in a lower dose of 0, 25 mg orally once per week led to a milder recurrence of EN lesions that once again disappeared after withdrawal of the drug. She had not had a recurrence at a 3 month follow-up visit.

Discussion:

Although possible autoimmune adverse effects (pleuropulmonary and cardiac) have been reported with the use of cabergoline. to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of EN (panniculitis) associated with cabergoline therapy. Causality assessment using the Naranjo probability scale revealed that the adverse drug event was probable.

Conclusions:

Cabergoline was probably associated with EN (panniculitis) and the related arthritis in a patient being treated for a microprolactinoma. Panniculitis, like EN, needs to be considered a possible but reversible adverse effect of cabergoline therapy for microprolactinoma of the pituitary gland.
Multiplexed Proximity Ligation Assays to Profile Putative Plasma Biomarkers Relevant to Pancreatic and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Fredriksson Simon , Horecka Joe , Terje Brustugun Odd , Schlingemann Joerg , Koong Albert C , Tibshirani Rob , Davis Ronald W
Published: January 2008

Background: Sensitive methods are needed for biomarker discovery and validation. We tested one promising technology, multiplex proximity ligation assay (PLA), in a pilot study profiling plasma biomarkers in pancreatic and ovarian cancer.

Methods: We used 4 panels of 6- and 7-plex PLAs to detect biomarkers, with each assay consuming 1 μL plasma and using either matched monoclonal antibody pairs or single batches of polyclonal antibody. Protein analytes were converted to unique DNA amplicons by proximity ligation and subsequently detected by quantitative PCR. We profiled 18 pancreatic cancer cases and 19 controls and 19 ovarian cancer cases and 20 controls for the following proteins: a disintegrin and metalloprotease 8, CA-125, CA 19-9, carboxypeptidase A1, carcinoembryonic antigen, connective tissue growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, epithelial cell adhesion molecule, Her2, galectin-1, insulin-like growth factor 2, interleukin-1α, interleukin-7, mesothelin, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, osteopontin, secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor, tumor necrosis factor α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and chitinase 3–like 1. Probes for CA-125 were present in 3 of the multiplex panels. We measured plasma concentrations of the CA-125–mesothelin complex by use of a triple-specific PLA with 2 ligation events among 3 probes.

Results: The assays displayed consistent measurements of CA-125 independent of which other markers were simultaneously detected and showed good correlation with Luminex data. In comparison to literature reports, we achieved expected results for other putative markers.

Conclusion:

Multiplex PLA using either matched monoclonal antibodies or single batches of polyclonal antibody should prove useful for identifying and validating sets of putative disease biomarkers and finding multimarker panels.
Modified Fluid Loss Test as an Improved Measure of Hydraulic Conductivity for Bentonite
Authors: Chung Jinhyung , Daniel David E
Published: January 2008

The Modified Fluid Loss test (MFL) was developed to measure hydraulic conductivity using the filter press method. Based upon modification of conventional filtration models, the average hydraulic conductivity of a bentonite filter cake can be obtained from the filtrate-time relationship and the water content of the filter cake. At higher effective stresses (>100 kPa), the hydraulic conductivity from MFL method showed higher values than those from flexible wall permeameter (FWP) method. In comparison to the FWP method, the MFL method-based hydraulic conductivities are on the conservative side for the stress range associated with typical bottom liners in solid waste landfills. The MFL test was found to be a convenient test method to assess the hydraulic conductivity of bentonite, especially at low effective stresses. The MFL test can be used to obtain the hydraulic conductivity of bentonite within about a day instead of several days to weeks required for the FWP test.
Delivering Adolescent Vaccinations in the Medical Home: A New Era?
Authors: Szilagyi Peter G. , Rand Cynthia M. , McLaurin Jennie , Tan Litjen , Britto Maria , Francis Anne , Dunne Eileen , Rickert Donna ,   for the Working Group on Adolescent Vaccination in the Medical Home
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND. Medical homes are health care settings that offer continuous, comprehensive, accessible primary care; these settings generally involve pediatric and family physician practices or community health centers but can also involve gynecologists or internists.

OBJECTIVES. In this article, we review available evidence on the role of the medical home in optimizing adolescent immunization delivery, particularly with respect to health care utilization patterns and barriers to vaccinations in medical homes, and solutions.

METHODS. We conducted a systematic review of the existing immunization and adolescent literature and used a Delphi process to solicit opinions from content experts across the United States.

RESULTS. Most adolescents across the United States do have a medical home, and many pay a health care visit to their medical home within any given year. Barriers exist in regards to the receipt of adolescent immunizations, and they are related to the adolescent/family, health care provider, and health care system. Although few studies have evaluated adolescent vaccination delivery, many strategies recommended for childhood or adult vaccinations should be effective for adolescent vaccination delivery as well. These strategies include education of health care providers and adolescents/parents; having appropriate health insurance coverage; tracking and reminder/recall of adolescents who need vaccination; practice-level interventions to ensure that needed vaccinations are provided to eligible adolescents at the time of any health care visit; practice-level audits to measure vaccination coverage; and linkages across health care sites to exchange information about needed vaccinations. Medical homes should perform a quality improvement project to improve their delivery of adolescent vaccinations. Because many adolescents use a variety of health care sites, it is critical to effectively transfer vaccination information across health care settings to identify adolescents who are eligible for vaccinations and to encourage receipt of comprehensive preventive.

CONCLUSIONS. Medical homes are integral to both the delivery of adolescent immunizations and comprehensive adolescent preventive health care. Many strategies recommended for childhood and adult vaccinations should work for adolescent vaccinations and should be evaluated and implemented if they are successful. By incorporating evidence-based strategies and coordinating effectively with other health care sites used by adolescents, medical homes will be the pivotal settings for the delivery of adolescent vaccinations.
Adolescent Immunizations and Other Clinical Preventive Services: A Needle and a Hook?
Authors: Broder Karen R. , Cohn Amanda C. , Schwartz Benjamin , Klein Jonathan D. , Fisher Martin M. , Fishbein Daniel B. , Mijalski Christina , Burstein Gale R. , Vernon-Smiley Mary E. , McCauley Mary M. , Wibbelsman Charles J. ,   for the Working Group on Adolescent Prevention Priorities
Published: January 2008

Advances in technology have led to development of new vaccines for adolescents, but these vaccines will be added to a crowded schedule of recommended adolescent clinical preventive services. We reviewed adolescent clinical preventive health care guidelines and patterns of adolescent clinical preventive service delivery and assessed how new adolescent vaccines might affect health care visits and the delivery of other clinical preventive services. Our analysis suggests that new adolescent immunization recommendations are likely to improve adolescent health, both as a “needle” and a “hook.” As a needle, the immunization will enhance an adolescent's health by preventing vaccine-preventable diseases during adolescence and adulthood. It also will likely be a hook to bring adolescents (and their parents) into the clinic for adolescent health care visits, during which other clinical preventive services can be provided. We also speculate that new adolescent immunization recommendations might increase the proportion and quality of other clinical preventive services delivered during health care visits. The factor most likely to diminish the positive influence of immunizations on delivery of other clinical preventive services is the additional visit time required for vaccine counseling and administration. Immunizations may “crowd out” delivery of other clinical preventive services during visits or reduce the quality of the clinical preventive service delivery. Complementary strategies to mitigate these effects might include prioritizing clinical preventive services with a strong evidence base for effectiveness, spreading clinical preventive services out over several visits, and withholding selected clinical preventive services during a visit if the prevention activity is effectively covered at the community level. Studies are needed to evaluate the effect of new immunizations on adolescent preventive health care visits, delivery of clinical preventive services, and health outcomes.
How Effectively Can Health Care Settings Beyond the Traditional Medical Home Provide Vaccines to Adolescents?
Authors: Schaffer Stanley J. , Fontanesi John , Rickert Donna , Grabenstein John D. , Rothholz Mitchel C. , Wang Susan A. , Fishbein Daniel ,   for the Working Group on Complementary Settings
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVES. Our goal was to evaluate the capacity of various health care settings to supplement the activities of the traditional medical home by delivering vaccines to adolescents.

METHODS. A group of experts in the fields of adolescent-immunization delivery and the provision of preventive care in various health care settings summarized the available literature, considered setting-specific factors, and assessed the ability of various health care settings beyond the traditional medical home to conform to the immunization quality standards set by the National Vaccine Advisory Committee, report vaccination information for the quantitative assessment of vaccine-coverage rates, be likely to offer vaccines to adolescents, and be viewed by adolescents as acceptable sites for receiving vaccinations.

RESULTS. Seven candidate settings were evaluated: pharmacies, obstetrics-gynecology practices, sexually transmitted disease clinics, hospital emergency departments, family planning clinics, teen clinics, and local public health department immunization clinics. The panel concluded that all could safely provide vaccinations to adolescents but that vaccination efforts at some of the settings could potentially have a markedly greater impact on overall adolescent-immunization rates than could those at other settings. In addition, for adolescent-vaccination services to be practical, candidate settings need to have a clear interest in providing them. Conditional on that, several issues need to be addressed: (1) funding; (2) orienting facilities to provide preventive care services; (3) enhancing access to immunization registries; and (4) clarifying issues related to immunization consent.

CONCLUSIONS. With supporting health policy, health education, and communication, health care settings beyond the traditional medical home have the potential to effectively augment the vaccination efforts of more traditional settings to deliver vaccines to adolescents. These health care settings may be particularly well suited to reach adolescents who lack access to traditional sources of preventive medical care or receive fragmented medical care.
Evaluation of an Index of Biotic Integrity Approach Used to Assess Biological Condition in Western U.S. Streams and Rivers at Varying Spatial Scales
Authors: Meador Michael R. , Whittier Thomas R. , Goldstein Robert M. , Hughes Robert M. , Peck David V.
Published: January 2008

Consistent assessments of biological condition are needed across multiple ecoregions to provide a greater understanding of the spatial extent of environmental degradation. However, consistent assessments at large geographic scales are often hampered by lack of uniformity in data collection, analyses, and interpretation. The index of biotic integrity (IBI) has been widely used in eastern and central North America, where fish assemblages are complex and largely composed of native species, but IBI development has been hindered in the western United States because of relatively low fish species richness and greater relative abundance of alien fishes. Approaches to developing IBIs rarely provide a consistent means of assessing biological condition across multiple ecoregions. We conducted an evaluation of IBIs recently proposed for three ecoregions of the western United States using an independent data set covering a large geographic scale. We standardized the regional IBIs and developed biological condition criteria, assessed the responsiveness of IBIs to basin‐level land uses, and assessed their precision and concordance with basin‐scale IBIs. Standardized IBI scores from 318 sites in the western United States comprising mountain, plains, and xeric ecoregions were significantly related to combined urban and agricultural land uses. Standard deviations and coefficients of variation revealed relatively low variation in IBI scores based on multiple sampling reaches at sites. A relatively high degree of corroboration with independent, locally developed IBIs indicates that the regional IBIs are robust across large geographic scales, providing precise and accurate assessments of biological condition for western U.S. streams.
Aspectos histoquímicos e imunoistoquímicos nos neoplasmas do sistema nervoso periférico
Authors: Viott A.M. , Ramos A.T. , Inkelmann M.A. , Kommers G.D. , Graça D.L.
Published: January 2008

Doze casos de tumores do sistema nervoso periférico, sete schwannomas e cinco neurofibromas foram diagnosticados entre 1964 e 2004, em caninos e bovinos. Histologicamente, as células predominantes nos schwannomas eram fusiformes organizavam-se em paliçada ou em feixes aleatórios. Nos neurofibromas as células neoplásicas eram fusiformes e se originavam da periferia dos nervos formando ninhos e feixes. O tecido conjuntivo era mais abundante nos neurofibromas e os colágenos dos tipos I e III eram os principais constituintes desses neoplasmas. Os neurofibromas foram caracterizados por uma concentração alta e difusa de mastócitos, provavelmente devido à origem das células neoplásicas do perineuro e epineuro. A coloração de AgNOR não se mostrou eficiente como indicador de prognóstico nos neoplasmas analisados. Imunoistoquímicamente houve forte marcação para vimentina (100%) e S100 (100%) em ambos os tipos de tumor. A maioria dos schwannomas (75%) foi positiva para a proteína ácida fibrilar glial; os neurofibromas só apresentaram marcação nas células de Schwann dos fascículos nervosos.
Effect of veneering materials and curing methods on resin cement knoop hardness
Authors: Tango Rubens Nisie , Sinhoreti Mário Alexandre Coelho , Correr Américo Bortolazzo , Correr-Sobrinho Lourenço , Consani Rafael Leonardo Xediek
Published: January 2008

This study evaluated the Knoop hardness of Enforce resin cement activated by the either chemical/physical or physical mode, and light cured directly and through ceramic (HeraCeram) or composite resin (Artglass). Light curing were performed with either conventional halogen light (QTH; XL2500) for 40 s or xenon plasma arc (PAC; Apollo 95E) for 3 s. Bovine incisors had their buccal surfaces flattened and hybridized. On these surfaces a mold was seated and filled with cement. A 1.5-mm-thick disc of the veneering material was seated over this set for light curing. After storage (24 h/37ºC), specimens (n=10) were sectioned for hardness (KHN) measurements in a micro-hardness tester (50 gf load/ 15 s). Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). It was observed that the dual cure mode yielded higher hardness compared to the physical mode alone, except for direct light curing with the QTH unit and through Artglass. Higher hardness was observed with QTH compared to PAC, except for Artglass/dual groups, in which similar hardness means were obtained. Low KHN means were obtained with PAC for both Artglass and HeraCeram. It may be concluded that the hardness of resin cements may be influenced by the presence of an indirect restorative material and the type of light-curing unit.
Lophiobrycon weitzmani, a new genus and species of glandulocaudine fish (Characiformes: Characidae) from the rio Grande drainage, upper rio Paraná system, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Castro Ricardo M. C. , Ribeiro Alexandre C. , Benine Ricardo C. , Melo Alex L. A.
Published: January 2008

A new genus and species of glandulocaudine, Lophiobrycon weitzmani, is described based on specimens collected in headwater tributary streams of the rio Grande, upper rio Paraná system, State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. The inclusion of the new species in the phylogeny of the subfamily Glandulocaudinae proposed by Weitzman & Menezes (1998), reveals a sister group relationship between the new genus and the monophyletic group composed of Glandulocauda and Mimagoniates that currently form the tribe Glandulocaudini. The new species can be readily distinguished from all other species of the tribe by the autapomorphic presence in adult male individuals (with more than 23.9 mm standard length) of an adipose-fin whose base extends for almost the entire distance between the posterior terminus of the base of the dorsal fin and the base of the upper lobe of the caudal fin and averages approximately 25% standard length, along with the presence of globular expansions formed by the lepidotrichia and hypertrophied soft tissue in the middle portions of the first and second pectoral-fin rays. The diagnosis of the tribe Glandulocaudini is modified to accommodate the new genus.
Corydoras tukano, a new species of corydoradine catfish from the rio Tiquié, upper rio Negro basin, Brazil (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes: Callichthyidae)
Authors: Britto Marcelo R. , Lima Flávio C.T.
Published: January 2008

A new Corydoras species from the rio Tiquié, upper rio Negro system, Amazonas, Brazil, is described. This taxon was previously referred to as "Corydoras species 'Asher'", "Corydoras cf. reynoldsi", and "Corydoras aff. reynoldsi" in the aquarist literature. The new taxon can be distinguished from all its congeners, except Corydoras reynoldsi and C. weitzmani, by its color pattern, consisting of three large, dark blotches, the first one ("mask") on the head, across the eye; the second one on the trunk at the level of dorsal fin; and the third one on the trunk at the level of the adipose fin. It can be distinguished from Corydoras reynoldsi mainly by the development of trunk blotches; and from C. weitzmani by the presence of a dusky saddle between the dorsal and adipose fins, the second trunk blotch extending vertically from the adipose-fin base to the anal-fin base, and the presence of four dark stripes in the caudal fin.
Distribution, abundance and morphometry of Atlantoraja cyclophora (Regan, 1903) (Elasmobranchii: Rajidae) in southern Brazil, Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Oddone María Cristina , Vooren Carolus Maria
Published: January 2008

A total of 459 individuals of Atlantoraja cyclophora were captured along the Rio Grande do Sul coast between latitudes 30º40'S and 34º30'S. Two surveys were performed, in the winter 2001 and in the summer/autumn 2002, using bottom-trawl between the depths of 100 and 600 m. This species occurred between 100 and 300 m deep, without significant differences in the frequency of occurrence and abundance (CPUE; kg/hour) between latitudes, depth and seasons. The sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1 in all depths. In the study area, temperature ranged between 10.0 ºC and 17.6 ºC and salinity between 35.2 e 36.0 ppm. There was no correlation between CPUE and depth, temperature and salinity. Mean total length of females (53.2 cm) was significantly larger than males (50.9 cm). No differences were detected in mean total length between seasons, but mean total length was significantly larger in depths of 100 m and 200 m. The distribution of the frequencies of total length was asymmetric, indicating rareness or lack of juveniles in the samples.
Tobacco Control Success Versus Demographic Destiny: Examining the Causes of the Low Smoking Prevalence in California
Authors: Warner Kenneth E. , Mendez David , Alshanqeety Omar
Published: January 2008

We examined the effect of demographics on California’s low smoking prevalence. We estimated that if the United States had the same demographics as California, then the US adult smoking prevalence in 2005 would have been 19.3%, 1.6 percentage points lower than the reported 20.9% for the United States, but 4.1 percentage points higher than California’s prevalence of 15.2% in 2005. Tobacco control appears to be a much more important factor than demographics in determining California’s low smoking rates.
Mercury, Vaccines, and Autism
Authors: Baker Jeffrey P.
Published: January 2008

The controversy regarding the once widely used mercury-containing preservative thimerosal in childhood vaccines has raised many historical questions that have not been adequately explored. Why was this preservative incorporated in the first place? Was there any real evidence that it caused harm? And how did thimerosal become linked in the public mind to the “autism epidemic”?

I examine the origins of the thimerosal controversy and their legacy for the debate that has followed. More specifically, I explore the parallel histories of three factors that converged to create the crisis: vaccine preservatives, mercury poisoning, and autism.

An understanding of this history provides important lessons for physicians and policymakers seeking to preserve the public’s trust in the nation’s vaccine system.
Characteristics of Recipients of Free Prescription Drug Samples: A Nationally Representative Analysis
Authors: Cutrona Sarah L. , Woolhandler Steffie , Lasser Karen E. , Bor David H. , McCormick Danny , Himmelstein David U.
Published: January 2008

Objectives. Free prescription drug samples are used widely in the United States. We sought to examine characteristics of free drug sample recipients nationwide.

Methods. We analyzed data on 32681 US residents from the 2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a nationally representative survey.

Results. In 2003, 12% of Americans received at least 1 free sample. A higher proportion of persons who had continuous health insurance received a free sample (12.9%) than did persons who were uninsured for part or all of the year (9.9%; P<.001). The poorest third of respondents were less likely to receive free samples than were those with incomes at 400% of the federal poverty level or higher. After we controlled for demographic factors, we found that neither insurance status nor income were predictors of the receipt of drug samples. Persons who were uninsured all or part of the year were no more likely to receive free samples (odds ratio [OR]=0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.087, 1.11) than those who were continuously insured.

Conclusions. Poor and uninsured Americans are less likely than wealthy or insured Americans to receive free drug samples. Our findings suggest that free drug samples serve as a marketing tool, not as a safety net.
Transcending the Known in Public Health Practice
Authors: Frohlich Katherine L. , Potvin Louise
Published: January 2008

Using the concept of vulnerable populations, we examine how disparities in health may be exacerbated by population-approach interventions.

We show, from an etiologic perspective, how life-course epidemiology, the concentration of risk factors, and the concept of fundamental causes of diseases may explain the differential capacity, throughout the risk-exposure distribution, to transform resources provided through population-approach interventions into health. From an intervention perspective, we argue that population-approach interventions may be compromised by inconsistencies between the social and cultural assumptions of public health practitioners and targeted groups.

We propose some intervention principles to mitigate the health disparities associated with population-approach interventions.
Older Persons’ Perception of Risk of Falling: Implications for Fall-Prevention Campaigns
Authors: Hughes Karen , van Beurden Eric , Eakin Elizabeth G. , Barnett Lisa M. , Patterson Elizabeth , Backhouse Jan , Jones Sue , Hauser Darren , Beard John R. , Newman Beth
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We examined older people’s attitudes about falls and implications for the design of fall-prevention awareness campaigns.

Methods. We assessed data from (1) computer-assisted telephone surveys conducted in 2002 with Australians 60 years and older in Northern Rivers, New South Wales (site of a previous fall-prevention program; n=1601), and Wide Bay, Queensland (comparison community; n=1601), and (2) 8 focus groups (n=73).

Results. Participants from the previous intervention site were less likely than were comparison participants to agree that falls are not preventable (odds ratio [OR]=0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.65, 0.90) and more likely to rate the prevention of falls a high priority (OR=1.31; 95% CI=1.09, 1.57). There was no difference between the groups for self-perceived risk of falls; more than 60% rated their risk as low. Those with a low perceived risk were more likely to be men, younger, partnered, and privately insured, and to report better health and no history of falls. Focus group data indicated that older people preferred messages that emphasized health and independence rather than falls.

Conclusions. Although older people accepted traditional fall-prevention messages, most viewed them as not personally relevant. Messages that promote health and independence may be more effective.
Testing Theories of Doctoral Student Persistence at a Hispanic Serving Institution
Authors: Vaquera Gloria
Published: January 2008

Little empirical work exists which tests theories of doctoral student persistence. Among these studies, there is limited representation of minority students. To counter this state of affairs, this study uses a sample of four doctoral cohorts enrolled at a Hispanic Serving Institution. Focusing on the earlier stages of graduate study, I adapt theories of persistence previously employed for undergraduate students (Hurtado, 1992; Hurtado & Carter, 1997; Tinto, 1993). Testing the impact of student background characteristics, departmental context, and student social and academic integration on persistence, findings are mixed. Strongest support is found for the effect of academic integration, father's education, age, and being Latina/o. Weak support is found for the effect of departmental characteristics, such as department racial climate.
An Impact Evaluation of Two Versions of a Brief Intervention Targeting Alcohol Use and Physical Activity among Adolescents
Authors: Mathews Anna E. , Werch Chudley (Chad) , Michniewicz Mara , Bian Hui
Published: January 2008

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the immediate impact of two new versions of the Project SPORT program, a brief one-on-one tailored consult addressing alcohol use and physical activity for adolescents. One new version was a brief interactive CD-ROM (Study one) and a second was a brief small group consultation (Study two). In study one, high school students were exposed to either an interactive CD-ROM consultation or a non-interactive computer program. In study two, students either participated in a small group consultation or health booklet control. These studies suggest both interventions were highly acceptable to participants, however, the new CD-ROM version of Project SPORT had a greater positive effective on females than males. Suggestions to make the CD-ROM more acceptable and effective for males are presented. The small group version of Project SPORT was largely acceptable and potentially efficacious for both male and female adolescents, with the largest impact seen on participants' images, beliefs, and commitment related to physical activity.
Pearls and Pitfalls in Evaluating a Student Assistance Program: A Five-Year Case Study
Authors: Wilburn Sharon T. , Wilburn Kenneth T. , Weaver Dax M. , Bowles Kathy
Published: January 2008

This article presents data from a five-year evaluation-research case study of a large urban schools district's internal Student Assistance Program (SAP). The district employed specially trained and licensed school-based counselors to implement an internal SAP expanded to include tertiary prevention, and modeled after an employee assistance program established for adults. From the population of more than 10,000 students who received some type of program assistance for at-risk behaviors, a stratified random sample of 2,238 cases, over a five year period, were reviewed. Results indicate a statistically significant decline ( p < .05) in students' drug use and a significant improvement in internal locus of control occurred each year. While not statistically significant, the average number of student discipline referrals was less than the year prior to program admission; however, there was no significant change in academic performance. A significant correlation between students' drug use and the amount of time in program, the type of assistance received, and the student's custody status was also found.
Religiosity and Preferences for Life-Prolonging Medical Treatments in African-American and White Elders: A Mediation Study
Authors: Winter Laraine , Dennis Marie P. , Parker Barbara
Published: January 2008

Research on end-of-life treatment preferences has documented robust racial differences, with African-Americans preferring more life-prolonging treatment than Whites. Although little research has attempted to explain these racial differences systematically, speculation has centered on religiosity. We examined a dimension of religiosity frequently invoked in end-of-life research—guidance by God's will—as a potential mediator of racial differences in such treatment preferences. Three hundred African-American and White men and women aged 60 or older participated in a 35-minute telephone interview that elicited preferences for four common life-prolonging treatments in each of nine health scenarios. The questionnaire included the five-item God's will (GW) scale, a health conditions checklist, a depression measure, and sociodemographic questions. GW mediated racial differences at least partially for most treatments and in most health scenarios. Implications are discussed for understanding end-of-life treatment preferences and why races tend to differ.
Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein
Authors: Chen Junqin , Saxena Geetu , Mungrue Imran N. , Lusis Aldons J. , Shalev Anath
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE—In diabetes, glucose toxicity affects different organ systems, including pancreatic islets where it leads to β-cell apoptosis, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Recently, we identified thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) as a proapoptotic β-cell factor that is induced by glucose, raising the possibility that TXNIP may play a role in β-cell glucose toxicity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—To assess the effects of glucose on TXNIP expression and apoptosis and define the role of TXNIP, we used INS-1 β-cells; primary mouse islets; obese, diabetic BTBR.ob mice; and a unique mouse model of TXNIP deficiency (HcB-19) that harbors a natural nonsense mutation in the TXNIP gene.

RESULTS—Incubation of INS-1 cells at 25 mmol/l glucose for 24 h led to an 18-fold increase in TXNIP protein, as assessed by immunoblotting. This was accompanied by increased apoptosis, as demonstrated by a 12-fold induction of cleaved caspase-3. Overexpression of TXNIP revealed that TXNIP induces the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Islets of diabetic BTBR.ob mice also demonstrated increased TXNIP and apoptosis as did isolated wild-type islets incubated at high glucose. In contrast, TXNIP-deficient HcB-19 islets were protected against glucose-induced apoptosis as measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling and caspase-3, indicating that TXNIP is a required causal link between glucose toxicity and β-cell death.

CONCLUSIONS—These findings shed new light onto the molecular mechanisms of β-cell glucose toxicity and apoptosis, demonstrate that TXNIP induction plays a critical role in this vicious cycle, and suggest that inhibition of TXNIP may represent a novel approach to reduce glucotoxic β-cell loss.
Diophantine equations for Morgan-Voyce and other modified orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Stoll Thomas , Tichy Robert
Published: January 2008

It is well-known that Morgan-Voyce polynomials B
n(x) and b
n(x) satisfy both a Sturm-Liouville equation of second order and a three-term recurrence equation ([SWAMY, M.: Further properties of Morgan-Voyce polynomials, Fibonacci Quart. 6 (1968), 167–175]). We study Diophantine equations involving these polynomials as well as other modified classical orthogonal polynomials with this property. Let A, B, C ∈ ℚ and {pk(x)} be a sequence of polynomials defined by
$$\begin{gathered} p_0 (x) = 1 \hfill \\ p_1 (x) = x - c_0 \hfill \\ p_{n + 1} (x) = (x - c_n )p_n (x) - d_n p_{n - 1} (x), n = 1,2,..., \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$
with
$$(c_0 ,c_n ,d_n ) \in \{ (A,A,B),(A + B,A,B^2 ),(A,Bn + A,\tfrac{1}{4}B^2 n^2 + Cn)\} $$
with A ≠ 0, B > 0 in the first, B ≠ 0 in the second and C > −¼B
2 in the third case. We show that the Diophantine equation with m > n ≥ 4, ≠ 0 has at most finitely many solutions in rational integers x, y.
On shadowing property for inverse limit spaces
Authors: Shah Ekta , Das T.
Published: January 2008

We study here the G-shadowing property of the shift map σ on the inverse limit space X
f, generated by an equivariant self-map f on a metric G-space X.
Patriots, Villains, and the Quest for Liberty: How American Film has Depicted the American Revolution
Authors: Rhoden Nancy L.
Published: January 2008

Abstract:

This study of a dozen American films featuring the American Revolution (released 1939–2002) evaluates the major characters (patriots and loyalists), diverse plots, and various social/class themes. Cinematic and popular culture understandings of the revolution are compared with the interpretations of historians to reveal thematic consistencies, noteworthy variations, and conceptual gulfs between filmmakers and historians.
Effects of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement on Mechanical Properties of Base Materials
Authors: Guthrie W. Spencer , Cooley Dane , Eggett Dennis L.
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) on the mechanical properties of recycled base materials typical of northern Utah. Two sources of RAP, two sources of base, and five RAP contents were evaluated in a full-factorial experimental design in which the California bearing ratio (CBR) test, free–free resonant column test, and tube suction test were used to measure strength, stiffness, and moisture susceptibility, respectively. A fixed-effects analysis of variance was performed on the collected data. The results indicate that, on average, CBR values decrease between 13% and 29% with each 25% increase in RAP. For stiffness testing at the optimum moisture content determined for each blend, the general trend was a decrease in stiffness from 0 to 25% RAP, followed by a steady increase in stiffness as the RAP content was increased from 25% to 100%. Following a 72-h oven-drying period, however, the general trend reversed; an increase in stiffness occurred as the RAP content was increased from 0 to 25%, and a decrease in stiffness was observed for RAP contents above 25%. For the moisture-susceptible base material tested in this study, additions of 25% and 50% RAP actually increased the moisture susceptibility of the recycled material compared with the neat base, although the blended material was classified as non-moisture-susceptible when the RAP content was 75% or higher. Base stabilization may be required in many instances to ensure adequate strength and durability of recycled materials.
Synthesis of Porous Microparticles with Aligned Porosity
Authors: Zhang H. , Edgar D. , Murray P. , Rak‐Raszewska A. , Glennon‐Alty L. , Cooper A. I.
Published: January 2008

Microparticles with controlled porosity have been widely used in various applications. In this Full Paper, a new method of freezing emulsions has been developed to prepare porous microparticles with unique aligned porosity. Aligned porous poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) microparticles are formed on an aligned porous polymeric composite. The aligned porous microparticles can be released simply by dissolving the supporting composite in water. The formation mechanism for the aligned porosity is discussed. The effects of freezing temperature and stirring speed are investigated. This method is also demonstrated to be generic in preparing porous microparticles with controlled porosity. As an example, polystyrene microparticles with different types of pores are produced. A preliminary study on the application of the porous microparticles in supporting stem cell growth is performed. It is found that poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) microparticles can support the growth of mouse embryo stem cells.
No evidence of major transcriptional changes in the brain of mice exposed to 1800 MHz GSM signal
Authors: Paparini A. , Rossi P. , Gianfranceschi G. , Brugaletta V. , Falsaperla R. , De Luca P. , Romano Spica V.
Published: January 2008

To analyze possible effects of microwaves on gene expression, mice were exposed to global system for mobile communication (GSM) 1800 MHz signal for 1 h at a whole body SAR of 1.1 W/kg. Gene expression was studied in the whole brain, where the average SAR was 0.2 W/kg, by expression microarrays containing over 22,600 probe sets. Comparison of data from sham and exposed animals showed no significant difference in gene expression modulation. However, when less stringent constraints were adopted to analyze microarray results, 75 genes were found to be modulated following exposure. Forty‐two probes showed fold changes ranging from 1.5 to 2.8, whereas 33 were down‐regulated from 0.67‐ to 0.29‐fold changes, but these differences in gene expression were not confirmed by real‐time PCR. Under these specific limited conditions, no consistent indication of gene expression modulation in whole mouse brain was found associated to GSM 1800 MHz exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 29:312–323, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Redox Reactions of a Dinuclear Manganese Complex – the Influence of Water
Authors: Kurz Philipp , Anderlund Magnus F. , Shaikh Nizamuddin , Styring Stenbjörn , Huang Ping
Published: January 2008

The redox properties of the dinuclear manganese complex [MnIII,III2L(μ‐OAc)2]+ (1) (where L is the trianion of the heptadentate ligand 2,6‐bis{[(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzyl)(2‐pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl}‐4‐methylphenol) were studied in acetonitrile solutions containing different concentrations of water. Electrochemical reactions as well as reactions with different chemical and photochemical redox reagents were monitored, using a variety of analytical techniques, namely cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry, and EPR spectroscopy. We found that even small concentrations of water influence the compound's redox behaviour significantly, especially the oxidation reactions. As a consequence, the presence of water reduces the overall potential span needed to reach the highest oxidation state observed for 1 (MnIII,IV2) from its most reduced state (MnII,II2) to about 1.1 V. Higher oxidation states of 1 are stabilized, most likely by water coordination and the formation of μ‐oxido bridge(s) between the two manganese atoms. For reducing conditions, an unprecedented 25‐line EPR signal was observed, which might originate from reduced 1 in its MnII,II2 or MnII,III2 state after considerable ligand rearrangement. As complexes like 1 have been designed to act as potential water oxidation catalysts, the complicated redox‐ and ligand‐exchange chemistry found for 1 in the presence of water, its intended substrate, might be exemplary for many of the dinuclear manganese compounds currently under investigation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
An Efficient Total Synthesis of Decarestrictine D
Authors: Gupta Priti , Kumar Pradeep
Published: January 2008

An efficient total synthesis of decarestrictine D has been achieved using cross‐metathesis or ring‐closing metathesis and Yamaguchi macrolactonization as key steps. The stereogenic centres were generated by means of hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) and Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Supportive‐expressive psychotherapy for comorbid personality disorders: a case study
Authors: Vinnars Bo , Barber Jacques P.
Published: January 2008

Supportive‐expressive psychotherapy (SEP) has generated some empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness for treating a variety of Axis I disorder; however, no evidence supporting its use for patients with severe personality disorders has been published. This article describes a patient suffering from several personality disorders—avoidant, obsessive–compulsive, paranoid, narcissistic, and antisocial—using the core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) method. Supportive‐expressive psychotherapy focuses on connecting the CCRT with symptoms and maladaptive personality traits, with the goal of resolving these conflicts. Most maladaptive traits for such a complex patient are ego‐syntonic, not experienced as internal conflicts, and therefore not easily accessible to therapeutic exploration. Such a patient is likely to experience the external environment as hostile once his ego‐syntonic wishes are not automatically granted and thus the therapeutic alliance may suffer. This article will show the interpersonal processes that are activated when a patient is treated with time‐limited, manualized psychotherapy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64: 1–12, 2008.
Phenotypic spectrum and sex effects in eleven myoclonus‐dystonia families with ε‐sarcoglycan mutations
Authors: Raymond Deborah , Saunders‐Pullman Rachel , de Carvalho Aguiar Patricia , Schule Birgitt , Kock Norman , Friedman Jennifer , Harris Juliette , Ford Blair , Frucht Steven , Heiman Gary A. , Jennings Danna , Doheny Dana , Brin Mitchell F. , de Leon Brin Deborah , Multhaupt‐Buell Trisha , Lang Anthony E. , Kurlan Roger , Klein Christine , Ozelius Laurie , Bressman Susan
Published: January 2008

Myoclonus‐dystonia (M‐D) due to SGCE mutations is characterized by early onset myoclonic jerks, often associated with dystonia. Penetrance is influenced by parental sex, but other sex effects have not been established. In 42 affected individuals from 11 families with identified mutations, we found that sex was highly associated with age at onset regardless of mutation type; the median age onset for girls was 5 years versus 8 years for boys (P < 0.0097). We found no association between mutation type and phenotype. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society