bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis, MRI Indices of Brain Ischemia, Aging, and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Romero José R. , Beiser Alexa , Seshadri Sudha , Benjamin Emelia J. , Polak Joseph F. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Au Rhoda , DeCarli Charles , Wolf Philip A.
Published: March 2009

Background and Purpose—

Carotid atherosclerosis has been associated with increased risk of stroke and poorer cognitive performance in older adults. The relation of carotid atherosclerosis to cognitive impairment and MRI indices of ischemia and aging in midlife is less clear.

Methods—

We studied 1975 Framingham Offspring Study participants free of stroke and dementia with available carotid ultrasound, brain MRI, and neuropsychological testing. We related common and internal carotid artery intima-media thickness and internal carotid stenosis to large white matter hyperintensity (>1 SD above age-specific mean), total brain volume, hippocampal volume, silent cerebral infarcts, and neuropsychological measures of verbal memory, executive function, and nonverbal memory measures.

Results—

We observed that internal carotid artery intima-media thickness, but not common carotid artery intima-media thickness, was associated with higher prevalence of silent cerebral infarcts (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.03–1.43;
P
<0.05), large white matter hyperintensity (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03–1.38;
P
<0.05), lower total brain volume (−0.05 per SD;
P
<0.05), and poorer performance in verbal memory (−0.06 per SD;
P
<0.05) and nonverbal memory measures (−0.08 per SD;
P
<0.01), but not with hippocampal volume. Internal carotid stenosis ≥25% was associated with a higher prevalence of large white matter hyperintensity (adjusted OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.25–2.53) and lower total brain volume (−0.11 per SD;
P
=0.042) but not with silent cerebral infarcts or hippocampal volume. Internal carotid stenosis ≥50% was associated with higher prevalence of silent cerebral infarcts (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.17–5.44), large white matter hyperintensity (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.08–5.13), and poorer performance on executive function (−0.39 per SD;
P
<0.05), but not with total brain volume or hippocampal volume.

Conclusions—

Carotid atherosclerosis markers were associated with MRI indices of brain ischemia and aging and with cognitive impairment in a community-based sample of middle-aged adults. Our data suggest that internal carotid artery intima-media thickness may be a better marker for cognitive impairment than common carotid artery intima-media thickness.
Active Range of Motion Predicts Upper Extremity Function 3 Months After Stroke
Authors: Beebe Justin A. , Lang Catherine E.
Published: March 2009

Background and Purpose—

After stroke, 80% of patients experience acute paresis of the upper extremity and only approximately one-third achieve full functional recovery. Predicting functional recovery for these patients is highly important to provide focused, cost-effective rehabilitation. Our purpose was to examine if early measures of upper extremity active range of motion (AROM) could predict recovery of upper extremity function, and to describe the trajectory of upper extremity AROM recovery over time.

Methods—

Thirty-three subjects were tested at 1 month and then at 3 months after stroke. Upper extremity function was measured with 6 standardized clinical tests that were synthesized into a single, sensitive score for upper extremity function using principal component analysis. The ability to move each segment (AROM) was measured using a 3-dimensional electromagnetic tracking system.

Results—

Stepwise multiple regression revealed that AROM of the shoulder and middle finger segments taken at 1 month could predict 71% of the variance in upper extremity function at 3 months. All segments of the upper extremity recover similarly and no evidence of a proximal to distal gradient in motor deficits appeared over time.

Conclusions—

Simple AROM measurements of the upper extremity taken within 1 month after stroke can be used to predict upper extremity function at 3 months. This information is important for determining the prognosis of upper extremity functional recovery.
Candesartan Augments Ischemia-Induced Proangiogenic State and Results in Sustained Improvement After Stroke
Authors: Kozak Anna , Ergul Adviye , El-Remessy Azza B. , Johnson Maribeth H. , Machado Livia S. , Elewa Hazem F. , Abdelsaid Mohammed , Wiley Daniel C. , Fagan Susan C.
Published: March 2009

Background and Purpose—

We have shown that acute treatment with candesartan in an experimental model of stroke resulted in vascular protection and improved outcomes at 24 hours poststroke, but the mechanisms are unknown. We now examine effects of candesartan on proangiogenic factors and 7-day outcomes using the same treatment paradigm.

Methods—

Male Wistar rats underwent 3 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. A single dose of 1 mg/kg candesartan intravenously was given at reperfusion. Animals received neurobehavioral testing before middle cerebral artery occlusion, at 24 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion, and at 7 days. Blood pressure was measured by telemetry. Animals euthanized at 24 hours had brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid collected for matrix metalloproteinase activity, vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and tube formation assay. Neurobehavioral testing included elevated body swing test, Bederson, beam walk, and paw grasp. Cerebrovascular density was quantified using immunohistochemistry at 24 hours and 7 days.

Results—

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and vascular endothelial growth factor expression were higher (
P
=0.035,
P
=0.042, respectively) and cerebrospinal fluid was significantly more proangiogenic (5× tube formation;
P
=0.002) in the candesartan group at 24 hours. Although no difference was seen in infarct size at 7 days, treatment improved Bederson scores (2.1 versus 2.9,
P
=0.0083), elevated body swing test (22.9 versus 39.4,
P
=0.021), and paw grasp (1.29 versus 2.88,
P
=0.0001) at 7 days. Candesartan treatment resulted in increased vascular density in the striatum at 7 days (
P
=0.037).

Conclusion—

Candesartan after reperfusion augments ischemia-induced angiogenic state and provides long-term benefits. The beneficial effects may involve vascular protection and enhancement of early angiogenic remodeling.
Pre-Eclampsia Is Associated With Increased Risk of Stroke in the Adult Offspring
Authors: Kajantie Eero , Eriksson Johan G. , Osmond Clive , Thornburg Kent , Barker David J.P.
Published: March 2009

Background and Purpose—

Women who develop pre-eclampsia in pregnancy are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The offspring from pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia have higher blood pressures during childhood, but little is known about their long-term health. We hypothesized that pre-eclampsia would lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the offspring.

Methods—

We traced 6410 babies born in Helsinki, Finland, from 1934 to 1944. We used the mothers’ blood pressure levels and the presence of proteinuria during pregnancy to define pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension without proteinuria according to modern criteria.

Results—

Two hundred eighty-four of the pregnancies were complicated by pre-eclampsia (120 with nonsevere and 164 with severe disease) and 1592 by gestational hypertension. The crude hazard ratio for all forms of stroke among people whose mothers had pre-eclampsia was 1.9 (1.2 to 3.0;
P
=0.01); among people whose mothers had gestational hypertension, it was 1.4 (1.0 to 1.8;
P
=0.03). There was no evidence that these pregnancy disorders were associated with coronary heart disease in the offspring. Pre-eclampsia, in particular severe disease, was associated with a reduced mean head circumference at birth, whereas gestational hypertension was associated with an increased head circumference in relation to body length.

Conclusions—

People born after pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension are at increased risk of stroke. The underlying processes may include a local disorder of the blood vessels of the brain as a consequence of either reduced brain growth or impaired brain growth leading to “brain-sparing” responses in utero.
Sex Differences in Caspase Activation After Stroke
Authors: Liu Fudong , Li Zhong , Li Jun , Siegel Chad , Yuan Rongwen , McCullough Louise D.
Published: March 2009

Background and Purpose—

Over the past 5 years, experimental data have emerged that ischemia-induced cell death pathways may differ in males and females. Cell death in males is triggered by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor. We have previously shown that interference with this pathway benefits males but not females after an experimental stroke. In contrast, caspase activation may be the major pathway activated after ischemic injury in females. The aim of this study is to examine whether sex differences exist in caspase activation in adult mice after stroke and to determine if interference with stroke-induced caspase activation preferentially protects females.

Methods—

Focal stroke was induced by reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion (90 minutes) in young and aging C57BL/6 mice of both sexes. The pan-caspase inhibitor, quinoline-Val-Asp(Ome)-CH2-O-phenoxy was administered at reperfusion. Histological outcomes were assessed 48 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Separate cohorts were used for protein analysis of key cell death proteins, including caspase-3, caspase-8, cytochrome C, and apoptosis-inducing factor.

Results—

Drug-treated female mice had significantly decreased infarct volumes and improved neurological deficits after stroke compared to vehicle-treated mice. Quinoline-Val-Asp(Ome)-CH2-O-phenoxy administration had no effect in male mice. The expression of cytochrome C and nuclear caspase-8 levels were increased in females after stroke.

Conclusions—

Female mice had an early release of cytochrome C and enhanced caspase activation after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Caspase inhibition benefited females but not males. Sex differences exist in both the response to ischemic injury and the efficacy of neuroprotective agents.
Quality of Life After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Christensen Michael C. , Mayer Stephan , Ferran Jean-Marc
Published: March 2009

Background and Purpose—

Neurological impairment and physical disability are frequent and important complications of stroke with serious consequences for health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Little data exist, however, on the risk factors for poor HRQOL after intracerebral hemorrhage, the deadliest and most disabling form of stroke.

Methods—

Factor Seven for Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke (FAST) was an international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted between May 2005 and February 2007 at 122 sites in 22 countries. All patients were followed for 3 months after stroke onset and HRQOL was assessed using the EuroQoL. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to identify predictors of poor HRQOL based on demographic and clinical baseline characteristics and in-hospital complications.

Results—

Six hundred fifty-seven patients survived until 3 months after stroke onset, and 621 (95%) completed the EuroQoL. Two percent had a utility score <0 (HRQOL worse than death), 15% a utility score <0.2, 32% a utility score <0.5, and 87% a score <0.87 (average score in the general population). At the other end of the scale, 13% had a utility score of 1 (perfect HRQOL). Independent predictors of poor HRQOL were advanced age (OR, 1.80;
P
<0.0001), higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR, 1.11;
P
<0.0001), higher systolic blood pressure (OR, 1.05;
P
=0.0039), higher baseline intracerebral hemorrhage volume (OR, 1.11;
P
=0.015), deep (versus lobar) hematoma location (OR, 3.05;
P
=0.003), and increase in neurological deficit in first 72 hours after ICH onset (Δ Glasgow Coma Scale ≥2 or Δ National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥4; OR, 2.04;
P
=0.006). The model explained a large amount of the variation in the utility score (C-statistic 0.77).

Conclusion—

The vast majority of survivors after intracerebral hemorrhage have very poor HRQOL. Critical care interventions designed to control blood pressure or prevent neuroworsening may improve HRQOL in intracerebral hemorrhage survivors.
Use of Stroke Secondary Prevention Services
Authors: Ross Joseph S. , Halm Ethan A. , Bravata Dawn M.
Published: March 2009

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to examine whether there are disparities in use of stroke secondary prevention services because disparities in stroke outcomes have been found among older adults, women, racial minorities, and within Stroke Belt states.

Methods—

Using the nationally-representative 2005 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System, we examined self-reported use of 11 stroke secondary prevention services queried in the survey. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between service use and age, sex, race, and Stroke Belt state residence, controlling for other socio-demographic and health care access characteristics.

Results—

Among 11 862 adults with a history of stroke, 16% were 80 or older, 54% were women, 13% were non-Hispanic black, and 23% lived within a Stroke Belt state. Overall service use varied: 31% reported poststroke outpatient rehabilitation, 57% regular exercise, 66% smoking cessation counseling, and 91% current use of antihypertensive medications. Age 80 or older was not associated with lower use of any of the 11 services. Women were less likely to report poststroke outpatient rehabilitation and regular exercise when compared with men (probability values ≤0.005); there were no sex-based differences in use of the 9 other services. Blacks were less likely to report pneumococcal vaccination when compared with whites, but were more likely to report poststroke outpatient rehabilitation (probability values ≤0.005); there were no race-based differences in use of the 9 other services. Stroke Belt state residence was not associated with lower use of any of the 11 services.

Conclusions—

Use of many stroke secondary prevention services was suboptimal. We did not find consistent age, sex, racial, or Stroke Belt state residence disparities in care.
Shared Mapping of Own and Others' Bodies in Visuotactile Bimodal Area of Monkey Parietal Cortex
Authors: Ishida Hiroaki , Nakajima Katsumi , Inase Masahiko , Murata Akira
Published: March 2009

Parietal cortex contributes to body representations by integrating visual and somatosensory inputs. Because mirror neurons in ventral premotor and parietal cortices represent visual images of others' actions on the intrinsic motor representation of the self, this matching system may play important roles in recognizing actions performed by others. However, where and how the brain represents others' bodies and correlates self and other body representations remain unclear. We expected that a population of visuotactile neurons in simian parietal cortex would represent not only own but others' body parts. We first searched for parietal visuotactile bimodal neurons in the ventral intraparietal area and area 7b of monkeys, and then examined the activity of these neurons while monkeys were observing visual or tactile stimuli placed on the experimenter's body parts. Some bimodal neurons with receptive fields (RFs) anchored on the monkey's body exhibited visual responses matched to corresponding body parts of the experimenter, and visual RFs near that body part existed in the peripersonal space within approximately 30 cm from the body surface. These findings suggest that the brain could use self representation as a reference for perception of others' body parts in parietal cortex. These neurons may contribute to spatial matching between the bodies of the self and others in both action recognition and imitation.
Eight Problems for the Mirror Neuron Theory of Action Understanding in Monkeys and Humans
Authors: Hickok Gregory
Published: March 2009

The discovery of mirror neurons in macaque frontal cortex has sparked a resurgence of interest in motor/embodied theories of cognition. This critical review examines the evidence in support of one of these theories, namely, that mirror neurons provide the basis of action understanding. It is argued that there is no evidence from monkey data that directly tests this theory, and evidence from humans makes a strong case against the position.
Fast Forward: Supramarginal Gyrus Stimulation Alters Time Measurement
Authors: Wiener Martin , Hamilton Roy , Turkeltaub Peter , Matell Matthew S. , Coslett H. B.
Published: March 2009

The neural basis of temporal processing is unclear. We addressed this important issue by performing two experiments in which repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was administered in different sessions to the left or right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) or vertex; in both tasks, two visual stimuli were presented serially and subjects were asked to judge if the second stimulus was longer than the first (standard) stimulus. rTMS was presented on 50% of trials. Consistent with a previous literature demonstrating the effect of auditory clicks on temporal judgment, rTMS was associated with a tendency to perceive the paired visual stimulus as longer in all conditions. Crucially, rTMS to the right SMG was associated with a significantly greater subjective prolongation of the associated visual stimulus in both experiments. These findings demonstrate that the right SMG is an important element of the neural system underlying temporal processing and, as discussed, have implications for neural and cognitive models of temporal perception and attention.
Discrete Object Representation, Attention Switching, and Task Difficulty in the Parietal Lobe
Authors: Cusack Rhodri , Mitchell Daniel J. , Duncan John
Published: March 2009

An important component of perception, attention, and memory is the structuring of information into subsets (“objects”), which allows some parts to be considered together but kept separate from others. Portions of the posterior parietal lobe respond proportionally to the number of objects in the scope of attention and short-term memory, up to a capacity limit of around four, suggesting they have a role in this important process. This study investigates the relationship of discrete object representation to other parietal functions. Two experiments and two supplementary analyses were conducted to evaluate responsivity in parietal regions to the number of objects, the number of spatial locations, attention switching, and general task difficulty. Using transparent motion, it was found that a posterior and inferior parietal response to multiple objects persists even in the absence of a change in visual extent or the number of spatial locations. In a monitoring task, it was found that attention switching (or task difficulty) and object representation have distinct neural signatures, with the former showing greater recruitment of an anterior and lateral intraparietal sulcus (IPS) region, but the latter in a posterior and lateral region. A dissociation was also seen between selectivity for object load across tasks in the inferior IPS and feature or object-related memory load in the superior IPS.
Attitudes toward Animals: The Effect of Priming Thoughts of Human-Animal Similarities and Mortality Salience on the Evaluation of Companion Animals
Authors: Loughnan Stephen , Halloran Michael , Beatson Ruth
Published: March 2009

Human attitudes toward nonhuman animals are complex and quite contradictory. They can range between extremely negative (animal cruelty) to positive (treating companion animals like human surrogates). Attitudes toward animals are especially negative when people think about human creatureliness and personal mortality. This paper investigates people's attitudes toward highly valued animals (companion animals). The research presented here tested whether companion-animal caregivers would respond to reminders of human creatureliness and mortality salience (MS) with more negative attitudes toward pets. Participants completed an online survey in which MS and human-creatureliness conditions were manipulated. Results showed that, under MS, even pet owners responded to reminders of human creatureliness with less positive attitudes toward the average pet. Thus, the effects observed in previous research extend to more popular animals, even among people with presumably positive attitudes toward animals.
Engagement: A Path to Disarmament or Disaster?
Authors: Pettyjohn Stacie L.
Published: March 2009

This article argues that under certain conditions the United States can play an important role in peacefully resolving a conflict involving an ally and a nationalist terrorist organization (NTO) by engaging the NTO. An American policy of engagement can bring both parties to the table by convincing them that they are trapped in a mutually hurting stalemate and that negotiations offer the only way out of this situation. In addition, engagement provides the U.S. with significant leverage over both of the disputants, enabling it to push both parties to make the concessions necessary to realize a settlement. However, engagement can only have these effects if the U.S. bias towards its ally is tempered and if its policy is serious, sustained, and conditional. For these conditions to hold, there must be significant domestic support within the United States for a policy of engagement. These arguments are illustrated with case studies of the U.S. engagement of Sinn Fein between 1994 and 2005 and the U.S. dialogue with the Palestine Liberation Organization between 1988 and 1990.
Six-Party Talks and Negotiation Strategy: When Do We Get There?
Authors: Grzelczyk Virginie
Published: March 2009

Over the past decade, multiple attempts have been made to curb North Korea’s development of a nuclear program. Major world powers such as the United States and China have reached out to Pyongyang through bilateral and multilateral negotiation processes. The Six-Party Talks, the current negotiation mechanism used to discuss options for a potential denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, have brought back hopes that a deal might one day be reached. What type of framework is provided by the Six-Party Talks? How have parties’ negotiation behaviors been influenced by the Talks, and how have they in turn impacted the process? Could this negotiation mechanism eventually become more institutionalized? Although this process has not yet emerged as a successful example of an institution that can influence North Korea’s determination to become a nuclear power, it has moved beyond its infancy and should be considered a viable tool within foreign policy options.
Face-Saving Maneuvers and Strong Third-Party Mediation: The Lancaster House Conference on Zimbabwe-Rhodesia
Authors: Novak Andrew
Published: March 2009

Where two opposing sides are engaged in violent conflict and a process of political disintegration, the ability to protect an already-contested legitimacy becomes crucial to a negotiated agreement. Lord Carrington, the mediator between the government of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia and the guerrilla forces of the Patriotic Front, helped the parties save face at the Lancaster House Conference in 1979. Using a tactic of strong third-party mediation, Carrington accepted responsibility for the concessions the opposing delegations made, allowing them to protect their reputation among supporters. This paper examines the three primary ways the parties at Lancaster House attempted to save face: using the mediator as scapegoat, engaging in sharp confrontation in public and flexible conciliation in private, and conducting “shadow” negotiations through Commonwealth Secretary-General Sir Shridath Ramphal.
A Crime that Offends the Conscience of Humanity: A Proposal to Reclassify Trafficking in Women as an International Crime
Authors: Tavakoli Nina
Published: March 2009

The current international legal framework for the prosecution of trafficking of women needs to be revisited if trafficking is to be combated more effectively. The treatment of trafficking as a transnational, rather than an international crime denies its essence as a crime that offends the conscience of humankind and which strikes at the heart of international order. This failure is symptomatic of an international legal order that prioritises and affords greater protection to abuses of men's as opposed to women's human rights.
The Difficulties of Exercising Extraterritorial Criminal Jurisdiction: The Acquittal of a Dutch Businessman for Crimes Committed in Liberia
Authors: van den Herik Larissa
Published: March 2009

Reports of the NGO Global Witness in which the implication of the Dutchman Kouwenhoven in the civil war in Liberia was exposed served as the lead for the Dutch Prosecution Office to start a criminal case against this national. In June 2006, the Dutch businessman Guus Kouwenhoven was convicted in first instance for the violation of an arms embargo, but acquitted of the count on war crimes. On appeal, Kouwenhoven was fully acquitted of all charges. In its judgment quashing the prior conviction, the Dutch Court of Appeal heavily criticized the Public Prosecutor and observed that the case against Kouwenhoven was built on quicksand. Even though not based on universal jurisdiction, the case does illustrate the inherent complexities of exercising extraterritorial criminal jurisdiction. A remarkable aspect of the case is that the Court of Appeal evaluated the evidence presented in a fundamentally different way than the Court of First Instance had done. This might be related to the inherent difficulties of assessing “foreign evidence”. In this note, it is argued that when adjudicating such foreign cases, national judges being unfamiliar with the historical and cultural setting in which the alleged crimes took place, should call upon experts on the region to assist in the evaluation of the evidence. In terms of substance, the case leads to interesting questions as to how charges of illegal arms trade do and should relate to charges of complicity in war crimes.
The Media Spectacle of Columbine
Authors: Frymer Benjamin
Published: March 2009

Although youth violence and “delinquency” have frequently generated fear of alienated youth in American life, especially since the 1950s, the media coverage of the Columbine shootings reconstructed youth alienation in novel ways, generating a new fear and reality of “alien” youth. Analysis of both print and television media shows that following Columbine, school shooters have come to stand for an entire constellation of threats and troubles now ostensibly emanating from the very lifeworlds of formerly harmless White suburban youth. These lifeworlds have been typically framed in terms of alienation: as new forms of adolescent estrangement from parents, schools, and the major institutions and dominant culture of American life.
Through the Eye of the Needle: the Unfolding of the Unconscious Body
Authors: Lombardi Riccardo
Published: March 2009

The body is the starting point of experience and the original source of psychic life. In the course of analysis “the camel” must “go through the eye of the needle,” in the sense that the body must become the specific object of mental working through, although no link between the corporeal and the mental can be taken for granted. The body-mind relationship is explored in the light of Matte Blanco's hypothesis that symmetric and asymmetric relationships are always present in the mind in differing proportions, and that the realm of symmetry is the deep unconscious. In primitive mental states the body may be completely unperceived: just as H. G. Wells's invisible man could be seen only when dressed, so the body appears on the mind's horizon only when asymmetric thought is directed at it. Three clinical vignettes show the contribution of the body-mind relationship to the overcoming of serious impasses in analysis.
Toward a Neuropsychological Reconstruction of Projective Identification
Authors: Meissner W.W.
Published: March 2009

The meaning of the concept of projective identification (PI) is examined in an effort to determine the mechanisms involved in its operation. Formulations of the concept are reviewed conceiving of the process of PI as a form of unconscious affective communication. Difficulties and ambiguities of the concept are discussed, including the lack of a satisfactory explanation for unconscious communication. Possible mechanisms and processes that might contribute to the process are explored, including on one hand nonconscious and automatic neurophysiological, physiological, neuromuscular, and autonomic processes, along with mechanisms of emotional simulation, and on the other unconscious and conflictual defensive psychological processes involving aspects of projection and introjection. An attempt is made to integrate these findings in a coherent theoretical model of PI that is comprehensible in psychoanalytically meaningful and cogent terms.
A Study Demonstrating Efficacy of a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy for Panic Disorder: Implications for Psychoanalytic Research, Theory, and Practice
Authors: Busch Fredric N. , Milrod Barbara L. , Sandberg Larry S.
Published: March 2009

Systematic research on psychoanalytic treatments has been limited by several factors, including a belief that clinical experience can demonstrate the effectiveness of psychoanalysis, rendering systematic research unnecessary, the view that psychoanalytic research would be difficult or impossible to accomplish, and a concern that research would distort the treatment being delivered. In recent years, however, many psychoanalysts have recognized the necessity of research in order to obtain a more balanced assessment of the role of psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis in a contemporary treatment armamentarium, as well as to allow appropriate evaluation and potentially greater acceptance by the broader mental health and medical communities. In this context, studies were conducted of a psychodynamic treatment, Panic-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (PFPP), initially in an open trial and then in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in comparison with a less active treatment, Applied Relaxation Training (ART; Cerny et al. 1984), for adults with primary DSM-IV panic disorder. The results of the RCT demonstrated the efficacy of PFPP in treating panic disorder, and also demonstrated that a psychoanalytic treatment can be systematically evaluated in a mode consistent with the principles of evidence-based medicine. Two specific features of the methodology, the development of the treatment manual and the operationalization of the adherence instrument, both core building blocks of contemporary psychotherapy outcome research, and their implications for psychoanalytic research are discussed in greater depth. The theoretical, clinical, and educational implications of the PFPP studies are elaborated, and suggestions are made for pursuing further outcome research of psychoanalytic treatments.
Psychic Structure: Exploring an Empirically Still Unknown Territory
Authors: Klug Günther , Huber Dorothea
Published: March 2009

The Scales of Psychological Capacities (SPC) were developed to gauge structural change, the mode-specific effect of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapies. In this study, as a first step, basic psychometric properties that assess psychic structure were examined. Construct validity was investigated as predictive validity in a known-groups approach. Two predictions were formulated: (1) there are differences in psychic structure between borderline patients, depressive patients, and healthy controls that are verified by the SPC, and (2) borderline patients show inconsistent and divergent self- and object representations most frequently, followed by depressive patients and, finally, by healthy controls, a fact reflected by the SPC. These scales were applied to a sample of 33 borderline patients, 36 depressed women, and 36 healthy controls. Both predictions were confirmed. Thus, empirical evidence is provided of the SPC being a valid measure for assessing psychic structure.
Evaluation of an Observer Form of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations
Authors: Han Kyunghee , Burns Gary N. , Weed Nathan C. , Hatchett Gregory T. , Kurokawa Nancy K. S.
Published: March 2009

The present study evaluates a prospective observer form of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) by comparing the two forms in terms of factor structure, mean differences, reliability, and examining correlations between self-report and peer ratings. A total of 163 pairs of friends complete the CISS and an observer form of the CISS. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that for both rating forms, the four-factor solution fits better. Although self-rating data fit the theoretical model better, the peer ratings show higher reliability. The correlation between self and peer latent factors is moderate for Avoidance-oriented coping and for its subscales, but low for Task- and Emotion-oriented coping. Internal consistency coefficients for the CISS scales are high across type of rating, and a significant cross-form mean difference is found on the Task latent factor. Overall, the results provide evidence of substantial measurement equivalence between the self-rating form and the observer form, and the authors propose its use in dispositional coping research.
The Effect of Auxiliary Variables and Multiple Imputation on Parameter Estimation in Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Yoo Jin Eun
Published: March 2009

This Monte Carlo study investigates the beneficiary effect of including auxiliary variables during estimation of confirmatory factor analysis models with multiple imputation. Specifically, it examines the influence of sample size, missing rates, missingness mechanism combinations, missingness types (linear or convex), and the absence or presence of the auxiliary variables on convergence failure, bias, standard error, and confidence interval coverage of parameters. Including auxiliary variables in the imputation model is found to improve parameter estimation in most cases, particularly with the convex type of missingness and the nonignorable cases caused by MAR and absence of auxiliary variables in the imputation model. The results of this study can be applied to test validity studies where item selection is needed because of the presence of many alternative items (e.g., instrument development from an item bank). Implications and recommendations for proper imputation are discussed.
Dietary Fluoride Intake by Children Receiving Different Sources of Systemic Fluoride
Authors: Rodrigues M.H.C. , Leite A.L. , Arana A. , Villena R.S. , Forte F.D.S. , Sampaio F.C. , Buzalaf M.A.R.
Published: March 2009

There has been no comparison of fluoride (F) intake by pre-school children receiving more traditional sources of systemic F. The aim of this study was to estimate the dietary F intake by children receiving F from artificially fluoridated water (AFW-Brazil, 0.6–0.8 mg F/L), naturally fluoridated water (NFW-Brazil, 0.6–0.9 mg F/L), fluoridated salt (FS-Peru, 180–200 mg F/Kg), and fluoridated milk (FM-Peru, 0.25 mg F). Children (n = 21–26) aged 4–6 yrs old participated in each community. A non-fluoridated community (NoF) was evaluated as the control population. Dietary F intake was monitored by the “duplicate plate” method, with different constituents (water, other beverages, and solids). F was analyzed with an ion-selective electrode. Data were tested by Kruskall-Wallis and Dunn’s tests (p < 0.05). Mean (± SD) F intake (mg/Kg b.w./day) was 0.04 ± 0.01b, 0.06 ± 0.02a,b, 0.05 ± 0.02a,b, 0.06 ± 0.01a, and 0.01 ± 0.00c for AFW/NFW/FS/FM/NoF, respectively. The main dietary contributors for AFW/NFW and FS/FM/NoF were water and solids, respectively. The results indicate that the dietary F intake must be considered before a systemic method of fluoridation is implemented.
Silver Diamine Fluoride: A Caries “Silver-Fluoride Bullet”
Authors: Rosenblatt A. , Stamford T.C.M. , Niederman R.
Published: March 2009

The antimicrobial use of silver compounds pivots on the 100-year-old application of silver nitrate, silver foil, and silver sutures for the prevention and treatment of ocular, surgical, and dental infections. Ag+ kills pathogenic organisms at concentrations of < 50 ppm, and current/potential anti-infective applications include: acute burn coverings, catheter linings, water purification systems, hospital gowns, and caries prevention. To distill the current best evidence relative to caries, this systematic review asked: Will silver diamine fluoride (SDF) more effectively prevent caries than fluoride varnish? A five-database search, reference review, and hand search identified 99 human clinical trials in three languages published between 1966 and 2006. Dual review for controlled clinical trials with the patient as the unit of observation, and excluding cross-sectional, animal, in vitro studies, and opinions, identified 2 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The trials indicated that SDF’s lowest prevented fractions for caries arrest and caries prevention were 96.1% and 70.3%, respectively. In contrast, fluoride varnish’s highest prevented fractions for caries arrest and caries prevention were 21.3% and 55.7%, respectively. Similarly, SDF’s highest numbers needed to treat for caries arrest and caries prevention were 0.8 (95% CI = 0.5–1.0) and 0.9 (95% CI = 0.4–1.1), respectively. For fluoride varnish, the lowest numbers needed to treat for caries arrest and prevention were 3.7 (95% CI = 3.4–3.9) and 1.1 (95% CI = 0.7–1.4), respectively. Adverse events were monitored, with no significant differences between control and experimental groups. These promising results suggest that SDF is more effective than fluoride varnish, and may be a valuable caries-preventive intervention. As well, the availability of a safe, effective, efficient, and equitable caries-preventive agent appears to meet the criteria of both the WHO Millennium Goals and the US Institute of Medicine’s criteria for 21st century medical care.
In vivo Application of Amelogenin Suppresses Root Resorption
Authors: Yagi Y. , Suda N. , Yamakoshi Y. , Baba O. , Moriyama K.
Published: March 2009

Amelogenin is recognized as an enamel protein associated with enamel formation. Besides this well-known function, remarkable root resorption has been seen in amelogenin-null mutant mice. Moreover, in vitro culture studies showed that amelogenin suppressed osteoclast differentiation. These studies raised the hypothesis that amelogenin can inhibit root resorption by reducing odontoclast number. To examine this hypothesis, we applied porcine amelogenins in a rat root resorption model, in which maxillary first molars were replanted after being air-dried. Compared with untreated and carrier-treated tooth roots, the application dramatically reduced the odontoclast number on root surfaces and inhibited cementum and root dentin resorption. Amelogenin significantly reduced the number of human odontoclastic cells in culture. It also inhibited RANKL expression in mouse bone marrow cell cultures. All these findings support our hypothesis that amelogenin application suppresses root resorption by inhibiting odontoclast number, and suggest that this is mediated by the regulation of RANKL expression.
PGE2 Production in Oral Cancer Cell Lines is COX-2-dependent
Authors: Husvik C. , Khuu C. , Bryne M. , Halstensen T.S.
Published: March 2009

It has been suggested that epithelial cyclooxyge-nase-2 (COX-2) promotes oral carcinogenesis and carcinoma malignancy through increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Although oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) often express COX-2, they may also produce PGE2 in a COX-1-dependent manner. We used 6 isolated cell lines to investigate which COX isoforms OSCC may use for PGE2 production. COX-1 and -2 expression patterns divided the 6 OSCC cell lines into 3 distinct groups: both COX isoforms low, only COX-1 high, or both COX isoforms high. Multicolor immunohistofluorescence staining confirmed the COX-expression profiles in organotypic 3D cultures and the COX-2 dominance in OSCC tumors. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation induced COX-2 (but not COX-1) expression and increased PGE2 production, which was attenuated by COX-2 (but not COX-1) specific inhibition or siRNA-mediated COX-2 gene knockdown. Thus, PGE2 production in OSCC cell lines was COX-2-dependent.
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus Attacks Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Van Essche M. , Quirynen M. , Sliepen I. , Van Eldere J. , Teughels W.
Published: March 2009

Periodontitis is a polymicrobial infectious disease primarily associated with Gram-negative periodontopathogens. Bdellovibrio and like organisms are predatory bacteria that feed on Gram-negative bacteria. This study investigated whether predatory bacteria can attack Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Therefore, A. actinomycetemcomitans was challenged with the predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus under conditions simulating the oral cavity. The reduction of planktonic A. actinomycetemcomitans was quantified via bacterial culture, and the development of predatory bacteria was monitored with quantitative real-time PCR. The destruction of A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilms by B. bacteriovorus was quantified by crystal violet staining and visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The in vitro results show that B. bacteriovorus can attack, prey on, and kill A. actinomycetemcomitans and suggest a potential for B. bacteriovorus as a living antibiotic for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.
Repairability of Cross-linked Biopolymers
Authors: Balkenhol M. , Michel K. , Stelzig J. , Wöstmann B.
Published: March 2009

Repair of biopolymers is a critical issue, especially with aged restorations. Obtaining a chemical bond to the repair surface might solve this problem. We hypothesized that certain repair liquids are suitable to establish a strong bond to an artificially aged dimethacrylate-based biopolymer for temporary restorations. Specimens made of a self-curing temporary crown-and-bridge material were prepared and thermocycled for 7 days (5000x, 5–55°C). Cylinders made of light-curing composites (n = 10) were bonded onto the specimen surface, either after grinding or after the application of 4 different experimental repair liquids (Bis-GMA:TEGDMA mixture = bonding, methylmethacrylate = MMA, bonding & acetone, bonding & MMA). A shear bond strength test was performed 24 hrs after repair. The highest bond strength was obtained with the bonding & acetone liquid (20.1 ± 2.2 MPa). The use of MMA significantly affected the bond strength (6.8 ± 1.9 MPa). MMA is inadequate as a repair liquid on aged composite-based biopolymers.
Impacts of Comprehensive Reading Instruction on Diverse Outcomes of Low- and High-Achieving Readers
Authors: Guthrie John T. , McRae Angela , Coddington Cassandra S. , Lutz Klauda Susan , Wigfield Allan , Barbosa Pedro
Published: March 2009

Low-achieving readers in Grade 5 often lack comprehension strategies, domain knowledge, word recognition skills, fluency, and motivation to read. Students with such multiple reading needs seem likely to benefit from instruction that supports each of these reading processes. The authors tested this expectation experimentally by comparing the effects of Concept-Oriented Reading Instruction (CORI) with traditional instruction (TI) on several outcomes in a 12-week intervention for low achievers and high achievers. Low achievers in the CORI group were afforded explicit instruction, leveled texts, and motivation support. Compared with TI students, CORI students scored higher on posttest measures of word recognition speed, reading comprehension on the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test, and ecological knowledge. CORI was equally effective for lower achievers and higher achievers. Explicitly supporting multiple aspects of reading simultaneously appeared to benefit diverse learners on a range of reading outcomes.
Willingness to Engage in Personal Relationships With Persons With Disabilities
Authors: Miller Eva , Chen Roy , Glover-Graf Noreen M. , Kranz Peter
Published: March 2009

This study examined the willingness of persons without disabilities (PWODs) to engage in personal relationships with persons with disabilities (PWDs). Participants ( N = 305) were primarily female Hispanic students (91%) preparing for careers in the helping professions. The Relationships and Disability Survey assessed the effect of the category and severity of disability on the type of relationships students were willing to have with PWDs. Students also ranked personal attributes of PWDs that might affect their willingness to engage in relationships. Results indicated that students were significantly more willing to have friendships and acquaintanceships with persons with mild to moderate disabilities and persons with sensory, health, and physical impairments. Students were least willing to marry or have a partnership with a PWD, especially if the PWD had cognitive and psychiatric impairments. Personal attributes of intelligence, kindness, and humor were rated most highly.
Birding Festivals, Sustainability, and Ecotourism
Authors: Lawton Laura J.
Published: March 2009

A survey of 108 U.S.-based birding festivals reveals overall basic adherence to ecotourism criteria, although cluster analysis reveals four distinct subgroups whose members are labeled as normatives (47%), minimalists (30%), recruiters (15%), and fund-raisers (8%). Formal identification with ecotourism through promotion or membership was low and did not predict cluster membership or increase in visitor numbers. Hence, while ecotourism organizations could benefit from an influx of birding festival memberships, the reciprocal benefits for birding festivals with regard to performance and sustainability outcomes are unclear.
Applying Systems Thinking to Sustainable Golf Tourism
Authors: Woodside Arch G.
Published: March 2009

This article examines the issues and criticisms concerning golf, tourism, and the environment and considers how golf—tourism—environment relationships might achieve economic well-being for a region while avoiding vicious cycles of destruction to local environments and the quality of life of local residents. The examination proposes the use of systems thinking, cause mapping, and system dynamics modeling and simulations of golf, tourism, and environmental relationships to help achieve workable solutions agreeable to all stakeholders. Sustainable relationships that include golf, tourism, and environmental objectives require crafting government policies via stakeholder participation of all parties that such relationships affect—recognizing and enabling this requirement needs to be done explicitly—to reduce conflicts among stakeholders and avoid system failures.
The Dependence of Tourism SMEs on NTOs
Authors: Seppälä-Esser Raija , Airey David , Szivas Edith
Published: March 2009

This article reports on a study to explore the level of dependence of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMEs) in Finland on the resources of the Finnish Tourist Board (FTB). A tool to measure resource dependence was developed. The overall importance of specified resources, the level of exchange of these resources acquired from the FTB, the existence of alternative sources for similar resources, and access to them were assessed. The level of dependence of Finnish tourism SMEs on the FTB was reported to be moderate. Differences were, however, identified among different types of enterprises. The size of enterprises, their proportion of foreign guests, their marketing planning, and their cooperation with others affected the level of resource dependence. The FTB resources on which tourism SMEs were most dependent were destination marketing and marketing knowledge. Results contribute to an understanding of the role of national tourism organizations.