bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Revolt of the Urban Ghettos, 1964-1967
Authors: Boskin Joseph
Published: June 2007

The revolt of the urban ghettos in the mid-1960's was in large part the consequence of a dichotomy in the think ing of Caucasians regarding the city. Accepting the city as a source of work but rejecting it as a desirable place to live, whites moved out to the suburbs and left the inner city to the underclasses. The minority groups, on the other hand, ini tially sought socioeconomic salvation within the city; it was, in the words of biographer Claude Brown, the "Promised Land." Instead, the ethnic groups suffered confinement to the ghettos and restricted opportunities within the city. The ghetto enclave produced a consciousness of experience among its residents, of which a sense of entrapment was an integral aspect. The more than one hundred major riots which ensued between 1964 and 1967 were spontaneous outbursts of hostility toward ghetto conditions and toward those who perpetuated the environment. A high level of support, demonstrated in both attitude and action, prevailed during the revolts. Significantly, the two institutions which represented the white establishment, the police and businesses, were singled out for attack. Largely ignored were libraries, schools, and civic buildings. The riots were thus the result of an ecological malaise in American soci ety which had prevailed for decades prior to the assaults of the ghettos in the 1960's.
Outdoor Recreation Economics
Authors: Krutilla John V. , Knetsch Jack L.
Published: June 2007

Outdoor recreation economics is an area similar to numerous other study areas in the general field of eco nomics. Economists working in this area are concerned with the efficiency of the allocation of resources between outdoor recreation facilities and programs, on the one hand, and goods and services, generally, on the other—and, within the area of outdoor recreation, with the efficiency of the resultant mix of facilities and programs. Concomitantly, they become in volved with the question of "distributive justice," namely, the distribution of recreational opportunities among the vari ous segments of the population. In this paper, we distinguish roughly between resource-oriented outdoor recreation, on the one hand, and population- or market-oriented outdoor recrea tion on the other. In the former, we find a predominantly middle- or upper-middle-income clientele and an economic en vironment which favors application of the analytical, manage ment, and policy tools of "efficiency economics." In the latter, we find concentrations of the impoverished among ghetto residents, and the question of equitable distribution of recrea tional facilities and programs becomes equally as important as the efficiency with which they are provided.
On Collective Violence: Introduction and Overview
Authors: Short James F. , Wolfgang Marvin E.
Published: June 2007

Despite the ubiquity of violence in world history, and the efforts of scholars and national commissions to diag nose its causes and prescribe solutions, violence remains a major social problem in many parts of the world. Indeed, it is such in part because of these efforts, and because under standing and solutions are problematic. Papers in this issue are reviewed and the respective roles of and relations between national commissions and the scholarly community discussed.
The End of Overrun: Prospects for the High Technology Defense Industry and Related Issues
Authors: Udis Bernard
Published: June 2007

Influences leading to the high cost of acquiring advanced weapon systems are examined, including the historical background of defense procurement and the difficulty of measuring the military value of these systems. Efforts to improve the military contracting system are detailed, including the McNamara reforms, and analysis is given of new efforts to reform weapons procurement. An important recent trend has been the changing composition of the military budgets, resulting from inflation and growing manpower costs. Recent developments by European competitors in the aircraft industry are explored, and possibilities for market diversification are suggested. Finally, military and government support of research and development is discussed in terms of technological advance.
The Military Man in Academia
Authors: Jordan Amos A. , Taylor William J.
Published: June 2007

The officer education system is in a period of overdue, dynamic change in military curricular substance and approach. Although departures from time-tested procedures are not generally welcomed in the military, this is a time of serious introspection for the armed services. They are prepared to innovate. The challenge to the officer education system is to produce the required number of officers with expertise in the management and application of military resources in deterrent, peacekeeping, advisory, and combat roles in the context of rapid technological, social, and political change. This educational system must provide training to develop specific skills and military professionalism; it must also develop broadly applicable analytical skills and critical judgment. The officer education system can define the parameters of the former far more closely than the latter. It is time for an overall assessment of training requirements for the future based upon the tasks the nation wants its military to perform and a forecast of technological change. Equally important, it is time for an assessment of the values which the nation wishes its military officers to hold and development of personnel management systems which facilitate education designed to produce and promote imaginative officers capable of balanced judgment concerning issues of priorities and trade-offs among resources and values.
Toward an Equalitarian Legal Order, 1930-1950
Authors: Hastie William H.
Published: June 2007

Though the post-Civil War amendments to the Constitution promised black Americans that thereafter their rights and opportunities would not be demeaned because of race, the ensuing fifty years witnessed the comprehensive institutionalization of racial segregation and subordination by force of law. During the first quarter of this century the racist legal order was so firmly established, with the support or acquiescence of most whites, that struggle against it seemed futile. But beginning about 1930, under the leadership of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a nationwide legal campaign was planned and undertaken with an equalitarian legal order as its goal. Early lawsuits served to arouse public interest and support as well as to win significant peripheral changes in the segregated legal order. Social scientists and educators were persuaded to re-examine the segregated order critically. The federal government moved from a posture of neutrality to forthright assertion that laws requiring racial segregation could not be squared with the Constitution. Responding case by case, the Supreme Court progressively eroded antecedent constitutional doctrine that sanctioned American apartheid until, by 1950, the Court appeared ready to strike down all statutes and all other governmental action that imposed racial segregation or discrimination.
Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Dreyfus Hubert L.
Published: June 2007

The belief in the possibility of artificial intelligence (AI), given present computers, is the belief that all that is essential to human intelligence can be formalized. AI has not fulfilled early expectations in pattern recognition and problem solving. These tasks cannot be formalized. They necessarily involve a nonformal form of information processing which is possible only for embodied beings —where being embodied does not merely mean being able to move and to operate manipulators. The human world, with its recognizable objects, is organized by human beings using their embodied capacities to satisfy their embodied needs. There is no reason to suppose that a world organized in terms of the body should be accessible by other means.
Information and Economic Analysis
Authors: Havrilesky Thomas M.
Published: June 2007

Information or the lack of information lies at the heart of recent controversy in economics. Economists have long viewed the market as a means by which individuals exchange information regarding their preferences. An alleged lack of adequate product information among consumers continues to elicit appeals for further government involvement in the market. Also, poor information among workers about job and wage alternatives has been used by economists to explain not only why we have unemployment, but why it seems to vary inversely with the rate of price inflation. In addition, congressional tolerance of highly imperfect Federal Reserve System reactions to information about the state of the economy-as well as presidential influence and legerdemain over traditional fiscal and monetary policy—seems to explain the recent inability to retard inflation. Finally, inadequate informational interchange between individuals may be at the heart of many collective goods problems, ranging from urban decay and pollution to crime and alienation.
Information in the Health Care System
Authors: Cheshier Robert G.
Published: June 2007

Despite current criticism, there is a health care system. Furthermore, the system and its component parts have rapidly increasing information needs. An economic view of the phenomenon can be derived by looking at the pragmatics of library service in the system. Increasingly, research on information is generally being done in operational libraries rather than in library schools or research institutes. These libraries have become highly technological and their resulting activities have stimulated network development to effect lower information unit costs, to develop innovative financial support mechanisms and to enable the development of national levels of medical practice, insofar as information can help to achieve this goal. A specific application of these concepts is described.
A Variance Components Model for Measurement Procedures Associated with a Table of Specifications
Authors: Jarjoura David , Brennan Robert L.
Published: June 2007

Although many tests are developed according to a table of specifications, the literature contains little guidance to measurement specialists for considering the measurement properties of tests developed in this manner. Rather, most of the literature makes the simplistic assumption that the entire set of items are drawn from (or represent) a common undifferentiated domain or universe. This paper presents a variance components model for many measurement procedures that are associated with a table of specifications. In addition, simple procedures are provided for estimating the model parameters (variance components and category means) and functions of them (e.g., composite universe score variance and error variances).
Determinants of Alcohol Abuse in a Psychiatric Population: A Two-Dimensionl Model
Authors: Overall John E.
Published: June 2007

A method for multidimensional scaling of group differences in categorical data patterns was used to investigate configural relationships among alcohol use and abuse groups. The analysis resulted in a model from which two primary etiologic concepts, plus a moderator, were derived. Exposure is the concept that summarizes demographic factors related to level of alcohol use. However, problem drinking differs from frequent drinking along a dimension in the demographic domain that is independent of the exposure dimension. Duration of frequent alcohol use is a concept that relates to age, duration, and chronicity variables. The relationship between resources and responsibilities appears to be a moderator in the dimension separating frequent and problem drinking. Low income and family responsibilities interact to make frequent alcohol use more likely to be perceived as a problem.
Efficacy of Behavioral Interventions for Dementia Caregivers
Authors: Farran Carol J. , Gilley David W. , McCann Judith J. , Bienias Julia L. , Lindeman David A. , Evans Denis A.
Published: June 2007

Behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, particularly agitation, appear to be a major contributing factor to the emotional distress exhibited by family caregivers. Psychosocial interventions have been shown to reduce caregiver emotional distress, but few studies have examined the efficacy of these interventions with caregivers exposed to high levels of dementia-related behavioral symptoms. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a caregiver skill building intervention in reducing emotional distress to agitated behaviors of care recipients. This study analyzed data from a subgroup of caregivers who participated in a larger randomized clinical trial ( N = 295). Data from 143 caregivers of family members with baseline agitated behaviors indicate that the skill building intervention was more effective than an information and support oriented comparison condition in reducing emotional distress over an 18-month period. These findings indicate that dementia caregivers exposed to agitated behaviors can benefit from psychosocial interventions, particularly those aimed at building behavioral management skills.
Predicting Program Completion Among Families Enrolled in a Child Neglect Preventive Intervention
Authors: Girvin Heather , DePanfilis Diane , Daining Clara
Published: June 2007

Objective: An exploratory analysis of self-report data gathered by the Family Connections program is used to build a predictive model of program completion. Method: The sample includes 136 families in a poor, urban neighborhood who meet risk criteria for child neglect. Families are randomly assigned to receive 3- or 9-month interventions. Bivariate analyses compare families who did and did not complete services. Logistic regression analysis identifies service-completion predictors for 136 families for whom pre- and post-data are available. Results: More caregivers in the 3-month group complete services. Completers have more children and report a more positive alliance with their workers. Depressive symptoms, worker alliance, and treatment-group status predict service completion in the final model. Conclusions: Findings and implications for practice are discussed.
Risk Factors for Abusive Relationships
Authors: Morash Merry , Bui Hoan , Yan Zhang  , Holtfreter Kristy
Published: June 2007

This study identifies risk factors for Vietnamese American women's abuse. Intensive interviews with 129 Vietnamese women immigrants in a northeastern metropolitan area provided data to examine risk factors for sexual, physical, and verbal abuse. Patriarchal gender arrangements in the family, arguments about fulfilling gender and family roles, and partner's threat that divorce would compromise the participant's immigration status put women at risk for each type of abuse. “Picture brides” were at heightened risk for sexual abuse. For women with limited resources, education and interventions within the ethnic immigrant community are critical to addressing wife abuse.
Are Public–Private Transactions the Future of Infrastructure Finance?
Authors: Brown Kathleen
Published: June 2007

Demand for infrastructure in the United States continues to grow dramatically while governments at all levels struggle to balance their budgets. As a result, state and local governments are looking more to nontraditional sources of financing for their capital and operating needs. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are financing strategies that are widely used around the world but are still relatively new in the United States. Under these agreements, state and local governments maintain ownership and control of the assets but receive financial compensation to contract with a private operator who provides operating, maintenance, and/or construction expertise for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Pilot study of a parent training program for young children with autism
Authors: Solomon Richard , Necheles Jonathan , Ferch Courtney , Bruckman David
Published: June 2007

The PLAY Project Home Consultation (PPHC) program trains parents of children with autistic spectrum disorders using the DIR/Floortime model of Stanley Greenspan MD. Sixty-eight children completed the 8—12 month program. Parents were encouraged to deliver 15 hours per week of 1:1 interaction. Pre/post ratings of videotapes by blind raters using the Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS) showed significant increases ( p ≤ 0.0001) in child subscale scores. Translated clinically, 45.5 percent of children made good to very good functional developmental progress. There were no significant differences between parents in the FEAS subscale scores at either pre-or post-intervention and all parents scored at levels suggesting they would be effective in working with their children. Overall satisfaction with PPHC was 90 percent. Average cost of intervention was $2500/ year. Despite important limitations, this pilot study of The PLAY Project Home Consulting model suggests that the model has potential to be a cost-effective intervention for young children with autism.
FANCJ (BACH1) helicase forms DNA damage inducible foci with replication protein A and interacts physically and functionally with the single-stranded DNA-binding protein
Authors: Gupta Rigu , Sharma Sudha , Sommers Joshua A. , Kenny Mark K. , Cantor Sharon B. , Brosh Robert M.
Published: June 2007

The BRCA1 associated C-terminal helicase (BACH1, designated FANCJ) is implicated in the chromosomal instability genetic disorder Fanconi anemia (FA) and hereditary breast cancer. A critical role of FANCJ helicase may be to restart replication as a component of downstream events that occur during the repair of DNA cross-links or double-strand breaks. We investigated the potential interaction of FANCJ with replication protein A (RPA), a single-stranded DNA-binding protein implicated in both DNA replication and repair. FANCJ and RPA were shown to coimmunoprecipitate most likely through a direct interaction of FANCJ and the RPA70 subunit. Moreover, dependent on the presence of BRCA1, FANCJ colocalizes with RPA in nuclear foci after DNA damage. Our data are consistent with a model in which FANCJ associates with RPA in a DNA damage-inducible manner and through the protein interaction RPA stimulates FANCJ helicase to better unwind duplex DNA substrates. These findings identify RPA as the first regulatory partner of FANCJ. The FANCJ-RPA interaction is likely to be important for the role of the helicase to more efficiently unwind DNA repair intermediates to maintain genomic stability.
Transcription factor Gfi-1 induced by G-CSF is a negative regulator of CXCR4 in myeloid cells
Authors: De La Luz Sierra Maria , Gasperini Paola , McCormick Peter J. , Zhu Jinfang , Tosato Giovanna
Published: June 2007

The mechanisms underlying granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)–induced mobilization of granulocytic lineage cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood remain elusive. We provide evidence that the transcriptional repressor growth factor independence-1 (Gfi-1) is involved in G-CSF–induced mobilization of granulocytic lineage cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood. We show that in vitro and in vivo G-CSF promotes expression of Gfi-1 and down-regulates expression of CXCR4, a chemokine receptor essential for the retention of hematopoietic stem cells and granulocytic cells in the bone marrow. Gfi-1 binds to DNA sequences upstream of the CXCR4 gene and represses CXCR4 expression in myeloid lineage cells. As a consequence, myeloid cell responses to the CXCR4 unique ligand SDF-1 are reduced. Thus, Gfi-1 not only regulates hematopoietic stem cell function and myeloid cell development but also probably promotes the release of granulocytic lineage cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood by reducing CXCR4 expression and function.
The effect of tidal forcing on biogeochemical processes in intertidal salt marsh sediments
Authors: Taillefert Martial , Neuhuber Stephanie , Bristow Gwendolyn
Published: June 2007

Background

Early diagenetic processes involved in natural organic matter (NOM) oxidation in marine sediments have been for the most part characterized after collecting sediment cores and extracting porewaters. These techniques have proven useful for deep-sea sediments where biogeochemical processes are limited to aerobic respiration, denitrification, and manganese reduction and span over several centimeters. In coastal marine sediments, however, the concentration of NOM is so high that the spatial resolution needed to characterize these processes cannot be achieved with conventional sampling techniques. In addition, coastal sediments are influenced by tidal forcing that likely affects the processes involved in carbon oxidation.

Results

In this study, we used in situ voltammetry to determine the role of tidal forcing on early diagenetic processes in intertidal salt marsh sediments. We compare ex situ measurements collected seasonally, in situ profiling measurements, and in situ time series collected at several depths in the sediment during tidal cycles at two distinct stations, a small perennial creek and a mud flat. Our results indicate that the tides coupled to the salt marsh topography drastically influence the distribution of redox geochemical species and may be responsible for local differences noted year-round in the same sediments. Monitoring wells deployed to observe the effects of the tides on the vertical component of porewater transport reveal that creek sediments, because of their confinements, are exposed to much higher hydrostatic pressure gradients than mud flats.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that iron reduction can be sustained in intertidal creek sediments by a combination of physical forcing and chemical oxidation, while intertidal mud flat sediments are mainly subject to sulfate reduction. These processes likely allow microbial iron reduction to be an important terminal electron accepting process in intertidal coastal sediments.
Uncovering information on expression of natural antisense transcripts in Affymetrix MOE430 datasets
Authors: Oeder Sebastian , Mages Joerg , Flicek Paul , Lang Roland
Published: June 2007

Background

The function and significance of the widespread expression of natural antisense transcripts (NATs) is largely unknown. The ability to quantitatively assess changes in NAT expression for many different transcripts in multiple samples would facilitate our understanding of this relatively new class of RNA molecules.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that standard expression analysis Affymetrix MOE430 and HG-U133 GeneChips contain hundreds of probe sets that detect NATs. Probe sets carrying a "Negative Strand Matching Probes" annotation in NetAffx were validated using Ensembl by manual and automated approaches. More than 50 % of the 1,113 probe sets with "Negative Strand Matching Probes" on the MOE430 2.0 GeneChip were confirmed as detecting NATs. Expression of selected antisense transcripts as indicated by Affymetrix data was confirmed using strand-specific RT-PCR. Thus, Affymetrix datasets can be mined to reveal information about the regulated expression of a considerable number of NATs. In a correlation analysis of 179 sense-antisense (SAS) probe set pairs using publicly available data from 1637 MOE430 2.0 GeneChips a significant number of SAS transcript pairs were found to be positively correlated.

Conclusion

Standard expression analysis Affymetrix GeneChips can be used to measure many different NATs. The large amount of samples deposited in microarray databases represents a valuable resource for a quantitative analysis of NAT expression and regulation in different cells, tissues and biological conditions.
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 is involved in cell growth and survival of human rhabdomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Chen Chun-Liang , Loy Abbey , Cen Ling , Chan Christina , Hsieh Fu-Chuan , Cheng Gong , Wu Bryant , Qualman Stephen J , Kunisada Keita , Yamauchi-Takihara Keiko , Lin Jiayuh
Published: June 2007

Background

Stat3 has been classified as a proto-oncogene and constitutive Stat3 signaling appears to be involved in oncogenesis of human cancers. However, whether constitutive Stat3 signaling plays a role in the survival and growth of osteosarcomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, and soft-tissue sarcomas is still unclear.

Methods

To examine whether Stat3 is activated in osteosarcomas, rhabdomyosarcomas and other soft-tissue sarcomas we analyzed sarcoma tissue microarray slides and sarcoma cell lines using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, respectively, with a phospho-specific Stat3 antibody. To examine whether the activated Stat3 pathway is important for sarcoma cell growth and survival, adenovirus-mediated expression of a dominant-negative Stat3 (Y705F) and a small molecule inhibitor (termed STA-21) were used to inhibit constitutive Stat3 signaling in human sarcoma cell lines expressing elevated levels of Stat3 phosphorylation. Cell viability was determined by MTT assays and induction of apoptosis was analyzed by western blotting using antibodies that specifically recognize cleaved caspases-3, 8, and 9.

Results

Stat3 phosphorylation is elevated in 19% (21/113) of osteosarcoma, 27% (17/64) of rhabdomyosarcoma, and 15% (22/151) of other soft-tissue sarcoma tissues as well as in sarcoma cell lines. Expression of the dominant-negative Stat3 and treatment of STA-21 inhibited cell viability and growth and induced apoptosis through caspases 3, 8 and 9 pathways in human sarcoma cell lines expressing elevated levels of phosphorylated Stat3.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that Stat3 phosphorylation is elevated in human rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcomas and soft-tissue sarcomas. Furthermore, the activated Stat3 pathway is important for cell growth and survival of human sarcoma cells.
Stem Cell Therapy for Autism
Authors: Ichim Thomas E , Solano Fabio , Glenn Eduardo , Morales Frank , Smith Leonard , Zabrecky George , Riordan Neil H
Published: June 2007

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions whose incidence is reaching epidemic proportions, afflicting approximately 1 in 166 children. Autistic disorder, or autism is the most common form of ASD. Although several neurophysiological alterations have been associated with autism, immune abnormalities and neural hypoperfusion appear to be broadly consistent. These appear to be causative since correlation of altered inflammatory responses, and hypoperfusion with symptology is reported. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are in late phases of clinical development for treatment of graft versus host disease and Crohn's Disease, two conditions of immune dysregulation. Cord blood CD34+ cells are known to be potent angiogenic stimulators, having demonstrated positive effects in not only peripheral ischemia, but also in models of cerebral ischemia. Additionally, anecdotal clinical cases have reported responses in autistic children receiving cord blood CD34+ cells. We propose the combined use of MSC and cord blood CD34+cells may be useful in the treatment of autism.
Is breast cancer prognosis inherited?
Authors: Hartman Mikael , Lindström Linda , Dickman Paul W , Adami Hans-Olov , Hall Per , Czene Kamila
Published: June 2007

Introduction

A genetic component is well established in the etiology of breast cancer. It is not well known, however, whether genetic traits also influence prognostic features of the malignant phenotype.

Methods

We carried out a population-based cohort study in Sweden based on the nationwide Multi-Generation Register. Among all women with breast cancer diagnosed from 1961 to 2001, 2,787 mother-daughter pairs and 831 sister pairs with breast cancer were identified; we achieved complete follow-up and classified 5-year breast cancer-specific prognosis among proband (mother or oldest sister) into tertiles as poor, intermediary, or good. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival proportions and Cox models to calculate relative risks of dying from breast cancer within 5 years depending on the proband's outcome.

Results

The 5-year survival proportion among daughters whose mothers died within 5 years was 87% compared to 91% if the mother was alive (p = 0.03). Among sisters, the corresponding proportions were 70% and 88%, respectively (p = 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, daughters and sisters of a proband with poor prognosis had a 60% higher 5-year breast cancer mortality compared to those of a proband with good prognosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 2.2; p for trend 0.002). This association was slightly stronger among sisters (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.4) than among daughters (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.3).

Conclusion

Breast cancer prognosis of a woman predicts the survival in her first-degree relatives with breast cancer. Our novel findings suggest that breast cancer prognosis might be inherited.
Modeling effect of the septic condition and trauma on C-reactive protein levels in children with sepsis: a retrospective study
Authors: Kyr Michal , Fedora Michal , Elbl Lubomir , Kugan Nishan , Michalek Jaroslav
Published: June 2007

Introduction

Sepsis is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units and its early diagnosis is not straightforward. Many studies have evaluated the usefulness of various markers of infection, including C-reactive protein (CRP), which is the most accessible and widely used. CRP is of weak diagnostic value because of its low specificity; a better understanding of patterns of CRP levels associated with a particular form of infection may improve its usefulness as a sepsis marker. In the present article, we apply multilevel modeling techniques and mixed linear models to CRP-related data to assess the time course of CRP blood levels in association with clinical outcome in children with different septic conditions.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 99 patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, or septic shock who were admitted to the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at the University Hospital, Brno. CRP blood levels were monitored for 10 days following the onset of the septic condition. The effect of different septic conditions and of the surgical or nonsurgical diagnosis on CRP blood levels was statistically analyzed using mixed linear models with a multilevel modeling approach.

Results

A significant effect of septic condition and diagnosis on the course of CRP levels was identified. In patients who did not progress to septic shock, CRP blood levels decreased rapidly after reaching peak values – in contrast to the values in patients with septic shock in whom CRP protein levels decreased slowly. Moreover, CRP levels in patients with a surgical diagnosis were higher than in patients with a nonsurgical condition. The magnitude of this additional elevation in surgical patients did not depend on the septic condition.

Conclusion

Understanding the pattern of change in levels of CRP associated with a particular condition may improve its diagnostic and prognostic value in children with sepsis.
Morphine effects on striatal transcriptome in mice
Authors: Korostynski Michal , Piechota Marcin , Kaminska Dorota , Solecki Wojciech , Przewlocki Ryszard
Published: June 2007

Background

Chronic opiate use produces molecular and cellular adaptations in the nervous system that lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. Genome-wide comparison of morphine-induced changes in brain transcription of mouse strains with different opioid-related phenotypes provides an opportunity to discover the relationship between gene expression and behavioral response to the drug.

Results

Here, we analyzed the effects of single and repeated morphine administrations in selected inbred mouse strains (129P3/J, DBA/2J, C57BL/6J, and SWR/J). Using microarray-based gene expression profiling in striatum, we found 618 (false discovery rate < 1%) morphine-responsive transcripts. Through ontologic classification, we linked particular sets of genes to biologic functions, including metabolism, transmission of nerve impulse, and cell-cell signaling. We identified numerous novel morphine-regulated genes (for instance, Olig2 and Camk1g), and a number of transcripts with strain-specific changes in expression (for instance, Hspa1a and Fzd2). Moreover, transcriptional activation of a pattern of co-expressed genes (for instance, Tsc22d3 and Nfkbia) was identified as being mediated via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Further studies revealed that blockade of the GR altered morphine-induced locomotor activity and development of physical dependence.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that there are differences between strains in the magnitude of transcriptional response to acute morphine treatment and in the degree of tolerance in gene expression observed after chronic morphine treatment. Using whole-genome transcriptional analysis of morphine effects in the striatum, we were able to reveal multiple physiological factors that may influence opioid-related phenotypes and to relate particular gene networks to this complex trait. The results also suggest the possible involvement of GR-regulated genes in mediating behavioral response to morphine.
Unique mechanisms of growth regulation and tumor suppression upon Apc inactivation in the pancreas
Authors: Strom Alessandra , Bonal Claire , Ashery-Padan Ruth , Hashimoto Naoko , Campos M. Luisa , Trumpp Andreas , Noda Tetsuo , Kido Yoshiaki , Real Francisco X. , Thorel Fabrizio , Herrera Pedro L.
Published: June 2007

β-catenin signaling is heavily involved in organogenesis. Here, we investigated how pancreas differentiation, growth and homeostasis are affected following inactivation of an endogenous inhibitor of β-catenin,adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc). In adult mice, Apc-deficient pancreata were enlarged, solely as a result of hyperplasia of acinar cells, which accumulatedβ-catenin, with the sparing of islets. Expression of a target ofβ-catenin, the proto-oncogene c-myc (Myc), was increased in acinar cells lacking Apc, suggesting that c-mycexpression is essential for hyperplasia. In support of this hypothesis, we found that conditional inactivation of c-myc in pancreata lacking Apc completely reversed the acinar hyperplasia. Apc loss in organs such as the liver, colon and kidney, as well as experimental misexpression of c-myc in pancreatic acinar cells, led to tumor formation with high penetrance. Surprisingly, pancreas tumors failed to develop following conditional pancreas Apc inactivation. In Apc-deficient acini of aged mice,our studies revealed a cessation of their exaggerated proliferation and a reduced expression of c-myc, in spite of the persistent accumulation of β-catenin. In conclusion, our work shows that β-catenin modulation of c-myc is an essential regulator of acinar growth control, and unveils an unprecedented example of Apc requirement in the pancreas that is both temporally restricted and cell-specific. This provides new insights into the mechanisms of tumor pathogenesis and tumor suppression in the pancreas.
A variational approach to vibrating frames
Authors: Grossi R O , Albarracín C M
Published: June 2007

This article deals with the use of calculus of variations, to derive the boundary and eigenvalue problems that describe the dynamical behaviour of frame structures with ends and intermediate points elastically restrained and with the determination of exact eigenfrequencies. It is the purpose of this article to present a rigorous procedure by introducing adequate functionals with a complete description of the corresponding domains. In each case, the stationary condition required by the Hamilton's principle is rigorously stated by defining the domain D of the action integral and the space Da of admissible directions. In addition, exact frequencies for the restrained frames with rotational and translational restraints at the ends and/or intermediate points are included.
EDTA-controlled One-pot Preparation of Novel Shaped Gold Microcrystals and Their Application in Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Wang Dawei , Liu Yang , Zhou Xiaoguang , Sun Jinying , You Tianyan
Published: June 2007

We report a one-pot preparation method for a series of novel shaped gold microcrystals by simply mixing HAuCl4 with disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na2EDTA). Under the different reaction temperatures, spinous structures, multipod microspheres, and rough surfaced microspheres were obtained. These microcrystals exhibit high surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity.
Diketobile Acids as New Hosts in Solid-state Enantioselective Resolutions
Authors: Fantin Giancarlo , Fogagnolo Marco , Perrone Daniela , Bortolini Olga
Published: June 2007

New diketobile acid derivatives have been evaluated as hosts in the resolution of aryl methyl sulfoxides. The guest molecules are linked to the host ones via hydrogen bonds with the SO group. The 3,6-diketo derivative is also effective for the resolution of γ-lactames.
A High Compensation Temperature of 175 K in a Vanadium Hexacyanochromate-based Magnet
Authors: Ohkoshi Shin-ichi , Hozumi Toshiya , Mizuno Mikihisa , Hashimoto Kazuhito
Published: June 2007

We observed a high compensation temperature (Tcomp) of 175 K in a vanadium hexacyanochromate-based ferrimagnet, KI0.19VII0.64(VIVO)0.36[CrIII(CN)6]0.73·7.5H2O. The observed phenomenon is understood by the compensation of the positive sublattice magnetization of CrIII (S=3⁄2) and the negative sublattice magnetizations of VII (S=3⁄2) and VIV (S=1⁄2). A Tcomp value of 175 K is the highest value among molecule-based magnets reported to date.
Histological findings in rabbits which died with symptoms of mucoid enteritis
Authors: Meshorer Asher
Published: June 2007

Histological and aetiological similarities between rabbit mucoid enteritis and human ulcerative colitis are briefly discussed. Escherichia coli seems to be associated with the rabbit disease, and treatment aimed at this organism has been followed by a period of 4 years free from mucoid enteritis.
Skeletal development in the foetal and neonatal marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Phillips I. R.
Published: June 2007

Qualitative and quantitative measurements of skeletal development were performed on foetal marmosets in utero and on fixed specimens of both foetuses and neonates. The sequence of skeletal changes may be used to assess developmental status and the prenatal growth of the marmoset is compared with that of other primate species.
Effects of stress due to deprivation and transport in different genotypes of house mouse
Authors: Wallace Margaret E.
Published: June 2007

The importance of various stress factors involved in boxing and transit of wild and laboratory mice on a 28 hour journey was studied. Transference from laboratory cage to transit box alone caused weight loss; under the best conditions the laboratory mice lost 5% of their initial weight and wild ones 8%. Deprivation of food resulted in absolute loss of weight; from this death ensued when 20% of initial weight was lost: the smaller wild mice died sooner than the larger laboratory ones. Water deprivation resulted in retarding recovery of weight lost; wild mice took longer to recover than laboratory ones. It also caused weight loss and, in conjunction with deprivation of food, poor condition and death. Transit itself affected percentage weight loss and wheat consumption; wild mice were affected differently from laboratory mice in both respects.

Genotype is seen to be important not only in controlling initial weight and activity level, but also-and independently of weight-the total food requirement.

In the light of these findings current literature giving guidance on shipment of small mammals is shown to be inadequate, and certain recommendations are given.
Thermal Degradation of Fatty Acids in Biodiesel Production by Supercritical Methanol
Authors: Demirbas Ayhan
Published: June 2007

In this study, thermal degradation of the fatty acids of sunflower seed oil during biodiesel production by supercritical methanol method was investigated. The term biodiesel means the monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty acids made from biolipids such as vegetable oils, animal fats, tall oil or algae oils. The oils and fats contain polyunsaturated fatty acid chains that their double bonds have highly chemical reactivity. The thermal degradation occurs on the double bonds of unsaturated aliphatic carbons chains in fatty acids. Oxidation of biodiesel is results in the formation of hydroperoxides. The formation of the hydroperoxide follows a well known peroxidation chain mechanism. The olefinic unsaturated fatty acid oxidation is a multi-step reaction process where primary products decompose and chemically interact with each other to form numerous secondary oxidation products. The content of linoleic acid in the sunflower seed oil is 72.4%, while the linoleic acid account for 62.5% of the total fatty acids in the biodiesel. The proportion of the linoleic acid is lower in the biodiesel obtained by supercritical methanol transesterfication method. The viscosity of biodiesel increases with increasing of thermal degradation degree due to the trans isomer formation on double bonds. The decomposition of biodiesel and its corresponding fatty acids linearly increases from 293 K to 625 K. The densities of biodiesel fuels decreased linearly with temperature from 293 K to 575 K. The combustion heat of biodiesel partially decreases with increasing of thermal degradation degree.
Aesthetics and Economy in Pedestrian Bridge Design
Authors: Woodruff Shawn , Billington David P.
Published: June 2007

Two common pitfalls of pedestrian bridge design are explored: the idea that a structure that is efficient will automatically be elegant versus the notion that a lot of money must be spent to get a beautiful structure. The drive for landmark bridges has led some engineers to disregard the engineering ethic of economy with some recent footbridges. The Töss Footbridge by structural artist Robert Maillart is shown as a model structure, with Maillart's calculations and a description of the bridge's structural behavior presented. Then an extremity on the other side of the spectrum is analyzed: the Turtle Bay Sundial Bridge in Redding, California. The cost escalation and a scientific explanation of the irrationality of the bridge form are presented for this $23.5 million footbridge. In order to explore both pitfalls in the United States an informal national study of all 50 states was performed. Results from the national study (including costs) are described and interpreted. Three unique structures from this study are presented which are reasonably economical and prove that a so-called signature bridge does not require extreme cost.
Turbofan Duct Mode Measurements Using a Continuously Rotating Microphone Rake
Authors: Sutliff Daniel L.
Published: June 2007

An experimental measurement system was developed and implemented at the NASA Glenn Research Center in the 1990s to measure fan duct acoustic modes. The system is a radial array of microphones inserted into the duct that continuously rotates about the duct centerline. This Rotating Rake provides a complete map of the acoustic duct modes at fan harmonics in a ducted fan. It has been used on a variety of test articles: from a low-speed, concept test fan rig, to a full-scale production turbofan engine. The Rotating Rake has been critical in developing and evaluating a number of noise reduction concepts as well as providing experimental databases for verification of several aero-acoustic codes.
Flying the FGDP(UK) flag overseas
Authors: Ladwa Russ
Published: June 2007

In November 2006 I was invited to the Sultanate of Oman to speak at the Oman Dental Conference, which was attended by representatives from most of the Middle Eastern states and included several international speakers. The first of my presentations set out the history and background of the FGDP(UK), while the second covered FGDP(UK) courses and educational support, focusing on the MFGDP(UK) diploma and forthcoming changes following the development of the MJDF.
The Eagle Project – something for everyone
Authors: Rainsbury Dick
Published: June 2007

Real progress is being made with the Eagle Project – the multimillion-pound scheme to convert the education facilities on the fourth floor of the College. The recent highly successful College conference Anatomy Teaching – the Cruellest Cut of All (see page 194), reconfirmed the central importance of the Eagle Project in teaching surgical anatomy and in maintaining high standards in surgical practice. The conference highlighted the stark and worrying effects of a changing undergraduate curriculum on levels of basic anatomical knowledge. This in turn impacts on postgraduate examination results and on levels of litigation in the NHS. The capacity and diversity of the Eagle Project's facilities provide the College with a unique resource to tackle these problems at every level – undergraduate, postgraduate and consultant.
Surgical training and EWTD – can it be done?
Authors: Allum WH , Markham NI
Published: June 2007

The introduction of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) has created specific and predictable pressures on surgical training and education. In many hospitals the emphasis has been on ensuring a safe service, particularly out of hours. This has been to the detriment of training opportunities. The changes inherent in Modernising Medical Careers with the introduction of progressive training will further limit the amount of time for postgraduate surgical training to a total of six or seven years.
The College in China
Authors: Ribeiro Bernard
Published: June 2007

I am writing this newsletter on the eve of departing on the College's overseas visits to Hong Kong and China. I hope my series of emailed updates to fellows and members over the last few months has kept everyone fully informed about the issues that have arisen with regard to the Medical Training Application Service (MTAS) and the ongoing work of the review group. As I write this, following my attendance at recent meetings of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Association of Surgeons in Training; and following discussions at the Senate of Surgery; the position for surgery, agreed with my fellow college presidents, is that selection for specialty training should be at ST3 level for the next three years; and the number of run through training posts at ST3 level should be expanded.
Effect of changing work patterns on ENT training in a UK district general hospital
Authors: Heywood RL , Patel PM , Hern J
Published: June 2007

The New Deal in 1991 and the extension of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) to doctors in training in 2004 were intended to improve working conditions for juniors and to ensure quality care for patients by limiting the hours worked. Their implementation forced Trusts to introduce radical changes to the established resident on-call system, including shift work and cross cover of specialities to maintain out-of-hours cover in specialities where on-site residence is required.
A question of Kantor on elations of dual translation generalized quadrangles
Authors: Thas Koen
Published: June 2007

We solve a question of William M. Kantor by proving that dual good translation generalized quadrangles in odd characteristic always are elation generalized quadrangles.
Antipodal trees and mutually critical points on surfaces
Authors: Zamfirescu Tudor
Published: June 2007

To any point on an Alexandrov surface homeomorphic to the sphere one can associate a minimal subtree of the cut locus containing all farthest points. It is called the antipodal tree.

Two points of a compact orientable Alexandrov surface are called mutually critical if each of them is critical with respect to the other. All points which are mutually critical with a given point form a set. In this paper we show that this set, as well as the set of endpoints of any antipodal tree, are finite.
On a new class of embedded hypersurfaces in with nonzero constant mean curvature
Authors: Cruz Victor A , Palmas Oscar , Reyes J. Guadalupe
Published: June 2007

We build a new class of embedded hypersurfaces in

which have nonzero constant mean curvature and are O(m)×O(n)-invariant. For this we consider a 1-parameter family of planar vector fields associated to the differential equation of mean curvature.