bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Another Look at the Achievement Gap
Authors: Ford Donna Y. , Grantham Tarek C. , Whiting Gilman W.
Published: February 2008

Many studies have been conducted on the achievement gap, with most findings pointing to how school and family variables affect Black students' achievement. Another body of work focuses on how social variables (i.e., peers) impact Black students' achievement, including how accusations of “acting White” affect the performance of Black students and contribute to the achievement gap. The current descriptive and exploratory study extends this work by examining peer pressure among Black students identified as gifted ( n = 166). As part of a larger study, gifted Black 5th through 12th graders were surveyed regarding their achievement-related attitudes and behaviors and perceptions of “acting White” and “acting Black.” Many of the gifted Black students demonstrate an attitude-behavior discrepancy, face negative peer pressures, and attribute acting White to school achievement, intelligence, and positive school behaviors and attitudes; most attribute acting Black to negative school achievement, low intelligence, and poor behaviors and attitudes. Recommendations are provided.
Factors Affecting Urban African American High School Students' Achievement in Reading
Authors: Flowers Tiffany A. , Flowers Lamont A.
Published: February 2008

Data analyzed from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 indicate that the reading achievement of urban African American high school students is positively influenced by the amount of hours spent doing homework and by parents' expectations of their child's future educational attainment. Implications for practice and research are provided.
How Readily Does Ketorolac Penetrate Cerebrospinal Fluid in Children?
Authors: Kumpulainen Elina , Kokki Hannu , Laisalmi Merja , Heikkinen Marja , Savolainen Jouko , Rautio Jarkko , Lehtonen Marko
Published: February 2008

Ketorolac is a potent nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory analgesic used in postoperative pain management. Ketorolac elicits its analgesic action by inhibiting the cyclo‐oxygenase enzyme in peripheral tissues and in the spinal cord. Central nervous system penetration of parenteral ketorolac has been evaluated in adults but not in children. In the present study we investigated ketorolac cerebrospinal fluid penetration via spinal anesthesia in 30 healthy children undergoing surgery in the lower part of the body. A single cerebrospinal fluid and blood sample was obtained between 11 minutes and 6 hours after receiving ketorolac 0.5 mgṁkg−1 IV. Ketorolac concentrations were determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. Ketorolac was detected from 22 of the 30 cerebrospinal fluid samples, and the concentrations ranged between 0.2 and 7.6 μgṁL−1 (median, 0.6 μgṁL−1). The cerebrospinal fluid to unbound plasma concentration‐ratio ranged between 0.01 and 0.69 (median, 0.08). These low concentrations indicate that ketorolac does not readily penetrate cerebrospinal fluid in children.
Cumulative Disadvantage and Black-White Disparities in Life-Course Health Trajectories
Authors: Shuey Kim M. , Willson Andrea E.
Published: February 2008

In this study, the authors use longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and growth curve models to examine the utility of the concept of cumulative disadvantage as an explanation for race differences in life-course health (self-rated) in the United States. The authors ask whether socioeconomic resources equally benefit the health of Blacks and Whites, or if Whites receive higher rates of return to resources across the life course. The authors find that the relationship differs depending on the indicator of socioeconomic status that is examined. Education does not offer the same advantages for the health of Blacks as it does for Whites, particularly at higher levels of education, and this is compounded with age. In contrast, returns to income and wealth are similar for Blacks and Whites, and these resources remain equally important to protecting the health of Blacks and Whites across the life course. Over time, Blacks are at an increasing health disadvantage relative to Whites, a result that is not attenuated by educational attainment.
Race, Gender, and SES Disparities in Self-Assessed Health, 1974-2004
Authors: Cummings Jason L. , Braboy Jackson Pamela
Published: February 2008

Despite improvements in the status of Blacks and women over the past 30 years, racial and gender disparities in mortality and morbidity persist. Using General Social Survey (GSS) data from 1974 to 2004, the authors explore the extent to which race, gender, and socioeconomic status converge to produce differences in self-assessed health. The intersectionality paradigm is used to guide this work on health disparities. The authors find that the gender gap in self-assessed health has narrowed significantly over this 30-year time period. This decreased gap is especially pronounced because of the marked improvement over time in Black women's reports of their health. However, Black women continue to report the lowest levels of self-assessed health even in 2004. In fact, Black women who hold a college degree report worse health than White men, White women, and Black men with a high school diploma.
Lifers on the Outside
Authors: Robbers Monica L. P.
Published: February 2008

This article examines the effects of labeling though informal and formal sanctions on sex offender reintegration, using qualitative analysis from a probability sample of 153 registered sex offenders in four counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It also provides an overview of sex offender legislation and literature. Results of the study indicate that the majority of respondents experienced negative treatment because of their status as a sex offender. Results also indicate that formal and informal sanctions are stifling opportunities for sex offenders to be fully reintegrated into society and that treatment programs are not as effective as they could be. Implications for sex offender policy and further research are discussed.
Human Rights, Ethical Principles, and Standards in Forensic Psychology
Authors: Ward Tony , Gannon Theresa , Vess Jim
Published: February 2008

Human rights create a protective zone around persons and allow them the opportunity to further their valued personal projects without interference from others. This article considers the relationship between human rights and the general ethical principles and standards contained in the American Psychological Association's (APA's) code of ethics as applied to the forensic domain. First, it analyzes the concept of human rights, their structure, and their justification. Second, it briefly describes the APA's most recent code of ethics and the principles and standards that compose it. Third, it concludes by explicitly examining the relationship between the present human rights model and the APA's code, demonstrating how it is able to provide an additional ethical resource for forensic practitioners in their clinical work and so deepen their ethical sensibilities and decision making. Finally, the article presents a case study and discusses the human rights issues confronting practitioners inherent in such situations.
Life among the Subecon: The Pon Farr and Koon Ut Kal If Ee Rituals
Authors: Horn Robert N. , Jerome Robert T. , Terkun Kristina
Published: February 2008

Since the publication of Axel Leijonhufvud's classic “Life among the Econ,” anthropological interest in the species Econ has waned. Unfortunately, one of the omissions from his analysis was a study of life among the tribes to which the unsuccessful grads were exiled. This article looks at the ritual of expulsion from the perspective of the outcast tribes ( subecon) into which the new outcasts seek asylum. The ritual of accepting these new subecon into a new tribe spurs a long and mysterious process in which the basic tenet of the Econ rationality is replaced with what can only be likened to the pon farr and koon ut kal if ee of the Vulcan mating ritual. JEL Classification: A11, A13
In search of second modernity: reinterpreting reflexive modernization in the context of multiple modernities
Authors: Lee Raymond L.M.
Published: February 2008

Ulrich Beck's contention that first modernity has metamorphosed into second or reflexive modernity is an attempt at explaining social change in Europe at the meta-level. This explanation involves raising the issues of contingency and boundaries to distinguish second from first modernity. A critique of these issues and their assumptions suggests an attempt to reinvent modernity without considering its shifting centre. It is argued that second modernity cannot be discussed in isolation from developments in the non-European world that have given rise to the concept of multiple modernities.
Trust in food in modern and late-modern societies
Authors: BildtgÅrd Torbjörn
Published: February 2008

This article investigates the way mainstream social theories of trust can help us understand how trust in food is produced and maintained in modern and late- or postmodern societies. In the first section, the author identifies and discusses three theoretical bases for trust in food: emotional, habitual and reflexive trust. He puts a particular emphasis on habitual trust, and explores four different bases for habitual trust — community, rational organization, policy and systems of knowledge — discussing their importance for trust in food. In the second section, the author examines how these bases come together to produce trust in food in traditional, modern and late- or postmodern societies, respectively. Finally, Bildtgård argues that certification schemes can be perceived as a technique for producing trust in food that is particularly well suited to late-modern/postmodern societies.
Prediction of Women's Utilization of Resistance Strategies in a Sexual Assault Situation
Authors: Gidycz Christine A. , Van Wynsberghe Amy , Edwards Katie M.
Published: February 2008

The present study prospectively explored the predictors of resistance strategies to a sexual assault situation. Participants were assessed at the beginning of an academic quarter on a number of variables, including past history of sexual victimization, perceived risk of sexual victimization, and intentions to use specific types of resistance strategies. Only women who reported being victimized over the interim ( N = 68) were included in the analyses, which suggested that women's Time 1 intentions to utilize assertive resistance strategies (e.g., physically fight, run away) and offender aggression predicted women's use of assertive resistance strategies in response to the assault that occurred over the follow-up. Women's utilization of nonforceful verbal resistance (e.g., reason, plead, quarrel) was predicted by perpetrator aggression and previous sexual victimization. Women's immobility (e.g., turn cold, freeze) during the assault that took place over the interim was predicted by experiences of childhood sexual victimization and previous sexual victimization.
Prospects for Women's Legislative Representation in Postsocialist Europe
Authors: Galligan Yvonne , Clavero Sara
Published: February 2008

Research on women's political representation in postsocialist Europe has highlighted the role of cultural and political factors in obstructing women's access to legislative power, such as the prevalence of traditional gender stereotypes, electoral systems, and the absence of a feminist movement. Yet, the role of women political elites in enhancing or hindering women's access to political power in the region has so far remained uncharted. This article seeks to fill some of the existing gaps in this literature by examining the views of women politicians with regard to women's political underrepresentation and their assessments of strategies for redressing this imbalance. Findings from the analysis reveal that although women politicians recognize gender inequalities in representation as a problem requiring intervention, how the problem is perceived, and the preferred measures to deal with it, is largely shaped by the social and cultural context in which these actors are embedded.
Women Inventors in Context
Authors: Whittington Kjersten Bunker , Smith-Doerr Laurel
Published: February 2008

Explanations of productivity differences between men and women in science tend to focus on the academic sector and the individual level. This article examines how variation in organizational logic affects sex differences in scientists' commercial productivity, as measured by patenting. Using detailed data from a sample of academic and industrial life scientists working in the United States, the authors present multivariate regression models of scientific patenting. The data show that controlling for education- and career-history variables, women are less likely to patent than men. However, in biotechnology firms—industrial settings characterized by flatter, more flexible, network-based organizational structures— women scientists are more likely to become patent-holding inventors than in more hierarchically arranged organizational settings in industry or academia. The authors discuss how the organization of scientists'work settings may influence enduring disparities between men and women in science and the implications of these findings for future work.
What We Should and Should Not Learn From the Japanese and Other East Asian Education Systems
Authors: Jeynes William
Published: February 2008

The author argues that there is an ongoing debate among educators concerning the extent to which American educators can learn from East Asian school systems. Some social scientists argue that cultural differences make this impossible. Others argue that there are many ways that Americans can benefit. The author believes that both sides of this debate have a point. He therefore encourages educators to take a middle road. Learning from East Asian education systems is somewhat facilitated because in a number of respects, they were strongly and deliberately modeled after the Western educational rubric. Americans, in particular, were often at the forefront of developing East Asian education systems from the 1870s to the 1950s. However, there are cultural differences that limit the extent to which the United States can transfer various aspects of the East Asian rubrics. Therefore, the author provides guidance on what that middle road might be.
A Clash of Civilizations? The Influence of Religion on Public Opinion of U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East
Authors: Baumgartner Jody C , Francia Peter L. , Morris Jonathan S.
Published: February 2008

The authors argue in this study that religious beliefs play a significant role in predicting American public opinion on foreign policy issues in the Middle East. Their findings reveal that Evangelical Christians have remained strong supporters of a hawkish foreign policy toward the Middle East, even as overall public support for the Iraq War declines. They also find that Evangelicals are among the strongest supporters of Israel and hold more negative views of Islam than others. These results reinforce the growing importance of the “faith factor” in public opinion and American politics as a whole.
The Kennedy Experiment Revisited
Authors: Etzioni Amitai
Published: February 2008

Many of the critical issues and conflicts in international relations today bear a significant resemblance to the geopolitical circumstances that led to the development of a theorem the author published in these pages forty years ago. This theorem points toward a course of (1) unilateral, (2) reciprocal, and (3) symbolic actions between mutually mistrustful agents as the best road to travel toward the possibility of “normal” negotiations. Looking back at the events of 1962—1963, the author finds (as he found in his article forty years ago) that the unilateral-reciprocal approach led to reduced tensions between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Although his theorem has received the kind of varied and relevant observations those who formulate theorems aspire to, the author regrets that there have been very few attempts to apply this theorem to subsequent international conflicts as a tension-reducing tactic.
Commentary on Emmy E. Werner's 1968 Article, “Women in the State Legislatures”
Authors: Carroll Susan J.
Published: February 2008

This commentary examines the contributions of Emmy W. Werner's classic article to the study of women and politics and to knowledge about women in state legislatures, placing the article in the context of its time and highlighting its continuing relevance.
Reflections on Carol F. Goss's 1972 Article, “Military Committee Membership and Defense-related Benefits in the House of Representatives”
Authors: LeLoup Lance T.
Published: February 2008

Political science in the 1970s was influenced by the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Many scholars were concerned with the failure to end the war and the rising levels of defense spending in the face of pressing domestic needs. Only a dozen years earlier, President Dwight Eisenhower warned about the excessive power of the “military—industrial complex.” As the Vietnam War was winding down, many Americans had a lingering suspicion that military spending was as much about economic benefits at home as the assertion of American power abroad. Also by the early 1970s, studies of Congress were changing theoretically and methodologically. By the 1970s, congressional scholars were using more sophisticated quantitative methods and beginning to use instrumental rationality as a basis of theory. All of these trends are reflected in the article published by Carol F. Goss in June of 1972 titled, “Military Committee Membership and Defense-related Benefits in the House of Representatives.”
The Two Faces of Government Spending
Authors: Goren Paul
Published: February 2008

Scholars have known for some time that attitudes toward federal spending on welfare are shaped by racial antipathies. Are attitudes toward spending on nonwelfare social programs similarly grounded? This article explores the dimensionality of spending attitudes and the extent to which they are rooted in stereotypical beliefs about blacks. Analysis of data from the 1992, 1996, and 2000 National Election Studies demonstrates that whites' attitudes toward welfare spending and social spending are structured in two-dimensional terms and that stereotypical beliefs about the work ethic of blacks systematically constrain their welfare attitudes and do not affect attitudes toward other social programs.
Point-of-Care Platelet Function Testing
Authors: Harle Christopher C.
Published: February 2008

Cardiopulmonary bypass has unpredictably deleterious effects on platelet function. Patients with cardiovascular disease have treatments aimed at reducing platelet aggregation and are at risk of excessive bleeding during surgery. Transfusion of blood products, particularly platelets, probably causes increased morbidity and mortality. Conversely, patients with excessive platelet aggregation are at risk of thrombotic complications—undesirable outcomes in the context of myocardial revascularization and prevention of stroke. Platelet function is difficult to monitor. Laboratory tests take time, and the results are not immediately available. Point-of-care (POC) testing of platelet function should facilitate the clinical management of bleeding patients by rationalizing platelet transfusion and avoiding unnecessary transfusion. Furthermore, POC platelet function could alert the clinician to risks of excessive platelet activation and measure the efficacy of antiplatelet therapy. This article outlines some of the POC platelet function monitors available as well as their potential applications.
Focus on Thrombin: Alternative Anticoagulants
Authors: Merry Alan F.
Published: February 2008

Unfractionated heparin and protamine have been integral to cardiopulmonary bypass since cardiac surgery was first undertaken. These drugs are inexpensive and well understood but are contraindicated in some individuals, and resistance to heparin can be problematic in others. The interplay between the endothelium, anticoagulants, the coagulation cascade, and the inflammatory response that characterizes cardiac surgery may contribute to some of the complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass. Various alternative drugs and strategies have been used to manage patients unsuitable for heparin or protamine, but each has its own disadvantages. At present, direct thrombin inhibitors may offer the best available alternative to heparin in cardiac surgery, particularly the short-acting bivalirudin, but this class of anticoagulants is relatively expensive and has no reversal agent. Balanced anticoagulation using combinations of drugs that act at different stages in the coagulation system may improve the management of coagulation in cardiac surgery, but careful investigation of this concept is needed.
Programmatic Blood Conservation in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Ralley Fiona E.
Published: February 2008

Despite efforts to reduce blood transfusion rates in cardiac surgery over the past 40 years, cardiac surgery still consumes 10% to 20% of the blood transfused in the United States. This large demand has not only placed a significant pressure on the national blood supply, resulting in frequent shortages, but also has lead to many technical and pharmacological advances in blood conservation strategies in recent years. Recently, studies have shown that an organized approach to blood conservation in cardiac surgery is effective in significantly reducing the perioperative use of allogeneic blood and blood products. However, blood conservation techniques are multiple, varied, and in many situations costly and thus cannot be uniformly applied to all patients. Early preoperative planning and a coordinated perioperative plan allow the appropriate use of blood conservation modalities to ensure that their benefits span the entire perioperative period. This article describes some of the modalities currently used in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Perfusion Approaches to Blood Conservation
Authors: McKay Christine
Published: February 2008

There are several perfusion techniques that can contribute to blood conservation. Minimizing existing circuit components, using mini-circuits and the maneuver of retrograde autologous priming can be considered steps in prime reduction. Microplegia systems may also reduce systemic as well as cardiac hemodilutional effects. Cell savers can scavenge shed blood, wash the red cells, and may return the red cells to the patient in a concentrated form. When a patient is already hemodiluted, ultrafiltation can be used to hemoconcentrate the patient and to drive their existing hemoglobin levels up. Ultimately, the optimal form of blood conservation comes from team-work, communication, and a combination of efforts.
Cerebral Autoregulation: The Role of CO2 in Metabolic Homeostasis
Authors: Murkin John M.
Published: February 2008

In this review the role of PaCO2 in regulating cerebral blood flow and flow/metabolism coupling, as well as its impact on intracellular metabolic processes are discussed. Starting with a discussion of alpha-stat versus pH-stat ventilatory management, the apparently contradictory finding of exacerbation of ischemic injury by extracellular acidosis in some experimental models versus others in which neuroprotection is evidenced is discussed and contrasted with the conclusion that the relatively small degree of change in pH associated with clinical changes in PaCO2 is unlikely to directly impact ischemia/reperfusion processes. However, examples of susceptible patients in whom relatively small changes in PaCO2 can produce adverse effects on cerebral perfusion are also illustrated re-emphasizing the necessity for individualization rather than generalization of care.
Vascular Injury and Thrombotic Potential: A Note of Caution About Recombinant Factor VIIa
Authors: Mazer C. David , Leong-Poi Howard , Mahoney James , Latter David , Strauss Bradley H. , Teitel Jerome M.
Published: February 2008

Postoperative hemorrhage following cardiac surgery increases morbidity, mortality, and costs. Several case reports have described the successful use of recombinant factor VIIa to decrease or stop bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The mechanism of action of recombinant factor VIIa is thought to be increased site-specific thrombin generation by tissue factor—mediated activation of coagulation or from activated platelets. However, there have also been many reports of thrombotic complications after recombinant factor VIIa administration. Randomized clinical trials and further laboratory studies should help better clarify the efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness, and optimal dosing of recombinant factor VIIa in the cardiac surgical setting.
Impact of Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Qizilbash Baqir , Couture Pierre , Denault André
Published: February 2008

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is currently being used routinely during aortic valve replacement (AVR). TEE provides information that can lead to modifications of anesthetic and surgical care that leads to improved outcome. Numerous studies have shown that modifications in therapy occur from 10% to more than 40% of cases. The impact of TEE can be divided among modifications of therapy before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Before cardiopulmonary bypass, TEE can provide prognostic information, optimize hemodynamics, and diagnose conditions that were not appreciated before surgery, including patient—prosthesis mismatch. TEE can guide and modify the placement of various bypass cannulae. After bypass, TEE verifies the surgical result, rules out left and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and assures stable hemodynamics. Although current guidelines state that aortic valve surgery is a class IIa indication for TEE use, the authors' experience suggests that TEE should be routinely used in AVR.
Cu-Fe-U phosphate mineralization of the Hagendorf-Pleystein pegmatite province, Germany: with special reference to laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) of limonite-cored torbernite
Authors: Dill H. G. , Gerdes A. , Weber B.
Published: February 2008

Iron played a decisive part when uranyl phosphates (‘yellow U ores’) formed during supergene alteration of the aplitic and pegmatitic rocks of the Hagendorf Pegmatite Province. Three different supergene U mineral successions, referred to in the current study as pathways I to III, were identified. Pathway I began with the release of PO42– by the dissolution of rockbridgeite and ended after shortdistance transport under alkaline reducing or slightly acidic oxidizing conditions in the precipitation of bassetite. Pathway II is an advanced form of pathway I that did not stop with the precipitation of bassetite, but progressed by acidic Cu-bearing meteoric waters under oxidizing conditions up to the torbernite precipitation stage. Minor amounts of Mn or Ca may have led to a deviation from the normal pathway into the stability fields of lehnerite or autunite, respectively, both of which may occur either as solid solution series or in a layered intergrowth with torbernite. Limonite-cored torbernite has been described for the first time and only exists in pathway III. Unlike its counterpart pathways I and II, which appeared at the end of a complex polystage element recycling process of secondary Fe phosphates under fluctuating redox and pH conditions, limonite-cored torbernite resulted from a monostage transformation of primary ‘black Fe-U ore minerals’ under strongly oxidizing conditions and short-distance element transport. These restricted physicochemical conditions caused the immediate stabilization of the Fe-U-P system and by doing so the U-Pb ratios of the black ore progenitor were well preserved in the limoniticc ore. Torbernite was analysed for U, Th and Pb isotopes by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry techniques. For one domain the data yielded a formation age of 4.55±0.02 Ma, which corresponds to Miocene-Pliocene weathering and geomorphological processes in the study area. A second domain gave a discordia with an upper intercept age of 549±12 Ma, interpreted to represent a thermal event at the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary. Ferrocolumbite is found exclusively in the mineralization of pathway III. Due to the proximity of ferrocolumbite to torbernite, limonite-cored torbernite probably inherited the 549 Ma age from ferrocolumbite during supergene alteration.
Mineral chemistry of monazite from the black sand deposits, northern Sinai, Egypt: a provenance perspective
Authors: Dawood Y. H. , Abd El-Naby H. H.
Published: February 2008

Electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and microscopic investigations were performed on monazite grains from the black sand deposits of northern Sinai beach. Electron microprobe backscattered electron images, X-ray mapping and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy line scans showed some grains with sector zoning and others with thorite inclusions. Based on the EMPA data, the studied monazite is grouped into monazite-(Ce) and Th-rich monazite. Monazite-(Ce) is enriched in REE and P, whereas Th-rich monazite is enriched in Th, U, Ca, Y, Si and Fe. The compositional variations of monazite are governed by the substitution of REE by Th, U, Ca and Y. The monazite grains show enriched chondrite-normalized REE patterns represented mainly by LREE and only Gd from the HREE. These patterns demonstrate negative Nd and Euanomalies. The floods associated with the pluvial periods which prevailed in Egypt during the Pleistocene, were able to erode the source rocks and liberate heavy minerals including monazite. The mineral grains were transported through several wadis and tributaries to the main channel of the River Nile. At the confluence sites, these heavy minerals were mixed with Ethiopian and central African heavy mineral assemblages. The grains continued to move together downriver until being deposited in their current locations. The analytical results suggest that pegmatites and granites of the Eastern Desert are the most likely source of the monazite. However, due to the large area of the Nile watershed, other undiscovered sources are possible.
Geochemical behaviour and mineralogical transformations during spontaneous combustion of a coal waste pile in Oslavany, Czech Republic
Authors: Dokoupilová P. , Sracek O. , Losos Z.
Published: February 2008

Geochemical processes and mineralogical transformations in the spontaneously combusting coal waste pile of the Kukla mine in Oslavany, Czech Republic, were investigated. The aims of the study were: (1) the characterization of secondary minerals; and (2) determination of processes which influence the mobility of elements in the pile. The pile burned from the late 19th century until the 1990s and has acquired a zoned nature, with original black material in the core of the pile, red material produced by burning close to the pile slopes and grey and white efflorescent salts precipitated on the pile top and slopes. Several mineral assemblages have been identified including (1) primary minerals in the black material including bituminous coal to anthracite, micas, pyrite and goethite; (2) hematite, spinels and corundum in the red materialproduced by pyrometamorphism; and (3) hydrated sulphates of magnesium including hexahydrite, konyaite and picromerite in efflorescent precipitates on the slopes of the pile. A conceptual model of geochemical processes in the pile includes seasonal changes with mineral dissolution during the wet season and precipitation of efflorescent salt minerals during the dry season. Formation of secondary minerals such as hematite, which is resistant to weathering and immobilizes hydrolysable Fe, may have a positive environmental impact in the long term.
Reduced incidence of ischemic stroke in patients with severe factor XI deficiency
Authors: Salomon Ophira , Steinberg David M. , Koren-Morag Nira , Tanne David , Seligsohn Uri
Published: February 2008

Inherited disorders of hemostasis are natural models for investigating mechanisms of thrombosis and development of antithrombotic therapy. Because mice with total factor XI deficiency are protected against ischemic stroke and do not manifest excessive bleeding, we investigated the incidence of ischemic stroke in patients with severe inherited factor XI deficiency. Incidence of ischemic stroke in 115 patients aged 45 years or more with severe factor XI deficiency (activity less than 15 U/dL) was compared with incidence in the Israeli population as estimated from a stroke survey of 1528 patients. Adjustment for major risk factors of stroke (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, current smoking) was based on comparison of their prevalence in the stroke survey to an Israeli health survey of 9509 subjects. Incidence of myocardial infarction in the factor XI cohort was also recorded. After adjustment for the 4 major risk factors of ischemic stroke, the expected incidence of ischemic stroke was 8.56 compared with one observed (P = .003). The reduced 1:115 incidence of ischemic stroke contrasted with a 19:115 incidence of myocardial infarction, similar to the expected incidence. Thus, severe factor XI deficiency probably is protective against ischemic stroke but not against acute myocardial infarction.
Clonally related follicular lymphomas and histiocytic/dendritic cell sarcomas: evidence for transdifferentiation of the follicular lymphoma clone
Authors: Feldman Andrew L. , Arber Daniel A. , Pittaluga Stefania , Martinez Antonio , Burke Jerome S. , Raffeld Mark , Camos Mireia , Warnke Roger , Jaffe Elaine S.
Published: February 2008

Rare cases of histiocytic and dendritic cell (H/DC) neoplasms have been reported in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL), but the biologic relationship between the 2 neoplasms is unknown. We studied 8 patients with both FL and H/DC neoplasms using immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for t(14;18), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing of BCL2 and IGH rearrangements. There were 5 men and 3 women (median age, 59 years). All cases of FL were positive for t(14;18). The H/DC tumors included 7 histiocytic sarcomas, 5 of which showed evidence of dendritic differentiation, and 1 interdigitating cell sarcoma. Five H/DC tumors were metachronous, following FL by 2 months to 12 years; tumors were synchronous in 3. All 8 H/DC tumors showed presence of the t(14;18) either by FISH, or in 2 cases by PCR with the major breakpoint region (MBR) probe. PCR and sequencing identified identical IGH gene rearrangements or BCL2 gene breakpoints in all patients tested. All H/DC tumors lacked PAX5, and up-regulation of CEBPβ and PU.1 was seen in all cases tested. These results provide evidence for a common clonal origin of FL and H/DC neoplasms when occurring in the same patient, and suggest that lineage plasticity may occur in mature lymphoid neoplasms.
High-throughput bioinformatics with the Cyrille2 pipeline system
Authors: Fiers Mark WEJ , van der Burgt Ate , Datema Erwin , de Groot Joost CW , van Ham Roeland CHJ
Published: February 2008

Background

Modern omics research involves the application of high-throughput technologies that generate vast volumes of data. These data need to be pre-processed, analyzed and integrated with existing knowledge through the use of diverse sets of software tools, models and databases. The analyses are often interdependent and chained together to form complex workflows or pipelines. Given the volume of the data used and the multitude of computational resources available, specialized pipeline software is required to make high-throughput analysis of large-scale omics datasets feasible.

Results

We have developed a generic pipeline system called Cyrille2. The system is modular in design and consists of three functionally distinct parts: 1) a web based, graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a pipeline operator to manage the system; 2) the Scheduler, which forms the functional core of the system and which tracks what data enters the system and determines what jobs must be scheduled for execution, and; 3) the Executor, which searches for scheduled jobs and executes these on a compute cluster.

Conclusion

The Cyrille2 system is an extensible, modular system, implementing the stated requirements. Cyrille2 enables easy creation and execution of high throughput, flexible bioinformatics pipelines.
Rapid bursts of androgen-binding protein (Abp) gene duplication occurred independently in diverse mammals
Authors: Laukaitis Christina M , Heger Andreas , Blakley Tyler D , Munclinger Pavel , Ponting Chris P , Karn Robert C
Published: February 2008

Background

The draft mouse (Mus musculus) genome sequence revealed an unexpected proliferation of gene duplicates encoding a family of secretoglobin proteins including the androgen-binding protein (ABP) α, β and γ subunits. Further investigation of 14 α-like (Abpa) and 13 β- or γ-like (Abpbg) undisrupted gene sequences revealed a rich diversity of developmental stage-, sex- and tissue-specific expression. Despite these studies, our understanding of the evolution of this gene family remains incomplete. Questions arise from imperfections in the initial mouse genome assembly and a dearth of information about the gene family structure in other rodents and mammals.

Results

Here, we interrogate the latest 'finished' mouse (Mus musculus) genome sequence assembly to show that the Abp gene repertoire is, in fact, twice as large as reported previously, with 30 Abpa and 34 Abpbg genes and pseudogenes. All of these have arisen since the last common ancestor with rat (Rattus norvegicus). We then demonstrate, by sequencing homologs from species within the Mus genus, that this burst of gene duplication occurred very recently, within the past seven million years. Finally, we survey Abp orthologs in genomes from across the mammalian clade and show that bursts of Abp gene duplications are not specific to the murid rodents; they also occurred recently in the lagomorph (rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus) and ruminant (cattle, Bos taurus) lineages, although not in other mammalian taxa.

Conclusion

We conclude that Abp genes have undergone repeated bursts of gene duplication and adaptive sequence diversification driven by these genes' participation in chemosensation and/or sexual identification.
Mobile phone radiation might alter protein expression in human skin
Authors: Karinen Anu , Heinävaara Sirpa , Nylund Reetta , Leszczynski Dariusz
Published: February 2008

Background

Earlier we have shown that the mobile phone radiation (radiofrequency modulated electromagnetic fields; RF-EMF) alters protein expression in human endothelial cell line. This does not mean that similar response will take place in human body exposed to this radiation. Therefore, in this pilot human volunteer study, using proteomics approach, we have examined whether a local exposure of human skin to RF-EMF will cause changes in protein expression in living people.

Results

Small area of forearm's skin in 10 female volunteers was exposed to RF-EMF (specific absorption rate SAR = 1.3 W/kg) and punch biopsies were collected from exposed and non-exposed areas of skin. Proteins extracted from biopsies were separated using 2-DE and protein expression changes were analyzed using PDQuest software. Analysis has identified 8 proteins that were statistically significantly affected (Anova and Wilcoxon tests). Two of the proteins were present in all 10 volunteers. This suggests that protein expression in human skin might be affected by the exposure to RF-EMF. The number of affected proteins was similar to the number of affected proteins observed in our earlier in vitro studies.

Conclusion

This is the first study showing that molecular level changes might take place in human volunteers in response to exposure to RF-EMF. Our study confirms that proteomics screening approach can identify protein targets of RF-EMF in human volunteers.
Adjuvant interferon gamma in patients with pulmonary atypical Mycobacteriosis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Milanés-Virelles María T , García-García Idrian , Santos-Herrera Yamilet , Valdés-Quintana Magalys , Valenzuela-Silva Carmen M , Jiménez-Madrigal Gaspar , Ramos-Gómez Thelvia I , Bello-Rivero Iraldo , Fernández-Olivera Norma , Sánchez-de la Osa Reinaldo B , Rodríguez-Acosta Carmen , González-Méndez Lidia , Martínez-Sánchez Gregorio , López-Saura Pedro A ,   the MACGAM Study Group
Published: February 2008

Background

High antibiotic resistance is described in atypical Mycobacteriosis, mainly byMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC).

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in two hospitals to evaluate the effect of interferon (IFN) gamma as immunoadjuvant to chemotherapy on patients with atypical mycobacteria lung disease. Patients received placebo or 1 × 106IU recombinant human IFN gamma intramuscularly, daily for one month and then three times per week up to 6 months as adjuvant to daily oral azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, ethambutol and rifampin. Sputum samples collection for direct smear observation and culture as well as clinical and thorax radiography assessments were done during treatment and one year after. Cytokines and oxidative stress determinations were carried out in peripheral blood before and after treatment.

Results

Eighteen patients were included in the IFN group and 14 received placebo. Groups were homogeneous at entry; average age was 60 years, 75% men, 84% white; MAC infection prevailed (94%). At the end of treatment, 72% of patients treated with IFN gamma were evaluated as complete responders, but only 36% in the placebo group. The difference was maintained during follow-up. A more rapid complete response was obtained in the IFN group (5 months before), with a significantly earlier improvement in respiratory symptoms and pulmonary lesions reduction. Disease-related deaths were 35.7% of the patients in the placebo group and only 11.1% in the IFN group. Three patients in the IFN group normalized their globular sedimentation rate values. Although differences in bacteriology were not significant during the treatment period, some patients in the placebo group converted again to positive during follow-up. Significant increments in serum TGF-beta and advanced oxidation protein products were observed in the placebo group but not among IFN receiving patients. Treatments were well tolerated. Flu-like symptoms predominated in the IFN gamma group. No severe events were recorded.

Conclusion

These data suggest that IFN gamma is useful and well tolerated as adjuvant therapy in patients with pulmonary atypical Mycobacteriosis, predominantly MAC. Further wider clinical trials are encouraged.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN70900209.
Which quality of life score is best for glaucoma patients and why?
Authors: Severn Philip , Fraser Scott , Finch Tracy , May Carl
Published: February 2008

Background

The glaucomas are generally asymptomatic diseases until they are very advanced. They affect 2% of the population over 40 years of age and therefore represent a significant public health issue. There have been a number of attempts to develop quality of life scales for the disease. This review discusses the pros and cons of these scales and suggests the best of the current ones for use in a clinical setting.

Methods

Medline, Embase and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles. No time period was defined and all types of article were included.

Results

11 Quality of Life scores were identified that have been used with glaucoma patients.

Conclusion

There is no generally accepted 'best' Quality of Life instrument for use in glaucoma. Many of the scales are biased towards physical symptoms and do little to address the personal or social factors of the disease. Further work is needed to produce scales that address all these areas as well as being simple to administer in a clinical setting.
Social inequalities in changes in health-related behaviour among Slovak adolescents aged between 15 and 19: A longitudinal study
Authors: Salonna Ferdinand , van Dijk Jitse P , Geckova Andrea Madarasova , Sleskova Maria , Groothoff Johan W , Reijneveld Sijmen A
Published: February 2008

Background

Lower socioeconomic position is generally associated with higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption and lower levels of physical activity. Health-related behaviour is usually established during late childhood and adolescence. The aim of this study is to explore changes in health-related behaviour in a cohort of adolescents aged between 15 and 19, overall and by socioeconomic position.

Methods

The sample consisted of 844 first-year students (42.8% males, baseline in 1998 – mean age 14.9, follow-up in 2002 – mean age 18.8) from 31 secondary schools located in Kosice, Slovakia. This study focuses on changes in adolescents' smoking, alcohol use, experience with marijuana and lack of physical exercise with regard to their socioeconomic position. Four indicators of socioeconomic position were used – adolescents' current education level and employment status, and the highest education level and highest occupational status of their parents. We first made cross tabulations of HRB with these four indicators, using McNemar's test to assess differences. Next, we used logistic regression to assess adjusted associations, using likelihood ratio tests to assess statistical significance.

Results

Statistically significant increases were found in all health-related behaviours. Among males, the most obvious socioeconomic gradient was found in smoking, both at age 15 and at 19. Variations in socioeconomic differences in health-related behaviour were more apparent among females. Although at age 15, almost no socioeconomic differences in health-related behaviour were found, at age 19 differences were found for almost all socioeconomic indicators. Among males, only traditional socioeconomic gradients were found (the lower the socioeconomic position, the higher the prevalence of potentially harmful health-related behaviour), while among females reverse socioeconomic gradients were also found.

Conclusion

We confirmed an increase in unhealthy health-related behaviour during adolescence. This increase was related to socioeconomic position, and was more apparent in females.
Seeing is believing: an educational outreach activity on disinfection practices
Authors: Mercure Sarah-Amelie , Tetu Isabelle , Lamonde Steeve , Cote Francoise ,   Guides de rue working group
Published: February 2008

Background

Skin and soft-tissue infections are very common among persons who inject drugs. They occur when microbes pass under the protective layer of the skin and proliferate. This happens when harm reduction recommendations such as skin aseptia before injection and sterile injection equipment usage are not properly followed.

Methods

A group of active drug users involved in a health promotion project as peer educators were asked about their formation needs. To address their inquiries concerning skin and soft-tissue infections, we devised with them a series of workshops touching upon common infections, the microflora, and microbial transmission.

Results

Participants learned to identify common infections and how to properly react in case of an abscess, cellulitis or phlebitis. They saw microscopic objects, found out about the high prevalence of microbes in their environment and on their skin, and could appreciate the efficiency of different washing and disinfection techniques. They visualized how easily microbes can spread from person to person and from contaminated objects to persons.

Conclusion

In the weeks following this activity, some participants demonstrated and reported healthy behavioural changes regarding their own injection practices. Furthermore, they shared their newfound knowledge and began enforcing its application among people they inject drugs with. Most participants greatly appreciated this activity and valued it as being highly efficient and tangible. Note: A French version of this paper is available on the Journal's web site [see Additional file 1].