bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Richard G. Condon Prize What's Not to Know? A Durkheimian Critique of Boyer's Theory of Religion
Authors: Davis Sarah Henning
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis article examines Pascal Boyer's theory of religion, in which he argues that religious beliefs are an inessential by‐product of theory of mind functioning. I suggest that Boyer is emblematic of a new wave of thinking about religion that oversimplifies religion and theory of mind processes and in so doing misses something profound about human cognition. Through a reexamination of Emile Durkheim'sElementary Forms of Religious Life, one of the classic (and classically misunderstood) works on religion, the present work elucidates what the recent theories are missing. Specifically, where Boyer's arguments suggest that “mentally building a “god” requires first building a “thinking agent,”“Durkheim suggests that mentally building a “thinking agent” may first require building a “god.” [religion, theory of mind, counterintuitive beliefs, society, sacred, profane]
Effects of melatonin on in vitro maturation of porcine oocyte and expression of melatonin receptor RNA in cumulus and granulosa cells
Authors: Kang Jung‐Taek , Koo Ok‐Jae , Kwon Dae‐Kee , Park Hee‐Jung , Jang Goo , Kang Sung‐Keun , Lee Byeong‐Chun
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Melatonin is a multifunctional molecule that mediates several circadian and seasonal processes in animal reproduction. Melatonin and its metabolites are antioxidants and free radical scavengers. We investigated the effects of melatonin on porcine oocyte maturation and embryo development. We then investigated the local expression of the melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) gene in cumulus cells, granulosa cells, and the oocytes with the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method. We further evaluated the antioxidant effects [reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cumulus‐oocytes complexes] of melatonin supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM). Compared with control, melatonin supplementation (10 ng/mL) during IVM resulted in a greater proportion of oocytes extruding the polar body (75.6% versus 84.6%). Significantly greater proportion of parthenogenetically activated oocytes developed to blastocysts when the in vitro medium was supplemented with melatonin; however, cleavage frequency and blastocyst cell number were not affected by the treatment. RT‐PCR analysis revealed the expression of MT1 gene in cumulus and granulosa cells but not in oocytes. Melatonin‐treated oocytes had significantly lower levels of ROS than did control (untreated) oocytes. We conclude that exogenous melatonin has beneficial effects on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation during porcine IVM. Some of the observed effects may be mediated by receptor binding and while others may have been receptor independent, e.g., direct free radical scavenging.
Extracorporeal photopheresis in graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Carcagnì Maria Rosaria , De Aloe Giovambattista , D'Ascenzo Giuseppina , Rubegni Pietro , Fimiani Michele
Published: May 2008

Graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) is a common and often serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. There are two major forms of GvHD: an acute form which develops in the first 100days after HSCT, and a chronic form which develops later. Chronic GvHD is a multiorgan syndrome with many features of autoimmune diseases, such as sclerodermatous skin changes, cholestasis, pulmonary fibrosis, xerostomia, oral ulcerations, myositis and fasci‐itis. Unlike acute GvHD which is characterized by acute alloreactivity,the etiology of chronic GvHD is controversial and is believed to be either an extension of acute GvHD and/or a result of dysfunctional immune reconstitution with generation of autoantibodies and autoreactive T‐cell clones. GvHD is usually treated with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants which do not always succeed in arresting its evolution. Extracorporeal photochemotherapy has been used in patients with both acute and chronic GvHD.
Drug reactions – New observations
Authors: Wolf Ingrid H. , Wolf Peter , Cerroni Lorenzo , Holzer Herwig , Kerl Helmut
Published: May 2008

This Macro‐Micro‐Dermatology‐contribution with the theme innovative drugs and drug reactions illustrates two new observations of practical interest: 1. Follicular eruption after Everolimus and 2. Atrophy of sebaceous glands after Sirolimus.
Management of Inborn Errors of Metabolism during Pregnancy
Authors: CLARK BRENDA J. , COCKBURN F.
Published: May 2008

An increasing number of women with inherited metabolic disorders survive, conceive and have children. In order to safeguard the health of the mother and the developing embryo, fetus, and newborn during pregnancy, delivery, and the neonatal period it is necessary to be aware of the range of metabolic disorders, the risks to mothers and children, and appropriate management strategies. The roles of the Paediatrician, Obstetrician and Dietitian in the management of Maternal Hyperphenylalaninaemia and phenylketonuria are reviewed.
Cholesterol: Should We Screen All Children or Change the Diet of All Children
Authors: LLOYD JUNE K.
Published: May 2008

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and may present during childhood. Dietary measures can reduce plasma cholesterol and may thus delay or prevent the development of the atherosclerotic process. Although plasma cholesterol concentrations measured during childhood track into adult life with a correlation coefficient of about 0.6 this in itself is insufficient to justify total population screening of children especially as the mechanisms for management and follow‐up and their social, psychological and economic implications have not been adequately evaluated. Targeted screening of children in families with the genetic disorder of familial hypercholesterolaemia, where the risk of premature coronary heart disease is very high, should, however, be undertaken even though such screening may only identify half of all affected children. Dietary change designed to lower plasma cholesterol can be applied to the whole population including children over the age of 2 years, does not require pre‐determination of plasma cholesterol, and is to be recommended. The effects of such change on the growth and health of children should be monitored.
Target Weight in Children and Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: PARRY‐JONES W. LL.
Published: May 2008

Establishing realistic weight goals and their effective use in treatment is an integral part of management in anorexia nervosa. However, the processes involved are discussed rarely in the clinical and research literature. Various methods for setting target weights are reviewed, with consideration of the relative merits of their application in the treatment of pre‐pubertal children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
Prostaglandin therapy for ductal patency: how long is too long?
Authors: Brodlie Malcolm , Chaudhari Milind , Hasan Asif
Published: May 2008

The management of neonates born with duct‐dependent congenital heart defects in association with prematurity or low birth weight is challenging. We describe two preterm and low birth weight infants with duct‐dependent congenital heart disease where cardiac surgery was successfully delayed by maintaining ductal patency using a prolonged prostaglandin infusion. This allowed time for growth and maturation and therefore reduced the risks associated with surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusion: Maintenance of ductal patency by a prolonged prostaglandin infusion in low birth weight or preterm infants with duct‐dependent congenital heart disease is a viable option that allows cardiac surgery to be delayed whilst awaiting further growth and development.
Clinic‐based Surveillance of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes to Identify Induced Abortions in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Oliveras Elizabeth , Ahiadeke Clement , Adanu Richard M. , Hill Allan G.
Published: May 2008

Reliable measures of induced abortion remain elusive, especially when the public perception is that the procedure is immoral or improper. This study draws on interviews using a modified preceding birth technique (PBT) with women attending antenatal and maternity clinics in Accra to compare rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes (stillbirths, miscarriages, and induced abortions) with rates from a household maternity history and the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The reports from the antenatal clinics produced some of the highest rates for adverse outcomes of pregnancy. In light of the generally high coverage of antenatal services found even in developing countries, the method based on the PBT holds promise for the improvement of reports of miscarriage and abortion worldwide.
Donne into Print: The Seventeenth‐Century Collected Editions of Donne's Poetry
Authors: Pebworth Ted‐Larry
Published: May 2008

This paper is part of the secondLiterature Compasspanel cluster arising fromThe Texas A&M John Donne Collection: A Symposium and Exhibition. [Correction added after online publication 24 October 2008: ‘This paper introduces the secondLiterature Compasspanel cluster’ changed to ‘This paper is part of the secondLiterature Compasspanel cluster’.] Comprising an introduction by Gary Stringer and three of the papers presented at the symposium, this cluster seeks to examine the current state of Donne Studies and aims to provide a snapshot of the field. The symposium was held April 6–7, 2006.

The cluster is made up of the following articles:

‘Introduction to the Second Donne Cluster: Three Papers fromThe Texas A&M John Donne Collection: A Symposium and Exhibition’, Gary A. Stringer,Literature Compass5 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00551.x.

‘Donne into Print: The Seventeenth‐Century Collected Editions of Donne's Poetry’, Ted‐Larry Pebworth,Literature Compass5 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00552.x.

‘ “a mixed Parenthesis”: John Donne'sLetters to Severall Persons of Honour’, M. Thomas Hester,Literature Compass5 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00553.x.

‘What We Think About Donne: A History of Donne Criticism in Twenty Minutes’, Paul A. Parrish,Literature Compass5 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00554.x.

***

The early printing history of John Donne's collected poetry was largely shaped by his attitude toward printing. Throughout his life, Donne preferred manuscript circulation to print publication, and that preference had significant consequences for the early dissemination of his poems, their posthumous publication in 1633, and their subsequent textual histories. The modern editor must consider carefully all early artefacts of Donne's poetry – both manuscript and print – in the pursuit of the authorial text. Fortunately, the acquisition of the I. A. Shapiro collection of seventeenth‐century editions of Donne by the Cushing Memorial Library at Texas A&M University has facilitated the study of those early printings.
What We Think About Donne: A History of Donne Criticism in Twenty Minutes
Authors: Parrish Paul A.
Published: May 2008

This paper is part of the second Literature Compass panel cluster arising from The Texas A&M John Donne Collection: A Symposium and Exhibition. [Correction added after online publication 24 October 2008: ‘This paper introduces the second Literature Compass panel cluster’ changed to ‘This paper is part of the second Literature Compass panel cluster’.] Comprising an introduction by Gary Stringer and three of the papers presented at the symposium, this cluster seeks to examine the current state of Donne Studies and aims to provide a snapshot of the field. The symposium was held April 6–7, 2006.

The cluster is made up of the following articles:

‘Introduction to the Second Donne Cluster: Three Papers from The Texas A&M John Donne Collection: A Symposium and Exhibition’, Gary A. Stringer, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00551.x.

‘Donne into Print: The Seventeenth‐Century Collected Editions of Donne's Poetry’, Ted‐Larry Pebworth, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00552.x.

‘“a mixed Parenthesis”: John Donne's Letters to Severall Persons of Honour’, M. Thomas Hester, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00553.x.

‘What We Think About Donne: A History of Donne Criticism in Twenty Minutes’, Paul A. Parrish, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00554.x.

***

The standard paradigm of critical responses to John Donne from the seventeenth century to the present is not seriously contested: during his own day Donne was reasonably well known, albeit a somewhat controversial poet. As the century progressed, Donne became increasingly out of fashion, and throughout the eighteenth century and into the nineteenth century, Donne had largely disappeared from the public and critical eye. The ‘rescue’ of Donne in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries has led to an interest that has continued largely unabated to the present, though often without the unbridled enthusiasm that characterizes some responses early in the twentieth century. In the past few decades, Donne's work has been viewed through the lenses of virtually every critical and theoretical approach one could identify. More recent efforts, particularly as exemplified by the Variorum Edition of the Poetry of John Donne, have not so much challenged the standard paradigm regarding Donne criticism as to add to our knowledge and understanding by filling in gaps and shading in historical transitions, the better to provide a more comprehensive understanding of what we have thought about Donne for more than four centuries.
Religion and Eighteenth‐Century Literature
Authors: Snead Jennifer
Published: May 2008

A chronological overview of the questions, assumptions, and methods characteristic of how twentieth‐ and twenty‐first‐century scholarship has treated religion in eighteenth‐century British literature, centered on how ideas concerning the relationship between secularization and modernity have impacted this scholarship. It draws primarily on representative book‐length studies and monographs on eighteenth‐century British poetry and fiction published over the past sixty years.
Three enzymatic activities catalyze the oxidation of sulfide to thiosulfate in mammalian and invertebrate mitochondria
Authors: Hildebrandt Tatjana M. , Grieshaber Manfred K.
Published: May 2008

Hydrogen sulfide is a potent toxin of aerobic respiration, but also has physiological functions as a signalling molecule and as a substrate for ATP production. A mitochondrial pathway catalyzing sulfide oxidation to thiosulfate in three consecutive reactions has been identified in rat liver as well as in the body‐wall tissue of the lugworm, Arenicola marina. A membrane‐bound sulfide : quinone oxidoreductase converts sulfide to persulfides and transfers the electrons to the ubiquinone pool. Subsequently, a putative sulfur dioxygenase in the mitochondrial matrix oxidizes one persulfide molecule to sulfite, consuming molecular oxygen. The final reaction is catalyzed by a sulfur transferase, which adds a second persulfide from the sulfide : quinone oxidoreductase to sulfite, resulting in the final product thiosulfate. This role in sulfide oxidation is an additional physiological function of the mitochondrial sulfur transferase, rhodanese.
Surface movement in water of splendipherin, the aquatic male sex pheromone of the tree frog Litoria splendida
Authors: Perriman Adam W. , Apponyi Margit A. , Buntine Mark A. , Jackway Rebecca J. , Rutland Mark W. , White John W. , Bowie John H.
Published: May 2008

The aquatic sex pheromone splendipherin (GLVSSIGKALGGLLADVVKSKGQPA‐OH) of the male green tree frog Litoria splendida moves across the surface of water to reach the female. Surface pressure and X‐ray reflectometry measurements confirm that splendipherin is a surface‐active molecule, and are consistent with it having an ordered structure, whereby the hydrophilic portion of the peptide interacts with the underlying water and the hydrophobic region is adjacent to the vapour phase. The movement of splendipherin over the surface of water is caused by a surface pressure gradient. In order to better define the structure of splendipherin at the water/air interface we used 2D NMR studies of the pheromone with the solvent system trifluoroethanol/water (1 : 1 v/v). In this solvent system, splendipherin adopts a bent α helix from residues V3 to K21. The bending of the helix occurs in the centre of the peptide in the vicinity of G11 and G12. The region of splendipherin from V3 to G11 has well‐defined amphipathicity, whereas the amphipathicity from G12 to A25 is reduced by K19 and P24 intruding into the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions respectively. A helical structure is consistent with X‐ray reflectometry data.
Nitric oxide formation from the reaction of nitrite with carp and rabbit hemoglobin at intermediate oxygen saturations
Authors: Jensen Frank B.
Published: May 2008

The nitrite reductase activity of deoxyhemoglobin has received much recent interest because the nitric oxide produced in this reaction may participate in blood flow regulation during hypoxia. The present study used spectral deconvolution to characterize the reaction of nitrite with carp and rabbit hemoglobin at different constant oxygen tensions that generate the full range of physiological relevant oxygen saturations. Carp is a hypoxia‐tolerant species with very high hemoglobin oxygen affinity, and the high R‐state character and low redox potential of the hemoglobin is hypothesized to promote NO generation from nitrite. The reaction of nitrite with deoxyhemoglobin leads to a 1 : 1 formation of nitrosylhemoglobin and methemoglobin in both species. At intermediate oxygen saturations, the reaction with deoxyhemoglobin is clearly favored over that with oxyhemoglobin, and the oxyhemoglobin reaction and its autocatalysis are inhibited by nitrosylhemoglobin from the deoxyhemoglobin reaction. The production of NO and nitrosylhemoglobin is faster and higher in carp hemoglobin with high O2 affinity than in rabbit hemoglobin with lower O2 affinity, and it correlates inversely with oxygen saturation. In carp, NO formation remains substantial even at high oxygen saturations. When oxygen affinity is decreased by T‐state stabilization of carp hemoglobin with ATP, the reaction rates decrease and NO production is lowered, but the deoxyhemoglobin reaction continues to dominate. The data show that the reaction of nitrite with hemoglobin is dynamically influenced by oxygen affinity and the allosteric equilibrium between the T and R states, and that a high O2 affinity increases the nitrite reductase capability of hemoglobin.
Non healing leg ulcers and the nurse–patient relationship. Part 2: the nurse’s perspective
Authors: Morgan Philip A , Moffatt Christine J
Published: May 2008

This paper focuses on the experiences of four community nursing teams responsible for the care of a small group of patients with leg ulcers who they had identified as ‘non healing’ and ‘non concordant’ with treatment. Four focus groups were held, one with each community nursing team, to examine the issues underpinning the labelling of these patients as ‘non healing’ and ‘non concordant’. There was an expectation that patients should obey treatment instructions and be positive and participative and there was a strongly felt link between concordance and healing of the ulcer. However, limited non concordance was considered to be acceptable as long as the patient continued to progress. Nurses viewed ulcer healing as the priority even though this was unlikely and differed from the patient’s priority of achieving comfort. Patient behaviour was an important determinant of labelling by nurses. Efforts by patients to exert some control over their own care were met with them being viewed as ‘difficult’, ‘uncooperative’ and ‘non compliant’. There was also a pervasive level of stress, distress and anxiety among the community nurse participants, which led to distancing and blaming that undermined the nurse–patient relationship. At the centre of a successful nurse–patient relationship is a non judgemental partnership that can often be challenging to achieve especially when ulcers fail to heal.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy in the management of diabetes foot ulcers
Authors: Noble‐Bell Georgia , Forbes Angus
Published: May 2008

Foot ulcers are a common complication in patients with diabetes. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a wound care therapy that is being increasingly used in the management of foot ulcers. This article presents a systematic review examining the effectiveness of this therapy. The review question is how effective is NPWT in achieving wound healing in diabetes foot ulcers? The primary outcome for this study was the number of patients achieving complete wound healing (secondary outcomes, other markers of wound healing, adverse events and patient satisfaction). A systematic literature review and tabulative synthesis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The review identified four RCTs of weak to moderate quality. Only one study examining NPWT in postamputation wound healing reported data on the primary outcome. These data show a 20% improvement in wound healing [odds ratios = 2·0%, confidence interval (CI) −1·0 to 4·0] and number needed to treat = 6 (CI 4–64). No serious treatment‐related complications were reported by any of the studies. One study suggested a reduction in the risk of secondary amputation (absolute risk reduction = 7·9%, CI 0·5–15·43). Studies also reported an increase in granulation and wound‐healing rates in patients treated with NPWT therapy. No data on patient satisfaction or experience were reported. While all the studies included in the review indicated that the NPWT therapy is more effective than conventional dressings, the quality of the studies were weak and the nature of the inquiries in terms of outcome and patient selection divergent. There is a strong need for larger trials to assess NPWT therapy in diabetes care with different groups of patients and in relation to different clinical objectives and parameters.
The feasibility of using V.A.C.® Therapy in home care patients with surgical and traumatic wounds in the Netherlands
Authors: Trueman Paul , Flack Sarah , Loonstra Ate , Hauser Tino
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to review the feasibility of using vacuum‐assisted closure (V.A.C.®) Therapy for the management of surgical and traumatic wounds in the home care settings in the Netherlands. De‐identified patient data were collected from a health insurance database in the Netherlands. All patients with complete records, including indication, age, duration of therapy and defined treatment goal between January and November 2006 were included. Data from 338 patients were analysed. On average, wounds had been present for 2 months before start of V.A.C. Therapy. Overall, 74% of patients reached the pre‐defined therapy goal (77% for dehisced wounds, 68% for abdominal wounds, 73% for traumatic wounds and 91% for sternal wounds) with approximately 1 month of V.A.C. Therapy. There was a negative association between the wound duration prior to V.A.C. Therapy and the treatment success rate (r = −0·162, P = 0·003). Wounds with shorter duration (≤4 weeks) prior to initiation of V.A.C. Therapy achieved an 82% success rate compared with 33% for wounds present for >6 months prior to V.A.C. Therapy. V.A.C. Therapy is a feasible and effective treatment for surgical and traumatic wounds in home care patients with over 70% of patients treated in this sample achieving pre‐defined treatment goals. The success rate of V.A.C. Therapy is negatively associated with the duration of the wound before V.A.C. Therapy is commenced.
Minimising wound‐related pain at dressing change: evidence‐informed practice
Authors: Woo Kevin Y , Harding Keith , Price Patricia , Sibbald Gary
Published: May 2008

Pain is a common concern in patients with chronic wounds. The purpose of this article is to inform clinicians of empirical evidence for practice based on a recent published consensus document on wound related pain. A team approach is needed to address the experience of living with wound related pain within a holistic framework. The importance of regular pain assessment and strategies to minimize traumatic during wound care are highlighted.
A randomised controlled 8‐week crossover clinical evaluation of the 3M™ Coban™ 2 Layer Compression System versus Profore™ to evaluate the product performance in patients with venous leg ulcers
Authors: Moffatt Christine J , Edwards Lynfa , Collier Mark , Treadwell Terry , Miller Michael , Shafer Laura , Sibbald Gary , Brassard Alain , McIntosh Andrea , Reyzelman Alex , Price Patricia , Kraus Stacia Merkel , Walters Shelley‐Ann , Harding Keith
Published: May 2008

This study compared a two‐layer (Coban™ 2 Layer) and a four‐layer (Profore™) compression bandage system in venous leg ulcer patients. Participants (n = 81) were enrolled into an 8‐week, randomised, open‐label, ten‐centre, crossover clinical trial. The primary endpoint was bandage slippage measured at each dressing change. Secondary endpoints included wound healing, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient preference. Mean slippage estimated from a mixed analysis of variance model (697 visits) was 2·48 cm for the two‐layer system and 4·17 cm for the four‐layer system (P < 0·001). There were no significant differences in percent of wounds that healed (Fisher’s exact test, P = 0·30), in wound area reduction (Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, P = 0·88) or in linear healing rate (Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, P = 0·94). The HRQoL Physical Symptoms and Daily Living scores were significantly higher with the two‐layer system (pooled two‐sample t‐test, P < 0·05). Patients had a strong preference for the two‐layer system (72%) than the four‐layer system (22%), with 6% having no preference. In conclusion, the two‐layer system exhibited significantly less bandage slippage than the four‐layer system. While less bandage slippage did not appear to impact wound healing, there was indication that it may have influenced patient preference in favour of the two‐layer system and potentially impacted patients’ HRQoL.
Low level laser therapy for healing acute and chronic wounds – the extendicare experience
Authors: Saltmarche Anita E
Published: May 2008

The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of low level laser therapy for wound healing when combined with the Extendicare Wound Prevention and Management Program. Sixteen residents at a Canadian Extendicare nursing home had a total of 27 sites treated consisting of 23 open wounds and 4 ‘at risk’ areas. Of the 23 open wounds, two wounds in between toes were not able to be ‘traced’ and deemed ‘immeasurable’ wounds, resulting in 21 open, measured wounds. The four ‘at risk’ (closed) areas were treated preventatively. Pressure, venous insufficiency and diabetic wounds were included. The majority (12/21) or 57·1%, of the wounds were chronic (≥3 months duration) and 42·9% were acute (<3 months duration). The primary outcome measures included the PUSH Tool score, EZ GraphTM tracings and photographs. Secondary outcome measures were employed to better understand potential barriers to successful integration into clinical practice. Feedback on the effectiveness of low level laser therapy, the education program and determinations of hands‐on relevance was sought from staff. At the end of the 9‐week trial, the majority (61·9%) of the 21 wounds achieved significant improvement (≥50% wound closure). Nine (42·8%) had 100% closure. Some improvement was seen in 14·3% and 23·8% of wounds demonstrated no change. Chronic and acute wounds had similar improvement. None of the wounds in this debilitated, frail population deteriorated during the study and no negative consequences of treatment were encountered. Without staff support, even if new technology has positive clinical outcomes, success would be limited. Staff rated low level laser, easy to learn and use, effective for the majority of their residents worth the additional time. Staff requested a continuation of low level laser even after study completion.
Test Preparation: Examining Teacher Perceptions and Practices
Authors: Lai Emily R. , Waltman Kris
Published: May 2008

This study analyzed questionnaire and interview data on teachers' practices and perceptions with respect to test preparation. Questionnaire respondents were asked to rate the ethicality of various test‐preparation practices and indicate the extent to which they utilize these practices in their instruction. On the basis of questionnaire results, interviews were conducted with a smaller sample of teachers to determine their views on the appropriateness of particular test‐preparation practices, and to determine the factors affecting teacher perceptions about a given activity. Contrary to previous empirical work, questionnaire results indicated that neither use of a given practice nor teacher perceptions of the ethicality of the practice vary across levels of student achievement. On the other hand, consistent with previous empirical work, both use and perceptions varied across grade‐level configuration. Estimates of the prevalence of particular teacher practices and perceptions were obtained and compared with those from the literature. In addition, dimensions of teacher reasoning were explored, indicating that when considering the appropriateness of a given practice, teachers consider the following factors: score meaning, learning, the potential for raising student scores, professional ethics, equity, and external perceptions.
Consistency of Standard Setting in an Augmented State Testing System
Authors: Lissitz Robert W. , Wei Hua
Published: May 2008

In this article we address the issue of consistency in standard setting in the context of an augmented state testing program. Information gained from the external NRT scores is used to help make an informed decision on the determination of cut scores on the state test. The consistency of cut scores on the CRT across grades is maintained by forcing a consistency model based on the NRT scores and translating that information back to the CRT scores. The inconsistency of standards and the application of this model are illustrated using data from the Maryland MSA large state testing program involving cut points for basic, proficient and advanced in mathematics and reading across years and across grades. The model is discussed in some detail and shown to be a promising approach, although not without assumptions that must be made and issues that might be raised.
Influence of Sodium Chloride and Glucose on Acid‐Induced Gelation of Heat‐Denatured Ovalbumin
Authors: Choi S.J. , Lee S.E. , Moon T.W.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  We examined the effects of NaCl and glucose on cold‐set ovalbumin gelation. Cold‐set gels were prepared by adding glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL) to a 2% heated ovalbumin solution. For the gel prepared from ovalbumin heat‐denatured with NaCl and glucose, the gel with 10 mM NaCl was most transparent and had high gel strength. Its maximum complex shear modulus (G*) and turbidity were 2.5 times greater and 3 times lower, respectively, than those of the gel without NaCl. The turbidity of the gel with the higher NaCl content increased steeply after the addition of GDL and did not change during the experimental period. The maximum G* of the gel exhibited positive correlations with the molar mass, radius, and surface hydrophobicity of soluble aggregates and the NaCl content, but the turbidity exhibited negative correlations with these factors. The presence of glucose did not significantly affect the turbidity or rheological properties of the gel. For the gel prepared by adding NaCl and glucose with GDL, the presence of glucose did not affect the turbidity, but the maximum G* decreased in inverse proportion to the glucose content. The turbidity of the gel with higher NaCl content (≥ 50 mM) was the greatest among all samples, and the increased turbidity was maintained throughout the measurements. The gels with 50 and 100 mM NaCl exhibited thixotropy during shearing at a constant shear rate. Therefore, the presence of NaCl and glucose during cold gelation could facilitate the preparation of cold‐set gels having various properties for food applications.
Design of Conservative Simulated Particles for Validation of a Multiphase Aseptic Process
Authors: Jasrotia A.K.S. , Simunovic J. , Sandeep K.P. , Palazoglu T.K. , Swartzel K.R.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  Simulated food particles with conservative (fast moving and slow heating) properties are required for validation of multiphase aseptic processing for production of shelf‐stable low‐acid foods. The validation process requires simulated particles to contain residence time tags, thermosensitive implants, and/or bioloads for temperature detection, time–temperature integration, and bactericidal efficacy confirmation. Conservative particle design (CPD) software was used to determine the wall thickness required for conservative behavior of such particles made with polypropylene (PP) and polymethylpentene (PMP) of wall thickness 1 mm (0.0393 inches) and 2 mm (0.0787 inches) containing tube inserts. Thermocouples were inserted in the simulated and real food particles and the particles were heated up to 127 °C under pressurized (24 psi) conditions. Based on the heating rates of the real and simulated particles, an appropriate simulated particle was identified for each type of real food particle. This would allow a food processor to use these designed particles with an appropriate tube insert (diameter) to validate an aseptic process for a multiphase food containing any or all the above tested food materials.
Effects of Fruit Maturity on Watermelon Ultrastructure and Intracellular Lycopene Distribution
Authors: Bangalore D.V. , McGlynn W.G. , Scott D.D.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  This study employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to conduct research on the ultrastructure of watermelon (cultivar: Hazera SW1) mesocarp samples of different maturities. Micrographs from immature fruit showed incompletely formed chromoplasts. A combination of distinct pigment‐bearing chromoplasts and incompletely formed chromoplasts was observed in mature watermelon micrographs. Electron micrographs showed chromoplasts changing from a less organized globular form in immature to a symmetrical form in mature to an asymmetrical form in overmature watermelons. This study furthers our understanding of watermelon physiology and the effect of maturity on compartmentalization of lycopene.
Nanotechnology: Legitimacy, Narrative and Emergent Technologies
Authors: López José Julián
Published: May 2008

It is argued that the legitimacy of an emergent technology, such as nanotechnology, depends on its ability to develop a narrative that mobilises and integrates a number of pre‐existing narrative scripts. In the case of nanotechnology, especially in its NBIC variant (i.e. the convergence of Nano, Bio, Information technology and the Cognitive sciences), the narrative types include science as transcendence, risk, hype, social accountability, ELSI (Ethical Legal and Social Implications) and Science Fiction. This article draws on a number science studies fields to show how components from each of these narrative types make their appearance in the discourse of nanotechnology, but also how they are ordered and stabilised around a key metaphor: practitioners of nanotechnology as master builders. This metaphor links nanotechnology to Science Fiction as a key site for the construction of alternative worlds, and also to the above‐mentioned narrative scripts. In the conclusion, some troubling implications of how nanotechnology is currently legitimated are highlighted.
Moral Panic Analysis: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Critcher Chas
Published: May 2008

Contemporary news events indicate the continuing relevance of moral panic analysis. Of two versions one is British, formulated by Stan Cohen, exemplified by the 1970s emergence of mugging. The second is American, formulated by Goode and Ben‐Yehuda, exemplified by the 1980s missing children campaign. Each model conceptualises the agents and dynamics of moral panics, their causes and consequences. The models have been applied mainly to seven main areas: AIDS, child abuse, drugs, immigration, media violence, street crime and youth deviance. Empirical data have confirmed basic features of the original models and enabled generalisations about the presence and functions of moral panics in capitalist democracies. Critics express reservations about the models’ ambiguous terminology, assumptions of media effects, predetermined dynamics, and vague outcomes. Some advocate revision of the models, others their abandonment. Future development of moral panic analysis requires connection to three important sociological themes: discourse, risk and moral regulation.
Another perspective on individuals with disabilities: An editorial
Authors: Waldman H. Barry , Perlman Steven P.
Published: May 2008

In 2005, there were nearly 40 million individuals (14.9% of the population), 5 years of age and older, with one or more disabilities (not including individuals living in institutions).1 There is a great variation at the state level: the proportion of the population with disabilities ranges as high as 10.4% in Maine for youngsters between 5 and 20 years, to 52.1% for individuals 65 years and older in Mississippi. By contrast, the lowest proportion of youngsters 5 to 20 years of age with disabilities was in Connecticut (4.5%) and the lowest proportion for individuals 65 years or older with disabilities was in Nevada (33.3%). Political and social factors may be affecting the number of services available and many people with disabilities are not receiving these services. This editorial discusses some of the factors that may affect access to oral health services for people with disabilities.
Preconditioning protects the retinal pigment epithelium cells from oxidative stress‐induced cell death
Authors: Sharma Rajesh K. , Netland Peter A. , Kedrov Marina A. , Johnson Dianna A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  The cytotoxic effects of oxidative stress, which play an important role in ocular diseases, are well known. In this study, we investigated the effect of non‐lethal doses of oxidative stress on various cell functions, namely cell viability, cell attachment and cell migration in a widely used retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line (ARPE‐19).

Methods:  A single exposure to various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to establish a dose response for H2O2‐induced cell death. Other cellular responses, such as changes in cell attachment and migration, were monitored after exposure to increasing doses. Finally, the effects of preconditioning cells with increasing non‐lethal doses of H2O2, with and without a subsequent exposure to lethal doses of H2O2, were determined.

Results:  The optimum dose for inducing cell death in ARPE‐19 cells was between 900 and 1000 μm H2O2. Preconditioning the cells with 1, 10 and 50 μm of H2O2 provided a dose‐dependent protection against cell death induced by a lethal dose (900–1000 μm) of H2O2. Preconditioning with higher doses caused cells to become more susceptible to the cytotoxic effects of the lethal dose. Although H2O2 increased cell attachment in lower doses, it induced a dose‐dependent inhibition of cell attachment to the substrate in higher doses. H2O2 did not affect cell migration in sub‐lethal doses.

Conclusion:  Preconditioning RPE cells with limited exposure to non‐lethal oxidative stress confers significant protection against subsequent H2O2‐induced cell death. It also affects cell attachment in a dose‐specific manner. This finding may help in understanding the pathogenesis of diseases in which oxidative stress plays an important role and in determining the suitability of certain treatment strategies, in particular RPE transplantation in the treatment of age‐related macular degeneration.
Aniridia among children and teenagers in Sweden and Norway
Authors: Edén Ulla , Beijar Caroline , Riise Ruth , Tornqvist Kristina
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  To investigate patients under the age of 20 with aniridia in Sweden and Norway in order to estimate the prevalence of aniridia, to describe clinical signs and identify complications in the young, which will help improve diagnostic tools and treatment.

Methods:  A thorough search for patients with aniridia (of all ages) was performed. Sixty‐two of the 181 patients were under the age of 20. Fifty‐two of them were examined and they constituted the study population. Patient history was obtained and all participants underwent clinical ophthalmologic examination, including photography. Blood samples were taken for mutation analysis.

Results:  Epidemiological data are only based on the results in Sweden. The age‐specific prevalence in Sweden was 1:47 000, male/female ratio was 0.57, mean age 12 years and median age 14 years. The proportion of sporadic cases including WAGR (Wilms tumour, Aniridia, Genitourinary abnormalities, Mental Retardation) and Gillespie syndrome (aniridia, cerebellar ataxia and mental retardation) was 48%. In the entire study population (Sweden and Norway), the mean visual acuity (VA) was 0.2 (range 0.04–0.9). We found VA < 0.3 in 80% and <0.1 in 18% of the patients. Twenty‐two patients (42%) had one or more of the sight threatening complications such as cataract/lens luxation, corneal clouding or glaucoma.

Conclusion:  Descriptions of aniridia in the younger are rare. This study shows that aniridia seems to be more common than previously estimated and that some complications appear early in life. Watchfulness as regards these complications and regular examinations are essential even in the youngest.
bla
IMP-4
in Different Genetic Contexts in
Enterobacteriaceae
Isolates from Australia
Authors: Espedido Björn A. , Partridge Sally R. , Iredell Jonathan R.
Published: May 2008

The IMP-4 metallo-β-lactamase, originally recognized in
Acinetobacter
spp. from Hong Kong, more recently appeared simultaneously in isolates of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
from Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. The
bla
IMP-4
-
qacG2
-
aacA4
-
catB3
cassette array was found in isolates from both cities, but in different wider genetic contexts and on different plasmids, suggesting movement of this array by homologous recombination.
Persistently Infected Horses Are Reservoirs for Intrastadial Tick-Borne Transmission of the Apicomplexan Parasite
Babesia equi
Authors: Ueti Massaro W. , Palmer Guy H. , Scoles Glen A. , Kappmeyer Lowell S. , Knowles Donald P.
Published: May 2008

Tick-borne pathogens may be transmitted intrastadially and transstadially within a single vector generation as well as vertically between generations. Understanding the mode and relative efficiency of this transmission is required for infection control. In this study, we established that adult male
Rhipicephalus microplus
ticks efficiently acquire the protozoal pathogen
Babesia equi
during acute and persistent infections and transmit it intrastadially to naïve horses. Although the level of parasitemia during acquisition feeding affected the efficiency of the initial tick infection, infected ticks developed levels of ≥10
4
organisms/pair of salivary glands independent of the level of parasitemia during acquisition feeding and successfully transmitted them, indicating that replication within the tick compensated for any initial differences in infectious dose and exceeded the threshold for transmission. During the development of
B. equi
parasites in the salivary gland granular acini, the parasites expressed levels of paralogous surface proteins significantly different from those expressed by intraerythrocytic parasites from the mammalian host. In contrast to the successful intrastadial transmission, adult female
R. microplus
ticks that fed on horses with high parasitemia passed the parasite vertically into the eggs with low efficiency, and the subsequent generation (larvae, nymphs, and adults) failed to transmit
B. equi
parasites to naïve horses. The data demonstrated that intrastadial but not transovarial transmission is an efficient mode for
B. equi
transmission and that persistently infected horses are an important reservoir for transmission. Consequently,
R. microplus
male ticks and persistently infected horses should be targeted for disease control.
Yersinia pestisType III Secretion System-Dependent Inhibition of Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Function
Authors: Spinner Justin L. , Cundiff Jennifer A. , Kobayashi Scott D.
Published: May 2008

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs, or neutrophils) are the primary innate host defense against invading bacterial pathogens. Neutrophils are rapidly recruited to sites of infection and ingest microorganisms through a process known as phagocytosis. Following phagocytosis by human PMNs, microorganisms are killed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and microbicidal products contained within granules.Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is capable of rapid replication and dissemination from sites of infection in the host. AlthoughY. pestissurvives in macrophages, the bacterial fate following interaction with human PMNs is less clear. The ability ofY. pestisto inhibit phagocytosis by human PMNs was assessed by differential fluorescence microscopy and was shown to be dependent on expression of the type III secretion system (TTSS). Previous studies have demonstrated that TTSS expression in enteropathogenicYersiniaspp. also inhibits the respiratory burst in PMNs and macrophages, and we show here that human PMN ROS production is similarly repressed byY. pestis. However, exclusion of uningested TTSS-expressingY. pestiswith gentamicin revealed that intracellular bacteria are eliminated by human PMNs, similar to bacteria lacking the TTSS. In summary, our results suggest that theY. pestisTTSS contributes to extracellular survival following interactions with human PMNs and that the intracellular fate is independent of TTSS inhibition of neutrophil ROS production.
In Vivo Analysis of
Aspergillus fumigatus
Developmental Gene Expression Determined by Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR
Authors: Gravelat Fabrice N. , Doedt Thomas , Chiang Lisa Y. , Liu Hong , Filler Scott G. , Patterson Thomas F. , Sheppard Donald C.
Published: May 2008

Very little is known about the developmental stages of
Aspergillus fumigatus
during invasive aspergillosis. We performed real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis on lung samples from mice with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis to determine the expression of
A. fumigatus
genes that are expressed at specific stages of development. In established infection,
A. fumigatus
exhibited mRNA expression of genes specific to developmentally competent hyphae, such as
stuA
. In contrast, mRNA of genes expressed by conidia and precompetent hyphae was not detected. Many genes required for mycotoxin synthesis, including
aspHS, gliP, mitF
, and
metAP
, are known to be expressed by developmentally competent hyphae in vitro. Interestingly, each of these genes was expressed at significantly higher levels during invasive infection than in vitro. The expression of
gliP
mRNA in vitro was found to be highly dependent on culture conditions. Furthermore,
gliP
expression was found to be dependent on the transcription factor StuA both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, developmentally competent hyphae predominate during established invasive infection, and many mycotoxin genes are expressed at high levels in vivo. These results highlight the importance of the evaluation of putative virulence factors expressed by competent hyphae and analysis of gene expression levels during invasive infection rather than in vitro alone.
Dynamics of Native Indian Food Fisheries on Salmon in British Columbia
Authors: Peterman Randall M.
Published: May 2008

Basic components of predation processes are briefly reviewed and data on these components are presented for several native Indian food fisheries. Depensatory mortality emerges as a common effect of these fisheries, which supports findings of earlier workers on Skeena River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Native food fisheries therefore operate like natural "Type II" predators, and descriptive equations are provided for use by salmon managers and modelers.Key words: fishermen as predators, native, Indian, food, fisheries, salmon, depensation