bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Risk and Citizen Preferences for Governmental Management of Routine Hazards
Authors: Gerber Brian J. , Neeley Grant W.
Published: July 2005

Risk perceptions are important to the policy process because they inform individuals’ preferences for government management of hazards that affect personal safety, public health, or ecological conditions. Studies of risk in the policy process have often focused on explicating the determinants of risk perceptions for highly salient, high consequence hazards (e.g., nuclear energy). We argue that it is useful to also study more routinely experienced hazards; doing so shows the relevance of risk perceptions in individuals’ daily lives. Our investigation focuses on the impact perceived risk has on citizens’ preferences over hazard management policies (as distinct from identifying risk perception determinants per se). We use a recursive structural equation model to analyze public opinion data measuring attitudes in three distinct issue domains: air pollution, crime, and hazardous waste storage and disposal. We find that citizens utilize perceived risk rationally: greater perceived risk generally produces support for more proactive government to manage potential hazards. This perceived risk–policy response relationship generally holds even though the policy options respondents were asked to consider entailed nontrivial costs to the public. The exception seems to be when individuals know less about the substantive issue domain.
Strategic Alliances in Action: Toward a Theory of Evolution
Authors: Wohlstetter Priscilla , Smith Joanna , Malloy Courtney L.
Published: July 2005

The popularity and prevalence of strategic alliances for problem solving has been well documented in research on the corporate sector and public policy. However, there has been limited work to date on building a comprehensive theory about the evolutionary process of alliances. The purpose of this article is to synthesize current research on alliance development in order to develop a model of strategic alliance evolution. The theoretical model is built with ideas from prior research as well as findings from our own recent research on alliances in education. We conducted a national study of strategic alliances in charter schools focused on uncovering the process of evolution—including how alliances are initiated, operated, and evaluated—and the various internal and external factors that influence alliance development and progress. Our findings offer a model of strategic alliance evolution and provide direction for future research.
Laying Down the Law? Interest Group Influence on State Adoption of Animal Cruelty Felony Laws
Authors: Allen Mahalley D.
Published: July 2005

Since the late 1960s, the number and types of organized interest groups working at the state level have increased dramatically, but research shows that traditional organized interest groups, such as business and labor unions, are still the most influential in state policymaking (Thomas and Hrebenar 1996). Less is known, however, about the influence of non‐economically focused interest groups in the state policy process. Using pooled cross‐sectional data from the American states, I explore the effect that nontraditional organized interests can have on state policy. Specifically, I examine the influence of the Humane Society of the United States on state adoption of animal cruelty felony laws. Although the Humane Society is not one of the traditional groups expected to have a significant influence in state policymaking, my results suggest that it has played a significant role. However, I also find that the Humane Society's influence on the stringency of these laws is less pronounced.
Origins of DNA replication in the three domains of life
Authors: Robinson Nicholas P. , Bell Stephen D.
Published: July 2005

Replication of DNA is essential for the propagation of life. It is somewhat surprising then that, despite the vital nature of this process, cellular organisms show a great deal of variety in the mechanisms that they employ to ensure appropriate genome duplication. This diversity is manifested along classical evolutionary lines, with distinct combinations of replicon architecture and replication proteins being found in the three domains of life: the Bacteria, the Eukarya and the Archaea. Furthermore, although there are mechanistic parallels, even within a given domain of life, the way origins of replication are defined shows remarkable variation.
Identification of a novel thyroid hormone‐sulfating cytosolic sulfotransferase, SULT1 ST5, from zebrafish
Authors: Yasuda Shin , Kumar A. Pavan , Liu Ming‐Yih , Sakakibara Yoichi , Suiko Masahito , Chen Lanzhuang , Liu Ming‐Cheh
Published: July 2005

By employing RT‐PCR in conjunction with 3′‐RACE, a full‐length cDNA encoding a novel zebrafish cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed that this zebrafish SULT (designated SULT1 ST5) is, at the amino acid sequence level, close to 50% identical to human and dog SULT1B1 (thyroid hormone SULT). A recombinant form of zebrafish SULT1 ST5 was expressed using the pGEX‐2TK bacterial expression system and purified from transformed BL21 (DE3) cells. Purified zebrafish SULT1 ST5 migrated as a 34 kDa protein and displayed substrate specificity for thyroid hormones and their metabolites among various endogenous compounds tested. The enzyme also exhibited sulfating activities toward some xenobiotic phenolic compounds. Its pH optima were 6.0 and 9.0 with 3,3′,5‐triiodo‐l‐thyronine (l‐T3) as substrate and 6.0 with β‐naphthol as substrate. Kinetic constants of the enzyme with thyroid hormones and their metabolites as substrates were determined. Quantitative evaluation of the regulatory effects of divalent metal cations on the l‐T3‐sulfating activity of SULT1 ST5 revealed that Fe2+, Hg2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ exhibited dramatic inhibitory effects, whereas Mn2+ showed a significant stimulation. Developmental stage‐dependent expression experiments revealed a significant level of expression of this novel zebrafish thyroid hormone‐sulfating SULT at the beginning of the hatching period during embryogenesis, which gradually increased to a high level of expression throughout the larval stage into maturity.
Selenium affects biosilica formation in the demosponge Suberites domuncula
Authors: Müller Werner E. G. , Borejko Alexandra , Brandt David , Osinga Ronald , Ushijima Hiroshi , Hamer Bojan , Krasko Anatoli , Xupeng Cao , Müller Isabel M. , Schröder Heinz C.
Published: July 2005

Selenium is a trace element found in freshwater and the marine environment. We show that it plays a major role in spicule formation in the demosponge Suberites domuncula. If added to primmorphs, an in vitro sponge cell culture system, it stimulates the formation of siliceous spicules. Using differential display of transcripts, we demonstrate that, after a 72‐h exposure of primmorphs to selenium, two genes are up‐regulated; one codes for selenoprotein M and the other for a novel spicule‐associated protein. The deduced protein sequence of selenoprotein M (14 kDa) shows characteristic features of metazoan selenoproteins. The spicule‐associated protein (26 kDa) comprises six characteristic repeats of 20 amino acids, composed of 10 distinct hydrophobic regions (≈ 9 amino acids in length). Recombinant proteins were prepared, and antibodies were raised against these two proteins. Both were found to stain the central axial filament, which comprises the silicatein, as well as the surface of the spicules. In the presence of selenium, only the genes for selenoprotein M and spicule‐associated protein are up‐regulated, whereas the expression of the silicatein gene remains unchanged. Finally we show that, in the presence of selenium, larger silica aggregates are formed. We conclude that selenium has a stimulatory effect on the formation of siliceous spicules in sponges, and it may be involved in the enzymatic synthesis of biosilica components.
An antimicrobial peptide tachyplesin acts as a secondary secretagogue and amplifies lipopolysaccharide‐induced hemocyte exocytosis
Authors: Ozaki Aya , Ariki Shigeru , Kawabata Shun‐ichiro
Published: July 2005

In the horseshoe crab, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces exocytosis by granular hemocytes, resulting in the secretion of various defense molecules, such as lectins and antimicrobial peptides, via a G protein‐mediating signaling pathway. This response is a key component of the horseshoe crab innate immune response against infectious microorganisms. Here, we report an endogenous amplification mechanism for LPS‐induced hemocytes exocytosis. The concentration of LPS required for maximal secretion decreased in proportion to the density of hemocytes, suggesting the presence of a positive feedback mechanism for secretion via a mediator secreted from hemocytes. The exocytosed fluid of hemocytes was found able to induce hemocyte exocytosis in the absence of LPS. Furthermore, tachyplesin, a major antimicrobial peptide of hemocytes, was able to trigger exocytosis in an LPS‐independent manner, which was inhibited by a phospholipase C inhibitor, U‐73122, and a G protein inhibitor, pertussis toxin. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that tachyplesin directly interacts with bovine G protein. These findings suggest that the tachyplesin‐induced hemocyte exocytosis also occurs via a G protein‐mediating signaling pathway. We concluded that tachyplesin functions not only as an antimicrobial substance, but also as a secondary secretagogue of LPS‐induced hemocyte exocytosis, leading to the amplification of the innate immune reaction at sites of injury.
Template requirements and binding of hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase during in vitro RNA synthesis from the 3′‐end of virus minus‐strand RNA
Authors: Astier‐Gin Thérèse , Bellecave Pantxika , Litvak Simon , Ventura Michel
Published: July 2005

In our attempt to obtain further information on the replication mechanism of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), we have studied the role of sequences at the 3′‐end of HCV minus‐strand RNA in the initiation of synthesis of the viral genome by viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). In this report, we investigated the template and binding properties of mutated and deleted RNA fragments of the 3′‐end of the minus‐strand HCV RNA in the presence of viral polymerase. These mutants were designed following the newly established secondary structure of this viral RNA fragment. We showed that deletion of the 3′‐SL‐A1 stem loop significantly reduced the level of RNA synthesis whereas modifications performed in the SL‐B1 stem loop increased RNA synthesis. Study of the region encompassing the 341 nucleotides of the 3′‐end of the minus‐strand RNA shows that these two hairpins play a very limited role in binding to the viral polymerase. On the contrary, deletions of sequences in the 5′‐end of this fragment greatly impaired both RNA synthesis and RNA binding. Our results strongly suggest that several domains of the 341 nucleotide region of the minus‐strand 3′‐end interact with HCV RdRp during in vitro RNA synthesis, in particular the region located between nucleotides 219 and 239.
Enlarging the gas access channel to the active site renders the regulatory hydrogenase HupUV of Rhodobacter capsulatus O2 sensitive without affecting its transductory activity
Authors: Duché Ophélie , Elsen Sylvie , Cournac Laurent , Colbeau Annette
Published: July 2005

In the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus, the synthesis of the energy‐producing hydrogenase, HupSL, is regulated by the substrate H2, which is detected by a regulatory hydrogenase, HupUV. The HupUV protein exhibits typical features of [NiFe] hydrogenases but, interestingly, is resistant to inactivation by O2. Understanding the O2 resistance of HupUV will help in the design of hydrogenases with high potential for biotechnological applications. To test whether this property results from O2 inaccessibility to the active site, we introduced two mutations in order to enlarge the gas access channel in the HupUV protein. We showed that such mutations (Ile65→Val and Phe113→Leu in HupV) rendered HupUV sensitive to O2 inactivation. Also, in contrast with the wild‐type protein, the mutated protein exhibited an increase in hydrogenase activity after reductive activation in the presence of reduced methyl viologen (up to 30% of the activity of the wild‐type). The H2‐sensing HupUV protein is the first component of the H2‐transduction cascade, which, together with the two‐component system HupT/HupR, regulates HupSL synthesis in response to H2 availability. In vitro, the purified mutant HupUV protein was able to interact with the histidine kinase HupT. In vivo, the mutant protein exhibited the same hydrogenase activity as the wild‐type enzyme and was equally able to repress HupSL synthesis in the absence of H2.
Consequences of COP9 signalosome and 26S proteasome interaction
Authors: Huang Xiaohua , Hetfeld Bettina K. J. , Seifert Ulrike , Kähne Thilo , Kloetzel Peter‐Michael , Naumann Michael , Bech‐Otschir Dawadschargal , Dubiel Wolfgang
Published: July 2005

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) occurs in all eukaryotic cells. It is a regulatory particle of the ubiquitin (Ub)/26S proteasome system. The eight subunits of the CSN possess sequence homologies with the polypeptides of the 26S proteasome lid complex and just like the lid, the CSN consists of six subunits with PCI (proteasome, COP9 signalosome, initiation factor 3) domains and two components with MPN (Mpr‐Pad1‐N‐terminal) domains. Here we show that the CSN directly interacts with the 26S proteasome and competes with the lid, which has consequences for the peptidase activity of the 26S proteasome in vitro. Flag‐CSN2 was permanently expressed in mouse B8 fibroblasts and Flag pull‐down experiments revealed the formation of an intact Flag‐CSN complex, which is associated with the 26S proteasome. In addition, the Flag pull‐downs also precipitated cullins indicating the existence of super‐complexes consisting of the CSN, the 26S proteasome and cullin‐based Ub ligases. Permanent expression of a chimerical subunit (Flag‐CSN2‐Rpn6) consisting of the N‐terminal 343 amino acids of CSN2 and of the PCI domain of S9/Rpn6, the paralog of CSN2 in the lid complex, did not lead to the assembly of an intact complex showing that the PCI domain of CSN2 is important for complex formation. The consequence of permanent Flag‐CSN2 overexpression was de‐novo assembly of the CSN complex connected with an accelerated degradation of p53 and stabilization of c‐Jun in B8 cells. The possible role of super‐complexes composed of the CSN, the 26S proteasome and of Ub ligases in the regulation of protein stability is discussed.
Peroxiredoxin II functions as a signal terminator for H2O2‐activated phospholipase D1
Authors: Xiao Nianzhou , Du Guangwei , Frohman Michael A.
Published: July 2005

Phospholipase D1 (PLD1) is a signal‐transduction regulated enzyme which regulates several cell intrinsic processes including activation of NAPDH oxidase, which elevates intracellular H2O2. Several proteins have been reported to interact with PLD1 in resting cells. We sought to identify proteins that interact with PLD1 after phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) stimulation. A novel interaction with peroxiredoxin II (PrxII), an enzyme that eliminates cellular H2O2, which is a known stimulator of PLD1, was identified by PLD1‐affinity pull‐down and MS. PMA stimulation was confirmed to promote physical interaction between PLD1 and PrxII and to cause PLD1 and PrxII to colocalize subcellularly. Functional significance of the interaction was suggested by the observation that over‐expression of PrxII specifically reduces the response of PLD1 to stimulation by H2O2. These results indicate that PrxII may have a signal‐terminating role for PLD1 by being recruited to sites containing activated PLD1 after cellular stimulation involving production of H2O2.
The Alzheimer β‐peptide shows temperature‐dependent transitions between left‐handed 31‐helix, β‐strand and random coil secondary structures
Authors: Danielsson Jens , Jarvet Jüri , Damberg Peter , Gräslund Astrid
Published: July 2005

The temperature‐induced structural transitions of the full length Alzheimer amyloid β‐peptide [Aβ(1–40) peptide] and fragments of it were studied using CD and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The full length peptide undergoes an overall transition from a state with a prominent population of left‐handed 31 (polyproline II; PII)‐helix at 0 °C to a random coil state at 60 °C, with an average ΔH of 6.8 ± 1.4 kJ·mol−1 per residue, obtained by fitting a Zimm–Bragg model to the CD data. The transition is noncooperative for the shortest N‐terminal fragment Aβ(1–9) and weakly cooperative for Aβ(1–40) and the longer fragments. By analysing the temperature‐dependent 3JHNHα couplings and hydrodynamic radii obtained by NMR for Aβ(1–9) and Aβ(12–28), we found that the structure transition includes more than two states. The N‐terminal hydrophilic Aβ(1–9) populates PII‐like conformations at 0 °C, then when the temperature increases, conformations with dihedral angles moving towards β‐strand at 20 °C, and approaches random coil at 60 °C. The residues in the central hydrophobic (18–28) segment show varying behaviour, but there is a significant contribution of β‐strand‐like conformations at all temperatures below 20 °C. The C‐terminal (29–40) segment was not studied by NMR, but from CD difference spectra we concluded that it is mainly in a random coil conformation at all studied temperatures. These results on structural preferences and transitions of the segments in the monomeric form of Aβ may be related to the processes leading to the aggregation and formation of fibrils in the Alzheimer plaques.
Local stability identification and the role of a key aromatic amino acid residue in staphylococcal nuclease refolding
Authors: Su Zhengding , Wu Jiun‐Ming , Fang Huey‐Jen , Tsong Tian‐Yow , Chen Hueih‐Min
Published: July 2005

Staphylococcal nuclease (SNase) is a model protein that contains one domain and no disulfide bonds. Its stability in the native state may be maintained mainly by key amino acids. In this study, two point‐mutated proteins each with a single base substitution [alanine for tryptophan (W140A) and alanine for lysine (K133A)] and two truncated fragment proteins {positions 1–139 [SNase(1–139) or W140O] and positions 1–141 [SNase(1–141) or E142O]} were generated. Differential scanning microcalorimetry in thermal denaturation experiments showed that K133A and E142O have nearly unchanged ΔHcalrelative to the wild‐type, whereas W140A and W140O display zero enthalpy change (ΔHcal≈ 0). Far‐UV CD measurements indicate secondary structure in W140A but not W140O, and near‐UV CD measurements indicate no tertiary structure in either W140 mutant. These observations indicate an unusually large contribution of W140 to the stability and structural integrity of SNase.
Local stability identification and the role of key acidic amino acid residues in staphylococcal nuclease unfolding
Authors: Chen Hueih‐Min , Chan Siu‐Chiu , Leung King‐Wong , Wu Jiun‐Ming , Fang Huey‐Jen , Tsong Tian Yow
Published: July 2005

Staphylococcalnuclease is a single domain protein with 149 amino acids. It has no disulfide bonds, which makes it a simple model for the study of protein folding. In this study, 20 mutants of this protein were generated each with a single base substitution of glycine for negatively charged glutamic acid or aspartic acid. Using differential scanning microcalorimetry in thermal denaturation experiments, we identified two mutants, E75G and E129G, having approximately 43% and 44%, respectively, lower ΔHcalvalues than the wild‐type protein. Furthermore, two mutants, E75Q and E129Q, were created and the results imply that substitution of the Gly residue has little influence on destabilization of the secondary structure that leads to the large perturbation of the tertiary protein structure stability. Two local stable areas formed by the charge–charge interactions around E75 and E129 with particular positively charged amino acids are thus identified as being significant in maintenance of the three‐dimensional structure of the protein.
Two separate regions essential for nuclear import of the hnRNP D nucleocytoplasmic shuttling sequence
Authors: Suzuki Maiko , Iijima Megumi , Nishimura Akira , Tomozoe Yusuke , Kamei Daisuke , Yamada Michiyuki
Published: July 2005

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) D/AUF1 functions in mRNA genesis in the nucleus and modulates mRNA decay in the cytoplasm. Although it is primarily nuclear, it shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. We studied the nuclear import and export of the last exon‐encoding sequence common to all its isoforms by its expression as a green fluorescent protein‐fusion protein in HeLa cells and by heterokaryon assay. The C‐terminal 19‐residue sequence (SGYGKVSRRGGHQNSYKPY) was identified as an hnRNP D nucleocytoplasmic shuttling sequence (DNS). In vitro nuclear transport using permeabilized cells indicated that nuclear import of DNS is mediated by transportin‐1 (Trn‐1). DNS accumulation in the nucleus was dependent on Trn‐1, Ran, and energy in multiple rounds of nuclear transport. Use of DNS with deletions, alanine scanning mutagenesis and point mutations revealed that two separate regions (the N‐terminal seven residues and the C‐terminal two residues) are crucial for in vivo and in vitro transport as well as for interaction with Trn‐1. The N‐ and C‐terminal motifs are conserved in the shuttling sequences of hnRNP A1 and JKTBP.
The binding of IMP to Ribonuclease A
Authors: Hatzopoulos George N. , Leonidas Demetres D. , Kardakaris Rozina , Kobe Joze , Oikonomakos Nikos G
Published: July 2005

The binding of inosine 5′ phosphate (IMP) to ribonuclease A has been studied by kinetic and X‐ray crystallographic experiments at high (1.5 Å) resolution. IMP is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme with respect to C>p and binds to the catalytic cleft by anchoring three IMP molecules in a novel binding mode. The three IMP molecules are connected to each other by hydrogen bond and van der Waals interactions and collectively occupy the B1R1P1B2P0P‐1 region of the ribonucleolytic active site. One of the IMP molecules binds with its nucleobase in the outskirts of the B2 subsite and interacts with Glu111 while its phosphoryl group binds in P1. Another IMP molecule binds by following the retro‐binding mode previously observed only for guanosines with its nucleobase at B1 and the phosphoryl group in P‐1. The third IMP molecule binds in a novel mode towards the C‐terminus. The RNase A–IMP complex provides structural evidence for the functional components of subsite P‐1 while it further supports the role inferred by other studies to Asn71 as the primary structural determinant for the adenine specificity of the B2 subsite. Comparative structural analysis of the IMP and AMP complexes highlights key aspects of the specificity of the base binding subsites of RNase A and provides a structural explanation for their potencies. The binding of IMP suggests ways to develop more potent inhibitors of the pancreatic RNase superfamily using this nucleotide as the starting point.
THE AUSTRALIAN CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY:
Authors: Shephard Allan
Published: July 2005

The Australian Child Support Agency is recognized as a world leader in the delivery of child support services. But the rapid growth in debt between 1998 and 2003 signaled a need to develop strategies to counter the growth in owed child support. A Debt Study was undertaken in late 2002 to establish the collectibility of debt by category of cases with debt, search for the most cost‐effective methods of debt collection, and determine if other client and debt segmentation methods were warranted. The success of the Debt Study led to the implementation of the Intensive Debt Collection strategy in 2003–04.
ADOLESCENTS’ VIEWS ON THE FAIRNESS OF PARENTING AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS AFTER SEPARATION
Authors: Parkinson Patrick , Cashmore Judy , Single Judi
Published: July 2005

Interviews were conducted with 60 young people aged 12–19 in Australia, concerning their views about parenting and financial arrangements after separation. Half the young people reported that they had no say at all in where they would live after separation. A quarter said they were never able to see their nonresident parent when they wanted to. There was a strong relationship between young people's perceptions of the fairness of the parenting arrangements and the extent to which they were allowed to participate in making those arrangements. Half said that they did not have enough time with their nonresident parent. Having a continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents and with siblings was very important to them. More than a third favored arrangements of spending equal time with each parent. The young people were also very concerned with issues about fairness between first and second families, both in terms of time availability and financial provisions.
GENDER BIAS IN LAWYERS’ AFFIDAVITS TO THE FAMILY COURT OF AUSTRALIA
Authors: Hinds Robert W. , Ruth Bradshaw E.
Published: July 2005

This study investigated the content of lawyers’ affidavit material presented to the court in a small sample of custody and visitation cases. The aim was to identify factors lawyers perceived as significant to the judicial decision‐making process. Results revealed that solicitors focussed primarily on the interparental conflict. Descriptions of children, feelings, behaviours, and attachments formed a minor part of their argument. A more detailed analysis revealed that the gender of the solicitor defined the nature, length, and emotional content of the argument to the court. This was especially true in cases involving domestic violence. Implications for the education of lawyers were considered.
COMMON COUPLE AGGRESSION:
Authors: Zibbell Robert A.
Published: July 2005

Based on the experience of finding low‐level partner aggression in most couples disputing custody/access arrangements, I reviewed the literature on the incidence of common couple aggression and the impact of parental conflict on children. The pervasiveness of this pattern of interparental maltreatment and its potentially negative effects on children's behavior and emotional development underlay the importance of investigating these issues with such disputing families. The integration of several existing models for clinical‐forensic evaluation and recommendations was proposed.
EXPANDING FORENSICALLY INFORMED EVALUATIONS AND THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS IN FAMILY COURT
Authors: Markan Lynne Kenney , Weinstock David K.
Published: July 2005

As the field of forensic family law has become more empirical and in need of novel behavioral health services, it has become necessary to broaden the duties of practitioners, to clarify forensic roles, and to develop more comprehensive court orders. This article introduces the application of Forensically Informed Evaluations and Therapeutic Interventions in family court; a constellation of evaluations and interventions developed to better meet the needs of children and families during and after dissolution or reconstitution. These family court appointments also meet the growing demands of the court and contribute to the trend toward discriminative application of empirically informed behavioral health services in forensic family law.
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF BARGAINING FOR ADOPTION ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS
Authors: Mary Eschelbach Hansen , Daniel Pollack
Published: July 2005

Families that adopt children who are in foster care may receive monthly adoption assistance payments to offset the cost of raising the adopted child. The amount of the adoption assistance payment is the subject of bargaining between the family and the child welfare authority. This article uses a bargaining model to highlight factors that, in addition to the expected costs of raising the child, might influence the outcome of bargaining over adoption assistance payments. Findings indicate that married parents who adopt children already in their care have an advantage in bargaining, and single women who adopt their kin or foster children have a disadvantage in bargaining.
NONJUDICIAL ALTERNATIVES FOR RESOLVING END‐OF‐LIFE DECISIONS FOR MINORS
Authors: Canter Joanna M.
Published: July 2005

This note will discuss end‐of‐life decision making for minors. Minors who suffer from a terminal illness or who are in a persistent vegetative state are “children on the edge”—they are on the edge of life and death, as well as on the edge of the law. The judicial system and legislative action have proven to be ineffective tools in helping families find a peaceful resolution to life‐threatening questions. Judicial intervention is often intrusive, as well as emotionally and financially difficult for the family to endure. As a result, alternatives have arisen, such as hospital ethics committees and mediation, which address these issues. These alternatives demonstrate respect for patient autonomy and family privacy, by considering the family's wishes in addition to the minor's medical condition. If people avail themselves of the resources already in place, judicial intervention only becomes necessary in extreme circumstances. Nonjudicial alternatives provide a more appropriate forum for resolution than the courtroom by eliminating opportunities for public spectacle and family intrusion.
Comparing Perceptions of Cancer Fatalism among African American Patients and Their Providers
Authors: Powe Barbara D , Daniels Elvan C , Finnie Ramona
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To describe perceptions of cancer fatalism and identify demographic correlates; to explore whether providers believe their patients are fatalistic about cancer and compare these views to the patients’ views.

Data sources

Both patients (n= 52) and providers (n= 35) were recruited at federally funded, community primary care centers. Data were collected using the Powe Fatalism Inventory, the Perceived Patient Fatalism Inventory, and a demographic data questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and t‐test.

Conclusions

The majority of patients were African American women. The majority of providers were physicians and nurses. Patients indicated low perceptions of cancer fatalism, but providers believed patients were highly fatalistic. As the patients’ educational level increased, perceptions of cancer fatalism decreased.

Implications for practice

The providers’ belief that patients are fatalistic about cancer may influence patient–provider communication. They may be less likely to recommend screening, and patients may be less likely to initiate a discussion about cancer. Strategies are needed that target providers and their patients to address actual and/or perceived perceptions and their influence on cancer screening.
Asperger Syndrome in Children
Authors: Schnur Julie
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To review Asperger syndrome characteristics, assessment tools, interventions, outcomes, and the role of the nurse practitioner in diagnosing and caring for children with Asperger syndrome.

Data sources

Review of published literature on and diagnostic criteria of the condition.

Conclusions

Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder or an autism spectrum disorder that is thought to have an incidence higher than that of autism. Asperger syndrome is different from autism, with a lack of delayed language as the most distinct difference between Asperger syndrome and autism.

Implications for practice

Because of the importance of early diagnosis of Asperger syndrome for outcome improvement, screening at all well‐child visits from infancy on is of utmost importance to primary care pediatric nurse practitioners. With early diagnosis, timely intervention is possible, which is proven to show improvement in outcomes.
The Collaborative Healthcare Team: Tensive Issues Warranting Ongoing Consideration
Authors: Martin Donald R. , O'Brien Jill L. , Heyworth Judith A. , Meyer Nancy R.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To provide a qualitative assessment of those tensive issues that warrant ongoing consideration by physicians (MDs) and advanced practice nurses (APNs) currently working in professional pairings on an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Data sources

Verbatim transcripts of semistructured interviews from five MDs and eight APNs. Questions related to what MDs and APNs should expect from others in the practice; what characteristics were valued in the colleagues with whom they were paired; and what improvements might enhance their association.

Conclusions

Tensive issues were identified in five categories including autonomy and interdependence, professional role expectations, flexible role enactment, proactive problem solving, and action learning.

Implications for practice

By understanding the tensive issues that could potentially influence the quality of collaboration, MDs and APNs can consider communication measures geared toward strengthening their partnerships.
Review of Hydrodynamic Scaling Laws in Aquatic Locomotion and Fishlike Swimming
Authors: Triantafyllou M. S. , Hover F. S. , Techet A. H. , Yue D. K. P.
Published: July 2005

We consider observations and data from live fish and cetaceans, as well as data from engineered flapping foils and fishlike robots, and compare them against fluid mechanics based scaling laws. These laws have been derived on theoretical/numerical/experimental grounds to optimize the power needed for propulsion, or the energy needed for turning and fast starting. The rhythmic, oscillatory motion of fish requires an “impedance matching” between the dynamics of the actively controlled musculature and the fluid loads, to arrive at an optimal motion of the fish’s body. Hence, the degree to which data from live fish, optimized robots, and experimental apparatus are in accordance with, or deviate from these flow-based laws, allows one to assess limitations on performance due to control and sensing choices, and material and structural limitations. This review focuses primarily on numerical and experimental studies of steadily flapping foils for propulsion; three-dimensional effects in flapping foils; multiple foils and foils interacting with bodies; maneuvering and fast-starting foils; the interaction of foils with oncoming, externally-generated vorticity; the influence of Reynolds number on foil performance; scaling effects of flexing stiffness of foils; and scaling laws in fishlike swimming. This review article cites 117 references.
Median and Paired Fin Controllers for Biomimetic Marine Vehicles
Authors: Kato Naomi
Published: July 2005

This paper reviews the studies on the kinematics, hydrodynamics, and performance of median and paired fin (MPF) in fish and biomimetic mechanical systems from the viewpoint of enhancing the propulsive and maneuvering performance of marine vehicles at low speeds. Precise maneuverability and stability at low swimming speeds by use of MPF propulsion seem to be advantageous in complex habitats such as coral reefs. MPF propulsion in fish consists of undulatory fin motion and oscillatory fin motion. The kinematics of MPF in fish and mechanical systems in both groups is discussed. Hydrodynamic models and experimental data of undulatory and oscillatory motions of MPF in fish and mechanical system are reviewed. Pectoral fin propulsion has two categories which represent biomechanical extremes in the use of appendages for propulsion: drag-based and lift-based mechanisms of thrust production. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the two mechanisms are compared. The performance of fish and vehicles with MPF is reviewed from the viewpoint of maneuverability. Especially, performance of a recently developed fish-like body with a pair of undulatory side fins, a model ship with a pair of ray-wing-type propulsors, and an underwater vehicle with two pairs of mechanical pectoral fins are discussed.
Simulation-Based Biological Fluid Dynamics in Animal Locomotion
Authors: Liu H.
Published: July 2005

This article presents a wide-ranging review of the simulation-based biological fluid dynamic models that have been developed and used in animal swimming and flying. The prominent feature of biological fluid dynamics is the relatively low Reynolds number, e.g. ranging from 100 to 104 for most insects; and, in general, the highly unsteady motion and the geometric variation of the object result in large-scale vortex flow structure. We start by reviewing literature in the areas of fish swimming and insect flight to address the usefulness and the difficulties of the conventional theoretical models, the experimental physical models, and the computational mechanical models. Then we give a detailed description of the methodology of the simulation-based biological fluid dynamics, with a specific focus on three kinds of modeling methods: (1) morphological modeling methods, (2) kinematic modeling methods, and (3) computational fluid dynamic methods. An extended discussion on the verification and validation problem is also presented. Next, we present an overall review on the most representative simulation-based studies in undulatory swimming and in flapping flight over the past decade. Then two case studies, of the tadpole swimming and the hawkmoth hovering analyses, are presented to demonstrate the context for and the feasibility of using simulation-based biological fluid dynamics to understanding swimming and flying mechanisms. Finally, we conclude with comments on the effectiveness of the simulation-based methods, and also on its constraints.
An uncommonly serious case of an uncommon sport injury
Authors: Abedin A , Chen H-C
Published: July 2005

Background:A 55 year old man sustained a severe ocular injury when hit by a cricket ball even though he was wearing a helmet.

Methods:A suprachoroidal haemorrhage was drained and dense intravitreal blood was removed. An inferior buckle was applied with the use of intraocular gas. A macular haemorrhage resolved slowly.

Results:Despite several surgical procedures over 1.5 years, the final visual acuity of the patient was only 6/60 because of a dense macular scar.

Conclusions:Helmets worn as protection when playing cricket need to be designed better and be of better material. Eye protection should be worn at all levels of play.
Injuries in elite motorcycle racing in Japan
Authors: Tomida Y , Hirata H , Fukuda A , Tsujii M , Kato K , Fujisawa K , Uchida A
Published: July 2005

Objectives:To investigate the incidence and pattern of injuries, relative risks, and factors affecting incidence among elite motorcycle competitors in Japan.

Methods:A total of 117 elite motorcycle competitors including 36 road racers, 60 motocross racers, and 21 trial bike riders completed a questionnaire about injuries.

Results:Sixty major injuries (25 in road racing, 32 in motocross, and three in trial bike riding) were reported. The most common injuries were fractures (45), followed by ligament injuries (8), dislocations (5), and soft tissue injuries (2). The overall injury rate was 22.4 per 1000 hours, and the death rate was zero. There was no significant correlation between risk of injury and age, experience, or accumulated competition points.

Conclusions:Injury rates in competitions such as road racing and motocross are high, and therefore additional safety measures are needed to protect competitors from injury.
Accidental breaches of the doping regulations in sport: is there a need to improve the education of sportspeople?
Authors: Somerville S J , Lewis M
Published: July 2005

Objectives:To identify educational needs of elite sportspeople with respect to the doping laws.

Methods:A questionnaire survey of 196 Olympic level sportspeople from the fields of athletics, cycling, rowing, and sailing. The questionnaire addressed the date and source of the last doping educational update, the usefulness of current resources, sources of help, and possible ways of improving the system. The questionnaire also sought to estimate the use of nutritional supplements in these sports.

Results:Seventy four (38%) athletes responded to the questionnaire. Over 90% of responders had received a doping educational update in the last six months, and most agreed with the statement “I have received the information I need to avoid getting into trouble with the doping laws”. Despite this, more than half of responders agreed with the statements “I should receive reminders more often” and “The authorities should do more to educate sportspeople”. In addition, there were four people who admitted taking a banned substance by accident. Forty one (55%) reported taking supplements. The team doctor was the most popular source if information on a substance or product was required, with 62% and 66% of subjects stating that they would contact their team doctor when based in the United Kingdom and abroad respectively. The UK Sports website was often suggested in relation to ways of improving knowledge.

Conclusions:There is a need to alter the educational process, particularly with respect to contingency planning for minor illness. The use of internet based resources for up to date information about banned substances needs to be promoted, and access to the internet improved. The educational needs of team doctors with respect to the doping laws need to be assessed.
Effect of aerobic exercise training on mtDNA deletion in soleus muscle of trained and untrained Wistar rats
Authors: Jafari A , Hosseinpourfaizi M A , Houshmand M , Ravasi A A
Published: July 2005

Background:According to the theory of mitochondrial aging, oxidative stress plays a major role in aging and age related degenerative diseases. Since oxygen consumption and reactive oxygen species rate increase during aerobic exercise, we hypothesised that heavy aerobic training could lead to enhanced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion in postmitotic tissues, leading in turn to premature aging and degenerative diseases.

Methods:Sixty adult male 2 month old Wistar14848rats were divided into six equal groups. Two groups were trained for 3 months by running on a treadmill (5 days/week, incline 6°; group 1: 40 m/min, 20 min/day; group 2: 20 m/min, 40 min/day), while two sedentary groups participated in aerobic exercise only at the end of the study (incline 6°; group 3: 40 m/min; group 4: 20 m/min). To control for physical and physiological parameters, two groups of untrained animals were killed at the beginning (group 6) and end (group 5) of the study. Expand long PCR was used to investigate mtDNA deletion in soleus muscle and a sequencing method was used to confirm the mtDNA deletion break point.

Results:Our results did not show any mtDNA deletion in untrained rats or in those that underwent moderate training (group 2) We only found mtDNA deletion (4.6 kb) in the soleus muscle of heavily trained rats (group 1).

Conclusions:These results demonstrate that one session of aerobic exercise does not cause mtDNA deletion in skeletal muscle. The difference in results between heavy and moderate aerobic training may be due to low work rate or up-regulation of inducible antioxidant systems in moderate training.
Effect of incremental exercise on initiation and movement times in a choice response, whole body psychomotor task
Authors: McMorris T , Delves S , Sproule J , Lauder M , Hale B
Published: July 2005

Objectives:To examine how exercise at moderate and maximal intensities affects performance on a choice response time, whole body psychomotor task.

Methods:Subjects (n  =  12) were tested on a three-choice response time task, after rest and after exercise at 70% and 100% maximum power output (W˙max). The dependent variables were time to begin forward momentum (initiation time) and time to complete the movement (movement time). Stride time for the first and second strides and number of strides to cover first 1.1 m were also measured. Blood lactate concentrations and heart rate were recorded before and after completion of each psychomotor test. The subjects subjectively assessed the amount of effort that they used to complete the task.

Results:Repeated measures analysis of variance showed a significant effect for initiation (F2,22 =  11.47, p<0.001) and movement times (F2,22 = 14.61, p<0.001). Post hoc least significant difference (LSD) tests showed that initiation time after exercise at 70% W˙maxwas significantly faster than that in the other two conditions. Speed of initiation after rest was significantly quicker than that after exercise at W˙max. For movement time, LSD tests showed that time after maximal exercise was significantly slower than that in the other two conditions. Stride time for the second stride showed a significant effect (F2,22 =  6.20, p<0.01). LSD tests found that time after exercise at W˙maxwas significantly slower in the other two conditions. Stepwise multiple regression analyses found that the increment of change, from rest, of lactate concentrations could significantly predict the increment of change in initiation (R2 =  0.40) and movement (R2 =  0.50) times.

Conclusions:Exercise affects a whole body task differently from purely cognitive tasks. Central factors are probably more important than peripheral factors.
UEFA Champions League study: a prospective study of injuries in professional football during the 2001–2002 season
Authors: Waldén M , Hägglund M , Ekstrand J
Published: July 2005

Background:No previous study on adult football involving several different countries has investigated the incidence and pattern of injuries at the highest club competitive level.

Objective:To investigate the risk exposure, risk of injury, and injury pattern of footballers involved in UEFA Champions League and international matches during a full football season.

Method:Eleven top clubs (266 players) in five European countries were followed prospectively throughout the season of 2001–2002. Time-lost injuries and individual exposure times were recorded during all club and national team training sessions and matches.

Results:A total of 658 injuries were recorded. The mean (SD) injury incidence was 9.4 (3.2) injuries per 1000 hours (30.5 (11.0) injuries per 1000 match hours and 5.8 (2.1) injuries per 1000 training hours). The risk of match injury was significantly higher in the English and Dutch teams than in the teams from France, Italy, and Spain (41.8 (3.3)v24.0 (7.9) injuries per 1000 hours; p  =  0.008). Major injuries (absence >4 weeks) constituted 15% of all injuries, and the risk of major injury was also significantly higher among the English and Dutch teams (p  =  0.04). National team players had a higher match exposure, with a tendency towards a lower training injury incidence than the rest of the players (p  =  0.051). Thigh strain was the most common injury (16%), with posterior strains being significantly more common than anterior ones (67v36; p<0.0001).

Conclusions:The risk of injury in European professional football is high. The most common injury is the thigh strain typically involving the hamstrings. The results suggest that regional differences may influence injury epidemiology and traumatology, but the factors involved are unclear. National team players have a higher match exposure, but no higher risk of injury than other top level players.