bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Childhood Cancer on Parents’ Relationships: An Integrative Review
Authors: Da Silva Fernanda Machado , Jacob Eufemia , Nascimento Lucila Castanheira
Published: August 2010

Purpose: The diagnosis of cancer and the treatment decisions associated with it may cause uncertainty, stress, and anxiety among parents. Emotional tensions can affect parents’ relationships during the trajectory of the child's cancer illness. We conducted an integrative review to examine the evidence related to the effects of childhood cancer on parents’ relationships.

Methods: An integrative literature search of studies published between 1997 and 2009 was conducted in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Psychology Information (PsycINFO), PubMed, Scopus, CUIDEN, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature (LILACS). The key words used were neoplasms, child, marriage, spouses, family relations, and nursing. Articles were reviewed if the (a) topic addressed parents’ relationships during childhood cancer; (b) participants were mothers, fathers, or both; (c) design was either qualitative or quantitative; (d) language was English, Portuguese, or Spanish; (e) date of publication was between January 1997 and October 2009; and (f) abstract was available.

Results: Fourteen articles met the search criteria and were reviewed using Cooper's framework for integrative reviews. Four themes emerged: (a) changes in the parents’ relationship during the trajectory of the child's illness; (b) difficulty in communication between couples; (c) gender differences in parental stress and coping; and (d) role changes.

Conclusions and Implications: Findings revealed positive and negative changes in parents’ relationships, communication, stress, and roles. Nurses need to assess the impact of cancer diagnosis and treatments on parent relationships, offer support and encouragement, and allow expression of feelings. Future research is needed to develop and test interventions that increase parents’ potentials and strengthen relationships during the challenging trajectory of their children's cancer and treatment.

Clinical Relevance: The multiple sources of stress and uncertainty associated with a child's cancer diagnosis and treatment affect parents’ relationships. Difficulties in communication appear frequently in parents’ relationship. Our findings may guide healthcare professionals in identifying parents at risk for developing conflicts, communication problems, and lack of alignment between parents that could interfere with providing optimal care for their child with cancer. Healthcare professionals may promote dialogue and encourage parents to express their feelings, seek mutual support, and establish a partnership in dealing with the child's illness.
Values and Commitment: A Test of Schwartz's Human Values Theory Among Arab Teachers in Israel
Authors: Cohen Aaron
Published: August 2010

This study examines the relationship between individual‐level values, using Schwartz's theory, and organizational and occupational commitment among Israeli Arabs. The sample includes 369 Arab teachers working in 14 schools in Arab communities in the north of Israel, with a response rate of 65%. The findings show a significant effect of 2 values—benevolence and conformity—on most organizational and occupational commitment dimensions, above and beyond the effect of demographic variables. The specific relationships found here are attributed to the characteristics of the sample. Implications of the findings for continuing research on this issue are emphasized.
Structural Determinants of Boredom Among the Clients of Psychosocial and Vocational Rehabilitation Centers
Authors: Bracke Piet , Verhaeghe Mieke
Published: August 2010

In psychosocial rehabilitation programs, clients are encouraged to counter boredom by occupying their time in more structured, meaningful, and enjoyable ways. Several means by which the structure of service organizations reduces feelings of boredom were explored. Hypotheses were tested using data from a sample of clients of Flemish rehabilitation centers for people with chronic mental health problems. Results show that in larger, more heterogeneous centers, boredom is reduced by offering clients a wider range of more routinized activities; in small homogeneous centers, the same effect is obtained by enhancing the intrinsic value of the tasks and by providing more opportunities for task communication. Rehabilitation centers seem to adapt their rehabilitation technology according to their organizational structure.
Comparison of Behavioral Belief Structures in the Physical Activity Domain
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E. , Conner Mark
Published: August 2010

Behavioral belief structures were evaluated in the physical activity domain along 4 dimensions: positive–negative, affective–instrumental, distal–proximal, and specific motive. Participants completed 19 behavioral belief items and a measure of intention. These behavioral beliefs were subsequently classified on each dimension by 2 independent judges. Results using structural equation modeling showed that positive–negative, affective–instrumental, and proximal–distal dimensions each improved fit over a single behavioral belief construct. Division by affective–instrumental and positive–negative yielded the best fit, compared to single dimensions, but no division resulted in adequate model fit. Indeed, fit continued to improve as each dimension was added, but this specificity came with incumbent multicollinearity when trying to use the constructs for prediction purposes.
Perfectionistic Self‐Presentation and Trait Perfectionism in Social Problem‐Solving Ability and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Besser Avi , Flett Gordon L. , Hewitt Paul L.
Published: August 2010

This study examined social problem solving and perfectionistic self‐presentation, and assessed whether social problem solving mediates the association between perfectionism and depression. A sample of 200 community members completed measures of perfectionistic self‐presentation, trait perfectionism, social problem‐solving ability, and depression. Correlational analyses confirmed that perfectionistic self‐presentation and socially prescribed perfectionism are both associated with a negative problem‐solving orientation. Tests of mediating effects revealed that negative problem‐solving ability mediates the associations of socially prescribed perfectionism and perfectionistic self‐presentation with depressive symptoms, particularly among women. The findings support further exploration of mediational models linking perfectionism, problem‐solving ability, and depression and suggest that people who display high perfectionistic self‐presentation are particularly vulnerable to stress and distress and should benefit from problem‐solving training.
Reduction of reperfusion‐induced ventricular fibrillation and infarct size via heme oxygenase‐1 overexpression in isolated mouse hearts
Authors: Bak Istvan , Czompa Attila , Juhasz Bela , Lekli Istvan , Tosaki Arpad
Published: August 2010

Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), also known as heat shock protein 32 (hsp‐32) is a stress‐induced cytoprotective protein. The present investigation evaluated the capacity of HO‐1 to reduce the incidence of reperfusion‐induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) and infarct size. HO‐1 transgenic (Tg) mice were generated using a rat HO‐1 genomic transgene. Isolated mouse hearts obtained from Tg and non‐transgenic (NTg) groups were exposed to 20 min. of global ischemia and 120 min. of reperfusion. Epicardial electrocardiogram was recorded to monitor the incidence of reperfusion‐induced VF and at the end of the reperfusion period, detection of HO‐1 by immunohistochemistry and measurement of infarct size using the tetrazolium chloride method were carried out. Results shown here provide additional support for cardioprotective effects of HO‐1 as demonstrated by the reduced infarct size. Moreover, overexpression of the HO‐1 efficiently reduced the incidence of ischemia/reperfusion induced VF in HO‐1 Tg mice.
The roles of p27Kip1 and DNA damage signalling in the chemotherapy‐induced delayed cell cycle checkpoint
Authors: Liontos Michalis , Velimezi Georgia , Pateras Ioannis S. , Angelopoulou Roxani , Papavassiliou Athanasios G. , Bartek Jiri , Gorgoulis Vassilis G.
Published: August 2010

DNA lesions trigger the DNA damage response (DDR) machinery, which protects genomic integrity and sustains cellular survival. Increasing data underline the significance of the integrity of the DDR pathway in chemotherapy response. According to a recent work, persistent exposure of A549 lung carcinoma cells to doxorubicin induces an initial DDR‐dependent checkpoint response, followed by a later DDR‐independent, but p27Kip1‐dependent one. Prompted by the above report and to better understand the involvement of the DDR signaling after chemotherapeutic stress, we examined the potential role of the canonical DDR pathway in A549 cells treated with doxorubicin. Exposure of A549 cells, prior to doxorubicin treatment, to ATM, ATR and DNA‐PKcs inhibitors either alone or in various combinations, revealed that the earlier documented two‐step response was DDR‐dependent in both steps. Notably, inhibition of both ATM and ATR or selective inhibition of ATM or DNA‐PKcs resulted in cell‐cycle re‐entry despite the increased levels of p27Kip1 at all time points analyzed. We further investigated the regulation of p27Kip1 protein levels in the particular setting. Our results showed that the protein status of p27Kip1 is mainly determined by p38‐MAPK, whereas the role of SKP2 is less significant in the doxoroubicin‐treated A549 cells. Cumulatively, we provide evidence that the DNA damage signaling is responsible for the prolonged cell cycle arrest observed after persistent chemotherapy‐induced genotoxic stress. In conclusion, precise identification of the molecular mechanisms that are activated during the chemotherapeutic cycles could potentially increase the sensitization to the therapy applied.
Dopamine release in ventral striatum of pathological gamblers losing money
Authors: Linnet J. , Peterson E. , Doudet D. J. , Gjedde A. , Møller A.
Published: August 2010

Linnet J, Peterson E, Doudet DJ, Gjedde A, Møller A. Dopamine release in ventral striatum of pathological gamblers losing money.

Objective:  To investigate dopaminergic neurotransmission in relation to monetary reward and punishment in pathological gambling. Pathological gamblers (PG) often continue gambling despite losses, known as ‘chasing one’s losses’. We therefore hypothesized that losing money would be associated with increased dopamine release in the ventral striatum of PG compared with healthy controls (HC).

Method:  We used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with [11C]raclopride to measure dopamine release in the ventral striatum of 16 PG and 15 HC playing the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT).

Results:  PG who lost money had significantly increased dopamine release in the left ventral striatum compared with HC. PG and HC who won money did not differ in dopamine release.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest a dopaminergic basis of monetary losses in pathological gambling, which might explain loss‐chasing behavior. The findings may have implications for the understanding of dopamine dysfunctions and impaired decision‐making in pathological gambling and substance‐related addictions.
The socket‐shield technique: a proof‐of‐principle report
Authors: Hürzeler Markus B. , Zuhr Otto , Schupbach Peter , Rebele Stephan F. , Emmanouilidis Notis , Fickl Stefan
Published: August 2010

Hürzeler MB, Zuhr O, Schupbach P, Rebele SF, Emmanouilidis N, Fickl S. The socket‐shield technique: a proof‐of‐principle report. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 855–862. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01595.x.

Aim: Clinical studies have suggested that retaining roots of hopeless teeth may avoid tissue alterations after tooth extraction. Therefore, the objective of this proof‐of‐principle experiment was to histologically assess a partial root retention (socket‐shield technique) in combination with immediate implant placement.

Material and Methods: In one beagle dog, the third and fourth mandibular pre‐molar were hemisected and the buccal fragment of the distal root was retained approximately 1 mm coronal to the buccal bone plate. Following application of enamel matrix derivate, a titanium implant was placed lingual to that tooth fragment either with or without contact to the buccal tooth fragment and a healing abutment was connected. Four months after implant placement, histological evaluation, and backscatter scanning electron microscopy were performed.

Results: All four implants were osseointegrated without any histologic inflammatory reaction and the tooth fragment was devoid of any resorptional processes. On the buccal side, the tooth fragment was attached to the buccal bone plate by a physiologic periodontal ligament. On the lingual side of the fragment, newly formed cementum could be detected. In the areas where the implant was placed into the fragment, newly formed cementum was demonstrated directly on the implant surface.

Conclusions: Retaining the buccal aspect of the root during implant placement does not appear to interfere with osseointegration and may be beneficial in preserving the buccal bone plate.
Prevalence of dental erosion in children: a national survey
Authors: Arnadottir Inga B. , Holbrook W. Peter , Eggertsson Hafsteinn , Gudmundsdottir Holmfridur , Jonsson Stefan Hrafn , Gudlaugsson Jon Oskar , Saemundsson Sigurdur Runar , Eliasson Sigfus T. , Agustsdottir Helga
Published: August 2010

Arnadottir IB, Holbrook WP, Eggertsson H, Gudmundsdottir H, Jonsson SH, Gudlaugsson JO, Saemundsson SR, Eliasson ST, Agustsdottir H. Prevalence of dental erosion in children: a national survey. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 521–526. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – Objectives:  To measure the prevalence of dental erosion in permanent teeth in Iceland as part of the National Oral Health Survey.

Methods:  A representative, nationwide sample of 2251 Icelandic children, 20% of those aged 6, 12 and 15 year, was examined. Dental erosion was recorded for all erupted permanent teeth and graded using the modified scale of Lussi.

Results:  Erosion was not seen in the permanent teeth of six‐year‐olds, but was present in 15.7% of 12‐year‐olds, more frequently in boys than girls (19.9% boys, 11.0% girls; P < 0.001). Among 15‐year‐olds, dental erosion was seen among 30.7% of subjects (38.3% boys, 22.7% girls; P < 0.001). Severity of erosion was mostly scored as grade I, with only 5.5% of 15‐year‐olds scored as grade II, mostly on tooth 46 (4.3%) and 36 (4.2%). For 12‐year‐olds, 0.9% had erosion scores of grade II mostly on tooth 46 (0.8%) and 36 (0.7%). No subjects had erosion of grade III. The most common clinical manifestation of erosion was the appearance of cup‐like lesions on the cusps of lower first molars.

Conclusions:  Dental erosion was frequently present by the age of 12; the prevalence doubled by age 15 and was seen almost twice as often among boys than girls. Teeth most frequently showing signs of erosion were the lower first molars. The rapidly growing prevalence of erosion demonstrated by this nationwide survey emphasizes the need for further research into the aetiology of erosion and possible methods of preventing and treating this emerging dental problem.
A possible case of hantavirus infection in a Borneo orangutan and its conservation implication
Authors: Chen C.‐C. , Pei K.J.‐C. , Yang C.‐M. , Kuo M.‐D. , Wong S.‐T. , Kuo S.‐C. , Lin F.‐G.
Published: August 2010

Background  Natural infection of hantavirus in orangutans has never been reported.

Methods  Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and RT‐PCR were used to diagnosis a suspected case in a pet orangutan in southern Taiwan.

Results  Although the RT‐PCR result was negative, the high IgG titer in the beginning and its dramatic drop after treatments suggested a recent Seoul‐type hantavirus infection.

Conclusions  Hantavirus transmission and its potential damage to wild orangutans should not be overlooked.
Dentin surface treatment using a non‐thermal argon plasma brush for interfacial bonding improvement in composite restoration
Authors: Ritts Andy C. , Li Hao , Yu Qingsong , Xu Changqi , Yao Xiaomei , Hong Liang , Wang Yong
Published: August 2010

Ritts AC, Li H, Yu Q, Xu C, Yao X, Hong L, Wang Y. Dentin surface treatment using a non‐thermal argon plasma brush for interfacial bonding improvement in composite restoration. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 510–516. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

The objective of this study was to investigate the treatment effects of non‐thermal atmospheric gas plasmas on dentin surfaces used for composite restoration. Extracted unerupted human third molars were prepared by removing the crowns and etching the exposed dentin surfaces with 35% phosphoric acid gel. The dentin surfaces were treated using a non‐thermal atmospheric argon plasma brush for various periods of time. The molecular changes of the dentin surfaces were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry/attenuated total reflectance (FTIR/ATR), and an increase in the amount of carbonyl groups was detected on plasma‐treated dentin surfaces. Adper Single Bond Plus adhesive and Filtek Z250 dental composite were applied as directed. To evaluate the dentin/composite interfacial bonding, the teeth thus prepared were sectioned into micro‐bars and analyzed using tensile testing. Student–Newman–Keuls tests showed that the bonding strength of the composite restoration to peripheral dentin was significantly increased (by 64%) after 30 s of plasma treatment. However, the bonding strength to plasma‐treated inner dentin did not show any improvement. It was found that plasma treatment of the peripheral dentin surface for up to 100 s resulted in an increase in the interfacial bonding strength, while prolonged plasma treatment of dentin surfaces (e.g. 5 min) resulted in a decrease in the interfacial bonding strength.
Applicability of an exaggerated forearm wash test for efficacy testing of two corticosteroids, tacrolimus and glycerol, in topical formulations against skin irritation induced by two different irritants
Authors: Clemmensen A. , Andersen F. , Petersen T. K. , Hagberg O. , Andersen K. E.
Published: August 2010

Background/Purpose: Alternatives to corticosteroids in the treatment of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) are needed and may include glycerol and topical immunomodulators like tacrolimus. Because the efficacy of different treatments in experimentally induced ICD may vary depending on the irritant applied, we tested the efficacy of four anti‐irritant compounds using the two different irritants sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and nonanoic acid (NON).

Methods: In a randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial, healthy volunteers were exposed to 5% SLS and 50% NON (the right and the left forearm, respectively) in a cumulative wash test. Induction of ICD was obtained by three daily washings for 7 days, followed by a maintenance phase with two daily washings for 12 days. Treatment (triamcinolone acetonide, clobetasol propionate, tacrolimus and glycerol ointment) was started at day 7 and applied immediately after washing. Vehicle and no treatment served as the control. Reactions were evaluated clinically and instrumentally.

Results: No treatments were significantly better than the other treatments and controls. There was a tendency toward a dose‐dependent response to corticoid treatment, and a trend toward worsened irritancy by tacrolimus on SLS‐irritated skin. Explained variance in the experiment by anova revealed a very small effect of treatments compared with an immense and significant subject effect.

Conclusion: No claims of effective anti‐irritant properties for any of the ointments can be maintained. Application of the present wash test as a tool for anti‐irritant efficacy testing may be complicated by the small observed variance explained by treatment.
Peripheral Blood Cytokine Profiling During Pregnancy and Post‐partum Periods
Authors: Kraus Thomas A. , Sperling Rhoda S. , Engel Stephanie M. , Lo Yungtai , Kellerman Lisa , Singh Tricia , Loubeau Martine , Ge Yongchao , Garrido Jose L. , Rodríguez‐García Marta , Moran Thomas M.
Published: August 2010

Citation Kraus TA, Sperling RS, Engel SM, Lo Y, Kellerman L, Singh T, Loubeau M, Ge Y, Garrido JL, Rodríguez‐García M, Moran TM. Peripheral blood cytokine profiling during pregnancy and post‐partum periods. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 411–426

Problem  Pregnancy requires that the maternal immune system adapt to prevent rejection of the fetal semi‐allograft. This immunologic adaptation may contribute to pregnancy‐related alterations in disease susceptibility and severity of infections from viral pathogens such as influenza virus.

Method of Study  As part of a larger study investigating the maternal systemic immune response during pregnancy, peripheral blood was collected three times during pregnancy and twice post‐partum to measure serum levels of 23 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. This longitudinal study design allowed each woman’s post‐partum blood draw to serve as her own comparison, thus controlling for interpersonal variability in expression levels.

Results  When compared to the post‐partum samples, significant pregnancy‐related changes in IFNγ, TNFα, VEGF, GCSF, Eotaxin, and MCP‐1 expression were observed. These changes have significant immunologic effects in vivo and in culture.

Conclusion  Pregnancy‐associated changes to steady state serum cytokines may have important immunologic consequence.
Presumed and definite bacteremia in extremely low gestational age newborns
Authors: Patel Sonal , Dammann Olaf , Martin Camilia R , Allred Elizabeth N , Leviton Alan ,   for the ELGAN Study Investigators
Published: August 2010

Aim:  To explore risk patterns for presumed and definite, early and late neonatal bacteremia.

Methods:  We studied 1106 extremely low gestational age newborns who survived until postnatal day 28. We defined early definite bacteremia as a positive bacterial culture in the first week and definite late bacteremia as a positive bacterial culture in week 2, 3 or 4. Bacteremia was presumed if antibiotics were given for more than 72 h despite negative blood cultures.

Results:  Risk patterns did not differ much for presumed and definite bacteremia in the first postnatal month. While maternal and pregnancy characteristics were associated with early bacteremia, neonatal comorbidities, especially NEC, were the main antecedents/correlates of late bacteremia. All four categories of bacteremia were associated with younger gestational age and lower birth weight. Infants with presumed and definite bacteremia had similar distributions of days of ventilation and oxygenation.

Conclusion:  Definite and presumed late bacteremias have rather similar risk patterns, while those of early and late bacteremia differ appreciably.
Newborn behaviour to locate the breast when skin‐to‐skin: a possible method for enabling early self‐regulation
Authors: Widström A‐M , Lilja G , Aaltomaa‐Michalias P , Dahllöf A , Lintula M , Nissen E
Published: August 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to provide a more detailed analysis of the infant’s behavioural sequence that begins immediately after birth and terminates with grasping the nipple, suckling and then falling asleep.

Method:  Twenty‐eight full‐term infants were videotaped immediately after birth. A video protocol was developed to examine infant behaviours identified from five random videotapes.

Results:  When birth crying had stopped, the babies showed a short period of relaxation and then successively became alert. They went through an ‘awakening phase’, an ‘active phase’ with movements of limbs, rooting activity and looking at the mother’s face, a ‘crawling phase’ with soliciting sounds, a ‘familiarization phase’ with licking of the areola, and a ‘suckling phase’ and last a ‘sleeping phase’. Five factors related to the time spent to locate the breast: more number of looks at the breast 10–20 min after birth (p < 0.0001); and exposure to meperidine (p = 0.0006) related to increased time. Early start of crawling (p = 0,0040); increased number of ‘soliciting sounds’ (p = 0.0022); and performing hand–breast–mouth movements (p = 0.0105) related to shorter time.

Conclusion:  Inborn breastfeeding reflexes were depressed at birth, possibly because of a depressed sensory system. It is hypothesized that when the infant is given the option to peacefully go through the nine behavioural phases birth cry, relaxation, awakening, activity, crawling, resting, familiarization, suckling and sleeping when skin‐to‐skin with its mother this results in early optimal self‐regulation.
THE FALL‐OFF IN SERUM CONCENTRATION OF TETANUS ANTITOXIN AFTER PRIMARY AND BOOSTER VACCINATION
Authors: Simonsen O. , Badsber J. H. , Kjeldsen K. , MØLler‐Madsen B. , Heron I.
Published: August 2010

In 196 randomly selected persons with documented complete primary vaccination against tetanus 12–30 years earlier, antitoxin concentration in serum relative to time since last vaccination was studied. In the group of non‐revaccinated persons an exponential decrease in antitoxin concentration with time since primary vaccination was found. 25–30 years after primary vaccination, 28% were unprotected (antitoxin concentration in serum below 0.01 IU/ml). In the group that received a single revaccination earlier, a similar exponential fall in antitoxin concentration was found, but all those revaccinated up to 23 years earlier were still protected. 82 persons who had not been revaccinated earlier were revaccinated. All those revaccinated less than 20 years after primary vaccination attained very high antitoxin concentrations (above 6 IU/ml) corresponding to a duration of immunity of at least 20 years. It was suggested that a revaccination program consisting of a single revaccination in childhood and thereafter every 20 years is sufficient to maintain immunity.
IgA RESPONSE TO PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE IN INDIVIDUALS SPLENECTOMIZED BECAUSE OF TRAUMA
Authors: Aaberge Ingeborg S. , Heier Hans Erik , Groeng Else‐Carin
Published: August 2010

The IgA pneumococcal antibody responses to each of the pneumococcal serotypes in a 14‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, and the total serum IgA concentration, have been examined in 21 individuals splenectomized because of trauma and in 10 control individuals. Both groups of individuals showed significant IgA antibody responses to most of the serotypes, but the splenectomized individuals tended to have somewhat lower IgA pneumococcal antibody levels than did the control individuals. This difference may possibly be related to age differences between the groups. Our results therefore seem compatible with the hypothesis that the serum IgA antipneumococcal antibody response is not affected by splenectomy.
SERUM OPSONINS TO GROUP B MENINGOCOCCI
Authors: Sjursen Haakon , Bjerknes Robert , Halstensen Alfred , Næss Are , FrøHolm L. Oddvar , Rosenqvist Einar , Solberg Claus Ola
Published: August 2010

The production of serum opsonins and other antibodies to serogroup B serotype 15 meningococci was examined in 7 patients with serogroup B serotype 15 meningococcal disease and 7 volunteers immunized with a vaccine containing outer membrane proteins from serogroup B serotype 2b and 15 meningococcal strains complexed with polysaccharides from serogroups A, C, Y and W‐135 meningococci. Serum opsonic activity was measured by a flow cytometric phagocytosis technique, using unfixed serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Serum antibodies to outer membrane complexes prepared from the meningococcal test strain, B:15:P1.16, were measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The mean number of bacteria per phagocyte increased from 9.7 to 17.3 (mean difference 7.6, p<0.001) when the meningococci were opsonized with convalescent sera compared to sera obtained during the acute illness, and from 8.0 to 15.4 (mean difference 7.4, p<0.001) when opsonized with sera from immunized versus pre‐immunized volunteers. The patients had insignificant amounts of serum antibodies to the group B meningococcal test strain on admission to hospital. Two weeks later all had a marked increase in IgG, IgM and IgA serum antibodies. Vaccination caused a marked increase in serum IgG antibodies. Serum opsonic activity and IgG levels were still high 6 weeks after the acute illness/immunization. A correlation was observed between serum opsonic activity and IgG antibody levels (r=0.883, p<0.001). The production of serum opsonins and IgG antibodies to a group B meningococcal strain was similar in patients with group B meningococcal disease and immunized volunteers, indicating that the vaccine may provide protection against group B meningococcal disease.
Amprenavir complexes with HIV‐1 protease and its drug‐resistant mutants altering hydrophobic clusters
Authors: Shen Chen‐Hsiang , Wang Yuan‐Fang , Kovalevsky Andrey Y. , Harrison Robert W. , Weber Irene T.
Published: August 2010

The structural and kinetic effects of amprenavir (APV), a clinical HIV protease (PR) inhibitor, were analyzed with wild‐type enzyme and mutants with single substitutions of V32I, I50V, I54V, I54M, I84V and L90M that are common in drug resistance. Crystal structures of the APV complexes at resolutions of 1.02–1.85 Å reveal the structural changes due to the mutations. Substitution of the larger side chains in PRV32I, PRI54M and PRL90M resulted in the formation of new hydrophobic contacts with flap residues, residues 79 and 80, and Asp25, respectively. Mutation to smaller side chains eliminated hydrophobic interactions in the PRI50V and PRI54V structures. The PRI84V–APV complex had lost hydrophobic contacts with APV, the PRV32I–APV complex showed increased hydrophobic contacts within the hydrophobic cluster and the PRI50V complex had weaker polar and hydrophobic interactions with APV. The observed structural changes in PRI84V–APV, PRV32I–APV and PRI50V–APV were related to their reduced inhibition by APV of six‐, 10‐ and 30‐fold, respectively, relative to wild‐type PR. The APV complexes were compared with the corresponding saquinavir complexes. The PR dimers had distinct rearrangements of the flaps and 80′s loops that adapt to the different P1′ groups of the inhibitors, while maintaining contacts within the hydrophobic cluster. These small changes in the loops and weak internal interactions produce the different patterns of resistant mutations for the two drugs.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7966480: HIV‐1 PR (uniprotkb:P03366) and HIV‐1 PR (uniprotkb:P03366) bind (MI:0407) by x‐ray crystallography (MI:0114)
Strategic R&D investment, competitive toughness and growth
Authors: D'Aspremont Claude , Dos Santos Ferreira Rodolphe , Gérard‐Varet Louis‐André
Published: August 2010

We show, within a single industry, the possibility that R&D‐investment is non‐monotonically related to competitive toughness: increasing when competition is soft and decreasing when competition is tough. This possibility results from the combination of a Schumpeterian markup squeezing effect discouraging innovation, and a concentration effect spurring innovators. It is obtained in a sectoral model where the number of innovators is random and where non‐successful investors may remain productive. The result is extended to a multisectoral stochastic endogenous growth model with overlapping generations of consumers and firms, the number of which is endogenously determined in the capital market.
Brand familiarity and product knowledge in customization
Authors: Loginova Oksana
Published: August 2010

I adopt Hotelling's model with two firms. Each consumer has a most preferred variety and possesses a certain level of category‐specific knowledge. When a firm offers customization, consumers must interact with the firm to create their products. Consumers familiar with the brand can do this seamlessly, whereas consumers unfamiliar with the brand have difficulty expressing their individual needs (the difficulty decreases with consumers' knowledge). The firms first simultaneously decide whether to customize, then engage in price competition. Although customization makes the products less differentiated, the frictions caused by consumer co‐design activities relax price competition. Customization by one of the firms occurs in equilibrium.
Canonical interpretation of propositions as events
Authors: Zimper Alexander
Published: August 2010

This paper establishes conditions under which Savage's (1954) informal interpretation of subjective probabilities as measures of confidence in the truth of propositions can be formally justified. For this purpose we construct, for any given propositional language, a canonical state space such that each proposition a of the language is associated with a unique event A defined on this state space. As our main result we establish a one–one onto correspondence between the canonical state space and the set of all truth conditions for the propositional logic such that proposition a is exactly true at every truth condition that corresponds to some state in A. According to our approach, an agent's degree of confidence in the truth of a proposition can, therefore, be interpreted as his or her subjective probability that some truth condition holds at which the proposition is true. Such an interpretation, however, is only valid for agents with unlimited powers of logical reasoning.
Bicuspid aortic valve and aortic dilation: The current understanding
Authors: Yuan Shi‐Min , Jing Hua
Published: August 2010

Aim:  The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is one of the most common congenital heart disorders affecting 1–2% of the population. Individuals with a BAV tend to develop ascending aortic dilation, and are believed to be at high risk of aortic rupture and dissection. The association between the BAV and aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation or infective endocarditis has been previously described, leading to the hypothesis of a common developmental anomaly incorporating both the aortic valve and thoracic aorta, and requires genetic solutions. The present article aims to make a comprehensive review of the possible determinants of this congenital defect entity.

Methods:  A literature retrieval was made by using the search terms ‘bicuspid aortic valve’ and ‘aortic dilation’ or ‘aortic aneurysm’ in major medical databases, including EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, MEDLINE and ADOLEC. A total of 496 articles were obtained. Relevant studies in the aetiologies of the BAV on the basis of clinical observations and basic research were selected and analysed.

Results:  Results from clinical observations have taken a haemodynamically resultant aortic dilation in the presence of a BAV into consideration. The two pathogenetic factors, haemodynamic and genetic, might coexist. Each of them could in turn prevail in different clinical pictures or anatomical forms. The presence of medial degeneration, elastic fragmentation and changes in smooth muscle cells was found to be much more severe in patients with a BAV than in those with a tricuspid aortic valve. Determination of the apoptotic index showed significantly increased numbers of dead smooth muscle cells in aneurysmal sections when compared with the normal aorta. Mean endothelial nitric oxide synthase levels in the endothelial cells of the aortic wall in patients with a BAV were significantly lower compared with those with a tricuspid aortic valve. Of importance are the novel findings of extracellular matrix degradation in terms of matrix metalloproteinase and their inhibitors, as well as mutations of variable genes, including Notch1, NKX2.5, ubiquitin fusion degradation 1‐like gene and KCNJ2, that have drawn particular attention in the hope of offering an evolutionary explanation of this disorder.

Conclusion:  The development of the BAV might have diverse molecular triggers, thus it might be difficult to characterize the inciting events that result in a BAV and aortic wall disorders. Extracellular matrix dysregulation and cell death pathways are regarded as important molecular mechanisms of the aortopathy. Matrix degradation and gene mutations are the preferred hypotheses accounting for the development of this congenital lesion.
Effects of CO2Enrichment on Photosynthesis, Growth, and Biochemical Composition of SeagrassThalassia hemprichii(Ehrenb.) Aschers
Authors: Jiang Zhi Jian , Huang Xiao‐Pin , Zhang Jing‐Ping
Published: August 2010

The effects of CO2enrichment on various ecophysiological parameters of tropical seagrassThalassia hemprichii(Ehrenb.) Aschers were tested.T. hemprichii, collected from a seagrass bed in Xincun Bay, Hainan island of Southern China, was cultured at 4 CO2(aq) concentrations in flow‐through seawater aquaria bubbled with CO2. CO2enrichment considerably enhanced the relative maximum electron transport rate (RETRmax) and minimum saturating irradiance (Ek) ofT. hemprichii. Leaf growth rate of CO2‐enriched plants was significantly higher than that in unenriched treatment. Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) ofT. hemprichii, especially in belowground tissues, increased strongly with elevated CO2(aq), suggesting a translocation of photosynthate from aboveground to belowground tissues. Carbon content in belowground tissues showed a similar response with NSC, while in aboveground tissues, carbon content was not affected by CO2treatments. In contrast, with increasing CO2(aq), nitrogen content in aboveground tissues markedly decreased, but nitrogen content in belowground was nearly constant. Carbon: nitrogen ratio in both tissues were obviously enhanced by increasing CO2(aq). Thus, these results indicate thatT. hemprichiimay respond positively to CO2‐induced acidification of the coastal ocean. Moreover, the CO2‐stimulated improvement of photosynthesis and NSC content may partially offset negative effects of severe environmental disturbance such as underwater light reduction.
Exploring QSARs of Some Analgesic Compounds by PC‐ANN
Authors: Deeb Omar , Drabh Mojahed
Published: August 2010

Quantitative structure–activity relationship study was performed to understand analgesic activity for a set of 95 heterogeneous analgesic compounds. This study was performed by using the principal component‐artificial neural network modeling method, with application of eigenvalue ranking factor selection procedure. The results obtained by principal component‐artificial neural network give advanced regression models with good prediction ability using a relatively low number of principal components. A 0.834 correlation coefficient was obtained using principal component‐artificial neural network with six extracted principal components.
Comparative Tribal Constitutionalism: Membership Governance in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States
Authors: Gover Kirsty
Published: August 2010

In the “self‐governance era” of indigenous‐state relations, there is a growing interest in the first‐order question of tribal governance: who are the members of recognized tribes, and how are they chosen? Tribal constitutions contain formal tribal membership criteria but are not ordinarily in the public domain. This article presents findings from a study of the membership rules used in more than seven hundred current and historical tribal constitutions and codes. It offers a comparative analysis to explain significant differences between North American and Australasian tribal constitutionalism, particularly in the administration of descent, multiple membership, and disenrollment. It advances the argument that tribes self‐constitute in ways that are more relational and less ascriptive than is suggested in current political theory and policy; that existing representations of tribes obscure nontribal expressions of indigeneity, on which tribes depend; and that these expressions should be officially supported in public law and policy.
The Persisting Ideal of Agreement in an Age of Boilerplate
Authors: Kastner Tal
Published: August 2010

This essay argues that the treatment of boilerplate as a distinct phenomenon in some contract scholarship sheds light on the way we imagine our social relations. In Omri Ben‐Shahar's 2007 compilation, Boilerplate: The Foundation of Market Contracts, aspects of the traditional meeting‐of‐the‐minds model persist, notwithstanding the move away from this framework indicated by the differentiation of boilerplate from traditional contract. Much boilerplate scholarship is informed by a narrative of agreement as an ideal involving agency, autonomy, and meaningful choice. Thus, in an age in which form language pervades American life, a narrative of genuine agreement continues to frame a conception of contractual relations.
Effect of F‐File on removal of the smear layer: A scanning electron microscope study
Authors: Tunga Umut , Parlak Esra , Bodrumlu Emre , Aydemir Hikmet , Yeşilsoy Cemil
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of F‐File with NaOCl on removal of the smear layer. A total of 48 single‐rooted teeth were instrumented using crown‐down technique with one of the irrigation agents: distilled water, 5.25% NaOCl, RC‐Prep, Glyde, MTAD or F‐File with NaOCl. The remaining smear layer was scored at cervical, middle and apical thirds of the roots with SEM. In all the canals of experimental groups the coronal sections were cleaner than the middle and apical sections except with distilled water (P < 0.001). In the coronal third, intensive smear layer was observed in distilled water, NaOCl and F‐File groups and less smear layer in MTAD (P < 0.05) and least in RC‐Prep and Glyde groups. In the middle third, RC‐Prep and Glyde groups had less smear layer than the other groups (P < 0.001). In the apical third, there was intensive smear layer in all specimens and statistical analyses showed no significant difference among the groups (P > 0.05). The F‐file failed to improve the effect of NaOCl in removing smear layer.
The lingering core of legal scholarship
Authors: Bartie Susan
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this paper is to consider how leading scholars are interpreting the role and status of the core tenets of legal scholarship in England and Australia – the tenets that have provided an element of unity in legal scholarship over the past century or so. Instead of focusing on the way that scholarship has diversified and expanded, the paper considers whether elements of the prior orthodoxy have remained: do the tenets persist, what status are they afforded and what impact will their presence have on the future identity of the discipline and its conception of law? The paper captures insights into the way that scholars – as opposed to administrators or managers – are interpreting changes in the discipline. It is based on the premise that scholarly attitudes can shape the discipline and that therefore such attitudes are worthy of study.
Is quality of life being compromised in people with dementia in long‐term care?
Authors: Moyle Wendy
Published: August 2010

Moyle W. (2010) Is quality of life being compromised in people with dementia in long‐term care?International Journal of Older People Nursing 5, 245–252 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00230.x

Aim. To outline the importance of understanding quality of life (QOL) in people with dementia living in long‐term care. To consider several key research questions and some of the challenges and impact of neglecting knowledge transfer.

Background. There is a gap between the knowledge in the broad dementia research literature and transfer of knowledge into practice. Quality of life research and transfer of research into practice is one means by which health professionals can inform health and social care policy and improve care practice.

Discussion. There are a number of unanswered research questions in relation to QOL in people with dementia living in long term care. A selection of questions discussed in this paper relate to the impact of staff knowledge of mental health assessment and the importance of therapeutic communication, cognitive training programs and social biography, individual needs, weight and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), resident choice and the impact of the environment on QOL.

Conclusion. Research methods used to assess QOL must not be too restrictive and mixed methods and data from multiple perspectives should be encouraged so that an extensive understanding is uncovered. Potential strategies to assist knowledge transfer in long‐term care settings are needed.
Dementia, dignity and quality of life: nursing practice and its dilemmas
Authors: Manthorpe Jill , Iliffe Steve , Samsi Kritika , Cole Laura , Goodman Claire , Drennan Vari , Warner James
Published: August 2010

manthorpe j., iliffe s., samsi k., cole l., goodman c., drennan v. & warner j. (2010) Dementia, dignity and quality of life: nursing practice and its dilemmas. International Journal of Older People Nursing 5, 235–244 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00231.x

Aims.  The need for healthcare practitioners to respect the dignity of older people is widely recognised in England, where it has been given attention by politicians, professionals and health service regulators. This article aims to provide examples of how such ambitions may be used in practice development.

Methods.  This article reports the use of five vignettes discussed by dementia care practitioners that explored the areas of dementia diagnosis, lying, incontinence, behavioural and psychological distress, and end of life care.

Findings.  Each vignette promoted discussion of differences of perspectives about the ways to enhance the dignity of people with dementia in hospital, care home and community settings. The discussion confirmed that while dignity may be one quality indicator of good care potentially enhancing quality of life, it is not always straightforward. It may be more easily conceptualised when talking of physical care and treatment than other areas.

Conclusion.  The opportunity to debate the subject and to discuss practice examples revealed differences of opinion and moral perspectives between practitioners about the use and relevance of the term dignity. These need to be acknowledged in any debates about objective and subjective definitions of quality of life.
Dignity, dining and dialogue: reviewing the literature on quality of life for people with dementia
Authors: Venturato Lorraine
Published: August 2010

venturato l. (2010) Dignity, dining and dialogue: reviewing the literature on quality of life for people with dementia.International Journal of Older People Nursing 5, 228–234 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00236.x

Aim. To review contemporary literature on quality of life for people with dementia.

Background. One of the consequences of population ageing is the predicted increase in the incidence of dementia. While we can as yet do little to affect the course of the disease, health care professionals are well‐placed to intervene to affect quality of life and quality of care for people with dementia.

Results. Research into quality of life for people with dementia has grown markedly over the last decade, in line with evolving conceptual and theoretical understandings of this complex concept. While much of the literature continues to focus on assessment and measurement of quality of life, emerging areas of interest are noted, including dialogue associated with personhood; dignity; and dining and mealtime experiences.

Conclusion. Literature on quality of life for people with dementia is as diverse as the concept itself. Established and emerging areas of research suggest that this diversity will continue into the future as we strive to better understand quality of life for people with dementia in all its complexity.
How Students Learn Statistics Revisited: A Current Review of Research on Teaching and Learning Statistics
Authors: Garfield Joan , Ben‐Zvi Dani
Published: August 2010

This paper provides an overview of current research on teaching and learning statistics, summarizing studies that have been conducted by researchers from different disciplines and focused on students at all levels. The review is organized by general research questions addressed, and suggests what can be learned from the results of each of these questions. The implications of the research are described in terms of eight principles for learning statistics from Garfield (1995) which are revisited in the light of results from current studies.