bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of solarium industry efforts to improve compliance with recommended practices: a clear case for formal regulation
Authors: Paul Christine L. , Girgis Afaf , Anniwell Lynette , Paras Lorraine , Lecathelinais Christophe
Published: July 2009

Background: This study aimed to explore the effect of an industry‐led self‐education intervention on voluntary compliance with the international recommendations on solaria for cosmetic purposes in New South Wales, Australia, and to establish current compliance with recommendations. This study was conducted before the recent introduction of enforceable legislation in some Australian states.

Methods: Simulated customer visits were made to a sample of 106 solaria in 2003 and 2006. A ‘top‐up’ sample (n=61) was also visited in 2006 to establish current compliance levels. Simulated customers recorded whether they were asked about age, skin type or medications taken; the contents of any warning signs; information provided regarding consent forms, equipment, health risks and age restrictions; permitted frequency and duration of visits; and claims regarding safety.

Results: An examination of pre‐test and post‐test compliance found little change over time. The current prevalence of compliance was less than optimal, with <10% of the operators suggesting that the fair‐skinned customer should not use the solarium, and only 2% of the operators refusing access to this customer.

Conclusion: Industry attempts to delay enforced regulation of solarium operators via committing to self‐education are not likely to produce a substantial or a sustained increase in protection for solarium users.
Ultraviolet exposures in different playground settings: a cohort study of measurements performed in a school population
Authors: Downs Nathan J. , Parisi Alfio V.
Published: July 2009

Background: Solar erythemally effective ultraviolet (UVE) measured on the face, neck, arms, hands and legs of a cohort of school children was investigated with respect to student movement about a school environment located in Southern Queensland.

Methods: A total of 147 erythemally effective solar UV exposures were measured using polysulphone film dosimeters. Measurements were performed on exposed skin surfaces during school hours between 08:30 and 15:05 hours for the period 5 February to 4 June 2008.

Results: Median seasonal UVE exposures varied between 0.4 and 2.7 standard erythema doses (SED) for school students observing the normal school routine between winter and summer, respectively. These exposures increased significantly for school activities scheduled primarily outdoors, reaching a maximum of 50 SED recorded to a vertex site measured during a school swimming carnival.

Conclusion: The excessive erythemal UV exposures measured in this research have the potential to significantly contribute to the later development of melanoma and non melanoma skin cancers caused by acute and chronic cumulative exposure to solar UV in Queensland school environments. The research provides data on personal UV exposures measured in a school population engaged in daily school activities.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Uterine Leiomyoma is Associated with a Polymorphism in the Interleukin 1‐β Gene
Authors: Pietrowski Detlef , Thewes Roberta , Sator Michael , Denschlag Dominik , Keck Christoph , Tempfer Clemens
Published: July 2009

Problem  To investigate whether polymorphisms in the interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) gene are associated with uterine leiomyoma.

Method of study  Case–control study in a collective of 131 patients and 280 controls. Genotyping of the IL‐1β‐511 and IL‐1β‐3954 polymorphism was performed by PCR amplification and subsequent RFLP analysis.

Results  A significant difference in the allele frequencies of the IL‐1β‐511 C<T polymorphism was found. Allele frequencies of the IL‐1β‐511 C<T polymorphism were 70.6% (C allele) in the patient group and 57.1% in the control group [P < 0.0002; odds ratio (OR) 1.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32–2.47]. The genotype distributions showed also differences using a dominant genotype model (C/C vs. C/T+T/T; P < 0.0002; OR 2.73; 95% CI: 1.77–4.2). No difference was found in the IL‐1β‐3954 polymorphism.

Conclusion  The IL‐1β‐511 promoter polymorphism is related to an increased susceptibility to uterine leiomyoma, suggesting that this polymorphism does contribute to the development of this disease.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Timed Sexual Intercourse Facilitates the Recruitment of Uterine CD56bright Natural Killer Cells in Women with Infertility
Authors: Kimura Hidetaka , Fukui Atsushi , Fujii Shunsaku , Yamaguchi Eiji , Kasai Goichiro , Mizunuma Hideki
Published: July 2009

Problem  The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sexual intercourse on uterine NK cell subsets.

Method of study  Mid‐secretory endometrial samples obtained from 56 women were submitted for flow cytometric analysis. Basal body temperature was used to determine the day of ovulation. A total of 27 women had sexual intercourse before ovulation (pre‐ovulation group) and eight women had only after ovulation (post‐ovulation group) without any contraceptive devices. A total of 21 women did not have sexual intercourse during the experimental cycle (abstinence group). Endometrial NK cells were analyzed for the expression of CD16 and CD56 using 3‐color flow cytometry.

Results  CD16−/CD56bright cells were markedly increased in the pre‐ovulation group as compared with that of the post‐ovulation group (P < 0.01) and the abstinence group (P < 0.01). CD16+/CD56dim cells were significantly decreased in the pre‐ovulation group as compared with that of the post‐ovulation group (P < 0.01) and the abstinence group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion  It is suggested that seminal plasma participates in the recruitment of CD56bright NK cells into endometrium.
Space closure after extraction of two central upper incisors and re‐shaping of laterals
Authors: Vassão Sigrid Justus , Cavina Denilson Antonio , Kreia Tatiana Banzatto , Cerci Bruno Bochnia , Maciel José Vinicius Bolognesi , Tanaka Orlando Motohiro
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  A 13‐year‐old boy had fractured both maxillary central incisors when he was 8 years old, resulting in pulpar damage. At the time of the accident, root canal therapy was performed. Although the teeth were retrieved, their roots were short and not fully developed. Cephalometric analysis suggested extraction of the four first premolars to achieve aesthetic and functional objectives. To attend to the patient’s chief complaint, and with his parents’ approval, both upper central incisors were extracted followed by periodontal and cosmetic procedures to improve the patient’s smile as well as his self‐esteem and satisfaction.
Longitudinal clinical and radiographic evaluation of severely intruded permanent incisors in a pediatric population
Authors: Neto José Jeová Siebra Moreira , Gondim Juliana Oliveira , De Carvalho Fernanda Matias , Giro Elisa Maria Aparecida
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  Intrusion is defined as the axial dislodgment of the tooth into its socket and is considered one of the most severe types of dental trauma. This longitudinal outcome study was undertaken to evaluate clinically and radiographically severely intruded permanent incisors in a population of children and adolescents. All cases were treated between September 2003 and February 2008 in a dental trauma service. Clinical and radiographic data were collected from 12 patients (eight males and four females) that represented 15 permanent maxillary incisors. Mean age at the time of injury was 8 years and 9 months (range 7–14 years and 8 months). Mean time elapsed to follow‐up was 26.6 months (range 10–51 months). The analysis of data showed that tooth intrusion was twice as frequent in males. The maxillary central incisors were the most commonly intruded teeth (93.3%), and falling at home was the main etiologic factor (60%). More than half of the cases (53.3%) were multiple intrusions, 73.3% of the intruded teeth had incomplete root formation and 66.6% of the teeth suffered other injuries concomitant to intrusion. Immediate surgical repositioning was the treatment of choice in 66.7% of the cases, while watchful waiting for the tooth to return to its pre‐injury position was adopted in 33.3% of the cases. The teeth that suffered additional injuries to the intrusive luxation presented a fivefold increased relative risk of developing pulp necrosis. The immature teeth had six times more chances of presenting pulp canal obliteration that the mature teeth and a lower risk of developing root resorption. The most frequent post‐injury complications were pulp necrosis (73.3%), marginal bone loss (60%), inflammatory root resorption (40%), pulp canal obliteration (26.7%) and replacement root resorption (20%). From the results of this study, it was not possible to determine whether the type immediate treatment had any influence on the appearance of sequelae like pulp necrosis and root resorption after intrusive luxation, but the existence of additional injuries and the stage of root development influenced the clinical case outcome in a negative and positive manner, respectively.
Consumer products and activities associated with dental injuries to children treated in United States emergency departments, 1990–2003
Authors: Stewart Gregory B. , Shields Brenda J. , Fields Sarah , Dawn Comstock R. , Smith Gary A.
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  Objective:  Describe the association of consumer products and activities with dental injuries among children 0–17 years of age treated in United States emergency departments.

Design:  A retrospective analysis of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, 1990–2003.

Results:  There was an average of 22 000 dental injuries annually among children <18 years of age during the study period, representing an average annual rate of 31.6 dental injuries per 100 000 population. Children with primary dentition (<7 years) sustained over half of the dental injuries recorded, and products/activities associated with home structures/furniture were the leading contributors. Floors, steps, tables, and beds were the consumer products within the home most associated with dental injuries. Outdoor recreational products/activities were associated with the largest number of dental injuries among children with mixed dentition (7–12 years); almost half of these were associated with the bicycle, which was the consumer product associated with the largest number of dental injuries. Among children with permanent teeth (13‐ to 17‐year olds), sports‐related products/activities were associated with the highest number of dental injuries. Of all sports, baseball and basketball were associated with the largest number of dental injuries.

Conclusion:  To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate dental injuries among children using a national sample. We identified the leading consumer products/activities associated with dental injuries to children with primary, mixed, and permanent dentition. Knowledge of these consumer products/activities allows for more focused and effective prevention strategies.
Genetic architecture for hole‐board behaviors across substantial time intervals in young, middle‐aged and old mice
Authors: Foreman J. E. , Lionikas A. , Lang D. H. , Gyekis J. P. , Krishnan M. , Sharkey N. A. , Gerhard G. S. , Grant M. D. , Vogler G. P. , Mack H. A. , Stout J. T. , Griffith J. W. , Lakoski J. M. , Hofer S. M. , McClearn G. E. , Vandenbergh D. J. , Blizard D. A.
Published: July 2009

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of behaviors across the life span was conducted in F2 mice from a C57BL/6J × DBA/2J cross and 22 BXD recombinant inbred (RI) strains. Mice of three age groups were tested in a hole‐board apparatus for 3 min on three occasions ∼1 month apart (average age at test 150, 450 and 750 days, ∼400 mice per group, divided equally by sex). Quantitative trait loci with small effect size were found on 11 chromosomes for hole‐board activity (Hbact) and hole‐board rearing (Hbrear). Analysis of 22 RI strains tested at 150 and 450 days of age found only suggestive linkage, with four QTL for Hbact overlapping with those from the F2 analysis. There was a significant phenotypic correlation between Hbact and Hbrear (∼0.55–0.69) and substantial commonality among QTL for the two behaviors. QTL analyses of head‐pokes (HP) and fecal boli (FB) only identified QTL at the suggestive level of significance. Age accounted for ∼15% of the phenotypic variance (sex ∼3%), and there were genotype by age interactions at ∼25% of the Hbact and Hbrear QTL. Quantitative trait loci for Hbrear were relatively stable across the three measurement occasions (those for Hbact somewhat less so), although mean levels of each index declined markedly comparing the first to subsequent trials. Considered as a whole, the polygenic system influencing exploratory behaviors accounts for approximately the same amount of phenotypic variance as age (within the range studied), is stable across substantial periods of time, and acts, for the most part, independently of age and sex.
Seedling regeneration, environment and management in a semi‐deciduous African tropical rain forest
Authors: Mwavu Edward N. , Witkowski Edward T.F.
Published: July 2009

Questions:How is seedling regeneration of woody species of semi‐deciduous rain forests affected by (a) historical management for combinations of logging, arboricide treatment or no treatment, (b) forest community type and (c) environmental gradients of topography, light and soil nutrients?

Location:Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda.

Methods:Seedling regeneration patterns of trees and shrubs in relation to environmental factors and historical management types were studied using 32 0.5‐ha plots laid out in transects along a topographic gradient. We compared seedling species diversity, composition and distribution patterns along topographic gradients and within types of historical management regimes and forest communities to test whether environmental factors contributed to differences in species composition of seedlings.

Results:A total of 85 624 woody seedlings representing 237 species and 46 families were recorded in this rain forest.Cynometra alexandriC.H. Wright andLasiodiscus mildbraediiEngl. had high seedling densities and were widely distributed throughout the plots. The most species‐rich families were Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Meliaceae, Moraceae and Rutaceae. Only total seedling density was significantly different between sites with different historical management, with densities highest in logged, intermediate in logged/arboricided and lowest in the nature reserve. Forest communities differed significantly in terms of seedling diversity and density. Seedling composition differed significantly between transects and forest communities, but not between topographic positions or historical management types. Both Chao‐Jaccard and Chao‐Sørensen abundance‐based similarity estimators were relatively high in the plot, forest community and in terms of historical management levels, corroborating the lack of significant differences in species richness within these groups. The measured environmental variables explained 59.4% of variance in seedling species distributions, with the three most important being soil organic matter, total soil titanium and leaf area index (LAI). Total seedling density was positively correlated with LAI. Differences in diversity of >2.0 cm dbh plants (juveniles and adults) also explained variations in seedling species diversity.

Conclusions:The seedling bank is the major route for regeneration in this semi‐deciduous tropical rain forest, with the wide distribution of many species suggesting that these species regenerate continuously. Seedling diversity, density and distribution are largely a function of adult diversity, historical management type and environmental gradients in factors such as soil nutrient content and LAI. The species richness of seedlings was higher in soils both rich in titanium and with low exchangeable cations, as well as in logged areas that were more open and had a low LAI.
Mechanical Reliability of AMS 700 CX Improved by Parylene Coating
Authors: Salem Emad A. , Wilson Steven K. , Neeb Andrew , Delk John R. , Cleves Mario A.
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Parylene coating was added to the silicone layers of the American Medical Systems (AMS) 700 controlled expansion (CX) penile prosthesis cylinders in January 2001. The coating was placed on non-tissue contacting silicone surfaces to increase lubricity, reduce friction, and silicone wear

Aim

We compared mechanical reliability of the original and Parylene-enhanced AMS 700 CX in a large single surgical group series

Methods

Seven hundred seventy-five consecutive patients receiving the AMS 700CX prosthesis (596 first time [virgin] and 179 revisions) were followed for 3 years. Four hundred fourteen received the non-coated model and 361 received the Parylene-coated device. Revision-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier product limit method and compared using the log-rank test.

Main Outcome Measures

We calculated overall survival from revision for any reason and survival from mechanical problems such as fluid leakage, cylinder, connector or tubing breakage, pump or reservoir defects.

Results

For the entire series (virgin + revised) the 3-year revision free survival for any cause improved from 78.6% for non-coated to 87.4% for the Parylene-coated implants. Freedom from mechanical breakage showed similar improvement from 89.2% for the non-coated to 97.5% for enhanced models.

Conclusion

This study documents that short-term mechanical reliability and survival from revision for any cause is significantly increased with Parylene-coated AMS 700CX cylinders compared with the earlier AMS 700CX model with non-coated cylinders.
Functionalization of Electrospun Titanium Oxide Nanofibers with Silver Nanoparticles: Strongly Effective Photocatalyst
Authors: Kanjwal Muzafar A. , Barakat Nasser A. M. , Sheikh Faheem A. , Khil Myung Seob , Kim Hak Yong
Published: July 2009

In the present study, we are introducing silver‐doped titanium oxide nanofibers produced by electrospinning technique. Calcination of dry nanofiber mats consisting of silver nitrate–titanium isopropoxide/PVAc in air at 600°C for 1 h leads to produce Ag‐doped titania nanofibers. Two dyes have been invoked to check the photocatalytic ability of the produced nanofibers; methylene blue dihydrate and methyl red. The obtained results indicated that the silver‐doped titanium oxide nanofibers can eliminate >92% of the methylene blue dye within 10 min only. In a case of methyl red, almost the dye was decayed (93%) within 3 h.
Influence of the Mole Ratio, Sintering Condition and Particle Size on the Magnetic Properties of BaFe12O19 Synthesized by Ceramic Method
Authors: El‐Lawindy A. M. Y. , Mansour S. A. , Hafiz Mohamed , Hassan H. H. , Ali A. A.
Published: July 2009

Barium ferrite (BaFe12O19) with different particle sizes were successfully synthesized by solid‐state reaction (ceramic method) using locally available low cost α‐Fe2O3 mixed with BaO2. The prepared samples were sintered in the temperature range of 950° to 1200°C for 1.5 to 6 h. The prepared products of barium ferrite were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, a scanning electron microscope, and a vibrating sample magnetometer. The effect of mole ratio, sintering temperature, and time was studied. A further addition of 10% BaO2 to the mole ratio (BaO2:5.7Fe2O3), and removing the particle size <63 μm, exhibits a pure phase BaFe12O19. The saturation magnetization reached the optimum value of Ms=∼67 emu/g with coercivity of 2596 Oe, under sintering temperature up to 1100°C for 4.5 h.
Temperature Compensating Microwave Dielectric Based on the (Mg0.95Ni0.05)TiO3–(La0.5Na0.5)TiO3 Ceramic System
Authors: Shen Chun‐Hsu , Huang Cheng‐Liang , Shih Chuan‐Feng , Huang Chih‐Ming
Published: July 2009

The microstructures and microwave dielectric properties of the novel temperature‐compensated composite ceramic (1−x)(Mg0.95Ni0.05)TiO3–x(La0.5Na0.5)TiO3 were investigated. Dense and mixed phase samples were produced in the range of 0.05≤x≤0.9. When the x value increased, the quality factor (Q×f) decreased nonlinearly while the dielectric constant (ɛr) steadily increased almost linearly due to the compensation effect. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) was remarkably improved with an increase of (La0.5Na0.5)TiO3 content. With x=0.13, a dielectric constant (ɛr) of 23.22, a Q×f value of 86,500 GHz, and a τf value of 2.8 ppm/°C was obtained for 0.87(Mg0.95Ni0.05)TiO3–0.13(La0.5Na0.5)TiO3 ceramics sintered at 1275°C for 4 h. Moreover, a band‐pass filter with traditional hairpin resonators with a center frequency of 2.4 GHz was designed and fabricated using the proposed dielectric ceramic to study its performance.
Orthogonal Design‐Assisted Solvothermal Strategy for Preparing Silicon Nitride Nanodendrites on a Large Scale
Authors: Wang Bainian , Zhao Peng , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: July 2009

We demonstrate herein the orthogonal strategy for preparing Si3N4 dendrites at low temperatures using NaN3, SiCl4, and Mg powder as the starting materials. The reaction conditions, such as dose of SiCl4 and Mg, reaction temperature, and reaction time, were investigated in detail. Magnified experiments were carried out in an autoclave with a capacity of 1 L and Si3N4 dendrites were obtained with a conversion ratio of 53.08% calculated from the amount of the limited reactant NaN3 (because NaN3 is relatively expensive). Estimated from the magnified experiments, the cost of Si3N4 is much less than the market price, which indicates that this is a promising process for industrial application.
Momordica charantia trypsin inhibitor II inhibits growth and development of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Telang Manasi Alok , Pyati Prashant , Sainani Mohini , Gupta Vidya Shrikant , Giri Ashok Prabhakar
Published: July 2009

Abstract  Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) seeds contain several squash‐type serine proteinase inhibitors (PIs), which inhibit the digestive proteinases of the polyphagous insect pest Helicoverpa armigera. In the present work isolation of a DNA sequence encoding the mature peptide of a trypsin inhibitor McTI‐II, its cloning and expression as a recombinant protein using Pichia pastoris have been reported. Recombinant McTI‐II inhibited bovine trypsin at 1: 1 molar ratio, as expected, but did not inhibit chymotrypsin or elastase. McTI‐II also strongly inhibited trypsin‐like proteinases (81% inhibition) as well as the total proteolytic activity of digestive proteinases (70% inhibition) from the midgut of H. armigera larvae. The insect larvae fed with McTI‐II‐incorporated artificial diet suffered over 70% reduction in the average larval weight after 12 days of feeding. Moreover, ingestion of McTI‐II resulted in 23% mortality in the larval population. The strong antimetabolic activity of McTI‐II toward H. armigera indicates its probable use in developing insect tolerance in susceptible plants.
Sound and American Religions
Authors: Weiner Isaac A.
Published: July 2009

Americans of diverse religious backgrounds have striven to hear God’s voice or to respond to the call of other suprahuman forces. Yet despite increased attention to visual and material culture, religious studies research mostly has been deaf to the sounds of American religious life and to the significance of hearing as a spiritual practice. This essay explores the theoretical and methodological roots of this disciplinary deafness and offers theoretical resources from fields such as social history, anthropology, acoustic sciences, and phenomenology. It reviews recurring themes in research on sound and American religions—especially related to the role of music in constructing identity and difference—and suggests directions for further research, including the need to attend to how sound mediates contact among diverse religious communities. This essay encourages scholars to become more attuned to the sonic world of American religious life.
The Influence of Anger Expressions on Outcomes in Organizations
Authors: Gibson Donald E. , Schweitzer Maurice E. , Callister Ronda R. , Gray Barbara
Published: July 2009

Anger can lead to positive organizational outcomes. Anger is an important emotion in negotiations and organizations create situations that promote anger, yet little research has examined the conditions under which anger expressions can lead to positive outcomes in organizations. We analyzed 129 anger episodes across six organizations. In these episodes we link the form of anger expression, characteristics of the expresser, and the organizational norms surrounding anger expressions with the valence of individual, relationship, and organizational outcomes. We find that outcomes are better when anger expressions are of low intensity, expressed verbally rather than in a physical way, and expressed in settings where anger expressions are normatively appropriate. Compared to expressions of anger by men, expressions of anger by women are associated with less positive organizational outcomes.
Gambling and Globalization: Sociological Perspectives on ‘the House’ and ‘the Players’
Authors: Bernhard Bo J. , Futrell Robert , Harper Andrew
Published: July 2009

In this article, we explore a few ways in which the age‐old impulse to gamble has evolved into a global force. We start out by critically summarizing historical and foundational thinking on gambling in society, and then move into contemporary perspectives on the gambling act. We then focus upon two important actors in these global stages: ‘the house’ (the businesses that profit from gambling) and ‘the players’ (the individuals who, for the most part, do not). These explorations highlight the ways in which the globalization of gambling has been characterized by homogenizing trends as well as resistance to homogenization forces.
Report on the 2007 Recertification of the Certified Reference Materials GAS (Serpentinite) and OShBO (Alkaline Granite)
Authors: Kane Jean S. , Batjargal Bombor , Erdenetsetseg Dorj
Published: July 2009

A report is presented on the recertification of two certified reference materials (CRMs) initially prepared and certified by the Central Geological Laboratory of Mongolia (CGL), namely serpentinite GAS and alkaline granite OShBO. Subsequent work done in collaboration with the International Association of Geoanalysts (IAG) followed the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) guidelines for certification (ISO Guide 35, 2006) more closely than had been possible originally. The certification protocol followed was that of the International Association of Geoanalysts (IAG). The recertification added to the number of elements that were certified for OShBO (from 21 to 30), but not for GAS (decreased from 15 to 12) because of the greater analytical difficulties posed by that sample matrix in meeting the more stringent metrological requirements for recertification. Further, the uncertainties for these values were established in accordance with the Guide to Measurement Uncertainty; individual contributions of heterogeneity and bias are reported as appropriate for each of the certified constituents. Traceability of the certified values was demonstrated to the greatest possible extent, based on concurrent analyses of the matrix‐matched existing CRMs, SW and GM, by all participating laboratories. The materials are now available from the CGL for use by laboratories in controlling data quality when analysing materials of similar matrices.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH DEATH: THE TERMINALLY ILL TALK ABOUT DYING
Authors: Wright Kristin
Published: July 2009

This article describes a qualitative study exploring the experiences of terminally ill patients and their families as they lived with the inevitability of death. Frustrated by the dominant discourse surrounding the culture of dying—namely that of Elisabeth Kübler‐Ross's stage theory—I sought to revisit the experiences of the terminally ill by talking directly with them. Instead of focusing on how people reacted to the introduction of death into their lives, this research attended to how the dying began relating to life and death differently as a result of death's presence. Through an analysis of ethnographically collected data, the meanings participants constructed around their experiences were explored—culminating in the creation of seven “relationships” that participants shared with death.
THE INFLUENCE OF CAREGIVING STRESSORS, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND CAREGIVING APPRAISAL ON MARITAL FUNCTIONING AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN WIFE CAREGIVERS
Authors: Chadiha Letha A. , Rafferty Jane , Pickard Joseph
Published: July 2009

Using a stress and coping framework, we examined the influence of caregiving stressors, social support, and caregiving appraisal on the marital functioning of 100 african American wife caregivers. Results of separate multivariate analyses revealed received church support, caregiving burden, and caregiving satisfaction significantly predicted wives' marital functioning when caregivers' background characteristics (age and education), length of caregiving, whether first marriage, and urban versus rural location were controlled. Receiving church support was associated with increased marital functioning. Lower levels of caregiving burden were associated with increased marital functioning. Higher levels of caregiving satisfaction were associated with increased marital functioning. Findings illuminate wives' caregiving and marital experiences, and have implications for family therapy and future research.
The Financial Crisis of 2007–9 and the British Experience
Authors: Dimsdale Nicholas H.
Published: July 2009

This paper traces the course of the international financial crisis from its outbreak in mid 2007 to the easing of financial turmoil in May 2009, based on the British experience. The crisis resulted from excessive risk‐taking following a prolonged period of macroeconomic stability, combined with financial innovation. Problems arose initially with rising defaults in the US market for subprime mortgages, which induced a breakdown in the market for asset backed securities in mid‐2007. The drying up of the money market threatened the liquidity of several UK banks, notably Northern Rock, while falling asset prices undermined their solvency. A critical point was reached when Lehman Brothers failed in September 2008. This event confirmed that the world faced a systemic financial crisis. Fortunately monetary and fiscal authorities took vigorous action to stem the crisis and as a result some confidence has been restored in ailing banks. This has not prevented a sharp decline in economic activity and a persistent shortage of credit.
Delivering Public Services in the Developing World: Frontiers of Research
Authors: Rogger Daniel
Published: July 2009

This essay presents a view of the frontiers of research on public service delivery in the developing world, based on a series of interviews with researchers and practitioners actively working in this field. It recognizes the lasting contribution of the theoretical framework laid down by the World Development Report 2004 that emphasized accountability, and the randomized evaluations that have taken place to test and develop this theory. Research on other questions, such as those relating to the analysis of politics and the structure and organization of government, is at an earlier stage, and is likely to need a more structural approach. There are many questions still to be answered in this field.
Voter Turnout with Postal Voting
Authors: Solomon Daniel
Published: July 2009

This article presents a theoretical model of how electoral turnout might be affected by a move towards allowing citizens to cast their vote through postal votes only. The effect on turnout is compared with a system where citizens may vote by going to the polling place only. If part of the incentive to vote comes from signalling that one is the type of person who does vote, a good citizen, then the effect of a change to the electoral system might be ambiguous. Under certain circumstances turnout would fall with a move to postal voting.
Twelve‐hour reproducibility of retinal and optic nerve blood flow parameters in healthy individuals
Authors: Luksch Alexandra , Lasta Michael , Polak Kaija , Fuchsjäger‐Mayrl Gabriele , Polska Elzbieta , Garhöfer Gerhard , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: July 2009

Purpose:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the reproducibility and potential diurnal variation of optic nerve head and retinal blood flow parameters in healthy individuals over a period of 12 hr.

Methods:  We measured optic nerve head and retinal blood flow parameters in 16 healthy male non‐smoking individuals at five time‐points during the day (08:00, 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 and 20:00 hr). Outcome parameters were perimacular white blood cell flux (as assessed with the blue field entoptic technique), blood velocities in retinal veins (as assessed with bi‐directional laser Doppler velocimetry), retinal arterial and venous diameters (as assessed with the retinal vessel analyser), optic nerve head blood flow, volume and velocity (as assessed with single point and scanning laser Doppler flowmetry) and blood velocities in the central retinal artery (as assessed with colour Doppler imaging). The coefficient of variation and the maximum change from baseline in an individual were calculated for each outcome parameter.

Results:  No diurnal variation in optic nerve head or retinal blood flow was observed with any of the techniques employed. Coefficients of variation were between 1.6% and 18.5% for all outcome parameters. The maximum change from baseline in an individual was much higher, ranging from 3.7% to 78.2%.

Conclusion:  Our data indicate that in healthy individuals the selected techniques provide adequate reproducibility to be used in clinical studies. However, in patients with eye diseases and reduced vision the reproducibility may be considerably worse.
Intraocular lymphoma diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration biopsy
Authors: Sarafzadeh Shaden , Corrêa Zélia M. , Dhamija Ashima , Augsburger James J. , Trichopoulos Nikolaos
Published: July 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 705–710

Purpose:  To describe clinical experience in the diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma by fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in patients with one or more discrete intraocular infiltrative lesions and limited or absent intravitreal tumour cells.

Methods:  Retrospective descriptive analysis of patients who underwent intraocular FNAB of a solid retinal, subretinal pigment epithelial or uveal tumour that proved to be a malignant lymphoma.

Results:  After exclusions, our study group consisted of seven patients, each of whom had one or more discrete intraocular infiltrative lesions and limited or absent intravitreal tumour cells and underwent a diagnostic intraocular FNAB that confirmed malignant intraocular lymphoma cytopathologically. These included three patients with one or more geographic yellow subretinal pigment epithelial infiltrates and one patient each with a prominent nodular white subretinal pigment epithelial tumour, a rapidly developing solid placoid choroidal mass, a haemorrhagic retinal infiltrative lesion and an infiltrative iris tumour, respectively. A prominent feature of virtually all aspirates was a large proportion of degenerated lymphoid cells in the background. Cytologically intact tumour cells ranged from relatively homogeneous small round cells with large nucleus to cytoplasm ratio to pleomorphic large cells with irregular knob‐like nuclear protrusions. Immunocytochemical stains for lymphoid markers were helpful in confirming the pathological diagnosis of lymphoma in the five patients in whom this testing was performed.

Conclusion:  FNAB was a useful diagnostic tool in the described subgroup of patients with suspected intraocular lymphoma. FNAB should be considered as a diagnostic option in selected patients with suspected intraocular lymphoma, especially if there are few or no vitreous cells.
Ticagrelor: The First Reversibly Binding Oral P2Y12 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Husted Steen , Van Giezen J.J.J.
Published: July 2009

Ticagrelor (AZD6140) is the first reversibly binding oral P2Y12 receptor antagonist that blocks ADP‐induced platelet aggregation. Unlike thienopyridines, which irreversibly bind to the P2Y12 receptor for the lifetime of the platelet, ticagrelor binds reversibly to the receptor and exhibits rapid onset and offset of effect, which closely follow drug exposure levels. Animal models indicate greater separation between antithrombotic effects and bleeding effects with ticagrelor than with thienopyridines. Unlike the thienopyridines, ticagrelor does not require metabolic activation. It is quickly absorbed and exhibits a rapid antiplatelet effect, with higher and more consistent levels of inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) being maintained across the dosing interval than with clopidogrel. IPA levels decline with plasma drug levels after discontinuation of dosing. In the phase II DISPERSE‐2 trial of 990 patients with non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndromes (ACS), ticagrelor treatment with 90 mg and 180 mg twice daily showed comparable rates of major and minor bleeding compared with clopidogrel 75 mg while there were numerically fewer myocardial infarctions. Ticagrelor resulted in greater IPA in clopidogrel‐naïve patients and produced substantial additional reductions in platelet aggregation activity in patients pretreated with clopidogrel. Ticagrelor treatment was well tolerated in DISPERSE‐2, and discontinuation rates were comparable to those observed for clopidogrel. An increased risk of mild to moderate dyspnea and mostly asymptomatic ventricular pauses were observed in phase II studies. The mechanisms for these effects are currently being investigated. The efficacy and safety of ticagrelor are being further evaluated in the phase III PLATO trial, involving approximately 18,000 patients with ACS, including both ST‐elevation and non‐ST‐elevation ACS.
Constructing a Philosophy of Science of Cognitive Science
Authors: Bechtel William
Published: July 2009

Philosophy of science is positioned to make distinctive contributions to cognitive science by providing perspective on its conceptual foundations and by advancing normative recommendations. The philosophy of science I embrace is naturalistic in that it is grounded in the study of actual science. Focusing on explanation, I describe the recent development of a mechanistic philosophy of science from which I draw three normative consequences for cognitive science. First, insofar as cognitive mechanisms are information‐processing mechanisms, cognitive science needs an account of how the representations invoked in cognitive mechanisms carry information about contents, and I suggest that control theory offers the needed perspective on the relation of representations to contents. Second, I argue that cognitive science requires, but is still in search of, a catalog of cognitive operations that researchers can draw upon in explaining cognitive mechanisms. Last, I provide a new perspective on the relation of cognitive science to brain sciences, one which embraces both reductive research on neural components that figure in cognitive mechanisms and a concern with recomposing higher‐level mechanisms from their components and situating them in their environments.
Morphology and biomass production of prairie cordgrass on marginal lands
Authors: BOE A. , OWENS V. , GONZALEZ‐HERNANDEZ J. , STEIN J. , LEE D. K. , KOO B. C.
Published: July 2009

Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinataLink.) is indigenous throughout most of the continental United States and Canada to 60°N latitude and is well suited to marginal land too wet for maize (Zea maysL.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.). Evaluations of prairie cordgrass in Europe and North America indicated it has high potential for biomass production, relative to switchgrass, in short‐season areas. Our objective was to describe morphology and biomass production and partitioning in mature stands of ‘Red River’ prairie cordgrass and determine biomass production of natural populations on marginal land. This study was conducted from 2000 to 2008 in eastern South Dakota. Mean biomass production of mature stands of Red River was 12.7 Mg ha−1. Leaves composed >88% of the biomass, and 60% of the tillers had no internodes. Belowground biomass to a depth of approximately 25 cm, not including roots, was 21 Mg ha−1. Tiller density ranged from 683 tillers m−2for a 10‐year‐old stand to 1140 tillers m−2for a 4‐year‐old stand. The proaxis was composed of about eight phytomers, with rhizomes originating at proximal nodes and erect tillers at distal nodes. Vegetative propagation was achieved by both phalanx and guerilla growth. Differences among natural populations for biomass were expressed on gravelly marginal land. However, production, averaged across populations, was low (1.37 Mg ha−1) and comparable to ‘Cave‐In‐Rock’ switchgrass (1.67 Mg ha−1) over a 4‐year period. The large carbon storage capacity of prairie cordgrass in proaxes and rhizomes makes it useful for carbon sequestration purposes. Prairie cordgrass should be compared with switchgrass and other C4perennial grasses along environmental gradients to determine optimum landscape positions for each and to maximize bioenergy production and minimize inputs.
Karyotype and cytogeography of the genusHeracleum(Apiaceae) in the Hengduan Mountains
Authors: DENG Xian‐Lan , HE Xing‐Jin , HE Wei‐Lue , GAO Yun‐Dong , LIU Hai‐Yan , ZHANG Yu‐Cheng
Published: July 2009

Abstract In the present study, the karyotypes of 34 populations belonging to 11 species and one variety ofHeracleumfrom the Hengduan Mountains in China were examined. Chromosome numbers and the karyotypes of three species (H. souliei,H. kingdoni, andH. wenchuanense) are reported for the first time, as are the karyotypes ofH. moellendorffiiandH. henryi(tetraploid). Populations ofH. candicans,H. franchetii, andH. kingdoniin the Hengduan Mountains were found to consist of a mixture of diploid and tetraploid plants. Except for four species ofHeracleum, namelyH. candicans,H. franchetii,H. henryi, andH. kingdoni, which have both diploid and tetraploid karyotypes, all other species ofHeracleumare were found to be diploid. All karyotypes were found to belong to the 2A type of Stebbins, with the exception ofH. candicansvar.obtusifolium, which belongs to 2B, andH. hemsleyanumandH. franchetii(Mt. Dujuan, Daocheng, Sichuan, China), which belong to 1A. There was only a slight difference in the karyotype asymmetry index, which suggests a close kinship for species ofHeracleumand that the entire phylogenetic development ofHeracleumis relatively primitive. Species that exhibited advanced morphological features were also more advanced in karyotype structure, with the order of karyotype evolution being 1A→2A→2B. This phenomenon indicates that the species distributed in the Hengduan Mountains have not diverged completely and that the Hengduan Mountains are a relatively young and active area for the evolution ofHeracleum. Polyploidization inHeracleummay be an important evolutionary mechanisms for some species, generating diversity. The biological attributes, distribution range, and the geological history of the genus have all played a part in accelerating the evolution through polyploidization or aneuploidization. It is known that as the distribution latitude ofHeracleumdecreases from north to south, the chromosome number, ploidy level, and asymmetry structure appear to increase. In the Hengduan Mountains, these tendencies are also evident. Finally, based on all the available cytogeographic data, we speculate that the more advanced tetraplont or aneuploid species ofHeracleumin India may be derived from early diplont species that were distributed in the Caucasus region and Hengduan Mountains. The dispersal ofHeracleumwas from Eurasia to India, because this correlates with the emergence of the Himalayan Mountains through tectonic movement. Thus, the Hengduan Mountains are not only a center of diversity forHeracleum, but also a center of active speciation in modern times.
Karyomorphology of three species in Dipentodon (Dipentodontaceae), Perrottetia (Celastraceae), and Tapiscia (Tapisciaceae) of the order Huerteales and their phylogenetic implications
Authors: YANG Jing , WU Jiang‐Chong , GU Zhi‐Jian
Published: July 2009

Abstract  The karyomorphology of three species in Dipentodon (Dipentodontaceae), Perrottetia (Celastraceae), and Tapiscia (Tapisciaceae), namely Dipentodon sinicus, Perrottetia racemosa, and Tapiscia sinensis, was investigated in the present study. Recent molecular research has discovered close relationships among these three genera, which has led to the establishment of the order Huerteales with Perrottetia being placed in Dipentodontaceae. Herein we report the chromosome numbers of D. sinicus and P. racemosa for the first time, and present their karyotype formulas as 2n= 34 = 22 sm + 12 st (D. sinicus), 2n= 20 = 11 m + 9 sm (P. racemosa), and 2n= 30 = 22 m(2SAT) + 8sm (T. sinensis). Asymmetry of their karyotypes is categorized to be Type 3B in D. sinicus, Type 2A in P. racemosa, and Type 2A in T. sinensis. Each of the species shows special cytological features. Compared with Perrottetia, Dipentodon has a different basic chromosome number, a higher karyotype asymmetry, and different karyomorphology of its interphase nuclei, mitotic prophase, and metaphase. Thus, on the basis of these results, we have reservations regarding the suggestion of placing Dipentodon and Perrottetia together in the family Dipentodontaceae.
Thismia tentaculata (Burmanniaceae tribe Thismieae) from Hong Kong: first record of the genus and tribe from continental China
Authors: HO George W. C. , MAR Shek Shing , SAUNDERS Richard M. K.
Published: July 2009

Abstract  Populations of Thismia tentaculata (Burmanniaceae tribe Thismieae) are described and illustrated from Tai Mo Shan in Hong Kong, southern China. This represents the first report of the genus and tribe from continental China.
Value of the extracellular water ratio for assessment of cirrhotic patients with and without ascites
Authors: Hara Nagisa , Iwasa Motoh , Iwata Kazuko , Miyachi Hirohide , Tanaka Hideaki , Takeo Masaki , Fujita Naoki , Kobayashi Yoshinao , Takei Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2009

Aims:  Ascites, which often complicates liver cirrhosis, is reported to be a factor that worsens the outcome. The aims of this study were to quantify body water compartment changes in cirrhotic patients, with and without ascites, and to elucidate the value of body water analysis for predicting the development of ascites.

Methods:  A total of 109 cirrhotic patients, with and without ascites, and 65 controls were studied. Intra‐ and extracellular water (ECW) in the whole body and in the arm, leg and trunk were measured using the recently developed 8‐electrodes multiple‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Furthermore, patients without ascites were followed to an episode of ascites or death.

Results:  Patients with liver cirrhosis had significantly higher ECW ratios than controls. ECW ratios were increased in cirrhotic patients with moderate and severe disease. The ECW ratio of the trunk showed highly significant changes in cirrhotic patients with ascites. The ECW ratio correlated with age, serum albumin, and prothrombin time. A relative expansion of ECW and low albumin were predictive of further episodes of ascites (log‐rank 6.94, P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, the ECW ratio was independently associated with the development of ascites.

Conclusion:  Liver cirrhosis was characterized by a redistribution of body water. The ECW ratio is a reliable tool for quantification of redistribution of body water and can predict the development of ascites.