bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WHAT IS FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION, AND WHAT IS ITS DENIAL?
Authors: Alexander Larry 
Published: June 2008

Freedom of association, as I understand it, refers to the liberty a person possesses to enter into relationships with others—for any and all purposes, for a momentary or long-term duration, by contract, consent, or acquiescence. It likewise refers to the liberty to refuse to enter into such relationships or to terminate them when not otherwise compelled by one's voluntary assumption of an obligation to maintain the relationship. Freedom of association thus is a quite capacious liberty.I am going to approach the topic of freedom of association by attempting to illustrate what its denial would look like in each of several domains. I shall then ask why a government might seek to deny it and then, in the article's final section, on what grounds such a denial would violate the rights with respect to freedom of association of those affected.
In vitro models of proarrhythmia
Authors: Lawrence C L , Pollard C E , Hammond T G , Valentin J‐P 
Published: June 2008

Proarrhythmia models use electrophysiological markers to predict the risk of torsade de pointes (TdP) in patients. The set of variables used by each model to predict the torsadogenic propensity of a drug has been reported to correlate with clinical outcome; however, these reports should be interpreted cautiously as no model has been independently assessed. Each model is discussed along with its merits and shortcomings; none, as yet, having shown a predictive value that makes it clearly superior to the others. As predictive as these models may become, extrapolation of results directly to the clinic must be exercised with caution. The use of in silico models, from subcellular to whole system, is rapidly beginning to form the first line of screening activity in many drug discovery programmes, indicating that biological experimentation may become secondary to analysis by simulation. In vitro proarrhythmia models challenge current perceptions of appropriate surrogates for TdP in man and question existing non‐clinical strategies for assessing proarrhythmic risk. The rapid emergence of such models, compounded by the lack of a clear understanding of the key proarrhythmic mechanisms has resulted in a regulatory reluctance to embrace such models. The wider acceptance of proarrhythmia models is likely to occur when there is a clear understanding and agreement on the key proarrhythmia mechanisms. With greater acceptance and ongoing improvements, these models have the potential to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying TdP. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 1516–1522; doi:fn1; published online 2 June 2008
Parents’ Needs Following Identification of Childhood Hearing Loss
Authors: Fitzpatrick Elizabeth , Angus Doug , Durieux-Smith Andrée , Graham Ian D. , Coyle Doug 
Published: June 2008

PurposeAppropriate support for families of children diagnosed with hearing impairment may have a direct impact on the success of early hearing detection and intervention programs in reducing the negative effects of permanent hearing loss. We conducted a qualitative study to explore parents’ needs after learning of their child’s hearing loss to better understand the important components of service delivery from families’ perspectives.MethodSemistructured interviews were conducted with 17 families (21 parents) of preschool children in 4 centers in Ontario, Canada. Parents of children identified by neonatal screening as well as those identified through traditional referral routes participated. We asked parents to share their perceptions of the strengths and gaps in the care system.ResultsAlthough the majority of parents were satisfied with the range and quality of audiology and therapy services available, they identified gaps in the areas of service coordination, availability of information, and the integration of social service and parent support into the system. Access to audiology services appears to have been facilitated for children who were systematically screened.ConclusionsThe findings provide insights into the services most valued by families. These findings highlight the importance of eliciting parents’ perspectives in designing optimal care models for children and families.
Vowel Space Characteristics and Vowel Identification Accuracy
Authors: Neel Amy T. 
Published: May 2008

Purpose
To examine the relation between vowel production characteristics and intelligibility.

Method
Acoustic characteristics of 10 vowels produced by 45 men and 48 women from the J. M. Hillenbrand, L. A. Getty, M. J. Clark, and K. Wheeler (1995) study were examined and compared with identification accuracy. Global (mean f0, F1, and F2; duration; and amount of formant movement) and fine-grained measures (vowel space area; mean distance among vowels; f0, F1, and F2 ranges; duration ratio between long and short vowels; and formant movement ratio between dynamic and static vowels) were used to predict identification scores. Acoustic measures of the most frequently confused pairs (/æ/–/ε/ and /ɑ/–/ʌ/) were compared.

Results
Global and fine-grained measures accounted for less than 1/4 of variance in identification scores: Vowel space area alone accounted for 9%–12% of variance. Differences in vowel identification were largely due to poor identification of /æ/, /ε/, /ɑ/, or /ʌ/. Well-identified vowels were distinctive in formant frequencies, duration, and amount of formant movement over time.

Conclusions
Distinctiveness among neighboring vowels is more important in determining vowel intelligibility than vowel space area. Acoustic comparison of confused vowels may be more useful in studying intelligibility of normal and disordered speech than in measuring vowel space area.
The Argument-Structure Complexity Effect in Children With Specific Language Impairment: Evidence From the Use of Grammatical Morphemes in French
Authors: Pizzioli Fabrizio , Schelstraete Marie-Anne 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe hypothesis that the linguistic deficit presented by children with specific language impairment (SLI) is caused by limited cognitive resources (e.g., S. Ellis Weismer & L. Hesketh, 1996) was tested against the hypothesis of a limitation in linguistic knowledge (e.g., M. L. Rice, K. Wexler, & P. Cleave, 1995).MethodThe study examined the influence of the argument-structure complexity of a target sentence on the production of grammatical morphemes in French children with SLI compared with younger children matched for grammatical level in production (GL) and children of the same chronological age (CA). A sentence production task was used where the target sentences varied in terms of argument complexity and length.ResultsThe results indicated that children with SLI used articles and auxiliaries in obligatory contexts significantly less often than both the GL and CA control groups: More complex argument structures elicited the highest number of grammatical morpheme omissions; this effect was larger in children with SLI than in the GL group and was independent of the length of the sentences, which failed to show any influence on the production of grammatical morphemes.ConclusionThese results support the hypothesis that grammatical-morpheme deficit in SLI depends at least in part on limited processing capacities.
Speech Disruptions in the Narratives of English-Speaking Children With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Guo Ling-yu , Tomblin J. Bruce , Samelson Vicki 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis study examined the types, frequencies, and distribution of speech disruptions in the spoken narratives of children with specific language impairment (SLI) and their age-matched (CA) and language-matched (LA) peers.MethodTwenty 4th-grade children with SLI, 20 typically developing CA children, and 20 younger typically developing LA children were included in this study. Speech disruptions (i.e., silent pauses and vocal hesitations) occurring in the narratives of these children were analyzed.ResultsChildren with SLI exhibited speech disruption rates that were higher than those of their age-matched peers but not higher than those of their language-matched peers. The difference in disruption rates between the SLI and CA groups was restricted to silent pauses of 500–1000 ms. Moreover, children with SLI produced more speech disruptions than their peers before phrases but not before sentences, clauses, or words.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that there is a relationship between language ability and speech disruptions. Higher disruption rates at phrase boundaries in children with SLI than in their age-matched peers reflect lexical and syntactic deficits in children with SLI.
Characterizing the Growth Trajectories of Language-Impaired Children Between 7 and 11 Years of Age
Authors: Law James , Tomblin J. Bruce , Zhang Xuyang 
Published: May 2008

Background
A number of different systems have been suggested for classifying language impairment in children but, to date, no one system has been widely accepted.

Method
This paper outlines an alternative system looking for distinct patterns of change in receptive language skills across time, involving a secondary analysis of children identified as having specific language impairment.

Participants
The participants were 184 children age-assessed at 3 time points—7, 8, and 11 years of age.

Results
The pattern of receptive language development is highly predictable. The dominant pattern of growth is consistent with declining rates of growth over time for all children. The primary way in which the children differ is with respect to their initial severity. The testing of the 2 classification systems revealed some statistically significant differences among the subtypes with regard to the shape of the growth rates, but the effect sizes associated with these differences were very small. Thus, it is possible to conclude that beyond the dominant pattern of growth, some subtypes of language impairment at 7 years of age showed only subtle differences in receptive language change across time. The results are discussed in terms of the sample selection and the age of the children who were studied.
Effects of Long-Term Training on Aided Speech-Recognition Performance in Noise in Older Adults
Authors: Burk Matthew H. , Humes Larry E. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis study examined how repeated presentations of words in noise affected understanding of both trained and untrained words in noise (in isolation and in sentences).MethodEight older listeners with hearing impairment completed a word-based auditory training protocol lasting approximately 12 weeks. Training materials were presented in a closed-set condition with both orthographic and auditory feedback on a trial-to-trial basis. Performance on both trained and untrained lexically easy and hard words, as well as generalization to sentences, was measured. Listeners then returned for an additional 14 weeks to monitor retention of the trained materials.ResultsTraining listeners on 1 set of words improved both their open- and closed-set recognition of the trained materials but did not improve performance on another set of untrained words. When training switched to the other set, performance for the new set of words improved significantly, whereas significant improvements on the previously trained words were maintained. Training generalized to unfamiliar talkers but did not generalize to untrained words or untrained keywords within running speech. Listeners were able to maintain improved performance over an extended period.ConclusionOlder listeners were able to improve their word-recognition performance in noise on a set of 150 words with training.
Dietary guidelines for pregnant women
Authors: Ortega Rosa M 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe nutrition of pregnant women is decisive in the course of gestation and the health of both mother and child. However, in the Spanish population, clinical monitoring of nutrition is rare, the control of bodyweight receiving most attention. Many studies show that pregnant women take too much fat and too little carbohydrate, and that intakes of fibre and several trace elements are lower than recommended.Although many people think they know what a correct (varied and balanced) diet is, the concept is often misleading. Generally, they do not match the ideal theoretical framework for achieving an adequate energy profile of the diet. Neither do they facilitate intakes of vitamins and minerals close to recommended levels. Nutrition education programmes are therefore required to explain adequate dietary guidelines to pregnant women, and indeed to all women of childbearing age.Considering the criteria suggested by a number of researchers concerning the number of food portions from each food group that pregnant women should include in their diets, the following guidelines for daily consumption are proposed: 3–4 portions of milk products, 2–3 portions of meat, fish or eggs, and 3 portions of fruit, 4–5 portions of vegetables or greens and 7–8 portions of cereals and legumes (a portion is defined as the amount of food that would be found on an average plateful or the normal units of consumption of a food).
Estimating dynamic models for gene regulation networks
Authors: Cao Jiguo , Zhao Hongyu 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Transcription regulation is a fundamental process in biology, and it is important to model the dynamic behavior of gene regulation networks. Many approaches have been proposed to specify the network structure. However, finding the network connectivity is not sufficient to understand the network dynamics. Instead, one needs to model the regulation reactions, usually with a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Because some of the parameters involved in these ODEs are unknown, their values need to be inferred from the observed data.
Results: In this article, we introduce the generalized profiling method to estimate ODE parameters in a gene regulation network from microarray gene expression data which can be rather noisy. Because numerically solving ODEs is computationally expensive, we apply the penalized smoothing technique, a fast and stable computational method to approximate ODE solutions. The ODE solutions with our parameter estimates fit the data well. A goodness-of-fit test of dynamic models is developed to identify gene regulation networks.
Contact: hongyu.zhao@yale.edu
Evaluation of Peripheral Vocal Cord Paralysis by Electromyography
Authors: Grosheva Maria , Wittekindt Claus , Pototschnig Claus , Lindenthaler Werner , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective: To analyze the predictive value of electromyography (EMG) after peripheral vocal cord paralysis and to estimate regeneration time.Study Design: Retrospective study based on electromyographic data and medical chart review of university based ENT hospitals.Methods: EMG results of 448 patients were classified into neuropraxia, axonotmesis/neurotmesis, or not classifiable and followed until final outcome. Final outcome was classified electromyographically into restitutio ad integrum, defective healing, or not classifiable.Results: The etiology of the paralysis was thyroid gland surgery in 42.9% and other iatrogenic lesions in 11.8%. Idiopathic paralysis was found in 20.3%. Mean follow‐up time was 4.8 months. Initial EMG findings were neuropraxia in 31.0%, axonotmesis/neurotmesis in 40.8%, and not classifiable in 28.1%. Restitutio ad integrum was detected by EMG in 17.6% and defective healing in 43.3%. In 39.1%, the outcome could not be classified. The positive predictive value of EMG was 97% and the negative predictive value 60%. The outcome depended significantly on the initial EMG result (P < .0001) but not on the etiology (P = .737) of the paresis. Regeneration time after neuropraxia was 4.0 months and after axonotmesis/neurotmesis 5.6 months.Conclusion: Laryngeal EMG has a high predictive value for acute peripheral vocal cord paralysis. The outcome can be predicted more reliably by means of EMG than by analysis of the etiology of the lesion.
Expressions of Caspase‐14 in Human Middle Ear Cholesteatoma
Authors: Jung Myung‐Ho , Lee Jang Hyeog , Cho Jae‐Gu , Jung Hak Hyun , Hwang Soon‐Jae , Chae Sung‐Won 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectives: Cholesteatoma is characterized by an excessive proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes with a progressive accumulation of keratin debris. Caspase‐14 is a novel regulator of keratinocyte terminal differentiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression patterns and localizations of caspase‐ 14 in cholesteatoma and in normal external auditory canal (EAC) epithelium.Methods: The expression levels of caspase‐14 mRNA were evaluated through real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. Cholesteatoma and normal EAC epithelium were immunostained with a monoclonal antibody to caspase‐14. The localizations of immunoreactivity to the caspase‐14 antibody were compared between cholesteatoma and normal EAC epithelium through immunohistochemical staining.Results: As shown by real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR, the expression level of caspase‐14 mRNA in cholesteatoma epithelium was significantly higher than in normal EAC epithelium. Caspase‐14 protein was detected in both normal EAC and cholesteatoma, but its expression was shown to be greater in cholesteatoma on Western blot analysis. As shown with immunohistochemical staining, caspase‐14 protein was primarily expressed in the granular layer and the upper parts of the spinous layer in cholesteatoma epithelium and in the superficial layer of normal EAC epithelium. The expression of caspase‐14 was more intense in cholesteatoma tissues than in normal EAC epithelium.Conclusion: The increased level of caspase‐14 expression in cholesteatoma tissues may play a role in terminal differentiation of epithelium and accumulation of keratin debris from external matrix.
Variations in Posttonsillectomy Hemorrhage Rates Are Scale Invariant
Authors: Phillips John , Ward Thomas , Montgomery Paul Q. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: Scale invariance is a property of scientific laws or objects that change in a prescribed fashion if measurements are scaled, and is often represented by a power‐law relationship. Power laws suggest that events of a large magnitude will be rare, while small events will be much more common, and that a simple mathematical law relates “severity” with frequency. Scale invariance has been demonstrated in scientific fields including physics, social science, and economics. The authors use the complication of a posttonsillectomy hemorrhage to test whether this property is a feature of surgical complications.Methods: Non‐identifiable data were obtained regarding posttonsillectomy hemorrhage and subcategorized by calendar month, and the percentage rate of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage was calculated. The data were then transformed using a logarithmic function. This transformed data were plotted and a linear regression analysis was performed.Results: The 13‐year period studied included 6,381 tonsillectomy procedures. The logarithm of the frequency of a given rate range of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage (y) was linearly related to the logarithm of the geometric mean of the rate range (x). The best‐fit straight line was y = −1.3996× + 2.0624 with R2 = 0.851, n = 10, r = 0.922, and P < .001.Conclusions: The authors found that the incidence of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage is scale invariant. The practical implication is that the observation of rare incidences of large hemorrhage rates may not be due to a unique circumstance or a particular operative fault. To reduce the incidence of extreme rates of postoperative hemorrhage, a review of the entire process of tonsillectomy would be required. Scale‐invariance analysis may represent a novel tool that should be considered when reviewing surgical complications.
Predictors of Reconstruction with Mohs Removal of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers
Authors: Boyle Kristen , Newlands Shawn D. , Wagner Richard F. , Resto Vicente A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To assess clinico‐demographic characteristics available before Mohs removal of nonmelanoma skin cancers of the head and neck as predictors of the need for extensive reconstruction.Study Design: Retrospective chart review.Methods: Variables examined were age, sex, race, marital status, past medical history, family history of skin cancer, use of tobacco or alcohol, history of radiation therapy, history of reconstruction, history of immunosuppression, tumor size, tumor site, histology, primary or recurrent tumor, number of tumors treated, and history and location of previous skin tumors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed assessing the need for extensive reconstruction after skin tumor removal as an outcome variable.Results: Age, tumor site, and a past history of reconstruction after resection of a previous skin tumor were characteristics identified as being predictive of the need for advanced reconstruction. The most common tumor locations that required postablation reconstruction were the nose (228 tumors) and the ear (148 tumors). Thirty‐six of recurrent tumors and 32% of primary tumors were reconstructed. The odds of a female requiring reconstruction were 2:1. The mean ages were 64.3 years in the reconstruction group and 67.2 years in those not reconstructed. Size of tumor did not correlate with the need for reconstruction.Conclusions: Patient's age, skin tumor location, and past history of extensive reconstruction after previous resection of skin tumor are patient‐specific characteristics available before tumor resection that predict the need for advanced reconstruction in patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery removal of skin cancers.
The Rhinology Experience in Otolaryngology Residency: A Survey of Chief Residents
Authors: Tabaee Abtin , Anand Vijay K. , Stewart Michael G. , Fried Marvin P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectives: The development of rhinology as a distinct subspecialty is based on recent advances in the research, clinical, and surgical aspects of the field. The impact of this evolution on the rhinologic experience in otolaryngology residency programs is not currently understood.Methods: An anonymous, web‐based survey of chief residents in otolaryngology residency programs was performed. Participants were asked to rate their residency experience in rhinology in terms of didactics, research opportunities, mentorship availability, clinical care, and surgical experience on an ordinal 5‐point Likert scale with higher scores representing more favorable responses.Results: Forty‐eight respondents completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 17.6%. The overall experience in rhinology was reported as positive (4.3 points). The individual items with statistically lower scores included availability of basic science research (P = .04), comfort level with the medical management of unusual rhinologic issues (P = .0006), and comfort level with advanced sinus procedures (P < .0001). However, overall ratings were high, and even the poorer‐scoring items were still rated favorably. In programs with rhinology fellowships, basic science opportunities were reported as being higher (P = .04) than programs without fellowships. There were no other statistically significant differences in programs with rhinology fellowships. There was no correlation between responses and future career choice.Conclusion: The overall residency training experience in rhinology appears to be positive, and presence of a rhinology fellowship appears not to have a negative impact on resident rhinologic training.