bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE HARM OF IMMORALITY
Authors: Bloomfield Paul 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA central problem in moral theory is how it is to be defended against those who think that there is no harm in being immoral, and that immorality can be in one's self‐interest, assuming the perpetrator is not caught and punished. The argument presented here defends the idea that being immoral prevents one from having self‐respect. If it makes sense to think that one cannot be happy without self‐respect, then the conclusion follows that one cannot be both immoral and happy. Immorality is harmful because its self‐disrespecting nature keeps immoralists from being happy. This is the harm of immorality.
SHOULD A B‐THEORETIC ATHEIST FEAR DEATH?
Authors: Burley Mikel 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article discusses Robin Le Poidevin's proposal that a commitment to the B‐theory of time provides atheists with a reason to relinquish the fear of death. For the purposes of the article, I grant Le Poidevin's assertion that the B‐theory gives us a sense in which our lives are ‘eternally real’; but I deny that the B‐theorist is entitled to regard this as sufficient to furnish a reason to cease fearing death. This is because, according to the most prevalent B‐theoretic conception of our emotional attitudes, A‐theoretic (and not B‐theoretic) beliefs are sufficient to ground these attitudes. I discuss this B‐theoretic account of our emotions, which I call the Mellor–MacBeath model, and explain how it relates to the fear of death. I argue that, according to this model, the fear of death – in so far as it is a fear of one's personal annihilation – is warranted, and hence that, if Le Poidevin's proposal is to stand, then we must be given either a new B‐theoretic account of the connection between beliefs and emotions, or an account of why the fear of death is unlike other emotional attitudes.
HOW TO RECONCILE ESSENCE WITH CONTINGENT EXISTENCE
Authors: McLeod Stephen K. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTo reconcile true claims of de re necessity with the supposedly contingent existence of the concrete objects those claims are typically about, Kripkean essentialists invoke weak necessity. The claim that a is necessarily F is held to be equivalent to the claim that necessarily, if a exists then a is F. This strategy faces a barrage of serious objections a proper subset of which shows that the strategy fails to achieve its intended purpose. Relief can be provided via recourse to a markedly non‐Kripkean version of essentialism.1
Strategies used by nurses when managing the emotional needs of patients
Authors: Fulton John Anthony 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper explores the ways in which nurses in acute care settings can address the emotional needs of their patients and uses psychoanalytical concepts to provide a level of explanation. It is acknowledged that dealing with the emotional needs of patients is a key function of the nurse's role; however, there is much in the literature, particularly that from a psychoanalytical perspective, that would suggest that, in practice, defences are often used as a way of avoiding involvement with patient. This qualitative study used observational techniques as a means of collecting data from two settings in a large teaching hospital, one an acute surgical ward and the second setting was award specializing in haematological conditions. In the two settings, nurse–patient interactions differed. In the haematological ward, the emotional needs were acknowledged and addressed, whereas in the acute surgical ward institutional defences predominated, which prevented close patient involvement. The emotional needs were often passed onto the medical staff or nurse specialists, which could prevent nurses developing the requisite skills. Certain important conclusions were elicited from the data. As with any qualitative analysis, this was in keeping with a particular research framework and another framework, or indeed another researcher may have drawn different conclusions. The main conclusions drawn were the following: the nurses working in the haematological setting had developed many of the skills necessary to deal with patients’ emotional needs. In the surgical setting, the organizational system did not allow the nurses to engage sufficiently to build and develop these particular skills.
Attitudes of health sciences students towards interprofessional teamwork and education
Authors: Curran Vernon R. , Sharpe Dennis , Forristall Jennifer , Flynn Kate 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRelatively little is known about the specific attributes of health professional students which may influence their attitudes towards both interprofessional teamwork and interprofessional education. A survey was distributed to all pre‐licensure health professional students from medicine, nursing, pharmacy and social work programmes at our institution. Respondents were asked to rate their attitudes towards interprofessional healthcare teams and interprofessional education using validated and reliable scales reported in the literature. Information on the respondents’ gender, profession, year of study and prior experience with interprofessional education was also collected. There was no significant difference between attitudes of medicine and nursing students towards interprofessional teamwork; however, both these student groups report significantly less positive attitudes towards interprofessional teams than pharmacy and social work students. Medicine students reported significantly less positive attitudes towards interprofessional education than nursing, pharmacy and social work students. Female students and senior undergraduate students reported significantly more positive attitudes towards interprofessional teamwork and interprofessional education, while students reporting prior experience with interprofessional education reported significantly more positive attitudes towards interprofessional teamwork. Profession, gender and year of study appear to be attributes which were related to more positive attitudes towards both interprofessional teamwork and education.
Embedding interprofessional learning in pre‐registration education in health and social care: evidence of cultural lag
Authors: Colyer Hazel M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the emergent concept of cultural lag through analysis and evaluation of academic staff's engagement with an established pre‐registration interprofessional learning (IPL) programme. By cultural lag is meant the apparent inability of some practitioners to commit wholeheartedly to the philosophy of IPL notwithstanding the current political and professional context.The theoretical framework adopted for this study constructs the move from uniprofessional to interprofessional education as a psychosocial transition, a process of psychological adaptation to a different social world, which may be characterized or revealed by specific language and behaviours.A qualitative survey of faculty academic staff was conducted electronically during the 2005/2006 academic year to determine the level of involvement with the programme and attitudes towards interprofessional learning. The sample comprised all 178 permanent members of academic staff and the final response was 63 (35%). Thematic, content analysis suggests that the whole meaning of the data is that academic staff see IPL as a means of promoting multi‐professional working and improved professional relationships, which has the potential to promote more person‐centred services and enhance care.During the analysis, it was noted that there seemed to be some dissonance between the overall approval rating for IPL and the way in which respondents expressed themselves. Some of the language used and reported behaviours are analysed and interpreted as reaction to loss and indicative of the process of psychosocial transition.It is concluded that there are signs of the phenomenon of cultural lag among the respondents. The study begins to articulate its characteristics and may be helpful in shedding some light on the attitudes and behaviours of staff who are either ambivalent or hostile to interprofessional education. It is suggested that developing and delivering interprofessional education could pose a considerable cultural challenge that cannot be ignored during curriculum development and must be taken account of when planning and managing educational change.
Electoral Simultaneity: Expressing Equal Respect
Authors: Thompson Dennis F. 
Published: August 2008

The principle of simultaneity—that citizens should vote as far as possible at the same time—is more significant than is usually appreciated. It is based on a fundamental value of democratic theory, and it has substantial implications for electoral practice. It also invites further normative and empirical research.The most important value that simultaneity expresses is a form of equality—equal respect. First, if citizens have only information they would have had if they were voting at the same time, the value of each citizen's choice is no greater than that of any other citizen. Second, when citizens go to the polls on the same day, publicly participating in a common experience of civic engagement, they demonstrate their willingness to contribute to the democratic process on equal terms. Taking simultaneity seriously has implications for electoral practices. It would limit the practice of media projections of election results, including the reporting of exit polls, and the calling of elections before all the polls close. It also casts doubt on the increasingly widespread use of early voting—absentee ballots and voting by mail. Early voting weakens the value of the experience of participating in a civic activity. Voting alone may be worse than bowling alone.
Mesenchymal stem cells and cardiac repair
Authors: Nesselmann Catharina , Ma Nan , Bieback Karen , Wagner Wolfgang , Ho Anthony , Konttinen Yrjö T. , Zhang Hao , Hinescu Mihail E. , Steinhoff Gustav 
Published: August 2008

Introduction
MSC isolation, characterization and standardization
Mechanisms of cardiac repair
Ex vivo manipulation of MSCs
Pre‐clinical application on cardiovascular disease
Clinical application: where are we?
Summary
AbstractAccumulating clinical and experimental evidence indicates that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising cell types in the treatment of cardiac dysfunction. They may trigger production of reparative growth factors, replace damaged cells and create an environment that favours endogenous cardiac repair. However, identifying mechanisms which regulate the role of MSCs in cardiac repair is still at work. To achieve the maximal clinical benefits, ex vivo manipulation can further enhance MSC therapeutic potential. This review focuses on the mechanism of MSCs in cardiac repair, with emphasis on ex vivo manipulation.
Parent perceptions of child sleep: a study of 10 000 Swedish children
Authors: Palmstierna Peder , Sepa Anneli , Ludvigsson Johnny 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim: To gather normative data on parent‐reported child sleep and investigate what influences it.Methods: Subjective sleep report data on night wakings, sleep quality, bedtime and risetime were gathered from parents of around 10 000 children from birth to age 5 in a cohort questionnaire study. The data were analysed for trends, and sleep measures were compared with background factors such as child temperament, foreign origin, family situation, parents' age and education and night feedings.Results: The population trends were towards improved sleep with increasing age. Individual sleep patterns show some stability. Reports of frequent night wakings and low sleep quality (LSQ) were strongly associated with each other within and between the age groups (odds ratio [OR] 2.8–60.2, p < 0.001). Perception of poor child sleep was influenced by child temperament at ages 1 and 3 (OR 2.2–4.4, p < 0.001), foreign origin at age 1 (OR 2.1–2.3, p < 0.001), and to some extent, parents' age and education at ages 1–3 (OR 1.4–2.1, p < 0.05 or stronger), but not by single parent status or infant night feedings. Reporting multiple or unspecific causes of night wakings was associated with reporting LSQ (OR 1.8–4.7, p < 0.05 or stronger).Conclusion: With increasing age, fewer wakings, improved sleep quality and a more uniform sleep schedule seem normal. However, frequent wakings and low quality sleep at early ages seem surprisingly stable. A difficult temperament and foreign origin were associated with lower quality sleep and more frequent wakings in early ages, whereas being a single parent was not. Finally, night feeding does not seem to condition children to frequent wakings.
Elevated Lp(a) with a small apo(a) isoform in children: risk factor for the development of premature coronary artery disease
Authors: Dirisamer Albert , Widhalm Harald , Aldover‐Macasaet Elsie , Molzer Sylvia , Widhalm Kurt 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground: levels of Lp(a) and low‐molecular‐weight apolipoprotein(a) isoform are strongly associated with the development of early cardiovascular disease. Certain types of apo(a) isoforms in combination with elevated levels of Lp(a) may be important in the determining of premature coronary artery disease. Therefore, we investigated the association of familial history of premature coronary artery disease and apo(a) size and Lp(a) levels in children and adolescents with hypercholesterolemia using a novel method determining apo(a) isoforms.Methods and results: Isoforms were classified in six phenotype patterns: S1–S4, B, F and according to their K‐IV repeats. Apo(a) isoforms were divided into two groups: low‐molecular‐ and high‐molecular apo(a) isoforms. In subjects with double‐banded apo(a) isoforms containing a small‐ and a large‐isoform Lp(a) each contribution was based on the intensity of staining of the two bands. The percentage of patients with elevated levels of Lp(a) and a small apo(a) isoform (i.e. elevated small‐isoform Lp(a)) was 46% in the risk group and 20% in the control group, p < 0.05. The percentage number of children and adolescents with elevated Lp(a) levels was higher in the risk group, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Elevated levels of small‐isoform Lp(a) might be a strong and independent risk factor for the development of premature coronary artery disease in children and adolescents with hypercholesterolemia.
The interaction model of client health behavior: A model for advanced practice nurses
Authors: Mathews Susan K. , Secrest Janet , Muirhead Lisa 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPurpose: To present the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB) as a model to guide nurse practitioners (NPs) in their practice.Data sources: Selected research‐based articles on Cox’s IMCHB and selected text and writings on the NP movement and nursing practice models.Conclusions: Many NPs practice in a medical setting where the boundaries between medicine and nursing are blurred. The IMCHB offers a nursing model to guide NPs in their practice.Implications for practice: A nursing model that examines the elements of client uniqueness and assesses the interaction between NP and client can achieve positive health outcomes.
An uncommon skin condition illustrates the need for caution when prescribing for friends
Authors: Ares Ella 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPurpose:A dual‐focused case study written to discuss the legal and medical hazards of informally writing prescriptions for friends or family members and to provide knowledge of early‐stage mycosis fungoides (MF), its course, and treatment.Data sources:A review of the prescribing practices of clinicians, the cognitive processes needed in diagnosis and treatment, the current ethical guidelines, and a review of MF, its course, and treatments.Conclusions:Treating acquaintances and family informally places clinicians at risk for liability and patients at risk for inaccurate diagnosis and treatment. This case illustrates the potential hazard of casually treating a friend for what looks like a benign condition. Resembling atopic dermatitis in its early stages, MF is the most common of a rare group of skin lymphomas. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis. Had this clinician complied with the request of her friend, his diagnosis would have been missed and timely treatment delayed.Implications for practice:No matter what the prior relationship may have been, once a clinician treats a patient, a legally binding relationship begins, requiring the due standard of care. Nurse practitioners (NPs) need to be aware of the potential for error when treating acquaintances. Available NP standards of practice and ethical guidelines should address informal treatment situations.
Liver X receptor in cooperation with SREBP‐1c is a major lipid synthesis regulator in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Higuchi Nobito , Kato Masaki , Shundo Yuki , Tajiri Hirotaka , Tanaka Masatake , Yamashita Naoki , Kohjima Motoyuki , Kotoh Kazuhiro , Nakamuta Makoto , Takayanagi Ryoichi , Enjoji Munechika 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most frequent causes of liver dysfunction and its incidence has increased markedly. However, the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in humans have not been thoroughly investigated. Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)‐1c and carbohydrate responsive element binding protein (ChREBP) are transcriptional factors that regulate the expression of lipogenic genes, including acetyl‐CoA carboxylases (ACCs) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). SREBP‐1c and ChREBP are transactivated by liver X receptor (LXR), a nuclear receptor that regulates the metabolism of cholesterol and fatty acids. To understand the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, we investigated the transcriptional factors and lipogenic genes activated in the liver with NAFLD.Methods:  Real‐time PCR was carried out on liver biopsy samples from 20 NAFLD patients. The target genes studied were: ACC1, FAS, SREBP‐1c, ChREBP, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), and LXRα.Results:  LXRα, SREBP‐1c, ACC1, and FAS were upregulated in NAFLD patients. Expression levels of LXR were four times greater than those of the controls and correlated significantly with SREBP‐1c, but not with ChREBP, levels.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that LXR acts as one of the main regulators of lipid metabolism by regulating SREBP‐1c expression in NAFLD.
Expression of galectin‐3 involved in prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Matsuda Yasunori , Yamagiwa Yoko , Fukushima Koji , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Shimosegawa Tooru 
Published: August 2008

Aims: Galectins are multifunctional lectins binding to the β‐galactoside of glycoproteins that affect diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes such as development, inflammation and tumor growth. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the over‐expression of galectin‐1, 3, and 4 has been reported, although their function and correlation with tumor progression remain unknown. Thus, we aimed to assess the role of galectin‐3 during HCC progression.Methods: Specimens were obtained during curative operations and used for immunohistochemical analysis of galectin‐3 (n = 52), and statistically assessed for correlations with the clinical profiles and the prognoses of the patients. The serum galectin‐3 levels from the patients with liver diseases including HCC were assessed by ELISA.Results: In total, galectin‐3 expression was found in 34 of 52 tumors (65%) and was statistically correlated with histological differentiation and vascular invasion. Kaplan‐Meier's analysis showed that patients with galectin‐3 expression tended to relapse in the earlier phase and had worse overall survival. In particular, a higher expression rate of nuclear galectin‐3 showed a markedly worse prognosis, and it was independent in the multivariate analysis for overall survival. Serum galectin‐3 levels were significantly increased in HCC compared with chronic liver disease. The sensitivity and specificity of galectin‐3 were equivalent to alpha‐fetoprotein and Vitamin K absence or antagonist II, and the combination of HCC biomarkers with galectin‐3 improved the diagnostic performance.Conclusions: Galectin‐3 expression was involved in the tumor progression and related to the prognosis of HCC. Our observations suggested that galectin‐3 could be a novel tumor marker and therapeutic target.
Command Shaping for Flexible Systems Subject to Constant Acceleration Limits
Authors: Danielson Jon , Lawrence Jason , Singhose William 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Input shaping is an effective means of eliminating vibration in many types of flexible systems. This paper discusses how input shaper performance is affected by a fixed acceleration limit. This type of limit is a common occurrence in many mechanical drive systems because it corresponds to a constant force or torque input. It is shown that some input shapers are not affected by an acceleration limit under certain conditions. A test criterion is developed to determine what types of input shapers are negatively affected, and a method is proposed to compensate for the detrimental effects of the constant acceleration limit. Experimental results from an industrial crane support the main theoretical results.
Amylase-Binding Protein B of
Streptococcus gordonii
Is an Extracellular Dipeptidyl-Peptidase
Authors: Chaudhuri Biswendu , Paju Susanna , Haase Elaine M. , Vickerman M. Margaret , Tanzer Jason M. , Scannapieco Frank A. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

The oral commensal bacterium
Streptococcus gordonii
interacts with salivary amylase via two amylase-binding proteins, AbpA and AbpB. Based on sequence analysis, the 20-kDa AbpA protein is unique to
S. gordonii
, whereas the 82-kDa AbpB protein appears to share sequence homology with other bacterial dipeptidases. The aim of this study was to verify the peptidase activity of AbpB and further explore its potential functions. The
abpB
gene was cloned, and histidine-tagged AbpB (His-AbpB) was expressed in
Escherichia coli
and purified. Its amylase-binding activity was verified in an amylase ligand binding assay, and its cross-reactivity was verified with an anti-AbpB antibody. Both recombinant His-AbpB and partially purified native AbpB displayed dipeptidase activity and degraded human type VI collagen and fibrinogen, but not salivary amylase. Salivary amylase precipitates not only AbpA and AbpB but also glucosyltransferase G (Gtf-G) from
S. gordonii
supernatants. Since
Streptococcus mutans
also releases Gtf enzymes that could also be involved in multispecies plaque interactions, the effect of
S. gordonii
AbpB on
S. mutans
Gtf-B activity was also tested. Salivary amylase and/or His-AbpB caused a 1.4- to 2-fold increase of
S. mutans
Gtf-B sucrase activity and a 3- to 6-fold increase in transferase activity. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay verified the interaction of His-AbpB and amylase with Gtf-B. In summary, AbpB demonstrates proteolytic activity and interacts with and modulates Gtf activity. These activities may help explain the crucial role AbpB appears to play in
S. gordonii
oral colonization.