bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Vitamin B12 Levels in Protein-Malnourished Children
Authors: Osifo Bola O.A. , Adadevoh B.K.
Published: November 2008

Serum vitamin B12 levels were assayed in 25 healthy and 35 protein-malnourished children aged 1 -6 years. Serum proteins and haematocrit values of the children were also measured. Liver enlargement was estimated clinically. The mean serum vitamin B12 activity among protein-malnourished children was slightly higher than that for the control group. Serum vitamin B12 activity of the healthy Nigerian children was, however, high, and possible reasons for this are discussed in detail. There was some correlation between very high serum vitamin B12 levels among the protein-malnourished children and incidence of liver enlargement.
Metabolism of Liver Triacylglycerols in Rats Tube-Fed a Threonine-Devoid Diet
Authors: Johnson Owe , Olivecrona Thomas
Published: November 2008

Rats tube-fed a diet devoid of threonine accumulated triacylglycerols in their livers, starting on the third day of the diet. The fatty acid composition of the accumulated lipid and the contribution of de novo synthetized fatty acids to the lipid accumulation, as determined with tritiated water as a radioactive precursor for fatty acid synthesis, suggested that an increased hepatic de novo synthesis of fatty acids is not a major factor for the development of this liver lipid accumulation. The metabolism of intravenous injected 3H-oleic acid, the Triton-induced hyperlipemia and the activity of lipoprotein lipase in adipose tissue was also studied. None of these studies revealed any significant difference between the threonine-deficient and control rats. It is concluded that the hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation in the threonine-deficient rats does not result from any gross abnormality in the rate of liver triacylglycerol formation or secretion to the plasma. It is suggested that a possible causative mechanism is a derangement in the metabolism of the storage pool of liver triacylglycerols.
Effect of Starvation on Pituitary Growth Hormone Cells and Blood Growth Hormone and Prolactin Levels in the Rat
Authors: Sirek A.M.T. , Horvath E. , Ezrin C. , Kovacs K.
Published: November 2008

Growth hormone (GH) cells of rats were studied on days 2, 4 and 7 of starvation. Immunoperoxidase staining for light microscopy confirmed the presence of GH in the pituitaries of all groups of animals. Electron microscopy revealed crinophagy in the cytoplasm of GH cells on days 4 and 7. By ultrastructural morphometry, volume density and the diameter of secretory granules in the cytoplasm of GH cells remained unchanged. Blood GH determinations showed a significant decrease on day 4 of the starvation period. On day 7 most of the values were in the range of the controls. Blood prolactin levels fell significantly on day 7. It appears that the pituitary is capable of secreting GH even in rats completely deprived of exogenous nutrients.
Development of Digestive and Absorptive Function in the Human Fetus
Authors: Shmerling D.H.
Published: November 2008

In the mature human newborn infant, only pancreatic α-amylase shows a very low but highly inducible activity. Other digestive enzymes, although not yet at adult levels, increase rapidly with age. Intestinal absorptive functions develop already during early and mid-pregnancy and are mostly at adult levels in the newborn infant. Fat absorption is usually low in the premature infant and increases rapidly during the first month.
Regulation of Blood Pyridoxal Phosphate in Riboflavin Deficiency in Man
Authors: Lakshmi A.V. , Bamji M.S.
Published: November 2008

Synthesis and breakdown of pyridoxal phosphate by erythrocytes were studied in subjects with oral lesions before and after treatment with riboflavin. In vivo conversion of pyridoxine to pyridoxal phosphate as well as in vitro synthesis of pyridoxal phosphate by erythrocytes were lower in subjects with lesions of the mouth and improved markedly after treatment with riboflavin. Erythrocyte phosphatase activity, with pyridoxal phosphate as substrate, was lower in riboflavin-deficient subjects and showed an increase after treatment with riboflavin.
The Comparative Effect of Prolonged Feeding with Raw and Heated Soybean Meal on the Growth Response, Pancreatic Enlargement and Pancreatic Enzymes of Chicks
Authors: Madar Z. , Tencer Y. , Gertler A. , Birk Y.
Published: November 2008

Prolonged feeding of chicks with raw soybean meal as the main protein source in the diet resulted in growth inhibition, pancreas enlargement, and increased content of pancreatic proteolytic enzymes. The effect of feeding with raw soybean meal as compared to heated soybean meal upon total intestinal enzymatic activities in chicks was tested. The tendency of chicks to overcome the effects of raw soybean meal is expressed mainly by the increase of biosynthesis and secretion of proteolytic enzymes in the pancreas.
The Effect of Ventromedial Hypothalamic Lesions on Metabolism and Insulin Secretion in Rats on a Controlled Feeding Regimen
Authors: Hustvedt Bo-Egil , Løvø Arne , Reichl Drago
Published: November 2008

The metabolic effect of ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesions, which are known to cause hyperphagia and obesity, has been studied in rats kept on a controlled light and food regimen. The animals were sacrificed at 4 different times during the second postoperative day. A feeding-induced hypersecretion of insulin was found in the VMH-lesioned animals. It was accompanied by a marked hypoglycemia as compared to the control groups during the feeding period. The glycogen content of liver and diaphragm in the lesioned groups is increased as compared to the controls during the same period. The VMH-lesioned animals showed hypertriglyceridemia both in the fed and fasted state, whereas the postabsorptive plasma levels of free fatty acids and glycerol were decreased. An increased level of urea was observed in all lesioned groups. This is in accordance with the demonstrated protein catabolism which follows VMH lesions.
Body Lipids of Guinea Pigs Exposed to Different Dietary Fats from Mid-Gestation to 3 Months of Age
Authors: Pavey Diana E. , Widdowson Elsie M. , Robinson Paul
Published: November 2008

Pregnant guinea pigs were fed one of three diets: a commercial low-fat diet, or a high-fat diet containing maize oil or beef dripping. The young were killed at birth and the fatty acid composition of the lipids of the liver, plasma, adipose tissue, quadriceps muscle and red cell membranes was determined. Compared with those fed the commercial diet the tissues of the young of mothers fed maize oil had an increased percentage of linoleic acid whereas in those of the young of mothers fed beef dripping, the percentage of oleic acid was significantly higher. These changes occurred both in the triglycerides and in the membrane phospholipids (with the exception of sphingomyelins) of all tissues examined. These results demonstrate that the fatty acid composition of the tissue lipids of the newborn guinea pig can be influenced by the fatty acid composition of the maternal diet. Changes in the fatty acid composition of membrane phospholipids can be as great as those in storage lipids. This raises the question of long-term physiological significance for the animal.
Utilisation of Amino Acids by the Perfused Rat Liver
Authors: Hems D.A. , Davies M.G. , Thomas A.J. , Whitton P.D.
Published: November 2008

Amino acid metabolism has been studied in the perfused rat liver, with a perfusate containing glucose, a mixture of glycerol, lactate and pyruvate, and amino acids at relative concentrations resembling those in normal rats. Most amino acids were utilised by the liver, despite the excess carbohydrate. Branched-chain acids were not released, except in the absence of added amino acids. This finding, and measurements of urea production, suggested that lysis of endogenous protein was not marked. In starved or diabetic rats, utilisation of most amino acids and lysis of endogenous protein was enhanced. During perfusion without added amino acids, a range of amino acids were released into the perfusate, from livers of fed rats, but not from livers of diabetic or starved rats. These results are discussed in terms of the influence of carbohydrate fuels upon amino acid metabolism.
Changes in the Available Methionine and Lysine Content of Isolates and Concentrates of Milk and Plant Proteins
Authors: Kunachowicz Hanna , Pieniążek Danuta , Rakowska Maria
Published: November 2008

The biological value of isolates and concentrates of plant and milk proteins has been determined by the biological (NPU and assay of amino acid availability on the animals) and chemical methods (total amino acid content, content of available methionine and lysine). Reduction in the available methionine and lysine contents of protein isolates was mainly observed. The highest biological value was recorded for milk proteins.
Infant Death and Epidermal Dysplasia Induced by Linoleate Deficiency in Mice
Authors: Kuan-Chyun Cheng , Fisher L.B.
Published: November 2008

Essential fatty acid (EFA; cis-cis linoleic acid) deficiency even for 5 days causes premature infant death in 23-day-old mice. In addition, the EFA deficiency-induced epidermal hyperplasia previously noted has been hereby elucidated as dysplasia probably attributable to several EFA deficiency-incited metabolic and structural alterations.
The Opening Act
Authors: Jin Suk-Won , Patterson Cam
Published: November 2008

Previous studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate vascular development identified key signaling pathways and transcription factors. These findings supported the notion that the formation of vasculature is predominantly regulated by genetic programs, which is generally accepted. However, recent progress in understanding nongenetic factors that can modify the preprogrammed genetic mechanisms added another layer of complexity to our current understanding of vascular development. Here, we briefly summarize historic viewpoints and evolutionary perspectives on vascular development. We also review the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the emergence of the endothelial lineage and the subsequent process of vasculogenesis during development, with an emphasis on vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin signaling cascades. Finally, we discuss epigenetic factors such as hemodynamic forces and hypoxic responses that can modulate and override the predetermined genetic mechanisms of vascular development.
Redox Modification of Ryanodine Receptors Contributes to Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca
2+
Leak in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Terentyev Dmitry , Györke Inna , Belevych Andriy E. , Terentyeva Radmila , Sridhar Arun , Nishijima Yoshinori , Carcache de Blanco Esperanza , Khanna Savita , Sen Chandan K. , Cardounel Arturo J. , Carnes Cynthia A. , Györke Sandor
Published: November 2008

Abnormal cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) function is recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). However, the specific molecular causes underlying RyR2 defects in HF remain poorly understood. In the present study, we used a canine model of chronic HF to test the hypothesis that the HF-related alterations in RyR2 function are caused by posttranslational modification by reactive oxygen species generated in the failing heart. Experimental approaches included imaging of cytosolic ([Ca
2+
]
c
) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) luminal Ca
2+
([Ca
2+
]SR) in isolated intact and permeabilized ventricular myocytes and single RyR2 channel recording using the planar lipid bilayer technique. The ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione, as well as the level of free thiols on RyR2 decreased markedly in failing versus control hearts consistent with increased oxidative stress in HF. RyR2-mediated SR Ca
2+
leak was significantly enhanced in permeabilized myocytes, resulting in reduced [Ca
2+
]
SR
in HF compared to control cells. Both SR Ca
2+
leak and [Ca
2+
]
SR
were partially normalized by treating HF myocytes with reducing agents. Conversely, oxidizing agents accelerated SR Ca
2+
leak and decreased [Ca
2+
]
SR
in cells from normal hearts. Moreover, exposure to antioxidants significantly improved intracellular Ca
2+
-handling parameters in intact HF myocytes. Single RyR2 channel activity was significantly higher in HF versus control because of increased sensitivity to activation by luminal Ca
2+
and was partially normalized by reducing agents through restoring luminal Ca
2+
sensitivity oxidation of control RyR2s enhanced their luminal Ca
2+
sensitivity, thus reproducing the HF phenotype. These findings suggest that redox modification contributes to abnormal function of RyR2s in HF, presenting a potential therapeutic target for treating HF.
The Natural History and Predictive Features of Hemorrhage From Brain Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: da Costa Leodante , Wallace M. Christopher , ter Brugge Karel G. , O'Kelly Cian , Willinsky Robert A. , Tymianski Michael
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

Patients harboring brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are at a lifelong risk for hemorrhagic strokes, but the natural history is poorly understood. We examined the impact of demographic and angiographic features on the likelihood of future hemorrhage.

Methods—

A prospectively accrued database of bAVM patients maintained at the Toronto Western Hospital was analyzed; 678 consecutive, prospectively enrolled bAVM patients were followed for 1931.7 patient-years. The rate of hemorrhage over long-term follow-up was recorded. The impact of baseline clinical and radiographic features and partial treatment on time to hemorrhage were analyzed using survival analysis. Neurological outcome after hemorrhage was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Score.

Results—

Hemorrhage rates were 4.61% per year for the entire cohort (n=678), 7.48% per year for bAVMs with initial hemorrhagic presentation (n=258), 4.16% per year for initial seizure presentation (n=260), 3.99% per year for patients not harboring aneurysms (n=556), 6.93% per year for patients with associated aneurysms (n=122), and 5.42% per year for bAVMs with deep venous drainage (n=365). Hemorrhagic presentation was a significant independent predictor of future hemorrhage (HR, 2.15;
P
<0.01), whereas associated aneurysms (HR, 1.59;
P
=0.07) and deep venous drainage (HR, 1.59;
P
=0.07) showed a trend toward significance. Hemorrhage risk was unchanged in patients who underwent partial arteriovenous malformation embolization (n=211; HR, 0.875;
P
=0.32).

Conclusion—

Brain arteriovenous malformations presenting with hemorrhage, with deep venous drainage, or associated aneurysms have ≈2-fold greater likelihood of a future hemorrhage. Partial treatment by embolization does not alter these risks. This natural history should be taken into account in the treatment strategy.
From Mashantucket to Appomattox: The Native American Veterans of Connecticut's Volunteer Regiments and the Union Navy
Authors: Naumec David J.
Published: November 2008

Due to complex social arrangements among New England Indians and changing perceptions of race, many New Englanders believed that most Indians in the region were “extinct,” while others viewed Indians as “colored men.” At the time of the Civil War, these perceptions allowed many Indian volunteers to cross racial boundaries and serve in both white and colored regiments.
Gender Dependence and Attitudes toward the Distribution of Household Labor
Authors: Kunovich Robert M. , Kunovich Sheri
Published: November 2008

We use comparative and multilevel methods to examine attitudes toward the distribution of household labor in 32 countries. We test hypotheses derived from Baxter and Kane's (1995) gender dependence theory, which suggests complex relationships between societal-level gender dependence, individual-level gender dependence, and gender attitudes. Country-level data are from the United Nations and survey data are from the International Social Survey Programme's 2002 Family and Changing Gender Roles III module. Our analysis is among the first to combine societal and individual indicators of gender dependence using multilevel modeling and to test for cross-level interactions between societal and individual gender dependence. Results provide mixed support for gender dependence theory and suggest several revisions — especially pertaining to men's attitudes.
Foreign Investment and Income Inequality
Authors: Mahutga Matthew C. , Bandelj Nina
Published: November 2008

How does foreign direct investment (FDI) affect income inequality? We bring evidence from the natural experiment of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) to bear on a hotly debated topic. We begin by outlining the literature on the effect of FDI on income inequality, and the serious critiques offered by Firebaugh that raised doubt on previous research. We then discuss the ways in which CEE countries provide a natural experiment with which to contribute to this debate. We estimate a series of fixed effects regression models that relate income inequality to foreign investment and a baseline internal development model. We find that foreign investment has a robust positive effect on income inequality, net of unmeasured heterogeneity across cases, the internal development model, additional controls, and the critiques offered by Firebaugh. Further, we show that the effect is observable over the short term, no matter how FDI is measured. We conclude by directing attention to CEE countries as a historically unique opportunity to gauge the effect of exposure to the world economy on many development outcomes.
How Development Matters
Authors: Viterna Jocelyn , Fallon Kathleen M. , Beckfield Jason
Published: November 2008

Most studies find that the substantial cross-national variation in women's legislative representation is not explained by cross-national differences in socioeconomic development. By contrast, this note demonstrates that economic development does matter. Rather than looking for across-the-board general effects, we follow Matland (1998), and analyze developed and developing nations separately. We find that accepted explanations fit rich nations better than poor nations, and obscure the effects of democracy on women's representation in the developing world. We call for new theoretical models that better explain women's political representation within developing nations, and we suggest that democracy should be central to future models.
Factors Affecting Union Decline in 18 OECD Countries and their Implications for Labor Movement Reform
Authors: Sano Joelle , Williamson John B.
Published: November 2008

In recent years, researchers have given much attention to union density decline in industrialized countries. While several have asked whether this decline can be attributed to specific economic, social, or institutional causes, few have provided concrete suggestions about how cross-national studies in this genre can inform efforts that seek to reverse this decline in the United States. This study uses cross-sectional time-series analysis of a pooled sample of 18 OECD countries from 1980 to 2005 to consider the effect of the business cycle, domestic institutions, globalization, and strike activity on union density. We identify interaction with the variable `Traditional Union Density' and utilize findings on corporatism, collective bargaining, globalization, and inflation to make suggestions for those working to reverse union decline in the US.
Investigation of 3D Moisture Diffusion Coefficients and Damage in a Pultruded E-glass/Polyester Structural Composite
Authors: Post N.L. , Riebel F. , Zhou A. , Keller T. , Case S.W. , Lesko J.J.
Published: November 2008

As civil engineers seek to improve buildings and bridges, they are turning to composite materials for some structural components. Thus the long-term life of these materials in damp highly acidic conditions (from concrete pore solutions) is critical. This article presents a study of moisture ingression and damage in a pultruded compression element under exposure to pore solution. The goal was to experimentally find the orthotropic diffusion coefficients for pore solution in the composite material and to evaluate the damage in the composite using SEM. A method for calculating 3D diffusion coefficients based on weight measurements by selectively sealing some surfaces against moisture ingression was successfully employed. This research extends the application of the 3D diffusion solution developed by Pierron et al. [3] to selectively sealed specimens of fixed dimension. The Arrhenius equation was then used to model the diffusion coefficients with respect to temperature. For the first time, sequential SEM images were performed in the same location before and after specimen exposure in an attempt to identify damage development separately from initial damage. These images showed little if any change in specimens exposed at room temperature over the first 19 days: however, characteristically different damage was notable at elevated temperature and for a specimen exposed for 650 days.
Mechanical Self-adaptability of a SiC/PyC/SiC Composite During Oxidation in Air
Authors: Laifei Cheng  , Shoujun Wu  , Litong Zhang  , Yongdong Xu
Published: November 2008

An oxidation test for three-dimensional (3D) SiC/PyC/SiC composite with CVD SiC coating was performed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in simulated air at temperatures ranging from 600 to 1100°C. After oxidation, the mechanical properties were evaluated by a three-point flexural test. Effects of oxidation on mechanical properties of the composite were investigated by comparing the strength and failure behaviors as well as the morphologies examination. The results showed that the failure of the as-received composite was rather brittle while that of the oxidized composite showed a non-brittle pattern. Combining the oxidation analysis with a mechanical test, the result indicated that a certain extended oxidation of the PyC interphase led to an increased toughness without strength degradation due to improved interphase bonding in the SiC/PyC/SiC, namely, the composite showed mechanical self-adaptability with improved strength and toughness. The amount and length of fiber pull-out in the as-received composites were much smaller in comparison with those of oxidized composites.
Semantic Representation of Tourism on the Internet
Authors: Xiang Zheng , Gretzel Ulrike , Fesenmaier Daniel R.
Published: November 2008

With the huge amount of information available on the Internet and the increasing importance of online search, understanding the tourism domain is essential for effective online marketing. This study focuses on the semantic representation of the tourism domain with respect to information provided on tourism-related Web sites and travelers' information needs as expressed through search engine queries. The results show that huge discrepancies exist between the domain ontology derived from tourism Web sites and the one emerging from user queries. This study offers useful insights into the challenge of representing tourism products and services through Web sites and provides directions for developing Internet-based systems that can better support travel planning.
Institutional Activism Types and CEO Compensation: A Time-Series Analysis of Large Canadian Corporations †
Authors: Chowdhury Shamsud D. , Wang Eric Zengxiang
Published: November 2008

Using data from the Toronto Stock Exchange 300 companies for a 7-year period, the authors examine the role that institutional activism types and three salient board monitoring mechanisms— CEO/board chair split, board composition, and compensation committee independence—play in influencing CEO contingent compensation in Canada. The authors find that the effect of institutional activism, especially proxy based, is stronger on contingent CEO compensation and that its effects span a longer time. As opposed to the interactions of cumulative proxy-based activism with any of the three monitoring mechanisms, the interactions of cumulative non-proxy-based activism with both CEO/board chair split and compensation committee independence appear to influence CEO contingent compensation. The study's implications are given.
The Nature of Organizational Mechanisms
Authors: Pajunen Kalle
Published: November 2008

One of the basic objectives in organization research is to examine how some organizational occurrence or outcome comes about or, even more fundamentally, to explain how things work. I argue that we can shed more light on these issues by examining the mechanisms driving the organizational processes. In this article I attempt to elucidate the nature of organizational mechanisms, thereby providing a coherent explanatory foundation for process research and processual research strategies. In order to illustrate the nature of mechanisms and explanations by mechanisms, a case study of the organizational decline and failure process of the Finnish conglomerate Tampella is reported.
The Role of Meetings in the Social Practice of Strategy
Authors: Jarzabkowski Paula , Seidl David
Published: November 2008

This article addresses the recent turn in strategy research to practice-based theorizing. Based on a data set of 51 meeting observations, the article examines how strategy meetings are involved in either stabilizing existing strategic orientations or proposing variations that cumulatively generate change in strategic orientations. Eleven significant structuring characteristics of strategy meetings are identified and examined with regard to their potential for stabilizing or destabilizing existing strategic orientations. Based on a taxonomy of meeting structures, we explain three typical evolutionary paths through which variations emerge, are maintained and developed, and are selected or de-selected. The findings make four main contributions. First, they contribute to the literature on strategy-as-practice by explaining how the practice of meetings is related to consequential strategic outcomes. Second, they contribute to the literature on organizational becoming by demonstrating the role of meetings in shaping stability and change. Third, they extend and elaborate the concept of meetings as strategic episodes. Fourth, they contribute to the literature on garbage can models of strategy-making.
Engaging With Issues of Cultural Diversity and Discrimination Through Critical Emotional Reflexivity in Online Learning
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos
Published: November 2008

The purposes of this article are to describe the adult learners' emotional experiences as a result of engaging with issues of cultural diversity and discrimination, and to interrogate the ways in which critical emotional reflexivity emerges in the online format. The analysis is done in the context of an online course on diversity, inequality, and multicultural education; this course is part of a distance education master's level program in Educational Studies and the participants are primary and secondary school teachers. The findings provide evidence of (a) how adult learners respond and constantly negotiate their learning practices and the ways they feel about cultural diversity and discrimination, and highlight the different ways in which they reflect critically on their understanding of cultural/ethnic/social differences; (b) how online learning, contrary to popular belief, can be a useful medium to express difficult emotions related to racism, prejudice, and discrimination.
Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development in Silicon Valley
Authors: Squazzoni Flaminio
Published: November 2008

Social entrepreneurs are playing a pivotal role in promoting intersector initiatives to address economic and social challenges in regions and local communities. This generates social capital to support an initiative-oriented collaboration framework among participants and across sectors. Such intersectoral initiatives are of paramount importance for the capacity of a region/community to set up innovative solutions to socioeconomic problems from the bottom-up, going beyond the limits of markets and government institutions. This is increasingly happening not only in depressed but also in developed regions and communities, such as Silicon Valley. This article reports on the Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network, a nonprofit organization launched in 1992 to promote a series of intersectoral initiatives at the edge of the economy, society, and environment in Silicon Valley.
Etiopathogenesis of Parkinson Disease: A New Beginning?
Authors: Weidong Le  , Shen Chen  , Jankovic Joseph
Published: November 2008

Parkinson disease (PD) probably represents a syndrome of different disorders and origins converging into a relatively uniform neurodegenerative process. Although clinical-pathological studies have suggested that the presymptomatic phase of PD may be relatively short, perhaps less than a decade, the authors postulate that the pathogenic mechanisms may begin much earlier, possibly even in the prenatal period. Thus, some patients with PD may be born with a fewer than normal number of dopaminergic (and nondopaminergic) neurons as a result of genetic or other abnormalities sustained during the prenatal or perinatal period; as a result of normal age-related neuronal attrition, they eventually reach the critical threshold (60% or more) of neuronal loss needed for onset of PD to become clinically manifest. The authors review the emerging evidence that genetic disruption of normal development, coupled with subsequent environmental factors (the so called multiple-hit hypothesis), plays an important role in the etiopathogenesis of PD.
Getting Out of Harm's Way
Authors: Morash Merry , Bui Hoan , Andersen Tia S , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2008

The study identifies predictors of women's remaining entangled in abusive relationships. The sample includes 57 women in one Vietnamese American enclave. Women's beliefs in maintaining an intact family, patriarchal decision making, and fear of their partners characterized women remaining. To a lesser extent, seeking help from a variety of places characterized women who escaped, and concern with achieving important goals, number of children, financial dependence, lack of support, and legal marriage characterized women who remained. Discussion centers on how social and legal services can meet the unique needs of women with circumstances similar to those who participated in the study.
Male-on-Male Rape of an Adult Man: A Case Review and Implications for Interventions
Authors: Willis Danny G.
Published: November 2008

Male-on-male rape is a critical and timely topic for mental health nurses as they continue to improve their value to society. Only recently have scholars begun to address adult male sexual assault and rape survivorship. A reality for some of the men mental health nurses encounter in practice, male sexual assault and rape causes despair and suffering for which mental health nurses can help facilitate health and healing. As illustrated in a case review of male-on-male rape and selected literature, quality humanistic interpersonal relationships are deemed important for the survivor's health. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc, 2009; 14(6), 454-461.
Effects of Test-Taking Strategy Instruction on High-Functioning Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Songlee Dalhee , Miller Susan P. , Tincani Matt , Sileo Nancy M. , Perkins Peggy G.
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of teaching the Test-Taking Strategy to high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through an intensive after-school program. Four secondary students participated in the study (i.e., one 11th, one 10th, one 8th, and one 6th grader). A multiple-probe design with four phases (i.e., baseline, instruction, generalization, maintenance) was used to measure the effects of the test-taking instruction. The results of this study showed that high-functioning adolescents with ASD can successfully acquire, generalize, and maintain the use of a comprehensive test-taking strategy. In addition, both participants' and their parents' satisfaction related to the test-taking instruction was high.
Effects of Verbal Cues Versus Pictorial Cues on the Transfer of Stimulus Control for Children With Autism
Authors: West Elizabeth Anne
Published: November 2008

The author examined the transfer of stimulus control from instructor assistance to verbal cues and pictorial cues. The intent was to determine whether it is easier to transfer stimulus control to one form of cue or the other. No studies have conducted such comparisons to date; however, literature exists to suggest that visual cues may be preferred. An adapted alternating treatment design within a multiple baseline design across subjects was used in this investigation to compare effects when teaching two functional skills to four young students with autism. Results indicate that it is more efficient to achieve transfer of stimulus control from instructor assistance to pictorial cues for three of the participants.
Slain and Slandered
Authors: Taylor Rae
Published: November 2008

The present study is a content analysis of crime news to determine how femicide victims are portrayed by a Florida metropolitan newspaper. The analysis consisted of 292 domestic homicide-related articles published by one newspaper from 1995 to 2000. The data were analyzed to determine effects on newsworthiness, context revealed, and patterns of victim blame. A dichotomy concerning victim blame emerged from the analysis, suggesting victims are blamed directly and indirectly for their own femicides. Direct tactics include using negative language to describe the victim, highlighting her choices not to report past incidences, and portraying her actions with other men as contributing to her murder. Indirect tactics include using sympathetic language to describe the perpetrator; emphasizing the perpetrator's mental, physical, emotional, and financial problems; highlighting the victim's mental or physical problems; and describing domestic violence in terms that assign equal blame to both partners.
Duration of an Intervention's Impact on Perceived Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Quillin John Martin , McClish Donna K. , Jones Resa M. , Wilson Diane B. , Tracy Kelly A. , Bowen Deborah , Borzelleca Joseph , Bodurtha Joann N.
Published: November 2008

This study explored risk perceptions after breast cancer risk appraisal. The study involved a randomized trial of Women's Health clinic patients (≥ 40 years old). Primary outcome was perceived breast cancer risk at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, and 18 months. Perceived breast cancer risks were higher than actual calculated risks at baseline. At baseline, 45% reported moderate/strong risk and 43% reported lower-than-average risk; 53% said that their risk was lower than 15%. Mean perceived lifetime risk was 31 out of 100. Throughout follow-up, the treatment group reported lower risks by all measures, as compared to controls. However, for African American women, perceived risk “out of 100 women” did not change. A brief health risk appraisal tends to lower breast cancer risk perceptions for at least 18 months, but the impact may vary by race/ethnicity. These findings could affect health behaviors, such as annual mammograms, which are influenced by perceived risk.
Adding a Time-Series Design Element to the Success Case Method to Improve Methodological Rigor
Authors: Coryn Chris L. S. , Schröter Daniela C. , Hanssen Carl E.
Published: November 2008

Brinkerhoff's Success Case Method (SCM) was developed with the specific purpose of assessing the impact of organizational interventions (e.g., training and coaching) on business goals by analyzing extreme groups using case study techniques and storytelling. As an efficient and cost-effective method of evaluative inquiry, SCM is attractive in other contexts as well, although few examples of such uses are to be found in the published literature. However, modifications of the SCM concept and design are sometimes necessary for implementing the approach in nonprofit environments where business goals are not necessarily an explicit objective. This method note demonstrates how SCM was modified and extended to a social service context, in which the program evaluated was aimed at reducing chronic homelessness and unemployment. Modifications included defining success in a nonprofit setting and adding a time-series element to the design features of traditional SCM to increase methodological rigor.
Shared Perceptions Among Lesbian and Gay Police Officers
Authors: Colvin Roddrick
Published: November 2008

Building on existing race- and sex-based research into the law enforcement workplace, this study examines differential treatment of lesbian and gay officers. A survey of 66 police officers revealed that lesbian and gay officers not only face barriers to equal employment opportunities similar to those faced by women and other minorities in law enforcement but also perceive some workplace benefits as lesbian or gay officers. The research suggests that police departments have made good strides in opening the law enforcement workforce but continue to face ongoing challenges in creating fair, diverse, and representative work environments for lesbian and gay officers. Policy implications as well as the organizational effects of both barriers and opportunities identified are discussed.
Sexual Violence Against Women and Children in Chinese Societies
Authors: Ko Ling Chan
Published: November 2008

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the reported patterns of sexual violence against women and children in China. It reviews the prevalence of and risk factors for various types of sexual violence and discusses community knowledge and perceptions of these violent acts. It also critically examines three major problems of sexual violence research in China. First, the diversity of findings and study methods reported by surveys and criminal reports reflects the problems in obtaining accurate figures on the scope of the problem. Second, precautions must be taken in reading studies on Chinese culture-specific risk factors for domestic violence. Third, the study of culture-specific factors should not focus solely on cultural factors in a vacuum but rather, should examine traditional culture in the context of modern societies and consensus international standards of human rights. Recommendations for future research are also discussed.
An insulator with barrier-element activity promotes α-spectrin gene expression in erythroid cells
Authors: Gallagher Patrick G. , Nilson Douglas G. , Steiner Laurie A. , Maksimova Yelena D. , Lin Jolinta Y. , Bodine David M.
Published: November 2008

Understanding mechanisms controlling expression of the α-spectrin gene is important for understanding erythropoiesis, membrane biogenesis, and spectrin-linked hemolytic anemia. We showed previously that a minimal α-spectrin promoter directed low levels of expression only in early erythroid development, indicating elements outside the promoter are required for expression in adult erythrocytes. Addition of noncoding exon 1′ and intron 1′ conferred a 10-fold increase in activity in reporter gene assays. In this report, we used a transgenic mouse model to show that addition of exon 1′ and intron 1′ to the α-spectrin promoter conferred tissue-specific expression of a linked Aγ-globin gene in erythroid cells at all developmental stages. Expression was nearly position-independent, as 21 of 23 lines expressed the transgene, and γ-globin protein was present in 100% of erythrocytes, indicating uniform expression. Additional in vivo studies revealed that exon 1′ functions as an insulator with barrier-element activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that this region was occupied by the upstream stimulatory factors 1/2 (USF1/USF2), similar to the well-characterized chicken HS4 insulator. These data identify the first barrier element described in an erythrocyte membrane protein gene and indicate that exon 1′ and intron 1′ are excellent candidate regions for mutations in patients with spectrin-linked hemolytic anemia.
IL-7 sustains CD31 expression in human naive CD4+ T cells and preferentially expands the CD31+ subset in a PI3K-dependent manner
Authors: Azevedo Rita I. , Soares Maria Vieira D. , Barata João T. , Tendeiro Rita , Serra-Caetano Ana , Victorino Rui M. M. , Sousa Ana E.
Published: November 2008

The CD31+ subset of human naive CD4+ T cells is thought to contain the population of cells that have recently emigrated from the thymus, while their CD31− counterparts have been proposed to originate from CD31+ cells after homeostatic cell division. Naive T-cell maintenance is known to involve homeostatic cytokines such as interleukin-7 (IL-7). It remains to be investigated what role this cytokine has in the homeostasis of naive CD4+ T-cell subsets defined by CD31 expression. We provide evidence that IL-7 exerts a preferential proliferative effect on CD31+ naive CD4+ T cells from adult peripheral blood compared with the CD31− subset. IL-7–driven proliferation did not result in loss of CD31 expression, suggesting that CD31+ naive CD4+ T cells can undergo cytokine-driven homeostatic proliferation while preserving CD31. Furthermore, IL-7 sustained or increased CD31 expression even in nonproliferating cells. Both proliferation and CD31 maintenance were dependent on the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Taken together, our data suggest that during adulthood CD31+ naive CD4+ T cells are maintained by IL-7 and that IL-7–based therapies may exert a preferential effect on this population.
Age and acute myeloid leukemia: real world data on decision to treat and outcomes from the Swedish Acute Leukemia Registry
Authors: Juliusson Gunnar , Antunovic Petar , Derolf Åsa , Lehmann Sören , Möllgård Lars , Stockelberg Dick , Tidefelt Ulf , Wahlin Anders , Höglund Martin
Published: November 2008

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is most common in the elderly, and most elderly are thought to be unfit for intensive treatment because of the risk of fatal toxicity. The Swedish Acute Leukemia Registry covers 98% of all patients with AML (nonacute promyelocytic leukemia) diagnosed in 1997 to 2005 (n = 2767), with a median follow-up of 5 years, and reports eligibility for intensive therapy, performance status (PS), complete remission rates, and survival. Outcomes were strongly age and PS dependent. Early death rates were always lower with intensive therapy than with palliation only. Long-term survivors were found among elderly given intensive treatment despite poor initial PS. Total survival of elderly AML patients was better in the geographic regions where most of them were given standard intensive therapy. This analysis provides unique real world data from a large, complete, and unselected AML population, both treated and untreated, and gives background to treatment decisions for the elderly. Standard intensive treatment improves early death rates and long-term survival compared with palliation. Most AML patients up to 80 years of age should be considered fit for intensive therapy, and new therapies must be compared with standard induction.
Differential impact ofl-arginine deprivation on the activation and effector functions of T cells and macrophages
Authors: Choi B-S , Martinez-Falero I Clara , Corset C , Munder M , Modolell M , Müller I , Kropf P
Published: November 2008

The metabolism of the amino acid l-arginine is emerging as a crucial mechanism for the regulation of immune responses. Here, we characterized the impact of l-arginine deprivation on T cell and macrophage (MΦ) effector functions: We show that whereas l-arginine is required unconditionally for T cell activation, MΦ can up-regulate activation markers and produce cytokines and chemokines in the absence of l-arginine. Furthermore, we show that l-arginine deprivation does not affect the capacity of activated MΦ to up-regulate l-arginine-metabolizing enzymes such as inducible NO synthase and arginase 1. Thus, our results show that to exert their effector functions, T cells and MΦ have different requirements for l-arginine.
A comparison between Gauss-Newton and Markov-chain Monte Carlo–based methods for inverting spectral induced-polarization data for Cole-Cole parameters
Authors: Chen Jinsong , Kemna Andreas , Hubbard Susan S.
Published: November 2008

We have developed a Bayesian model to invert spectral induced-polarization (SIP) data for Cole-Cole parameters using Markov-chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling methods. We compared the performance of the MCMC-based stochastic method with an iterative Gauss-Newton-based deterministic method for Cole-Cole parameter estimation through inversion of synthetic and laboratory SIP data. The Gauss-Newton-based method can provide an optimal solution for given objective functions under constraints, but the obtained optimal solution generally depends on the choice of initial values and the estimated uncertainty information often is inaccurate or insufficient. In contrast, the MCMC-based inversion method provides extensive globalinformation on unknown parameters, such as the marginal probability distribution functions, from which we can obtain better estimates and tighter uncertainty bounds of the parameters than with the deterministic method. In addition, the results obtained with the MCMC method are independent of the choice of initial values. Because the MCMC-based method does not explicitly offer a single optimal solution for given objective functions, the deterministic and stochastic methods can complement each other. For example, the stochastic method can be used first to obtain the medians of unknown parameters by starting from an arbitrary set of initial values. The deterministic method then can be initiated using the medians as starting values to obtain the optimal estimates of the Cole-Cole parameters.
Depth-time correction of petroleum bottom-hole temperatures in the Po Plain, Italy
Authors: Pasquale V. , Chiozzi P. , Gola G. , Verdoya M.
Published: November 2008

We have analyzed a wide set of time-temperature data from petroleum wells in two areas of the Po Plain, Italy, and propose empirical temperature corrections for mud circulation. Formation thermal parameters and the temperature dependence of thermal conductivity are taken into account. Analyses show that formation equilibrium temperatures computed with the Horner method compare well with those obtained by the Cooper and Jones method, which gives, on average, temperatures lower by only [Formula: see text] for shut-in times less than [Formula: see text]. The corrected temperatures compared with temperatures measured during drillstem tests show that the proposed corrections are relatively accurate. The two data sets give coherent results, and the inferred average geothermal gradient is [Formula: see text] in the Apenninic buried arc area and [Formula: see text] in the South Piedmont Basin–Pedealpine homocline area. The Horner slope data as a function of depth are then fitted with a second-order polynomial, and depth-time-correction equations are calibrated for the two areas. Finally, we propose an empirical function for the estimate of the mud-circulation time, which is often unavailable.