bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of cell death and cell cycle profiles of cultured WEHI 13 var fibroblasts exposed to eluates of composite resins used for direct and indirect restorations
Authors: Bakopoulou Athina , Tsiftsoglou Asterios , Galaktidou Grammati , Markala Dimitra , Triviai Ioanna , Garefis Pavlos
Published: September 2007

Previous studies have shown that in vitro exposure to single compounds released from composite resins may induce cell death. In the present study the effects of eluates from commercially available composite resins used for direct or indirect restorations were evaluated on the cell cycle progression and type of cell death of cultured WEHI 13 var fibroblasts. Cells exposed to eluates of the materials were assessed for cytotoxicity by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for cell death, for cell cycle profiles by flow cytometry, for caspase‐3 biochemically and by immunocytochemistry, and for morphological changes by fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange. The direct composite resin eluates induced extensive apoptosis, followed by secondary necrosis. This was accompanied by cell enlargement, micromultinucleation, chromatin disintegration, cell cycle arrest at different phases, and caspase‐3 activation. The composites for indirect restorations were much less cytotoxic at all biological end‐points investigated. The findings suggest that composite resins used for direct and indirect dental restorations differ in their cytotoxic potential and their ability to affect basic cellular functions. This underlines the impact of improved polymerization with respect to their biologic behavior.
Nerve growth factor β/pro‐nerve growth factor and their receptors in normal human oral mucosa
Authors: Hayashi Katsuhiko , Storesund Trond , Schreurs Olav , Khuu Cuong , Husvik Camilla , Karatsaidis Andreas , Helgeland Kristen , Martin‐Zanca Dionisio , Schenck Karl
Published: September 2007

Nerve growth factor β (NGF‐β) and its precursor proNGF are important for the differentiation and survival of neurons and dermal keratinocytes. The aim of this study was to determine the role that NGF might play in the differentiation and wound healing of oral mucosa. Cultured normal human oral mucosal keratinocytes expressed mRNA for NGF‐β/proNGF and for their receptors TrkA and p75NTR. Lysates from cultured oral mucosal keratinocytes did not contain detectable amounts of mature 14‐kDa NGF‐β but did contain several NGF proforms with molecular weights between 32 and 114 kDa. Culture medium from oral mucosal keratinocytes contained 75 kDa proNGF. The addition of NGF‐β significantly enhanced the proliferation of oral mucosal keratinocyte cultures and in vitro scratch closure. Immunostaining of biopsies from normal oral mucosa showed the presence of proNGF in all epithelial layers. NGF staining was observed in the granular and upper spinous cell layers. TrkA immunoreactivity was detected in basal and parabasal cells, with weak to moderate staining in spinous and granular cell layers. p75NTR staining was seen in basal cell layers. These findings indicate that NGF‐β/proNGF have mitogenic and motogenic effects on oral mucosal keratinocytes and therefore may aid in the healing of oral wounds. Differential expression of NGF and NGF receptors throughout the epithelium suggests a role in epithelial differentiation.
Intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell growth inhibition of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by melatonin
Authors: Cui Peilin , Yu Minghua , Luo Zhaohua , Dai Ming , Han Jianqun , Xiu Ruijuan , Yang Zhaoxu
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Melatonin, an indolamine mainly produced in the pineal gland, has received a great deal of attention in the last decade because of its oncostatic effects, which are due to its immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, antioxidant and its possible antiangiogenesis properties. Herein, we document its antiproliferative action on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, the possible cell signaling pathways when melatonin inhibited HUVEC proliferation were explored in this study. Primary HUVECs were isolated, cultured, purified and identified before the studies were performed. HUVECs were found to possess G‐protein‐coupled membrane receptors for melatonin (MT1 and MT2) and also nuclear melatonin receptors (RORα and RORβ, especially RORβ). No obvious expression of RORγ was found. We investigated the membrane receptors and several intracellular signaling pathways including mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK)/extracellular signal‐related kinases (ERK), phosphoinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt and protein kinases C (PKC) involved in antiproliferative action of melatonin on HUVECs. The blockade of these pathways using special inhibitors decreased cell growth. Furthermore, the constitutive activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) contributed to the proliferation of HUVECs. High concentrations of melatonin inhibited both NF‐κB expression and its binding ability to DNA, possibly through inactivation of ERK/Akt /PKC pathways. Taken together, high concentrations of melatonin markedly reduced HUVEC proliferation; the antiproliferative action of melatonin was closely correlated with following pathway: melatonin receptors/ERK/PI3K/Akt/PKC/ NF‐κB.
Regulation of Arf Activation: the Sec7 Family of Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
Authors: Casanova James E.
Published: September 2007

The ADP ribosylation factors (Arfs) are a family of small, ubiquitously expressed and evolutionarily conserved guanosine triphosphatases that are key regulators of vesicular transport in eukaryotic cells (D’Souza‐Schorey C, Chavrier P. ARF proteins: roles in membrane traffic and beyond. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2006;7:347–358). Although Arfs are best known for their role in the nucleation of coat protein assembly at a variety of intracellular locations, it is increasingly apparent that they are also integral components in a number of important signaling pathways that are regulated by extracellular cues. The activation of Arfs is catalyzed by a family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), referred to as the Sec7 family, based on homology of their catalytic domains to the yeast Arf GEF, sec7p. While there are only six mammalian Arfs, the human genome encodes 15 Sec7 family members, which can be divided into five classes based on related domain organization. Some of this diversity arises from the tissue‐specific expression of certain isoforms, but all mammalian cells appear to express at least six Arf GEFs, suggesting that Arf activation is under extensive regulatory control. Here we review recent progress in our understanding of the structure, localization and biology of the different classes of Arf GEFs.
Decline in Number of Elevated Blood CD3+ CD56+ NKT Cells in Response to Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment Correlates with Successful Pregnancy
Authors: Van Den Heuvel Marianne J. , Peralta Crystal G. , Hatta Kota , Han Victor K. , Clark David A.
Published: September 2007

Problem

Patients with elevated blood natural killer (NK) cells may be offered intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, but there is controversy about the utility of blood NK cell testing. Human CD56+ NK cells include several subpopulations that include the putatively cytotoxic CD56+ CD16+ subset. In mouse models of pregnant failure, NKT cells appear to be important. However, a mouse model may only be pertinent to a subset of patients, as recurrent pregnancy failure is a heterogenous group.

Method of study

An ethics‐approved observational study was done to observe the effect of treatment on total blood lymphoid cells, and subsets of CD56+ blood lymphocytes including CD56+ CD3+ NKT cells determined by flow cytometry, and to correlate with pregnancy outcome. Fifteen fertile women with a history of successful pregnancy and thirty‐one women suffering from repeated implantation failure or recurrent spontaneous abortion provided serial blood samples during one menstrual cycle or prior to and during treatment. IVIG was administered to the latter group with or without heparin/aspirin.

Results

Eight of thirty infertile women presented with high numbers of CD56+ CD3+ NKT cells, which declined after treatment with IVIG. The elevated NKT cell group with or without concomitant autoimmunity achieved a significantly higher successful pregnancy rate over the course of the study, as compared to women with average numbers of NKT cells and no evidence of autoimmunity (P = 0.018). Elevated NKT levels alone was an independent predictor of success on treatment (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Elevated NKT cells in recurrent pregnancy loss or implantation failure can be ameliorated with IVIG treatment, and result in successful pregnancy. Assay of NKT cell numbers may idengif"y patients who are more likely to benefit from IVIG therapy and merits further examination in randomized phase II studies.
The Placental Barrier in Allogenic Immune Conflict in Spontaneous Early Abortions: Immunohistochemical and Morphological Study
Authors: Gurevich Pavel , Elhayany Asher , Milovanov Andrey P. , Halperin Reuvit , Kaganovsky Ella , Zusman Itzhak , Ben‐Hur Herzel
Published: September 2007

Problem

Morphologic changes in the placental barrier in spontaneous early abortions under the maternal‐embryonic immune conflict, and the role of maternal immunoglobulins (Igs) in these changes.

Materials and methods

We examined chorionic villi and other tissues obtained from 54 aborts between weeks 3.5 and 8 of pregnancy. Material was divided into two groups. Group 1 (control) contained 15 medically recommended and spontaneous early aborts with no signs of inflammations or pathologic immune processes. Group 2 contained 39 spontaneous early aborts with acute chorionic villitis. Immunohistochemical and morphometric methods were used to study the Igs, different types of immunocompetent cells, and apoptosis‐related components of the placental barrier.

Results

Acute villitis was found to be characterized by the destruction of all components of the chorionic villi, thrombovasculitis with apoptosis of the endothelium of capillaries and erythroblasts, mucous swelling of the basal membrane, and coagulation of the blood proteins. Due to destruction of the capillaries, the number of avasculate villi increased, and the average number of capillaries per villus decreased. The extremely high number of phagolysosomes with IgG and IgA in the villous monocytes in the group 2 indicates an increase in the phagocytic activity of monocytes against maternal Igs and may reflect the presence of mother‐embryo immune conflict. Apoptosis of monocytes and a high number of promonocytes were seen accompanied by a high concentration of p53 protein. A large disturbance in the trophoblast occurred with disappearance of bcl‐2 and the appearance of Fas ligand.

Conclusion

Massive destruction of maternal Igs in embryonic monocytes and acute villitis in the placental barrier are manifested during the mother‐embryo immune conflict, and this may be one of the reasons of spontaneous early abortions.
The perception of emotional facial expressions in stroke patients with and without depression
Authors: Montagne Barbara , Nys Gudrun M. S. , van Zandvoort Martine J. E , Kappelle L. Jaap , de Haan Edward H. F , Kessels Roy P. C.
Published: September 2007

Background:

Emotion perception may be impaired after stroke. No study on emotion perception after stroke has taken the influence of post-stroke depressive symptoms into account, although depressive symptoms themselves may hamper emotion perception.

Objective:

To compare the perception of emotional facial expressions in stroke patients with and without depressive symptoms.

Methods:

Twenty-two stroke patients participated whose depressive symptoms were classified using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (cutoff = 10) and who were compared with healthy controls. Emotion recognition was measured using morphed images of facial expressions.

Results:

Patients with depressive symptoms performed worse than controls on all emotions; patients without depressive symptoms performed at control level. Patients with depressive symptoms were less sensitive to the emotions anger, happiness and sadness compared with patients without depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

Post-stroke depressive symptoms impair emotion perception. This extends findings in bipolar disorder indicating that emotion perception deficits are strongly related to the level of depression.
Four cases of congenital airway obstruction: optimising perinatal management
Authors: McDevitt Helen , Kubba Haytham , Macara Lena , Reynolds Ben , Simpson Judith
Published: September 2007

Congenital anomalies causing airway obstruction in the newborn are potentially fatal. However if an effective airway can be maintained the long‐term prognosis is often excellent. We present four cases of airway obstruction, three of which were diagnosed antenatally. We discuss the role of antenatal imaging and review delivery options including the need for a multidisciplinary team approach. In conclusion, we recommend antenatal imaging with both ultrasound scan and magnetic resonance to inform perinatal management. Polyhydramnios, in association with suspected neonatal airway obstruction, should alert clinicians to a high‐risk situation. We recognize that even in skilled hands, securing an airway can be very difficult and alternatives such as maintenance of the fetomaternal circulation or extra‐corporeal life support should be considered.
Transpyloric feeding in gastroesophageal‐reflux–associated apnea in premature infants
Authors: Misra Sudipta , Macwan Kamlesh , Albert Viola
Published: September 2007

Objective: The aetiological role of gastroesophageal reflux in apnea of prematurity is controversial. We hypothesized that transpyloric feeds, which decreases reflux and aspiration, will not be associated with decrease in reflux‐related apnea.

Study design: The shows retrospective chart review of 41 premature babies on transpyloric feeds. Fifteen infants meeting the inclusion criteria of apnea of prematurity and clinical evidence of gastroesophageal reflux were included. Primary data points were number of apneas before and after transpyloric feeds. t‐statistics was used for analysis.

Results: Twelve of the 15 babies showed significant improvement on transpyloric feeds (p <. 005). The nonresponders were identified within 48 h. After discontinuation of transpyloric feeds, 2 responders underwent antireflux surgery and 9 were discharged without further intervention. No transpyloric‐tube–related complication was documented.

Conclusion: Transpyloric feeds may be useful for diagnosis and management of suspected gastroesophageal‐reflux–associated apnea in a selected group of infants.
Individualized developmental care in a Dutch NICU: short‐term clinical outcome
Authors: Wielenga JM , Smit BJ , Merkus MP , Kok JH
Published: September 2007

Aim: To compare the short‐term clinical outcomes of Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP®) and conventional care.

Methods: A prospective phase‐lag cohort study was performed in a Dutch tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Infants born before 30 weeks of gestational age (GA) were included, 26 in the conventional and 25 in the NIDCAP group. Outcomes were respiratory status, cerebral ultrasound findings, growth and length of NICU stay.

Results: At study entry, NIDCAP infants had a lower birth weight (mean [SD]: 1043 [191] vs. 1154 [174] g, p = 0.044), were more often small for GA (8 vs. 2, p = 0.038), had smaller head circumferences (mean [SD]: 25.1 [1.3] vs. 26.1 [1.8] cm, p = 0.041) and were less often multiples (6 vs. 14, p = 0.029) than conventional care infants. During NICU stay, more infants in the NIDCAP group developed pneumonia (9 vs. 3, p = 0.040) due to nosocomial infections. After adjustment for these differences, a decreased risk for more severe cerebral damage in favour of NIDCAP was seen (Odds ratio: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03–0.46, p = 0.002). No differences were observed for the other outcomes.

Conclusions: We conclude with precaution that in this phase‐lag cohort study NIDCAP may have resulted in less severe cerebral damage, but was not associated with other clinical outcomes. In light of these findings, NIDCAP deserves further exploration.
Acute decrease of coronary flow after indomethacin delivery in newborn lambs
Authors: Harling Solweig , Oskarsson Gylfi , Gudmundsson Saemundur , Pesonen Erkki
Published: September 2007

Aim: To document the effects of indomethacin (IND) on coronary flow.

Methods: We studied nine premature lambs during the first day of life. The gestational age varied between 132 and 134 days (term 145 days) and weight 3.1–4.7 kg. Coronary flow velocities were recorded with an intracoronary Doppler guide wire in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Average peak flow velocity was measured before, during and after an intravenous IND injection of 0.2 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Results: IND increased systemic blood pressure (p < 0.05) and rate pressure product (RPP; p < 0.05) indicating that IND increased cardiac workload. IND decreased coronary average peak flow velocity in all lambs (p < 0.05). The maximal fall in coronary velocity appeared after 3 min (range 1–7 min) and was regained 10 min (range 4–53 min) after the drug delivery. The maximal reduction of coronary average peak flow velocity was 52% (median 26). The recovery time was directly related to the maximal reduction of the coronary average peak flow velocity (R = 0.91, R2 0.84, p < 0.002).

Conclusion: Coronary flow velocity decreased markedly in premature born lambs given a bolus dose of IND.
Persisting high hospital and community childhood mortality in an urban setting in Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Veirum Jens Erik , Biai Sidu , Jakobsen Marianne , Sandström Anita , Hedegaard Kathryn , Kofoed Poul Erik , Aaby Peter , Sodemann Morten
Published: September 2007

Aim: To describe paediatric hospitalization in a West African capital in relation to overall childhood mortality in the community and to evaluate the potential impact of improved management at the hospital.

Methods: Hospital data on child admissions in a 6‐year period were linked to information in a community‐based longitudinal surveillance system. Paediatric hospitalization rates, risk factors for hospitalizations, community mortality, in‐hospital mortality and the proportion of deaths occurring at hospital were examined.

Results: Almost 15% of infants and 45% of children less than 5 years of age had been hospitalized, and 24% of all deaths in the community occurred in‐hospital. Community infant and under‐three mortality rates were 110 and 207 per 1 000 person‐years, respectively. In‐hospital mortality remained persistently high from 1991 to 1996 and the overall in‐hospital mortality was 12%. It was found that wet season, lack of maternal schooling and living in a specific district were significant risk factors for both community and in‐hospital death, whereas higher hospitalization rates were associated with better‐off families.

Conclusion: In populations with high hospitalization rates, even minor improvements in acute case management of sick children attending the hospital would be expected to result in substantial reduction in overall childhood mortality. Persistently high acute in‐hospital mortality reflects the need of immediate and appropriate care at the hospital. Treatment should be free of charge, in order to minimize the impact of social inequality.
Coeliac disease and cornelia de Lange Syndrome: lack of association
Authors: Macchini Francesco , Selicorni Angelo , Luzzani Sergio , Milani Donatella , Roggero Paola , Valadè Alberto
Published: September 2007

Objectives: Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a dominantly inherited disorder characterized by growth and mental retardation, abnormalities of the upper limbs, gastroesophageal dysfunction, cardiac, ophthalmologic and genitourinary anomalies, hirsutism and characteristic facial features. Growth retardation, behavioural disturbances and gastro‐intestinal manifestations can mimic coeliac disease (CD). Genetic conditions like Down, Williams and Turner syndromes can be associated to CD.

Aim: To establish if gastro‐intestinal signs and symptoms in CdLS patients are due to CD.

Methods: Multiple duodenal biopsies were performed in 24 CdLS patients (mean age 12 years) during the endoscopic follow‐up for gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Histological assessment was performed. Anthropometric parameters were recorded and plotted on the growth charts specific for CdLS patients. Antiendomysium and antitransglutaminase antibodies and HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 were tested in all patients.

Results: All CdLS patients were growth retarded, although weight and height were within the normal limits using the specific growth charts for CdLS. No histological abnormalities were noted in the intestinal biopsy specimens. Serum levels of antiendomysium and antitransglutaminase antibodies were always normal. The HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 was absent in all patients.

Conclusions: While a high prevalence of gastro‐intestinal disorders has been described in CdLS children, no association with CdLS has been found.
Differences in the length of initial hospital stay in very preterm infants
Authors: Korvenranta Emmi , Linna Miika , Häkkinen Unto , Peltola Mikko , Andersson Sture , Gissler Mika , Hallman Mikko , Korvenranta Heikki , Leipälä Jaana , Rautava Liisi , Tammela Outi , Lehtonen Liisa ,   PERFECT Preterm Infant Study Group
Published: September 2007

Aim: To investigate the effect of maternal, infant and birth hospital district related factors on the length of initial hospital stay in very preterm infants. In addition, rehospitalization rate within the first year from the initial discharge was studied.

Methods: A register study covering all very preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks or birthweight < 1501 g) born alive in Finland between years 2000 and 2003 (N = 2148). Factors affecting length of stay (LOS) were studied using generalized linear model (GLM).

Results: The proportion of very preterm infants born in a level III unit varied in the hospital districts from 53% to 94%. Median LOS was 53 days (interquartile range: 38–76). There were large regional differences in the LOS, the difference being up to 10.5 days among the hospital districts (p < 0.0001). Rehospitalization rate was 47.2% within the first year from the initial discharge, and the absence of rehospitalization was associated with a 4.1 days shorter initial LOS (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Our study showed large regional variation in LOS of very preterm infants despite similar case mix. We speculate that the variation depends on differences in treatment practices and discharge criteria.
Risk factors related to intention to breastfeed, early weaning and suboptimal duration of breastfeeding
Authors: Ladomenou Fani , Kafatos Anthony , Galanakis Emmanouil
Published: September 2007

Aim: To identify maternal and infantile factors affecting intention to breastfeed, early weaning and duration of breastfeeding.

Design/subjects: In a prospective cohort study, 1049 mothers were interviewed after delivery and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post‐partum.

Results: Of 1049 mothers, 942 (89.7%) intended to breastfeed. Negative attitude was associated with lack of breastfeeding previous offspring, multiparity, admission to neonatal ward, tobacco use, prematurity and male gender (OR: 10.1, 2.67, 3.02, 2.63, 2.40 and 1.54, respectively). Six hundred and twenty‐three mothers (60.7%) were breastfeeding at month 1. Early weaning was associated with lack of breastfeeding previous offspring, tobacco use, prematurity, admission to neonatal ward, caesarean section (OR: 12.3, 3.39, 2.33, 2.22, 1.34), low education (p < 0.0001) and young age (p = 0.034). Factors negatively affecting total duration of breastfeeding included lack of breastfeeding previous offspring (3.91 vs. 16.2 weeks, p < 0.001), tobacco use (6.78 vs. 15.9 weeks, p < 0.001), low education (p < 0.001), early re‐employment (12.5 vs. 15.1 weeks, p < 0.01) and prematurity (p < 0.005).

Conclusion: Maternal negative attitude, tobacco use and early re‐employment are factors negatively affecting breastfeeding that can be liable to intervention. All health professionals involved in perinatal medicine share a part of responsibility in sustaining breastfeeding, particularly in high‐risk groups of mothers.
Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous human immunoglobulin in children with primary immunodeficiency
Authors: Fasth Anders , Nyström Jeanette
Published: September 2007

The primary objective of this prospective, open‐label study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of home treatment with a 16%, ready‐to‐use, human normal immunoglobulin solution for subcutaneous administration (SCIg 16%, Subcuvia®, Baxter Medical AB, Kista, Sweden) in children with primary immunodeficiency (PI) previously receiving intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) treatment. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of SCIg 16% through documented bacterial infections, IgG trough levels, quality of life (Child Health Questionnaire [CHQ]), healthcare resource utilization and patient preference.

Twelve patients with PI were included in the study. There were no significant changes from baseline in vital signs or laboratory parameters. Most adverse events (311 of 328) were mild injection site reactions that, in most cases, resolved after 1–2 months. SCIg 16% maintained consistently high IgG trough levels, and the rate of bacterial infections was not different from that seen with previous IVIg treatment. SCIg treatment was also associated with significantly fewer lost work and school days and lower direct healthcare‐related expenses and time consumed due to hospital or physician visits.

Conclusion: Home‐based SCIg treatment was well tolerated, at least as effective as IVIg for preventing infections, and preferred by children with PI previously receiving IVIg treatment.
Culture and Identity‐Protective Cognition: Explaining the White‐Male Effect in Risk Perception
Authors: Kahan Dan M. , Braman Donald , Gastil John , Slovic Paul , Mertz C. K.
Published: September 2007

Why do white men fear various risks less than women and minorities? Known as the “white‐male effect,” this pattern is well documented but poorly understood. This article proposes a new explanation: identity‐protective cognition. Putting work on the cultural theory of risk together with work on motivated cognition in social psychology suggests that individuals selectively credit and dismiss asserted dangers in a manner supportive of their cultural identities. This dynamic, it is hypothesized, drives the white‐male effect, which reflects the risk skepticism that hierarchical and individualistic white males display when activities integral to their cultural identities are challenged as harmful. The article presents the results of an 1,800‐person study that confirmed that cultural worldviews interact with the impact of gender and race on risk perception in patterns that suggest cultural‐identity‐protective cognition. It also discusses the implications of these findings for risk regulation and communication.
The Legitimacy of the U.S. Supreme Court in a Polarized Polity
Authors: Gibson James L.
Published: September 2007

Conventional political science wisdom holds that contemporary American politics is characterized by deep and profound partisan and ideological divisions. Unanswered is the question of whether those divisions have spilled over into threats to the legitimacy of American political institutions, such as the U.S. Supreme Court. Since the Court is often intimately involved in making policy in many issue areas that divide Americans—including the contested 2000 presidential election—it is reasonable to hypothesize that loyalty toward the institution depends on policy and/or ideological agreement and partisanship. Using data stretching from 1987 through 2005, the analysis reveals that Court support among the American people has not declined, nor is it connected to partisan and ideological identifications. Instead, support is embedded within a larger set of relatively stable democratic values. Institutional legitimacy may not be obdurate, but it does not seem to be caught up in the divisiveness that characterizes so much of American politics—at least not at present.
Do Juries Add Value? Evidence from an Empirical Study of Jury Trial Waiver Clauses in Large Corporate Contracts
Authors: Eisenberg Theodore , Miller Geoffrey P.
Published: September 2007

We study jury trial waivers in a data set of 2,816 contracts contained as exhibits in Form 8‐K filings by reporting corporations during 2002. Because these contracts are associated with events deemed material to the financial condition of SEC‐reporting firms, they likely are carefully negotiated by sophisticated, well‐informed parties and thus provide presumptive evidence about the value associated with the availability of jury trials. A minority of contracts, about 20 percent, waived jury trials. An additional 9 percent of contracts had arbitration clauses that effectively preclude jury trials though the reason for arbitration clauses need not specifically relate to juries. We explore three groups of factors to explain the pattern of jury trial waivers: (1) contract‐specific factors: the subject matter of a contract, a measure of its standardization, choice of law, and choice of forum, (2) contracting‐party factors: domestic versus international status, place of business, place of incorporation, attorney locale, and industry, and (3) factors external to the contracts and parties: perceptions of jury fairness in the forum specified in the contract and the relative length of jury and bench trial queues in that forum. Contract type is significantly associated with jury trial waivers. For example, over 50 percent of security agreements and over 60 percent of credit commitments waived jury trials. In contrast, 5 percent of employment contracts, 2 percent of bond indentures, and 3.5 percent of pooling service agreements waived jury trials. The presence of a forum selection clause, greater contract standardization, and perceived fairness of juries are significantly associated with jury trial waivers. Over 80 percent of the contracts designating Illinois as a forum contained jury trial waivers whereas less than half the contracts designating New York as a forum, and only about one‐third of the contracts designating California, Texas, or Florida as a forum, contained waiver clauses. Jury trial waivers were not more common in international contracts. Our results suggest that, contrary to a widespread perception about the alleged inadequacies of juries in complex business cases, sophisticated actors may perceive that juries add value to dispute resolution.
Do Citizens Care about Federalism? An Experimental Test
Authors: Kam Cindy D. , Mikos Robert A.
Published: September 2007

The ongoing debate over the political safeguards of federalism has essentially ignored the role that citizens might play in restraining federal power. Scholars have assumed that citizens care only about policy outcomes and will invariably support congressional legislation that satisfies their substantive policy preferences, no matter the cost to state powers. Scholars thus typically turn to institutions—the courts or institutional features of the political process—to cabin congressional authority. We argue that ignoring citizens is a mistake. We propose a new theory of the political safeguards of federalism in which citizens help to safeguard state authority. We also test our theory using evidence from a nationally representative survey experiment that focuses on the timely issue of physician‐assisted suicide. We find that citizens are not single‐mindedly interested in policy outcomes; trust in state governments and federalism beliefs, on the urging of political elites, reduce their willingness to support a federal ban on physician‐assisted suicide.
Administrative Appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court: The Importance of Legal Signals
Authors: Hume Robert J.
Published: September 2007

When do federal agencies appeal adverse circuit court decisions to the U.S. Supreme Court? It is hypothesized that features of judicial opinions, such as the basis of the court's ruling and the evidence used to support it, can affect whether a petition is filed. Judges send signals in their opinions that discourage petitions, even though parties are otherwise under no legal obligation to refrain from seeking higher court review. Using an original database, this study finds that legal signals do influence the certiorari process, but that the filing of petitions is also affected by an agency's ideological preferences and the likelihood of review by the Supreme Court.
Changing Fortunes: Results from a Randomized Trial of the Offer of Debt Advice in England and Wales
Authors: Pleasence Pascoe , Balmer Nigel J.
Published: September 2007

A randomized trial was conducted to assess whether the offer of advice to those experiencing debt problems and who had yet to obtain any formal advice, had a positive impact on their financial and general circumstances. The participants were drawn from 16 Jobcentres (welfare offices) in 13 areas of England and Wales. In all, 402 participants were included in the trial at its outset; 234 participants remained in the trial at the 20‐week followup. There was no significant difference in the rate at which intervention and control group respondents had resolved their debt problems at the 20‐week followup. However, the former were significantly more likely to describe their financial position as “better” than at baseline. There was also evidence that they became more knowledgeable about their financial circumstances, more focused on dealing with priority debt, and more optimistic about their future prospects, relative to control group counterparts. These findings, though, fell short of statistical significance. The findings provide the first experimental evidence of a positive impact of the offer of debt advice. The study also highlights the difficulties of applying experimental methods in a social setting. One lesson drawn from the difficulties encountered in running this trial is that takeup is likely to be low for some forms of pro‐active advice for sensitive problem types experienced among disadvantaged communities.
Managerial Leadership for Nurses' Use of Research Evidence: An Integrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Gifford Wendy , Davies Barbara , Edwards Nancy , Griffin Pat , Lybanon Vanessa
Published: September 2007

Background: Integration of research evidence into clinical nursing practice is essential for the delivery of high‐quality nursing care. Leadership behaviours of nurse managers and administrators have been identified as important to support research use and evidence‐based practice. Yet minimal evidence exists indicating what constitutes effective nursing leadership for this purpose, or what kinds of interventions help leaders to successfully influence research‐based care.

Aims: (1) To describe leadership activities of nurse managers that influence nurses' use of research evidence; and (2) to identify interventions aimed at supporting nurse managers to influence research use in clinical nursing practice.

Methods: A search of electronic databases was conducted for studies on behaviours or activities of nurse managers/administrators and the use of research evidence by nurses. Sifting, screening, and quality assessments were done by two reviewers. Results were synthesized by study type (quantitative and qualitative) and reported.

Results: Twelve studies met inclusion criteria (eight quantitative, four qualitative). Three activities were found in quantitative studies that influenced nurses' use of research: managerial support, policy revisions, and auditing. Qualitative studies showed organizational issues as barriers to managers' abilities to affect research use, while role modeling and valuing research facilitated research use. Four studies, one of which was experimental, included an intervention to support managers, but all had insufficient information about leadership development.

Conclusions: To date, important descriptive work highlights the strategic role managers have in research transfer. Both facilitative and regulatory activities appear to be necessary for mangers to influence research use. These findings have important implications for evolving theoretical models describing factors that affect the process of research utilization. It is time to move the science forward and test a hypothesis linking leadership to outcomes. Qualitative methods are essential for understanding the process of leadership for research transfer.
Route of administration of redback spider bite antivenom: Determining clinician beliefs to facilitate Bayesian analysis of a clinical trial
Authors: Brown Simon G A , Isbister Geoffrey K , Stokes Barrie
Published: September 2007

Objective:  To determine current beliefs of Australasian emergency physicians, to form the basis of ‘stopping rules’ for a clinical trial of intravenous (i.v.) versus intramuscular (i.m.) redback spider antivenom.

Methods:  An email survey of fellows and trainees of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.

Results:  There were 218 responses; 30% used the i.v. route exclusively, 16% used the i.m route exclusively, 17% used i.m. followed by i.v. if there was a poor initial clinical response, and 38% stated that they had no particular preference. The probability given by respondents that the i.v. route is superior allowed us to differentiate ‘i.v. enthusiasts’ from ‘i.v. sceptics’. Median predicted response rates were 90% versus 80% for the i.v. route and 60% versus 75% for the i.m. route in the enthusiastic and sceptical groups, respectively. The median expected absolute advantage of i.v. compared with i.m. antivenom was 20% versus 5%, respectively. The median number‐needed‐to‐treat threshold that would lead respondents to choose the i.v. route in preference to the i.m. was 5.

Conclusion:  Australasian emergency physicians have polarized views on the optimal route for administering redback spider antivenom. We were therefore able to define both sceptical and enthusiastic priors for a fully Bayesian trial analysis. Our findings support using a number needed to treat of 5 (20% absolute advantage) for powering a clinical study and for determining the point at which it should be stopped.
Two new highly polymorphic markers in the 3′ UTR region of the PLA2G7 gene
Authors: Lira M. Gomez , Provezza L. , Terranova C. , Martinelli N. , Bozzini C. , Pignatti P. F.
Published: September 2007

We described two new highly polymorphic markers located 31 bp downstream of the last nucleotide of exon 12 in the 3′ UTR region of the gene PLA2G7: 1344 +31TGn AGm. Eight and 14 alleles were observed for the AG and TG repeats, respectively. These two markers have the highest heterozygosity until now reported for PLA2G7 gene.
Vegetation of the Stipa loess steppe in Ningxia (northern China) in relation to grazing intensity
Authors: Xie Yingzhong , Becker Ute , Wittig Rüdiger
Published: September 2007

Large areas of northern and western China are covered with steppe vegetation which is grazed with different intensities. Areas which are not or only slightly grazed are rare and mostly exist in nature reserves. We investigated floristic composition and species diversity of the steppe vegetation of the autonomous region Ningxia Hui with emphasis on the Yunwushan dry steppe nature reserve in relation to grazing intensity; all 77 plots were analyzed using ordination techniques, and the relationship between the variation in species composition and environmental conditions was analyzed. In Ningxia, two types of loess grass steppes prevail: in areas with lower altitudes from approximately 1650–1950 m a.s.l., the Stipa bungeana steppe occurs whereas the Stipa grandis steppe is typical for higher altitudes between 1900 and 2100 m a.s.l. For both vegetation types, three subtypes can be distinguished according to different levels of grazing intensity. With increasing grazing intensity, the number of plant species per plot strongly declines and the typical steppe vegetation types are dominated by Artemisia species (A. frigida in the Stipa grandis community and A. sacrorum in the Stipa bungeana community). In contrast to studies carried out in neighboring areas, in our study area the Artemisia steppes do not represent the final state of degradation. Instead, Convolvulus ammanii dominates in heavily grazed areas of both Stipa steppe types. Detrended correspondence analysis confirms the classification and shows that the heavily grazed subtypes of the Stipa grandis and the Stipa bungeana steppe with Convolvulus ammanii are more similar to each other than the other vegetation types. The first axis of the detrended correspondence analysis is strongly related to the grazing intensity (r = 0.93). Our results show that grazing intensity is an important factor for the differentiation of the steppe grasslands and a severe threat to species diversity.
Estimation of genetic variability and heritability for biofuel feedstock yield in several populations of switchgrass
Authors: Rose L.W. , Das M.K. , Taliaferro C.M.
Published: September 2007

Information on heritability and predicted gains from selection for increased biomass yield for ethanol production in switchgrass is limited and may vary among breeding populations. The purpose of this study was to estimate heritability and predicted gains from selection for higher biomass yield within a lowland ecotype switchgrass population, Southern Lowland 93 (SL‐93), and two upland ecotype switchgrass populations, Southern Upland Northern Upland Early Maturing (SNU‐EM) and Southern Upland Northern Upland Late Maturing (SNU‐LM). Narrow‐sense heritabilities (hn2) for biomass yield in each of the three populations were estimated via progeny–parent regression analysis. Half‐sib (HS) progeny families from 130 randomly selected plants from the SL‐93 population were evaluated for biomass yield in replicated trials in 2002 and 2003. Clonal parent plants were evaluated for biomass yield in separate environments to provide unbiased hn2 estimates from progeny–parent regression. Yield differences were highly significant among SL‐93 HS progenies within and over years. For the SL‐93 population, hn2 estimates were 0.13 and 0.12 based on individual plant and phenotypic family mean (PFM) selection, respectively. Predicted genetic gains (ΔG) per selection cycle were 0.15 kg dry matter (dm) plant−1 and 0.10 kg dm plant−1 for PFM and individual plant selection methods, respectively. For the SNU‐EM and SNU‐LM populations, year and year × HS family effects were highly significant (P < 0.01) and the HS family effect over years was nonsignificant (P < 0.05). However, HS family effects were highly significant within respective years (P < 0.01). Estimates of hn2 for the SNU‐EM and SNU‐LM populations based on PFM and individual plant selection were similar, ranging from 0.44 to 0.47; ΔG per selection cycle ranged from 0.22 to 0.33 kg dm plant−1. The magnitudes of the estimates of additive genetic variation suggest that selection for higher biomass yield should be possible. The substantial effect of environment on biomass yields in the upland populations and the failure of families to respond similarly over years stress the importance of adequately testing biomass yield over years to assess yield.
Effectiveness of acibenzolar‐S‐methyl, fungicides and antibiotics for the control of brown eye spot, bacterial blight, brown leaf spot and coffee rust in coffee
Authors: Patrício F.R.A. , Almeida I.M.G. , Barros B.C. , Santos A.S. , Frare P.M.
Published: September 2007

This study was carried out to evaluate the potential of acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM), combined or not combined with fungicides and antibiotics for the control of brown eye spot (Cercospora coffeicola) and bacterial blight (Pseudomonas syringaepv.garcae) in coffee seedlings, and ASM combined with conventional fungicide application schedules for the control of coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and brown leaf spot (Phoma costarricencis) under field conditions in two coffee crops in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. ASM protected coffee seedlings againstC. coffeicolawhen applied at the rates of 2.5 and 5 g of active ingredient per hectolitre of water (g a.i. hL−1), providing 34–55% of disease control, and against bacterial blight, when applied at the rates of 2.5, 10 and 20 g a.i. hL−1, with 38–57% of disease control. Tebuconazole (100 g a.i. hL−1) and azoxystrobin (10 g a.i. hL−1) showed the best results for brown eye spot control. Oxytetracycline + streptomycin, kasugamycin hydrochloride, oxytetracycline + metallic copper, copper oxychloride and mancozeb + copper oxychloride also controlled bacterial blight in levels similar to those shown by ASM. In the field experiments, all fungicide application schedules tested, cyproconazole (December, February, April), epoxiconazole (December, March), tetraconazole (December, February, April), cyproconazole (December, February) and azoxystrobin (January, March) were effective for coffee rust control and provided partial control of brown leaf spot. The results also showed that for all experiments, there was no synergistic effect of the combination of ASM with azoxystrobin, cyproconazole or cupric fungicides.
Examining Contextual Effects in a Practice Analysis: An Application of Dual Scaling
Authors: De Champlain André F. , Cuddy Monica M. , LaDuca Tony
Published: September 2007

Practice analyses are routinely used in support of the development of occupational and professional certification and licensure examinations. These analyses usually survey incumbents to obtain importance ratings of (1) specific tasks and (2) knowledge, skill, and ability (KSA) statements deemed by subject matter experts as essential to safe and effective practice. Several researchers have made important criticisms of traditional practice analysis procedures, particularly the lack of attention to contextual constructs and the resulting problematic interpretation of mean importance ratings. The present study provides a framework for assessing the impact of context in practice analysis studies. It focuses on a practice analysis of a health profession that sought to enhance the meaning of incumbents' importance ratings by embedding the statements in the context of patient acuities. Results indicate that incumbents' importance ratings varied as a function of patient acuity. Dual scaling analysis was used to obtain a multidimensional visual representation of the associations between importance ratings and contextual content. The implications of the contextual component of the study design for future practice analysis studies are discussed as well as possible applications of this approach to professions in education.