bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stomatology and odontology: perspectives of Spanish professors and senior lecturers in dentistry
Authors: Seoane J. , Diz‐Dios P. , Martinez‐Insua A. , Varela‐Centelles P. , Nash D. A.
Published: September 2010

The curricula of dental faculties in many countries of the European Union can be described as odontological. The faculties of some of the countries who have become and are becoming members of the European Community have traditionally educated dentists in the stomatological tradition. In 1987, the Spanish dental education system initiated movement from the stomatological model to the odontological. Both models have their respective strengths and weaknesses. This study surveyed professors and senior lecturers in Spain’s public dental faculties to assess their perspectives on 10 items related to the tension between the odontological and the stomatological approach to preparing dentists. Amongst other things, the results of the study indicate that the respondents believe the odontological model, with its emphasis on strengthening technical qualifications, may not prepare individuals for dental practice better than the stomatology tradition; and that the odontological model results in the loss of the strength of the stomatological model, that is, the strong foundation in clinical medicine. The suggestion is advanced that European dental educators consider revising the odontology curriculum to strengthen the education of dental students in clinical medicine. A curriculum in which dental and medical students share the first 3 years of study could accomplish this. It is further suggested that subsequent years in the curriculum be flexible enough for students to earn degrees in both dentistry and medicine, if desired. Such an approach is not inconsistent with the accepted profile and competencies of the European dentist.
The relationship between formative and summative assessment of undergraduates in oral surgery
Authors: Anziani Helen , Durham Justin , Moore Undrell
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  Regular, on‐going formative assessments or a more comprehensive end of program summative assessment can be used to assess student’s progress. The literature is scarce regarding the use of both types of assessment coincidentally and if the outcomes of formative assessments can predict the grades achieved summatively. This paper investigates whether there is any correlation between the formative assessments used in routine clinical contacts in the Newcastle course and the final summative assessment grade.

Materials and methods:  The logbooks of 72 third year dental students were examined to collect data on the gradings achieved for formative and summative assessments. The categories of history and presentation, local anaesthesia, extraction and overall grades for each were compared using Spearman’s Rho.

Results:  Six logbooks were incomplete so were omitted from analysis (n = 66). In the formative assessment, the total number of teeth extracted was 1913, giving a mean per student of 29 (SD = 6.88). In the summative assessment, 15 students failed on their first attempt but all subsequently passed on resit.

Discussion:  Positive correlation was found within each of the two types of assessment but no correlation was found between the overall grades for the formative and summative assessment. The overall grade achieved by a student in the formative assessment does not appear to predict their grade in the summative. The use of both assessments is beneficial, however, their use together must be considered carefully to avoid confusing students.
Minor and trace inorganic components of toothpastes
Authors: BRUNE DAG
Published: September 2010

Abstract –

Elements present in minor or trace quantities in various toothpastes available in Scandinavia have been quantitatively assayed by means of emission spectrography and neutron activation analysis. The elements antimony, arsenic, mercury or selenium were observed at levels less than 2 parts/106. Boron, gallium, iron, magnesium, manganese and titanium occurred at levels between 0.001 and 1 %. Cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and tin could not be identified. The detection limit for these elements amounted to 10 parts/106. The amounts of any of these elements which could be transferred to the body after swallowing toothpaste during brushing, have been compared with daily intake of similar elements through food and drinks, and found to be small compared to the diet intake except in the case of titanium. The intake of titanium from toothpaste could exceed the diet intake five times.
Bone resorption stimulated by lipopolysaccharides from Bacteroides, Fusobacterium and Veillonella, and by the lipid A and the polysaccharide part of Fusobacterium lipopolyccharide
Authors: SVEEN KJELL , SKAUG NILS
Published: September 2010

Abstract –

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) isolated from oral strains of Veillonella, Fusobacterium and Bacteroides stimulated the release of 45Ca from prelabeled fetal rat bones in culture. There was a typical dose‐response relationship berween the quantities of released 45Ca and LPS used for stimulation. Bacteroides‐LPS proved to be the less active inducer of 45Ca release. LPS had no stimulating effect on the release of 45Ca from devitalized bone. The stimulated 45Ca release was paralleled by an increase in the culture midium of hydroxyproline and lactate. This, together with the findings of numerous osteoclasts in stained hisological specimens of the experimental bones, indicates that LPS stimulated the osteoclasts to bone resoption. Heparin, which did not directly induce 45Ca release, potentiated the bone resorption stimulating capability of LPS. The lipid A and the polysaccharide portion of Fusobacterium LPS also stimulated bone resorption and, remarkably, the polysaccharide portion showed the greatest activity. This may explain the mode of action of LPS lacking a typical lipid A. It is suggested that stimulation of osteoclasts by LPS may result from activation of complement by lipid A or its polysaccharide portion.
Restorative resins: abrasion vs. mechanical properties
Authors: JØRGENSEN KNUD DREYER
Published: September 2010

Abstract –

The purpose of the present work was to examine whether it is possible by simple and reliable laboratory tests to evaluate the abrasion by food of Glass 1 restorative resins. The results point to the following main conclusions: for the smooth‐surface resins, i. e. the micro‐filled composites and the unfilled resins, the Wallace hardness test appears to be a valid parameter for abrasion; the greater the depth of penetration of the Vickers diamond of this apparatus, the more severe abrasion is to be expected. The mode of abrasion in this type of resin is scratching. Porosity in the resins strongly enhances the abrasion. For the rough‐surface resins, i. e. the conventional composites, a dual effect of the filler particles was concluded. The filler particles on the one hand protect the matrix against abrasion, but cause, on the other hand, in time an increase of the surface roughness of the composite and thereby via increased friction an increase of the abrasion. Considerations on possible ways to improve the present‐day restorative resins are presented, It is stressed that the results obtained refer only to abrasion of Class 1 fillings by food.
The relationship between the termination of cell proliferation and expression of heat‐shock protein‐25 in the rat developing tooth germ
Authors: Nakasone Naohiro , Yoshie Hiromasa , Ohshima Hayato
Published: September 2010

Odontoblast‐ and ameloblast‐lineage cells acquire heat‐shock protein (HSP)‐25 immunoreactivity after they complete cell division during postnatal odontogenesis in rat molars. However, there are no data available concerning the relationship between the termination of cell proliferation and HSP‐25 immunoreactivity during tooth morphogenesis. We compared the expression of HSP‐25 in tooth germs with their proliferative activity in the rat prenatal to perinatal molar and postnatal incisor to clarify the functional significance of HSP‐25 during tooth morphogenesis by immunohistochemistry using anti‐HSP‐25 and anti‐Ki67/5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU). Numerous proliferating cells in developing molars were distributed throughout the tooth germ and HSP‐25 immunoreactivity was recognizable in the dental epithelial and mesenchymal cells after they completed cell division. However, both cell proliferation and immunoreaction for HSP‐25 are absent in the enamel knots. The distribution pattern of the proliferating cells in the incisors was basically identical to that in the prenatal molars except for the lack of non‐proliferating secondary enamel knots and the sparse distribution of proliferating cells in the apical bud. Thus, HSP‐25 protein is suggested to act as a switch between cell proliferation and terminal cyto‐differentiation during odontogenesis.
Combining paracetamol with a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor for acute pain relief after third molar surgery: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Haglund Birgitta , Von Bültzingslöwen Inger
Published: September 2010

Severe pain after third molar surgery is often encountered and more effective treatment regimes are warranted. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the combination of paracetamol and rofecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor, improves analgesic effects following third molar surgery compared with rofecoxib alone. Paracetamol alone was also evaluated. Altogether 120 patients with moderate to severe pain after third molar surgery were given a single postoperative dose of one of the following treatments: rofecoxib + paracetamol; rofecoxib alone; paracetamol alone; or placebo. Patients assessed level of pain and pain relief every 30 min for 8 h after surgery, and made a global evaluation of the medication 4 and 8 h after surgery. Paracetamol and rofecoxib combined improved the analgesic effect compared with rofecoxib alone for the first 1.5 h. Rofecoxib alone and the combination of paracetamol and rofecoxib had a significantly better analgesic effect than paracetamol alone from 3 h onwards. The early onset of pain relief for the combination of paracetamol and rofecoxib, compared with rofecoxib alone, could be of great importance when treating acute pain after third molar surgery. After data collection for this study, rofecoxib was withdrawn from the market as a result of reported fatal cardiovascular events. Whether this is relevant for short‐term use is unknown, but it has to be considered before rofecoxib may be used for pain relief following third molar surgery.
Psychological trauma exposure and trauma symptoms among individuals with high and low levels of dental anxiety
Authors: De Jongh Ad , Fransen Jolanda , Oosterink‐Wubbe Floor , Aartman Irene
Published: September 2010

This questionnaire‐based study investigated the traumatic background and trauma‐related symptomatology among 141 treatment‐seeking individuals with high levels of dental anxiety and among a low‐anxious reference group consisting of 99 regular dental patients. The highly anxious individuals reported a significantly higher number of traumatic events, both within and outside the dental or medical setting, than those in the reference group (73% vs. 21%). Horrific experiences in the dental setting were the most common traumatic events reported. Of the highly anxious individuals, 46.1% indicated suffering from one or more of the post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters (re‐experiencing, avoidance, loss of interest, and insomnia), while in the reference group this percentage was 6%. Severity of dental anxiety was significantly associated with number of screening criteria for specific phobia and the extent to which the anxious subjects displayed symptoms of post‐traumatic stress. Two variables were uniquely predictive for positive diagnostic screens for dental phobia and PTSD: having experienced a horrific dental treatment and having been a victim of a violent crime. In conclusion, post‐traumatic symptoms are common accompaniments of severe forms of dental anxiety and are experienced even when dental treatment is not imminent.
Cell proliferation in teeth reconstructed from dispersed cells of embryonic tooth germs in a three‐dimensional scaffold
Authors: Iwatsuki Shinji , Honda Masaki J. , Harada Hidemitsu , Ueda Minoru
Published: September 2010

Tissue engineering can now reproduce tooth from postnatal tooth cells. However, crown formation is not accurately reconstituted, even when the complex structure of the enamel dentin is reproduced. Here, we showed that a tissue‐engineered (TE) tooth, exhibiting morphogenesis according to regular crown‐cusp pattern formation, was produced by embryonic tooth germ cells in a three‐dimensional scaffold. Heterogeneous cells dissociated from embryonic day 14 (E14) mice tooth germs were seeded on a scaffold and implanted under a kidney capsule in adult mice. The developmental process of the implants was examined for up to 14 d. At 5 d, the cells had formed initial tooth germ, followed by enamel‐covered dentin tissue formed symmetrically. To study the developmental process, we examined the growth pattern using 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐labeling analysis. The initial cell‐proliferation patterns of the TE teeth were similar to that at the cap and early bell stages in natural teeth. This was particularly true in the cervical loop, which showed a similar distribution pattern of BrdU‐positive cells in TE‐ and natural teeth. These results suggested that even when embryonic tooth germs are dissociated, the single cells can reconstitute tooth, and that enamel organ morphogenesis proceeds as in natural teeth.
Influence of light energy and power density on the microhardness of two nanohybrid composites
Authors: Gritsch Kerstin , Souvannasot Sourasith , Schembri Catherine , Farge Pierre , Grosgogeat Brigitte
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of light parameters on nanohybrid composite curing. Two nanohybrid resins were cured by two light‐emitting diode (LED) devices and by one quartz‐tungsten‐halogen (QTH) device using different combinations of energy density and power density (8 J cm−2 and 400 mW cm−2; 8 J cm−2 and 1,000 mW cm−2; 16 J cm−2 and 400 mW cm−2; and 16 J cm−2–1,000 mW cm−2). The effects of these combinations on polymerization were assessed by measuring the Vickers microhardness. Data differed for the two composites and varied according to the light parameters and the nature of the curing device. For both resins, an energy density of 16 J cm−2 yielded the best microhardness values at both the top and the bottom of the sample, independently of the power density. When using a lower energy density of 8 J cm−2, a modulated power density was required to achieve proper curing at the bottom of the sample: 8 J cm−2 and 400 mW cm−2 induced greater values at the bottom surface. At an energy density of 16 J cm−2, the power density was not relevant (no significant differences were found between 400 and 1,000 mW cm−2), except when the emission spectra of the light‐curing units (LCUs) did not match exactly with the absorption spectra of the photoinitators included in the resins (greatest values with 16 J cm−2 and1,000 mW cm−2). These results suggest that above a certain energy density threshold, the power density may not significantly influence the polymerization kinetics.
Analysis of the erosive potential of calcium‐containing acidic beverages
Authors: Hara Anderson T. , Zero Domenick T.
Published: September 2010

The occurrence and progress of enamel demineralization may be reduced in the presence of its reaction products, such as calcium. Therefore, in this study the hypothesis that lower erosive potential may be expected for calcium‐containing beverages was tested. Ten commercially available beverages, five with and five without calcium supplementation, were tested in two phases. In the first phase, the pH, titratable acidity, and concentrations of calcium (total and ionic), phosphorus and fluoride, were analyzed. In the second phase, the ability of the test products to erode enamel was measured, at different time‐points. Within the chemical properties tested, pH, calcium‐ion concentration, and total calcium showed a strong correlation with enamel demineralization and enamel wear. Lower levels of enamel demineralization and wear were found for most of the calcium‐containing beverages than for those without calcium. Calcium‐ion content, as well as pH, were found to be good predictors of the erosive potential of the beverages tested. Generally, beverages supplemented with calcium had a reduced capacity to demineralize enamel.
Fueling strategies to optimize performance: training high or training low?
Authors: Burke L. M.
Published: September 2010

Availability of carbohydrate as a substrate for the muscle and central nervous system is critical for the performance of both intermittent high‐intensity work and prolonged aerobic exercise. Therefore, strategies that promote carbohydrate availability, such as ingesting carbohydrate before, during and after exercise, are critical for the performance of many sports and a key component of current sports nutrition guidelines. Guidelines for daily carbohydrate intakes have evolved from the “one size fits all” recommendation for a high‐carbohydrate diets to an individualized approach to fuel needs based on the athlete's body size and exercise program. More recently, it has been suggested that athletes should train with low carbohydrate stores but restore fuel availability for competition (“train low, compete high”), based on observations that the intracellular signaling pathways underpinning adaptations to training are enhanced when exercise is undertaken with low glycogen stores. The present literature is limited to studies of “twice a day” training (low glycogen for the second session) or withholding carbohydrate intake during training sessions. Despite increasing the muscle adaptive response and reducing the reliance on carbohydrate utilization during exercise, there is no clear evidence that these strategies enhance exercise performance. Further studies on dietary periodization strategies, especially those mimicking real‐life athletic practices, are needed.
Hip abduction strength training in the clinical setting: With or without external loading?
Authors: Thorborg K. , Bandholm T. , Petersen J. , Weeke K. M. Ø. , Weinold C. , Andersen B. , Serner A. , Magnusson S. P. , Hölmich P.
Published: September 2010

The side‐lying hip abduction exercise is one of the most commonly used exercises in rehabilitation to increase hip abduction strength, and is often performed without external loading. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 6 weeks of side‐lying hip abduction training, with and without external loading, on hip abduction strength in healthy subjects. Thirty‐one healthy, physically active men and women were included in a randomised controlled trial and allocated to side‐lying hip abduction training, with or without external loading. Training without external loading was performed using only the weight of the leg as resistance, whereas training with external loading was performed with a relative load corresponding to 10 repetition maximum. Hip abduction strength was measured pre‐ and post‐intervention. Isometric and eccentric hip abduction strength of the trained leg increased after hip abduction training with external loading by 12% and 17%, respectively, (P<0.05). Likewise, isometric and eccentric hip abduction strength of the trained leg increased after hip abduction training without external loading by 11% and 23%, respectively, (P<0.001). The strength increases were not different between groups (P>0.05). Six weeks of side‐lying hip abduction training, with or without external loading, increases isometric and eccentric hip abduction strength to the same extent.
Psychological skills training as a way to enhance an athlete's performance in high‐intensity sports
Authors: Birrer D. , Morgan G.
Published: September 2010

The importance of psychological skills training (PST) in the development of athletic performance is widely recognized. This paper is a comprehensive review of PST in elite sports, with a special focus on high‐intensity sports (HIS). The reviewed literature showed a lack of convincing evidence and theoretical underpinning concerning traditional psychological skills to enhance performance in HIS. Therefore, a model with three conceptual levels (psychological demands, skills and techniques) is presented. The model facilitates the identification of the psychological demands of a specific sport, which in turn enables distinguishing which psychological skills are required. This allows an expert to choose psychological techniques to improve the athlete's psychological skill. Considerations based on our model and the limited HIS‐related literature available revealed self‐skills, personal development and life skills, arousal‐regulation skills, volitional skills, motivational skills and recovery skills as the most important skills to address in order to enhance performance. Development of harmonious passion, in‐practice integration of volitional strategies, use of associative attentional techniques, pain management techniques, use of the mindfulness‐acceptance approach and the facilitative interpretation of cognitive and somatic sensations are regarded as suitable to meet the psychological demands of HIS. They are recommended for systematic application by athletes and coaches.
Development of hydration strategies to optimize performance for athletes in high‐intensity sports and in sports with repeated intense efforts
Authors: Maughan R. J. , Shirreffs S. M.
Published: September 2010

Hypohydration – if sufficiently severe – adversely affects athletic performance and poses a risk to health. Strength and power events are generally less affected than endurance events, but performance in team sports that involve repeated intense efforts will be impaired. Mild hypohydration is not harmful, but many athletes begin exercise already hypohydrated. Athletes are encouraged to begin exercise well hydrated and – where opportunities exist – to consume fluid during exercise to limit water and salt deficits. In high‐intensity efforts, there is no need, and may be no opportunity, to drink during competition. Most team sports players do not drink enough to match sweat losses, but some drink too much and a few may develop hyponatremia because of excessive fluid intake. Athletes should assess their hydration status and develop a personalized hydration strategy that takes account of exercise, environment and individual needs. Pre‐exercise hydration status can be assessed from urine markers. Short‐term changes in hydration can be estimated from the change in body mass. Sweat salt losses can be determined by collection and analysis of sweat samples. An appropriate drinking strategy will take account of pre‐exercise hydration status and of fluid, electrolyte and substrate needs before, during and after exercise.
Psychology and socioculture affect injury risk, response, and recovery in high‐intensity athletes: a consensus statement
Authors: Wiese‐Bjornstal D. M.
Published: September 2010

This consensus statement summarizes key contemporary research themes relevant to understanding the psychology and socioculture of sport injury. Special consideration is given toward high‐intensity sport in which elite athlete training and performance efforts are characterized by explosive physical speed and strength, mental fortitude to push physical limits, and maximum effort and commitment to highly challenging goals associated with achieving exceptional performance. Sport injury occurrence in high‐intensity sport is an adverse and stressful health event associated with a complex multitude of risks, consequences and outcomes. A biopsychosocial (Engel, 1980) view is advocated which contextualizes an understanding of the psychological aspects of sport injury in light of influential sociocultural, ethical, and biomedical issues. Outcomes related to athlete health and performance excellence are of equal importance in considering how psychological scholarship, expertise and services can be used to improve efforts focused on the prevention and management of sport injury among high‐intensity athletes. The consensus view is that psychology and socioculture do affect sport injury risk, response and recovery in high‐intensity athletes, and that continued efforts in psychological research and professional practice are needed to protect athlete physical and mental health and contribute toward performance excellence and career longevity.
Effects of strength training on muscle fiber types and size; consequences for athletes training for high‐intensity sport
Authors: Andersen J. L. , Aagaard P.
Published: September 2010

Training toward improving performance in sports involving high intense exercise can and is done in many different ways based on a mixture of tradition in the specific sport, coaches' experience and scientific recommendations. Strength training is a form of training that now‐a‐days have found its way into almost all sports in which high intense work is conducted. In this review we will focus on a few selected aspects and consequences of strength training; namely what effects do strength training have of muscle fiber type composition, and how may these effects change the contractile properties of the muscle and finally how will this affect the performance of the athlete. In addition, the review will deal with muscle hypertrophy and how it develops with strength training. Overall, it is not the purpose of this review to give a comprehensive up‐date of the area, but to pin‐point a few issues from which functional training advises can be made. Thus, more than a review in the traditional context this review should be viewed upon as an attempt to bring sports‐physiologists and coaches or others working directly with the athletes together for a mutual discussion on how recently acquired physiological knowledge are put into practise.
Forgiveness in Marriage: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Fincham Frank D. , Hall Julie , Beach Steven R.H.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: Interest in forgiveness has exploded in recent years as researchers and clinicians have begun to recognize its value for maintaining emotional well‐being, physical health, and healthy intimate relationships. Forgiveness appears to be especially important in the marital relationship. This article offers an overview of forgiveness in marriage including a review of major research and clinical efforts in this area. A number of recommendations are offered for practitioners and future research directions are outlined. Marital forgiveness is seen as an exciting area for future exploration and one that is ripe with possibility.
Wade Into the Water: Preparing Students for Successful Quantitative Research*
Authors: Davis Jonathan C. , Sandifer‐Stech Dan M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: To date, family scientists have not examined the processes and outcomes of research training. In this study, we present a potential way in which the research‐practice gap is sustained by our current forms of research education, and we suggest two improvements. First, graduate and undergraduate programs should improve assessment of their research training. Second, experience with research should be integrated into undergraduate family studies programs, preferably in a capstone research experience for all students. Toward these ends, we present a model of curriculum organization and assessment data across 3 years. Assessment indicated that undergraduate students’ confidence and skills changed over the course of their education. These results suggest that graduate and undergraduate family studies programs could benefit from defining outcomes and investigating processes of research education for all students.
Protective Family Factors in the Context of Neighborhood: Promoting Positive School Outcomes
Authors: Woolley Michael E. , Grogan‐Kaylor Andrew
Published: September 2010

Abstract: Three developmental contexts—school, neighborhood, and family—influence school outcomes. The focus of the current investigation was on the promotive role of 4 family factors—family satisfaction, family support, family integration, and home academic culture—on 3 school outcomes. These outcomes included student self‐reported sense of school coherence, avoidance of problem behavior, and academic performance. Utilizing a hierarchical linear modeling strategy and a national probability sample, the family protective factors of interest displayed a significant but differential pattern of impact on the 3 school outcomes studied. Findings related to neighborhood and school factors, as well as race/ethnicity, are also reported and discussed. The implications of these findings with respect to practice and policy are addressed.
The Impact of Community Diversity and Consolidated Inequality on Dropping Out of High School
Authors: Van Dorn Richard A. , Bowen Gary L. , Blau Judith R.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: Data from the National Education Longitudinal Study were combined with census data at the zip code level to examine the impact of neighborhood racial and ethnic diversity and consolidated inequality, in addition to individual, family, and school factors, on the likelihood of dropping out of high school. Results indicate that while the effects for diversity and consolidated inequality did not support the stated hypotheses, main effects for family risk and prior academic achievement were significant and in the stated direction. Also, when controlling for individual, family, school, and neighborhood characteristics, African Americans were less likely than White students to drop out of school. Implications for contextual effects research and educational outcomes are discussed.
“I’m Just Glad My Three Jobs Could Be During the Day”: Women and Work in a Rural Community*
Authors: Ames Barbara D. , Brosi Whitney A. , Damiano‐Teixeira Karla M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the experience of wage‐earning women in the context of rural economic restructuring. An ecological and life course theoretical framework was used. Nine community leaders and 17 wage‐earning women residing in a rural northern Michigan county participated in semistructured interviews, and the prevailing economic concern was low wages and lack of jobs with benefits. Women workers were affected by factors such as ties to rural family business, childcare concerns, and long commutes to work and children's schools. Informal social support and family ties were identified as reasons for remaining in these challenging circumstances.
The Net Worth of Female‐Headed Households: A Comparison to Other Types of Households
Authors: Ozawa Martha N. , Lee Yongwoo
Published: September 2010

Abstract: This article presents the results of a study that investigated the level of assets and debts that female‐headed households have in comparison to those of married‐couple households and other types of households. The empirical results revealed that the amounts of net worth of married‐couple households and male‐headed households were significantly larger than that of female‐headed households. We discuss policy implications stemming from the findings of the study and recommend that the United States seriously consider creative policy approaches aimed at empowering low‐income households such as employment‐related supportive policies, microenterprise programs, and Individual Development Accounts programs.
Ambiguous Loss in Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders*
Authors: O’Brien Marion
Published: September 2010

Abstract: Learning that a child has a lifelong developmental disorder is stressful and challenging to any family, yet it is clear that some families adapt and adjust more readily than others. In this article, it is proposed that a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is especially likely to be experienced as ambiguous loss. Interviews with mothers of children with ASDs are used to identify whether mothers express feelings of ambiguous loss when talking about their child. Then, a specific hypothesis derived from ambiguous loss theory—that higher levels of identity ambiguity in mothers are linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms and perceived stress independent of the severity of the child’s diagnosis—is tested and found to be supported. Recognition of ambiguous loss in families of children with ASDs would help professionals provide more effective support and assistance to families.
An Exploration of Aspects of Boundary Ambiguity Among Young, Unmarried Fathers During the Prenatal Period
Authors: Leite Randall
Published: September 2010

Abstract: This research represents an exploration of patterns of boundary ambiguity among poor, young, unmarried men and their reproductive partners. Interviews were conducted with men and their partners during the third trimester of pregnancy. Interviews focused on patterns of men’s physical and psychological presence in relationships with their partners and in activities associated with pregnancy and prenatal care. Patterns of presence among fathers‐to‐be are identified and factors associated with those patterns are explored. Patterns of presence reflect degrees of physical and psychological presence in relation to pregnancy and the father role. These patterns reflect the influence of various social and emotional dimensions that impact a man’s transition to the new father role and raise a number of policy and practice issues.
Ambiguous Loss After Lesbian Couples With Children Break Up: A Case for Same‐Gender Divorce*
Authors: Allen Katherine R.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: The theory of ambiguous loss is applied to structural ambiguity and personal transcendence in the parent‐child relationship following a same‐gender relational ending. Working recursively through the six guidelines of ambiguous loss (finding meaning, tempering mastery, reconstructing identity, normalizing ambivalence, revising attachment, and discovering hope), I use reflexive personal narrative to describe the impact of a child’s psychological presence but physical absence on a nonbiological parent. Three themes are identified: (a) naming the problem—the loss of our family unit, (b) the paradox of presence and absence—fractured parent‐child ties, and (c) recursive discovery of meaning and hope. Implications for practice include the following: (a) applying ambiguous loss to nonlegal relational loss, (b) public policy—the right to same‐gender divorce, and (c) telling our stories as transformative practice.
Family Boundary Ambiguity: A 30‐Year Review of Theory, Research, and Measurement
Authors: Carroll Jason S. , Olson Chad D. , Buckmiller Nicolle
Published: September 2010

Abstract: Since its introduction 30 years ago, family boundary ambiguity (BA) has been a widely used construct in family stress research and clinical intervention. In this article, we present a comprehensive and interdisciplinary review of published research studies that have used BA as a primary variable. Our review identified 37 studies investigating BA in 11 topical domains of research (e.g., missing‐in‐action families, death, divorce, stepfamilies, illness and caregiving, clergy families). We identify theoretical advancements pertaining to the construct and the methods used to measure BA in these studies. Drawing from this review, we discuss the current state of BA scholarship and identify steps that need to be taken to advance BA research in the future.
Victim Help Seeking: Differences Between Intimate Terrorism and Situational Couple Violence
Authors: Leone Janel M. , Johnson Michael P. , Cohan Catherine L.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: Research indicates that two major forms of partner violence exist, intimate terrorism (IT) and situational couple violence (SCV). The current study (N= 389) used a subgroup of women who responded to the Chicago Women’s Health Risk Study to examine whether type of violence experienced is differentially related to formal (e.g., police, medical agencies, counseling) and informal (e.g., family, friends/neighbors) help seeking. IT victims were more likely to seek each type of formal help but were equally or less likely to seek informal help. Findings can inform both family violence research and the development and implementation of social service programs.
School Success, Possible Selves, and Parent School Involvement*
Authors: Oyserman Daphna , Brickman Daniel , Rhodes Marjorie
Published: September 2010

Abstract:Increased parent school involvement is associated with better academic outcomes; yet, proximal contributors to this effect remain understudied. We focus on one potential proximal contributor, youth’s positive and negative future self‐images or “possible selves,” reasoning that if parent school involvement fosters possible selves, then interventions aimed at enhancing youths’ possible selves should moderate the negative effect of low parent school involvement. We examine a 2‐year follow‐up of a randomized clinical trial of a possible self‐based intervention (N= 239), demonstrating with regression equations that the intervention moderated the association of low parent school involvement with worse grades and less school‐engaged behavior. Low parent school involvement negatively influenced achievement among control, not intervention youth, suggesting that school‐based, possible self‐focused interventions can moderate the undermining effect of low parent school involvement.
Increasing Fathers’ Involvement in Child Care With a Couple‐Focused Intervention During the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Hawkins Alan J. , Lovejoy Kimberly R. , Holmes Erin K. , Blanchard Victoria L. , Fawcett Elizabeth
Published: September 2010

Abstract: In this article, we report the results of an evaluation study of a program for couples during the transition to parenthood on father involvement in child care. One‐hundred‐twenty couples were assigned to 1 of the 3 groups: a treatment group that received the Welcome Baby new‐parent, home‐visiting program focused on infant development and health, supplemented with the self‐guided Marriage Moments program focused on strengthening couple relationships; a comparison group that received just the Welcome Baby program; or a control group. The study revealed that the treatment group fathers were more involved in child care than control group fathers, and this finding was replicated in a second evaluation study. Family life educators must be open to the possibility that they may miss a primary intervention target, yet hit a secondary one.
Family Caregivers of Older Adults: A Life Span Perspective
Authors: Roberto Karen A. , Jarrott Shannon E.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: When faced with changes in physical health, cognition, and daily functioning, older adults most frequently rely on family members for instrumental support and more intense care activities. Using a life span perspective as our guiding framework, we identified several developmental themes across the late‐life caregiving research including individual well‐being, relational effects, and caregiver growth. In addition, we examined the effectiveness of education and intervention programs as well as policy initiatives designed to assist middle‐aged and older family members care for their aging relatives. The multiple dimensions of, influences on, and the variability in response to the caregiving experience presents multilayered challenges that can best be addressed through the intentional integration of sound research investigations, practice initiatives, and policy directives.
Two novel Mesocestoides vogae fatty acid binding proteins – functional and evolutionary implications
Authors: Alvite Gabriela , Canclini Lucía , Corvo Ileana , Esteves Adriana
Published: September 2010

This work describes two new fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) identified in the parasite platyhelminth Mesocestoides vogae (syn. corti). The corresponding polypeptide chains share 62% identical residues and overall 90% similarity according to clustalx default conditions. Compared with Cestoda FABPs, these proteins share the highest similarity score with the Taenia solium protein. M. vogae FABPs are also phylogenetically related to the FABP3/FABP4 mammalian FABP subfamilies. The native proteins were purified by chromatographical procedures, and apparent molecular mass and isoelectric point were determined. Immunolocalization studies determined the localization of the expression of these proteins in the larval form of the parasite. The genomic exon–intron organization of both genes is also reported, and supports new insights on intron evolution. Consensus motifs involved in splicing were identified.
The Atlantic salmon Z‐DNA binding protein kinase phosphorylates translation initiation factor 2 alpha and constitutes a unique orthologue to the mammalian dsRNA‐activated protein kinase R
Authors: Bergan Veronica , Jagus Rosemary , Lauksund Silje , Kileng Øyvind , Robertsen Børre
Published: September 2010

The translation initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α)‐kinase, dsRNA‐activated protein kinase (PKR), constitutes one of the major antiviral proteins activated by viral infection of vertebrates. PKR is activated by viral double‐stranded RNA and subsequently phosphorylates the α‐subunit of translation initiation factor eIF2. This results in overall down regulation of protein synthesis in the cell and inhibition of viral replication. Fish appear to have a PKR‐like protein that has Z‐DNA binding domains instead of dsRNA binding domains in the regulatory domain, and has thus been termed Z‐DNA binding protein kinase (PKZ). We present the cloning of the Atlantic salmon PKZ cDNA and show its upregulation by interferon in Atlantic salmon TO cells and poly inosinic poly cytodylic acid in head kidney. We also demonstrate that recombinant Atlantic salmon PKZ, expressed inEscherichia coli, phosphorylates eIF2αin vitro. This is the first demonstration that PKZ is able to phosphorylate eIF2α. PKZ activity, as measured by phosphorylation of eIF2α, was increased after addition of Z‐DNA, but not by dsRNA. In addition, we show that wild‐type Atlantic salmon PKZ, but not the kinase defective variant K217R, has a direct inhibitory effect on protein synthesis after transient expression in Chinook salmon embryo cells. Overall, the results support a role for PKZ, like PKR, in host defense against virus infection.
Reannotation of hypothetical ORFs in plant pathogen Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica SCRI1043
Authors: Chen Ling‐Ling , Ma Bin‐Guang , Gao Na
Published: September 2010

Over‐annotation of hypothetical ORFs is a common phenomenon in bacterial genomes, which necessitates confirming the coding reliability of hypothetical ORFs and then predicting their functions. The important plant pathogen Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica SCRI1043 (Eca1043) is a typical case because more than a quarter of its annotated ORFs are hypothetical. Our analysis focuses on annotation of Eca1043 hypothetical ORFs, and comprises two efforts: (a) based on the Z‐curve method, 49 originally annotated hypothetical ORFs are recognized as noncoding, this is further supported by principal components analysis and other evidence; and (b) using sequence‐alignment tools and some functional resources, more than a half of the hypothetical genes were assigned functions. The potential functions of 427 hypothetical genes are summarized according to the cluster of orthologous groups functional category. Moreover, 114 and 86 hypothetical genes are recognized as putative ‘membrane proteins’ and ‘exported proteins’, respectively. Reannotation of Eca1043 hypothetical ORFs will benefit research into the lifestyle, metabolism and pathogenicity of the important plant pathogen. Also, our study proffers a model for the reannotation of hypothetical ORFs in microbial genomes.
Thermal unfolding mechanism of lipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase
Authors: Iida Tsukimi , Nishimura Shigenori , Mochizuki Maki , Uchiyama Susumu , Ohkubo Tadayasu , Urade Yoshihiro , Tanaka Akiyoshi , Inui Takashi
Published: September 2010

Lipocalin‐type prostaglandin (PG) D synthase (L‐PGDS) is a dual‐functioning protein in the lipocalin family, acting as a PGD2‐synthesizing enzyme and as an extracellular transporter for small lipophilic molecules. We earlier reported that denaturant‐induced unfolding of L‐PGDS follows a four‐state pathway, including an activity‐enhanced state and an inactive intermediate state. In this study, we investigated the thermal unfolding mechanism of L‐PGDS by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and CD spectroscopy. DSC measurements revealed that the thermal unfolding of L‐PGDS was a completely reversible process at pH 4.0. The DSC curves showed no concentration dependency, demonstrating that the thermal unfolding of L‐PGDS involved neither intermolecular interaction nor aggregation. On the basis of a simple two‐state unfolding mechanism, the ratio of van’t Hoff enthalpy (ΔHvH) to calorimetric enthalpy (ΔHcal) was below 1, indicating the presence of an intermediate state (I) between the native state (N) and unfolded state (U). Then, statistical thermodynamic analyses of a three‐state unfolding process were performed. The heat capacity curves fit well with a three‐state process; and the estimated transition temperature (Tm) and enthalpy change (ΔHcal) of the N↔I and I↔U transitions were 48.2 °C and 190 kJ·mol−1, and 60.3 °C and 144 kJ·mol−1, respectively. Correspondingly, the thermal unfolding monitored by CD spectroscopy at 200, 235 and 290 nm revealed that L‐PGDS unfolded through the intermediate state, where its main chain retained the characteristic β‐sheet structure without side‐chain interactions.
Inactive forms of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A are expressed in the brain of higher primates
Authors: Larsen Anja C. V. , Kvissel Anne‐Katrine , Hafte Tilahun T. , Avellan Cecilia I. A. , Eikvar Sissel , Rootwelt Terje , Ørstavik Sigurd , Skålhegg Bjørn S.
Published: September 2010

It is well documented that the β‐gene of the catalytic (C) subunit of protein kinase A encodes a number of splice variants. These splice variants are equipped with a variable N‐terminal end encoded by alternative use of several exons located 5′ to exon 2 in the human, bovine and mouse Cβ gene. In the present study, we demonstrate the expression of six novel human Cβ mRNAs that lack 99 bp due to loss of exon 4. The novel splice variants, designated CβΔ4, were identified in low amounts at the mRNA level in NTera2‐N cells. We developed a method to detect CβΔ4 mRNAs in various cells and demonstrated that these variants were expressed in human and Rhesus monkey brain. Transient expression and characterization of the CβΔ4 variants demonstrated that they are catalytically inactive both in vitro against typical protein kinase A substrates such as kemptide and histone, and in vivo against the cAMP‐responsive element binding protein. Furthermore, co‐expression of CβΔ4 with the regulatory subunit (R) followed by kinase activity assay with increasing concentrations of cAMP and immunoprecipitation with extensive washes with cAMP (1 mm) and immunoblotting demonstrated that the CβΔ4 variants associate with both RI and RII in a cAMP‐independent fashion. Expression of inactive C subunits which associate irreversibly with R may imply that CβΔ4 can modulate local cAMP effects in the brain by permanent association with R subunits even at saturating concentrations of cAMP.