bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of The Competence Enjoyment Scale
Authors: Baird Samera Major , Turner Keith D.
Published: February 2009

Public Law 99-457 requires early interventionists to help families assess their strengths and needs for promoting their child's optimal development. The Competence Enjoyment Scale (CES) was developed to measure parental feelings of competence and enjoyment as they interact with their infant. The scale includes antonym pairs which are semantically linked to the constructs competence and enjoyment. A six-member international panel of experts in child development assisted in the development of the scale.

Subjects were the biological mothers of 60 infants who were 3-5 months old (adjusted age). Preliminary results support the reliability and validity of the scale. The CES requires minimal time and effort for response and scoring. The scale allows parents and early interventionists to consider parental feelings of competence and enjoyment when setting priorities for early intervention. The CES was developed to fill a void in attitude assessment methodology and can be used to quantify parental feelings of competence and enjoyment for educational, clinical, and empirical purposes.
Identifying Sources of Bias in the WISC-R
Authors: Vance Booney , Sabatino David
Published: February 2009

The use of intelligence tests, especially the WISC-R, has come under repeated scrutiny in recent years. Arguments for and against the use of WISC-R IQs have centered around the issue of bias. The issues of construct validity, predictive validity, and item content bias on the WISC-R were examined. Evidence regarding these biases was analyzed based on psychometric conceptions of test bias. Although this approach can lead to a narrow examination of possible bias in the WISC-R, it allows for objectivity based on empirical studies. Although all the evidence is not in, our review clearly suggests that the verdict of “not proven” is justified. Test bias has now become and will continue to be one of the major topics in psychometric research.
Impact ofLarry P.on Educational Programs and Assessment Practices in California
Authors: MacMillan Donald L. , Balow Irving H.
Published: February 2009

The impact of the Larry P. decision on educational programming and assessment in California is examined. The decision and subsequent policy changes, such as implementation of PL 94-142, have resulted in the virtual disappearance of mild mental retardation as a diagnostic construct. As a result, children served “as EMRs” in the California schools are far more debilitated than those served prior to the decision, and this change has not resulted in substantial curricular changes. Because the decision has resulted in children formerly classified as “borderline mentally retarded” being served in regular programs, the authors question whether the educational plight of these children has been enhanced by the changes. Finally, the article examines paradoxes in assessment/evaluation practices in California that appear inconsistent with either the decision itself or the reasoning that led to the decision.
Bilingualism and Psychometrics
Authors: Figueroa R. A.
Published: February 2009

The empirical literature on test bias with ethnic children has been at odds with much of the case law on testing and overrepresentation in special education classes. This article reviews some of the literature that asserts that the legal mandates may have actually hurt minority children and argues that for bilingual children such a position is specious insofar as it ignores the cognitive dimensions of bilingualism and the impact of bilingualism on psychometric tests. It is proposed that the case law may actually be inadequate to protect bilingual children from misdiagnosis and that the most prudent position may well be to exclude psychometric tests from any aspect of decision making with bilingual populations.
Joint Factor Analysis of the DAS and WISC-R
Authors: Stone Brian J.
Published: February 2009

The joint factor structure of the Differential Abilities Scale (DAS) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) was investigated. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation was conducted ( n = 115). A four-factor solution emerged, consisting of Verbal-conceptual, Visual-spatial, Attention-Quantitative, and Processing Speed Factors. The WISC-R Third Factor split apart, as Coding joined the DAS Speed of Information Processing subtest to form a fourth factor, Processing Speed. Overall, the analysis supported the DAS structure, and was also consistent with the WISC-III four-factor reinterpretation of the WISC-R.
Mean-Score Differences between the WISC-R and the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
Authors: Prewett Peter N. , Matavich Mark A.
Published: February 2009

The mean score differences between the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition and the WISC-R changed across the ability continuum for 126 referred students. The Stanford-Binet Test Composite was significantly higher than the WISC-R Full Scale score at the lower end of the ability continuum, but was significantly lower than the WISC-R Full Scale score at the higher end. The two tests yielded similar scores for students with WISC-R Full Scale scores ranging from 70 to 89. The WISC-R scores correlated significantly with the Stanford-Binet scores.
Cross-Validation of Criterion-Related Validity for CBM Reading Passages
Authors: Bain Sherry K. , Garlock Jane W.
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this study was to establish criterion-related validity for the Reading Passages Subtest of a locally developed curriculum-based measurement (CBM) instrument, providing cross-validation across reading curricula and criterion measures. First, second, and third graders' performances on the subtest were correlated with Total Reading scores from the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS). Correlation coefficients ranged from .54 to .79 indicating adequate criterion-related validity. Lowest correlations were obtained for first-grade subjects, who represented a restricted range of students. Specific results of the present study offer cross-validation evidence for CBM reading passage measures and provide support for CBM development in similar settings by school psychologists and educators.
A Validation Study of the Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude-Primary
Authors: Dunn Caroline , Mcghee Ron , Bryant Brian R.
Published: February 2009

Validity of the test scores from the Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude-Primary: Second Edition (DTLA-P:2) was evaluated by examining correlations between it and the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (WJPB), an instrument with established validity. Fifty-seven students in kindergarten through second grade were given the DTLA-P:2 and the WJPB, Part I (the Broad Cognitive Ability: Preschool Scale) and Part II (the Reading, Math, and Skills Clusters). Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were calculated between the DTLA-P:2 quotients and the WJPB clusters. Correlation coefficients from.68 to.87 indicated a strong relationship between the two and provided evidence for the criterion-related and construct validity of the DTLA-P:2 test scores when using the WJPB as the criterion variable.
Validation of a Battery of Preschool Screening Tests for Predicting Special Education Placement
Authors: Stone Brian J. , Gridley Betty , Treloar James
Published: February 2009

The accuracy and bias of a kindergarten screening battery for predicting educational placement was examined. The battery contained four well-validated commercial instruments. Subjects were 519 White and 183 American Indian children who had been tested prior to entering kindergarten. The children were monitored and 98 of the original 702 (14%) were eventually placed in special education resource classes.

The battery predicted educational placement equally for both groups. However, the hit rate for both groups combined was only slightly over chance. While the battery had good accuracy for identifying normals (97%) it correctly identified only 39% of the special education students. A predictive value statistic was used to determine that the battery would have flagged 59 children as at-risk, 38 of which would have qualified for special education (or 64% of those identified). Inasmuch as the overall hit rate masks the low rate of identification of true positives, sensitivity and predictive value are argued as being more meaningful in evaluating the accuracy of a screening battery.
Classroom-Based Measurement and Portfolio Assessment
Authors: Nolet Victor
Published: February 2009

Portfolio assessment is an integral component of the current movement toward classroom-based performance assessments. A variety of descriptions have been presented in the literature, but little consensus exists regarding the goals or procedures for using portfolio assessment. An empirical basis for using portfolio assessment for a range of instructional decisions is virtually nonexistent. This article presents a conceptual model in which portfolio assessment is viewed as a process of collecting multiple forms of data to support inferences about student performance in a skill or content area that cannot be sampled directly by a single measure. In this respect, portfolio assessment is viewed as analogous to the process of construct validation. The suggested model of portfolio assessment serves as a framework for clarifying the goals of instruction and aligning these goals with classroom-based assessment procedures that support individual referenced decisions. The model also occasions an agenda for research and training.
The Diagnostic Names Task
Authors: Parker Richard , Hernandez Melissa , Hasbrouck Jan
Published: February 2009

Increasingly, the field of reading instruction is calling for “authentic”, “meaningful”, or “naturalistic” assessment practices. At the same time, considerable research supports explicit instruction and assessment of decoding skills in reading, especially for low-achieving students. There is obvious need for a naturalistic test of decoding skills that is also valid and reliable, yet no such test yet exists. This study examined some technical qualities of a Diagnostic Names Task which promises to help fill this need. An instrumentation study was conducted with a group of 25 elementary grade disabled readers to answer questions about subtest reliability, sensitivity to change due to instruction, meaningful clustering of subskills, and criterion-related validity. Results were generally encouraging, despite a few sampling and design problems. A large-sample study is recommended next to help further improve subtest reliability.
The Compatibility Between State Eligibility Criteria for Developmental Delays and Available Early Childhood Assessment Instrumentation
Authors: Harrington Robert G. , Tongier Jane
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this study was to survey the 50 state consultants in early childhood special education in the U.S. to evaluate whether they perceived available developmental assessment instrumentation to be satisfactory for the identification of children with developmental delays in the 3- through 5-year-old age range. The survey questions were organized into four main themes: (a) a description of eligibility criteria used to identify children with developmental delays; (b) the general operational characteristics of the early childhood handicapped identification system; (c) satisfaction with the available assessment instrumentation for the identification of developmental delays given state eligibility criteria; and (d) demographic information on the respondents. Results showed a need for assessment instruments that facilitate parent involvement and a need for special norms for minorities and children with physical disabilities. The significance and implications of these and other findings for early childhood practitioners and researchers were discussed.
Adolescents Talking About Thinking
Authors: Sandler Adrian D. , Hooper Stephen R. , Scarborough Anita A. , Watson Thomas E. , Levine Melvin D.
Published: February 2009

The Survey of Teenage Readiness and Neurodevelopmental Status (STRANDS) is a new multidimensional measure designed to obtain a profile of abilities directly reported by the respondent. It is intended for use in clinical settings and schools to assist in the assessment of potential learning problems in high school students ages 15-19 years. It consists of a Questionnaire and Structured Interview, and takes 1 hour to administer. This study provides preliminary findings with respect to reliability and validity of the STRANDS. Subjects included 54 older adolescents who were divided into two groups: Learning Disability ( n = 24) and Normal Achieving ( n = 30). The two groups did not differ in terms of chronological age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, or Full Scale IQ. The STRANDS Questionnaire and Interview, and a number of benchmark measures were administered. Internal consistency measures for all scales on the STRANDS ranged from.66 to.91. Test-retest reliability of the Interview ranged from.72 to 97. Construct validity was examined for the scales of attention, memory, language, and visual-perceptual function using multi-trait/multi-method correlational analysis. Construct validity was supported by moderate, significant correlations between the latter three scales and a priori related measures. The construct validity for the attention scale was not well supported. Several scales on the Questionnaire and on the Interview significantly discriminated between the groups, with the Learning Disability group reporting significantly greater concerns than the Normal Achieving group. These results suggest the potential utility of such an assessment approach with adolescents, particularly those experiencing learning problems.
Statistically Significant Differences Between Standard Scores on the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests—Revised
Authors: Eaves Ronald C. , Campbell-Whatley Gloria D. , Dunn Caroline , Reilly AmySue , Tate-Braxton Carbestha
Published: February 2009

Standard scores on the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests—Revised may be used to diagnose strengths and weaknesses in reading achievement. However, decisions regarding discrepancies that are based on visual inspection are tenuous because apparent differences may be a function of the unreliability of the tests being compared. A table was produced to facilitate paired comparisons between Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests—Revised standard scores. Use of this table can assist in determining intra-individual strengths and weaknesses, and thus, contribute to instructional planning.
Effect of Withaferin A on the Development and Decay of Thermotolerance in B16F1 Melanoma: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kalthur Guruprasad , Mutalik Srinivas , Pathirissery Uma Devi
Published: February 2009

Protein synthesis inhibitors can suppress the development of thermotolerance in tumor tissues on repeated heating. Withaferin A (WA), isolated from Withania somnifera has cytotoxic and inhibitory action on protein synthesis. In the present investigation, effect of WA on development and decay of thermotolerance in B16F1 melanoma was studied in C57BL mice. Tumors of 10010 mm3 size were subjected to repeated hyperthermia (HT) at 43°C for 30 minutes. WA was injected after first hyperthermia treatment. The tumor response was assessed by calculating the tumor growth delay (GD). The GD increased with increase in time gap between two hyperthermia treatments and was significantly higher (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) in WA treated groups at all the respective time gaps (except at 0h and 120h) compared to hyperthermia alone group. WA increases the tumor response during repeated hyperthermia by reducing the magnitude of thermotolerance developed and by decreasing the recovery time from thermotolerance.
Effects of a Yoga Program on Cortisol Rhythm and Mood States in Early Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Radiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Raghavendra Rao M. , Vadiraja H.S. , Nagarathna Raghuram , Nagendra H.R. , Rekha M. , Vanitha N. , Gopinath K.S. , Srinath B.S. , Vishweshwara M.S. , Madhavi Y.S. , Ajaikumar B.S. , Ramesh Bilimagga S. , Nalini Rao , Kumar Vinod
Published: February 2009

Objectives. This study compares the effects of an integrated yoga program with brief supportive therapy in breast cancer outpatients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy at a cancer center. Methods. Eighty-eight stage II and III breast cancer outpatients are randomly assigned to receive yoga (n = 44) or brief supportive therapy (n = 44) prior to radiotherapy treatment. Assessments include diurnal salivary cortisol levels 3 days before and after radiotherapy and self-ratings of anxiety, depression, and stress collected before and after 6 weeks of radiotherapy. Results. Analysis of covariance reveals significant decreases in anxiety ( P < .001), depression ( P = .002), perceived stress ( P < .001), 6 a.m. salivary cortisol ( P = .009), and pooled mean cortisol ( P = .03) in the yoga group compared with controls. There is a significant positive correlation between morning salivary cortisol level and anxiety and depression. Conclusion. Yoga might have a role in managing self-reported psychological distress and modulating circadian patterns of stress hormones in early breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy.
The Neighborhood Unit: Physical Design or Physical Determinism?
Authors: Lloyd Lawhon Larry
Published: February 2009

This paper traces the institutional, social, and physical design forces that shaped the ideology of Clarence A. Perry and influenced his development of the “neighborhood unit” concept. Officially introduced in 1929 as a part of the published Regional Plan of New York and Its Environs, the neighborhood unit, as conceived by Perry, has strongly influenced local planning and subdivision design since its inception. In addition, this paper investigates controversy surrounding attitudes toward the neighborhood unit and the purported “determinism” and reformist intents of the concept. It investigates the wide-spread influence of the model on residential design, investigates current attitudes of usefulness of the model, and considers New Urbanism as an opportune tweaking of the design elements of the neighborhood unit. It concludes that the neighborhood unit, while having social influences in residential life, is more accurately termed a physical design model that weaves neighborhood layout and opportunities for interaction.
Dimensionality of Nonmotor Neurobehavioral Impairments When Observed in the Natural Contexts of ADL Task Performance
Authors: Árnadóttir Guðrún , Fisher Anne G. , Löfgren Britta
Published: February 2009

Objective. To examine diverse nonmotor neurobehavioral impairments (NBIs) that impact activities of daily living (ADL) task performance and to verify if such impairments can be viewed as one dimension when evaluated in an ecologically-relevant context. Methods. Rasch analysis was performed on data from 206 individuals diagnosed with dementia or cerebral vascular accident (CVA) who had been scored on 50 standardized NBIs from the A-ONE Neurobehavioral Impairment scale, based on naturalistic observation of ADL task performance. Evaluation of mean square (MnSq) infit and outfit values and principal components analysis (PCA) of residuals were used to evaluate unidimensionality of the items. Two evaluations were implemented: (1) to evaluate if there is a single global dimension common for persons with either dementia or CVA, and (2) to evaluate if the 50 NBIs are unidimensional, but comprised of different diagnosis-specific global hierarchies (dementia, left CVA, and right CVA). Results. The PCA indicated that 56.8% of variance was explained by the global measure (Rasch factor) of NBIs, with 4.9% of the unexplained variance explained by the first contrast. Four items showed outfit misfit to the common hierarchy. Developing diagnosis-specific global hierarchies resulted in improved PCA results for all 3 diagnostic groups (Rasch factor = 79.2% to 85.5%; unexplained variance in first contrast = 1.7% to 3.4%) after removal of 2 to 3 misfitting items. Conclusions. Nonmotor NBIs, when evaluated based on naturalistic performance of ADL, can be considered unidimensional, but the hierarchical structure of the dimension likely varies across diagnostic groups. Further study is needed with larger samples to verify these results.
The novel plant-derived agent silvestrol has B-cell selective activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lucas David M. , Edwards Ryan B. , Lozanski Gerard , West Derek A. , Shin Jungook D. , Vargo Melissa A. , Davis Melanie E. , Rozewski Darlene M. , Johnson Amy J. , Su Bao-Ning , Goettl Virginia M. , Heerema Nyla A. , Lin Thomas S. , Lehman Amy , Zhang Xiaoli , Jarjoura David , Newman David J. , Byrd John C. , Kinghorn A. Douglas , Grever Michael R.
Published: February 2009

Therapeutic options for advanced B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are limited. Available treatments can also deplete T lymphocytes, leaving patients at risk of life-threatening infections. In the National Cancer Institute cell line screen, the structurally unique natural product silvestrol produces an unusual pattern of cytotoxicity that suggests activity in leukemia and selectivity for B cells. We investigated silvestrol efficacy using primary human B-leukemia cells, established B-leukemia cell lines, and animal models. In CLL cells, silvestrol LC50 (concentration lethal to 50%) is 6.9 nM at 72 hours. At this concentration, there is no difference in sensitivity of cells from patients with or without the del(17p13.1) abnormality. In isolated cells and whole blood, silvestrol is more cytotoxic toward B cells than T cells. Silvestrol causes early reduction in Mcl-1 expression due to translational inhibition with subsequent mitochondrial damage, as evidenced by reactive oxygen species generation and membrane depolarization. In vivo, silvestrol causes significant B-cell reduction in Eμ-Tcl-1 transgenic mice and significantly extends survival of 697 xenograft severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice without discernible toxicity. These data indicate silvestrol has efficacy against B cells in vitro and in vivo and identify translational inhibition as a potential therapeutic target in B-cell leukemias.
Cytoskeletal protein 4.1R negatively regulates T-cell activation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of LAT
Authors: Kang Qiaozhen , Yu Yu , Pei Xinhong , Hughes Richard , Heck Susanne , Zhang Xihui , Guo Xinhua , Halverson Gregory , Mohandas Narla , An Xiuli
Published: February 2009

Protein 4.1R (4.1R) was first identified in red cells where it plays an important role in maintaining mechanical stability of red cell membrane. 4.1R has also been shown to be expressed in T cells, but its function has been unclear. In the present study, we use 4.1R-deficient mice to explore the role of 4.1R in T cells. We show that 4.1R is recruited to the immunologic synapse after T cell–antigen receptor (TCR) stimulation. We show further that CD4+ T cells of 4.1R−/− mice are hyperactivated and that they displayed hyperproliferation and increased production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon γ (IFNγ). The hyperactivation results from enhanced phosphorylation of LAT and its downstream signaling molecule ERK. The 4.1R exerts its effect by binding directly to LAT, and thereby inhibiting its phosphorylation by ZAP-70. Moreover, mice deficient in 4.1R display an elevated humoral response to immunization with T cell–dependent antigen. Thus, we have defined a hitherto unrecognized role for 4.1R in negatively regulating T-cell activation by modulating intracellular signal transduction.
Nutlin-3 up-regulates the expression of Notch1 in both myeloid and lymphoid leukemic cells, as part of a negative feedback antiapoptotic mechanism
Authors: Secchiero Paola , Melloni Elisabetta , di Iasio Maria Grazia , Tiribelli Mario , Rimondi Erika , Corallini Federica , Gattei Valter , Zauli Giorgio
Published: February 2009

The small molecule inhibitor of the MDM2/p53 interaction Nutlin-3 significantly up-regulated the steady-state mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 in TP53wild-type (OCI, SKW6.4) but not in TP53deleted (HL-60) or TP53mutated (BJAB) leukemic cell lines. A direct demonstration that NOTCH1 was a transcriptional target of p53 in leukemic cells was obtained in experiments carried out with siRNA for p53. Moreover, inhibition of Notch1 expression using Notch1-specific siRNA significantly increased cytotoxicity in TP53wild-type leukemic cells. Of note, Nutlin-3 up-regulated Notch1 expression also in primary TP53wild-type B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells and the combined use of Nutlin-3 plus pharmacological γ-secretase inhibitors of the Notch signaling showed a synergistic cytotoxicity in both TP53wild-type leukemic cell lines and primary B-CLL cells. A potential drawback of γ-secretase inhibitors was their ability to enhance osteoclastic maturation of normal circulating preosteoclasts induced by RANKL + M-CSF. Notwithstanding, Nutlin-3 completely suppressed osteoclastogenesis irrespective of the presence of γ-secretase inhibitors. Taken together, these data indicate that the p53-dependent up-regulation of Notch1 in response to Nutlin-3 represents an antiapoptotic feedback mechanism able to restrain the potential therapeutic efficacy of Nutlin-3 in hematologic malignancies. Therefore, therapeutic combinations of Nutlin-3 + γ-secretase inhibitors might potentiate the cytotoxicity of Nutlin-3 in p53wild-type leukemic cells.
Cdc42-dependent leading edge coordination is essential for interstitial dendritic cell migration
Authors: Lämmermann Tim , Renkawitz Jörg , Wu Xunwei , Hirsch Karin , Brakebusch Cord , Sixt Michael
Published: February 2009

Mature dendritic cells (DCs) moving from the skin to the lymph node are a prototypic example of rapidly migrating amoeboid leukocytes. Interstitial DC migration is directionally guided by chemokines, but independent of specific adhesive interactions with the tissue as well as pericellular proteolysis. Instead, the protrusive flow of the actin cytoskeleton directly drives a basal mode of locomotion that is occasionally supported by actomyosin contractions at the trailing edge to propel the cell's rigid nucleus. We here delete the small GTPase Cdc42 in DCs and find that actin flow and actomyosin contraction are still initiated in response to chemotactic cues. Accordingly, the cells are able to polarize and form protrusions. However, in the absence of Cdc42 the protrusions are temporally and spatially dysregulated, which leads to impaired leading edge coordination. Although this defect still allows the cells to move on 2-dimensional surfaces, their in vivo motility is completely abrogated. We show that this difference is entirely caused by the geometric complexity of the environment, as multiple competing protrusions lead to instantaneous entanglement within 3-dimensional extracellular matrix scaffolds. This demonstrates that the decisive factor for migrating DCs is not specific interaction with the extracellular environment, but adequate coordination of cytoskeletal flow.
In vivo killing of Staphylococcus aureus using a light-activated antimicrobial agent
Authors: Zolfaghari Parjam S , Packer Samantha , Singer Mervyn , Nair Sean P , Bennett Jon , Street Cale , Wilson Michael
Published: February 2009

Background

The widespread problem of antibiotic resistance in pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus has prompted the search for new antimicrobial approaches. In this study we report for the first time the use of a light-activated antimicrobial agent, methylene blue, to kill an epidemic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (EMRSA-16) strain in two mouse wound models.

Results

Following irradiation of wounds with 360 J/cm2 of laser light (670 nm) in the presence of 100 μg/ml of methylene blue, a 25-fold reduction in the number of viable EMRSA was seen. This was independent of the increase in temperature of the wounds associated with the treatment. Histological examination of the wounds revealed no difference between the photodynamic therapy (PDT)-treated wounds and the untreated wounds, all of which showed the same degree of inflammatory infiltration at 24 hours.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that PDT is effective at reducing the total number of viable EMRSA in a wound. This approach has promise as a means of treating wound infections caused by antibiotic-resistant microbes as well as for the elimination of such organisms from carriage sites.
An extension to a statistical approach for family based association studies provides insights into genetic risk factors for multiple sclerosis in the HLA-DRB1gene
Authors: Ramagopalan Sreeram V , McMahon Roisin , Dyment David A , Sadovnick A Dessa , Ebers George C , Wittkowski Knut M
Published: February 2009

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex trait in which genes in the MHC class II region exert the single strongest effect on genetic susceptibility. The principal MHC class II haplotype that increases MS risk in individuals of Northern European descent are those that bear HLA-DRB1*15. However, several other HLA-DRB1 alleles have been positively and negatively associated with MS and each of the main allelotypes is composed of many sub-allelotypes with slightly different sequence composition. Given the role of this locus in antigen presentation it has been suggested that variations in the peptide binding site of the allele may underlie allelic variation in disease risk.

Methods

In an investigation of 7,333 individuals from 1,352 MS families, we assessed the nucleotide sequence of HLA-DRB1 for any effects on disease susceptibility extending a recently published method of statistical analysis for family-based association studies to the particular challenges of hyper-variable genetic regions.

Results

We found that amino acid 60 of the HLA-DRB1 peptide sequence, which had previously been postulated based on structural features, is unlikely to play a major role. Instead, empirical evidence based on sequence information suggests that MS susceptibility arises primarily from amino acid 13.

Conclusion

Identifying a single amino acid as a major risk factor provides major practical implications for risk and for the exploration of mechanisms, although the mechanism of amino acid 13 in the HLA-DRB1 sequence's involvement in MS as well as the identity of additional variants on MHC haplotypes that influence risk need to be uncovered.
Knowledge of modifiable risk factors of Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease (CASHD) among a sample in India
Authors: Saeed Omar , Gupta Vineet , Dhawan Naveen , Streja Leanne , Shin John S , Ku Melvin , Bhoi Sanjeev , Verma Sanjay
Published: February 2009

Background

The prevalence of Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease (CASHD) is increasing in India. Several modifiable risk factors contribute directly to this disease burden. Public knowledge of such risk factors among the urban Indian population is largely unknown. This investigation attempts to quantify knowledge of modifiable risk factors of CASHD as sampled among an Indian population at a large metropolitan hospital.

Methods

A hospital-based, cross sectional study was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), a major tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India. Participants (n = 217) recruited from patient waiting areas in the emergency room were provided with standardized questionnaires to assess their knowledge of modifiable risk factors of CASHD. The risk factors specifically included smoking, hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus and obesity. Identifying 3 or less risk factors was regarded as a poor knowledge level, whereas identifying 4 or more risk factors was regarded as a good knowledge level. A multiple logistic regression model was used to isolate independent demographic markers predictive of a participant's level of knowledge.

Results

41% of the sample surveyed had a good level of knowledge. 68%, 72%, 73% and 57% of the population identified smoking, obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol correctly, respectively. 30% identified diabetes mellitus as a modifiable risk factor of CASHD. In multiple logistic regression analysis independent demographic predictors of a good knowledge level with a statistically significant (p < 0.05) adjusted odds ratio (aOR) were: routine exercise of moderate intensity, aOR 8.41 (compared to infrequent or no exercise), no history of smoking, aOR 8.25, and former smokers, aOR 48.28 (compared to current smokers). Although statistically insignificant, a trend towards a good knowledge level was associated with higher levels of education.

Conclusion

An Indian population in a hospital setting shows a lack of knowledge pertaining to modifiable risk factors of CASHD. By isolating demographic predictors of poor knowledge, such as current smokers and persons who do not exercise regularly, educational interventions can be effectively targeted and implemented as primary and secondary prevention strategies to reduce the burden of CASHD in India.
The association between foot‐care self efficacy beliefs and actual foot‐care behaviour in people with peripheral neuropathy: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Perrin Byron M , Swerissen Hal , Payne Craig
Published: February 2009

Background

People with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy often do not implement the foot‐care behavioural strategies that are suggested by many health professionals. The concept of self‐efficacy has been shown to be an effective predictor of behaviour in many areas of health. This study investigated the relationships between foot‐care self‐efficacy beliefs, self‐reported foot‐care behaviour and history of diabetes‐related foot pathology in people with diabetes and loss of protective sensation in their feet.

Methods

Ninety‐six participants were included in this cross‐sectional study undertaken in a regional city of Australia. All participants had diabetes and clinically diagnosed loss of protective sensation in their feet. The participants completed a self‐report pen‐paper questionnaire regarding foot‐care self efficacy beliefs (the “Foot Care Confidence Scale”) and two aspects of actual foot‐care behaviour‐preventative behaviour and potentially damaging behaviour. Pearson correlation coefficients were then calculated to determine the association between foot‐care self‐efficacy beliefs and actual reported foot‐care behaviour. Multiple analysis of variance was undertaken to compare mean self‐efficacy and behaviour subscale scores for those with a history of foot pathology, and those that did not.

Results

A small positive correlation (r = 0.2, p = 0.05) was found between self‐efficacy beliefs and preventative behaviour. There was no association between self‐efficacy beliefs and potentially damaging behaviour. There was no difference in self‐efficacy beliefs in people that had a history of foot pathology compared to those that did not.

Conclusion

There is little association between foot‐care self‐efficacy beliefs and actual foot‐care behaviour. The usefulness of measuring foot‐care self‐efficacy beliefs to assess actual self foot‐care behaviour using currently available instruments is limited in people with diabetes and loss of protective sensation.
Complete remission of primary plasma cell leukemia with bortezomib, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone: a case report
Authors: Chan Steven M , George Tracy , Cherry Athena M , Medeiros Bruno C
Published: February 2009

Background

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder considered to be a variant of multiple myeloma. It is an aggressive disease with a poor clinical response to standard chemotherapeutic agents.

Case presentation

A novel regimen consisting of bortezomib, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone is currently under active evaluation for the treatment of multiple myeloma. We employed this combination as front-line chemoinduction therapy for a case of primary PCL.

Conclusion

Complete remission was achieved with rapid normalization of hematologic parameters. The combination of bortezomib, doxorubicin and dexamethasone demonstrates promise in the treatment of PCL.
The response to oestrogen deprivation of the cartilage collagen degradation marker, CTX-II, is unique compared with other markers of collagen turnover
Authors: Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Tabassi Nadine CB , Sondergaard Lene V , Andersen Thomas L , Dagnaes-Hansen Frederik , Garnero Patrick , Kassem Moustapha , Delaissé Jean-Marie
Published: February 2009

Introduction

The urinary level of the type II collagen degradation marker CTX-II is increased in postmenopausal women and in ovariectomised rats, suggesting that oestrogen deprivation induces cartilage breakdown. Here we investigate whether this response to oestrogen is also true for other type II collagen turnover markers known to be affected in osteoarthritis, and whether it relates to its presence in specific areas of cartilage tissue.

Methods

The type II collagen degradation markers CTX-II and Helix-II were measured in the body fluids of premenopausal and postmenopausal women and in those of ovariectomised rats receiving oestrogen or not. Levels of PIIANP, a marker of type II collagen synthesis, were also measured in rats. Rat knee cartilage was analysed for immunoreactivity of CTX-II and PIIANP and for type II collagen expression.

Results

As expected, urinary levels of CTX-II are significantly increased in postmenopausal women and also in oestrogen-deprived rats, although only transiently. However, in neither case were these elevations paralleled by a significant increase of Helix-II levels and PIIANP levels did not change at any time. CTX-II immunoreactivity and collagen expression were detected in different cartilage areas. The upper zone is the area where CTX-II immunoreactivity and collagen expression best reflected the differences in urinary levels of CTX-II measured in response to oestrogen. However, correlations between urinary levels of CTX-II and tissue immunostainings in individual rats were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

We found only a small effect of oestrogen deprivation on cartilage. It was detected by CTX-II, but not by other type II collagen turnover markers typically affected in osteoarthritis.
Form, Structure, and Musical Drama in Two Mozart Expositions
Authors: Suurpää Lauri
Published: February 2009

This study examines interactions among form, Schenkerian voice-leading structure, and certain dramatic features in two Mozart expositions: the second movement of the G-minor symphony, K. 550, and the opening movement of the G-minor string quintet, K. 516. The analyses frequently refer to two concepts: “dramatic fitness” and “rational acceptability.” The former clarifies dramatic aspects of the expositions, such features as uncertainty, postponement of resolutions, or false clues. The latter charts the scope of technically possible analytical alternatives within the applied theoretical contexts. Ultimately, the dramatic and technical factors are intertwined. Context also plays an important role in arriving at a plausible interpretation: In these expositions, the first impression suggested by the local context often changes when the ensuing musical material, the global context, is taken into consideration.
The Cadenza as Parenthesis
Authors: Bribitzer-Stull Matthew
Published: February 2009

Conventional wisdom holds that the cadenza is a musical parenthesis. Like linguistic parenthetical remarks, cadenzas may be engaging, illuminating, and insightful, but they are not regarded as intrinsic to structural coherence. Perhaps for this reason, the topic has remained parenthetical in modern music theory discourse. Despite the connotations this neglect implies, the cadenza tradition stands as one endowed with great musical richness, worthy of further analytic investigation.

This article seeks to define the dual function of the cadenza. Specifically, the cadenza is heard simultaneously as a local, harmonic event and as a global, formal event. On the local level, it may either prolong one harmony or progress from one to another. On the global level, it can serve a variety of formal functions: highlighting salient cadences; opening a space for virtuosic display; and developing, relating, and rehearing elements of the concerto movement proper.

The cadenza's dual function grants it a potential far exceeding the simple characterization as parenthesis. Skillfully composed cadenzas exploit the tension between local and global functions and can initiate subtle yet profound rehearings of music outside cadenza space—rehearings that give us pause to reconsider both the cadenza-as-parenthesis metaphor and the artificial boundaries we construct among composer, performer, and analyst.
Schubert, Chromaticism, and the Ascending 5-6 Sequence
Authors: Damschroder David
Published: February 2009

A diverse selection of wondrously creative renderings by Franz Schubert of the ascending 5-6 sequence serves as the foundation for a reevaluation of the procedure and of the analytical tools used to describe it and to assess its role within a musical and (for texted music) poetical context. A range of late-eighteenth- and early-nineteenth-century thought on both sequential progression and harmonic analysis in general, by Emanuel Aloys Förster, Johann Philipp Kirnberger, and Gottfried Weber, among others, is assayed. Opportunities for chromaticism within the 5 and 6 phases of the 5-6 cycle are separately considered. The 5-phase trajectories are classified as diatonic, idiosyncratic, or obstinate. Despite its long history and current dominance, the mode of analysis based on Roman numerals and tonicizations is eschewed for sequential progressions. Instead, the connective role of sequential progressions within broader harmonic progressions is emphasized.
Mechanisms of transport through the Golgi complex
Authors: Jackson Catherine L.
Published: February 2009

The Golgi complex is the central sorting and processing station of the secretory pathway, ensuring that cargo proteins, which are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, are properly glycosylated and packaged into carriers for transport to their final destinations. Two recent studies highlight the fact that properties of membrane lipids play key roles in Golgi structural organization and trafficking. The Antonny laboratory has demonstrated the mechanism by which a Golgi tether containing a membrane-curvature-sensing domain at one end can link highly curved and flat membranes together in a reversible manner. In this way, a strong interaction that binds membranes together in an oriented fashion can easily be disrupted as the properties of the membranes change. The Lippincott-Schwartz laboratory has developed a new model for intra-Golgi trafficking, called the rapid-partitioning model, which incorporates lipid trafficking as an integral part. Simulations reveal that the sorting of lipids into processing and export domains that are connected to each Golgi cisterna, and bidirectional trafficking throughout the Golgi to allow proteins to associate with their preferred lipid environment, is sufficient to drive protein transport through the secretory pathway. Although only a proof in principle, this model for the first time invokes lipid sorting as the driving force in intra-Golgi trafficking, and provides a framework for future experimental work.
Mechanical properties of bovine articular cartilage under microscale indentation loading from atomic force microscopy
Authors: Park S , Costa K D , Ateshian G A , Hong K-S
Published: February 2009

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques have been increasingly used for investigating the mechanical properties of articular cartilage. According to the previous studies reporting the microscale Young's modulus under AFM indentation tests, the Hertz contact model has been employed with a sharp conical tip indenter. However, the non-linear microscale behaviour of articular cartilage could not be resolved by the standardized Hertz analysis using small and sharp atomic force microscope tips. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the microscale Young's modulus of articular cartilage more accurately through a non-Hertzian approach with a spherical tip of 5 μm diameter, and to characterize its microscale mechanical behaviour. This methodology adopted in the present study was proved by the consistent values between the microscale (2 per cent, about 9.3 kPa; 3 per cent, about 17.5 kPa) and macroscale (2 per cent, about 8.3 kPa; 3 per cent, about 18.3 kPa) Young's moduli for 2 per cent and 3 per cent agarose gel ( n = 100). Therefore, the microscale Young's modulus evaluated in this study is representative of more accurate measurements of cartilage stiffness at the 600 nm deformation level and corresponds to approximately 30.9 kPa ( n = 100). Furthermore, on this level of the microscale deformation, articular cartilage showed depth-dependent and frequency-independent behaviour under AFM indentation loading. These findings reveal the microscale mechanical behaviour of articular cartilage more accurately and can be employed further to design microscale structures of chondrocyte-seeded scaffolds and tissue-engineered cartilage by evaluating their microscale properties.
Synthesis and control of generalized dynamically substructured systems
Authors: Stoten D P , Tu J Y , Li G
Published: February 2009

The experimental technique for testing engineering systems via the method of dynamic substructuring is receiving significant global interest, for example in the fields of large-scale structural, aerospace, and automotive system testing. Dynamically substructured systems (DSSs) enable full-size, critical components of a complete system to be physically tested in real-time, within a laboratory environment, while the remainder of the system is modelled numerically. The intention is that the combined physical-numerical DSS behaves as if it were the complete (or emulated) system.

In an ideal mechanical DSS, for example, perfect synchronization of displacements and forces at the interfaces between the numerical and physical components (or substructures) is required. Hence, a key design feature of successful DSS systems is the high fidelity of the control action. Equally, a DSS controller must be able to cope with non-linear, time-varying, and uncertain parameters within the physical substructure dynamics.

The main purpose of this paper is to present a generalized DSS framework, together with associated linear and adaptive control strategies, that are specifically tailored to achieve high synchronization performance. The initial studies of this problem, as described in an earlier paper by Stoten and Hyde, are therefore continued by generalizing both the DSS dynamics and the control strategies to include (a) a number of newly defined modes of operation and (b) multivariable dynamics. In addition, comparative implementation and simulation studies are included, based upon the DSS testing of a mechanical system (a planar quasi-motorcycle rig), which was specifically designed to highlight the main features of this research. The comparative studies show that excellent DSS control can be achieved, especially with the addition of an adaptive component to the controller, despite significant changes to the physical substructure dynamics.