bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First description of demodicosis in 12 galagos (Galago senegalensis)
Authors: Kuznetsova Ekaterina , Vysokikh Anastasia , Bourdeau Patrick
Published: June 2011

Twelve Galago senegalensis from the Moscow Zoo were presented with papular to nodular (2–11 mm) lesions on the pinnae, containing a white, waxy material. Microscopic examination revealed large numbers of mites consistent with the morphology of Demodex spp. mites. Nine animals were treated with ivermectin, 600 μg/kg/day topically, orally or subcutaneously for 3–10 months, while one remained untreated. All the treated animals achieved clinical remission. The control animal was still affected and died 11 months later due to pneumonia and possible eosinophilic leukaemia. No adverse effects were noted in any animals during the treatment. No animal relapsed in the 13–19 months follow‐up period. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of demodicosis in G. senegalensis. The use of ivermectin in G. senegalensis was safe, although its effectiveness in the treatment of demodicosis needs further investigation.
Viability of Taraxacum officinale seeds after anthesis
Authors: MARTINKOVA Z , HONEK A , LUKAS J
Published: June 2011

Martinkova Z, Honek A & Lukas J (2011). Viability of Taraxacum officinale seeds after anthesis. Weed Research51, 508–515.

The management of Taraxacum officinale in lawns can be improved by understanding the timing of seed maturation. The development of T. officinale seed from flowering to dispersal was studied in 2008 and 2009. Percentage germination, time to 50% germination, seed mass and peduncle length increased with elapsed time since the end of flowering. Only seed collected more than 5 days after the end of flowering (DAF) germinated, and germination was not affected by cutting the capitulum from the peduncle. Seed mass increased up to 8 DAF and peduncle length up to 13 DAF. Seasonal variation in the length of time required for seed to mature in closed capitula was established at monthly intervals in 2009. This period decreased from 13 DAF in spring and autumn, to 8 DAF in summer, and time necessary to produce viable seed decreased from 6 to 3 DAF. Variation in the rate of seed maturation decreased when calendar time was converted to thermal time expressed as day degrees above a 0°C base temperature. Cutting inflorescences at 5–6‐day intervals beginning at the onset of flowering in summer or 9‐day intervals in spring and autumn may prevent T. officinale from reproducing by seed.
Effects of bovine cytochrome P450 single‐nucleotide polymorphism, forage type and body condition on production traits in cattle*
Authors: Sales M. A. , Larson M. J. , Reiter S. T. , Brown A. H. , Brown M. A. , Looper M. L. , Coffey K. P. , Rosenkrans Jr C. F.
Published: June 2011

Relating single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) to cows with acceptable productivity could benefit cattle breeders in areas where tall fescue is the predominant forage. This study aimed to (i) identify SNPs in bovine cytochrome P450 3A28 (CYP3A28) and (ii) determine the associations between SNP genotype, forage and cow body condition (BC). Genotype (CC, CG or GG) and forage [Kentucky‐31 wild‐type endophyte‐infected tall fescue (KY+) vs. bermudagrass] effects on milk volume and quality were determined in Herd 1 cows (123 cows); in Herd 2 (99 cows), genotype and BC (low vs. moderate) effects on ovarian follicle size, calving date and calving per cent were determined; and in Herd 3 (114 cows), effects of genotype and fescue cultivar [KY+ vs. non‐toxic endophyte‐infected tall fescue (HiMag4)] were related to calving per cent, calving date and weaning weights of both cow and her calf. A cytosine (C) to guanine (G) transversion at base 994 (C994G) in CYP3A28 was identified. There was a genotype × forage type interaction (p < 0.05) on milk protein in Herd 1 cows; CC cows grazing bermudagrass had greater milk protein percentage in relation to other cows in the herd. In Herd 2, BC and genotype × BC tended (p < 0.10) to influence follicle size and Julian calving date respectively. Diameter of the largest follicle tended to be larger in moderate BC than in low‐BC cows; whereas, CC and CG cows in moderate BC and homozygous (CC and GG) cows in low BC tended to calve 14 days earlier in relation to CG cows in low BC. In Herd 3, there was a genotype × forage type interaction (p < 0.05) on calving per cent, Julian calving date and calf weaning weight. In this study, genetic alterations (G allele at C994G) coupled with nutritional factors (low BC and toxic tall fescue) resulted in overall lower productivity in cows.
Fishing‐induced evolution of growth: concepts, mechanisms and the empirical evidence
Authors: Enberg Katja , Jørgensen Christian , Dunlop Erin S. , Varpe Øystein , Boukal David S. , Baulier Loïc , Eliassen Sigrunn , Heino Mikko
Published: June 2011

The interest in fishing‐induced life‐history evolution has been growing in the last decade, in part because of the increasing number of studies suggesting evolutionary changes in life‐history traits, and the potential ecological and economic consequences these changes may have. Among the traits that could evolve in response to fishing, growth has lately received attention. However, critical reading of the literature on growth evolution in fish reveals conceptual confusion about the nature of ‘growth’ itself as an evolving trait, and about the different ways fishing can affect growth and size‐at‐age of fish, both on ecological and on evolutionary time‐scales. It is important to separate the advantages of being big and the costs of growing to a large size, particularly when studying life‐history evolution. In this review, we explore the selection pressures on growth and the resultant evolution of growth from a mechanistic viewpoint. We define important concepts and outline the processes that must be accounted for before observed phenotypic changes can be ascribed to growth evolution. When listing traits that could be traded‐off with growth rate, we group the mechanisms into those affecting resource acquisition and those governing resource allocation. We summarize potential effects of fishing on traits related to growth and discuss methods for detecting evolution of growth. We also challenge the prevailing expectation that fishing‐induced evolution should always lead to slower growth.
Caspofungin: when and how? The microbiologist’s view
Authors: Mayr Astrid , Aigner Maria , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia
Published: June 2011

The echinocandins are antifungal agents, which act by inhibiting the synthesis of β‐(1,3)‐d‐glucan, an integral component of fungal cell walls. Caspofungin, the first approved echinocandin, demonstrates good in vitro and in vivo activity against a range of Candida species and is an alternative therapy for Aspergillus infections. Caspofungin provides an excellent safety profile and is therefore favoured in patients with moderately severe to severe illness, recent azole exposure and in those who are at high risk of infections due to Candida glabrata or Candida krusei. In vivo/in vitro resistance to caspofungin and breakthrough infections in patients receiving this agent have been reported for Candida and Aspergillus species. The types of pathogens and the frequency causing breakthrough mycoses are not well delineated. Caspofungin resistance resulting in clinical failure has been linked to mutations in the Fksp subunit of glucan synthase complex. European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute need to improve the in vitro susceptibility testing methods to detect fks hot spot mutants. Caspofungin represents a significant advance in the care of patients with serious fungal infections.
Genitogluteal porokeratosis: An unusual clinical presentation
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev Srinivas , Lee Stephen
Published: June 2011

A 51‐year‐old man presented with a 12‐year history of an expanding, irritable rash on his buttocks, groin and scrotum. He gradually developed erythematous, annular plaques with ridged borders and depressed centres. He also had a verruciform eruption in his perianal area. A clinical diagnosis of porokeratosis confined to the genitogluteal area was confirmed histopathologically. Oral acitretin resulted in symptomatic and cosmetic improvement. He continues to be followed up to evaluate treatment outcomes.
Killing two birds with one stone: the potential effect of cataract surgery on the incidence of primary angle‐closure glaucoma in a high‐risk population
Authors: Chan WengOnn , García José A , Newland Henry S , Muecke James , McGovern Stephen , Selva Dinesh , Aung Tin , Casson Robert J
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:  To estimate the proportion of cataract surgery performed at various visual acuity and lens opacity thresholds that would coincidentally treat early angle‐closure disease, and to estimate the effect of this surgery on the incidence of primary angle‐closure glaucoma.

Design:  Cross‐sectional, population‐based survey in Meiktila, Myanmar.

Participants:  Total of 2076 inhabitants, 40 years of age and over were included.

Methods:  Eyes with cataract‐induced visual impairment, and primary angle‐closure disease were identified. Analyses were stratified by various pinhole‐corrected visual acuity and Lens Opacity Classification System III scores thresholds.

Main Outcome Measures:  The dual role of cataract surgery in primary cataract treatment and primary angle‐closure glaucoma prevention was estimated.

Results:  Of 4153 eyes available for analysis, 261 eyes were either primary angle‐closure suspect or primary angle closure; 975 eyes had a visual acuity of <6/18 and Lens Opacity Classification System III score ≥3 on the nuclear or cortical scales. Of these, 86 eyes had either primary angle‐closure suspect or primary angle closure. If cataract surgery were performed on all 975 eyes, this would potentially prevent up to 86 cases of primary angle‐closure glaucoma in this population; 8.82% (95% confidence interval 7.12–10.78%) of the cataract surgery would address the cataract and prevent primary angle‐closure glaucoma. This would achieve a 38.46% (95% confidence interval 20.23–59.43%) relative reduction in the incidence of primary angle‐closure glaucoma in the adult population.

Conclusion:  In populations with a high prevalence of both visually significant cataract and angle‐closure disease, quality cataract extraction can serve a dual role of visual restoration and reducing the incidence of angle‐closure disease in the population: killing two birds with one stone.
Retinal venular calibre dilatation after intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Wickremasinghe Sanjeewa S , Guymer Robyn H , Wong Tien Y , Kawasaki Ryo , Wong Wanling , Qureshi Salmaan
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:  To describe the changes in retinal vascular calibre in response to intravitreal ranibizumab injections in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration.

Design:  Prospective interventional case series.

Participants:  Treatment naïve patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration were recruited over a 1‐year period.

Methods:  Each patient received three monthly intravitreal injections according to a ‘loading dose’. Retinal arteriolar and venular calibre was measured from digital fundus photographs and summarized as central retinal artery equivalent and central retinal vein equivalent at baseline and 3 months.

Main Outcome Measure:  Central retinal artery equivalent and central retinal vein equivalent changes from baseline to 3 months.

Results:  Seventy‐four eyes of 71 patients had good quality images for grading vessel calibre at baseline and at 3 months in treated (study) eyes and 51 eyes of 51 patients had good quality images in fellow (control) eyes. Over 3 months, in study eyes treated with ranibizumab, there was a significant increase in central retinal vein equivalent over baseline (+6.20 µm, P = 0.005), but no significant change in central retinal artery equivalent (+0.86 µm, P = 0.55). In control eyes, there was no change in central retinal vein equivalent (−0.82 µm, P = 0.70) or central retinal artery equivalent (0.34 µm, P = 0.75).

Conclusion:  Intravitreal ranibizumab has a significant vasodilational effect on retinal venular calibre in eyes treated for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration. The reason for this change is unclear, but may relate to changes in blood flow or inflammatory changes within the retina.
Comparison of the effects of cylindrical correction with and without iris recognition technology in wavefront laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis
Authors: Wang Tsung‐Jen , Lin Yu‐Huang , Chang David C‐K , Chou Hsiu‐Chu , Wang I‐Jong
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:  To analyse the magnitude of cylindrical corrections over which cyclotorsion compensation with iris recognition (IR) technology is beneficial during wavefront laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis.

Design:  A retrospectively comparative case series.

Participants or Samples:  Fifty‐four eyes that underwent wavefront laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis without IR (non‐IR group) and 53 eyes that underwent wavefront laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis with IR (IR group) were recruited.

Methods:  Subgroup analysis based on baseline astigmatism were: a low degree of astigmatism (≥1.00 D to <2.00 D), a moderate degree of astigmatism (≥2.00 D to <3.00 D) and a high degree of astigmatism (≥3.00 D).

Main Outcome Measures:  Vector and non‐vector analyses were used for comparison.

Results:  The mean cylinder was −1.89 ± 0.76 D in the non‐IR group and −2.00 ± 0.77 D in the IR group. Postoperatively, 38 eyes (74.50%) in the IR group and 31 eyes (57.50%) in the non‐IR group were within ± 0.50 D of the target induced astigmatism vector (P = 0.063). The difference vector was 0.49 ± 0.28 in the IR group and 0.63 ± 0.40 in the non‐IR group (P = 0.031). In the analysis of subgroups, the magnitude of error was significantly lower in the moderate IR subgroup than that of the moderate non‐IR subgroup (P = 0.034). Furthermore, the moderate IR subgroup had a lower mean difference vector (P = 0.0078) and a greater surgically induced astigmatism (P = 0.036) than those of the moderate non‐IR group.

Conclusions:  Wavefront laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of astigmatism using IR technology was effective and accurate for the treatment of myopic astigmatism.
Missing X and Y: a review of participant ages in population‐based eye studies
Authors: Forward Hannah , Hewitt Alex W , Mackey David A
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Ophthalmic population‐based studies have been used to establish the frequency of eye disease and the associated environmental and genetic factors that cause vision impairment and blindness. Most of these studies have concentrated on the diseases of ageing: cataract, age‐related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Other studies have identified eye diseases in children but few studies of young adult eye disease exist. We conducted a systematic review of the ophthalmic literature to identify potential population‐based eye studies and then note the age of participants in the studies. We then summarized the disease specific to young adults to show there is a need for further research to identify eye disease in this important and often‐neglected group in the community. Eighty‐four large population‐based studies have been conducted worldwide: 9 in North America, 2 in South America, 17 in Africa, 35 in Asia, 11 in Australia and the Pacific, 6 in Europe, 4 in the Middle East and 1 that covered 3 continents. No studies specifically examined young adults. Twenty‐six per cent of studies included young adults as part of all ages examined but none of these examined a large number of young adults.
Exsanguination by intent: controlled phlebotomy during resection of a giant vascular malformation in a 22‐month‐old child
Authors: Choi Ellen , Landrigan‐Ossar Mary , Fishman Steven J. , Seefelder Christian
Published: June 2011

Resection of large vascular malformations may require transection across the lesion, resulting in uncontrollable bleeding with the risk of exsanguination or massive transfusion‐related complications such as hyperkalemic cardiac arrest. We present the anesthetic management of a 22‐month‐old child with a giant vascular malformation who required surgical intervention because of increasing pain and bleeding from the lesion. As a standard resection carried a high risk of mortality for the patient, a novel surgical approach was performed, consisting of gradual compression of the lesion, reducing its base to allow transection across the smallest possible area. This compression resulted in acute massive autotransfusion managed by therapeutic phlebotomy of more than twice the circulating blood volume of the patient, guided by CVP and blood pressure. Although subsequent resection was still associated with large blood loss, the hemodynamic course of the patient was stable, and both bleeding and massive transfusion occurred in a controlled fashion allowing safe and successful resection of the malformation.
Complaining about a compliment: Evaluating attributions of positive outcomes to discrimination
Authors: Diebels Kate J. , Czopp Alexander M.
Published: June 2011

People evaluate stigmatized group members negatively when they attribute negative personal outcomes to discrimination, even when discrimination is the likely cause. The present studies examined whether similar interpersonal costs exist for attributing a positive personal outcome to discrimination in the context of positive stereotypes. In Study 1, 129 participants read an excerpt written by an Asian student who attributed an unexpectedly high essay grade to discrimination, writing quality, or easy grading. Participants evaluated the student least favourably when he attributed the positive outcome to discrimination. In Study 2, 140 participants evaluated a successful Asian job applicant less favourably than a successful, white applicant, although both applicants attributed the positive outcome to group membership. The implications for how stigmatized group members perceive and respond to prejudice and discrimination are discussed.
Differential item functioning of the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale in the US and China: Measurement bias matters
Authors: Song Hairong , Cai Huajian , Brown Jonathon D. , Grimm Kevin J.
Published: June 2011

Using an item‐response theory‐based approach (i.e. likelihood ratio test with an iterative procedure), we examined the equivalence of the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES) in a sample of US and Chinese college students. Results from the differential item functioning (DIF) analysis showed that the RSES was not fully equivalent at the item level, as well as at the scale level. The two cultural groups did not use the scale comparably, with the US students showing more extreme responses than the Chinese students. Moreover, we evaluated the practical impact of DIF and found that cultural differences in average self‐esteem scores disappeared after the DIF was taken into account. In the present study, we discuss the implications of our findings for cross‐cultural research and provide suggestions for future studies using the RSES in China.
Identification with a wrongful subgroup and the feeling of collective guilt
Authors: Goto Nobuhiko , Karasawa Minoru
Published: June 2011

The present study examined the relationship between group identification and the feeling of collective guilt. This study argued that identification with a subgroup of one's ingroup (subgroup identification) would predict the feeling of collective guilt better than identification with the whole ingroup (whole‐group identification). To manipulate the level of subgroup identification, we instructed participants to imagine the presence of a close friend (vs a friend of one's close friend) in a fictitious subgroup. In Experiment 1, we predicted and found that high subgroup identifiers experienced less collective guilt compared to low subgroup identifiers, regardless of their degree of whole‐group identification. In contrast, the results from Experiment 2 indicated that when the presence of the third party was made salient, high subgroup identifiers experienced more collective guilt in comparison to low subgroup identifiers. The importance of interpersonal connections for collective responsibility and the facilitating role of the third party for reconciliation of the intergroup conflicts are discussed.
Situation and Limitation: Making Sense of Heidegger on Thrownness
Authors: Withy Katherine
Published: June 2011

Abstract: As Heidegger acknowledges, our understanding is essentially situated and so limited by the context and tradition into which it is thrown. But this ‘situatedness’ does not exhaust Heidegger's concept of ‘thrownness’. By examining this concept and its grammar, I develop a more complete interpretation. I identify several different kinds of finitude or limitation in our understanding, and touch on ways in which we confront and carry different dimensions of our past.
Endothelium‐independent dilation in children and adolescents
Authors: Marlatt Kara L. , McCue Meghan C. , Kelly Aaron S. , Metzig Andrea M. , Steinberger Julia , Dengel Donald R.
Published: June 2011

Peak brachial artery dilation post‐nitroglycerin (NTG) administration occurs between 3 and 5 min in adults. The purpose of this study was to identify the time to peak dilation response to sublingual NTG (0·3 mg) in youth. Endothelium‐independent dilation (EID) was measured in 198 healthy (113 males, 85 females) youth (6–18 years) via ultrasound imaging of the brachial artery following NTG administration. Time to peak EID was 268 s following NTG administration, with no significant (P = 0·6) difference between males and females. There was a significant (P<0·001) difference between EID post‐NTG at the 3 versus 4 min, 4 versus 5‐min, and 3 versus 5 min time points. Peak EID (males: 24·8 ± 0·5 versus females: 25·3 ± 0·6%, P = 0·6) was not significantly different after accounting for baseline diameter. Peak response to NTG administration occurs between 4 and 5 min. The results demonstrate the importance of measuring EID up to 5‐min post‐NTG administration in youth.
Intralesional Immunotherapy with Candida Antigen for the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum in Children
Authors: Enns Lindsay L. , Evans Megan S.
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  Intralesional injection of Candida and other antigens is an established and useful therapy for warts; a cutaneous immune response can induce improvement and or clearance of warts, often with response in anatomically distinct lesions other than those injected. Molluscum contagiosum virus is a common cutaneous infection seen primarily in pediatric dermatology clinics. Treatment is often unsatisfactory, painful, and time consuming. A retrospective chart review was conducted to examine the efficacy of intralesional injection of Candida antigen into a maximum of three individual molluscum lesions. Twenty‐nine patients were treated with this therapy; 55% had complete resolution. In addition, 37.9% experienced partial resolution, yielding an overall response rate of 93%. Only two patients failed to respond (6.9%). In addition, only four patients reported a single adverse effect of pain with injection. No other adverse effects were reported or noted clinically. Scarring was absent. No recurrences were reported at the time of publication. This report establishes the efficacy of intralesional injection of Candida for molluscum contagiosum.
A Bookstore for Bailey: A Novel Approach to Teaching a Small‐Business Management Course
Authors: Bergquist Timothy M. , Maggs Anne
Published: June 2011

This article presents the development of an online, student‐centered, introductory small‐business management course that uses an educational business novel, hypertext graphic‐design features, an interactive workbook, and a student‐authored final chapter. Student learning was assessed through the use of a pre‐ and posttest survey. Student reflection was incorporated to make students consider the impact of learning. Results showed that student learning and understanding increased in two separate courses.
Individual Engagement to Collective Participation: The Dynamics of Participation Pattern in Performance Budgeting
Authors: LU YI
Published: June 2011

Active participation from all stakeholders in the budget process is one of the key issues to the integration of performance information with budgeting. While individual stakeholders' participation is cited as important by various studies, participation pattern, that is, how they engage relative to each other in performance measurement, is less known. Empirical studies on participation patterns and their collective impact on performance budgeting are scarce. Using the survey data collected in Georgia, this study conducted a cluster analysis in order to further provide a dynamic understanding of the mechanism and structure of a participative process in performance budgeting. The findings suggest that participation pattern is a different construct than individual participation and that the effective patterns vary by the purpose for which performance information is used. In addition, the patterns that are open to external professionals and citizens, with shared responsibilities among the agencies, executive offices and the legislative branch, and tailored to various purposes are more likely to be effective in integrating performance information with management and budgeting.
Implementing Program Budgeting in the Serbian Ministry of Defense
Authors: MCNAB ROBERT M.
Published: June 2011

The Republic of Serbia's Ministry of Defense (MoD) is attempting to implement a program‐oriented, multi‐year budgeting system in 2010. This paper reveals several challenges that threaten the success of this initiative. First, we find that the proposed budget system confuses organizations and programs. Second, there does not appear to be a centrally coordinated effort to implement program budgeting, leading to significant disparities in comprehension, organization, and implementation amongst the subordinate commands in MoD. Finally, there is a distinct lack of communication within the MoD regarding the necessity of a program budget and how the process should move forward. These issues inhibit the implementation of program budgeting in the MoD and diminish the possible gains associated with the multi‐year, programmatic allocation of defense resources.
Thermal Conductivity: II, Development of a Thermal Conductivity Expression for the Special Case of Prolate Spheroids
Authors: ADAMS MILTON , LOEB A. L.
Published: June 2011

A straightforward derivation of the heat‐flow equation for a prolate spheroid is given. In its simplest form the expression is thermal conductivity equals body factor (determined for the prolate spheroidal vessel) times power divided by temperature drop. The geometry of the prolate spheroid is reflected in a detailed expression for the body factor.
Thermal Conductivity: III, Prolate Spheroidal Envelope Method
Authors: ADAMS MILTON
Published: June 2011

An absolute method of determining the thermal conductivity of refractory materials is described. This investigation confines itself to the steady state, i.e., where the temperature at any given point in the material is independent of time. The variation of conductivity with temperature is shown for alumina, magnesia, zirconia, beryllia, thoria, and insulating firebrick B & W K‐28. The results of previous studies are compared with those of this investigation.
Thermal Conductivity: IV, Apparatus for Determining Thermal Conductivity by a Comparative Method
Authors: FRANCL J. , KINGERY W. D.
Published: June 2011

Apparatus for determining thermal conductivity by a comparative method of steady‐state heat flow through 1‐in. cube samples is described. Suitable precautions insure linear heat flow and low heat losses. Measurements with melting‐point lead give values in good agreement with previous data. Measurements for dense Al2O3, BeO, and MgO indicate a conductivity which decreases with temperature from values at 100°C. of 0.50 cal. per sec.−1 per °C.−1 per cm.−2 per cm. for BeO, 0.081 for MgO, and 0.067 for Al2O3. Values obtained are somewhat higher than most of those previously reported.
Thermal Conductivity: VI, Determination of Conductivity of Al2O3 by Spherical Envelope and Cylinder Methods
Authors: KINGERY W. D.
Published: June 2011

Values of the thermal conductivity of Al2O3 have been determined by methods employing a spherical envelope specimen completely surrounding a heat source and a long hollow cylinder in which a center section is employed for a test zone. Values obtained are in close agreement with values previously determined by other methods.
Women's premonitions prior to the death of their baby in utero and how they deal with the feeling that their baby may be unwell
Authors: ERLANDSSON KERSTIN , LINDGREN HELENA , DAVIDSSON‐BREMBORG ANNA , RÅDESTAD INGELA
Published: June 2011

Objective. To identify whether mothers of stillborn babies had had a premonition that their unborn child might not be well and how they dealt with that premonition. Design. A mixed method approach. Setting. One thousand and thirty‐four women answered a web questionnaire. Sample. Six hundred and fourteen women fulfilled the inclusion criteria of having a stillbirth after the 22nd gestational week and answered questions about premonition. Methods. Qualitative content analysis was used for the open questions and descriptive statistics for questions with fixed alternatives. Main Outcome Measure. The premonition of an unwell unborn baby. Results. In all, 392 of 614 (64%) of the women had had a premonition that their unborn baby might be unwell; 274 of 614 (70%) contacted their clinic and were invited to come in for a check‐up, but by then it was too late because the baby was already dead. A further 88 of 614 (22%) decided to wait until their next routine check‐up, believing that the symptoms were part of the normal cycle of pregnancy, and that the fetus would move less towards the end of pregnancy. Thirty women (8%) contacted their clinic, but were told that everything appeared normal without an examination of the baby. Conclusions. Women need to know that a decrease in fetal movements is an important indicator of their unborn baby's health. Healthcare professionals should not delay an examination if a mother‐to‐be is worried about her unborn baby's wellbeing.
A Call to Improve Practice Concerning Cultural Sensitivity in Advance Directives: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Zager B. Sue , Yancy Margaret
Published: June 2011

Background: The Patient Self Determination Act of 1990 mandates healthcare providers (HCP) to speak with patients about end‐of‐life preferences and advance directives (AD). HCP work with patients of varying cultures, and standard ADs do not address cultural differences. In order to understand various cultural beliefs, cultural sensitivity is important especially when discussing advance care planning (ACP).

Aims: Individuals from differing ethnic backgrounds are likely to turn to their traditional norms of practice when ill or treatment choices must be made. An AD that addresses varying cultural values and beliefs was sought.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. Articles selected for review included qualitative and quantitative studies. The evidence was evaluated and synthesized for information related to cultural sensitivity and ADs.

Findings: Three common themes emerged related to ACP discussions and culture. Healthcare provider awareness, communication, and education concerning cultural differences and ACP assisted in meeting the needs for end‐of‐life planning in the current era of increased globalization. Education for HCP on cultural differences and how to lead discussions promoted ACP.

Implication for Practice: ADs are an essential part of health care and promote patient‐centered care. (HCP) should be able to recognize differing cultural values and beliefs in order to initiate conversations about end of life. Initiating conversations about ACP can be facilitated by using open‐ended questions that respect the values and beliefs of various cultures.
The Milky Way's Fermi bubbles: echoes of the last quasar outburst?
Authors: Zubovas K. , King A. R. , Nayakshin S.
Published: June 2011

Fermi-LAT has recently detected two gamma-ray bubbles disposed symmetrically with respect to the Galactic plane. The bubbles have been suggested to be in a quasi-steady state, inflated by ongoing star formation over the age of the Galaxy. Here we propose an alternative picture where the bubbles are the remnants of a large-scale wide-angle outflow from Sgr A*, the supermassive black hole (SMBH) of our Galaxy. Such an outflow would be a natural consequence of a short but bright accretion event on to Sgr A* if it happened concurrently with the well-known star formation event in the inner 0.5 pc of the Milky Way ∼6 Myr ago. We find that the hypothesized near-spherical outflow is focused into a pair of symmetrical lobes by the greater gas pressure along the Galactic plane. The outflow shocks against the interstellar gas in the Galaxy bulge. Gamma-ray emission could be powered by cosmic rays created by either Sgr A* directly or accelerated in the shocks with the external medium. The Galaxy disc remains unaffected, agreeing with recent observational evidence that SMBHs do not correlate with galaxy disc properties. We estimate that an accreted mass ∼2 × 103 M⊙ is needed for the accretion event to power the observed Fermi-LAT lobes. Within a factor of a few, this agrees with the mass of the young stars born during the star formation event. This estimate suggests that roughly 50 per cent of the gas was turned into stars, while the rest accreted on to Sgr A*. One interpretation of this is a reduced star formation efficiency inside the Sgr A* accretion disc due to stellar feedback, and the other a peculiar mass deposition geometry that resulted in a significant amount of gas falling directly inside the inner ∼0.03 pc of the Galaxy.
The relationship between maternal parenting style, female adolescent decision making, and contraceptive use
Authors: Commendador Kathleen
Published: June 2011

Purpose: To examine the relationship between maternal parenting style, female adolescent decision making, and contraceptive behavior in multiethnic, 14‐ to 17‐year‐old Hawaii residents.

Data sources: This was a descriptive cross‐sectional survey design using a convenience sample of 112 female adolescents 14–17 years of age who came for health care from four clinics on the island of Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. Along with a brief demographic questionnaire, maternal parenting style was measured by the Parental Control Scale, decision making was measured by the Flinders Adolescent Decision Making Questionnaire, and sexual activity and contraception use was measured by a non‐normed Sexual History and Contraceptive Use Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and correlations were used to analyze associations and correlations between age, maternal parenting style, decision self‐esteem, decision coping (vigilant and maladaptive), and contraceptive use for sexually active female adolescents.

Conclusions: No significant associations or correlations were found between age, maternal parenting style, decision self‐esteem, decision coping (vigilant and maladaptive), and contraceptive use. There were significant positive correlations (p < .05) between maternal parenting style, age, and decision coping‐complacency, suggesting that maternal parenting styles are more controlling and that decision coping‐complacency increases as the adolescent ages, leading the adolescents to take a less active role in decision making.
Drug‐like Leads for Steric Discrimination between Substrate and Inhibitors of Human Acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Wildman Scott A. , Zheng Xiange , Sept David , Auletta Jeffrey T. , Rosenberry Terrone L. , Marshall Garland R.
Published: June 2011

Protection of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from the toxic effects of organophosphate insecticides and chemical warfare agents (OPs) may be provided by inhibitors that bind at the peripheral binding site (P‐site) near the mouth of the active‐site gorge. Compounds that bind to this site may selectively block access to the acylation site (A‐site) catalytic serine for OPs, but not acetylcholine itself. To identify such compounds, we employed a virtual screening approach using AutoDock 4.2 and AutoDock Vina, confirmed using compounds experimentally known to bind specifically to either the A‐site or P‐site. Both programs demonstrated the ability to correctly predict the binding site. Virtual screening of the NCI Diversity Set II was conducted using the apo form of the enzyme, and with acetylcholine bound at the crystallographic locations in the A‐site only and in both and A‐ and P‐sites. The docking identified 32 compounds that were obtained for testing, and one was demonstrated to bind specifically to the P‐site in an inhibitor competition assay.
Caring in Confucian Philosophy
Authors: Pang‐White Ann A.
Published: June 2011

This article examines the intersections of Confucian philosophy and feminist ethics of care. It explains the origins and contribution of care ethics to modern ethical discourse and the controversy that surrounds this ethical theory. The article discusses the emergence of comparative research on the compatibility (or incompatibility) of Confucian ren and feminist care. It first explores the question whether it is philosophically feasible to disassociate Confucian ren from its historical context by deploying it for contemporary feminist debates, especially considering that, strictly speaking, no direct counterpart in the original Confucian texts is an exact match to the words ‘care’ or ‘caring’. Following this exploration, the article investigates what ren is and whether Confucian ren is feminist care, what the ‘No Exit’ Objection and the ‘Domesticity’ Objection are, and how ren or caring in Confucian philosophy can answer these objections. The article concludes with an affirmation of the social transformative power of ren and its feminist potential.
Isolation of novel triple‐reassortant swine H3N2 influenza viruses possessing the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of a seasonal influenza virus in Vietnam in 2010
Authors: Ngo Long Thanh , Hiromoto Yasuaki , Pham Vu Phong , Le Ha Thi Hong , Nguyen Ha Truc , Le Vu Tri , Takemae Nobuhiro , Saito Takehiko
Published: June 2011

Please cite this paper as: Ngo et al. (2012) Isolation of novel triple‐reassortant swine H3N2 influenza viruses possessing the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of a seasonal influenza virus in Vietnam in 2010. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(1), 6–10.

Surveillance of swine influenza viruses (SIVs) in 31 pig farms in northern and southern parts of Vietnam was conducted. Six H3N2 influenza A viruses were isolated from a pig farm in southern Vietnam. They were novel genetic reassortants between a triple–reassortant SIV and a human seasonal H3N2 virus. Their hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes were derived from a human virus circulating around 2004–2006 and the remaining genes from a triple‐reassortant SIV that originated in North America. This is the first report describing the isolation of a novel triple‐reassortant SIV in Vietnam.
Genotyping of human platelet antigen‐15 by single closed‐tube Tm‐shift method
Authors: ZHOU S. H. , LIU M. , AN W. X. , LIANG X. H. , YU W. J. , GONG B. L. , PIAO F. Y.
Published: June 2011

Introduction:  Genotyping of human platelet antigens (HPA) is useful for the diagnosis and prevention of platelet alloimmune syndromes. HPA‐15 might play an important role in the development of platelet alloimmune syndromes. There are several disadvantages in the conventional methods for HPA‐15 genotyping. The aim of this study was to develop a new method for HPA‐15 genotyping by using single closed‐tube melting temperature (Tm)‐shift genotyping.

Methods:  Two GC‐rich tails of different lengths were attached to 5′‐end of HPA‐15 allele‐specific PCR primers, such that HPA‐15 alleles can be discriminated by the Tms of the PCR products. One hundred blood samples were genotyped for HPA‐15 by the Tm‐shift and conventional polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP).

Results:  The comparison of the PCR‐SSP and the Tm‐shift method showed four discordant results in one hundred samples tested. Confirmatory results demonstrated that the PCR‐SSP produced several errors, whereas HPA‐15 genotyping by Tm‐shift is correct. The retesting results of Tm‐shift method were consistent with those of the initial testing.

Conclusion:  The single closed‐tube Tm‐shift method for HPA‐15 genotyping is high‐throughput, rapid, reliable, reproducible and cost‐effective and it is superior to conventional PCR‐SSP used in routine genotyping of HPA‐15.
Levels of periodontal pathogens in neonatal gastric aspirates and possible maternal sites of origin
Authors: Gonzales‐Marin C. , Spratt D.A. , Millar M.R. , Simmonds M. , Kempley S.T. , Allaker R.P.
Published: June 2011

Maternal periodontal infection has been recognized as a risk factor for preterm and low birthweight infants. It is suspected that pathogens causing periodontal disease may translocate to the amniotic cavity and so contribute to triggering an adverse pregnancy outcome. This study aimed to determine levels and proportions of periodontal bacteria in neonatal gastric aspirates obtained from complicated pregnancies and the respective maternal oral and vaginal samples using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction approach, and also to determine the origin of the neonate’s bacteria by sequence comparisons between the three sites. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythia were not observed in the neonates or in the women’s vaginas. Interestingly, Porphyromonas gingivalis was identified in the neonates in two samples (2.98E+02 and 1.75E+02 cells ml−1) and in association with Fusobacterium nucleatum, which was observed at high prevalence (10%) and at high levels reaching up to 2.32E+03 cells ml−1. Although F. nucleatum was also present in the vaginal samples, the results demonstrated that the neonatal strains were more likely to originate from the mother’s oral cavity than to be vaginal strains.
Achievement performance of positive and negative affect subjects and their partners under conditions of cooperation and competition
Authors: Fry P. S. , Preston Joan
Published: June 2011

In order to test the hypothesis that affective states or children and their partners mediate achievement performance, 80 children received positive, negative and neutral affect induction and were subsequently asked to cooperate with or compete against partners of similar or opposite affect. While positive affect subjects, as hypothesized, improved their performance significantly more than negative or neutral affect subjects, positive affect subjects increased their performance most when asked to cooperate with positive affect partners. By contrast, negative affect subjects improved their performance most when asked to compete against negative affect partners. The results show that the achievement performance of young children is influenced by their own affective state and by the affective state of the peers or partners. Expectancies of cooperation or competition also mediate their achievement performance. Implications of affective state variables for children's achievement performance are discussed.
Personality and activity preference
Authors: Furnham Adrian
Published: June 2011

Previous research in different fields has indicated that people choose various jobs, learning institutions and leisure‐time activities in terms of their personality structure, and to satisfy various needs. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the two commonly distinguished personality variables of extraversion and neuroticism and the choice and avoidance of specifically social situations. Subjects were requested to indicate how much time they had spent in leisure situations over the past week; to rank order their preference for activities which reflected Murray's major needs and presses; and to rate their choice or avoidance of other abstractly described, and then stressful, anxiety‐provoking, social situations on a five‐point scale. It was shown, using two‐way analysis of variance on factor scores derived from the factor analysis of different but related scales, that extraverts have a significantly and meaningfully different pattern of activity preferences from introverts. This finding was also true of high and low neurotics but not to the same extent. The results are discussed in terms of a major criticism of the methodology and conclusion in the person–situation debate, subject assignment in laboratory experiments and social skills training, and assessment.
Intervening causation and the mitigation of responsibility for harm
Authors: Fincham Frank D. , Shultz Thomas R.
Published: June 2011

Events which occur between a previous behaviour and a later consequence, and which help to produce the consequence (intervening causes), are an important element in determining legal responsibility. An experiment was therefore conducted to clarify the conditions under which the concept of intervening causation is used by lay observers to produce judgements of causation, blame and restitution in cases of harm‐doing. Results indicated that an intervening cause decreased the extremity of all three types of judgement to a greater extent when the intervention was voluntary rather than involuntary, and more when the intervention was unforeseeable, than when it was foreseeable. Path analyses of relations among the dependent variables were consistent with a model specifying that restitution judgements are determined by those of blame which are, in turn, determined by those of causation. Alternative models are also discussed together with several further hypotheses regarding intervening causation.
Critical notice: Are Fincham & Shultz's findings empirical findings?
Authors: Shotter John
Published: June 2011

Both common‐sense and legal concepts in specifying not what is but what ought to be the case are, like those in arithmetic and geometry, not amenable to empirical test. They specify the ground rules of right and proper action. Attempts to study them empirically ignore the institutional practices in daily life which, in respecting a society's moral order, establish the conditions under which certain ways of reasoning and judging are not only applicable but legitimate.
The utility of a general anxiety trait: Some methodological considerations
Authors: Cooper Colin
Published: June 2011

Lazzerini et al. (1979) concluded that a general trait of anxiety accounts for approximately five times as much variance as do situational factors. A number of issues which may restrict the generality and validity of this conclusion are discussed, and a reanalysis of their data suggests the presence of two replicable ‘situational’ factors in addition to the general factor of anxiety.