bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are the barriers to good oral hygiene in nursing homes within the nurses or the patients?
Authors: Willumsen Tril , Karlsen Line , Næss Richard , Bjørntvedt Sissel
Published: October 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00554.x
 
Are the barriers to good oral hygiene in nursing homes within the nurses or the patients?

Objective:  To explore nursing home patients’ oral hygiene and their nurses’ assessments of barriers to improvement.

Background:  In nursing homes, nurses are responsible for patients’ oral hygiene.

Materials and methods:  This study assessed the oral hygiene of 358 patients in 11 Norwegian nursing homes. 494 nurses in the same nursing homes participated in a questionnaire study.

Results:  More than 40% of patients had unacceptable oral hygiene. ‘More than 10 teeth’ gave OR = 2, 1 (p = 0.013) and ‘resist being helped’ OR = 2.5 (p = 0.018) for unacceptable oral hygiene. Eighty percent of the nurses believed knowledge of oral health was important, and 9.1% often considered taking care of patients’ teeth unpleasant. Half of the nurses reported lack of time to give regular oral care, and 97% experienced resistant behaviour in patients. Resistant behaviour often left oral care undone. Twenty‐one percent of the nurses had considered making legal decisions about use of force or restraints to overcome resistance to teeth cleaning.

Conclusion:  Oral hygiene in the nursing homes needed to be improved. Resistant behaviour is a major barrier. To overcome this barrier nurses’ education, organisational strategies to provide more time for oral care, and coping with resistant behaviour in patients are important factors.
Premature Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction Prevalence and Attitudes in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: McMahon C.G. , Lee G. , Park J.K. , Adaikan P.G.
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of PE in the Asia-Pacific region has not been comprehensively studied.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate PE prevalence in nine Asia-Pacific countries and the impact of PE on sufferers.

Methods

A random sample of heterosexual males aged 18–65 years in a stable sexual relationship currently or in the past 2 years completed a 48-question survey by computer-assisted interviewing, online, or in-person; the survey and recruitment methodologies varied by location. The survey included demographic questions, the five-question Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), the five-question Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and the 10-question Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE). Separately, men self-reported having PE (lifelong or acquired) or erectile dysfunction (ED).

Main Outcome Measures

The PEDT was used to diagnose PE or probable PE; the SHIM was used to diagnose ED; and the IPE was used to assess respondent’s attitudes toward PE.

Results

Of the 4,997 men who completed the survey, the prevalences of PEDT-diagnosed PE, PEDT-diagnosed probable PE, and self-reported PE were 16%, 15%, and 13%, respectively. Less than half of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE (N = 816) or probable PE (N = 738) self-reported the condition (40% and 19%, respectively), and 6% of men with a PEDT diagnosis of no PE self-reported PE. In contrast, more respondents self-reported ED (8%) than had SHIM-diagnosed moderate or severe ED (5%). IPE responses indicated that 45%, 46%, and 23% of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE were somewhat or very dissatisfied with the length of intercourse before ejaculation, their control over ejaculation, and with sexual intercourse, respectively.

Conclusions

In this study, PE was more prevalent than ED in the Asia-Pacific countries surveyed, but only 40% of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE self-reported PE.
Characterization of the Vasculature Supplying the Genital Tissues in Female Rats
Authors: Hannan Johanna L. , Cheung Geoffrey L. , Blaser Mark C. , Pang Judith J. , Pang Stephen C. , Webb R. Clinton , Adams Michael A.
Published: October 2011

Introduction

The internal pudendal arteries are the key resistance vessels controlling the peripheral circulatory component of sexual responses in both male and females. Previous studies in the male rat demonstrated that this vessel has markedly heightened susceptibility to vascular damage compared with other vessels in the body. Evidence suggests that the female may also be susceptible to vascular pathologies contributing to sexual dysfunction.

Aim

The aim of this study is to characterize the anatomical, morphological, and functional properties of the pudendal artery in female rats.

Methods

The pelvic arteries in young Sprague-Dawley female rats were dissected to generate a composite representation of the vascular gross anatomy. Morphometry was performed on perfusion-fixed pudendal arteries whereas others were mounted in a wire myograph to assess responses to vasoactive drugs. These measures were contrasted with a previous study examining male rats.

Main Outcome Measures

Outcome measures used are gross anatomy, lumen diameter, wall thickness, cross-sectional area, and contractile responses in the internal pudendal artery.

Results

The gross anatomy of the pudendal artery in female rats appears to parallel that found in male rats, acting as the primary feeder vessel of the clitoral, labial, and vaginal tissue. Compared with the male rat, the female pudendal artery has a smaller lumen diameter (169 ± 5.7 vs. 303 ± 13.8 µm), wall thickness (14 ± 0.7 vs. 47 ± 2.2 µm), and cross-sectional area (8 ± 0.4 vs. 52 ± 3.4 × 103 µm2). These structural differences also translate into a decreased contractile capacity of the pudendal arteries from female rats vs. male rats (8.1 ± 2.7 vs. 20 ± 1.4 mN).

Conclusions

Although the gross anatomical features of the vasculature tree supplying the genital tissue in male and female rats appear to have similarities, the tissue-specific properties of the vessel itself have a very different structure-function balance. We hypothesize that this discordance likely reflects the very different sex-specific roles of this vessel in regulating blood flow during arousal.
Combination of Penile Traction, Intralesional Verapamil, and Oral Therapies for Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Abern Michael R. , Larsen Stephen , Levine Laurence A.
Published: October 2011

Introduction

There is no current consensus as to the most effective nonsurgical therapy for Peyronie’s disease (PD).

Aim

This study aims to assess the benefit of penile traction therapy (PTT) when added to intralesional verapamil injections (IVIs) combined with oral L-arginine 1 g b.i.d. and pentoxifylline 400 mg t.i.d. in men with PD.

Methods

Seventy-four men with PD completed 12 IVIs. Patients electing to add PTT were advised to wear the device for 2–8 hours daily and no longer than 2 hours per session. Subjective responses were measured using patient questionnaires. Stretched penile length (SPL) and erect penile curvature (EPC) using penile duplex ultrasound were measured. Response to therapy was defined as at least a 10-degree reduction in EPC.

Main Outcome Measures

Change in SPL (cm) and change in EPC (degrees).

Results

Thirty-five patients in group I vs. 39 patients in the PTT group II completed the protocol. Fifty-four percent of men in group II responded to therapy vs. 46% in group I (P = 0.75). Responders in group II had a mean EPC improvement of 26.9 degrees vs. 20.9 degrees in group I (P = 0.22). Mean PTT use was 3.3 hours per day, and men with >3 hours per day use gained 0.6 cm in SPL vs. 0.07 cm using less than or equal to 3 hours per day (P = 0.09), while men in group I lost 0.74 cm of SPL on average. Multivariate analysis revealed that duration of PTT use significantly predicts length gain (0.38 cm gain for every additional hour per day of PTT use, P = 0.007).

Conclusions

There was a trend toward measured curvature improvement and a significant gain in SPL in men using the combination therapy protocol. Length improvement is related to duration of use of the traction device.
Spinal Cord Injury Induced Arrest in Estrous Cycle of Rats is Ameliorated by S-nitrosoglutathione: Novel Therapeutic Agent to Treat Amenorrhea
Authors: Shunmugavel Anandakumar , Khan Mushfiquddin , Chou Peter C.-te , Singh Inderjit
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Amenorrhea following spinal cord injury (SCI) has been well documented. There has been little research on the underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutics.

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of GSNO in ameliorating SCI-induced amenorrhea through affecting the expression of CX43, NFkB, and ERβ protein.

Methods

SCI was induced in female SD rats at the T9-T10 level. Estrous stage was determined by vaginal smear. GSNO (50 µg/kg body weight) was gavage fed daily. Animals were sacrificed on day 7 and 14 post SCI. Ovaries were fixed for histological and biochemical studies. Expression levels of ERβ, CX-43, and NFkB were analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence.

Main Outcome Measures

GSNO hastens resumption of the estrous cycle following SCI-induced transient arrest.

Results

Resumption of estrous cycle was hastened by GSNO. Atretic and degenerating follicles seen in the ovary of SCI rats on day 14 post-SCI were decreased in GSNO treated animals. The increased CX43 expression observed with SCI ovary was decreased by GSNO. ERβ expression decreased significantly on day 7 and 14 post-SCI and was restored with GSNO treatment. Following SCI, NFkB expression was increased in the ovarian follicles and the expression was reduced with GSNO administration. The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated uridine triphosphate (UTP) nick end labeling positive follicular and luteal cells was increased after SCI. GSNO-treated animals had significantly fewer apoptotic cells in the ovary.

Conclusion

SCI-induced amenorrhea is accompanied by an increase in CX43 expression and a decrease in ERβ expression. SCI animals treated with GSNO resumed the estrous cycle significantly earlier. These results indicate a potential therapeutic value for GSNO in treating amenorrhea among SCI patients.
Specificity of Anhedonic Depression and Anxious Arousal with Sexual Problems Among Sexually Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Kalmbach David A. , Ciesla Jeffrey A. , Janata Jeffrey W. , Kingsberg Sheryl A.
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Past research has suggested that depression and anxiety are similarly associated with sexual problems. However, methodological limitations may have hindered the ability of prior studies to detect potential specificity between depression and anxiety with distinct sexual problems. Specifically, previous studies have frequently used measures that confound depression and anxiety, focused exclusively on populations with medical complications, and failed to account for the iatrogenic effects of antidepressants.

Aim

Clark and Watson’s tripartite model was used to differentiate anxious and depressive symptoms and examine their associations with indices of sexual functioning. Specifically, we examined how general distress, anxious arousal, and anhedonia are differentially related to sexual desire, arousal, erection and lubrication difficulties, orgasm achievement, pain, satisfaction, avoidance, pleasure, concerns, and sexual self-image.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 1,258 young men and women completed the Female Sexual Function Index, Male Sexual Function Index (adapted for the current investigation), Profile of Female Sexual Function, and Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire.

Results

Zero-order correlations revealed some specificity between the three affective constructs, as they were associated with sexual problems. However, multiple regression analyses revealed clearer patterns, showing that anhedonic depression was more uniquely related to most sexual problems among women, whereas the relations of anxiety and depression with male sexual problems were more mixed.

Discussion

This study of young subjects not identified to have affective or sexual disorders suggests that specificity exists between depression and anxiety as they relate to sexual functioning, and that this specificity varies between genders. Such findings highlight the importance of considering the unique influences of anxiety and depression in the conceptualization and treatment of sexual dysfunction.
The Impact of Cyclone Fanele on a Tropical Dry Forest in Madagascar
Authors: Lewis Rebecca J. , Bannar‐Martin Katherine H.
Published: October 2011

Cyclones, which change tree communities and alter forest structure, are thought to have had a significant selective pressure on the flora and fauna of Madagascar. Very little information, however, is available on the actual impact of cyclones on Malagasy ecosystems. On 21 January 2009, Cyclone Fanele made landfall on the western coast of Madagascar with sustained winds of 185 km/h. We examined the immediate effects of the cyclone on tropical dry forest structure in the Kirindy Mitea National Park. In July and August 2009, we measured the height, diameter at breast height (dbh), and damage for 1361 trees in nine 25 × 25 m plots. We found that: (1) over 95 percent of trees experienced some sort of damage, including 8.8 percent mortality; (2) understory and emergent trees experienced significantly higher mortality than canopy trees; and (3) stem density was reduced 9.2±4.5 percent and biomass was reduced 13.4±8.1 percent after the cyclone. Dbh was the best predictor of trunk damage and mortality. This extensive alteration of forest structure will have a substantial short‐ and long‐term impact on the biotic communities of western Madagascar.
Retracted: On Understanding and Predicting Groundwater Response Time
Authors: Sophocleous Marios
Published: October 2011

An aquifer system, when perturbed, has a tendency to evolve to a new equilibrium, a process that can take from just a few seconds to possibly millions of years. The time scale on which a system adjusts to a new equilibrium is often referred to as “response time” or “lag time.” Because groundwater response time affects the physical and economic viability of various management options in a basin, natural resource managers are increasingly interested in incorporating it into policy. However, the processes of how groundwater responds to land‐use change are not well understood, making it difficult to predict the timing of groundwater response to such change. The difficulty in estimating groundwater response time is further compounded because the data needed to quantify this process are not usually readily available. This article synthesizes disparate pieces of information on aquifer response times into a relatively brief but hopefully comprehensive review that the community of water professionals can use to better assess the impact of aquifer response time in future groundwater management investigations. A brief exposition on dimensional/scaling analysis is presented first, followed by an overview of aquifer response time for simplified aquifer systems. The aquifer response time is considered first from a water‐quantity viewpoint and later expanded to incorporate groundwater age and water‐quality aspects. Monitoring programs today, as well as water policies and regulations, should address this issue of aquifer response time so that more realistic management expectations can be reached.
Future self‐continuity: how conceptions of the future self transform intertemporal choice
Authors: Hershfield Hal E.
Published: October 2011

With life expectancy dramatically increasing throughout much of the world, people have to make choices with a longer future in mind than they ever had to before. Yet, many indicators suggest that undersaving for the long term often occurs: in America, for instance, many individuals will not be able to maintain their preretirement standard of living in retirement. Previous research has tried to understand problems with intertemporal choice by focusing on the ways in which people treat present and future rewards. In this paper, the author reviews a burgeoning body of theoretical and empirical work that takes a different viewpoint, one that focuses on how perceptions of the self over time can dramatically affect decision making. Specifically, when the future self shares similarities with the present self, when it is viewed in vivid and realistic terms, and when it is seen in a positive light, people are more willing to make choices today that may benefit them at some point in the years to come.
Decision‐making heuristics and biases across the life span
Authors: Strough JoNell , Karns Tara E. , Schlosnagle Leo
Published: October 2011

We outline a contextual and motivational model of judgment and decision‐making (JDM) biases across the life span. Our model focuses on abilities and skills that correspond to deliberative, experiential, and affective decision‐making processes. We review research that addresses links between JDM biases and these processes as represented by individual differences in specific abilities and skills (e.g., fluid and crystallized intelligence, executive functioning, emotion regulation, personality traits). We focus on two JDM biases—the sunk‐cost fallacy (SCF) and the framing effect. We trace the developmental trajectory of each bias from preschool through middle childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, and later adulthood. We conclude that life‐span developmental trajectories differ depending on the bias investigated. Existing research suggests relative stability in the framing effect across the life span and decreases in the SCF with age, including in later life. We highlight directions for future research on JDM biases across the life span, emphasizing the need for process‐oriented research and research that increases our understanding of JDM biases in people's everyday lives.
Neuromodulation of reward‐based learning and decision making in human aging
Authors: Eppinger Ben , Hämmerer Dorothea , Li Shu‐Chen
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we review the current literature to highlight relations between age‐associated declines in dopaminergic and serotonergic neuromodulation and adult age differences in adaptive goal‐directed behavior. Specifically, we focus on evidence suggesting that deficits in neuromodulation contribute to older adults’ behavioral disadvantages in learning and decision making. These deficits are particularly pronounced when reward information is uncertain or the task context requires flexible adaptations to changing stimulus–reward contingencies. Moreover, emerging evidence points to age‐related differences in the sensitivity to rewarding and aversive outcomes during learning and decision making if the acquisition of behavior critically depends on outcome processing. These age‐related asymmetries in outcome valuation may be explained by age differences in the interplay of dopaminergic and serotonergic neuromodulation. This hypothesis is based on recent neurocomputational and psychopharmacological approaches, which suggest that dopamine and serotonin serve opponent roles in regulating the balance between approach behavior and inhibitory control. Studying adaptive regulation of behavior across the adult life span may shed new light on how the aging brain changes functionally in response to its diminishing resources.
Wild immunology: converging on the real world
Authors: Babayan Simon A. , Allen Judith E. , Bradley Jan E. , Geuking Markus B. , Graham Andrea L. , Grencis Richard K. , Kaufman Jim , McCoy Kathy D. , Paterson Steve , Smith Kenneth G. C. , Turnbaugh Peter J. , Viney Mark E. , Maizels Rick M. , Pedersen Amy B.
Published: October 2011

Recently, the Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution sponsored a one‐day symposium entitled “Wild Immunology.” The CIIE is a new Wellcome Trust–funded initiative with the remit to connect evolutionary biology and ecology with research in immunology and infectious diseases in order to gain an interdisciplinary perspective on challenges to global health. The central question of the symposium was, “Why should we try to understand infection and immunity in wild systems?” Specifically, how does the immune response operate in the wild and how do multiple coinfections and commensalism affect immune responses and host health in these wild systems? The symposium brought together a broad program of speakers, ranging from laboratory immunologists to infectious disease ecologists, working on wild birds, unmanaged animals, wild and laboratory rodents, and on questions ranging from the dynamics of coinfection to how commensal bacteria affect the development of the immune system. The meeting on wild immunology, organized by Amy Pedersen, Simon Babayan, and Rick Maizels, was held at the University of Edinburgh on 30 June 2011.
Rapid microsatellite marker development for African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis, Meliaceae) using next‐generation sequencing and assessment of its intra‐specific genetic diversity
Authors: KARAN M. , EVANS D. S. , REILLY D. , SCHULTE K. , WRIGHT C. , INNES D. , HOLTON T. A. , NIKLES D. G. , DICKINSON G. R.
Published: October 2011

Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany or dry‐zone mahogany) is a high‐value hardwood timber species with great potential for forest plantations in northern Australia. The species is distributed across the sub‐Saharan belt from Senegal to Sudan and Uganda. Because of heavy exploitation and constraints on natural regeneration and sustainable planting, it is now classified as a vulnerable species. Here, we describe the development of microsatellite markers for K. senegalensis using next‐generation sequencing to assess its intra‐specific diversity across its natural range, which is a key for successful breeding programs and effective conservation management of the species. Next‐generation sequencing yielded 93 943 sequences with an average read length of 234 bp. The assembled sequences contained 1030 simple sequence repeats, with primers designed for 522 microsatellite loci. Twenty‐one microsatellite loci were tested with 11 showing reliable amplification and polymorphism in K. senegalensis. The 11 novel microsatellites, together with one previously published, were used to assess 73 accessions belonging to the Australian K. senegalensis domestication program, sampled from across the natural range of the species. STRUCTURE analysis shows two major clusters, one comprising mainly accessions from west Africa (Senegal to Benin) and the second based in the far eastern limits of the range in Sudan and Uganda. Higher levels of genetic diversity were found in material from western Africa. This suggests that new seed collections from this region may yield more diverse genotypes than those originating from Sudan and Uganda in eastern Africa.
Structural Traces of Secondary Faults (Fractures) along the Main Faults and Their Reliability as Kinematic Indicators
Authors: ZHANG Jin , LI Jinyi , MA Zongjin , REN Wenjun
Published: October 2011

Secondary/minor structures occurring along the main fault surfaces are important indicators for judging the kinematic characteristics of faults. However, many factors can lead to the formation of these structures, which results in the difficulty for rapid judgment and application in the fields. A series of secondary faults/fractures developed due to the movement of main faults are the most important and widespread phenomena in the scope of brittle deformation. The morphology of the main fault surfaces is various, and former researchers mainly discussed the structures on the main even fault surfaces. However, the fluctuation of fault surfaces is the intrinsic character of the faults, and the intersection between the main fault and secondary faults/fractures can produce a series of kinematic indicators on the main fault surfaces. Based on previous studies and our observations, i.e. the structural traces of the P, R, R′, T and X shears/faults along the main faults, some indicators which are rarely reported previously, are described in the paper. Furthermore, their reliabilities are also discussed, and more practical and reliable criteria are brought forward. We suggest that the simple application of congruous and incongruous steps without knowing their exact origins should be abandoned in the fields, and several types of indicators along one fault surface should be checked with each other as much as possible. Meanwhile, the origins of some other arcuate indicators on the fault surfaces are also discussed, and new models are brought forward.
How do soil emissions of N2O, CH4 and CO2 from perennial bioenergy crops differ from arable annual crops?
Authors: Drewer Julia , Finch Jon W. , Lloyd Colin R. , Baggs Elizabeth M. , Skiba Ute
Published: October 2011

It is important to demonstrate that replacing fossil fuel with bioenergy crops can reduce the national greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint. We compared field emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and soil respiration rates from the C4 grass Miscanthus × giganteus and willow (salix) with emissions from annual arable crops grown for food production. The study was carried out in NE England on adjacent fields of willow, Miscanthus, wheat (Triticum aetivum) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus). N2O, CH4 fluxes and soil respiration rates were measured monthly using static chambers from June 2008 to November 2010. Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of carbon dioxide (CO2) was measured by eddy covariance on Miscanthus from May 2008 and on willow from October 2009 until November 2010. The N2O fluxes were significantly smaller from the bioenergy crops than that of the annual crops. Average fluxes were 8 and 32 μg m−2 h−1 N2O‐N from wheat and oilseed rape, and 4 and 0.2 μg m−2 h−1 N2O‐N from Miscanthus and willow, respectively. Soil CH4 fluxes were negligible for all crops and soil respiration rates were similar for all crops. NEE of CO2 was larger for Miscanthus (−770 g C m−2 h−1) than willow (−602 g C m−2 h−1) in the growing season of 2010. N2O emissions from Miscanthus and willow were lower than for the wheat and oilseed rape which is most likely a result of regular fertilizer application and tillage in the annual arable cropping systems. Application of 15N‐labelled fertilizer to Miscanthus and oil seed rape resulted in a fertilizer‐induced increase in N2O emission in both crops. Denitrification rates (N2O + N2) were similar for soil under Miscanthus and oilseed rape. Thus, perennial bioenergy crops only emit less GHGs than annual crops when they receive no or very low rates of N fertilizer.
Exercising Doxastic Freedom
Authors: Mchugh Conor
Published: October 2011

This paper defends the possibility of doxastic freedom, arguing that doxastic freedom should be modelled not on freedom of action but on freedom of intention. Freedom of action is exercised by agents like us, I argue, through voluntary control. This involves two conditions, intentions‐reactivity and reasons‐reactivity, that are not met in the case of doxastic states. Freedom of intention is central to our agency and to our moral responsibility, but is not exercised through voluntary control. I develop and defend an account of freedom of intention, arguing that constitutive features of intention ensure that freedom of intention cannot require voluntary control. Then I show that an analogous argument can be applied to doxastic states. I argue that if we had voluntary control of intentions or of doxastic states, this would actually undermine our freedom.
Grey eosinophils in sighthounds: frequency in 3 breeds and comparison of eosinophil counts determined manually and with 2 hematology analyzers
Authors: Giori Luca , Gironi Sara , Scarpa Paola , Anselmi Angelo , Gualtieri Massimo , Paltrinieri Saverio
Published: October 2011

Background

Grey eosinophils (GE) reported to occur inGreyhounds, and occasionally in other breeds, have clear granules, probably due to abnormal staining properties.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency ofGEinGreyhounds and 2 other sighthound breeds, and to assess the capacity of theADVIA120 andSysmexXT‐2000iVhematology analyzers to correctly identifyGE.

Methods

Blood samples from 20Greyhounds, 29ItalianGreyhounds, and 24Whippets were analyzed using theADVIAandSysmex hematology analyzers, and blood smears stained withMay‐GrünwaldGiemsa were evaluated microscopically. The frequency of samples withGEdetected on smears was recorded for each breed. Manual and automated eosinophil counts were compared using aWilcoxon signed‐rank test. Agreement between methods was assessed usingPassing–Bablok andBland–Altman plots.

Results

GEwere detected in all 3 breeds: 9/20Greyhounds (45.0%), 10/29ItalianGreyhounds (34.5%), and 5/24Whippets (62.5%) with no significant differences in the frequency ofGEamong the breeds. In samples containingGE, both analyzers underestimated the percentage of eosinophils and occasionally eosinophils were not detected at all. When a novel “GEgate” was used, the percentage of eosinophils reported by theSysmex was similar to that obtained by manual counting.

Conclusions

GEare found in the blood of sighthounds other thanGreyhounds. Hematology analyzers may underestimate the percentage ofGE, probably due to their abnormal physical or chemical features. Underestimation is slight and usually clinically insignificant, but occasionally eosinophils are completely misclassified. Using theSysmex analyzer, aGEgate can be designed to normalize the eosinophil count.
Somalia and Yemen: The Links between Terrorism and State Failure
Authors: Mantzikos Ioannis
Published: October 2011

The scope of this study is to demonstrate that the failed state scheme of Somalia has not been and is not a safe haven for the al‐Qaeda, an issue that has been already displayed in Ken Menkhaus's excellent study (2004). Within this context, the article will consider the Somali Islamist political landscape in contrast and in relation to the current situation in Yemen, and thus, it aims to support the premise that weak states, such as Yemen, rather than “collapsed” states, can be incubators of international terrorism. In addition, while studying the interactions between Somalia and Yemen, we will attempt to answer some other important questions arising from this relationship: (1) does the emergence of al‐Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and al‐Shabaab have potential convergence; and (2) why is piracy a cross‐border phenomenon and how is it connected to radical Islamism?
The impact of the development of verbal recoding on children's early writing skills
Authors: Adams Anne‐Marie , Simmons Fiona R. , Willis Catherine S. , Porter Sarah
Published: October 2011

Background.The spontaneous recoding of visual stimuli into a phonological code to aid short‐term retention has been associated with progress in learning to read (Palmer, 2000b).

Aim.This study examined whether there was a comparable association with the development of writing skills.

Sample.One hundred eight children (64 males) in the second year of the UK educational system (mean age 5:8 years, SD = 4 months) were recruited to the study.

Methods.The children participated in tasks to assess their general cognitive abilities, reading skills, and their predominant short‐term memory (STM) strategy for retaining visually presented stimuli. On the basis of their memory profile, children were classified as either engaging in verbal recoding of the stimuli (N = 31) or not (N = 77). Writing performance was indexed as alphabet transcription, spelling, and early text production skills.

Results.Children classified as verbal recoders demonstrated better spelling performance and produced more individual letters, words, and T‐units in their texts than did children who persisted with a visual memory strategy. In contrast, the alphabet transcription abilities of the groups did not differ. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that variance in text production skills was associated with STM capacity and that moreover, significant independent variance in the number of words and T‐units in the children's texts was predicted by individual differences in verbal recoding abilities.

Conclusion.The results suggest that the development of verbal recoding skills in STM may play a role in children's early progress in writing, particularly their text generation skills.
Reconviction following a cognitive skills intervention: An alternative quasi‐experimental methodology
Authors: Travers Rosie , Wakeling Helen C. , Mann Ruth E. , Hollin Clive R.
Published: October 2011

Purpose. Enhanced Thinking Skills (ETS) has been the most widely delivered cognitive skills programme in the prisons of England and Wales. Four quasi‐experimental outcome studies have produced mixed results, a qualitative survey of offenders’ and facilitators’ experience on the programme proved useful in programme refinement, and a study using random allocation provided evidence that ETS impacts significantly and positively on short‐term attitudinal change. This study aims to make a further contribution, using another methodology, to the accumulation of evidence.

Methods. This was a real‐world evaluation, comparing the reconviction outcomes of the population of 17,047 ETS participants in custody from 2000 to 2005 with a national cohort of 19,792 prisoners released over the same period.

Results. Overall, prisoners who had attended ETS were found to reoffend at a rate 6.4 percentage points less than the cohort (rising to 7.5 percentage points for programme completers) and 9.5 percentage points less than the predicted rate. In all but the very highest risk group and in every sentence length band, the reoffending outcomes for ETS participants were significantly better than for prisoners in the cohort.

Conclusions. It is argued that this non‐experimental methodology makes a contribution to the ‘What Works’ evidence.
Accuracy of Acuros XB and AAA dose calculation for small fields with reference to RapidArc® stereotactic treatments
Authors: Fogliata Antonella , Nicolini Giorgia , Clivio Alessandro , Vanetti Eugenio , Cozzi Luca
Published: October 2011

Purpose

: To assess the accuracy against measurements of two photon dose calculation algorithms (Acuros XB and the Anisotropic Analytical algorithm AAA) for small fields usable in stereotactic treatments with particular focus on RapidArc®.

Methods

: Acuros XB and AAA were configured for stereotactic use. Baseline accuracy was assessed on small jaw‐collimated open fields for different values for the spot sizes parameter in the beam data: 0.0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mm. Data were calculated with a grid of 1 × 1 mm2. Investigated fields were: 3 × 3, 2 × 2, 1 × 1, and 0.8 × 0.8 cm2 with a 6 MV photon beam generated from a Clinac2100iX (Varian, Palo Alto, CA). Profiles, PDD, and output factors were measured in water with a PTW diamond detector (detector size: 4 mm2, thickness 0.4 mm) and compared to calculations. Four RapidArc test plans were optimized, calculated and delivered with jaw settings J3 × 3, J2 × 2, and J1 × 1 cm2, the last was optimized twice to generate high (H) and low (L) modulation patterns. Each plan consisted of one partial arc (gantry 110° to 250°), and collimator 45°. Dose to isocenter was measured in a PTW Octavius phantom and compared to calculations. 2D measurements were performed by means of portal dosimetry with the GLAaS method developed at authors' institute. Analysis was performed with gamma pass–fail test with 3% dose difference and 2 mm distance to agreement thresholds.

Results

: Open square fields: penumbrae from open field profiles were in good agreement with diamond measurements for 1 mm spot size setting for Acuros XB, and between 0.5 and 1 mm for AAA. Maximum MU difference between calculations and measurements was 1.7% for Acuros XB (0.2% for fields greater than 1 × 1 cm2) with 0.5 or 1 mm spot size. Agreement for AAA was within 0.7% (2.8%) for 0.5 (1 mm) spot size. RapidArc plans: doses were evaluated in a 4 mm diameter structure at isocenter and computed values differed from measurements by 0.0, −0.2, 5.5, and −3.4% for Acuros XB calculations (1 mm spot size), and of −0.1, 0.3, 6.7, and −1.2% for AAA, respectively for J3 × 3, J2 × 2, J1 × 1H, J1 × 1L RapidArc plans. Gamma Agreement Index from 2D dose analysis was higher than 95% for J3 × 3 and J2 × 2 plans, being around 80% for J1 × 1 maps. Sensitivity with respect to the dosimetric leaf gap and transmission factor MLC parameters was evaluated in the four RapidArc plans, showing the need to properly set the dosimetric leaf gap for accurate calculations.

Conclusions

: Acuros XB and AAA showed acceptable characteristics for stereotactic small fields if adequate tuning of configuration parameters is performed. Dose calculated for RapidArc stereotactic plans showed an acceptable agreement against point and 2D measurements. Both algorithms can therefore be considered safely applicable to stereotactic treatments.
How Fast-Folding Proteins Fold
Authors: Lindorff-Larsen Kresten , Piana Stefano , Dror Ron O. , Shaw David E.
Published: October 2011

Millisecond-scale molecular dynamics simulations of 12 proteins reveal a set of common principles for protein folding.
BRCA1, Everything But the RING?
Authors: Greenberg Roger A.
Published: October 2011

Genetically engineered mouse models reveal essential functions of the BRCA1 protein in tumor suppression.
Functional Pentameric Formation via Coexpression of the Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin B Subunit and Its Fusion Protein Subunit with a Neutralizing Epitope of ApxIIA Exotoxin Improves the Mucosal Immunogenicity and Protection against Challenge by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: Kim Jung-Mi , Park Seung-Moon , Kim Jung-Ae , Park Jin-Ah , Yi Min-Hee , Kim Nan-Sun , Bae Jong-Lye , Park Sung Goo , Jang Yong-Suk , Yang Moon-Sik , Kim Dae-Hyuk
Published: October 2011

A coexpression strategy in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
using episomal and integrative vectors for the
Escherichia coli
heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB) and a fusion protein of an ApxIIA toxin epitope produced by
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
coupled to LTB, respectively, was adapted for the hetero-oligomerization of LTB and the LTB fusion construct. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with GM1 ganglioside indicated that the LTB fusion construct, along with LTB, was oligomerized to make the functional heteropentameric form, which can bind to receptors on the mucosal epithelium. The antigen-specific antibody titer of mice orally administered antigen was increased when using recombinant yeast coexpressing the pentameric form instead of recombinant yeast expressing either the LTB fusion form or antigen alone. Better protection against challenge infection with
A. pleuropneumoniae
was also observed for coexpression in recombinant yeast compared with others. The present study clearly indicated that the coexpression strategy enabled the LTB fusion construct to participate in the pentameric formation, resulting in an improved induction of systemic and mucosal immune responses.
Breast Abscess in a Man Due to Salmonella enterica Serotype Enteritidis
Authors: Brnčić Nada , Gorup Lari , Strčić Miroslav , Abram Maja , Mustač Elvira
Published: October 2011

Nontyphoidal salmonellae can cause breast infection only exceptionally. A case of breast abscess in a 70-year-old man due to
Salmonella enterica
serotype Enteritidis (
Salmonella
Enteritidis) is reported. The infection was successfully treated with a combination of surgical and antibiotic treatment.
Molecular Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Israel: Dissemination of Global Clones and Unique Features
Authors: Adler A. , Chmelnitsky I. , Shitrit P. , Sprecher H. , Navon-Venezia S. , Embon A. , Khabra E. , Paitan Y. , Keren L. , Halperin E. , Carmeli Y. , Schwaber M. J.
Published: October 2011

From 2006 to 2009, 315 clinical methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates were collected from 5 hospitals across Israel. Most isolates (64%) were related to the global clones
spa
types t001-SCC
mec
-I (SCC
mec
-I stands for staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
type I) (
n
= 99; 31%), t002-SCC
mec
-II (
n
= 82; 26%), and t008-SCC
mec
-IV (
n
= 21; 7%), five of which were identified as MRSA strain USA-300. Seventeen strains unique to Israel were identified. SCC
mec
types IV and V were common among hospital-acquired isolates.
Broad and Potent Neutralizing Antibody Responses Elicited in Natural HIV-2 Infection
Authors: Kong Rui , Li Hui , Bibollet-Ruche Frederic , Decker Julie M. , Zheng Natalie N. , Gottlieb Geoffrey S. , Kiviat Nancy B. , Sow Papa Salif , Georgiev Ivelin , Hahn Beatrice H. , Kwong Peter D. , Robinson James E. , Shaw George M.
Published: October 2011

Compared with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), little is known about the susceptibility of HIV-2 to antibody neutralization. We characterized the potency and breadth of neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses in 64 subjects chronically infected with HIV-2 against three primary HIV-2 strains: HIV-2
7312A
, HIV-2
ST
, and HIV-2
UC1
. Surprisingly, we observed in a single-cycle JC53bl-13/TZM-bl virus entry assay median reciprocal 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) NAb titers of 1.7 × 10
5
, 2.8 × 10
4
, and 3.3 × 10
4
, respectively. A subset of 5 patient plasma samples tested against a larger panel of 17 HIV-2 strains where the extracellular gp160 domain was substituted into the HIV-2
7312A
proviral backbone showed potent neutralization of all but 4 viruses. The specificity of antibody neutralization was confirmed using IgG purified from patient plasma, HIV-2 Envs cloned by single-genome amplification, viruses grown in human CD4
+
T cells and tested for neutralization sensitivity on human CD4
+
T target cells, and, as negative controls,
env
-minus viruses pseudotyped with HIV-1, vesicular stomatitis virus, or murine leukemia virus Env glycoproteins. Human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for HIV-2 V3 (6.10F), V4 (1.7A), CD4 binding site (CD4bs; 6.10B), CD4 induced (CD4i; 1.4H), and membrane-proximal external region (MPER; 4E10) epitopes potently neutralized the majority of 32 HIV-2 strains bearing Envs from 13 subjects. Patient antibodies competed with V3, V4, and CD4bs MAbs for binding to monomeric HIV-2 gp120 at titers that correlated significantly with NAb titers. HIV-2 MPER antibodies did not contribute to neutralization breadth or potency. These findings indicate that HIV-2 Env is highly immunogenic in natural infection, that high-titer broadly neutralizing antibodies are commonly elicited, and that unlike HIV-1, native HIV-2 Env trimers expose multiple broadly cross-reactive epitopes readily accessible to NAbs.
A stratified model of a random bed of equal-diameter spheres confined by a plane
Authors: Staněk Vladimír , Eckert Vít
Published: October 2011

A mathematical model has been formulated of a bed of equal-diameter spheres randomly dumped on a plane surface. Based on this model relatioships have been derived for the area porosity of the bed as a function of the distance from the supporting plane. The model contains three parameters with well defined physical meaning and its asymptote for infinite distance from the supporting plane satisfies criteria typical for random beds of spheres.
Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide on a mixed NiO-MgO catalyst and the effect of ionizing radiation on the catalyst
Authors: Múčka Viliam
Published: October 2011

The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution was studied on the NiO-MgO two-component catalyst, which occurs as solid solution in the whole composition region (0-100% component fractions). The results indicate that the mutual influencing of the two oxides shows up predominantly in the different amount of oxygen chemisorbed on the surface, which may be due to the different particle size of the various catalysts. The catalytic activity of the samples, being proportional to the amount of chemisorbed oxygen, is thus in a nonlinear relation to the catalyst composition. From the view point of the concept of bivalent catalytic centres, the catalytic activity can be thus assumed to be controlled by the concentration of the minor donor reaction centres constituted by the Ni3+ ions. In addition, catalytic centres of another kind, probably charge one, take part in the catalytic activity of the system in question. The two kinds of catalytic centres can be affected by the temperature of calcination during the preparation of the oxides, their heat treatment, and also by gamma-irradiation of the system. The equilibrium state of the two kinds of catalytic centres is attained rather slowly at room temperature.
An investigation of the kinetics of a reversible monomolecular reaction between n components
Authors: Jakeš Jaromír
Published: October 2011

It has been shown that the solution of kinetic equations can be transformed into diagonalization of a symmetrical matrix, in contrast with the solution known so far and requiring diagonalization of a nonsymmetrical matrix. Simple formulas are given for the calculation of derivatives of the concentrations of individual components with respect to the parameters. All formulas are presented in a compact matrix form; their uniformity for a large number of cases recognized in the existing literature greatly facilitates writing computer programs for calculations of reaction kinetics.
Effect of association in the vapour phase on the value of activity coefficient
Authors: Malijevská Ivona
Published: October 2011

The relations were obtained between the thermodynamically consistent activity coefficient of associating component and the activity coefficient calculated irrespective of the association in the vapour phase. The analysis is limited to binary systems with one associating component and is given for the two cases: (a) the associating component dimerizes only, (b) the associating component forms, in addition to a dimer, one higher associate, too.
Reaktion von Arsen(III)-fluorid mit Schwefeltrioxid
Authors: Toužín Jiří , Mitáček Lubomír
Published: October 2011

Wie die kryoskopische Bestimmung der Molekularmasse und die Ramanspektren der Reaktionsprodukte des Arsen(III)-fluorids mit Schwefeltrioxid beim Komponentenmolverhaltnis 1 : 3 bis 1 : 2 (AsF3 : SO3) zeigten, bleibt in den entstehenden Verbindungen die cyclische Trimerstruktur des Schwefeltrioxids nicht erhalten. Aus den gewonnenen Ergebnissen kann geschlossen werden, dass es sich um nichtcyclische Molekule As(OSO2F)3, FAs(OSO2F)2 und F2AsOSO2F mit vierbundigen Schwefelatomen handelt, aus denen das Schwefeltrioxid verhaltnismassig leicht in Freiheit gesetzt wird.
Alkyl 1-[2-(oxido anion)-, 3-, 4-, 5-alkyl substituted]phenyl ketyl radicals
Authors: Staško Andrej , Malík Ľubomír , Tkáč Alexander , Adamčík Vladimír , Maťašová Eva
Published: October 2011

Reactions of R2,R3-alkyl substituted 2-hydroxybenzenecarboxylic acids 2-HO-C6H2R2-COOH with Grignard reagents R1MgBr in the presence of nickel give stable aryl alkyl ketyl radicals 2-O--R2-, R3-C6H2-CO--R1 where R1 = CH3, C2H5, C2D5, n-C3H7 and R2,R3 = CH3, C2H5, i-C3H7, t-C4H9. The β protons of ketyl group are equivalent (splitting constant 1.25 mT) and non-equivalent (splitting constants within 0.5 to 1.5 mT) for R1 = methyl and other alkyl groups, respectively. Interaction of the γ protons with the unpaired electron was only observed in the case of R1 = n-propyl (splitting constants about 0.07 mT). The substituents R1 have but slight effect on values of splitting constants of the protons in R2,R3 and vice versa. Also splitting constants of the benzene nucleus (a4H = 0.55 mT, a6H = 0.44 mT) are only slightly affected by the substituents R1,R2,R3, which indicates dominant electron-donor effect of the oxido-anion group eliminating the relatively smaller contributions of the alkyl substituents.