Gender differences in peer relations of children with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Objective: To examine gender differences in the peer relations of children with congenital neurodevelopmental conditions (NDC). Participants: Thirty-four children with cerebral palsy or spina bifida and 41 typically developing (TD) children, ages 6-12. Measures: Personality Inventory for Children-Second Edition (PIC-2), Social Network Inventory for Children-Child Version, and the Friendship Quality Questionnaire-Revised (FQQ-R). Results: Children with NDC report smaller social networks and lower quality of friendships than TD peers. Group × Gender interaction effects were not significant. Conclusion: Prior to adolescence, the social differences and risks associated with NDC do not appear to be gender specific. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Black bear femoral porosity decreases and mechanical properties increase with age despite annual periods of disuse (hibernation)

Inactivity causes bone loss, and a remobilization period that is 2-3 times longer than the disuse period is required to recover lost bone. Black bears (Ursus americanus), however, experience annual disuse (hibernation) and active periods that are approximately equal in length, but maintain bone material properties with age. Here, the effects of annual hibernation periods on whole bone properties were investigated. This study shows that mineral, geometrical and whole bone mechanical properties increase with age in black bear femurs, whereas porosity decreases with age. These results provide further support that black bears possess a biological mechanism to avoid disuse osteoporosis.     

Probability of infancy problems for space launch vehicles

This paper addresses the treatment of ‘infancy problems’ in the reliability analysis of space launch systems. To that effect, we analyze the probability of failure of launch vehicles in their first five launches. We present methods and results based on a combination of Bayesian probability and frequentist statistics designed to estimate the system's reliability before the realization of a large number of launches. We show that while both approaches are beneficial, the Bayesian method is particularly useful when the experience base is small (i.e. for a new rocket). We define reliability as the probability of success based on a binary failure/no failure event. We conclude that the mean failure rates appear to be higher in the first and second flights (≈1/3 and 1/4, respectively) than in subsequent ones (third, fourth and fifth), and Bayesian methods do suggest that there is indeed some difference in launch risk over the first five launches. Yet, based on a classical frequentist analysis, we find that for these first few flights, the differences in the mean failure rates over successive launches or over successive generations of vehicles, are not statistically significant (i.e. do not meet a 95% confidence level). This is true because the frequentist analysis is based on a fixed confidence level (here: 95%), whereas the Bayesian one allows more flexibility in the conclusions based on a full probability density distribution of the failure rate and therefore, permits better interpretation of the information contained in a small sample. The approach also gives more insight into the considerable uncertainty in failure rate estimates based on small sample sizes.     

A recombinant adenovirus expressing wild type p53 induces apoptosis in drug-resistant human breast cancer cells: a gene therapy approach for drug-resistant cancers

The different therapeutic options available for the treatment of chronic leukemias and myelofibrosis are discussed. In reference to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the choice of the most appropriate treatment must take into account not only the clinical condition but also the age of the patient. While subjects under 50 might benefit from the options offered by alpha-interferon, bone marrow and peripheral stem cell transplant, in older age groups treatment of the chronic phase must still rely on standard treatment. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and its variants is a disease of mostly middle and late life, with a variable clinical course. Patients show wide differences in morbidity and mortality. Many features have been shown to influence the prognosis, and the most important ones are incorporated into the staging systems currently in use. The results obtained from the study of large trials support the concept that treatment of patients with stable stage A CLL should be postponed until progression of disease. Treatment relies principally on alkylating agents, corticosteroids and radiation therapy; the new nucleoside analogues, such as fludarabine and 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine, have recently acquired established value in improving overall survival. With regard to myelofibrosis, the histological and biological features that influence the natural course of the disease are described, as well as the choice of the most appropriate treatment, which ranges from the use of alkylating agents and androgens, to splenectomy and splenic irradiation.     

Rhinoentomophthoromycosis

A rare case of Rhinophycomycosis entomophthora treated with a combination of Bacterium, potassium iodide and steroid is reported. Clinical features, epidemiology, mycology, and management are discussed.