bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satellite-Observed Surface Temperature Changes after the 2004 Taylor Complex Fire in Alaska
Authors: Ge Jianjun
Published: October 2010

Land-use and land-cover change has been recognized as a key component in global climate change. In the boreal forest ecosystem, fires often cause significant changes in vegetation structure and surface biophysical characteristics, which in turn dramatically change energy and water balances of land surface. Several studies have characterized fire-induced changes in surface energy balance in boreal ecosystem based on site observations. This study provides satellite-observed impacts of a large fire on surface climate in Alaska’s boreal forest. A land surface temperature (LST) product from NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is used as the primary data. Five years after fire, surface temperature over the burned area increased by an average of 2.0°C in the May–August period. The increase reached a maximum of 3.2°C in the year immediately following the fire. The warm anomaly decreased slightly after the second year but remained until the fifth year of the study. These changes in surface temperature may directly affect surface net radiation and thus partition of surface available energy. By documenting continuous and synoptic surface temperature changes over multiple years, this paper demonstrates the value of Earth Observing System (EOS) observations for land–climate interaction research. The observed characteristics of surface temperature change as well as changes in key surface biophysical parameters such as albedo and leaf area index (LAI) can be used in the next generation of climate models to improve the representation of large-scale ecosystem disturbances.
Do More Police Lead to More Crime Deterrence?
Authors: Kleck Gary , Barnes J. C.
Published: October 2010

Does increasing police strength deter more crime? Some studies have found apparent negative effects of police manpower levels on crime rates, and the most common explanation of such findings is that greater police strength increases perceptions of arrest risk, thus reducing crime via general deterrence mechanisms. The authors directly tested this hypothesis by estimating the association between survey respondents’ perceptions of arrest risk and the level of police strength prevailing in the counties where they live. No relationship between the number of police officers per capita and perceptions of the risk of arrest was found, suggesting that increases in police manpower will not increase general deterrent effects and decreases will not reduce these effects. The authors also considered the possibility that police manpower levels influence the number of criminals incarcerated, and thus affect crime rates via the incapacitative effects of incarceration, but concluded that such an effect is unlikely. These findings point to a need to reconsider previous interpretations of findings as supportive of a deterrent effect of increased police manpower on crime rates.
Tongan grandparents and grandchildren: The impact of grandparenting
Authors: Ofahengaue Vakalahi Halaevalu F.
Published: October 2010

This article is part of a study on the phenomenon of grandparenting in the Tongan culture among grandparents and grandchildren living in the state of Hawaii and the island kingdom of Tonga (Vakalahi et al., 2008). Explored in this article are grandparent-related family, social, cultural, spiritual, systemic, and economic-based factors that serve as possible sources of risk and/ or protection for grandchildren who are expectant carriers of cultural customs and traditions. Grandparenting remains intrinsic to the Tongan cultural structure and central to the survival of the culture, particularly as Tongan immigrants experience cultural duality and acculturation. Because grandchildren are central to the preservation of the culture, understanding how the practice of grandparenting impacts them is critical. Themes identified as possible risk factors included cultural duality, language and acculturative barriers, low socioeconomic status, and low educational level. Possible protective factors included unconditional love, reciprocity, loyalty, discipline, and prayers. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Frazzled care for social workers in Hong Kong: Job stress circumstances and consequences
Authors: Vyas Lina , Luk Sabrina
Published: October 2010

The meaning and nature of work has undergone significant change across the world, making job related stress a routine part of employment for many people. Social workers who are charged with the task of easing the chaotic lives of service users can also be subject to considerable job stress which adversely affects their personal lives. The current research identifies the stressors experienced by social workers serving in an NGO and also considers their consequences. Job stress was found to negatively influence not only social workers’ self-development, family life and job satisfaction, but also their physical and mental health.
World Overview
Authors: Holland Dawn , Barrell Ray , Delannoy Aurélie , Fic Tatiana , George Anitha , Hurst Ian , Orazgani Ali , Paluchowski Paweł
Published: October 2010

The pace of global expansion moderated somewhat in the second quarter of 2010. According to NIESR estimates, world GDP increased by 1.4 per cent in the first quarter of the year and growth slowed to 1 per cent in the second quarter. The slowdown was widespread across Asia and America. Many of the lagging economies in Europe, on the other hand, accelerated in the second quarter of 2010, allowing some convergence in the global recovery. The slowdown in Asia and America was largely a reflection of a shift in the global balance of trade. Domestic demand growth in both the US and China accelerated in the second quarter, pulling in higher levels of imports and drawing with it an export-driven recovery in Europe. We forecast global growth of 4.9 per cent this year and 4½ per cent in 2011.
Modelling the UK Banking Sector
Authors: Barrell Ray , Kirby Simon , Davis E. Philip
Published: October 2010

The financial crisis that emerged during 2007 and overwhelmed the financial system in late 2008 also brought to the fore some of the obvious failings of the style of modelling that had been fashionable in central banks in the previous decade. The shift to Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium models (DSGE) of whatever sort left no real scope for money and financial markets to have an impact on the real economy. This was in part because equilibrium models based on theory are unlikely to be designed to cope with a period of disequilibrium, which is when the financial system becomes important in macroeconomics. DSGE models come in various guises, and it was common to operate with a three-equation model with demand, supply and the interest rate as the equations. It is hard to see how the financial sector could fit into this, or what use it would be even if it were included. Larger DSGE models that respect the national income identity are easier to augment with a financial sector; but even that developed by the US Federal Reserve (see Edge, Kiley and Laforte, 2010) tends to return to equilibrium rather more rapidly than seems reasonable.
Emplacements: The Event as a Prism for Exploring Intersectionality; a Case Study of the Lambeth Conference
Authors: Valentine Gill , Vanderbeck Robert M. , Andersson Johan , Sadgrove Joanna , Ward Kevin
Published: October 2010

This article addresses the intersection of sexual orientation and religion and belief through a focus on a specific religious community — the worldwide Anglican Communion. It does so by unpacking a particular event within this Communion debate: the decennial Lambeth Conference, at Canterbury, UK. Events have received little attention within sociology, yet case studies of particular events potentially represent an effective way of empirically researching the complexity of the ways that intersections of categories, such as sexual orientation and religion and belief, are experienced in everyday life. By focusing on the strategies of pro-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) groups at Lambeth, this article demonstrates how, in the material space of an ‘event’, abstract discourses and positionings in diffuse social networks become transformed into tangible emplaced social relations where power is outworked.
Chapter 5: Tertiary Short-Cycle Education in Bulgaria: In Search of Identity
Authors: Slantcheva-Durst Snejana , Ivanov Stanislav
Published: October 2010

This chapter traces the development of short-cycle higher education in Bulgaria. An emphasis is placed on (a) the evolution of nonuniversity short-cycle institutes and (b) the challenges of bridging the gap between secondary and higher education and creating links between vocational and academic learning pathways.
Chapter 2: Restructuring Higher Education in a European Context: Short-Cycle Higher Education in Flanders
Authors: Kirsch Magda
Published: October 2010

After an overview of the history of short-cycle education within the Bologna process, this article details the development of short-cycle higher education policy in Flanders, the largest of the three communities in the Federal Kingdom of Belgium. By developing a Flemish national qualification framework in agreement with the European qualification framework for lifelong learning, Flanders is contributing to the implementation of the European Union strategy in education and training.
Chapter 3: Crossing Boundaries: Foundation Degrees in England
Authors: Longhurst Derek
Published: October 2010

This chapter traces the history, purposes, and distinctive features of the foundation degree, a short-cycle higher education qualification introduced in England in 2000-2001 and offered by both universities and further education colleges. The key characteristics of the foundation degree are discussed: employer involvement in curriculum development and assessment, accessibility to higher education, articulation and progression, flexibility, partnerships, and work-based learning.
Chapter 1: Redefining Short-Cycle Higher Education Across Europe: The Challenges of Bologna
Authors: Slantcheva-Durst Snejana
Published: October 2010

This essay examines the impact of the Bologna Process on the development of short-cycle higher education in Europe, noting that the integration of short-cycle qualifications within the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area, combined with the critical place allotted to those programs in national lifelong learning frameworks, has charged short-cycle programs and qualifications with a dual responsibility: to train graduates for employment as well as prepare them for future studies. The challenges faced by European countries in creating programs and qualifications that meet this dual responsibility are discussed.
Sauvons le Luxembourg: Urban Greenspace as Private Domain and Public Battleground, 1865—1867
Authors: Hopkins Richard S.
Published: October 2010

This article examines the way in which public response to a municipal proposal concerning greenspace reduction in Paris during the Second Empire reflected not only political antipathy but also an ever-increasing understanding of public urban greenspace as part of the private domain. By examining archival records concerning the proposal, essays, newspaper accounts, and memoirs, this article argues that a particular proprietary sensibility, fomented by expansive public greenspace development in Paris, intersected with extant social constructs and political tensions to create a public, coordinated, and sustained challenge to the authoritarian regime. Thus, the battle over the Luxembourg Garden became more than just a fight to prevent a reduction in size of a particular public urban greenspace. Rather, public debate surrounding alteration of this garden underscores the extent to which public greenspace, in general, was urban space that blurred the public—private boundary and presented unique opportunities for community formation, social integration, and political action.
Social Identities, Group Norms, and Threat: On the Malleability of Ingroup Bias
Authors: Giannakakis Andrew Erik , Fritsche Immo
Published: October 2010

Ingroup bias is one of the most basic intergroup phenomena and has been consistently demonstrated to be increased under conditions of existential threat. In the present research the authors question the omnipresence of ingroup bias under threat and test the assumptions that these effects depend on the content of social identity and group norm salient in a situation. In the first two studies cross-categorization and recategorization manipulations eliminated and even reversed mortality salience effects on bias in relations between English and Scottish students (Study 1) as well as English and French people (Study 2). In the third study the specific normative content of a given social identity (collectivism vs. individualism) was shown to moderate mortality salience effects on ingroup bias. The results of these studies suggest a social identity perspective on terror management processes.
Look at Me, I’m Happy and Creative: The Effect of Impression Management on Behavior in Social Presence
Authors: Uziel Liad
Published: October 2010

The present research tested competing approaches to individual differences in impression management (as measured with social desirability scales) and their implication for behavior in social contexts. A defensiveness approach argues that impression management is a source of defensive self-presentation, which causes performance impairment in public social settings. The competing adjustment approach argues that impression management measures friendliness and self-control, which should bring about performance facilitation in public social settings. To decide between these approaches, two experiments utilized a social facilitation paradigm, whereby task performance was compared between an alone and a public condition. The results supported the predictions of the adjustment approach. Across different tasks, a high impression management score was associated with performance facilitation in social presence, expressed in greater creativity, positive implicit affect, and high self-control. The results reveal previously unnoticed constructive effects of impression management, supporting the reframing of the trait as reflecting interpersonally oriented self-control.
Is goal planning in rehabilitation effective? A systematic review
Authors: Levack William MM , Taylor Kathryn , Siegert Richard J , Dean Sarah G , McPherson Kath M , Weatherall Mark
Published: October 2010

Objective: To determine the evidence regarding the effectiveness of goal planning in clinical rehabilitation.

Design: Systematic review.

Method: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, American College of Physicians (ACP) Journal Club, and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) were searched for randomized controlled trials on the therapeutic effectiveness of goal planning in the rehabilitation of adults with acquired disability. Studies were categorized by patient population and the clinical context of the study. Data were analysed using best-research synthesis, based on methodological quality determined by Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale scores.

Results: Nineteen studies were included in this review. Study populations in these papers included patients with neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory disorders and dietary/endocrine disorders. Six studies investigated the immediate effects of goal planning on patient behaviour. Thirteen studies investigated the effects of goal planning in the context of a rehabilitation programme lasting more than one week. Some limited evidence was identified that goal planning can influence patient adherence to treatment regimes and strong evidence that prescribed, specific, challenging goals can improve immediate patient performance in some specific clinical contexts. However, evidence regarding how these effects translated to improved outcomes following rehabilitation programmes was inconsistent.

Conclusions: This review identified that while some studies demonstrated positive effects associated with goal planning in local contexts, the best available empirical evidence regarding the generalizable effectiveness of goal planning was inconsistent and compromised by methodological limitations.
Development and validation of a muscular dystrophy-specific functional rating scale
Authors: Lue Yi-Jing , Su Chwen-Yng , Yang Rei-Cheng , Su Wei-Lieh , Lu Yen-Mou , Lin Rong-Fong , Chen Shun-Sheng
Published: October 2010

Objective: To develop a reliable and valid new rating scale for measuring the functional impact of muscular dystrophy.

Design: Prospective and longitudinal investigation.

Setting: Three academic medical centres in Taiwan and the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Taiwan.

Measures: The Brooke Scale, the Vignos Scale, the Barthel Index, muscular strength, contracture severity, and predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%).

Methods: Scale development was in three stages. In stage I, a preliminary pool of 53 items was generated from patient interviews (n-/25), literature review, existing functional rating scales and expert opinion. In stage II, these items were administered to 85 patients with muscular dystrophy. The resulting data were analysed to construct a rating scale (the Muscular Dystrophy Functional Rating Scale, MDFRS) that encompassed four unidimensional constructs: mobility, basic activities of daily living, arm function and impairment. In stage III, the measurement properties of this rating scale were assessed in 121 muscular dystrophy patients different from those examined with the preliminary instrument.

Results: Internal consistency reliability was excellent for all domains of the final 33-item scale, with values of Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.84 to 0.97. Intraclass correlation coefficients for test-retest and inter-rater reliability were 0.99 for all domains of the MDFRS. The MDFRS showed moderate to high correlations with a range of functional rating scales measuring similar aspects and impairment parameters (Spearman’s rho=0.65-0.91; P<0.001, each). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unitary construct of the four-dimensional MDFRS. The MDFRS had small floor and ceiling effects in the study samples. Sensitivity to change was confirmed by large standardized response means for the MDFRS total score.

Conclusions: The MDFRS is a reliable and valid disease-specific measure of functional status for patients with muscular dystrophy.
Adenoviral-Mediated Gene Transfer of Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein–13 Does Not Improve Rotator Cuff Healing in a Rat Model
Authors: Gulotta Lawrence V. , Kovacevic David , Packer Jonathan D. , Ehteshami John R. , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: October 2010

Background: Rotator cuff tendon-to-bone healing occurs by formation of a scar tissue interface after repair, which makes it prone to failure. Bone morphogenetic protein–13 (BMP-13) has been implicated in tendon and cartilage repair, and thus may augment rotator cuff repairs. The purpose of this study was to determine if the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transduced with BMP-13 could improve regeneration of the tendon-bone insertion site in a rat rotator cuff repair model.

Hypothesis: Mesenchymal stem cells genetically modified to overexpress BMP-13 will improve rotator cuff healing based on histologic and biomechanical outcomes.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Sixty Lewis rats underwent unilateral detachment and repair of the supraspinatus tendon and 10 rats were used for MSC harvest. Animals were randomized into 2 groups (30 animals/group). The experimental group received 106 MSCs transduced with adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of human BMP-13 (Ad-BMP-13). The second group received untransduced MSCs. Fifteen animals in each group were sacrificed at 2 and 4 weeks. At each time point, 12 animals were allocated for biomechanical testing, and 3 for histomorphometric analysis.

Results: There were no differences in the amount of new cartilage formation or collagen fiber organization between groups at either time point. There were also no differences in the biomechanical strength of the repairs, the cross-sectional area, peak stress at failure, or stiffness.

Conclusion: Application of MSCs genetically modified to overexpress BMP-13 did not improve healing in a rat model of rotator cuff repair.

Clinical Relevance: Further studies are needed to evaluate various growth factors and combinations of growth factors to determine the optimal factor for the biologic augmentation of rotator cuff repairs.
Numerical Characterization of the Thermal Performance of Static Porous Insulation Layers on Steel Substrates in Furnace Tests
Authors: Staggs J.E.J.
Published: October 2010

The thermal performance of insulated steel plates in standard furnace tests is analyzed numerically. The effect of internal radiation heat transfer across the pores of the insulation layer is also estimated and included in the analysis. It transpires that for a fixed heating regime and substrate, the thermal performance of an insulation layer depends on three dimensionless heat transfer parameters corresponding to the furnace Biot number, the ratio of the thermal diffusion timescale in the insulation to the test duration, and the ratio of radiation heat flux to conduction heat flux across a pore. Furthermore, a method for characterizing the heat transfer environment within the furnace is also discussed.
Response of Bone and Periodontal Ligament Cells to Biodegradable Polymer Scaffolds In Vitro
Authors: Schander Kerstin , Arvidson Kristina , Mustafa Kamal , Hellem Endre , Bolstad Anne Isine , Finne-Wistrand Anna , Albertsson Ann-Christine
Published: October 2010

In this in vitro study, the initial response of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and alveolar osteoblast-like cells (HOB) to three biodegradable polymers with varying pore size and different mechanical properties were evaluated. Scaffolds were synthesized from poly(L-lactide), [poly(LLA)], poly(L-lactide-co-1,5-dioxepan-2-one), [poly(LLA-co-DXO)], poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone), and [poly(LLA-co-CL)] with pore sizes greater or less than 90 µm by salt leaching. Cells were obtained from patients undergoing routine oral surgery. After 2—4 passages, the cells were grown on scaffolds and in culture plates (control) for 3 h (PDL cells), 3 days (PDL cells and HOB), 10 and 14 days (HOB), respectively. The cellular morphology and spreading were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the attachment and proliferation were evaluated by MTT assays. The SEM images revealed heterogeneous cellular morphology and good spreading. Cellular attachment and proliferation were significantly higher on poly(LLA-co-DXO) and poly(LLA-co-CL) than on poly(LLA) scaffolds (p = 0.003) and highest for poly(LLA-co-DXO). Expression of bone formation markers, collagen-I (COL-I), transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β1), and osteocalcin (OCN), was determined by ELISA. The expression of COL-1 was similar for HOB and PDL cells, but significantly higher for pore size >90 µm while the HOB expression of TGFβ 1 and OCN was greater on poly(LLA-co-CL) and poly(LLA-co-DXO) than on poly(LLA) scaffolds.
The Influence of Stereotypical Beliefs, Participant Gender, and Survivor Weight on Sexual Assault Response
Authors: Clarke Allyson K. , Stermac Lana
Published: October 2010

The present study explored the influence of survivor weight and participant gender, rape myth acceptance, and antifat attitudes on perceptions of sexual assault. Using an online survey tool, a community sample of 413 adult Canadian residents reviewed a hypothetical sexual assault scenario and completed a series of evaluations and attitudinal questionnaires. Generalized linear model analyses revealed that participants were more likely to hold the survivor responsible, excuse the perpetrator’s actions, and respond more negatively toward the survivor and more positively toward the perpetrator when the survivor was depicted as thin versus overweight. Interactions were found between rape myth acceptance and survivor weight, gender and survivor weight, and gender and antifat attitudes, for certain dependent variables. In addition, men and those with higher levels of rape myth acceptance and antifat attitudes were found to make more negative evaluations of the survivor and more positive evaluations of the perpetrator. Recommendations for future research and interventions are discussed.
Enhancing Mentoring of Teacher Candidates Through Consultative Feedback and Self-Evaluation of Instructional Delivery
Authors: Capizzi Andrea M. , Wehby Joseph H. , Sandmel Karin N.
Published: October 2010

In this study, the authors evaluate the efficacy of videotape analysis with structured expert consultation and self-evaluation to improve teacher candidates’ instructional delivery. A single-case, multiple-baseline, across-participants design was used to evaluate lesson components, rate of praise statements, and rate of opportunities to respond included by teacher candidates in their teaching. After teacher candidates videotaped their instructional delivery, they met with an instructional consultant and evaluated the components of instruction included in the lesson, received feedback and guidance from the instructional consultant, and established goals for subsequent instruction. Consultation was effective in increasing the number of lesson components and amount of behavior-specific praise delivered during instruction for all participants. Effects varied by participants for rates of opportunities to respond. Limitations of this study and future implications for research are discussed.
A Preliminary Investigation of Why Few Special Educators Are Nationally Board Certified
Authors: Benson Teddi L. , Agran Martin , Yocom Dorothy Jean
Published: October 2010

In 2006, special education teachers made up 12% of the educational workforce but only 7% of National Board Certified teachers. In contrast, general education teachers made up 88% of the educational workforce and 93% of National Board Certified teachers. This study surveyed a sample of special education teachers who successfully completed certification as Exceptional Needs Specialists through the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. This investigation focused on the Portfolio section of the National Board Certification process to determine if specific questions were difficult for special education teachers to understand and thus prevented them from performing satisfactorily. The sample included teachers from Wyoming, a state that has recently begun to focus on the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards process, and teachers from North Carolina, one of the first states to promote the process. The data suggested that the wording of three of the questions in the first entry of the portfolio was unclear to the candidates and was responsible in part for their unsatisfactory performance. Implications for future research and construction of National Board assessments are discussed.
Contested Relationalities of Political Activism: the Democratic Spatial Practices of the London Corresponding Society
Authors: Featherstone David
Published: October 2010

This article examines the contested relationalities produced through political activism. I draw on Stuart Hall’s account of articulation to engage with the productive geographies of connection forged through political activity. The article outlines an account of articulation as bearing on the linking of different trajectories of political activity, albeit in temporary, contested and partial ways. This processual account of articulation is used to engage with the democratic political activity of the London Corresponding Society (LCS). The LCS established itself as a democratic society open to ‘members unlimited’, amidst the political turmoil and unrest of the 1790s. This article interrogates the innovative forms of democratic practice produced by the LCS and the forms of relationality they generated and envisioned. I conclude by suggesting some implications of the article for work on ethnographies of activism.
Studying Academic Activists: The Balancing Act of Critique and Solidarity
Authors: Rosmer Tilde
Published: October 2010

This article discusses the challenges faced when studying a small social movement composed of intellectual and academic activists purporting to represent the marginalized group of Middle Eastern and North African Jews in Israel. It presents the methodological problems faced when studying academic activists who also produce much of the academic literature on the group they represent and considers the ethical dilemmas related to studying supposed elites in a conflict context.
Role of p21 and cyclin E in normal and secalonic acid d-inhibited proliferation of human embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells
Authors: Dhulipala Vamsidhara C , Maddali Kamala K , Ray Bimal K , Welshons Wade V , Reddy Chada S
Published: October 2010

Secalonic acid D (SAD), a cleft palate-inducing teratogen, has been shown to inhibit proliferation/cell cycle progression in association with alteration in the levels of cell cycle regulators, p21 and cyclin E. These studies were conducted to test the hypotheses that p21 and cyclin E play an important functional role in normal human embryonic palatal mesenchymal (HEPM) cell cycle and that their up- and down-regulation, respectively, by SAD is functionally significant to its cell cycle block. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence p21gene and transient transfection to overexpress cyclin E in control & SAD-treated HEPM cells, cell proliferation was assessed using a combination of cell numbers, thymidine uptake, CDK2 activity and Ki-67 expression. The results showed that silencing of p21 gene, although increased cell proliferation/numbers and CDK2 activity in normal HEPM cells, failed to counteract SAD-induced anti-proliferative effect despite inducing partial recovery of CDK2 activity. Similar effects were apparent with cyclin E overexpression. It is concluded that p21 and cyclin E are important for normal HEPM cell proliferation. However, SAD-induced deregulation of either protein, singly, may not be sufficient to induce anti-proliferative effect. Involvement of other cell cycle proteins such as cyclin D1 or of multiple proteins in SAD-induced cell cycle block needs to be examined.
Complicated systemic lupus erythematosus pancreatitis: pseudocyst, pseudoaneurysm, but real bleeding
Authors: Hoorn EJ , Flink HJ , Kuipers EJ , Poley J-W , Mensink PBF , Dolhain RJEM
Published: October 2010

We report the case of a 25-year-old patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pancreatitis which was complicated by pseudocyst and pseudoaneurysm formation. The pseudoaneurysm progressed to intra-abdominal bleeding requiring endovascular coil embolization of the gastroduodenal artery. The pseudocyst and hematoma formed two large abdominal fluid collections causing symptoms due to a mass effect. These fluid collections were treated conservatively, while active SLE was treated with steroids, azathioprine, and immunoglobulins. She finally made a full recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a bleeding pseudoaneurysm complicating SLE pancreatitis. Although anecdotal, this case may serve as a useful example of the possible complications of SLE pancreatitis, including considerations on optimal management.
Assessing the Impact of Participation in Women Self-help Group-based Microfinance
Authors: Panda Debadutta Kumar
Published: October 2010

A quasi-experimental design was made under which the target group was compared with a selected control group across a set of household variables like income, assets positions, savings, consumption, employment, literacy and migration. A multistage random sampling was used to select 150 cross-sectional samples from Orissa, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh states of India. Descriptive statistics, test of significance by z-statistics and probit model under econometrics were used to measure the impact of participation in the self-help group-based microfinance. The distribution of household income and assets was measured by Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve. The ‘household’ was taken as the unit of analysis. The study concluded with the positive impact on the increase in income, assets position, savings and literacy and in the reduction of migration of rural households. Weak evidence of significant impact of the group-based microfinance on the distribution of household income and assets was found. The participation of women in the self-help group was strongly determined by household income, employment, migration, saving and literacy positions.
Using Positive Deviance for Determining Successful Weight-Control Practices
Authors: Stuckey Heather L. , Boan Jarol , Kraschnewski Jennifer L. , Miller-Day Michelle , Lehman Erik B. , Sciamanna Christopher N.
Published: October 2010

Based on positive deviance (examining the practices of successful individuals), we identified five primary themes from 36 strategies that help to maintain long-term weight loss (weight control) in 61 people. We conducted in-depth interviews to determine what successful individuals did and/or thought about regularly to control their weight. The themes included weight-control practices related to (a) nutrition: increase water, fruit, and vegetable intake, and consistent meal timing and content; (b) physical activity: follow and track an exercise routine at least 3x/week; (c) restraint: practice restraint by limiting and/or avoiding unhealthy foods; (d) self-monitor: plan meals, and track calories/weight progress; and (e) motivation: participate in motivational programs and cognitive processes that affect weight-control behavior. Using the extensive data involving both the practices and practice implementation, we used positive deviance to create a comprehensive list of practices to develop interventions for individuals to control their weight.
Helping Students With Disabilities Better Address Teasing and Bullying Situations
Authors: Vessey Judith A. , O’Neill Katherine M.
Published: October 2010

Students with disabilities are more likely to be chronically teased or bullied and develop related psychosocial problems. Proactive interventions help these youths develop coping skills and become more resilient in handling such situations. The specific aims of this study were to (a) identify children with disabilities, who are at risk for being chronically teased or bullied and (b) intervene using a web-based program to build resiliency for managing teasing and bullying situations. Using materials from the U.S. Health Services Resources Administration’s Stop Bullying Now campaign, 11 school nurses conducted a 12-session, biweekly support/discussion group intervention for 65 students with disabilities. Results indicated that after participating in serial brief interventions using a school nurse-led support group model, students reported being significantly less bothered by teasing and possessed significantly improved self-concepts, thus becoming more resilient in managing teasing and bullying situations. This study was conducted by MASNRN: the Massachusetts School Nurse Research Network.
Effect of the Partial Substitution of Soy Proteins by Highly Methyl-esterified Pectin on Chemical and Sensory Characteristics of Sausages
Authors: Pereira C.M. , Marques M.F. , Hatano M.K. , Castro I.A.
Published: October 2010

Pectin can be used as a natural emulsifier in food formulations. In this study, textured soybean protein (TSP), used as an emulsifier in commercial sausages, was partially replaced by a mixture containing pectin and isolated soybean proteins, which were either extruded (EXT) or not extruded (MIX), and the chemical and sensory characteristics of samples were evaluated after 60 days of storage at 4 °C. Responses such as oxidation measured by PV and TBARS, hardness, color, pH and sensory characteristics were compared with those of a commercial sausage (CON). The mixture containing highly methyl-esterified pectin, textured soybean proteins and isolated soybean proteins, as emulsifier agent, reduced the hardness (EXT: 21.69±0.98 and MIX: 20.17 ±2.76 N) and the pH (EXT: 5.46±0.03 and MIX: 5.29±0.01) of the samples and increased the concentration of peroxides (EXT: 0.10±0.01 and MIX: 0.15 ±0.01 meq/kg) when compared with samples formulated only with TSP (28.57 ± 2.54 N, pH of 6.92±0.04 and PV = 0.07 ± 0.01 meq/ kg). These effects were likely caused by the anionic character of the emulsifier. However, no sensory difference was observed between the sausages containing highly methyl-esterified pectin, textured soybean proteins and isolated soybean proteins submitted to the extrusion process (EXT) and the control sausages, suggesting that the formulation proposed in this study can be a potential alternative for the further development of sausages that have functional properties or are free of artificial additives.
Analysis of Moisture Desorption Isotherms of Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Authors: Moreira R. , Chenlo F. , Torres M.D. , Vallejo N.
Published: October 2010

Sorption isotherms of eggplant were determined employing, as experimental technique, a static gravimetric method, using saturated salt solutions to achieve the equilibrium. The experiments were carried out at different temperatures (20, 35, 50 and 65 °C). The sorption isotherms can be classified, according to Brunauer’s classification, as type II or III depending on temperature. Equilibrium moisture content data were correlated by two models usually applied to foodstuffs (Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) and Halsey). BET model was employed to determine monolayer moisture content (0.121 kg/kg d.b.). Halsey model was selected by the goodness of fitting. Experimental data were analyzed by a thermodynamic approach to obtain some properties as net isosteric heat, equilibrium heat and differential and net integral entropy. The differential enthalpy and entropy decreased with increasing moisture content and satisfied the compensation theory. The net integral enthalpy and entropy showed maximum values (~31 kJ/mol and ~88 J/mol.K) at 0.093 (kg/kg d.b.) of moisture content.
Intergroup anger in intractable conflict
Authors: Halperin Eran , Gross James J.
Published: October 2010

Anger is one of the most common and destructive emotions in intergroup conflicts, frequently leading to an escalation of intergroup aggression. Prior research has focused on short-term antecedents of intergroup anger, typically using laboratory paradigms. We hypothesized that the long-term sentiment of anger (a broad predisposition that is unrelated to a particular action) would predict subsequent anger responses to provocation. We further hypothesized that this effect would be mediated by appraisals of unfairness of the Palestinians’ behavior during the war––one of the core appraisal themes associated with anger. To test this prediction, we used a unique two-wave nationwide representative panel design ( n = 501) conducted in Israel during the last war in Gaza. Results showed that the long-term sentiment of anger towards Palestinians (and not general negative affect), measured 13 months prior to the Gaza War, predicted participants’ anger responses towards the Palestinians during the war. Furthermore, we found that the effects of long-term anger sentiments were mediated by the participants’ current appraisals of unfairness Palestinian behavior.
Problematizing ‘media development’ as a bandwagon gets rolling
Authors: Berger Guy
Published: October 2010

International initiatives have gained momentum around analysing ‘media development’ — a notion related to, but generally distinct from, media’s contribution to ‘development’. The focus on the ‘development’ of media is conventionally (although not logically) about international interventions in non-dense media environments. The conceptual and normative character around the terminology of ‘media development’ can be critically interrogated, and the meaning of the phrase revised with the aid of the concepts of ‘media mobilization’ and ‘media density’. The topic can also be contextualized against a historical backdrop, and questioned in terms of its assumptions about media effects. Critical theorization of ‘media’ also shows the need to go beyond the blinkers of ‘old’ media.
Freedom’s just another word? Perspectives on media freedom and responsibility in South Africa and Namibia
Authors: Wasserman Herman
Published: October 2010

As emerging democracies in Africa, the political communication systems of South Africa and Namibia have undergone major shifts since the early 1990s. For both these countries, democracy brought greater and constitutionally protected freedom of the media. This freedom was however seen as linked to certain responsibilities for the media to fulfil as democratic institutions. From ongoing clashes between journalists, politicians and the state in both these countries, it has become clear that there is no clear consensus about what media freedom and responsibility means in the context of these new African democracies. Drawing on approximately 50 semi-structured interviews with journalists, politicians and political intermediaries in South Africa and Namibia, as part of a multi-country comparative study, this article explores how values like freedom of speech, media responsibility and the democratic role of the media are understood by these various role players in the political communication process.
Effect of magnetic stirring on grain structure refinement: Part 1 – Autogenous nickel alloy welds
Authors: Lim Y. C. , Yu X. , Cho J. H. , Sosa J. , Farson D. F. , Babu S. S. , McCracken S. , Flesner B.
Published: October 2010

The objectives of this work were to characterise and understand the effects of circular magnetic arc deflection (arc stirring) on grain structure refinement of gas tungsten arc weld beads made in Inconel 690 substrates. Welds were made at various arc stirring frequencies (1·5–50 Hz), and microstructures were analysed using optical and electron backscattered diffraction microscopy. Optimum refinement of grain size occurred at a stirring frequency of ∼7 Hz. Analysis of computational fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification model results suggested that grain detachment was the primary mechanism for grain refinement.
Mechanical properties and microstructures of hybrid laser MIG welded dissimilar Mg–Al–Zn alloys
Authors: Gao M. , Cao Y. , Zeng X. Y. , Lin T. X.
Published: October 2010

Bead shape, microstructure changes and mechanical properties of laser metal inert gas (MIG) welded dissimilar Mg–Al–Zn alloys (from AZ31B to AZ61) are studied. The results show that heat ratio of arc to laser (HRAL) and welding speed are dominant parameters for achieving good tensile strength efficiency and elongation property. From AZ31B to AZ61, microstructure changes are observed as cellular dendrites to equiaxed dendrites and fish bone dendrites in the upper part of hybrid weld. Besides, at weld centreline, the solidification structure of lower part is finer than that of upper part. In this study, the maximum tensile strength efficiency and elongation reached 97·6 and 7% respectively. When the HRAL matches welding speed well, the joint achieves higher tensile strength with 45° shearing fracture at heat affected zone because of fewer defects. However, when utilising too low HRAL or fast welding speed, the joints show lower tensile strengths with nearly vertical fracture at fusion zone.
Deciphering the intracellular metabolism of Listeria monocytogenes by mutant screening and modelling
Authors: Schauer Kristina , Geginat Gernot , Liang Chunguang , Goebel Werner , Dandekar Thomas , Fuchs Thilo M
Published: October 2010

Background

The human pathogenListeria monocytogenesresides and proliferates within the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. While the virulence factors essentially contributing to this step of the infection cycle are well characterized, the set of listerial genes contributing to intracellular replication remains to be defined on a genome-wide level.

Results

A comprehensive library ofL. monocytogenesstrain EGD knockout mutants was constructed upon insertion-duplication mutagenesis, and 1491 mutants were tested for their phenotypes in rich medium and in a Caco-2 cell culture assay. Following sequencing of the plasmid insertion site, 141 different genes required for invasion of and replication in Caco-2 cells were identified. Ten in-frame deletion mutants were constructed that confirmed the data. The genes with known functions are mainly involved in cellular processes including transport, in the intermediary metabolism of sugars, nucleotides and lipids, and in information pathways such as regulatory functions. No function could be ascribed to 18 genes, and a counterpart of eight genes is missing in the apathogenic speciesL. innocua. Mice infection studies revealed thein vivorequirement of IspE (Lmo0190) involved in mevalonate synthesis, and of the novel ABC transporter Lmo0135-0137 associated with cysteine transport. Based on the data of this genome-scale screening, an extreme pathway and elementary mode analysis was applied that demonstrates the critical role of glycerol and purine metabolism, of fucose utilization, and of the synthesis of glutathione, aspartate semialdehyde, serine and branched chain amino acids during intracellular replication ofL. monocytogenes.

Conclusion

The combination of a genetic screening and a modelling approach revealed that a series of transporters helpL. monocytogenesto overcome a putative lack of nutrients within cells, and that a high metabolic flexibility contributes to the intracellular replication of this pathogen.
Heading Down the Wrong Pathway: on the Influence of Correlation within Gene Sets
Authors: Gatti Daniel M , Barry William T , Nobel Andrew B , Rusyn Ivan , Wright Fred A
Published: October 2010

Background

Analysis of microarray experiments often involves testing for the overrepresentation of pre-defined sets of genes among lists of genes deemed individually significant. Most popular gene set testing methods assume the independence of genes within each set, an assumption that is seriously violated, as extensive correlation between genes is a well-documented phenomenon.

Results

We conducted a meta-analysis of over 200 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus in order to demonstrate the practical impact of strong gene correlation patterns that are highly consistent across experiments. We show that a common independence assumption-based gene set testing procedure produces very high false positive rates when applied to data sets for which treatment groups have been randomized, and that gene sets with high internal correlation are more likely to be declared significant. A reanalysis of the same datasets using an array resampling approach properly controls false positive rates, leading to more parsimonious and high-confidence gene set findings, which should facilitate pathway-based interpretation of the microarray data.

Conclusions

These findings call into question many of the gene set testing results in the literature and argue strongly for the adoption of resampling based gene set testing criteria in the peer reviewed biomedical literature.