bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extinction and Permanence of a Three‐Species Lotka‐Volterra System with Impulsive Control Strategies
Authors: Baek Hunki
Published: October 2008

A three‐species Lotka‐Volterra system with impulsive control strategies containing
the biological control (the constant impulse) and the chemical control (the proportional
impulse) with the same period, but not simultaneously, is investigated. By
applying the Floquet theory of impulsive differential equation and small amplitude
perturbation techniques to the system, we find conditions for local and global stabilities
of a lower‐level prey and top‐predator free periodic solution of the system. In
addition, it is shown that the system is permanent under some conditions by using
comparison results of impulsive differential inequalities. We also give a numerical
example that seems to indicate the existence of chaotic behavior.
Serodeconversion of HIV Antibody‐Positive AIDS Patients Following Treatment with V‐1 Immunitor
Authors: Metadilogkul Orapun , Jirathitikal Vichai , Bourinbaiar Aldar S.
Published: October 2008

It is extremely rare when HIV seropositive adult patients experience spontaneous loss
of antibodies, that is, seroreversion. The disappearance of HIV antibodies was occasionally
attributed to iatrogenic intervention—serodeconversion. Such interventions include:
HAART; oral interferon; Chinese herbal remedies; and therapeutic AIDS vaccines
derived from pooled blood. Oral therapeutic, alloimmune AIDS vaccine, V‐1 Immunitor
(V1), was administered to 60000 HIV‐positive Thai patients. The administration of V1
resulted in serodeconversion among 23 individuals. The patient group consisted of 9
females (39%) and 14 males (61%) including two 2‐year‐old boys. The age range was
2–58 years with mean/median 29/29.3 years. Patients were tested seropositive for HIV
at least once before being enrolled on V1. The duration of treatment until discovery of
seronegative status ranged between 2 weeks and 15 months with average/median 7.2/8
months. Time to seronegativity was correlated with baseline disease stage (R = 0.62; P = .002). The seronegative status was positively associated with V1‐induced
undetectable or low viral load (R = 0.65; P = .0008). The odds ratio analysis comparing
the outcome of our study with published surveys of diagnostic accuracy of laboratory
tests suggested that the probability of HIV antibody testing error was remote
(P < .000001). The possible causes responsible for this unusual phenomenon are
discussed.
Advances in Recovery of Novel Biocatalysts from Metagenomes
Authors: Steele Helen L. , Jaeger Karl-Erich , Daniel Rolf , Streit Wolfgang R.
Published: October 2008

Metagenomics has accelerated the process of discovery of novel biocatalysts by enabling scientists to tap directly into the entire diversity of enzymes held within natural microbial populations. Their characterization has revealed a great deal of valuable information about enzymatic activity in terms of factors which influence their stability and activity under a wide range of conditions. Many of the biocatalysts have particular properties making them suitable for biotechnological applications. A diverse array of strategies has been developed to optimize each step of the process of generating and screening metagenomic libraries for novel biocatalysts. This review covers the diversity of metagenome-derived enzymes characterized to date, and the strategies currently being developed to optimize discovery of novel metagenomic biocatalysts.
Genomic View of Energy Metabolism in Ralstonia eutropha H16
Authors: Cramm Rainer
Published: October 2008

Ralstonia eutropha is a strictly respiratory facultative lithoautotrophic β-proteobacterium. In the absence of organic substrates, H2 and CO2 are used as sole sources of energy and carbon. In the absence of oxygen, the organism can respire by denitrification. The recent determination of the complete genome sequence of strain H16 provides the opportunity to reconcile the results of previous physiological and biochemical studies in light of the coding capacity. These analyses revealed genes for several isoenzymes, permit assignment of well-known physiological functions to previously unidentified genes, and suggest the presence of unknown components of energy metabolism. The respiratory chain is fueled by two NADH dehydrogenases, two uptake hydrogenases and at least three formate dehydrogenases. The presence of genes for five quinol oxidases and three cytochrome oxidases indicates that the aerobic respiration chain adapts to varying concentrations of dioxygen. Several additional components may act in balancing or dissipation of redox energy. Paralogous sets of nitrate reductase and nitric oxide reductase genes result in enzymatic redundancy for denitrification.
Central Compartment Neck Dissection for Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Pai Sara I. , Tufano Ralph P.
Published: October 2008

The central compartment of the neck is a common site of local metastasis for thyroid carcinoma. Therefore, knowledge of the surgical techniques employed during a central compartment neck dissection is important to master for any surgeon who manages thyroid cancer patients. We review the anatomical boundaries of the central compartment of the neck as well as discuss the lymphatic drainage patterns of the thyroid gland. We advocate standardization of the surgical approach to the central compartment in order to minimize morbidity and ensure comprehensive removal of all lymph nodes when indicated, which can reduce the need for reoperative dissections.
Sialolithiasis and Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Stack, Jr. Brendan C. , Norman James G.
Published: October 2008

Objective:Sialolithiasis is a frequent condition seen and treated by otolaryngologists. Salivary stones typically affect the submandibular and parotid glands and can arise from electrolyte disturbances, stasis, or a chronic infectious origin. Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is associated with ‘stone disease’, but this has been universally considered to refer to kidney stones. Few case reports exist reporting the relationship between pHPT and sialolithiasis. Design: A retrospective patient series from a single surgical practice. Setting: A single-specialty referral clinic with a practice limited to parathyroid surgery. Main Outcome Measure(s): Descriptive data and statistics. Results: We report a series of 18 patients from among 3,000 consecutive patients treated from March 2003 to May 2007. We describe demographics and characteristics of sialolithiasis that occur in the context of underlying pHPT. Conclusion: The parathyroid surgeon should be aware of sialolithiasis as a potential comorbidity for pHPT and manage it appropriately. Conversely, practitioners encountering salivary gland stone disease should at least consider hyperparathyroidism as a possible etiology.
Findings from a Public Thyroid Screening Protocol: Ultrasound and Disease Characteristics
Authors: Terris David J. , Anderson Susan K. , Seybt Melanie W. , Gourin Christine G.
Published: October 2008

Objectives: A public thyroid screening protocol incorporating ultrasonography was developed and implemented as a feature of the National Thyroid Cancer Awareness month. Findings and lessons learned are described. Methods: Prospective analysis of participants in a 1-day thyroid screening protocol and review of findings and referrals generated during the screening process. Results: A total of 39 patients participated in the thyroid-screening protocol. Thirty-two (82%) patients were female and 7 (18%) were male, with an overall mean age of 52.9 ± 14.1 years (range: 20–79). Seventeen (44%) patients indicated a known history of thyroid pathology, and 5 (13%) patients reported a family history of thyroid disease. The most common complaints offered on a patient intake survey were weight gain (38%) and dysphagia (36%). Thirty patients (77%) underwent thyroid ultrasound (US). The majority of patients (69%) had an abnormal US; the most common abnormality found was multinodular goiter (21%). Eighteen participants were referred to endocrinology for further evaluation, 13 have been evaluated and 3 patients have had fine-needle aspirations performed. Two patients have undergone thyroid surgery. The majority of patients (67%) believed that the thyroid-screening increased their awareness and knowledge of thyroid and head and neck cancer. Conclusions: A public thyroid screening activity proved to be a valuable mechanism for the dual purpose of identifying individuals with thyroid pathology needing further evaluation, and increased public awareness and knowledge of thyroid and head and neck cancer. Additional value related to the provision of a community service and opportunity to increase experience with ultrasonography.
Ascaris lumbricoides: Una revisión de su epidemiología y su relación con otras infecciones
Authors: Scott Marilyn E.
Published: October 2008

En esta revisión se realzan los progresos efectuados desde 2004 en el conocimiento de la epidemiología de la infección y las interacciones entre Ascaris lumbricoides y otras infecciones concomitantes. A medida que aumenta la escasez de agua se utilizan cada vez más aguas residuales no tratadas para regar cultivos, aumentando de este modo el riesgo de transmisión. Se describen métodos nuevos para detectar e inactivar los huevos de Ascaris en el agua, el suelo y los alimentos. La asociación entre la posesión de cerdos y la infección por Ascaris en el humano puede indicar una transmisión cruzada, dado que la hibridización entre las ascárides porcinos y las ascárides humanos se produce más frecuentemente de lo que antes se creía. Los análisis geoespaciales han pronosticado con éxito los niveles de infección, tanto a nivel regional (basándose en índices de vegetación y en temperatura y humedad) como a nivel intracomunitario (basándose en factores sociales y ambientales). La interpretación de las respuestas de anticuerpos y citocinas a Ascaris está empezando a aclararse a medida que los investigadores identifican el papel del tipo de antígeno, la edad, la historia de Ascaris y otras infecciones. Se explora el considerable interés despertado por las interacciones entre Ascaris y otras infecciones (helmintos, paludismo, VIH, tuberculosis) y la alergia. Se discute el impacto de la infección concomitante sobre el diseño de las estrategias de control, incluyendo los beneficios derivados de tratamientos de combinación y las pruebas a favor de que los nemátodos intestinales deterioran la eficacia de las vacunas en la infancia. Por último se identifican ámbitos recomendados para la investigación futura.
Tratamiento del paludismo pediátrico: Papel de las intervenciones nutricionales
Authors: Osei Akoto Kwame , Hamer Davidson H.
Published: October 2008

El paludismo es una causa primordial de morbilidad y mortalidad en niños, particularmente en África subsahariana. Aunque se ha logrado un progreso considerable en el tratamiento del paludismo pediátrico con el tratamiento de combinación basado en la artemisinina, siguen existiendo numerosos obstáculos que se oponen a la puesta en práctica efectiva de estas nuevas opciones terapéuticas sumamente eficaces. Análogamente, si bien se dispone de herramientas efectivas para la prevención del paludismo en niños, la ampliación de la escala de éstas para obtener un impacto evidente sobre la morbilidad y la mortalidad asociadas al paludismo ha presentado retos significativos para los funcionarios de salud pública. El estado nutricional del hospedador influye sobre la adquisición y la gravedad potencial de la infección de paludismo. Si bien existen pruebas sustanciales de que el paludismo contribuye a deteriorar la ganancia de peso y talla en niños, el impacto de la subnutrición sobre el paludismo es complejo. Se dispone cada vez de más datos a favor de que el aporte complementario de ciertos micronutrientes puede desempeñar un papel crucial en la prevención del paludismo en niños pequeños. Las intervenciones con micronutrientes, como el aporte complementario de cinc o vitamina A, puede contribuir a reducir la carga patológica causada por el paludismo, mientras que otros elementos como el hierro pueden exacerbar la infección. Diferencias en el diseño de los estudios, la calidad, la intensidad de la transmisión del paludismo y otras características que dependen del lugar del estudio complican la interpretación del número limitado de estudios en los que se ha evaluado el impacto de micronutrientes específicos en el tratamiento y la prevención del paludismo. Sólo se realizó un ensayo para evaluar el uso del cinc como coadyuvante en el tratamiento del paludismo, y en éste no se ha podido demostrar ningún beneficio del cinc. En este artículo revisamos el tratamiento clínico del paludismo en niños, las interacciones entre el paludismo y el estado nutricional y el papel potencial del aporte complementario de micronutrientes para la prevención de episodios de paludismo clínico en niños pequeños, con atención particular a si el aporte complementario de cada nutriente mejora o empeora el desenlace del paludismo.
The Role of the Uncinate Fasciculus in Memory and Emotional Recognition in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Fujie Saori , Namiki Chihiro , Nishi Hiroko , Yamada Makiko , Miyata Jun , Sakata Daisuke , Sawamoto Nobukatsu , Fukuyama Hidenao , Hayashi Takuji , Murai Toshiya
Published: October 2008

Background: The putative neural bases of affected episodic memory and emotional recognition in early Alzheimer’s disease are suspected to be limbic and paralimbic pathological processes. The uncinate fasciculus (UF) is especially considered to be a critical structure. In the present study, we investigated microstructural UF pathology by diffusion tensor imaging in the subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and its association with memory and emotional processing impairment. Methods: Subjects included 16 patients with aMCI and 16 healthy individuals. Diffusion tensor images were acquired and the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the UF was calculated. In addition, its association with verbal memory and emotional facial recognition was investigated. Results: The FA values of the left UF were significantly lower in aMCI, and strongly correlated with episodic memory performance in aMCI. For the emotional recognition task, the aMCI subjects performed worse in negative emotion recognitions. The FA values of the left UF were correlated with the performance of fearful facial expression recognition in aMCI. Conclusion: These results indicated that microstructural alterations of the UF had already occurred in aMCI. In addition, these alterations could be one of the causes of memory and emotional processing impairment in aMCI.
Hypothalamic Preproghrelin Gene Expression Is Repressed by Insulin via Both PI3-K/Akt and ERK1/2 MAPK Pathways in Immortalized, Hypothalamic Neurons
Authors: Fick L.J. , Cai F. , Belsham D.D.
Published: October 2008

The gut peptide ghrelin is expressed within neurons of the hypothalamus. Using a hypothalamic cell line, mHypoE-38 neurons, the effect of insulin on preproghrelin gene expression was assayed. These cells contain neuron-specific markers, preproghrelin and the insulin receptor. We determined that insulin has direct effects on preproghrelin gene expression. Insulin (10 nM) stimulated protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation from 5 to 60 min and 5 min, respectively, and led to repression of preproghrelin gene expression at 2 h. Pharmacological inhibitors to phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3-K; LY294002) and MEK (PD98059) demonstrated that basal ghrelin gene expression is regulated by the PI3-K pathway and requires the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway for insulin-stimulated preproghrelin repression. These results demonstrate that insulin has a direct effect on hypothalamic neurons to decrease preproghrelin gene expression through classic insulin pathways.
Lithium Chloride Preconditioning Optimizes Skeletal Myoblast Functions for Cellular Cardiomyoplasty in vitro via Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Du W.J. , Li J.K. , Wang Q.Y. , Hou J.B. , Yu B.
Published: October 2008

The benefits of skeletal myoblast (SkM) transplantation for cardiomyoplasty are limited due to their decreased functional integration with host cardiomyocytes and the poor survival of implanted cells in ischemic hearts. However, little success has been achieved with respect to the strategies aiming to improve the efficiency of SkM transplantation. In this study, we demonstrated that LiCl-preconditioned SkMs resulted in significantly increased connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and gap-junctional communication with cardiomyocytes. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of SkMs was significantly upregulated in response to LiCl. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide induced SkM apoptosis and increased caspase-3 expression, whereas LiCl inhibited SkM apoptosis, resulted in the decrease of caspase-3 expression and promoted SkM proliferation. These effects of LiCl were mediated by inactivating glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), stabilizing the effector protein β-catenin and translocating it into the nucleus of SkMs, confirming that LiCl mimics canonical Wnt signaling. These findings suggest that LiCl preconditioning may be a novel strategy to optimize SkM function for cellular cardiomyoplasty in vitro.
Karl Barth's Theology of Reconciliation in Dialogue with a Theology of Religions
Authors: Chung Paul
Published: October 2008

Karl Barth has influenced Christian theology of mission in terms of his Trinitarian concept of God's mission. His theology of reconciliation retains inter-religious implication in missional context. However, Barth's theology of reconciliation is not explored in the context of religious pluralism. The reason is due to the neo-orthodox charge against him and theologians' one-sided critique of Barth as a conservative-evangelical theologian. In this paper at issue is to retrieve hermeneutically Barth as a theologian of reconciliation who stands for Christian witness to the grace of God in the world of religions.
The Cultural Origins of "Intercultural Theology"
Authors: Ustorf Werner
Published: October 2008

Ecumenical amnesia is accompanying much of the current debate on replacing the terms missiology or mission studies by that of intercultural studies or intercultural theology. This paper tries to address the loss of memory. By remembering the time when the new terminology was established (the 1970s and 80s) we become aware of the particularities, the challenges, and the limitations of the original vision of "intercultural theology". Among the particularities we will detect that of the professional missiologist working in the secular academy; challenges can be found in the reformulations of the missionary paradigm; and some may wish to see the limitations in the fact that intercultural theology began its life as part of a European conversation on culture and transcendence.
Agrarian Tenure Institution Conflict Frames, and Communitarian Identities
Authors: Eisenstadt Todd A.
Published: October 2008

Drawing on a survey of more than 4,000 respondents, this article argues that contrary to claims by the 1994 Zapatista insurgency, indigenous and nonindigenous respondents in southern Mexico have been united more by socioeconomic and land tenure institution variables than by ethnic identity. Based on statistical models, it concludes that in rural southern Mexico, ethnicity alone is less important in shaping peoples' attitudes than whether the dominant land tenure institutions are the “communitarian” state-penetrated ejidos (communitarian collective farms) of Chiapas or the more “individualist” so-called communal lands of Oaxaca. It concludes by affirming that—contrary to many analysts of Chiapas's 1994 indigenous rebellion—external influences (here state-established land tenure institutions) can trump ideology in framing social movements. Rural Chiapas's prevalent communitarian attitudes seem to have resulted partly from exogenous land tenure institutions (ejidos) rather than from endogenous indigenous identities alone, as claimed by Zapatistas and scholars.
The Impact of the Workplace Relations Act on Regional Patterns of Industrial Relations: The Illawarra Region of Australia, 1996— 2004
Authors: Markey Raymond , Hodgkinson Ann
Published: October 2008

Work Choices fundamentally restructured the Australian industrial relations system in 2005, by marginalizing the role of awards and the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, privileging individual contracts and restricting industrial action by trade unions. The Workplace Relations Act 1996 (WRA) represented a significant first step in this direction prior to the Liberal National coalition gaining control of the Senate in 2005. However, there has been no extensive workplace data of the kind produced by the Australian Workplace Relations Survey to take stock of the impact of the WRA. This study undertakes a stocktake of the impact of the WRA for the Illawarra region. It compares data for trade unions, employer associations, forms of employee participation, workplace reductions, industrial disputes and payment systems from the Illawarra Regional Workplace Industrial Relations Survey 1996 with a further survey in 2004. It concludes that while the WRA did impact on the region, the Illawarra nevertheless maintained a distinctive pattern of industrial relations in which the New South Wales State system was more influential. If this provides any indication of the wider impact of the WRA, it offers strong reasons as to why the government proceeded with Work Choices.
Transnational Company Industrial Relations: The Role of European Works Councils and the Implications for International Human Resource Management
Authors: Gilson Clive , Weiler Anni
Published: October 2008

The general study of institutional arrangements that are designed to impact on managerial prerogatives is typically cast in the genre of forms of industrial democracy. While the last few decades have seen a decline in interest in this area of study, developments in the European Union have enabled an ongoing dialogue specifically on the topic of consultation. Although consultation is generally seen by scholars as a modest form of industrial democracy, formal European Directives have provided the opportunity to assess the representative strength or otherwise of initiatives such as European Works Councils that are explicitly designed to address social policy and inequality in the workplace. Drawing on 41 case studies, we examine the determinants of European Works Councils morphology, activities undertaken and general outcomes. We note that it is important to presumptively inquire as to what is being theorized rather than simply take the implicit position that European Works Councils are the prime institution of influence. This leads us to establish the primacy of management and in particular, the vector of management decision-making as the primary independent variable that predicts much about the operation and robustness of European Works Councils. Accordingly, we find that strong centralized management, rather than the usual suspects of differing national industrial relations systems and cultural differences, typically account for much of what we understand in terms of the role that European Works Councils play.
Gender, Non-standard Work and Development Regimes: A Comparison of the USA and Indonesia
Authors: de Ruyter Alex , Warnecke Tonia
Published: October 2008

This article explores the changing labour market participation of women in the USA and Indonesia, specifically examining trends in `atypical' or `nonstandard' employment. We are interested in exploring how globalization pressures have contributed to changing employment patterns, and the policy approaches adopted in both countries. Three types of atypical employment are examined: part-time, temporary and self-employment. In this article we compare the evolution of development and welfare mechanisms in both countries in shaping female participation. It is argued that the dominant neo-liberal model serves to entrench existing inequalities, leading to women being peripheralized into precarious, non-standard jobs.
The New Benchmarking and Advisory State: The Role of the British Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service in Facilitating Labour—Management Consultation in Public Sector Transformation
Authors: Stuart Mark , Martínez Lucio Miguel
Published: October 2008

The aim of this article is to examine the changing role of the state in a more market-driven system of industrial relations, specifically in terms of the new roles that are being developed with regard to mediation, advisory and arbitration services. It focuses empirically on the role played by the British Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service in facilitating the modernization of public sector employment relations. We show how the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has played a `benchmarking' role that assists the development of more strategic forms of decision-making and cooperation in employment relations change, and identify the challenges of developing such an approach in the context of the shift towards a more decentralized and market-oriented system of public service delivery. In conclusion we assert that there is a new `advisory and benchmarking' state evolving based on a soft-market view of industrial relations, and that this mitigates (but is also in tension with) the harder market view within the state concerned with transforming the public sector.
Baseline Values and Sotalol‐Induced Changes of Ventricular Repolarization Duration, Heterogeneity, and Instability in Patients With a History of Drug‐Induced Torsades de Pointes
Authors: Couderc Jean‐Philippe , Kaab Stefan , Hinterseer Martin , McNitt Scott , Xia Xiaojuan , Fossa Anthony , Beckmann Britt M. , Polonsky Slava , Zareba Wojciech
Published: October 2008

The authors investigated whether computerized parameters quantifying ventricular repolarization delay, heterogeneity, and instability characterize individuals who developed drug‐induced Torsades de Pointes. Assessing an individual's propensity to Torsades de Pointes when exposed to a QT‐prolonging drug is challenging because baseline QT prolongation has limited predictive value. Five‐minute digital 12‐lead electrocardiograms were acquired at baseline and after a sotalol challenge in 16 patients who had a history of Torsades de Pointes in the context of a QT‐prolonging drug and 17 patients who did not have such history. Computerized measurements of QTc, T peak to T end intervals (TpTe), TpTe/QTc, and QT variability were implemented, and novel quantifiers of ventricular repolarization heterogeneity from the early (ERD) and late (LRD) part of the T wave were investigated. Compared with electrocardiograms of patients without a history of Torsades de Pointes, the baseline electrocardiograms of patients with a history of Torsades de Pointes had a longer QTc and an increased repolarization heterogeneity of the early part of the T wave (ERD30%: 44 ± 13 vs 35 ± 8 ms,P= .02). On sotalol, the electrocardiograms from individuals with Torsades de Pointes revealed a delay of the terminal part of the T wave that was not present in patients without Torsades de Pointes (TpTe: 27 ± 40 vs −1 ± 21 ms,P= .02; LRD70%: 20 ± 29 vs 2 ± 4 ms,P= .04). Results suggest that the electrocardiogram abnormalities characterizing patients with a history of Torsades de Pointes are (1) an increased repolarization heterogeneity at baseline and (2) a sotalol‐induced prolongation of the terminal part of the T wave.
Neuropsychological Deficits, Low Self-Control, and Delinquent Involvement
Authors: Ratchford Marie , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: October 2008

There is growing interest in identifying the factors that contribute to variation in self-control. Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) maintain that levels of self-control are determined solely through socialization processes, especially those that occur in the family. Another body of research, however, suggests that biological factors are also important to the development of self-control. The authors draw from these two lines of inquiry and examine the biosocial underpinnings to low self-control. Analyses of data from the National Survey of Children reveal that levels of self-control are the result of a complex arrangement of biological and social factors. Measures of neuropsychological deficits, birth complications, low birth weight, harsh parental punishment, family rules, and neighborhood disadvantage all have significant direct or indirect effects on levels of self-control. Additional analyses reveal significant associations between low self-control and delinquent involvement.
Does the “Marriage Benefit” Extend to Partners in Gay and Lesbian Relationships?
Authors: Wienke Chris , Hill Gretchen J.
Published: October 2008

Prior research indicates that the married enjoy higher levels of well-being than the unmarried, including unmarried cohabiters. Yet, comparisons of married and unmarried persons routinely exclude partnered gays and lesbians. Using a large probability sample, this study assessed how the well-being of partnered gays and lesbians (282) compares with that of persons from other relationship status groups, including legally married spouses (6,734); unmarried heterosexuals who are cohabiting (614), dating (2,992), or unattached (750); and single gays and lesbians (59). After controlling for demographic variables, partnered gays and lesbians were found to report less happiness than married spouses but more happiness than singles, regardless of sexual orientation. Conversely, no differences were found between partnered gays and lesbians and married persons in health. On both measures, partnered gays and lesbians were similar to heterosexual cohabiters. The implications of these findings are considered in light of current debates about the importance of marriage.
Ibuprofen modifies cognitive disease progression in an Alzheimer’s mouse model
Authors: Van Dam D. , Coen K. , De Deyn PP
Published: October 2008

Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and delay disease onset. Negative results of clinical AD trials were rationalised by the discovery that certain NSAIDs reduce amyloid-β 1—42 (Aβ1— 42) peptide production, the proposed central culprit in AD pathophysiology and main constituent of amyloid plaques, whereas other compounds do not affect Aβ levels. Latter observations motivated further in-vitro and in-vivo research regarding the applicability of NSAIDs in treating and/or preventing AD. We used the age-dependent cognitive decline in the APP23 transgenic mouse model for AD to evaluate disease-modifying efficacy of chronic ibuprofen treatment at the cognitive level. At age 6 weeks, heterozygous APP23 mice and control littermates were subcutaneously implanted with osmotic pumps delivering saline or ibuprofen (50 mg/kg daily). After 2 months of treatment, a 3-week washout period prevented bias from potential symptomatic effects before cognitive evaluation commenced. Ibuprofen-treated APP23 mice performed significantly better than their sham-treated counterparts and almost attained the same level of performance as control animals on a complex visual-spatial learning task. This study clearly reports disease-modifying efficacy of ibuprofen at the cognitive level in transgenic mice modelling AD.
Aripiprazole-induced rabbit syndrome: a case report
Authors: Caykoylu A. , Ekinci O. , Kuloglu M. , Deniz O.
Published: October 2008

Rabbit syndrome (RS) is a rare side effect of prolonged neuroleptic administration characterised by rapid, fine, rhythmic movements of the mouth along a vertical axis. Long-term exposure to the first generation neuroleptics has clearly been associated with RS, but little is known regarding the risk of RS because of the exposure to the newer atypical antipsychotics. Aripiprazole is a new dopaminergic agent and has been reported to be clinically useful as an antipsychotic drug with reduced extrapyramidal motor side effects. In addition, there are some case reports concerning extrapyramidal side effects, which include tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonism and RS associated with aripiprazole. We present the case of a patient who developed RS during treatment with aripiprazole. Potential mechanisms, including D2 receptor occupancy, low anticholinergic properties and dopamine hypersensitivity theory, are discussed. Although studies with aripiprazole have shown a low liability for extrapyramidal side effects, the present case emphasises the need for caution when treating patients with aripiprazole.
Five-Year Accuracy of Assessments of High Risk for Sexual Recidivism of Adolescents
Authors: Hagan Michael P. , Anderson Debra L. , Caldwell Melissa S. , Kemper Therese S.
Published: October 2008

This study looked at 12 juveniles in Wisconsin who were recommended by experts for commitment under Chapter 980, known as the Sexually Violent Person Commitments Act, but who ultimately were not committed. The purpose was to determine the accuracy of these assessments and risk for sexual reoffending for juvenile sexual offenders. The results found a rate of 42% sexual recidivism among these individuals, with a 5-year at-risk period. This figure is in contrast to the low rates of sexual recidivism reported in the general juvenile sexual research. This provides evidence that the capability to assess the risk in juvenile sexual re-offending may at times be higher than previously estimated. Implications of these unusual results are discussed.
Immediate Active Range of Motion after Modified 2-Incision Repair in Acute Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture
Authors: Cil Akin , Merten Sheri , Steinmann Scott P.
Published: October 2008

Background

Different rehabilitation protocols have been used after repair of distal biceps ruptures.

Purpose

This study investigates the safety of immediate active range of motion protocol after modified 2-incision distal biceps tendon repair in acute ruptures.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-one patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were participants in this study. After repair, the upper extremities were placed in a sling for 1 to 2 days and then immediate active range of motion was started. For the first 6 weeks, the elbow was allowed activities of daily living as tolerated by the patient with a 1-lb weight-lifting restriction. Elbow range of motion, isometric and dynamic flexion, and supination strengths were recorded and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores were obtained.

Results

Mean follow-up extension was 0° and mean follow-up flexion was 141° on the operated side, with supination of 74° and pronation of 75°. The mean DASH score for 21 patients was 3.6 ± 3.6 (range, 0-11.4). The mean follow-up isometric flexion strength was found to be 5% (P = .411), and the power (dynamic strength) of flexion was 12% greater on the operated side (P = .046). However, follow-up isometric supination strength was 9% less on the involved side than on the noninvolved side (P = .030), and the power of supination was 11% less on the operated side (P = .007). There were no tendon reruptures at follow-up, determined by physical examination.

Conclusion

A modified 2-incision distal biceps repair allows a safe immediate active range of motion protocol with early return of nearly full range of motion and strength, without any clinically significant disability.
Single room isolation to prevent the transmission of infection: development of a patient journey tool to support safe practice
Authors: Kilpatrick Claire , Prieto Jacqui , Wigglesworth Neil
Published: October 2008

A variety of infection prevention and control precautions are used to minimise the risk of infection spread from person to person, both patients and staff. Standard Precautions (SPs), including hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are applied routinely to all patients, whereas transmission-based precautions (TBPs) are used when a patient is known or suspected to have an epidemiologically important infectious disease or condition, in order to further reduce the risk of spread of infection.

The use of single room isolation is part of TBPs and is a cornerstone of hospital infection prevention and control practice. However, successfully implementing TBPs, including single room isolation, continues to be a challenge in the UK for a number of reasons.

Effective approaches to increasing the quality and safety of patient care are increasingly based on utilising simple tools that increase the likelihood that care will be provided in a reliable way. The tool presented is intended to facilitate both learning and practice in relation to TBPs and to promote the delivery of safe patient care in relation to single room isolation. It is designed for use in those situations when a single room is available for patient isolation. It also highlights the other important TBPs to be taken to prevent the spread of infection, whether or not a single room is available. It can be adapted for use with any organism or disease for which TBPs are recommended. At a time when healthcare associated infections (HCAI) such as Clostridium difficile and meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continue to have an impact on both acute and community care settings, and their reduction is embedded within national targets for NHS healthcare providers, tools that make it easy for healthcare workers to apply safe practices within their daily routines are essential.

Initial testing suggests that this tool is acceptable to healthcare workers and further study will identify its potential contribution to healthcare workers' knowledge and practice in this area.
Contrasting the resource-based view and competitiveness theories: how pharmaceutical firms choose to compete in Germany, Italy and the UK
Authors: Herrmann Andrea M.
Published: October 2008

As economic internationalization advances, the question of how firms cope with increasing pressure for competitiveness gains momentum. While scholars agree that firms need a competitive advantage, they debate whether firms exploit the comparative advantage of their economy and converge on that strategy facilitated by national institutions.`No', argue strategic management proponents of the resource-based view. `Yes', claim contributors to the competitiveness literature.The author's micro-level studies of these opposing views do not find evidence for a strong, widespread convergence by the firms in one economy to the same institutionally supported strategy. The discrepancies between these findings and the analyses of the competitiveness literature are attributed to differences in the indicators employed to measure corporate strategies.Whenever macro-level indicators are used, the related loss of information on micro-level variety entails that convergence effects are more pronounced — possibly exaggerated.
The Icarus paradox revisited: how strong performance sows the seeds of dysfunction in future strategic decision-making
Authors: Amason Allen C. , Mooney Ann C.
Published: October 2008

This article reports on two studies that examine the relationship between performance and strategic issue-framing and decision-processing.The results suggest strong performance promotes a defensive mindset that may lead to dysfunctional outcomes. Study 1 draws its data from 51 CEOs and shows that performance is associated with framing issues as threats rather than opportunities. Study 2 draws its data from 45 top management teams and shows that performance is associated with less comprehensiveness in decision-making. Implications of these findings provide insights into why organizations that perform well sometimes squander their success subsequently through poor decision-making.
A cognitive model of stock market reactions to multi-firm alliance announcements
Authors: Ozcan Serden , Overby Mikkel Lucas
Published: October 2008

Previous studies of stock market reactions to alliance announcements assume that investors accurately detect and encode these public statements, evaluate them with stable, well-established preferences, and that the signalling value of an announcement is independent of the context in which it is conveyed.This article draws on behavioural decision theory to advance a cognitive model of stock market reactions to the announcement of complex, multi-firm alliances. The model predicts a U-shaped relationship between the diversity of partners comprising the alliance and abnormal stock market returns. An empirical analysis of multi-firm alliances announced in the US between 2000 and 2004 corroborates the model's prediction. Moreover, the study shows that a firm's size and analyst coverage moderate the relationship between its alliance partners' diversity and its abnormal returns.These findings suggest that attentional selection and subsequent encoding processes produce cognitive biases in the interpretation of announcements and the market moves towards greater efficiency for large or high-coverage firms. Managers should thus take the effect of the `process of processing' into account when disclosing information to the investor community.
Rehabilitation of Reaching After Stroke: Comparing 2 Training Protocols Utilizing Trunk Restraint
Authors: Thielman Gregory , Kaminski Terry , Gentile A.M.
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose . Task-related training (TRT) but not resistive exercise (RE) was found to improve the path of the hand of a hemiparetic upper extremity when reaching to targets. Forward movement of the trunk, however, compensated for the poststroke motor impairment. Prior studies also demonstrated that short-term practice of reaching to grasp objects with truncal motion restrained (compared to unrestrained practice) increased elbow extension, lessened compensatory trunk movement, and improved interjoint coordination during performance with the trunk unrestrained. Objective. To determine the effects of TRT and RE on unrestrained reaching following extended practice in which compensatory truncal motion was limited. Methods. Using a restraining device to reduce movement of the trunk, hemiparetic patients with moderately severe motor impairment were given 12 sessions over 4 weeks of TRT (n = 5) or RE (n = 6). Reaching when the trunk was not restrained to targets located ipsilateral, midline, and contralateral to the impaired arm was tested before and 2 days after training by 3D kinematic analyses. Results. After both training protocols, kinematic analysis showed that trunk flexion decreased ( P < .01, η2 = .53) scapular motion shifted toward protraction ( P < .01, η2 = .57) and elbow extension increased ( P < .04, η2 = .39). Only after TRT did the path of the hand straighten ( P < .02, η2 = .46), deceleration time decrease ( P < .03, η2 = .44), and, at the difficult ipsilateral target, shoulder flexion increase ( P < .03, η 2 = .31). Conclusions. Training that restricted compensatory truncal motion during TRT improved the precision of reaching more than during RE. Truncal restraint during rehabilitation of reaching may be an effective therapeutic strategy in patients with moderately severe hemiparetic stroke, especially when combined with TRT.
Rehabilitation of Reaching and Grasping Function in Severe Hemiplegic Patients Using Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy
Authors: Thrasher T. Adam , Zivanovic Vera , McIlroy William , Popovic Milos R.
Published: October 2008

Objective. The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy of a therapeutic intervention based on functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy to improve reaching and grasping function after severe hemiplegia due to stroke. Methods. A total of 21 subjects with acute stroke were randomized into 2 groups, FES plus conventional occupational and physiotherapy (FES group) or only conventional therapy (control group) 5 days a week for 12 to 16 weeks. A third group of 7 subjects with chronic hemiplegia (at least 5 months poststroke) received only FES therapy (chronic group) and pre—post training changes were compared. FES was applied to proximal and then distal muscle groups during specific motor tasks. At baseline and at the end of treatment, grasping function was assessed using the Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory Hand Function Test, along with more standard measures of rehabilitation outcome. Results. The FES group improved significantly more than the control group in terms of object manipulation, palmar grip torque, pinch grip pulling force, Barthel Index, Upper Extremity Fugl—Meyer scores, and Upper Extremity Chedoke—McMaster Stages of Motor Recovery. The chronic stroke subjects demonstrated improvements in most categories, but the changes were not statistically significant. Conclusions. FES therapy with upper extremity training may be an efficacious intervention in the rehabilitation of reaching and grasping function during acute stroke rehabilitation.
Recovery of Gait After Stroke: What Changes?
Authors: Buurke Jaap H. , Nene Anand V. , Kwakkel Gert , Erren-Wolters Victorien , IJzerman Maarten J. , Hermens Hermie J.
Published: October 2008

Background. Little is known about whether changes in coordination patterns of muscle activation after stroke are related to functional recovery of walking. Objective . The present study investigated the longitudinal relationship between changes in neuromuscular activation patterns of paretic muscles in hemiplegic gait and improvement in walking ability after stroke. Methods. Thirteen patients diagnosed with a first unilateral ischemic stroke had their recovery of walking measured by the Rivermead Mobility Index, Functional Ambulation Categories, Barthel Index, Trunk Control Test, Motricity Index, and comfortable walking speed. Surface electromyography (SEMG) of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, semitendinosus, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles of both legs was used to quantify coordination patterns in comfortable walking mode. All clinical and electromyography-related measurements were taken at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 weeks poststroke. Timing parameters of the SEMG patterns were calculated, using an objective burst detection algorithm, and analyzed with the measures of functional recovery. Results . All functional measures, except Trunk Control Test, showed statistically significant improvement over time, whereas SEMG patterns did not change significantly over time. Conclusion. The lack of significant change in SEMG patterns over time suggests that functional gait improvements may be more related to compensatory strategies in muscle activation of the unaffected leg and biomechanical changes than by restitution of muscle coordination patterns in the affected leg.
Improving Gait in Multiple Sclerosis Using Robot-Assisted, Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training
Authors: Lo Albert C. , Triche Elizabeth W.
Published: October 2008

Background. The majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) develop progressive gait impairment, which can start early in the disease and worsen over a lifetime. A promising outpatient intervention to help improve gait function with potential for addressing this treatment gap is task-repetitive gait training. Methods. Body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) with or without robotic assistance (Lokomat) was tested using a randomized crossover design in 13 patients with relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive or primary progressive MS. Patients received 6 training sessions over 3 weeks of each intervention. Outcomes included changes in the timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), the 6-minute walk treadmill test (6MW) distance, the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), as well as double-limb support time and step length ratio. Results. There were no major differences in outcomes between treatment groups. The study population significantly improved on gait outcomes and the EDSS following BWSTT, including a 31% improvement in the T25FW, a 38.5% improvement in the 6MW, and a 1-point gain for the EDSS. Differences in pre/post changes were noted depending on gender, disease subtype, affected limb, and baseline EDSS. Conclusions. Although no differences in gait outcomes or the EDSS were found between treatment groups, this small pilot study of task-repetitive gait training resulted in significant within-subject improvements. BWSTT appears to be an activity-dependent intervention with potential to reduce gait impairment in MS.