bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A descriptive investigation of dysphagia in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Chadwick D. D. , Jolliffe J.
Published: August 2008

Background Dysphagia has rarely been investigated in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) despite being a serious condition affecting health and quality of life.

Method This study collected information about 101 adults with ID, living in community settings, referred for an assessment of their eating and drinking. Ninety‐nine people were classified as having dysphagia from clinical and videofluoroscopic assessments. This information was used to give an indication of the prevalence of dysphagia in adults with ID and identify the co‐occurrence of physiological and anatomical indicators and associated negative health conditions.

Results Details of the characteristics and conditions associated with dysphagia are provided. These include cerebral palsy, increased physical disability and cognitive impairment. A tentative indication of the current prevalence of dysphagia was found (8.15%).

Conclusion Findings indicate that dysphagia is a significant issue for people with ID warranting further investigation. Practice implications detailed include increasing awareness of ‘at risk’ groups, changes in dysphagia with ageing, medication use and illness, and how findings can inform assessment and training.
HCV RNA in peripheral blood cell subsets in HCV–HIV coinfected patients at the end of PegIFN/RBV treatment is associated with virologic relapse
Authors: De Felipe B. , Leal M. , Soriano‐Sarabia N. , Gutiérrez A. , López‐Cortés L. , Molina‐Pinelo S. , Vallejo A.
Published: August 2008

Summary.  Extrahepatic replication may have important implications for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Our aim was to analyse the association between the presence of positive/negative strand HCV RNA in different peripheral blood cell subsets at the end of PegIFN/RBV treatment, and treatment response in HIV‐coinfected patients. Thirty‐four HCV–HIV coinfected patients who concluded 48 weeks of PegIFN/RBV treatment were included in the present study. Positive/negative strand HCV RNA was detected by amplification of the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) using high‐temperature RT‐PCR in immunomagnetic‐isolated cell subsets. Twenty‐three patients (67.6%) had sustained virologic response (SVR) while 11 patients (32.4%) relapsed. The frequency of positive/negative strand HCV RNA in any cell subsets was significantly lower in patients with SVR (8.6%) compared to relapsers (63.6%) (P = 0.002). Baseline HCV viral load was statistically higher among patients who relapsed (P = 0.008), while patients with SVR had very early virologic response more frequently (P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed, among these three variables, that only the presence of positive/negative strand HCV RNA was independently associated with relapse [P = 0.024; OR 14 (14–137)]. In conclusion, the presence of positive/negative strand HCV RNA at the end of treatment is associated with relapse among HCV–HIV coinfected patients and might have important implications in the clinical practice.
Early discontinuation of ribavirin in HCV‐2 and HCV‐3 patients responding to Peg‐interferon alpha‐2a and ribavirin
Authors: Andriulli A. , Cursaro C. , Cozzolongo R. , Iacobellis A. , Valvano M. R. , Mangia A. , Minerva N. , Bacca D. , Stanzione M. , Scuteri A. , Montalto G. , Andreone P.
Published: August 2008

Summary.  Guidelines for the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C virus of genotypes 2 and 3 (HCV‐2 and HCV‐3, respectively) recommend a 24‐week course of Peg‐interferon (Peg‐IFN) alpha‐2a combined with ribavirin, despite 50% of patients in registration trials attaining a sustained virologic response (SVR) following Peg‐IFN alpha‐2a monotherapy. The aim of this study was to delineate patient characteristics that might help to identify individuals likely to benefit from ribavirin discontinuation. One hundred and forty‐four HCV‐2‐ and HCV‐3‐infected patients initiated Peg‐IFN alpha‐2a (180 μg/week) and ribavirin (1000 or 1200 mg/day); those with viral clearance at week 4 were randomized to either Peg‐IFN alpha‐2a monotherapy (n = 59) or continuing combination therapy (n = 61) until week 12. Overall, all but one patient with a rapid virologic response (RVR) responded by the end of therapy and the overall SVR rates were lower after discontinuation of ribavirin (54%vs 82%; P < 0.001). In RVR patients who discontinued ribavirin, low baseline viraemia helped predict SVR (odds ratio 11.2, 95% CI 2.7–47.1). SVR rates were similar in patients receiving mono‐ or combination therapy with low (≤300 000 IU/mL) and intermediate viraemia (86%vs 81% and 70%vs 71%, 86% refers to low viraemic patients receiving monotherapy and 81% to those receiving combination therapy. Similarly, 70% refers to patients with intermediate viraemic levels receiving monotherapy and 71% to those receiving combination therapy), but different in those with high (>700 000 IU/mL) viraemia (37%vs 88%; P = 0.004). Thus in HCV‐2‐ and HCV‐3‐infected patients, withdrawal of ribavirin and continuation of Peg‐IFN alpha‐2a monotherapy may be appropriate to attain an SVR, providing viraemia is cleared early during therapy and associated with low baseline viral load. These results warrant future investigations, as discontinuing ribavirin could lead to considerable savings in cost and quality of life related to over‐treatment.
Evidence for strain‐specific protective immunity against blood‐stage parasites of Plasmodium cynomolgi in toque monkey
Authors: WIJAYALATH W. A. W. K. , CHEESMAN S. , RAJAKARUNA J. , HANDUNNETTI S. M. , CARTER R. , PATHIRANA P. P. S. L.
Published: August 2008

We have conducted experiments to test the induction of strain‐specific protective immunity against Plasmodium cynomolgi infections in toque monkeys. Plasmodium cynomolgi is closely related biologically and genetically to the human malaria parasite, P. vivax. Two groups of monkeys were immunized against either of two strains of P. cynomolgi, namely PcCeylon and Pc746, by giving two successive drug‐cured infections with asexual blood‐stage parasites of one or the other strain, 12‐weeks apart. To test for strain‐specific protective immunity these infection‐immunized monkeys were challenged 8 weeks later with a mixture of asexual blood‐stage parasites of both strains. A pyrosequencing‐based assay was used to quantify the proportion of parasites that survived in the challenge infections. The assay was based on a SNP within the P. cynomolgi Merozoite Surface Protein‐1 gene. Compared to their behaviour in nonimmunized monkeys, the growth of parasites of the homologous (immunizing) strain in mixed‐strain challenge infections in the immunized monkeys were reduced relative to that of the nonimmunizing strain. These results indicate the development of blood infection‐induced strain‐specific protective immunity against P. cynomolgi in toque monkeys. The work prepares for using genetic analysis to identify target antigens of strain‐specific protective immunity in this host and malaria parasite combination.
Light irradiance differentially regulates endogenous levels of cytokinins and auxin in alpine and prairie genotypes of Stellaria longipes
Authors: Kurepin Leonid V. , Emery R. J. Neil , Chinnappa C.C. , Reid David M.
Published: August 2008

The growth patterns of plants from alpine (sun) and prairie (shade) ecotypes of Stellaria longipes in response to change in light irradiance was investigated and involvement of cytokinins (CKs), auxin (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) was studied to examine the mechanism behind phenotypic plasticity of these plants in response to light signalling. Low light irradiance induced shoot growth in plants of both ecotypes, but IAA levels were higher in plants from alpine, but not prairie ecotype. Dynamics of CK profiles in response to changing photosynthetically active radiation were quite different between ecotypes and changes were more pronounced in the plants of alpine ecotype, where opposite patterns in CK accumulation between low and normal light irradiances were observed. The plants of both ecotypes showed similar trends in ABA levels under low light irradiance. Thus, the highly plastic plants of prairie ecotype may have evolved mechanisms to control the growth in response to reduced light irradiance without major alterations in the levels of CKs or IAA. These results demonstrate that within species, plants from open habitats show less growth response to reduced light irradiance than plants from shaded habitats.
IMPROVING THE CADMIUM‐INDUCED CENTRIACINAR EMPHYSEMA MODEL IN RATS BY CONCOMITANT ANTI‐OXIDANT TREATMENT
Authors: Heili Frades S , Del Puerto‐Nevado L , Pérez‐Rial S , Martin‐Mosquero C , Ortega M , Martinez‐Galán L , Rubio ML , Rodriguez Nieto MJ , González‐Mangado N , Peces‐Barba Romero G
Published: August 2008

The aim of the present study was to perform an evolutionary analysis of the morphometrical, biochemical and functional parameters of centriacinar emphysema induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in rats and to determine the effects of concomitant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) administration.

Male Wistar rats were instilled orotracheally with either CdCl2 (n = 24) or saline (n = 24). One group of rats, consisting of both CdCl2‐ and saline‐treated rats, was fed a normal diet (n = 24), whereas the other group received NAC (n = 24).

Changes in inspiratory capacity (IC), lung compliance (CL), expiratory flow at 75% (F75), forced vital capacity (FVC) and hydroxyproline content were assessed 2, 8, 21 and 45 days after instillation. Polymorphonuclear cells were evaluated 2 and 8 days after instillation and the mean linear intercept (Lm) was determined at 21 and 45 days.

Over time, CdCl2 instillation causes several changes that are bound up with centriacinar emphysema. The concomitant administration of NAC to CdCl2‐treated rats partially reversed Lm at 21 days compared with CdCl2 alone (115 ± 2 vs 127 ± 2, respectively; P < 0.05). However, 45 days after instillation, NAC improved lung function in CdCl2‐treated rats compared with that in the saline‐treated control group (IC 14.64 vs 15.25, respectively (P = 0.054); FVC 16.94 vs 16.28, respectively (P = 0.052), F75 31.41 vs 32.48, respectively (P = 0.062)). In addition, 45 days after instillation, NAC reduced lung collagen content in both the saline‐treated control (100 vs 81% alone and in the presence of NAC, respectively) and CdCL2‐treated groups (213 vs 161% alone and in the presence of NAC, respectively). In addition, although the results were not significant, NAC tended to reduce Lm and enhance CL in NAC + CdCl2‐treated rats.

In conclusion, NAC partially improved emphysematous changes and reduced collagen deposition, which diminished the CdCl2‐induced fibrotic component of centriacinar emphysema.
Stressed by Choice: a Business Model Analysis of the BBC
Authors: Froud Julie , Johal Sukhdev , Leaver Adam , Phillips Richard , Williams Karel
Published: August 2008

This paper aims to explain the recent defensive strategy of downsizing at the BBC. The paper rejects the analysis of both industry practitioner and neoclassical economics academic critics who represent the corporation as an all‐powerful, abusive player in a market and instead develops an alternative concept of the business model, which focuses the pressures of financial viability and stakeholder credibility to explain the restructuring. We argue that the BBC's business model is stressed because it struggles to deliver what key stakeholders want and expect from the corporation, from a pot of revenue that is limited by regulation. The BBC's problem is compounded by demands for more programming hours following its move into digital and by the increasingly formalized demands of regulators on behalf of an absent consumer. The paper concludes that without reflexive, business‐model‐centred regulation, it is likely that the BBC's business model will become unsustainable.
Behavior of Infants with Iron‐Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Lozoff Betsy , Klein Nancy K. , Nelson Edward C. , McClish Donna K. , Manuel Martin , Chacon Maria Elena
Published: August 2008

This study tested the hypothesis that infants with iron‐deficiency anemia show behaviors, such as increased proximity to caregivers, increased wariness or hesitance, and decreased activity, that could contribute to “functional isolation.” The behavior of 52 Costa Rican 12‐ to 23‐month‐old infants with iron‐deficiency anemia was contrasted with that of 139 comparison group infants with better iron status during free play and mental and motor testing and in the home. Infants with iron‐deficiency anemia maintained closer contact with caregivers; showed less pleasure and delight; were more wary, hesitant, and easily tired; made fewer attempts at test items; were less attentive to instructions and demonstrations; and were less playful. Adult behavior also differed. The results indicate that iron‐deficiency anemia in infancy is associated with alterations in affect and activity, suggesting that functional isolation is a useful framework for understanding poorer developmental outcome in iron‐deficiency anemia, the world's most common single nutrient deficiency.
Is There a “Trochaic Bias” in Early Word Learning? Evidence from Infant Production in English and French
Authors: Vihtnan Marilyn May , DePaolis Rory A. , Davis Barbara L.
Published: August 2008

Studies of speech perception and segmentation in the prelinguistic period, early word production, and patterns of function word omission in early syntax have all recently emphasized the role of the trochaic accentual pattern in English, sometimes positing a universal trochaic bias. We make use of perceptual and acoustic analyses of words and babble from 9 children acquiring English and 5 acquiring French in the late single‐word period (13–20 months) to provide a direct test for the existence of such a bias. Neither English nor French infant vocalizations were exclusively trochaic. The iambic productions of American infants were traced to the presence of iambic phrases in the input. Differences between English and French in the acoustic realization of accent in infant vocalizations were also traceable to adult patterns. However, the almost bipolar distribution of trochaic and iambic patterns in the data from English‐learning infants was ultimately traceable to the integration of prosodic and segmental patterning in individual child word production templates, themselves arguably the product of an earlier acting articulatory filter.
Intrapersonal and Maternal Correlates of Aggression, Conflict, and Externalizing Problems in Toddlers
Authors: Rubin Kenneth H. , Hastings Paul , Chen Xinyin , Stewart Shannon , McNichol Kevin
Published: August 2008

Research has shown that 2‐year‐olds engage in peer‐directed aggression and initiation of conflict. However, there has been little consideration of the factors associated with variability in toddlers' aggression. One hundred and four toddlers (52 females) were observed for 35 min of free play with a same‐sex peer, with both mothers present. Experience in early out‐of‐home care was not related to aggression. Toddlers' observed and mother‐rated dysregulated temperament, and mothers' use of warmth and negative dominance during interactions with their children, were used to predict toddlers' aggression and maternal ratings of externalizing difficulties. Boys were observed to be more aggressive than girls. Regression analyses showed that, after controlling for main effects, the interaction of child gender, temperament, and maternal negative dominance predicted both outcomes. Observed aggression and mother‐reported externalizing problems were associated significantly with dysregulated temperament only for boys with mothers who demonstrated relatively high levels of negative dominance.
Children's Conceptions of Fair Government and Freedom of Speech
Authors: Helwig Charles C.
Published: August 2008

This study used judgments about prototypical cases of democratic and nondemocratic systems of government and freedom of speech to investigate children's developing notions of political fairness and democracy. Seventy‐two children between the ages of 6 and 11 years made judgments of fairness and preference for 5 systems of government: representative democracy, direct democracy, democracy by strict consensus, pure meritocracy, and pure oligarchy. Judgments of freedom of speech in general and in conflict with systems of government were also assessed. Concepts of political fairness were applied at all ages to evaluate the various governmental systems and to reject the nondemocratic alternatives. Older children were more likely than younger children to consider the pragmatic and moral consequences associated with particular systems of government. Older children also made use of a broader set of rationales than younger children to justify freedom of speech and displayed a greater ability to coordinate political concepts in situations in which they conflict with one another.
A Place of Value for Applied and Policy Studies
Authors: Zigler Edward
Published: August 2008

After more than 6 decades of advancing science as a means to expand our understanding of human development, the Society for Research in Child Development has welcomed into its major journal research that uses this knowledge on children's behalf. The acceptance of applied and social policy work within the field of psychology has been gradual, urged along by trends that are discussed in context: the reconciliation of basic and applied research, the call for social responsibility by prominent developmentalists, and efforts by individual and groups of psychologists to serve the public good. SRCD's decision to open these journal pages more widely to the practical and policy implications of research bolsters the legitimacy and status of such efforts. The society's leadership, coupled with changes in professional training and expectations, will expedite the discipline's maturation into a positive social force.
Separating the “Sinner” from the “Sin”: Religious Orientation and Prejudiced Behavior Toward Sexual Orientation and Promiscuous Sex
Authors: MAK HEATHER K. , TSANG JO‐ANN
Published: August 2008

This study extends research on the relationship between religious orientation, sexual prejudice, and antipathy toward value‐violating behaviors. If intrinsic religion leads individuals to “love the sinner but hate the sin,” homosexual sexually promiscuous targets should be treated similarly to heterosexual promiscuous targets. One hundred female introductory psychology students were provided the opportunity to help two students. They had no information about the first student. The second student disclosed through a note that she was gay or said nothing about sexual orientation, and further stated that she was sexually promiscuous or celibate. Participants scoring high in intrinsic religiousness helped the disclosing student less when she revealed she was sexually promiscuous, but did not help a gay discloser less than a straight discloser. High intrinsic scores seemed to be related to antipathy toward the value‐violation, but not toward the gay person as an individual.
Any Given Sunday: Weekly Church Attendance in a Midwestern City
Authors: OLSON PAUL J.
Published: August 2008

I analyze the weekly attendance figures from 71 Protestant churches from across the conservative‐to‐liberal spectrum in a Midwestern city using multilevel modeling (HLM 6.0). The impact on attendance of factors that are experienced by all churches in the city (bad weather, summer, religious holidays, and secular holidays) and factors unique to individual churches (size, if the church is liturgical or nonliturgical, and denominational affiliation) are assessed to determine if all churches experience similar week‐to‐week fluctuations or if differences exist based on congregational factors. I interpret the results in light of rational choice theory and the strict church hypothesis in an effort to explain changes in church attendance from one week to the next.
Finding Oneself Among the Saints: Thomas F. O'Dea, Mormon Intellectuals, and the Future of Mormon Orthodoxy
Authors: BAHR HOWARD M.
Published: August 2008

Thomas F. O'Dea's classic
The Mormons
identified “Mormonism's encounter with modern secular thought” as perhaps the church's greatest problem. In line with secularization theory, O'Dea predicted an attenuation of traditional Mormonism, and an adaptation and gradual liberalization of Mormon theology as the literal interpretation of Mormon origins “dissolved” in the solvent of modernity. O'Dea's views on the crisis facing Mormonism were based, in part, on ethnographic field work in Salt Lake City in the summer of 1950, as interpreted by a modernist Catholic sociologist. A review of his field notes suggests that key informants who “hosted” much of O'Dea's research activity were liberal Mormon academics who defined the church's traditional theology as a problem. This viewpoint agreed with O'Dea's preconceptions about the “education and apostasy” dilemma. A comparison of O'Dea's published “reading” of his field notes with the notes themselves suggests the plausibility of alternative readings. One such alternative is offered here, an interpretation of the interplay of education, Mormon theology, and Mormon intellectualism drawn from O'Dea's field notes, but with a different emphasis from that of his essay. Finally, reverting to a modernist perspective, I offer some hints from survey research suggesting that the predicted liberalization of Mormon theology has yet to occur.
Prices versus Rationing: Marshallian Surplus and Mandatory Water Restrictions*
Authors: GRAFTON R. QUENTIN , WARD MICHAEL B.
Published: August 2008

An aggregate daily water demand for Sydney is estimated and used to calculate the difference in Marshallian surplus between using the metered price of household water to regulate total consumption versus mandatory water restrictions for the period 2004/2005. The loss in Marshallian surplus from using mandatory water restrictions is calculated to be $235 million. On a per capita basis this equates to approximately $55 per person or about $150 per household – a little less than half the average Sydney household water bill in 2005.
Successful Endovascular Treatment of a Hemodialysis Graft Pseudoaneurysm by Covered Stent and Direct Percutaneous Thrombin Injection
Authors: Keeling Aoife N. , Naughton Peter A. , McGrath Frank P. , Conlon Peter J. , Lee Michael J.
Published: August 2008

Vascular access for hemodialysis remains a challenge for nephrologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists alike. Arteriovenous fistula and synthetic grafts remain the access of choice for long‐term hemodialysis; however, they are subject to complications from infection and repeated needle cannulation. Pseudoaneurysms are an increasingly recognized adverse event. At present, there are many minimally invasive methods to repair these wall defects. We present a graft pseudoaneurysm, which required a combination of endovascular stent graft placement and percutaneous thrombin injection for successful occlusion.
Evaluation of a High Fracture Toughness Composite Ceramic for Dental Applications
Authors: Aboushelib Moustafa N. , Kleverlaan Cornelis J. , Feilzer Albert J.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: The introduction of yttrium partially stabilized zirconia polycrystals (Y‐TZP) has pushed the application limits of all‐ceramic restorations. The mechanical properties of these materials can be further improved by the addition of a secondary dopant phase. The aim of this work was to evaluate the properties of a new nano‐composite ceramic used as a dental framework material.

Materials and Methods: The properties of a new ceria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal co‐doped with alumina (Ce‐TZP‐Al) were investigated. Y‐TZP was used as control. Sixty bars (20 × 2.5 × 1.5 mm3) from each material were prepared by cutting CAD/CAM milling blocks. Twenty specimens were used to measure the 4‐point flexural strength and the modulus of elasticity of the tested materials. The remaining specimens were used to measure the fracture toughness using indentation strength (IS), single edge notched beam (SENB), and fractography (FR). The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) was measured using temperature expansion diagrams. The bond strength of the two framework materials to two esthetic veneer ceramics was tested using the microtensile bond strength test (MTBS). Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis (EDX) were used to analyze the internal structure of the materials. One‐ and two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to analyze the data (α= 0.5).

Results: The flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of Ce‐TZP‐Al (856 MPa, 170 GPa) were significantly weaker (p < 0.001) than those of Y‐TZP (1003 MPa, 215 GPa). The (IS) fracture toughness of the former (19.02 MPa m1/2) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than SENB (12.6 MPa m1/2) or FR (12.8 MPa m1/2) values. These values were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the fracture toughness of Y‐TZP (7.4 MPa m1/2), which showed statistically similar values using the same three techniques. The measured TEC for the two materials was relatively similar, 10.1 μm/°C and 10.4 μm/°C, respectively. Regarding MTBS values, Ce‐TZP‐Al had significantly lower bond strength values (p < 0.001) and a higher percentage of interfacial failure than Y‐TZP, which failed completely cohesively with the two used veneer ceramics. SEM analysis revealed zirconia grains pull out and structural defects at the core–veneer interface for Ce‐TZP‐Al material, which explained its weak bond to the two used veneers.

Conclusion: Despite the promising mechanical properties of Ce‐TZP‐Al nano‐composite ceramic, its very low bond strength to esthetic veneers leaves such layered restorations highly susceptible to delamination and chipping under function. Further studies are needed to enhance the surface stability of this high fracture toughness ceramic.
Hardness, Flexural Strength, and Flexural Modulus Comparisons of Three Differently Cured Denture Base Systems
Authors: Ali Isma Liza , Yunus Norsiah , Abu‐Hassan Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: August 2008

Purpose: This study compared the surface hardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of a light‐ and heat‐cured urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) to two conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resins. The effect of less‐than‐optimal processing condition on the hardness of internal and external surfaces of UDMA specimens was also investigated.

Materials and Methods: The materials tested were Eclipse (light‐ and heat‐cured UDMA), Meliodent (heat‐cured PMMA), and Probase Cold (auto‐cured PMMA). Eclipse specimens were prepared by adapting the material onto the master cast and light curing in the processing unit for 10 minutes. Meliodent and Probase Cold specimens were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. Twenty rectangular specimens measuring 65 × 10 × 2.5 mm3 were prepared for each material. They were stored in water at 37°C for 30 days before testing. The surface hardness was measured using Vickers Hardness (VHN) test, and flexural strength and flexural modulus were measured using a 3‐point bending test. Twenty‐five additional Eclipse specimens were similarly prepared and were processed at various times of less than 20 minutes of curing. Vickers Hardness was determined on both the external and internal surfaces of specimens. Data were analyzed using a one‐way ANOVA for comparisons of hardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus between the three denture base materials and for hardness values of both the internal and external surface of Eclipse specimens with curing times. Post hoc analyses (Scheffé test) determined the difference between the groups. Student t‐test was used for comparison of hardness between the external and internal surfaces of Eclipse specimens.

Results: The hardness (VHN) values were 19.4 ± 0.7, 17.0 ± 0.4, and 16.0 ± 0.4; the flexural strengths (MPa) were 103 ± 4, 78 ± 3, and 63 ± 4; and the flexural moduli (MPa) were 2498 ± 143, 1969 ± 55, and 1832 ± 89 for Eclipse, Meliodent, and Probase Cold materials, respectively. A comparison among the three polymers showed there were significant differences in surface hardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus (p < 0.05). No significant difference in surface hardness (VHN) between the internal (19.1 ± 0.6 to 19.4 ± 0.7) and external surfaces (18.9 ± 0.4 to 19.2 ± 0.6) of irradiated Eclipse specimens was observed at 10‐, 12‐, and 14‐minute polymerization times.

Conclusion: The surface hardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of light‐ and heat‐cured UDMA (Eclipse) were significantly higher than the values obtained for heat‐only cured (Meliodent) and auto‐cured (Probase Cold) PMMA denture base systems.
Impact of cooperatives on smallholders' commercialization behavior: evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Bernard Tanguy , Taffesse Alemayehu Seyoum , Gabre‐Madhin Eleni
Published: August 2008

This article examines the impact of marketing cooperatives on smallholder commercialization of cereals using detailed household data in rural Ethiopia. We use the strong government role in promoting the establishment of cooperatives to justify the use of propensity score matching to compare households that are cooperative members to similar households in comparable areas without cooperatives. The analysis reveals that although cooperatives obtain higher prices for their members, they are not associated with a significant increase in the overall share of cereal production sold commercially by their members. However, these average results hide considerable heterogeneity across households. In particular, we find that smaller farmers tend to reduce their marketed output as a result of higher prices, whereas the opposite is true for larger farmers.
Do we agree about when patients are psychotic?
Authors: Nielsen J. , Mogensen B. , Martiny K. , Stage K. B. , Larsen J. K. , Lindhardt A. , Bertelsen A.
Published: August 2008

Objective:  To investigate into the use of the term ‘psychotic’ as defined by ICD‐10 or by the concept of impaired reality testing, among psychiatric staff members.

Method:  Questionnaire investigation using 11 short case vignettes.

Results:  Responses were received from 266 psychiatric staff members: psychiatrists, nursing staff and psychologists. When using ICD‐10, patients were identified as psychotic with a sensitivity ranging from 90% to 55%. Specificity ranged from 60% to 75%. According to the concept of impaired reality testing, all three groups showed a sensitivity of about 60%, whereas specificity ranged from 65% to 50%. The combined use of the terms correlated significantly with responses regarding indication for legal detention for psychiatrists and nursing staff.

Conclusion:  In identifying a patient as ‘psychotic’ a broad concept of impaired reality testing was widely used particularly in cases with legal issues. Psychotic symptoms, however, were identified with high sensitivity and specificity.
RADIOGRAPHIC AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF CANINE PARAPROSTATIC CYSTS
Authors: RENFREW HELEN , BARRETT ESTHER L. , BRADLEY KATE J. , BARR FRANCES J.
Published: August 2008

Mineralization of paraprostatic cysts is reported to be uncommon. This retrospective study was performed to review the imaging findings of eight histologically confirmed canine paraprostatic cysts. Radiographic patterns of mineralization seen are described. Four of the eight dogs had mineralized cysts. Mineralization seen on radiography was not consistently seen on ultrasonography, probably due to the lack of acoustic shadowing artefact from the small depth of mineralized tissue. It is thus concluded that mineralization of paraprostatic cysts is more common than implied in the literature, and that radiography is superior to ultrasonography in identifying its presence.
Spoilt for Choice—Is Organic Milk Really any Different?
Authors: Butler Gillian
Published: August 2008

Many of us buy organic milk and other produce simply through a gut feeling that “it is better for you” We base our feeling on little more than prejudice. But it is a widespread prejudice: demand for organic milk grew by 40 million litres last year. Are there any grounds for that prejudice? And what does “better for you” mean? Gillian Butler has the evidence.
Marital Disruption and Economic Wellbeing
Authors: Aassve Arnstein , Betti Gianni , Mazzuco Stefano , Mencarini Letizia
Published: August 2008

Divorce is always traumatic; but where are the divorced least badly off? Arnstein Aassve, Gianni Betti, Stefano Mazzuco and Letizia Mencarini look across Europe to see who suffers most.
Consumer Vulnerability and Credit Card Knowledge Among Developmentally Disabled Citizens
Authors: MANSFIELD PHYLIS M. , PINTO MARY BETH
Published: August 2008

This study represents an exploratory investigation of credit card knowledge among one vulnerable consumer segment—the developmentally disabled. The results suggest that many of the individuals did not understand the complexity of credit card products and were not able to make reasoned assessments of financial concepts and credit terms.

A little knowledge (learning) is a dangerous thing.

    —Alexander Pope, 1709
Picture–Text Incongruency in Print Advertisements among Low‐ and High‐Literacy Consumers
Authors: JAE HAERAN , DELVECCHIO DEVON S. , COWLES DEBORAH
Published: August 2008

While low‐literacy consumers rely heavily on pictorial information when making market‐based decisions, they also do attempt to read relevant information. When the advertisement picture and text are aligned, so too should be the conclusions low‐literacy consumers draw. We ask what happens when the pictures and accompanying text are incongruent. Results of an experiment indicate that low‐literacy consumers misinterpreted an advertisement with text–picture incongruity more regularly than did high‐literacy consumers. Furthermore, low‐literacy consumers demonstrated errors in comprehension that reflect picture‐based processing. However, despite comprehension differences between low‐ and high‐literacy consumers, attitudes toward the advertisement did not differ.
Cautions and Concerns in Experimental Research on the Consumer Interest
Authors: ROYNE MARLA B.
Published: August 2008

Most published consumer research presents data from surveys or other data analyses that, at best, report that certain things tend to happen at the same time. However, correlation does not mean causation; cause and effect relationships can only be concluded from controlled experiments. A key problem is that the use of experimental designs calls for various conceptual and pragmatic trade‐offs that cannot be ignored.
Clinical evaluation of cessation of hyperopia in 123 children with accommodative esotropia treated with glasses for best corrected vision
Authors: Cho Yoonae A. , Yi Sungtae , Kim Seong‐Woo
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  This study aimed to determine age at successful cessation of hyperopic glasses, the influence of hyperopia on the esotropic angle and age at discontinuation of glasses in accommodative esotropia (AE) patients.

Methods:  We performed a retrospective study in 123 AE patients who achieved complete emmetropization and maintained orthophoria without hyperopic glasses between March 1999 and February 2005. All patients had been prescribed the weakest possible glasses to provide best corrected vision and maintain fusion in hyperopia.

Results:  Pure AE was found in 64 patients and partial AE in 59. At the initial visit, 56.1% of patients had refractive errors of 3.00−5.00 D (mean cycloplegic spherical equivalent [SE]). The angle of esotropia without correction was 30.90 ± 14.80 prism dioptres (PD) (mean ± standard deviation) in pure AE, and 42.70 ± 15.19 PD in partial AE (p = 0.000). The non‐accommodative component in partial AE was 24.07 ± 14.90 PD. The mean age at cessation of glasses use was 13.50 ± 3.81 years. Stereopsis was noted in 70.2% of patients at the initial visit and 96.4% at the last visit. Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) were 0.480 between the degree of hyperopia and amount of optically corrected esotropia (p = 0.000), and 0.434 between the degree of hyperopia and age at successful cessation of corrective glasses use (p = 0.000).

Conclusions:  The mean age at resolution of hyperopia with good stereopsis was 13.5 years. The degree of hyperopia seemed to correlate with the angle of esotropia and the age of successful cessation of corrective glasses.
Accounting Classification in the IFRS Era
Authors: Nobes Christopher
Published: August 2008

The degree to which, and the purposes for which, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) have been adopted vary internationally. This paper uses classification techniques in order to investigate the reaction of countries, or companies within them, to IFRS. In addition, this paper investigates five aspects of this; for example, whether European countries mandate IFRS for unconsolidated financial reports. Previous classifications in accounting are used to help to predict and explain this.
Corporate Disclosure Quality: Lessons from Australian Companies on the Impact of Adopting International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Gallery Gerry , Cooper Emerson , Sweeting John
Published: August 2008

For annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005, Australian companies were required to comply with the Australian equivalents of International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRS). To ensure a smooth transition, a broadly defined standard (AASB 1047) mandated pre‐adoption company disclosures of the AIFRS' impact. The standard provided managers with the opportunity to exercise considerable discretion in complying with the underlying disclosure requirements. We examine how this discretion impacted on the quality of pre‐adoption AIFRS disclosures provided by a sample of large Australian companies. Using a disclosure quality index, we find considerable evidence of a cross‐sectional variation in disclosure quality that varies according to differences in the AIFRS financial impact, size, industry and profitability factors. Importantly, we also observe individual Big 4 audit firm influences on disclosure quality. These findings highlight consequences of mandating corporate disclosures based on broadly defined principles.
Neutralizing Antibodies against Human Papillomavirus Types 16, 18, 31, 52, and 58 in Serum Samples from Women in Japan with Low-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Ochi Hiroyuki , Kondo Kazunari , Matsumoto Koji , Oki Akinori , Yasugi Toshiharu , Furuta Reiko , Hirai Yasuo , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Kanda Tadahito
Published: August 2008

We have very limited information on serum neutralizing antibody in women naturally infected with the human papillomaviruses (HPVs) that are causally associated with cervical cancer. In this study, serum samples collected from 217 Japanese women with low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were examined for their neutralizing activities against HPV16, -18, -31, -52, and -58 pseudovirions. Eighty-four patients (39%), 35 patients (16%), 17 patients (8%), and 1 patient were positive for neutralizing antibodies against one, two, three, and four of these types, respectively. Presence of neutralizing antibody did not always correlate with detection of HPV DNA in cervical swabs collected at the time of blood collection. The neutralizing titers of the majority of sera, ranging between 40 and 640, were found to be conserved in the second sera, collected 24 months later, independently of emergence of HPV DNA in the second cervical swabs. The data strongly suggest that HPV infection induces anti-HPV neutralizing antibody at low levels, which are maintained for a long period of time.
Herpes Simplex Virus gE/gI and US9 Proteins Promote Transport of both Capsids and Virion Glycoproteins in Neuronal Axons
Authors: Snyder Aleksandra , Polcicova Katarina , Johnson David C.
Published: August 2008

Following reactivation from latency, alphaherpesviruses replicate in sensory neurons and assemble capsids that are transported in the anterograde direction toward axon termini for spread to epithelial tissues. Two models currently describe this transport. The Separate model suggests that capsids are transported in axons independently from viral envelope glycoproteins. The Married model holds that fully assembled enveloped virions are transported in axons. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) membrane glycoprotein heterodimer gE/gI and the US9 protein are important for virus anterograde spread in the nervous systems of animal models. It was not clear whether gE/gI and US9 contribute to the axonal transport of HSV capsids, the transport of membrane proteins, or both. Here, we report that the efficient axonal transport of HSV requires both gE/gI and US9. The transport of both capsids and glycoproteins was dramatically reduced, especially in more distal regions of axons, with gE
−
, gI
−
, and US9-null mutants. An HSV mutant lacking just the gE cytoplasmic (CT) domain displayed an intermediate reduction in capsid and glycoprotein transport. We concluded that HSV gE/gI and US9 promote the separate transport of both capsids and glycoproteins. gE/gI was transported in association with other HSV glycoproteins, gB and gD, but not with capsids. In contrast, US9 colocalized with capsids and not with membrane glycoproteins. Our observations suggest that gE/gI and US9 function in the neuron cell body to promote the loading of capsids and glycoprotein-containing vesicles onto microtubule motors that ferry HSV structural components toward axon tips.
Antibody deficiency: Table 1
Authors: Herriot R , Sewell W A C
Published: August 2008

Antibody deficiencies may arise as primary disorders or secondary to a variety of diseases, drugs and other environmental/iatrogenic factors. Significant primary antibody deficiencies are relatively rare but, collectively, account for the majority of primary immunodeficiency syndromes encountered in clinical practice. The genetic basis of a number of primary deficiencies has been clarified, although there is considerable genotype/phenotype heterogeneity and the role of gene/environment interactions has yet to be fully elucidated. Primary antibody deficiency can present at any age. The hallmark clinical presentation is recurrent bacterial infection, but these disorders are also associated with a wide variety of other infectious and non-infectious complications and with a high incidence of chronic, structural tissue damage, particularly in the respiratory tract. Clinical recognition of primary antibody deficiency is frequently delayed with consequent increased morbidity, diminished quality of life and early mortality. Clinical laboratories can contribute to improved and timely detection through awareness of routine test results which may be overtly or indirectly suggestive of antibody deficiency. Secondary deficiency is associated with increased awareness, better recognition and earlier diagnosis than in primary disorders. Early liaison and referral of patients with suspected antibody deficiency for specialist opinion and prompt, appropriate therapy is central to the achievement of good clinical outcomes.
THE OCCURRENCE OF RHIZOTHYRIUM ON ABIES AND TSUGA
Authors: Darker Grant D.
Published: August 2008

Rhizothyrium abietis Naoumoff occurs on needles of Abies under conditions of host suppression. Its distribution is recorded for northeastern North America and a description is given for the species on a new host, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr., in eastern Ontario.
STUDIES OF CHLOROPLAST DEVELOPMENT IN EUGLENA: 10. THE RETURN OF THE CHLOROPLAST TO THE PROPLASTID CONDITION DURING DARK ADAPTATION
Authors: Ben-Shaul Yehuda , Epstein H. T. , Schiff Jerome A.
Published: August 2008

In dark-adapting dividing cells of Euglena gracilis var. bacillaris, chloroplast lamellae gradually come apart into constituent discs which are progressively lost from the plastids. The entire process from fully formed chloroplasts containing approximately 14 lamellae, each composed of about three discs, to the proplastid (containing no internal membranes) takes about 144 hours (eight generations). Electron micrographs of the process are presented and also the kinetics of loss of discs, lamellae, and pigments. Chlorophyll is lost, at the outset, at a rate commensurate with simple dilution among chloroplasts of progeny cells. The rate of loss of discs and lamellae, however, is somewhat slower and suggests either that all chloroplasts do not divide at each cell division or that there is a continuing slow production of chloroplast membranes in the dark after pigment synthesis has stopped.In non-dividing cells, essentially no loss of structure occurs over the entire 144 hours of dark adaptation. The plastids appear to lose little or no internal structure over the entire period and never return to the proplastid condition. Chlorophyll a drops to about one-third of the original value in the first 24 hours and is lost slowly from then on.The evolutionary and ecological implications of this type of control for a cell which is a facultative phototroph or organotroph are discussed.
INTERACTION OF RED AND FAR-RED RADIATIONS WITH THE VERNALIZATION PROCESS IN WINTER RYE
Authors: Friend D. J. C.
Published: August 2008

Flowering of winter rye was advanced and the final leaf number reduced by red radiation (ca. 660 mμ) given to grain germinated at low temperatures for 4, 6, 8, or 9 weeks, and by far-red radiation (ca. 740 mμ) given during 3 weeks' low temperature treatment. Radiation was without effect on flowering when given during low temperature treatment continued until the grain was fully vernalized, when given during low temperature treatment of grain of spring rye, when given to grain of spring or winter rye maintained at 15 °C, and when given during thermal de-vernalization of winter rye.It is concluded that the phytochrome system is not involved in the flower-promoting effect of low temperature (vernalization) but that radiation given during low temperature treatment of germinating grain may enhance the stabilization of the vernalized condition.
INDUCED ELECTRO-OSMOSIS IN ROOT TISSUES
Authors: Fensom David S. , Meylan Suzanne , Pilet Paul-Emile
Published: August 2008

An attempt was made to induce transport of water in sections of roots of Lens by applying electrical potentials. The results support the conclusion that the observed water flows were moved electro-osmotically. With currents between 3 and 50 microamperes, the efficiency of water movement was found to be of the order of 20 to 80 water moles per faraday in living roots and four to six times more in killed roots. The highest efficiency coinciding with the best conductivity was observed in the zone of elongation. An asymmetry of flow upon reversal of the direction of the current was found which appeared to be linked to an asymmetry of both apparatus and plant material.
SOME FUNGAL PARASITES OF UMBELLIFERAE
Authors: Savile D. B. O.
Published: August 2008

Host or range extensions are given for Plasmopara crustosa, Asperisporium peucedani, Cercospora angelicae, C. selini-gmelini, Didymaria platyspora, Passalora depressa, Ramularia archangelicae, R. heraclei, Cylindrosporium heraclei, Phleospora osmorhizae, Septoria aromatica, S. levistici, S. oenanthis, Puccinia angelicae, P. bupleuri, P. coelopleuri, P. ligustici, P. marilandica, P. pimpinellae, and P. jonesii. The following new taxa and new combinations are presented: Plasmopara carlottae sp. nov. on Conioselinum pacificum, Ramularia glehniae sp. nov. on Glehnia littoralis ssp. leiocarpa, R. terrae-novae sp. nov. on Ligusticum scothicum, Puccinia grenfelliana sp. nov. on Conioselinum chinense, P. pimpinellae ssp. carlottae ssp. nov. on Osmorhiza chilensis, and O. purpurea, P. jonesii ssp. asperior comb. nov., P. cymopteri ssp. oregonensis ssp. nov., P. cymopteri ssp. traversiana comb. nov., and P. lindrothii ssp. sphalerocondra comb. nov. Host nomenclature is revised where necessary. Some implications of biogeography and host relationship are presented.