bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shed skin as a source of DNA for genotyping seals
Authors: SWANSON B. J. , KELLY B. P. , MADDOX C. K. , MORAN J. R.
Published: November 2006

Obtaining a sufficient number of DNA samples from ice‐breeding marine phocids, in a noninvasive manner, has proven difficult and has limited the ability to use molecular genetics on these species. We evaluate the ability to genotype ringed seals using a novel source of DNA, skin cells shed by the seal as it moults on sea ice. We found that shed skin samples yielded a lower quantity and purity of DNA compared to tissue samples. Nevertheless, the shed skin cells were a viable source of DNA for microsatellite analysis; we found no significant difference in allelic diversity or heterozygosities between tissue samples and shed skin cells. This source of DNA should allow the rapid collection of a large number of noninvasively collected DNA samples in ice‐breeding phocids.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in the creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus)
Authors: SKALSKI GARRICK T. , GROSE MICHAEL J.
Published: November 2006

Thirty‐two polymorphic microsatellite loci (29 novel, 3 cross‐species) are characterized in the creek chub, Semotilus atromaculatus, a widespread and abundant North American minnow. Novel repeat‐containing sequences were isolated using a standard microsatellite enrichment procedure. A set of di‐, tri‐, and tetranucleotide markers with allele numbers ranging from two 16 are now available for estimating relatedness within and among populations in this ecologically important species.
Thirty‐two single nucleotide polymorphism markers for high‐throughput genotyping of sockeye salmon
Authors: ELFSTROM CARITA M. , SMITH CHRISTIAN T. , SEEB JAMES E.
Published: November 2006

We characterize 32 single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays for resolving genotypic variation in sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka in the Pacific Rim. These assays are based on the 5′‐nuclease reaction and thus facilitate high‐throughput genotyping with minimal optimization time. Minor allele frequency differences (Δq) among collections were between 4.7% and 97.9%, resulting in per locus FST estimates of 0.02–0.71 with an average of 0.22.
fastruct: model‐based clustering made faster
Authors: CHEN CHIBIAO , FORBES FLORENCE , FRANÇOIS OLIVIER
Published: November 2006

Bayesian model‐based clustering programs have gained increased popularity in studies of population structure since the publication of the softwarestructure. These programs are generally acknowledged as performing well, but their running‐time may be prohibitive.fastructis a non‐Bayesian implementation of the classical model with no‐admixture uncorrelated allele frequencies. This new program relies on the expectation–maximization principle, and produces assignment rivalling other model‐based clustering programs. In addition, it can be manyfold faster than Bayesian implementations. The software consists of a command‐line engine, which is suitable for batch analysis of data, and a graphical interface, which is convenient for exploring data.
Sirtuin‐independent effects of nicotinamide on lifespan extension from calorie restriction in yeast
Authors: Tsuchiya Mitsuhiro , Dang Nick , Kerr Emily O. , Hu Di , Steffen Kristan K. , Oakes Jonathan A. , Kennedy Brian K. , Kaeberlein Matt
Published: November 2006

Two models have been proposed for how calorie restriction (CR) enhances replicative longevity in yeast: (i) suppression of rDNA recombination through activation of the sirtuin protein deacetylase Sir2 or (ii) decreased activity of the nutrient‐responsive kinases Sch9 and TOR. We report here that CR increases lifespan independently of all Sir2‐family proteins in yeast. Furthermore, we demonstrate that nicotinamide, an inhibitor of Sir2‐mediated deacetylation, interferes with lifespan extension from CR, but does so independent of Sir2, Hst1, Hst2, and Hst4. We also find that 5 mm nicotinamide, a concentration sufficient to inhibit other sirtuins, does not phenocopy deletion of HST3. Thus, we propose that lifespan extension by CR is independent of sirtuins and that nicotinamide has sirtuin‐independent effects on lifespan extension by CR.
Murine myeloid dendritic cell‐dependent toll‐like receptor immunity is preserved with aging
Authors: Tesar Bethany M. , Walker Wendy E. , Unternaehrer Julia , Joshi Nikhil S. , Chandele Anmol , Haynes Laura , Kaech Susan , Goldstein Daniel R.
Published: November 2006

The immune response is the result of the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity, yet the impact of aging on this interaction is unclear. Addressing this fundamental question will be critical for the development of effective vaccines for the rapidly rising older subpopulation that manifests increased prevalence of malignancies and infections. Therefore, we undertook the current study to investigate whether aging impairs toll‐like receptor (TLR) function in myeloid dendritic cells and whether this leads to reduced T‐cell priming. Our results demonstrate that innate TLR immune priming function of myeloid bone marrow derived and splenic dendritic cells (DC) is preserved with aging using both allogeneic and infectious murine experimental systems. In contrast, aging impairs in vitro and in vivo intrinsic T‐cell function. Therefore, our results demonstrate that myeloid DCs manifest preserved TLR‐mediated immune responses with aging. However, aging critically impairs intrinsic adaptive T‐cell function.
Gender differences in free radical homeostasis during aging: shorter‐lived female C57BL6 mice have increased oxidative stress
Authors: Ali Sameh S. , Xiong Chengjie , Lucero Jacinta , Behrens M. Margarita , Dugan Laura L. , Quick Kevin L.
Published: November 2006

Gender is a profound determinant of aging and lifespan, but little is known about gender differences in free radical homeostasis. Free radicals are proposed as key elements in the multifactorial process of aging and it is predicted that the longer‐lived gender should have lower levels of oxidative stress. While the majority of studies on aging have included a single gender, recent studies in rats compared genders and found that females, the longer‐lived sex, had lower oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction than males. We explored the association between oxidative stress and gender‐specific aging in C57BL6 mice, in which females are the shorter‐lived gender. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in young and old mice by confocal imaging of dihydroethidium (DHE) oxidation in the brain, and by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry of isolated brain mitochondria. Both genders exhibited significant age‐dependent increases in ROS. However, females had a greater increase with age than males in DHE oxidation but not mitochondrial EPR. Superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) protein levels were lower in old females. To determine whether enhancing antioxidant defenses would eliminate gender differences in lifespan, mice were treated chronically with a superoxide dismutase mimetic. Treatment blocked the age‐dependent increase in ROS, with a greater effect in females on DHE oxidation, but not mitochondrial EPR. Treatment also increased lifespan to a greater degree in females. Our results indicate that differences in ROS homeostasis contribute to gender divergence in survival, but also suggest that mitochondrial superoxide production may not be primarily responsible for gender differences in lifespan.
Group Work in Young People with Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Murphy Tara , Heyman Isobel
Published: November 2006

Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (TS) is characterised by motor and vocal tics, although it is often associated with learning, emotional or behavioural problems that tend to account for most of the impairment experienced. Recognising, naming and learning to cope with the range of difficulties arising in TS is an important part of treatment. Group working was used as a way of helping young people understand and deal with TS. Sessions focused on managing tics, building self‐esteem, learning and bullying, anger management and obsessive‐compulsive symptoms.
Ethanol‐Induced Regulation of GABAA Subunit mRNAs in Prefrontal Fields of Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Hemby Scott E. , O'Connor Joann A. , Acosta Glen , Floyd Donald , Anderson Nancy , McCool Brian A. , Friedman David , Grant Kathleen A.
Published: November 2006

Background: Recent evidence indicates that functional impairment of the orbital and medial fields of the prefrontal cortex may underlie the deficits in executive control of behavior that characterize addictive disorders, including alcohol addiction. Moreover, previous studies have indicated that alcohol alters GABA neurotransmission and one substrate of these effects may be through the reconfiguration of the subunits constituting the GABAA receptor complex. Given that GABAergic transmission has an integral role in cortical processing, influencing local and interregional communication, understanding alcohol‐induced alterations in GABAA receptors in prefrontal fields of the primate brain may provide insight into the functional impairment of these brain regions in the alcohol‐addicted state and extend our understanding of the molecular consequences of long‐term use in these critical brain regions.

Methods and Results: To address this problem, the effects of chronic ethanol self‐administration in male cynomolgus monkeys on GABAA receptor subunit mRNA expression was studied in 3 frontal cortical fields: orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; area 13), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC; area 24), and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; area 46). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed significant alterations in GABAA subunit mRNA expression in the OFC and DLPFC but not in the ACC. Specifically, expression of the α2, α4, β1, β3, and γ1 to γ3 subunit mRNAs was significantly less in the OFC, whereas the expression of β1, β2, γ1, and δ subunit mRNAs was less in the DLPFC of alcohol‐treated monkeys.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that ethanol‐induced alterations in GABAA function may be due to alterations in GABAA subunit mRNA levels and subunit‐specific alterations are selective to particular cortical fields.
Cigarette Smoking and the Risk for Alcohol Use Disorders Among Adolescent Drinkers
Authors: Grucza Richard A. , Bierut Laura J.
Published: November 2006

Background: Cigarette smoking and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are closely linked, but it is not clear whether higher rates of AUD among smokers are solely attributable to heavier drinking or, alternatively, whether smokers are more vulnerable to alcohol abuse and dependence than nonsmokers who drink comparable quantities. We sought to address this issue using data from a nationally representative U.S. sample of adolescents and young adults. Specifically, we analyzed the relationship between cigarette smoking, drinking, and AUDs.

Methods: Data were from the aggregated 2002 through 2004 U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Participants were randomly selected, household‐dwelling adolescents and young adults (ages 12–20) from the noninstitutionalized, civilian population of the United States (N=74,836). Measurements included current DSM‐IV alcohol abuse or dependence, number of drinks in the past 30 days, and past‐year cigarette smoking, defined as having smoked more than 100 cigarettes across the lifetime and having smoked during the past year.

Results: Past‐year smokers (prevalence=16.0%) drank in higher quantities than never‐smokers, but were also at elevated risk for AUD when compared with never‐smokers who drank equivalent quantities. The effect was observed across age groups, but was more prominent among younger adolescents. After adjusting for drinking quantity and sociodemographic variables, smokers had 4.5‐fold higher odds of AUD than never‐smokers [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 3.1–6.6]. Youths who reported smoking but did not cross the 100‐cigarette threshold were at intermediate risk [odds ratio (OR), 2.3; 95% CI, 1.7–3.3]. Differences in AUD between smokers and never‐smokers were most pronounced at lower levels of drinking.

Conclusions: The results are consistent with a higher vulnerability to AUDs among smokers, compared with nonsmokers who drink equivalent quantities.
Activation and Impairment of Platelet Function In Vitro by Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester, a Nonoxidative Ethanol Metabolite: Effect of Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters on Human Platelets
Authors: Salem Raneem O. , Laposata Michael
Published: November 2006

Background: The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), nonoxidative metabolites of ethanol, on platelet function. We hypothesized that FAEE increase the risk of bleeding by producing an alteration in platelet membrane structure or function.

Methods: Isolated human platelets incubated with FAEE were prepared and multiple assays for platelet activation were performed; β‐thromboglobulin release from platelet granules, platelet aggregation, arachidonate release from phospholipids, and intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. We examined also the combined effect of epinephrine and FAEE on platelet aggregation.

Results: FAEE induced platelet shape change, release of α granules and release of arachidonate from phospholipids without an increase in eicosanoid production and decreased cAMP levels. The platelets did not aggregate in response to FAEE alone, but did shorten the time to maximum aggregation with epinephrine.

Conclusion: These studies show that FAEE potentiate platelet activation but do not induce aggregation, presumably because they do not stimulate thromboxane A2 production.
Brain Metabolic Alterations in Adolescents and Young Adults With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Fagerlund Åse , Heikkinen Sami , Autti‐Rämö Ilona , Korkman Marit , Timonen Marjut , Kuusi Tuomo , Riley Edward P. , Lundbom Nina
Published: November 2006

Background: Prenatal alcohol exposure affects brain structure and function. This study examined brain metabolism using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and searched for regions of specific vulnerability in adolescents and young adults prenatally exposed to alcohol.

Methods: Ten adolescents and young adults with confirmed heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and a diagnosis within the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) were included. Three of them had fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), 3 had partial FAS (PFAS), and 4 had alcohol‐related neurobehavioral disorder (ARND). The control group consisted of 10 adolescents matched for age, sex, head circumference, handedness, and body mass. Exclusionary criteria were learning disorders and prenatal alcohol exposure. Three‐dimensional 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI) was performed in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Metabolite ratios N‐acetylaspartate/choline (NAA/Cho), NAA/creatine (Cr) and Cho/Cr, and absolute metabolite intensities were calculated for several anatomic regions.

Results: In patients with FASD, lower NAA/Cho and/or NAA/Cr compared with controls were found in parietal and frontal cortices, frontal white matter, corpus callosum, thalamus, and cerebellar dentate nucleus. There was an increase in the absolute intensity of the glial markers Cho and Cr but no change in the neuronal marker NAA.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that prenatal alcohol exposure alters brain metabolism in a long‐standing or permanent manner in multiple brain areas. These changes are in accordance with previous findings from structural and functional studies. Metabolic alterations represent changes in the glial cell pool rather than in the neurons.
The molecular diversity of Sema7A, the semaphorin that carries the JMH blood group antigens
Authors: Seltsam Axel , Strigens Susanne , Levene Cyril , Yahalom Vered , Moulds Marilyn , Moulds John J. , Hustinx Hein , Weisbach Volker , Figueroa Dolores , Bade‐Doeding Christina , DeLuca David S. , Blasczyk Rainer
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: Semaphorin 7A (Sema7A), the protein that carries the JMH blood group antigen, is involved in immune responses and plays an important role in axon growth and guidance. Because previous serologic studies on red blood cells (RBCs) suggested a considerable diversity of Sema7A, the present study was designed to elucidate the complex picture of the molecular diversity of this protein.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The JMH antigen status was determined by serology, flow cytometry, and Western blot. Genomic and transcript analysis of SEMA7A was performed by nucleotide sequencing. Recombinant Sema7A proteins were used for genotype‐phenotype correlation. A three‐dimensional model of Sema7A was generated for topologic analyses.

RESULTS: Our studies on 44 individuals with unusual JMH phenotypes and their family members revealed that aberrant Sema7A expression can be an inherited or an acquired phenomenon and is based on reduced surface expression or qualitative changes in Sema7A. These different phenotypes are caused by variations of the SEMA7A gene or seem to be generated by autoimmune‐related or RBC lineage–specific mechanisms. The variant JMH phenotypes were related to the presence of missense mutations in SEMA7A, predicting amino acid changes in the semaphorin domain of Sema7A. Sequence analysis of the variant SEMA7A alleles revealed mutations affecting codons 207 and 460/461. Topologic analyses showed that Sema7A polymorphisms were prominently located on the top and bottom of the semaphorin domain, suggesting a functional relevance of these sites.

CONCLUSION: These findings provide a basis with which to delineate the various ligand‐binding surfaces of Sema7A.
Building Civic Capacity Through an Elastic Local State: The Case of St. Louis
Authors: Laslo David , Judd Dennis R.
Published: November 2006

Since World War II the civic leadership of St. Louis has overcome the extreme fragmentation of public authority by building civic capacity through a variety of strategies and means. Three successive strategies for building civic capacity have unfolded in St. Louis to facilitate the revitalization of the downtown and other large‐scale initiatives. Between 1950 and 1965 a regime strategy was employed in which city hall and the city's corporate elites shared a common vision for urban renewal and the significant national resources that were provided to meet that end. By the mid‐1960s, however, a second strategy for downtown revitalization emerged that featured a corporate‐centered politics during which time the successful assembly of civic capacity hinged largely on the ability of the mayor to present and provide projects in which corporate elites and their companies would be willing investors. Since the early 1990s, building the civic capacity to undertake large initiatives has been made possible through the creation of a constellation of quasi‐public corporations and special districts. This third strategy of “shadow governments” are the most recent means of achieving civic capacity in St. Louis and we argue in this article that these new institutions are transforming the local state because they are capable of forging political coalitions, mobilizing resources, and making decisions that transcend general‐purpose governmental jurisdictions. For cities and for urban regions, the importance of this development is far‐reaching.
Regional Place and City Space: How Metropolitan Configurations Influence Central City Policy Responsiveness
Authors: Kelleher Christine A.
Published: November 2006

The debate between proponents of metropolitan consolidation and polyarchic fragmentation poses many conflicting arguments, offers varied hypotheses, and reaches multiple conclusions about the effects of political structures and institutional arrangements on democratic governance. Despite varied and widespread attention to the topic, however, little resolution has been offered to appease either side. Additionally problematic is that implicit in both of these schools of research is the assumption that efficiency, whether achieved in fragmented or consolidated settings, is the prime preference of the citizenry. In this article, I specifically pursue the following research question: How do jurisdictional and metropolitan configurations influence the responsiveness of urban governments to public opinion? My findings illustrate that not only is considering the effect of metro place on city space a necessary and important pursuit, but a broader conceptualization of citizen preferences is of critical importance to scholars of urban politics, especially when assumptions about public opinion motivate choices about institutional sizes and structures.
New Community Associations for Established Neighborhoods
Authors: Nelson Robert H.
Published: November 2006

From 1980 to 2000, 50 percent the new housing in the United States was located in a development project where it was subject to the governance of a private community association. The creation of a community association requires unanimous consent, which is achieved in practice by requiring home owner agreement as a condition of initial purchase in new developments. In an established neighborhood of existing homes and other properties, however, it is for practical purposes impossible at present to create a private community association. This paper proposes that state governments enact legislation to allow for retroactive creation of private community associations in established neighborhoods with a vote of less than unanimous consent. In this way, the same advantages of private neighborhood government that have proven so attractive to such large numbers of suburban homeowners in recent years could be extended as well into inner city areas.
Private Governments and Private Services: Homeowners Associations in the City and Behind the Gate
Authors: McCabe Barbara Coyle , Tao Jill
Published: November 2006

In this article, we examine homeowners associations (HOAs) as private providers of what are traditionally considered local government services: streets, security, recreation, maintenance, and public works (e.g., water, drainage, sewerage, and trash collection). Although much has been theorized about the nature of such organizations, little empirical data has been collected to examine these prescriptions. We present the results of a 2005 survey of large‐scale HOAs to shed light on the characteristics of such associations, and especially the nature of their relationships with local governments that may be providing similar services. We find that the survey raises interesting questions about how these associations interact with local governments, and that the nature of private as opposed to public governance demands further study.
The Street‐Level Bureaucrats of Elections: Selection Methods for Local Election Officials
Authors: Kimball David C. , Kropf Martha
Published: November 2006

The 2000 presidential election and the recount battle in Florida focused attention on local election administration in the United States. The Help America Vote Act, passed by the federal government in 2002, requires wholesale changes in voting equipment and other election procedures. However, the law did not address the selection of individuals who manage elections: both state and local election officials play a great role implementing federal and state election laws. Recently, several election reform advocates have argued for shifting to nonpartisan election administrators in the United States. Others, particularly associations representing election officials, have not endorsed that position. To inform this debate, we provide data on the selection methods and party affiliations for all local election officials in the United States (more than 4,500 individuals or commissions). We find considerable variation in the methods used to select state and local election officials in the United States.
A Novel Supercritical CO2 Synthesis of Amorphous Hydrous Zirconia Nanoparticles, and Their Calcination to Zirconia
Authors: Lee Mei‐Hwa , Lin Hung‐Yin , Thomas James L.
Published: November 2006

A novel synthesis of amorphous hydrous zirconia nanoparticles was performed in a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) reverse microemulsion, converting a high concentration of a very inexpensive starting material (zirconyl nitrate hydrate) into a product that was then calcined to yield monoclinic zirconia nanoparticles. The amorphous hydrous zirconia precursor particles were obtained by simply adding a precipitating agent to [Zr4+(aq)]/perfluoropolyether/scCO2. Calcination converts the amorphous hydrous zirconia precursor into the oxide, and the corresponding phase changes that occur were confirmed by differential thermal analysis. Some control of particle size and shape (ellipticity) could be achieved by selecting the reaction pressure from within the range over which stable microemulsions are obtained (13.9–17.3 MPa): a higher reaction pressure yields smaller and more spherical particles. This novel route for the synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles is both “green” (environmentally friendly) and economical.
Synthesis of Monosized Strontium Titanate Particles with Tailored Morphologies
Authors: Xu Ming , Lu Yi‐Nong , Liu Yun‐Fei , Shi Shu‐Zhe , Fang Fang
Published: November 2006

Monosized strontium titanate (SrTiO3) particles with tailored morphologies have been successfully synthesized using ultrasound irradiation. Characterization techniques such as X‐ray powder diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive analysis of X‐rays, and laser particle size analysis were used to investigate the products. The results showed that all the as‐prepared powders have a cubic SrTiO3 structure. Reaction conditions such as reactant concentrations, sonication time, and sonication power were found to have important effects on the morphology of SrTiO3 particles.
Sub‐Surface Damage in Ground and Annealed Alumina and Alumina–Silicon Carbide Nanocomposites
Authors: Tanner Brian K. , Wu Houzheng , Roberts Steven G.
Published: November 2006

High‐resolution, grazing incidence, X‐ray powder diffraction has been used to probe the strain dispersion (microstrain) and diffracting, domain size as a function of depth in alumina and alumina–silicon carbide nanocomposite. The microstrain was high, and of similar magnitude, below ground surfaces in both materials but declined much more rapidly with distance from the surface in the pure alumina than in the nanocomposite. The depth over which significant microstrain was observed was in good agreement with previous measurement of dislocation density by transmission electron microscopy. In neither case was there a systematic trend in diffracting domain size with depth. The strain dispersion at the surface was reduced to that in the bulk of the nanocomposite on annealing, the value being almost constant with depth while the diffracting domain size changed significantly, resulting in a linear decrease as the surface was approached. We suggest that the increase in the strength of the nanocomposite is associated both with a macrostrain oriented normal to the grinding direction and the greater depth of propagation of the microstrain. Further strength increase on annealing must be associated with the observed reduction of both these types of strain.
Low‐Temperature Densification of Zirconium Diboride Ceramics by Reactive Hot Pressing
Authors: Chamberlain Adam L. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E.
Published: November 2006

Zirconium diboride–silicon carbide ceramics with relative densities in excess of 95% were produced by reactive hot pressing (RHP) at temperatures as low as 1650°C. The ZrB2 matrix was formed by reacting elemental zirconium and boron. Attrition milling of the starting powders produced nanosized (<100 nm) Zr particulates that reacted with B below 600°C. The reaction resulted in the formation of nanoscale ZrB2 crystallites that could be densified more than 250°C below the temperatures required for conventional ZrB2 powder. Because of the low‐temperature densification, the resulting ZrB2 grain sizes were as small as 0.5±0.30 μm for specimens densified at 1650°C and 1.5±1.2 μm for specimens densified at 1800°C. Vickers hardness, elastic modulus, and flexure strength of fully dense materials produced by RHP were 27, 510, and 800 MPa, respectively.
Effect of stress on information processing in the dental implant surgery setting
Authors: Schwartz‐Arad Devorah , Bar‐Tal Yoram , Eli Ilana
Published: November 2006

Objectives: Dental implantation is a stressful experience, both physically and psychologically. The effect of anxiety on the patient's ability to process relevant information prior to a stressful clinical situation (implant insertion) was evaluated.

Materials and methods: The study included 98 healthy patients, scheduled for implant insertion. Two different audio‐tapes with relevant information regarding implant insertion were listened to immediately pre‐operatively. Recognition questionnaires, consisting of 21 statements (correct and false information) were prepared, one for each tape. The dental anxiety scale (DAS), degree of state anxiety (SA), evaluation of pain expected during surgery, and extent to which patients understood the information provided were examined on 100 mm visual analogue scales.

Results: A significant positive correlation was found between patients' DAS and SA and between patients' expectation to experience pain during the surgical procedure. Certainty of understanding (CU) significantly contributed to the explanation of correctly classified statements (β=−0.43, t=3.71, P<0.01). CU was positively related to SA and negatively to DAS.

Conclusions: In a stressful pre‐surgical situation, the ability to process relevant information may be severely impaired and should not be given to patients immediately before planned treatment.
Profiling of bacterial flora in crevices around titanium orthodontic anchor plates
Authors: Sato Renya , Sato Takuichi , Takahashi Ichiro , Sugawara Junji , Takahashi Nobuhiro
Published: November 2006

Objectives: The aims of this study were to characterize the microflora in crevices around titanium orthodontic anchor plates using anaerobic culture and molecular biological techniques for bacterial identification, and to compare the microbial composition between crevices around anchor plates and gingival crevices.

Material and methods: Samples from crevices around titanium anchor plates and healthy gingival crevices of 17 subjects (aged 20–29) were cultured anaerobically, and isolated bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results: The average logarithm colony‐forming units/ml were 6.84, 7.51 and 8.88 in healthy anchor plate crevices, inflamed anchor plate crevices and healthy gingival crevices, respectively, indicating that the bacterial density of anchor plate crevices was lower than that of healthy gingival crevices. Of 184 strains isolated from healthy anchor plate crevices of seven subjects, 108 (59%) were anaerobic bacteria, while 73 (40%) were facultative bacteria. Predominant isolates were Gram‐negative rods, such as Campylobacter (12%), Fusobacterium (10%) and Selenomonas (10%), and Gram‐positive facultative bacteria, such as Actinomyces (17%) and Streptococcus (8.2%). Of 133 strains isolated from inflamed anchor plate crevices of three subjects, 110 (83%) were anaerobic bacteria, while predominant isolates were Gram‐negative rods, such as Prevotella (47%), Fusobacterium (33%) and Campylobacter (16%). On the other hand, of 146 strains isolated from healthy gingival crevices of seven subjects, 98 (67%) were facultative bacteria, while 45 (31%) were anaerobic bacteria. Predominant isolates were Gram‐positive facultative bacteria, such as Actinomyces (37%) and Streptococcus (20%).

Conclusions: These results suggest that the environment in crevices around titanium orthodontic anchor plates is anaerobic and supportive of anaerobic growth of bacteria, which may trigger inflammation in the tissue around the plates.
Rab10 is Involved in Basolateral Transport in Polarized Madin–Darby Canine Kidney Cells
Authors: Schuck Sebastian , Gerl Mathias J , Ang Agnes , Manninen Aki , Keller Patrick , Mellman Ira , Simons Kai
Published: November 2006

The sorting of newly synthesized membrane proteins to the cell surface is an important mechanism of cell polarity. To identify more of the molecular machinery involved, we investigated the function of the small GTPase Rab10 in polarized epithelial Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. We find that GFP‐tagged Rab10 localizes primarily to the Golgi during early cell polarization. Expression of an activated Rab10 mutant inhibits biosynthetic transport from the Golgi and missorts basolateral cargo to the apical membrane. Depletion of Rab10 by RNA interference has only mild effects on biosynthetic transport and epithelial polarization, but simultaneous inhibition of Rab10 and Rab8a more strongly impairs basolateral sorting. These results indicate that Rab10 functions in trafficking from the Golgi at early stages of epithelial polarization, is involved in biosynthetic transport to the basolateral membrane and may co‐operate with Rab8.
Theoretical Model for Conceptualizing Cross‐Cultural Applications and Intervention Strategies for Parents of Children With Disabilities
Authors: Wilgosh Lorraine , Scorgie Kate
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Theoretical models should provide a framework to facilitate parents’ developing effective life management strategies. This paper provides a brief overview of the research on parent effective life management and cross‐cultural issues for families with a child who has disabilities. The authors note that the ability of image‐making, meaning‐making, and choice‐making to facilitate outcome is clearly substantiated by research in the stress and coping literature. Using the parent transformational process model, the authors examined responses from 18 multicultural families to demonstrate how this model may go beyond description of relevant cross‐cultural family variables in making sense of research findings and conceptualizing meaningful, and appropriate intervention strategies for families of children with disabilities. The authors conclude that rather than a linear process, it is quite likely that the critical questions that parents deal with at the diagnosis of their child reappear at other child and family markers, requiring a reworking of images and meanings and provision of a new range of choices. Professionals should be aware that parental adjustments to disability are not always linear, and thus use this awareness to not judge parents and to serve as catalysts for continued positive life management and transformation throughout the family life cycle.
A Review of Outcome Measures in Early Childhood Programs
Authors: Mannan Hasheem , Summers Jean Ann , Turnbull Ann P. , Poston Denise J.
Published: November 2006

Abstract The authors undertook a review of measures available for assessing outcomes of early childhood services for children with disabilities and their families. With principles of family‐centered practice mandating the inclusion of both family and child outcome measures in effective evaluation plans, the review examined measures with established psychometric properties for (a) documenting the effectiveness of partnerships with families, and (b) documenting the effectiveness of services and supports for families. Constructs and their associated measures related to partnerships include satisfaction with the overall program and empowerment. The constructs for outcomes of supports and services include social support, parenting, and family quality of life. The authors reviewed measures for each of the five constructs. They note that the selection of appropriate measures to assess the outcomes of family support and services depends on the specific configuration of support services provided by the program and that each program may have to be explicit about the outcomes it wants to impact and therefore measure.
Family Quality of Life When There Is a Child With a Developmental Disability
Authors: Brown Roy I. , MacAdam–Crisp Jacqueline , Wang Mian , Iarocci Grace
Published: November 2006

Abstract  The conceptualization of individual quality of life is reasonably well established, and now family quality of life and intellectual disability is emerging as an important field of study. This article examines comparative family quality of life in three types of families: those with a child who has Down syndrome, those with a child with autism, and those of similar household composition but without a child with a disability. Data were collected using the Family Quality of Life Survey, which was sent to participating families, and by interviews with selected families on a follow‐up basis. Data from the 3 groups were analyzed in terms of quantitative and qualitative information. The needs and choices of families were contrasted in terms of the child’s diagnosis. Findings showed that families’ satisfaction and needs varied within the 9 quality of life domains assessed, raising questions of support and care and the ability of families to pursue desired goals. The authors suggest that there is a need to both identify and provide measures of care and support that would enable families to function at an optimum level within their home and community, so they may experience a quality life similar to that of families without a child with a disability.
Literature Review of Positive Functioning in Families With Children With a Disability
Authors: Ylvén Regina , Björck‐Åkesson Eva , Granlund Mats
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Research about families in stressful circumstances has a perspective that emphasizes health, positive functioning, and quality of life. The resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation explains why some families have better life outcomes than others. In this model, the concepts problem solving, sense of coherence, coping, and adaptation play a prominent part. The main purpose of this literature review is to explore how these concepts are defined and applied in research on the family level rather than solely on the mothers’ perceptions of family functioning. Another aim is to identify intervention methods based on problem solving, family sense of coherence (FSOC), positive coping, and positive adaptation in families. A review of research published between 1985 and 2004 concerning families of children in need of special support and family caregivers of relatives with chronic illness was implemented. Only 30 research articles met the inclusion criteria. The conclusion is that problem solving, FSOC, positive coping, and positive adaptation have their conceptual roots in different theories but have similar types of components in the constructs. They are often measured with instruments with single individuals as representatives for the family rather than at the family level. Important factors for an effective intervention seem to be individualization, supporting flexibility in coping strategies, and matching of strategies between partners within families.
The Graz Declaration on Disability and Ageing
Authors: Weber Germain , Wolfmayr Franz
Published: November 2006

Abstract  The Graz Declaration on Disability and Ageing, which was promulgated at the June 2006 European Conference on Ageing and Disability, was commissioned by the Austrian European Union Presidency and was produced by a network of European ageing and disability nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), with the support of two Austrian disability NGOs. Based on a framework of the principles of inclusion and human rights, the declaration is an integrated document on disability and ageing, uniting matters of concern, clarifying common variances, and emphasizing special requirements for older people with disabilities. The declaration was developed to serve as a political statement, produced by a collective of key stakeholders from among both the ageing and disability communities, that would enable a new European coalition to emerge, working with a common voice, which would advocate more effectively for a quality life for older people with disabilities, strengthening their fundamental rights as well as social cohesion, and thus strengthening overall European social capital.
Theorizing in Family Gerontology: New Opportunities for Research and Practice
Authors: Roberto Karen A. , Blieszner Rosemary , Allen Katherine R.
Published: November 2006

Abstract: We examine the extent to which theory has been used in empirical studies of families in later life, identify prevalent types of theoretical frameworks, and assess connections between theory and both focal topics and analytic methods in the family gerontology literature. The paper is based on content and methodological analysis of 838 empirical articles with a family‐level focus published in 13 social science journals during the 1990s. Approximately one half of the articles included theory, with micro‐interpretive (social psychological) theories being used most often to guide and inform research and practice. To advance the field and understand better the intricacies of family life among older adults, we suggest that investigators and practitioners explicitly incorporate theoretical frameworks into their endeavors.
“I’m Sure She Chose Me!” Accuracy of Children’s Reports of Mothers’ Favoritism in Later Life Families*
Authors: Suitor J. Jill , Sechrist Jori , Steinhour Michael , Pillemer Karl
Published: November 2006

Abstract:We used data from 769 mother‐child dyads nested within 300 later life families to explore the accuracy of adult children’s perceptions of mothers’ patterns of favoritism in terms of closeness and confiding. Adult children were generally accurate regarding whether their mothers preferred a specific child, but often had difficulty identifying whom mothers favored. Multivariate analyses indicated that overall accuracy of children’s reports was positively related to similarity of religious participation and negatively related to parental status of the adult child and family size. Because parental favoritism may affect adult children psychologically and have implications for later life care for parents, family practitioners should be aware of mothers’ patterns of favoritism and the sometimes inaccurate perceptions adult children have concerning this favoritism.
Racial and Ethnic Similarities and Differences in Beliefs About Intergenerational Assistance to Older Adults After Divorce and Remarriage*
Authors: Coleman Marilyn , Ganong Lawrence H. , Rothrauff Tanja C.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:We examined beliefs about intergenerational responsibilities to assist older kin with a national sample of 362 Latinos, 492 African Americans, 121 Asian Americans, and 2,122 White European Americans using multiple‐segment factorial vignettes. More similarities than differences existed between ethnic groups, but Asian Americans and African Americans endorsed norms that younger adults should assist older kin more often than White European Americans. Latinos did not differ from European Americans in beliefs about intergenerational assistance. All groups believed that parents should be helped more than stepparents.
Daughters‐in‐Law and Mothers‐in‐Law Seeking Their Place Within the Family: A Qualitative Study of Differing Viewpoints
Authors: Jean Turner M. , Young Carolyn R. , Black Kelly I.
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Within the framework of individual developmental theory and intergenerational ambivalence, we examined the complex dynamics of the mother‐in‐law and daughter‐in‐law relationship. Using focus group and semistructured interview data, we explored mothers‐in‐law’s and daughters‐in‐law’s perceptions of “being part of the family.” The diversity among the perceptions of the unrelated 23 daughters‐in‐law and 19 mothers‐in‐law countered the validity of stereotypes often held about the women in these roles. The women described the ambivalence many of them felt as they searched for their place in the family. Findings suggest that women of all ages may benefit from education about this critical relationship and need to develop skills to express themselves to their mothers‐in‐law/daughters‐in‐law to facilitate adequate management of the ambivalence prevalent in this relationship.
A Dyadic Examination of Daily Health Symptoms and Emotional Well‐Being in Late‐Life Couples*
Authors: Yorgason Jeremy B. , Almeida David , Neupert Shevaun D. , Spiro Avron , Hoffman Lesa
Published: November 2006

Abstract:This study investigated the link between daily health symptoms and spousal emotional well‐being in a sample of 96 older dyads. Higher negative mood and lower positive mood were associated with spousal symptoms in couples wherein husbands or wives reported higher average levels of symptoms. For wives, partner effects were moderated by husbands’ marital satisfaction and illness severity. Specifically, higher husband marital satisfaction and illness severity were associated with higher negative mood and lower positive mood for wives on days where husbands reported higher symptom levels. In their work with later‐life families, practitioners and educators should address long‐term and daily health‐related relationship stressors.
Family Conflict as a Mediator of Caregiver Strain*
Authors: Scharlach Andrew , Li Wei , Dalvi Tapashi B.
Published: November 2006

Abstract: The present study used structural equation modeling to examine the potential mediating effect of family conflict on caregiver strain in a randomly drawn household sample of 650 adults with primary care responsibility for an adult age 50 or older with a mental disability. Caregiver strain was directly influenced by the conflict, disagreements, and hardships experienced by the caregiver’s family. Specifically, family conflict was found to mediate the impact of care recipient mental impairment and caregiver educational level on caregiver strain, and mediate partially the impact of caregiver income and caregiver‐care recipient relationship. Findings suggest the importance of considering family‐centered approaches when designing interventions to assist family caregivers.
Learning to Observe in Context: Child and Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Assessment
Authors: Delaney Kathleen R.
Published: November 2006

On child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units, nursing staff have 24‐hour exposure to patients, an excellent vantage point for observing behavior in a variety of situations and interpersonal contexts. How staff members respond to milieu behaviors depends in part on their judgment of what prompted a youngster's response and his/her ability to process the event and control the attendant emotions. To assess such aspects of a child or adolescent's presentation requires that staff appraise not just the presenting behavior but the patient's information‐processing and affect‐regulation abilities. One way this developmental knowledge can be embedded in practice is through assessment guides that contain observation cues for key issues related to how children/adolescents think, feel, and behave. This article sets down the rationale for the content and organization of such inpatient nursing assessment guides and suggestions for their dissemination to the unit staff.
Learning to Observe Relationships and Coping
Authors: Delaney Kathleen R.
Published: November 2006

Milieu relationships provide the critical background presence to staff's attempts to motivate, regulate, and teach patients how to cope with stress. Forging a connection with hospitalized children and adolescents demands attention to how they respond to adults and engage with staff around milieu expectations. Assessment guides that deal with these issues are presented. Important aspects of children's relatedness are presented in the context of their working models of adults and the influence of these representations on their response to staff. Coping skills are explained with particular emphasis on behavioral coping strategies. Tied to the assessment process are interventions that emphasize staff's role in helping patients manage strong affects and avoid the use of nonproductive behavior regulation strategies.