bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keratoconus in Asians: demographics, clinical characteristics and visual function in a hospital‐based population
Authors: Khor Wei‐Boon , Wei Rui H , Lim Li , Chan Choi M , Tan Donald TH
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background:  To describe the demographics, clinical characteristics and visual function of Asian patients with keratoconus managed in a tertiary eye centre.

Design:  Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Participants:  116 patients with clinically evident or suspected keratoconus (on videokeratography) recruited over 11 months.

Methods:  A standardised interview, full ophthalmic examination, refraction and corneal topography were performed. Visual function was assessed with the VF‐14 questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures:  Demographics, clinical characteristics and visual function.

Results:  Mean age of our patients was 29.5 ± 9.40 years on enrolment, 62.9% were male, and the ethnic distribution was 60.3% Chinese, 13.8% Malays and 9.5% Indians. Clinically evident keratoconus was present bilaterally in 65 patients (56.0%) and unilateral keratoconus in five patients (4.3%). Five patients (4.3%) had a family history of keratoconus. The majority of patients were managed with contact lenses (60.8%) or glasses (24.5%). Eye rubbing was common (68%) as were asthma (26.3%) and eczema (18.4%). Conical protrusion was the commonest sign (75.3%). The mean cylinder was higher in keratoconus eyes compared with keratoconus suspect eyes (−4.01 vs. −1.27, P < 0.001), and best‐corrected visual acuity was poorer (0.19 vs. 0.05, P < 0.001). Unaided visual acuity was significantly worse with increasing age (P = 0.016). On the VF‐14, 32% scored 90 or less (out of 100), reflecting difficulties with vision‐related daily activities.

Conclusions:  Our Asian patients with keratoconus had similar demographic and clinical characteristics to patients in Western populations. Even with apparently good visual acuity, some patients still experience substantial impairment in vision‐related activities.
The majority of colorectal resections require an open approach, even in units with a special interest in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Newman C. M. , Arnold S. J. , Coull D. B. , Linn T. Y. , Moran B. J. , Gudgeon A. M. , Cecil T. D.
Published: November 2010

Aim  Proponents suggest that laparoscopic colorectal resection might be achievable in up to 90% of cases, while keeping conversion rates below 10%. This unselected prospective case series reports on the proportion of patients having a completed laparoscopic colorectal resection in two units where laparoscopic colorectal practice is well established and readily available.

Method  All patients undergoing elective and emergency colorectal resection during a 6‐month period were identified. The underlying pathology and the surgical approach (laparoscopic or open) were recorded. The contraindications to laparoscopic resection were also documented. The need and rationale for conversion to an open approach were recorded.

Results  In total, 205 consecutive patients (160 elective and 45 emergency procedures) underwent colorectal resection for malignancy [117 (57%) patients] and benign pathology [88 (43%) patients]. Laparoscopic resection was attempted in 127/205 (62%) patients and 31/127 (24%) of these were converted to open surgery. The main reasons for not attempting laparoscopic resection were locally advanced disease and emergency surgery. The commonest reasons for conversion were advanced disease and to allow completion of rectal dissection and/or cross‐stapling of the rectum.

Conclusion  Despite a special interest in laparoscopic colorectal surgery of the two colorectal units who provided the data for this study, fewer than half (96/205; 47%) of the patients in this consecutive unselected series who were undergoing major colorectal resection had the procedure completed laparoscopically.
An integrative taxonomic revision of the Cape Verdean skinks (Squamata, Scincidae)
Authors: Miralles Aurélien , Vasconcelos Raquel , Perera Ana , Harris David J. , Carranza Salvador
Published: November 2010

Miralles, A., Vasconcelos, R., Perera, A., Harris, D. J. & Carranza, S. (2010). An integrative taxonomic revision of the Cape Verdean skinks (Squamata, Scincidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 16–44.

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the Cape Verdean skinks is proposed based on an integrative approach combining (i) a phylogenetic study pooling all the previously published molecular data, (ii) new population genetic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear data resulting from additional sampling, together with (iii) a morphological study based on an extensive examination of the scalation and colour patterns of 516 live and museum specimens, including most of the types. All Cape Verdean species of skinks presently recognised, formerly regarded as members of the genera Mabuya Fitzinger, 1826 and Macroscincus Bocage, 1873 are considered as members of the Cape Verdean endemic genus Chioninia Gray, 1845. The new phylogeny and networks obtained are congruent with the previously published phylogenetic studies, although suggesting older colonization events (between 11.6 and 0.8 Myr old), and indicate the need for taxonomic changes. Intraspecific diversity has been analysed and points to a very recent expansion of Chioninia delalandii on the southern islands and its introduction on Maio, to a close connection between Chioninia stangeri island populations due to Pleistocene sea‐level falls and to a generally low haplotypic diversity due to the ecological and geological characteristics of the archipelago. Three new consistent morphological synapomorphies supporting two of the four main clades of the genus have been identified. The complex taxonomic status of Euprepes fogoensis O’Shaughnessy, 1874 has been resolved and a lectotype has been designated for this species; Chioninia fogoensis nicolauensis (Schleich, 1987) is elevated to species rank, whereas Chioninia fogoensis antaoensis (Schleich, 1987) is now regarded as a junior subjective synonym of C. fogoensis. Additionally, one new subspecies of Chioninia vaillanti and two of Chioninia spinalis are described (Chioninia vaillanti xanthotis ssp. n., Chioninia spinalis santiagoensis ssp. n. and Chioninia spinalis boavistensis ssp. n.) and a lectotype has been designated for Mabuia spinalis Boulenger, 1906. Finally, an identification key for the Chioninia species is presented.
Extranodal extension in node‐positive bladder cancer: the continuing controversy
Authors: Jeong In Gab , Ro Jae Y. , Kim Seong Cheol , You Dalsan , Song Cheryn , Hong Jun Hyuk , Ahn Hanjong , Kim Choung‐Soo
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Although extranodal extension in node‐positive patients may provide prognostic information in certain urological malignancies, contradictory results have been reported in node‐positive patients after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

We examined whether extranodal extension could have an impact on the outcomes of node‐positive patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in a single large tertiary hospital. We have shown that the presence of extranodal extension was not an independent prognostic factor in node‐positive patients after radical cystectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE

• To examine whether extranodal extension (ENE) has an impact on the outcome of node‐positive patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Of 543 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder between 1990 and 2007, 112 patients with lymph node metastasis detected on histological examination were evaluated with regard to recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) based on ENE status.

RESULTS

• The overall 5‐year RFS and DSS rates were 22.3% and 33.8%, respectively. ENE was observed in 41 (36.6%) of the 112 patients.

• The presence of ENE was associated with advanced pathological nodal status (P= 0.004), more positive lymph nodes (P= 0.006), and higher lymph node density (P < 0.001).

• The incidence of positive ENE increased with large positive lymph node diameter (P < 0.001).

• Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node density (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.39, 95% CI 1.09–5.24, P= 0.029; and HR = 3.13, 1.43–6.84, P= 0.004) and use of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 1.80, 1.02–3.20, P= 0.041; and HR = 2.07, 1.13–3.79, P= 0.018) were significant predictors of RFS and DSS, respectively.

• After adjustment for other prognostic factors, ENE was not significantly related to RFS (P= 0.825) and DSS (P= 0.961) by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

• The presence of ENE was not an independent prognostic factor in node‐positive patients after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

• Additional prospective studies are needed to determine the independent prognostic role of ENE.
Does the surgical technique for management of the distal ureter influence the outcome after nephroureterectomy?
Authors: Phé Véronique , Cussenot Olivier , Bitker Marc‐Olivier , Rouprêt Morgan
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The resection of the distal ureter and its orifice is an oncological principle during radical nephroureterectomy which is based on the fact that it represents a part of the urinary tract exposed to a considerable risk of recurrence. After removal of the proximal part it is hardly possible to image or approach it by endoscopy during follow‐up.

Recent publications on survival after nephroureterectomy do not allow the conclusion that removal of distal ureter and bladder cuff are useless. Several techniques of distal ureter removal have been described but they are not equivalent in term of oncological safety.

• The standard treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UUT‐UCs) must obey oncological principles, which consist of a complete en bloc resection of the kidney and the ureter, as well as excision of a bladder cuff to avoid tumour seeding.

• The open technique is the ‘gold standard’ of treatment to which all other techniques developed are necessarily compared, and various surgical procedures have been described.

• The laparoscopic stapling technique maintains a closed system but risks leaving behind the ureteric and bladder cuff segments.

• Transvesical laparoscopic detachment and ligation is a valid approach from an oncological stance but is technically difficult. The major inconvenience of the transurethral resection of the ureteric orifice and intussusception techniques is the potential for tumour seeding.

• Management of the distal ureter via the robot‐assisted laparoscopic method is technically feasible, but outcomes from these procedures are still preliminary.

• Therefore, prospective comparative studies with more thorough explorations of these techniques are needed to solve the dilemma of the management of the distal ureter during nephroureterectomy. However, bladder cuff excision should remain the standard of care irrespective of the stage of the disease.
Diabetes mellitus and health‐related quality of life in prostate cancer: 5‐year results from the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study
Authors: Thong Melissa S.Y. , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke , Hoffman Richard M. , Albertsen Peter C. , Hamilton Ann S. , Stanford Janet L. , Penson David F.
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (outcomes research) Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Comorbid diabetes can affect prostate cancer treatment decision‐making and outcomes. Few longitudinal studies have investigated the effect of comorbid diabetes on general and cancer‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in prostate cancer. Our study found that men with prevalent diabetes (pre‐prostate cancer diagnosis) generally had the poorest general HRQL, urinary control and sexual function scores over time, independent of treatment. Non‐diabetic men had the best scores and men with incident diabetes (post‐prostate cancer diagnosis) reported intermediate scores.

OBJECTIVE • To investigate the association between prostate cancer, diabetes, and long‐term general and cancer‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in a cohort of men with non‐metastatic prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS • We used data from self‐administered surveys to assess the HRQL of men with localized or locally advanced disease at 6 (baseline), 12, 24, and 60 months after initial diagnosis.

• We examined changes in general and cancer‐specific HRQL with repeated measures analyses using a mixed‐model approach.

RESULTS • In total, we evaluated 1811 men, including 13% with prevalent (pre‐prostate cancer diagnosis) diabetes, 12% with incident (post‐prostate cancer diagnosis) diabetes, and 75% who never reported being diagnosed with diabetes.

• Generally, men with prevalent diabetes had the poorest scores on general HRQL and non‐diabetic men the best scores, independent of treatment.

• Similarly, men with prevalent diabetes had the lowest urinary control and sexual function scores over time, while men without diabetes had the highest scores. Men with incident diabetes reported intermediate scores.

CONCLUSION • Prostate cancer survivors with comorbid diabetes have poorer general and cancer‐specific HRQL than those without diabetes.
DECISION THEORY UNDER AMBIGUITY
Authors: Etner Johanna , Jeleva Meglena , Tallon Jean‐Marc
Published: November 2010

Abstract We review recent advances in the field of decision making under uncertainty or ambiguity. We start with a presentation of the general approach to a decision problem under uncertainty, as well as the ‘standard’ Bayesian treatment and issues with this treatment. We present more general approaches (Choquet expected utility, maximin expected utility, smooth ambiguity and so forth) that have been developed in the literature under the name of models of ambiguity sensitive preferences. We draw a distinction between fully subjective models and models incorporating explicitly some information. We review definitions and characterizations of ambiguity aversion in these models. We mention the challenges posed by some of the models presented. We end with a review of part of the experimental literature and applications of these models to economic settings.
Object recognition in Williams syndrome: uneven ventral stream activation
Authors: O’Hearn Kirsten , Roth Jennifer K. , Courtney Susan M. , Luna Beatriz , Street Whitney , Terwillinger Robert , Landau Barbara
Published: November 2010

Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic disorder associated with severe visuospatial deficits, relatively strong language skills, heightened social interest, and increased attention to faces. On the basis of the visuospatial deficits, this disorder has been characterized primarily as a deficit of the dorsal stream, the occipitoparietal brain regions that subserve visuospatial processing. However, some evidence indicates that this disorder may also affect the development of the ventral stream, the occipitotemporal cortical regions that subserve face and object recognition. The present studies examined ventral stream function in WS, with the hypothesis that faces would produce a relatively more mature pattern of ventral occipitotemporal activation, relative to other objects that are also represented across these visual areas. Using functional magnetic imaging, we compared activation patterns during viewing of human faces, cat faces, houses and shoes in individuals with WS (age 14–27), typically developing 6–9‐year‐olds (matched approximately on mental age), and typically developing 14–26‐year‐olds (matched on chronological age). Typically developing individuals exhibited changes in the pattern of activation over age, consistent with previous reports. The ventral stream topography of individuals with WS differed from both control groups, however, reflecting the same level of activation to face stimuli as chronological age matches, but less activation to house stimuli than either mental age or chronological age matches. We discuss the possible causes of this unusual topography and implications for understanding the behavioral profile of people with WS.
Learning to read changes children’s phonological skills: evidence from a latent variable longitudinal study of reading and nonword repetition
Authors: Nation Kate , Hulme Charles
Published: November 2010

Individual differences in nonword repetition are associated with language and literacy development, but few studies have considered the extent to which learning to read influences phonological skills as indexed by nonword repetition performance. We explored this question using a latent variable longitudinal design. Reading, oral language and nonword repetition were assessed in 215 children at age 6 years and one year later at age 7. Reading at 6 years predicted growth in nonword repetition between 6 and 7 years, independent of the effects of oral language skills and the autoregressive effect of nonword repetition at 6 years, but nonword repetition was not a longitudinal predictor of the growth of reading. These findings demonstrate that learning to read has a powerful effect on children’s language processing systems. We consider how learning to read might influence speech processing, and discuss the implications of our findings for theoretical accounts of reading disorder.
Remaking the World of Chinese Labour: A 30‐Year Retrospective
Authors: Friedman Eli , Lee Ching Kwan
Published: November 2010

Over the past 30 years, labour relations, and, indeed, the entirety of working‐class politics in China, have been dramatically altered by economic reforms. In this review, we focus on the two key processes of commodification and casualization and their implications for workers. On the one hand, these processes have resulted in the destruction of the old social contract and the emergence of marketized employment relations. This has implied a loss of the job security and generous benefits enjoyed by workers in the planned economy. On the other hand, commodification and casualization have produced significant but localized resistance from the Chinese working class. Up until now, the activities of labour non‐governmental organizations and of the official trade unions have contributed to the state's effort of individualizing and institutionalizing labour conflict resolution through labour law and arbitration mechanisms. Finally, we provide a brief discussion of the impact of 2008's Labour Contract Law and the outbreak of the economic crisis on labour relations. We conclude that the continual imbalance of power at the point of production presents a real dilemma for the Chinese state as it attempts to shift away from a model of development dependent on exports.
Clarifying the Effect of Intellectual Capital on Performance: The Mediating Role of Dynamic Capability
Authors: Hsu Li‐Chang , Wang Chao‐Hung
Published: November 2010

Recent studies suggest a potential relationship between intellectual capital and dynamic capability in achieving performance. This is unsettling for managers because these studies contain little effort to develop a framework for understanding the relationship. To examine this unnerving potential, we develop and test a theoretical model that explains how dynamic capability mediates the impact of intellectual capital on performance. In this study, the scope of intellectual capital includes human capital, relational capital and structural capital. This study examines the pooled data of 242 high‐technology firms from 2001 to 2008. Results from Bayesian regression analysis suggest that the effect of structural capital on performance is completely mediated by dynamic capability. Furthermore, the findings show that dynamic capability does not completely mediate the respective effects of human capital and relational capital on performance, but does so only partially. These results provide convincing support for the importance of dynamic capability through accumulating R&D and marketing capability over time, thereby enhancing firm performance. The empirical findings and the ensuing discussion will be of interest to managers and practitioners.
The Historical Development of Family Budget Standards in Britain, from the 17th Century to the Present
Authors: Deeming Christopher
Published: November 2010

This article reviews the British tradition of research into household budget standards and describes a rich history of theoretical and methodological innovation in the social sciences. The origins of this enterprise lie in hypothetical family budget calculations made by political arithmeticians investigating living standards in the 1600s. Systematic budget inquiries emerge in England in the 1790s and by the end of the 19th century, normative standards are applied to determine lines of poverty across sections of British society. The first ‘scientific’ study to do this was conducted in England in 1912, local budget surveys flourish here until after the Second World War; by which time poverty researchers were abandoning them, turning instead to the data which was becoming available from national government surveys of family income and expenditure. Towards the close of the century, however, we see researchers trying to escape some of the circularity posed by family spending, which is, after all, constrained by household income. New and competing methods for determining household budget standards emerge before a groundbreaking inquiry attempts to establish a consensus in the field of minimum income standards research.
Party Politics and Childcare: Comparing the Expansion of Service Provision in England and Germany
Authors: Fleckenstein Timo
Published: November 2010

The expansion of childcare provision in the traditionally ‘service‐lean’ welfare states of England and Germany, in times when most other welfare programmes faced retrenchment, came with some surprise to the comparative social policy and political economy literature. With the expansion of employment‐oriented family policies, both countries have departed from their previous strong male breadwinner trajectories. Electoral competition and corresponding party and family policy modernisation in attempts to improve female voter mobilisation is key to understanding this paradigmatic shift informed by the adult worker model.
Does Active Labour Market Policy have an Impact on Social Marginalization?
Authors: Breidahl Karen Nielsen , Clement Sanne Lund
Published: November 2010

Countless evaluations of active labour market policy (ALMP) have been conducted in the last decade. The common denominator for most of these evaluations is a focus on employment (self‐sufficiency) as the dependent variable, where the success of ALMP is measured in terms of the number of unemployed finding ordinary employment after (or immediately before) participating in an activation programme. The main argument in this article is that this focus is inadequate. For many long‐term unemployed people, it would be an understatement to describe the road to employment as merely ‘bumpy’. Research must take this into consideration. This article therefore deals with the Danish activation policy from a new perspective by analyzing the impact on different aspects of social marginalization, focusing on long‐term social assistance recipients. Using data from a comprehensive, representative quantitative survey of Danish unemployed conducted in 2007, the first analysis convincingly reveals that we fail to find any systematic correlation between participation in ALMP and any of the social marginalization indicators. The second analysis presents a more mixed picture of the participant's own assessment of the impact of ALMP on their self‐esteem; some are quite positive, while others are more neutral or even rather negative. Taking the existing research into account, these results leave us with conceptual and methodological questions for further research.
Action Research and Performativity: How Sociology Shaped a Farmers' Movement in The Netherlands
Authors: Daniel François‐Joseph
Published: November 2010

This article elaborates on the interactions at play between sociologists and social actors during an action research process. It particularly seeks to highlight the impact that scholars have while undertaking field research and interacting with the objects of their research; the processes through which academic ideas spread, and become a part of social reality. This article argues that this academic influence can be best understood through the concept of performativity. During an action research process scientific utterances not only have an analytical value but also shape the world, as they can bring into existence what they utter. To illustrate this phenomenon, this article presents a case study that highlights the impact of sociologists on a farmers' movement in The Netherlands, an impact that was facilitated by a performative process. It demonstrates that the process of performing is an entanglement of events, a tumult of successive situations and circumstances through which researchers' views are gradually diffused among the population, shape people's minds and transform their institutions. These findings reflect those of economic sociologists, who also analysed how economic models and theories are transferred into social arrangements through a process of performativity.
Constitutional Review in the Mega‐Leviathan: A Democratic Foundation for the European Court of Justice
Authors: Hong Quoc Loc
Published: November 2010

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) serves, among other things, as a constitutional court for the EU. This means that it possesses the legal right to strike down both EU and national laws it deems irreconcilable with treaty provisions. In the present article, we shall draw on Hans Kelsen's theory of democracy to argue that the ECJ's competence to review and invalidate legislation is, in fact, indispensable for the democratic legitimacy of the EU's legal system as a whole.
Are There Methods of Reasoning on ‘Meta‐Legislation’? The Interpretation of Legislative Competence Norms within the Methodology of European Constitutional Law
Authors: Hahn‐Lorber Marcus
Published: November 2010

Legislative competence norms are paradigmatic elements of European constitutional law and the supranational, post‐federal era. The article aims to address legislative competence norms from the viewpoint of methodology by considering significant features of reasoning on European legislative competence norms. The discussion will be based on understanding legislative competences as ‘meta‐legislation’. That concept encompasses a substantive rather than formalistic, and a politically informed rather than strictly positivist account of legislative competences and their methodology. Against that background, the interpretation of competence norms is assessed. Subsequently, the process of interpretation is discussed according to judicial practice, constitutional theory and general legal methodology. A consideration of the significance of the—usually vast—wording of competence norms completes that discussion. Finally, consequences about the political inclusiveness of interpreting competence norms and the issue of ‘clarity’ are drawn. A conclusion summarises the results.
Integrating Environmental Protection and EU Competition Law: Why Competition Isn't Special
Authors: Kingston Suzanne
Published: November 2010

One of the biggest challenges facing environmental policy makers at present is that of integrating environmental protection goals into economic policy areas. Unless this is genuinely achieved, it is clear that environmental degradation will continue apace. Though one of the EU's most important areas of economic competence is competition policy, many policy makers and commentators reject the notion that environmental concerns should play a significant role in EU competition analysis. In that light, this article addresses two key questions. First, should this approach apply? Second, if not, what are the principles that govern how environmental protection requirements should be taken into account by decision makers applying EU competition law? In answering these questions, the article puts forward three theoretical arguments as to why, and how, the environmental benefits and damage flowing from goods and services should be taken into account by EU competition decision makers, based, respectively, on legal systematic, governance and economic reasoning.
Therapy in Prison: Revisiting Grendon 20 Years On
Authors: GENDERS ELAINE , PLAYER ELAINE
Published: November 2010

Abstract:Twenty years ago we conducted an ethnographic study of Grendon in which we examined the incongruous cohabitation of a prison and a therapeutic community (TC) within a single establishment. We concluded that the partnership between the two institutions was inevitably unequal and that, whilst the prison allowed the TC a sphere of influence, penal power prevailed whenever its institutional interests were threatened. In 2010 we revisited the establishment to explore how the relationship between penal and therapeutic functions had evolved over the intervening 20 years, a period marked by considerable change in the wider penal landscape. This article considers how these broader transformations in penal policy have been negotiated within the institution and what their impact has been on the ability of the TCs to maintain their authority, legitimacy and therapeutic integrity. We conclude with some preliminary thoughts about the protection of therapeutic work in prisons and the devolution of power and responsibility across government departments for therapeutic opportunities and the sentence management of serious offenders.
Risking Therapy
Authors: RHODES LORNA A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:Drawing on a focused ethnographic study at HMP Grendon, this article examines how the notion of ‘risk’ enters into therapeutic community (TC) practice. The development and interpretation of risk are placed in the context of Grendon's history and relationship to the prison service of England and Wales, and prisoner and staff responses to risk assessment are described. Comparison with the ‘dead end’ of risk avoidance in the US supermax model leads to the suggestion that at Grendon the category of risk itself undergoes change as a result of the TC's unique relationship to prison culture.
The Impact of Grendon on Changing Lives: Prisoner Perspectives
Authors: BROOKES MICHAEL
Published: November 2010

Abstract:This article brings together published and unpublished material that documents prisoners' experiences of Grendon in their words. This covers the period from shortly after Grendon opened in 1962 to the present day. Issues to be looked at are the pre‐admission procedure, reasons for applying to Grendon, the reception process and life on the assessment and induction unit. The challenges of living on the main therapeutic communities (TCs) will be described. How staff relationships at Grendon differ from those in other establishments will be explained. Also described will be the experiences of those who did not transfer onto one of the five main TCs within Grendon as well as those who found that Grendon was not for them. What is apparent throughout is the similarity of prisoner experiences from the time Grendon opened until the present day.
Psychometric evaluation of the Dutch Resilience Scale RS‐nl on 3265 healthy participants: a confirmation of the association between age and resilience found with the Swedish version
Authors: Portzky Michael , Wagnild Gail , De Bacquer Dirk , Audenaert Kurt
Published: November 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 86–92 Psychometric evaluation of the Dutch Resilience Scale RS‐nl on 3265 healthy participants: a confirmation of the association between age and resilience found with the Swedish version

The aim of this study was to complete a thorough psychometric evaluation of the ‘RS‐nl’, a Dutch adaptation of the Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale. All of the 25 items of the original RS were retained, but a 4‐point rather than a 7‐point response was used and one item was reworded by removal of the negation. Psychometric analyses on 3265 healthy participants revealed a significant positive association between age and the total resilience score, confirming the findings with the Swedish version by Lundman et al. To a lesser extent, associations between education and the subscale ‘Personal Competence’ and between gender and the subscale ‘Acceptance of Self and Life’ was found. There was, however, no strong evidence for a five factor structure reflecting the five characteristics described by Wagnild and Young, mainly because of high secondary loadings. Therefore, in accordance with the 25‐item RS, a two factor model (creating the subscales ‘Personal Competence’ and ‘Acceptance of Self and Life’) was maintained. The RS‐nl seems to be a valid and useful screening instrument to detect persons at risk, who could benefit from closer and prolonged psychological help.
Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis – a valid method for developing knowledge in nursing science
Authors: Tofthagen Randi , Fagerstrøm Lisbeth M.
Published: November 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 21–31
 
Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis – a valid method for developing knowledge in nursing science

In nursing science, concept development is a necessary prerequisite for meaningful basic research. Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis is a method for developing knowledge in nursing science. The purpose of this article is to present Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis as a valid scientific method. A brief description of the evolutionary process, from data collection to data analysis, with the concepts’ context, surrogate and related terms, antecedents, attributes, examples and consequences, is presented. The phases used in evolutionary concept analysis are illustrated with eight actual studies (1999–2009) from nursing research. The strength of the method is that it is systematic, with a focus on clear‐cut phases during the analysis process, and that it can contribute to clarifying, describing and explaining concepts central to nursing science by analysing how a chosen concept has been used both within the discipline itself and other health sciences. While an interdisciplinary perspective which stresses the similarities and dissimilarities of how a concept is used in various disciplines can increase knowledge of a concept, it is important to clarify the specific with the discipline. Nursing research should focus on the unambiguous use of concepts, for which Rodgers’ method constitutes a possible method. The importance of using quality criteria to determine the inclusion of material should, however, be emphasised in the continued development of the method.
Narrative hermeneutics: in search of narrative data
Authors: Wiklund‐Gustin Lena
Published: November 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 32–37
 
Narrative hermeneutics: in search of narrative data

As human beings, we live in a storied world. This worldview requires us to think about how to re‐present it in research. My purpose with this article is to reflect upon narratives from an ontological and epistemological point of view, taking Ricoeur’s writings on narrative identity as a starting point. From this perspective, narration is an aspect of self‐interpretation and self‐understanding. Furthermore, self‐understanding is not only achieved within our own narratives, but depends upon the regard, words and actions of others. This must be accounted for in our search for narrative data. Researchers would benefit from being alert to this and also aware of how narratives are co‐authored in a dialogue with participants. Reflections on narration from this perspective could guide ethical considerations – and also methodological – as they could support questions that would create space for the narrative. Furthermore, the researcher must be aware that the quality and trustworthiness of narratives to a high degree depend on the researcher and not only on the participant.
Why do close partners snoop? Predictors of intrusive behavior in newlywed couples
Authors: VINKERS CHARLOTTE D. W. , FINKENAUER CATRIN , HAWK SKYLER T.
Published: November 2010

Existing research shows that intrusive behavior has detrimental consequences for relationships. Surprisingly, little is known about why close relationship partners snoop. This study examined why romantic partners engage in intrusive behavior among newlywed couples in the Netherlands. As predicted, the results showed that perceiving a lack of partner disclosure is linked to intrusive behavior, and importantly, that trust moderates this link. Only when people did not trust their partner were their perceptions of partners' low disclosure associated with intrusive behavior. When people trusted their partner, perceived partner disclosure was not associated with intrusive behavior. These results help to explain why people snoop and highlight the importance of trust as a powerful protective buffer against intrusive behavior in close relationships.
The Position of the Occlusal Plane in Natural and Artificial Dentitions as Related to Other Craniofacial Planes
Authors: Quran Firas A.M. AL , Hazza’a Abdalla , Nahass Nabeel Al
Published: November 2010

Purpose: This study aimed at determining the most reliable ala‐tragus line as a guide for the orientation of the occlusal plane in complete denture patients by use of cephalometric landmarks on dentate volunteers.

Materials and Methods: Analysis was made for prosthodontically related craniofacial reference lines and angles of lateral cephalometric radiographs taken for 47 dentate adults. Variables were determined and data were analyzed using SPSS (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL).

Results: Occlusal plane angle formed between the occlusal plane and Camper's plane had the lowest mean value in the angle formed with Camper's I, which represents the measure taken from the superior border of the tragus of the ear with a score of 2.1°. The highest was measured in the angle formed with Camper's III with a score of 6.1°, while the angle formed with Camper's II was 3.2°. The differences between the three planes in relation to the occlusal plane was significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The superior border of the tragus with the inferior border of the ala of the nose was most accurate in orienting the occlusal plane.
Canonical Valuation of Mortality‐Linked Securities
Authors: Siu‐Hang Li Johnny , Cheuk‐Yin Ng Andrew
Published: November 2010

Abstract

A fundamental question in the study of mortality‐linked securities is how to place a value on them. This is still an open question, partly because there is a lack of liquidly traded longevity indexes or securities from which we can infer the market price of risk. This article develops a framework for pricing mortality‐linked securities on the basis of canonical valuation. This framework is largely nonparametric, helping us avoid parameter and model risk, which may be significant in other pricing methods. The framework is then applied to a mortality‐linked security, and the results are compared against those derived from other methods.
Safety and Performance of a System Specifically Designed for Selective Site Pacing
Authors: ZANON FRANCESCO , SVETLICH CARLA , OCCHETTA ERALDO , CATANZARITI DOMENICO , CANTÙ FRANCESCO , PADELETTI LUIGI , SANTINI MASSIMO , SENATORE GAETANO , COMISSO JENNIFER , VARBARO ANNAMARIA , DENARO ALESSANDRA , SAGONE ANTONIO
Published: November 2010

Introduction:
 In the right ventricle, selective site pacing (SSP) has been shown to avoid detrimental hemodynamic effects induced by right ventricular apical pacing and, in the right atrium, to prevent the onset of atrial fibrillation and to slow down disease progression. The purpose of our multicenter observational study was to describe the use of a transvenous 4‐French catheter‐delivered lead for SSP in the clinical practice of a large number of centers.

Methods:
 We enrolled 574 patients in whom an implantable device was indicated. In all patients, SSP was achieved by using the Select Secure System™ (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA).

Results:
 In 570 patients, the lead was successfully implanted. In 125 patients, atrial SSP was performed: in 75 (60%) the lead was placed in the interatrial septum, in 31 (25%) in the coronary sinus ostium, and in 19 (15%) in the Bachman bundle. Ventricular SSP was undertaken in 138 patients: in 105 (76%) the high septal right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) position was paced, in seven (5%) the high free‐wall RVOT, in 25 (18%) the low septal RVOT, and in one (1%) the low free‐wall RVOT. In the remaining 307 patients, the His zone was paced: in 87 (28%) patients, direct His‐bundle pacing and in 220 (72%) patients para‐hisian pacing was achieved. Adequate pacing parameters and a lead‐related complication rate of 2.6% were recorded during a follow‐up of 20 ± 10 months.

Conclusions:
 Our results demonstrated that many sites, in the right atrium, in the right ventricle, and in His‐bundle region, can be paced using the Select Secure System™. (PACE 2011; 34:339–347)
Methods for Examination an Explanted Coronary Sinus Lead Stabilized with a Coronary Stent
Authors: BALÁZS TIBOR , MERKELY BÉLA , BOGNÁR ESZTER , GELLÉR LÁSZLÓ , SZILÁGYI SZABOLCS , DOBRANSZKY JÁNOS , ZIMA ENDRE
Published: November 2010

The aim of our investigation was to test the suitability of a novel method for the analysis of the integrity of an explanted pacemaker lead stabilized by a stent. A coronary sinus lead has been explanted 27 months after implantation and has been examined by optical‐, confocal‐, x‐ray‐, and scanning electron microscopy. Several surface injuries were found on the insulation. Based on the surface characteristics, it is possible to define and differentiate the source of damages as well as to measure the extent of injuries. Impedance of the explanted lead has also been measured and electronic integrity has been verified. (PACE 2013; 36:e27–e30)
Lead Fracture and Free‐Wall Perforation in a Patient with an Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator
Authors: KWON OSUNG , KANG SE HUN , PARK HYUN WOO , CHOI SUK WON , KIM SUNG‐HWAN , KIM KI‐HUN , JIN EUN‐SUN , NAM GI‐BYOUNG
Published: November 2010

Intracardiac lead fracture or free‐wall perforation is a rare complication of implantable defibrillators. Complete disconnection of the fractured electrode has not been reported yet. Here, we report a case of lead fracture/disconnection and free‐wall perforation, which occurred consecutively in a patient. (PACE 2012; 35:e167–e169)
Bite Marks: Physical Properties of Ring Adhesion to Skin—Phase 1*
Authors: Desranleau Sylvain , Dorion Robert B. J.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Unsupported excised skin may shrink by as much as 50% or more. In 1981, a method was developed for ring adhesion to skin with the goal of minimizing tissue distortion upon excision. Five modified versions of the technique bearing the author’s name followed (Dorion types I, II, III, IV, and V). The scientific literature reveals little supporting empirical evidence for the preferential use of one adhesive/suturing technique over another. This study compares the use of various bonding materials (Loctite Super Glue gel®, Dermabond™, Vetbond™), cleaning agents (ethanol, dishwashing liquid, and shaving cream), and depilatory (Veet®) on the effects of ring adhesion to skin. The conclusions indicate that surface wetness is the most influential factor affecting ring adhesion to skin, followed by the type of bonding material, its “freshness,” and by the cleaning agent used to prepare the skin. The use of a depilatory or shaving cream is to be avoided.
Developmental Validation of Feline, Bovine, Equine, and Cervid Quantitative PCR Assays*
Authors: Lindquist Christina D. , Evans Jeffery J. , Wictum Elizabeth J.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Accurate DNA quantification is essential for optimizing DNA testing and minimizing sample consumption. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays have been published for human and canine nuclear DNA, and the need for quantifying other forensically important species was evident. Following the strategy employed for the canine qPCR assay, we developed individual assays to accurately quantify feline, bovine, equine, and cervid nuclear DNA. Each TaqMan‐based assay incorporates a genus‐specific probe targeting the Melanocortin‐1 Receptor gene and includes a piece of synthetic DNA that acts as an internal PCR control for detecting inhibition. Developmental validations were carried out following the revised guidelines of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods with modifications necessary for validation of nonhuman qPCR assays. All assays demonstrated the specificity, sensitivity, stability, reproducibility, accuracy, and precision required for forensic casework. The application of these assays to animal forensic DNA analysis has both conserved laboratory resources and improved genotyping results.
Contact allergy to aliphatic polyisocyanates based on hexamethylene‐1,6‐diisocyanate (HDI)
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Pesonen Maria , Kuuliala Outi , Alanko Kristiina , Jolanki Riitta
Published: November 2010

Background. Aliphatic polyisocyanates based on hexamethylene 1,6‐diisocyanate (HDI) are components of lacquers, coatings, and spray paints. They are mainly composed of HDI trimers, but also contain larger oligomers, and minute amounts of HDI monomers (<1%). HDI trimers occur as biuret, isocyanurate and asymmetrical types.

Objectives. We report on 4 patients with allergic contact dermatitis/contact allergy resulting from HDI‐based polyisocyanates in polyurethane paints.

Methods. The patients were examined at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in 2000–2009. The first two patients were diagnosed by testing with their own polyurethane hardeners and ingredients of the hardeners. In 2002, HDI isocyanurate (HDI‐IC) trimer was added to our isocyanate series, and the last two patients were screened with the series.

Results. Patient no. 1 was exposed and sensitized to HDI biuret trimer, patient no. 2 to HDI‐IC trimer, and patient no. 4 to HDI asymmetrical trimer. Patient no. 3 was positive with HDI‐IC trimer. He had been handling several paint hardeners containing HDI‐based polyisocyanates, but the subtypes of the trimers remained unidentified. All 4 patients were negative with HDI monomer.

Conclusions. HDI trimers are novel contact allergens in workers who handle polyurethane paints. The allergic reactions cannot be explained by sensitization to HDI monomer.
Evaluation of Vickers hardness of different types of acrylic denture base resins with and without glass fibre reinforcement
Authors: Farina Ana Paula , Cecchin Doglas , Soares Rodrigo Gonçalves , Botelho André Luís , Takahashi Jessica Mie Ferreira Koyama , Mazzetto Marcelo Oliveira , Mesquita Marcelo Ferraz
Published: November 2010

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00435.x
 
Evaluation of Vickers hardness of different types of acrylic denture base resins with and without glass fibre reinforcement

Objective:  To evaluate the Vickers hardness of different acrylic resins for denture bases with and without the addition of glass fibres.

Background:  It has been suggested that different polymerisation methods, as well as the addition of glass fibre (FV) might improve the hardness of acrylic.

Materials and methods:  Five types of acrylic resin were tested: Vipi Wave (VW), microwave polymerisation; Vipi Flash (VF), auto‐polymerisation; Lucitone (LT), QC20 (QC) and Vipi Cril (VC), conventional heat‐polymerisation, all with or without glass fibre reinforcement (GFR) and distributed into 10 groups (n = 12). Specimens were then submitted to Vickers hardness testing with a 25‐g load for 30 s. All data were submitted to anova and Tukey’s HSD test.

Results:  A significant statistical difference was observed with regard to the polymerisation method and the GFR (p < 0.05). Without the GFR, the acrylic resin VC presented the highest hardness values, and VF and LT presented the lowest. In the presence of GFR, VC resin still presented the highest Vickers hardness values, and VF and QC presented the lowest.

Conclusions:  The acrylic resin VC and VW presented higher hardness values than VF and QC resins. Moreover, GFR increased the Vickers hardness of resins VW, VC and LT.