bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adverse Childhood Events and Lifetime Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Pilowsky Daniel J. , Keyes Katherine M. , Hasin Deborah S. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We sought to study the association between adverse events occurring in childhood and adolescence and lifetime alcohol dependence in a representative sample of American adults. Methods. With data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, we conducted logistic regression multivariate analyses to examine the impact of adverse events occurring in childhood (aged < 18 years) on the lifetime prevalence of alcohol dependence. We controlled for age at drinking onset, binge drinking, alcoholism in parents and grandparents of respondents, and demographic characteristics. Results. Adverse childhood events were associated with familial alcoholism and with early and binge drinking, and therefore, we controlled for these potential confounders. Experiencing 2 or more adverse childhood events, compared with none, significantly increased the risk for alcohol dependence, even after we controlled for sociodemographic variables and disorder-specific potential confounders not considered in the extant literature (adjusted odds ratio = 1.37; 95% confidence interval = 1.06, 1.77). Conclusions. Individuals who experienced 2 or more adverse childhood events are at increased risk for lifetime alcohol dependence. A better understanding of the factors underlying the risk for alcohol dependence is important for developing better prevention and early intervention measures.
Stepping Responses of Infants With Myelomeningocele When Supported on a Motorized Treadmill
Authors: Teulier Caroline , Smith Beth A , Kubo Masayoshi , Chang Chia-Lin , Moerchen Victoria , Murazko Karin , Ulrich Beverly D 
Published: December 2008

Background and PurposeInfants with myelomeningocele (MMC) have difficulty with, and show delays in, acquiring functional skills, such as walking. This study examined whether infants with MMC will respond to treadmill practice by producing stepping patterns or at least motor activity during the first year after birth. This study also compared the stepping trajectories of infants with MMC across age with those of infants with typical development (TD) to analyze the characteristics of the development of stepping patterns in infants with MMC early in life.ParticipantsTwelve infants with MMC (lumbar and sacral lesions) and 12 infants with TD were the participants in this study.MethodsThe infants were tested on a treadmill at ages 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, with no treadmill practice between test sessions. Infants were supported on the treadmill for twelve 20-second trials. A digital camera and behavior coding were used to determine step rate, interlimb stepping patterns, step parameters, and motor activity level.ResultsTreadmill practice elicited steps in infants with MMC (14.4 steps/minute during the year) but less so than in infants with TD (40.8 steps/minute). Responsiveness was affected by lesion level but varied markedly among infants. Interlimb stepping was less readily alternating, but step parameters were similar to those produced by their peers with TD. Finally, holding infants with MMC on a moving treadmill resulted in greater motor activity (17% during the year) than holding infants on a nonmoving treadmill.Discussion and ConclusionInfants with MMC responded to the treadmill by stepping (but less so than infants with TD) and showing increased motor activity, but they demonstrated a different developmental trajectory. Future studies are needed to explore the impact of enhancing sensory input during treadmill practice to optimize responses in infants with MMC.
Possible methods of preventing groundwater contamination at landfill sites; case studies from Nepal
Authors: Panthee Suman 
Published: December 2008

Significant increase in municipal solid waste in Nepal has led to build up of few landfill sites in urban areas. Among several problems existing in the landfill sites, groundwater and soil contamination are the major problems. The major causes of contamination are generation of leachate, improper design and selection of materials in the landfill sites. Therefore, understanding on physical and chemical behavior of the leachate with the fill material, and the landfill site design parameters is required to solve the problem. Three landfill sites (Gokarna, Sisdol and Pokhara) were studied as case studied to identify leakage problems in view of controlling leachate migration. Hydraulic conductivity, particle size distribution and shape of basement material were studied. Gokarna Landfill Site did not have proper clay lining or other technology that prevents groundwater contamination. The Sisdol and the Pokhara landfill sites were improved sites but were devoid of clay lining. To control leachate migration, proper basement and other design is required. The slope of the basement clay liner should be adjusted properly according to the hydraulic conductivity of the clay to prevent leachate movement downward. Similarly, selection of shape and size of drainage material is important for aeration, and to prevent from leachate clogging and puncturing the basal clay or geo-membrane. The case studies suggested need of some improvements for basal design of landfill sites for future. Besides the basement design, design of leachate suction well and vegetative technology for leachate treatment are necessary. A basement design is proposed that will be economic and suitable for developing countries. This paper discusses about some drawbacks in technical practices in some landfill sites in Nepal and suggests possible methods that can be applied in constructing landfill sites for reducing contamination. doi: 10.3126/bdg.v11i0.1542 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 11, 2008, pp. 51-60
Epidemiologic Considerations in Unexplained Pediatric Arthralgia: The Role of Season, School, and Stress
Authors: McNALLY J. DAYRE , MATHESON LOREN A. , ROSENBERG ALAN M. 
Published: December 2008

Objective.To determine demographic and epidemiologic characteristics in children with unexplained joint pain.Methods.The study population included 730 children (< 18 yrs of age) referred between 1981 and 2007 to the Saskatchewan Pediatric Rheumatology Program, University of Saskatchewan, because of arthralgia. Parents and patients completed a questionnaire at the time of initial presentation, and a diagnosis of unexplained arthralgia was assigned based on clinical assessment. Serum vitamin D levels were measured in 73 patients diagnosed with arthralgia.Results.Subjects with arthralgia were more likely to report psychosocial stresses including family discord and illness in the family, and to be cared for by a single parent as a consequence of parental separation or death. Significantly more patients reported fall and winter (30%) as the season of symptom onset compared to spring or summer (20%; p = 0.01). Significantly more survey respondents in the arthralgia group reported missing school compared to the control group (62% vs 31%; p = 0.001). Referrals from northern Saskatchewan were significantly more numerous than from southern Saskatchewan (107 vs 45 per 100,000; p < 0.001). Serum vitamin D concentrations measured in a subgroup of patients (n = 73) showed that 62 (82%) were abnormally low, 42% between 50 and 75 nmol/l (insufficient), and 40% < 50 nmol/l (deficient).Conclusion.Our results suggest an association between psychosocial stress, school absenteeism, vitamin D insufficiency, and unexplained arthralgia in children.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Pharmacological Stress Perfusion and Delayed Enhancement in Asymptomatic Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: KOBAYASHI HITOMI , YOKOE ISAMU , HIRANO MASAHARU , NAKAMURA TETSUYA , NAKAJIMA YASUO , FONTAINE KEVIN R. , GILES JON T. , KOBAYASHI YASUYUKI 
Published: December 2008

Objective.To assess cardiac involvement in asymptomatic patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods.Ten asymptomatic patients with SSc (all female; mean age 59.5 ± 9.4 yrs) underwent contrast enhanced cardiac MRI on a 1.5 T MRI device. Adenosine triphosphate was used for stress and rest perfusion to assess perfusion defects due to microvascular impairment or ischemia, and delayed enhanced (DE) imaging was obtained for the assessment of myocardial necrosis and fibrosis. We evaluated the pathophysiological associations of stress perfusion combined with DE imaging with SSc disease severity measures.Results.Stress perfusion defects were seen in 5 out of 9 patients (56%): 4 had nonsegmental subendocardial perfusion defects and one had a segmental subendocardial perfusion defect. Three patients were found to have DE. DE was not observed in any patient without perfusion defect; and among the 5 patients with perfusion defects, 3 (60%) had DE. Two of the 3 had DE in segments not matching the region of nonsegmental perfusion defects. The remaining one had a segmental subendocardial DE matching the region of a segmental perfusion defect. Perfusion defects were seen in 75% of patients with a history of digital ulceration compared to only 20% of those without history of ulceration.Conclusion.Subclinical myocardial involvement, as detected by cardiac MRI, was frequent in asymptomatic patients with SSc. Cardiac MRI may aid in understanding the pathophysiological mechanism of SSc.
Accuracy of the Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia by Family Physicians: Is the Pendulum Shifting?
Authors: SHLEYFER ELENA , JOTKOWITZ ALAN , KARMON ANATTE , NEVZOROV ROMAN , COHEN HAGIT , BUSKILA DAN 
Published: December 2008

Objective.We evaluated the accuracy of diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) by family physicians.Methods.We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 646 consecutive patients newly referred to the outpatient rheumatology clinic of Soroka University Medical Center from January 1, 2005, until December 31, 2007. The kappa statistic was used to measure agreement between family-physician and rheumatologist diagnoses for FM in the total patient cohort as well as in groups stratified by ethnicity. Sensitivity and specificity of family-physician diagnosis of FM were calculated using rheumatologist diagnosis as the gold standard. There were no exclusion criteria.Results.During the time period of the study, 646 new patients were seen in the rheumatology clinic. Of 196 patients referred with an initial diagnosis of FM, the consultant rheumatologist confirmed this diagnosis in 71% of cases. The overall kappa for FM diagnosis between family physicians and rheumatologists was 0.70 (p < 0.001), indicating a good level of agreement. Agreement was substantially lower among Bedouin patients (κ = 0.35, p = 0.003). All other patients in our study were Jewish Israelis. Using rheumatologist diagnosis as the gold standard, overall sensitivity and specificity of FM diagnosis by family physicians were 87.4% and 88.3%, respectively.Conclusion.Family physicians in our region are able to accurately diagnose FM. Future studies might focus on evaluating the factors and biases accounting for differences in level of diagnostic accuracy for FM among various ethnic groups.
The HLA-B27 Transgenic Rat, a Model of Spondyloarthritis, Has Decreased Bone Mineral Density and Increased RANKL to Osteoprotegerin mRNA Ratio
Authors: RAUNER MARTINA , STUPPHANN DANIELA , HAAS MARTIN , FERT INGRID , GLATIGNY SIMON , SIPOS WOLFGANG , BREBAN MAXIME , PIETSCHMANN PETER 
Published: December 2008

Objective.Bone metabolism in spondyloarthritis (SpA) is not well elucidated. We investigated alterations in bone in the HLA-B27 transgenic rat, a model of SpA.Methods.Femur, tibia, and lumbar vertebral bodies of disease-prone HLA-B27 transgenic, healthy HLA-B7 transgenic, and nontransgenic control rats were used for bone histomorphometric and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) analysis. Serum levels of type I collagen C-telopeptides (CTX), N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP), and osteocalcin, as well as receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), were measured. RNA was isolated from the bone tissue of the femura to analyze gene expression of RANKL, OPG, and osteocalcin.Results.Histomorphometric analysis indicated a significant decrease in bone volume as well as trabecular number and thickness in the HLA-B27 rats. Trabecular separation was increased. Numbers of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteoid volume were not altered significantly. The decrease in bone mineral density was confirmed using DEXA. Levels of RANKL mRNA were significantly increased in the bone tissue of HLA-B27 transgenic rats, resulting in an increased RANKL to OPG ratio. Osteocalcin mRNA expression was also significantly elevated in bone of HLA-B27 rats. Serum levels of CTX, RANKL, OPG, P1NP, and osteocalcin did not differ significantly.Conclusion.Our data indicate that, similarly to SpA in humans, HLA-B27 transgenic rats show a reduced bone mass, and suggest an involvement of the RANKL/OPG system in the mechanism of bone loss in this disease. This model may be adequate to study osteoporosis in SpA.
The Challenge of Collaboration: Organizational Structure and Professional Identity
Authors: Koester Jolene , Hellenbrand Harry , Piper Terry D. 
Published: December 2008

The learning encompassed by a baccalaureate degree is not a collection of discrete parts linked to specific classes but rather the cumulative consequence and judgments for all aspects of the learning environment…. Learning takes place from the curriculum and classroom but also through personal development, cocurricular activities, and community activities. —from the president's 2003 convocation address
Antibacterial electrospun chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers containing silver nitrate and titanium dioxide
Authors: Son Bokgi , Yeom Bong‐Yeol , Song Sang Hun , Lee Chang‐Soo , Hwang Taek Sung 
Published: December 2008

AbstractChitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers with antibacterial activity were prepared by the electrospinning of a chitosan/PVA solution with a small amount of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). Nanofibers with diameters of 270–360 nm were obtained. The yield of low‐viscosity chitosan (LCS)/PVA nanofibers was higher than that of high‐viscosity chitosan (HCS)/PVA, and the water content of the HCS/PVA nanofibers and the LCS/PVA nanofibers were 430 and 390%, respectively. The nanofibers developed in this study exhibited antibacterial activities of 99 and 98% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation, characterization, and adsorption properties of chitosan microspheres crosslinked by formaldehyde for copper (II) from aqueous solution
Authors: Du Wen‐Li , Niu Shan‐Shan , Xu Zi‐Rong , Xu Ying‐Lei 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe chitosan microspheres crosslinked by formaldehyde were prepared by spray drying method and used as an adsorbent for copper (II) from aqueous solution. A batch adsorption system was applied to study the adsorption of copper (II) from aqueous solution by chitosan microspheres. The maximum adsorption capacity of the chitosan microspheres for copper (II) was 144.928 mg/g at pH 6.0. Langmuir adsorption model was found to be applicable in interpreting the adsorption process. To elucidate the adsorption mechanism, the chitosan microspheres before and after copper (II) adsorption were further characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, zeta potential analysis, and scanning electron microscope. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Diffusion of mineral oil in styrene‐butadiene polymer films
Authors: Fouchet Bernard 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMineral oil diffusion in styrene‐butadiene polymer films was investigated with a simple gravimetric sorption method. Over the selected range of temperatures and film thicknesses for which sorption tests were performed, the diffusion process is described in terms of Fick's third law. Polymer dissolution was found to compete with the diffusion process especially at high temperature. Possible interference due to dissolution on data generated using a gravimetric method, resulted in an estimation of apparent activation energy using diffusion coefficient set calculated with Crank's half‐time relationship. The mineral oil diffusion activation energy was found to be relatively high compared with those of hydrocarbons diffusing in natural and synthesized rubbers or crosslinked polybutadiene as reported in the literature. The influence of polymer Tg, crosslinking density, and polarity on mineral oil ability to penetrate polymer film was evaluated in terms of percent weight increase over time. Maximum absorption after 60‐min sorption time linearly correlates with mineral oil absorption rate for polymers prepared with different structures. This linear relationship suggests that diffusion of solvent in styrene‐butadiene polymers reveals the macroscopic composition and structural polymer modification rather than local changes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
High‐purity nano particles ZnS production by a simple coupling reaction process of biological reduction and chemical precipitation mediated with EDTA
Authors: Xin Baoping , Huang Qun , Chen Shi , Tang Xuemei 
Published: December 2008

AbstractHigh‐purity nanoparticles ZnS has been successfully synthesized using a simple coupling reaction process of biological reduction and chemical precipitation mediated with EDTA referred to as the CRBRCP‐EDTA process. This research investigated the optimum conditions of the transformation of SO into S2− by SRB, and the production of ZnS in the CRBRCP‐EDTA process. The results showed that the molar ratio of Zn2+ to EDTA = 1:1 was crucial for SRB growth and ZnS synthesis. At the ration(Zn2+)/n(EDTA) = 1:1, lower Zn2+ concentration enhanced both the growth of SRB and the reduction of SO, leading to higher ZnS production. Although increase in Na2SO4 concentration resulted in decrease in both SRB growth and SO reduction, it improved the S2− and ZnS production. Under the optimum conditions (0.05 mol L−1 ZnCl2, 0.05 mol L−1 EDTA, and 0.1 mol L−1 Na2SO4), the synthesized ZnS was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analysis showed that the obtained ZnS were high‐purity and well‐distributed solid spheres with diameters of about 15 nm for primary particles and around 400 nm for secondary particles. When polyacrylamide (PAM) was incorporated in the CRBRCP‐EDTA process, the secondary particle's diameters were reduced to less than 100 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of produced ZnS centered at 396 nm, the spectrum with PAM added showed the gradual increase in absorption and stronger intensity in PL property. The present simple, low‐cost, and safe method may be extended to prepare other metal‐sulfide nanocomposites.
Ice Crystal Size Changes During Ripening in Freeze Concentration
Authors: Smith Carol E. , Schwartzberg Henry G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCrystal sizes were measured photographically versus elapsed time for non‐uniform ice crystal populations mixed at equilibrium temperatures with sugar solutions. The mass of ice did not change, but crystals smaller than a “neutral diameter,” Dn, tended to melt because of their excess surface energy. This subcooled the solution with respect to larger crystals, which consequently grew. This process, “ripening,” which slowly increases mean crystal sizes and Dn is used to produce ice crystals large enough to be cleanly separated from freeze concentrated solutions. “Sequential analysis” was used to determine Dn and follow changes in the diameters, Di, of fractions of the ice crystal populations. Rates of change in Di for both growth and melting were roughly proportional to (I/Dn ‐ 1/Di. Overall mass‐transfer coefficients were not markedly different for growth and melting, and decreased from roughly 2 mm/s to roughly 0.5 mm/s as sugar concentration increased 10% to 42%. In 10% sucrose solutions, mass‐transfer coefficients decreased from roughly 2 mm/s to roughly 1 mm/s when gelatin was added at levels which increased from 0% to 0.5%. Ripening in freeze concentrated liquid foods apparently can be accelerated by manipulating initial crystal size distributions and temporarily removing high molecular weight components.
Fouling of Heat Transfer Surfaces Related to β‐Lactoglobulin Denaturation During Heat Processing of Milk
Authors: Lalande Marc , Tissier Jean‐Pierre 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDenaturation of β‐lactoglobulin during heating of milk in a plate heat exchanger has been investigated as an important factor in fouling the heat transfer surface. Using, on one hand, data on chemical composition of deposits obtained from biochemical analysis technics and, on the other hand, kinetic data of β‐Iactoglobulin denaturation, the distribution profile of deposits along the surface and the experimental fouling curves can be adequately predicted.
Hyperexpression of Escherichia coli Xylose Isomerase
Authors: Batt Carl A. , O'Neill Elizabeth , Novak Steven R. , Ko Judy , Sinskey Anthony 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe xylose isomerase (xylA) structural gene was cloned under the control of the tac promoter and expressed in a xyl+ E. coli strain. Xylose isomerase accounted for approximately 28% of the total cell protein when this tac‐xylA fusion was induced with isopropylthio β‐D‐galactopyranoside. Hyperexpression of the xylA gene inhibited xylose utilization. E. coli carrying this tac‐xylA fusion was encapsulated in calcium‐alginate beads and used to isomerase xylose in a column reactor. Conversion of xylose to xylulose was 3–4% with a residence time in the column of 2 minutes and a maximum of 12% upon recycling.
A Generalized Model for Swelling‐Controlled Release Systems
Authors: Singh S. K. , Fan L. T. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA generalized model has been developed for simultaneous transport of an active agent and an organic penetrant in a planar glassy polymer matrix. The active agent diffuses out of the matrix undergoing macromolecular chain relaxation and volume expansion due to absorption of the organic penetrant from the environment into the matrix. The swelling behavior of the polymer is characterized by a stress‐induced drift velocity term “v” corresponding to the so‐called case‐II velocity. The change of volume due to the relaxation phenomenon is assumed instantaneous. The model incorporates convective transport of the two species induced by volume expansion and by stress gradient. The proposed phenomenological model reduces to a number of special cases depending on polymer‐penetrant system behavior.
An Analysis of Residence Time Distribution Patterns in A Twin Screw Cooking Extruder
Authors: Altomare Robert E. , Ghossi Parviz 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe influence of a co‐rotating twin screw extruder's controlling variables on its residence time distribution (RTD) patterns were measured and analyzed. Variables studied included: screw profile, throughput, screw speed, moisture content and die diameter. Throughput, screw speed and screw profile had strong influence on the mean residence time. Water content, die size and temperature did not.A combination plug flow—perfect mixing model was shown to adequately describe the dimensionless RTD data.