bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What Works to Prevent Adolescent Smoking? A Systematic Review of the National Cancer Institute's Research‐Tested Intervention Programs
Authors: Sherman Elyse J. , Primack Brian A. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Cigarette use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Although school is an ideal setting for antismoking interventions, school‐based programs have not been successful in the long term. The purpose of this study was to explore characteristics of programs deemed to be successful short‐term Research‐Tested Intervention Programs (RTIPs) by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).METHODS: To identify adolescent smoking prevention programs, 2 independently working researchers applied specified selection criteria to all programs in the NCI's RTIP database. Selected programs were abstracted using a structured form for general information, participants, interventions, outcomes, and quality. Extracted data were then assessed for common themes and contrasts in each category.RESULTS: As of June 2008, 18 studies met the NCI's standards for RTIPs preventing smoking among adolescents. After selection criteria were applied, only 5 programs remained. Each independently working researcher arrived at the same pool of programs. In chronological order according to date of publication of outcomes evaluation, the 5 programs ultimately included were Project Towards No Tobacco Use, Pathways to Health, Native FACETS, Kentucky Adolescent Tobacco Prevention Project, and Sembrando Salud. The majority of these programs were targeted toward a particular sociodemographic group (eg, American Indians, Hispanic migrant communities).CONCLUSIONS: New school‐based programs are needed to address current issues in tobacco control. To improve chances of success, these programs may wish to target certain specific high‐risk demographic groups, use professional health educators and/or trained community members, and build in methods of updating material.
Effective Methods to Improve Recruitment and Retention in School‐Based Substance Use Prevention Studies
Authors: Bruzzese Jean‐Marie , Gallagher Richard , McCann‐Doyle Sharon , Reiss Philip T. , Wijetunga Neil A. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Poor recruitment and high attrition may invalidate results of research studies. This paper describes successful recruitment and retention strategies in a school‐based substance use prevention trial and explores factors associated with intervention attendance and retention.METHODS: A total of 384 parent‐child dyads from 15 schools in the New York Metropolitan area participated in a control trial, testing the efficacy of parent‐training to prevent youth substance use. Assessments were completed immediately post‐intervention and 6‐, 12‐, and 24‐month postintervention. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine which familial and study characteristics predicted attendance in the intervention and retention by parents and youth.RESULTS: 84% of intervention parents attended 4 of the 5 workshops; 83% of control parents attended their single workshop. Intervention attendance was predicted by parent job status, but this was not significant after controlling for other family factors. Retention rates ranged from 87% to 91% over the 2 years. No family characteristics predicted retention, but time since baseline and attendance at treatment workshops and the control workshop did. For children, age at baseline and ethnicity predicted retention, but this did not remain significant in the adjusted model.CONCLUSION: Intervention attendance was high and retention rates far exceeded the minimum standard of 70% retention in behavioral studies. Recruitment and retention strategies were effective for different family constellations. Efforts to maximize participation in both treatment and control interventions are critical to retention in longitudinal trials.
Adolescent Behavioral, Affective, and Cognitive Engagement in School: Relationship to Dropout
Authors: Archambault Isabelle , Janosz Michel , Morizot Julien , Pagani Linda 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: High school dropout represents an important public health issue. This study assessed the 3 distinct dimensions of student engagement in high school and examined the relationships between the nature and course of such experiences and later dropout.METHODS: We administered questionnaires to 13,330 students (44.7% boys) from 69 high schools in the province of Quebec (Canada). During 3 consecutive high school years, students reported their behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement to school. Information on later dropout status was obtained through official records.RESULTS: Although many adolescents remained highly engaged in high school, one third reported changes, especially decreases in rule compliance, interest in school, and willingness to learn. Students reporting low engagement or important decrements in behavioral investment from the beginning of high school presented higher risks of later dropout.CONCLUSION: School‐based interventions should address the multiple facets of high school experiences to help adolescents successfully complete their basic schooling. Creating a positive social‐emotional learning environment promises better adolescent achievement and, in turn, will contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Correlates of Condom Use Among Male High School Students in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Kabiru Caroline W. , Orpinas Pamela 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Correct and consistent condom use is an effective strategy to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study examines sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychosocial characteristics of 3 groups of adolescent males: consistent, sporadic, and non‐condom users.METHODS: The sample consisted of 931 sexually experienced male high school students in Nairobi, Kenya. Cross tabulations and general linear models were used to test the relation between each explanatory variable and condom user group.RESULTS: Fifty‐three percent of respondents reported having used condoms. Compared with nonusers and sporadic users, consistent users engaged in sexual intercourse for the first time at an older age and reported higher condom use self‐efficacy, more positive peer attitudes toward safe sex, and stronger attitudes toward condom use. Compared with sporadic and consistent users, nonusers reported fewer sexual partners, less substance use, and more frequent intercourse with non‐romantic partners. Sporadic users, compared with the other 2 groups, had more sexual partners and stronger attitudes that support that males and females have separate roles. The 3 groups did not differ in HIV/AIDS knowledge. On average, respondents responded correctly to two thirds of the questions. All groups perceived their risk of contracting an STI as low, and this perception did not differ by condom use. Differences in participants' age by group were minimal.CONCLUSIONS: The study supports the need for interventions that target specific condom use groups.
Multiple paternity: determining the minimum number of sires of a large brood
Authors: ERIKSSON A. , MEHLIG B. , PANOVA M. , ANDRE C. , JOHANNESSON K. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe describe an efficient algorithm for determining exactly the minimum number of sires consistent with the multi‐locus genotypes of a mother and her progeny. We consider cases where a simple exhaustive search through all possible sets of sires is impossible in practice because it would take too long to complete. Our algorithm for solving this combinatorial optimization problem avoids visiting large parts of search space that would not result in a solution with fewer sires. This improvement is of particular importance when the number of allelic types in the progeny array is large and when the minimum number of sires is expected to be large. Precisely in such cases, it is important to know the minimum number of sires: this number gives an exact bound on the most likely number of sires estimated by a random search algorithm in a parameter region where it may be difficult to determine whether it has converged. We apply our algorithm to data from the marine snail, Littorina saxatilis.
The diffusion approximation overestimates the extinction risk for count‐based PVA
Authors: Kendall Bruce E. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractSimple population models are increasingly being used to predict extinction risk using historical abundance estimates. A very simple model, the stochastic exponential growth (SEG) model, is surprisingly robust. Extinction risk is commonly computed for this model using a mathematical approximation (the “diffusion approximation”) that assumes continuous breeding throughout the year, an assumption that is violated by many species. Here I show that, for an organism with seasonal breeding, the diffusion approximation systematically overestimates the extinction risk. I demonstrate the conditions generating large bias (high environmental variance, intermediate extinction risk), and reanalyze 100 populations of conservation concern. Analyzing several policy applications, I find that the bias may be most important when classifying the risk status of species. The SEG model is still sound, but associated risk estimates should be calculated by performing stochastic simulations (as with all other population viability models) rather than by evaluating the diffusion approximation.
Urban minority youth swimming (in)ability in the United States and associated demographic characteristics: toward a drowning prevention plan
Authors: Irwin C C , Irwin R L , Ryan T D , Drayer J 
Published: August 2009

Objective:To examine swimming ability and variables associated with swimming for US inner-city, minority children. Empirical research on minority children’s swimming ability is non-existent, and drowning rates for this population are high.Design:Cross-sectional survey research. Descriptive statistics were produced. Multiple regression was applied using significant demographic variables by swimming ability.Setting:Six US cities were chosen (Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; Memphis, Tennessee; Miami, Florida; Oakland, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) facilities were used to solicit subjects.Subjects:A large sample (n = 1680) was gathered, which targeted poor, minority children. Parents of children aged 4–11 years and adolescents (12–17 years) completed surveys that research team members or trained YMCA staff supervised during non-swimming YMCA programmes.Results:African–American respondents reported a 57.5% “at risk” (unable to swim or uncomfortable in deep end of pool) swimming ability. Hispanic/Latino children confirmed a 56.2% “at risk” level as compared with 30.9% for white subjects. Age, sex, child’s lunch programme, parental education and race variables were all significantly (p<0.05) related to swimming ability. Regression analysis revealed that all demographic variables fell into a significant model (p<0.001) as predictor variables.Conclusions:Poor minority children, specifically African–American and Hispanic/Latino, are at a significant disadvantage concerning swimming ability. Female subjects were notably more “at risk” regarding their swimming ability than male subjects. Age, race and socioeconomic factors (lunch programme and parental education) were significantly associated with children who have low swimming ability.
Differential risk of employment in more physically demanding jobs among a recent cohort of immigrants to Canada
Authors: Smith P M , Chen C , Mustard C 
Published: August 2009

Objective:To examine the proportion of a recent cohort of immigrants to Canada who were working in jobs that were more physically demanding than those in which they worked before migration to Canada.Design:Longitudinal cohort of immigrants to Canada with occupational position measured before and 2 and 4 years after arrival in Canada.Subjects:Respondents to Statistics Canada’s Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC). The LSIC surveyed a representative sample of immigrants, aged 15 and older, who arrived in Canada between November 2000 and December 2001. For the purpose of this study, the sample was restricted to respondents who had worked before immigrating and were working when re-interviewed 2 (n = 4331) or 4 (n = 4238) years after arrival in Canada.Main outcome:Employment in an occupation with higher physical demands than that employed in before arrival in Canada.Results:Respondents with less proficiency at speaking English and family class or refugee applicants were the most likely to be employed in occupations with higher physical demands both 2 and 4 years after arrival in Canada.Conclusions:Employment in a more physically demanding occupation may pose particular risks of workplace injury. In this sample of immigrants to Canada, respondents with poorer English skills and refugees (factors that may increase this risk) were more likely to be employed in more physically demanding occupations. Greater attention to the prevention of workplace injuries among particular groups of new immigrants to Canada is required.
Recent trends in television tip over-related injuries among children aged 0–9 years
Authors: Murray K J , Griffin R , Rue L W , McGwin G 
Published: August 2009

Objective:To describe recent trends in television tip over-related injuries among children aged 0–9 years, and to compare injury rates with sales of newer digital televisions.Methods:Digital television sales data were obtained from marketing data provided by the Television Bureau of Advertising. Data regarding television tip over-related injuries among children aged 0–9 years were obtained from the 1998–2007 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. A Wald χ2test, estimated from logistic analysis, was used to determine whether the distribution of injury types differed by age group. Pearson’s correlation was used to estimate the association between digital television sales and television tip over-related injuries.Results:An estimated 42 122 (95% CI 35 199 to 49 122) injuries from television tip-overs were treated in US emergency departments from 1998 to 2007. The injury rate was highest for children aged 1–4 years (18.6/100 000). A majority of injuries (63.9%) involved the head and neck for children under 1 year of age, while a higher proportion of injuries among children aged 1–4 involved the hip and lower extremity (42.9% and 31.0%, respectively), and shoulder and upper extremity (16.8%) for children aged 5–9. A strong, positive correlation was observed between television sales and annual injury rates (r = 0.89, p<0.001).Conclusion:Estimates of injury rates were similar to previously reported estimates, particularly for the increased proportion of head and neck injuries among very young children. While digital television sales were strongly correlated with increased injury rates, the lack of information regarding the type of television involved prevents inference regarding causation.
Disruption of Glial Function Regulates the Effects of Electro-Acupuncture atTsusanlion Gastric Activity in Rats
Authors: Wang Sheng-Zhi , Liu Xiao-Dong , Huang Yu-Xin , Ma Qing-Jiu , Wang Jing-Jie 
Published: August 2009

According to recent evidence, acupuncture at Tsusanli (ST 36) can regulate gastric activity. And this regulation mainly depends upon neural basis or structure and may probably relate to the central neurons in the dorsal vagal complex. However, whether the glias of the dorsal vagal complex participate in the regulation of gastric activity, when electro-acupuncture (EA) at Tsusanli, still remains to be interpreted. In this study, we observed the effect of EA at Tsusanli (ST 36) on regulation of gastric activity. Propentofylline (PPF), a glial metabolic inhibitor, was used to inhibit the function of glial cells. EA at Tsusanli showed that the expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and OX42 increased significantly compared to that of the control group, and gastric electric change was obvious, with significantly higher frequency and wave amplitude compared to the control group. The expressions of GFAP and OX42 were decreased markedly when pretreated with PPF group than without PPF pretreatment group. Compared to the Tsusanli group and the control group, the changes of electro gastric graph (EGG) were significantly decreased in PPF pretreatment group. On the other hand, we observed the changes of spontaneous electro-activity of the DVC (dorsal vagal complex) in our previous experiment.The results indicated that EA at Tsusanli could activate glial cells in the dorsal vagal complex and regulate gastric activity. PPF blocked the function of glia, thus the effect of EA at Tsusanli on gastric activity was weakened. Our study suggested that this electro-acupuncture regulation of gastric activity was possibly related with glia of the dorsal vagal complex.
Total Stability Properties Based on Fixed Point Theory for a Class of Hybrid Dynamic Systems
Authors: De la Sen M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRobust stability results for nominally linear hybrid systems are obtained from total stability theorems for purely continuous-time and discrete-time systems by using the powerful tool of fixed point theory. The class of hybrid systems dealt consists, in general, of coupled continuous-time and digital systems subject to state perturbations whose nominal (i.e., unperturbed) parts are linear and, in general, time-varying. The obtained sufficient conditions on robust stability under a wide class of harmless perturbations are dependent on the values of the parameters defining the over-bounding functions of those perturbations. The weakness of the coupling dynamics in terms of norm among the analog and digital substates of the whole dynamic system guarantees the total stability provided that the corresponding uncoupled nominal subsystems are both exponentially stable. Fixed point stability theory is used for the proofs of stability. A generalization of that result is given for the case that sampling is not uniform. The boundedness of the state-trajectory solution at sampling instants guarantees the global boundedness of the solutions for all time. The existence of a fixed point for the sampled state-trajectory solution at sampling instants guarantees the existence of a fixed point of an extended auxiliary discrete system and the existence of a global asymptotic attractor of the solutions which is either a fixed point or a limit "Equation missing" globally stable asymptotic oscillation.
Latent Genetic Backgrounds and Molecular Pathogenesis in Drug-Induced Long-QT Syndrome
Authors: Itoh Hideki , Sakaguchi Tomoko , Ding Wei-Guang , Watanabe Eiichi , Watanabe Ichiro , Nishio Yukiko , Makiyama Takeru , Ohno Seiko , Akao Masaharu , Higashi Yukei , Zenda Naoko , Kubota Tomoki , Mori Chikara , Okajima Katsunori , Haruna Tetsuya , Miyamoto Akashi , Kawamura Mihoko , Ishida Katsuya , Nagaoka Iori , Oka Yuko , Nakazawa Yuko , Yao Takenori , Jo Hikari , Sugimoto Yoshihisa , Ashihara Takashi , Hayashi Hideki , Ito Makoto , Imoto Keiji , Matsuura Hiroshi , Horie Minoru 
Published: August 2009

Background—Drugs withIKr-blocking action cause secondary long-QT syndrome. Several cases have been associated with mutations of genes coding cardiac ion channels, but their frequency among patients affected by drug-induced long-QT syndrome (dLQTS) and the resultant molecular effects remain unknown.Methods and Results—Genetic testing was carried out for long-QT syndrome–related genes in 20 subjects with dLQTS and 176 subjects with congenital long-QT syndrome (cLQTS); electrophysiological characteristics of dLQTS-associated mutations were analyzed using a heterologous expression system with Chinese hamster ovary cells together with a computer simulation model. The positive mutation rate in dLQTS was similar to cLQTS (dLQTS versus cLQTS, 8 of 20 [40%] versus 91 of 176 [52%] subjects,P=0.32). The incidence of mutations was higher in patients with torsades de pointes induced by nonantiarrhythmic drugs than by antiarrhythmic drugs (antiarrhythmic versus others, 3 of 14 [21%] versus 5 of 6 [83%] subjects,P<0.05). When reconstituted in Chinese hamster ovary cells,KCNQ1andKCNH2mutant channels showed complex gating defects without dominant negative effects or a relatively mild decreased current density. Drug sensitivity for mutant channels was similar to that of the wild-type channel. With the Luo-Rudy simulation model of action potentials, action potential durations of most mutant channels were between those of wild-type and cLQTS.Conclusions—dLQTS had a similar positive mutation rate compared with cLQTS, whereas the functional changes of these mutations identified in dLQTS were mild. WhenIKr-blocking agents produce excessive QT prolongation (dLQTS), the underlying genetic background of the dLQTS subject should also be taken into consideration, as would be the case with cLQTS; dLQTS can be regarded as a latent form of long-QT syndrome.
A Theory of Character in the Fourth Gospel with Reference to Ancient and Modern Literature
Authors: Bennema Cornelis 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBoth literary theory and biblical narrative criticism lack an articulate, comprehensive theory of character. Many Gospel critics perceive character in the Hebrew Bible (where characters can develop) to be radically different from that in ancient Greek literature (where characters are supposedly consistent ethical types). Most people also sharply distinguish between modern fiction and its psychological, individualistic approach to character and ancient characterization where character lacks personality or individuality. In Part I, we examine concepts of character in ancient Hebrew and Greek literature as well as modern fiction, arguing that although there are differences in characterization, these are differences in emphases rather than kind. It is better to speak of degrees of characterization along a continuum. In Part II, we develop a comprehensive theory of character in the Fourth Gospel, consisting of three aspects. First, we study character in text and context, using information in the text and other sources. Second, we analyze and classify the Johannine characters along three dimensions (complexity, development, inner life), and plot the resulting character on a continuum of degree of characterization (from agent to type to personality to individuality). We observe that many Johannine characters are more complex and round than has been believed so far. Third, we analyze and evaluate the characters' responses to Jesus in relation to the Fourth Evangelist's evaluative point of view, purpose and dualistic worldview.
The Independence of the Public Prosecution Service in the UAE: Issues and Proposals for Reform
Authors: Al-Suwaidi Ghaith Ghanem 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis article focuses on the role of the public prosecutor in the pre-trial stage in the UAE and on their independence in particular. The Public Prosecution Service in the UAE is a judicial authority, which according to law is independent from the police, courts and executive authority, and has wide powers in respect of the criminal process. It is mainly responsible for the investigation process; it represents the State in the prosecution process, and, last but not least, it is responsible for the enforcement of the sentence. The Public Prosecution Service faces a number of issues and problems, the main ones being lack of independence, lack of impartiality, lack of supervision over judicial police officers, and a lack of judicial supervision over their decisions.