bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Generalizability of the LSI-R and the Cat To the Prediction of Recidivism in Female Offenders
Authors: Folsom Jean , Atkinson Jill L.
Published: June 2007

The prediction of recidivism of female offenders has lagged behind that of their male counterparts. The present study was designed to extend the work of previous research on the Level of Service Inventory—Revised (LSI-R) and to examine the utility of another measure—the Childhood and Adolescent Taxon Scale (CAT)—in the prediction of recidivism among female offenders. Participants, 100 female offenders serving sentences of more than 2 years in Canada, completed a self-report version of both instruments. Results indicated acceptable reliability and predictive validity for both measures, and both measures distinguished recidivists from nonrecidivists. Results are discussed in light of previous research and future directions for the examination of the prediction of recidivism among female offenders.
The Level of Service Inventory— Revised With English Women Prisoners
Authors: Palmer Emma J. , Hollin Clive R.
Published: June 2007

This study examines the Level of Service Inventory—Revised (LSI-R) with a sample of English women prisoners. As data from an English sample of women offenders have not previously been published, a full psychometric examination is presented. Comparison of the women's scores with English male data showed a number of differences across areas of criminogenic need, although there was no difference in overall level of risk of reconviction. The predictive validity of the LSI-R with respect to reconviction showed reconvicted offenders to have elevated LSI-R subscales scores and total scores and to be in higher security bands. Multivariate analyses showed reconviction and time to reconviction to be predicted by the LSI-R total score, the Companions subscale, and the LSI-R security bands.
Identifying Mmpi-2 Predictors of Police Officer Integrity and Misconduct
Authors: Sellbom Martin , Fischler Gary L. , Ben-Porath Yossef S.
Published: June 2007

The study examined the validity of scores on pre-hire administration of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) Clinical, Restructured Clinical (RC), and Substance Abuse scales in predicting behavioral misconduct in police officers. The effects of range restriction on predictive validity were examined and corrected for in the analyses. Data from 291 male police officers were analyzed. Outcome measures included Internal Affairs complaints, Civilian Review Authority complaints, involuntary termination from department, and supervisory ratings. Results indicated that the RC scales (particularly RC3, RC4, RC6, and RC8) exhibited the best predictive validity and further challenged the utility of the K-correction of the Clinical scales. Predictive validity was moderate to strong when disattenuating correlations for range restriction. Relative risk analyses revealed that lower cutoffs for MMPI-2 scales (e.g., T = 60 and, in some cases, T = 55) maximized the prediction of police officer misconduct.
The Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders
Authors: Wormith J. Stephen , Althouse Richard , Simpson Mark , Reitzel Lorraine R. , Fagan Thomas J. , Morgan Robert D.
Published: June 2007

The treatment literature on offender rehabilitation is reviewed with the purpose of deriving further direction for researchers and clinicians in the field of correctional psychology. After addressing the measurement of recidivism and other indicators of effectiveness, this empirically guided article reviews individual studies and meta-analyses on effectiveness of psychosocial correctional treatment for adult offenders and specialized treatment for substance abuse offenders and sexual offenders. A foundation in the general principles of offender intervention is established; principles such as risk, need, and responsivity are upheld; and common themes including the use of cognitive-behavioral interventions and the importance of treatment integrity emerge. However, questions move beyond “what works” to detailed queries about the nuances of effective service delivery, including client motivation. Well-controlled clinical studies and detailed process evaluations are still required. Other new directions include the application of positive psychology to offender treatment and the improvement of conditions under which community reentry is more likely to succeed. Directions for further research on correctional treatment are suggested.
Innovations in Correctional Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Ax Robert K. , Fagan Thomas J. , Magaletta Philip R. , Morgan Robert D. , Nussbaum David , White Thomas W.
Published: June 2007

This article considers innovations in the assessment and treatment of incarcerated individuals. The emphasis is on immediate patient needs and inmate management concerns, rather than on rehabilitation. Assessment of this diagnostically complex population is framed in dimensional and biopsychosocial terms. Scarce resources, new scientific knowledge and technology, organizational barriers, and role transformations for psychologists will guide improvements and future research in correctional mental health care, as reflected in specific areas: dimensional assessment, suicide risk assessment, neuropsychological correlates of chronic maladaptive behavior, prescriptive authority for psychologists, and telehealth. In particular, outcome research based on a broader range of interventions will be increasingly crucial to the effectiveness of correctional psychologists' work. In the near future, the degree of impact that psychologists have will depend largely on their individual and collective initiative in promoting the benefits of their services.
Building “National” Armies—Building Nations?
Authors: Simonsen Sven Gunnar
Published: June 2007

This article surveys recent cases of internationalized statebuilding in postintervention, post—(ethnic) conflict societies in the light of an academic tradition that has seen military forces as a particularly effective vehicle for integrating a country's diverse population. It is argued that armed forces that are ethnically representative in their ranks and leadership can encourage a sense of commonality across ethnic boundaries, which can help secure a fragile peace. However, the connection between representativeness and integration is intricate; and whereas outside powers may enable otherwise unlikely outcomes, their leverage is circumscribed by a number of factors. The article also suggests that an ethnically representative army may “tie up” capabilities in ways that reduce the likelihood of military intervention in politics or (ethnic) violence perpetrated by military personnel.
The Effectiveness of Military Governments during War
Authors: Fernando de Santibañes Francisco
Published: June 2007

The concept of “remarkable trinity” has been one of the main tools used to study warfare. But what happens when one of three actors that compose it is not in place? This is what occurred in Argentina when its military took the Malvinas Islands in 1982. The war against Great Britain was, indeed, not run by civilians. A study of this war shows how harmful this phenomenon could be. First, the involvement of the officership in politics tends to corrupt professionalism—causing lack of discipline and the loss of the officership's expertise. Second, soft power also seems to play a role. The fact that the military was governing Argentina discredited the country's claims, although Washington had good reasons to remain neutral during the conflict. Finally, some of the most important strategic mistakes made by the Argentines during the war—including the time of the invasion—might have been avoided by the presence of a civilian authority.
Mutations in America's Perceptions of Its Professional Military Leaders
Authors: Kemble C. Robert
Published: June 2007

America's civil-military relations continuum is influenced by evolving perceptions of its professional military leaders, with “image” often weighing more than analysis. Moreover, this historical overview submits, significant transmutations are seemingly again underway. This historical record, with emphasis on the influence of “opinion shapers,” is traced herein to provide a context for ongoing studies. In America's first century, both sharply negative and positive perceptions became entrenched, but generally military leaders enjoyed high repute in influential circles. At century's turn, progressive revisionists, avowedly antimilitary, gained influence. The twentieth century saw severe criticism, only partially muted by the World Wars, from previously admiring sectors. Around 1990, there came signs of adjustments and synthesis. Rationales for habitually negative views weakened. “Antiwar” no longer perforce equated to “antimilitary.” Scholarship was more balanced and was dubious of caricatures, praiseworthy or damning. Vietnam era disdain shifted more to concern for forces “in harm's way.” Whether such adjustments will continue remains to be measured.
Institutional Motives for Serving in the U.S. Army National Guard
Authors: Griffith James
Published: June 2007

The present study extended recent investigations of the motivations of American youth and active-duty soldiers to serve in the military. Unlike previous studies, this study employed a sample of reservists and examined their reasons for joining. Consistent with recent studies, institutionally-motivated soldiers were more likely to plan to remain in military service, would report for duty so they did not let their buddies and family down, and believed in the mission and service to the country. In contrast, materially-motivated soldiers were less likely to remain in reserve military service if deployed overseas, more likely to report for duty to meet contractual obligations and to avoid disciplinary actions, but less likely to report to serve the country. These factors have implications for the level of commitment and combat readiness of soldiers, in particular Army reservists, who are increasingly relied on for national defense strategy.
“Don't Ask, Don't Tell”
Authors: Belkin Aaron
Published: June 2007

This article asks what impact, if any, the “don't ask, don't tell” policy might have on the U.S. military's reputation. Original empirical research is presented to suggest that the policy harms the military's reputation in four ways: the policy is inconsistent with public opinion, it prompts many journalists to criticize the armed forces while attracting almost no favorable media coverage, it provides a vehicle for antimilitary protesters to portray military culture as conflicting with widely accepted civilian values, and it is inconsistent with the views of junior enlisted service members.
Their Hands in the Till
Authors: Bukkvoll Tor
Published: June 2007

The change from Yeltsin to Putin has had minimal effect on Russian military corruption. Putin, despite his desire to rebuild Russian strength, has not shown himself willing or able to seriously deal with this problem. The fluctuations in the level of military corruption in the post-Soviet period seem largely to be explained by changes in availability of things to steal or embezzle. Thus, the latter years' substantial increases in defense spending have been accompanied by a steep rise in military corruption. Today, Russian military corruption is one of the main obstacles to military reform in Russia and to Russia serving as a partner in international military cooperation. It might also make the traditionally pro-military Russian public loose faith in the country's armed forces.
Paraguay: A Semi-Authoritarian Regime?
Authors: Sondrol Paul C.
Published: June 2007

Despite the oft-touted “transitions to democracy” paradigm, in much of the world, hybrid regimes that are better-termed “semi-authoritarian” proliferate, displaying the trappings of democracy, such as elections, but not the substance of democracy. This article, utilizing the Paraguayan case, generalizes to the broader theoretical examination of these newer forms of nondemocracy, providing a counterpoint to some of the transitions literature.
The Dilemma behind the Classical Dilemma of Civil—Military Relations
Authors: Michael Kobi
Published: June 2007

There is a common desire to seek a proper equilibrium that will assure civilian superiority over the military and prevent the military's intervention in domestic affairs. This article addresses the unique situation in Israel during the Oslo process, in which the military was deeply involved in the political process and influenced the political echelon by its knowledge and persuasive argumentation, mostly in private intellectual encounters between the echelons. We show how the military led the civilian arm to make choices that eventually determined strategy. The military with its knowledge infrastructure was hegemonic in this encounter, its influence was significant, and civil control was weak or inefficient. The Discourse Space model used in this article provides complementary tools for describing and analyzing the encounter between the echelons. The model provides an appropriate examination of how this encounter was conducted and what outcomes it produced, at least for the Israeli case.
Civil Society versus Military Sovereignty
Authors: Lebel Udi
Published: June 2007

From its inception and throughout the military sovereignty era, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were endowed with a religious status. In Israeli society, bereaved parents of fallen soldiers enjoyed a special relationship with the army, and their bereavement afforded them a unique place in the shaping of public opinion about security policy. However, as this paper shows, after the first Lebanon War (1982) cracks began to appear in this special union. From the early 1990s, bereaved parents supported by new social movements and a symbiosis of the judicial arena and the media challenged the security-defense-military arena and its policies of commemoration of the dead, treatment of soldiers, accident prevention, secrecy, and even appointments. Using the High Court and the media to directly influence defense and security policy, civil society succeeded in changing the IDF's tactics, the treatment of Palestinian detainees, and thus elevated human rights and international law over security considerations.
HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies in the Armed Forces in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sagala John Kemoli
Published: June 2007

The objective of this study is to highlight and review literature and current practices on HIV/AIDS prevention and education in African militaries. It examines the potential implications of HIV/AIDS on military effectiveness; the historical link between soldiers, war, and infectious diseases; and the problem of HIV/AIDS and African military forces. The study also reviews literature on worldwide military HIV prevention and education programs, including studies conducted in Africa. It highlights various strategies put in place by African militaries and the contributions of the U.S. Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program and UNAIDS-Department of Peacekeeping Operations. These agencies supplement the efforts of African governments in implementing effective military HIV prevention, education, and surveillance programs. The study concludes with calls for further research on HIV/AIDS prevention strategies and African militaries.
Civil–Military Relations in Indonesia and the Philippines
Authors: Beeson Mark
Published: June 2007

This article examines civil-military relations in Indonesia and the Philippines in the after-math of the largely unexpected recent coup in Thailand. The central issue it investigates is whether Indonesia and the Philippines may prove equally susceptible to military intervention. The conclusion is that although the potential for coups in the Philippines can never be discounted, Indonesia looks surprisingly stable by contrast. One key cause of this apparent stability, it is argued, is the military's role in economic activities, which makes it more or less content with the status quo. Although the dynamics of civil-military relations are significantly different in both the Philippines and Thailand, all three cases suggest that there is a need to take the political economy of civil-military relations much more seriously if we wish to understand them fully in the contemporary era.
Keeping One's Cool: Trait Anger, Hostile Thoughts, and the Recruitment of Limited Capacity Control
Authors: Wilkowski Benjamin M. , Robinson Michael D.
Published: June 2007

A regulatory perspective on trait anger suggests that low-trait-anger individuals may recruit limited-capacity cognitive control resources following the activation of hostile thoughts. Because no prior studies directly examine such processes, the present studies seek to do so. Study 1 reveals that a simple word-evaluation paradigm can be used to examine individual differences in hostile reactivity, in that high-trait-anger individuals display more pronounced tendencies to evaluate words negatively following a hostile prime. Studies 2-4 examine a cognitive control account of such findings. Study 2 finds that time-limiting evaluations eliminate trait-linked differences in evaluative priming. Studies 3 and 4 find that low-trait-anger individuals display deficits on a secondary task immediately following the activation of a hostile thought. All studies, then, converge on the link between low trait anger and the spontaneous recruitment of limited-capacity cognitive control resources following hostile primes.
Why Is Muscularity Sexy? Tests of the Fitness Indicator Hypothesis
Authors: Frederick David A. , Haselton Martie G.
Published: June 2007

Evolutionary scientists propose that exaggerated secondary sexual characteristics are cues of genes that increase offspring viability or reproductive success. In six studies the hypothesis that muscularity is one such cue is tested. As predicted, women rate muscular men as sexier, more physically dominant and volatile, and less committed to their mates than nonmuscular men. Consistent with the inverted-U hypothesis of masculine traits, men with moderate muscularity are rated most attractive. Consistent with past research on fitness cues, across two measures, women indicate that their most recent short-term sex partners were more muscular than their other sex partners (d s = .36, .47). Across three studies, when controlling for other characteristics (e.g., body fat), muscular men rate their bodies as sexier to women (partial r s = .49-.62) and report more lifetime sex partners (partial r s = .20-.27), short-term partners (partial r s = .25-.28), and more affairs with mated women (partial r = .28).
Ego Depletion and Positive Illusions: Does the Construction of Positivity Require Regulatory Resources?
Authors: Fischer Peter , Greitemeyer Tobias , Frey Dieter
Published: June 2007

Individuals frequently exhibit positive illusions about their own abilities, their possibilities to control their environment, and future expectations. The authors propose that positive illusions require resources of self-control, which is considered to be a limited resource similar to energy or strength. Five studies revealed that people with depleted self-regulatory resources indeed exhibited a less-optimistic sense of their own abilities (Study 1), a lower sense of subjective control (Study 2), and less-optimistic expectations about their future (Study 3). Two further studies shed light on the underlying psychological process: Ego-depleted (compared to nondepleted) individuals generated/retrieved less positive self-relevant attributes (Studies 4 and 5) and reported a lower sense of general self-efficacy (Study 5), which both partially mediated the impact of ego depletion on positive self-views (Study 5).
The Incidence and Characteristics of Shoulder Instability at the United States Military Academy
Authors: Owens Brett D. , Duffey Michele L. , Nelson Bradley J. , DeBerardino Thomas M. , Taylor Dean C. , Mountcastle Sally B.
Published: June 2007

Background

The literature provides little information detailing the incidence of traumatic shoulder instability in young, healthy athletes.

Hypothesis

Shoulder instability is common in young athletes.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiologic study.

Methods

We prospectively captured all traumatic shoulder instability events at the United States Military Academy between September 1, 2004, and May 31, 2005. Throughout this period, all new traumatic shoulder instability events were evaluated with physical examination, plain radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging. Instability events were classified according to direction, chronicity, and type (subluxation or dislocation). Subject demographics, mechanism of injury, and sport were evaluated.

Results

Among 4141 students, 117 experienced new traumatic shoulder instability events during the study period; 11 experienced multiple events. The mean age of these 117 subjects was 20.0 years; 101 students were men (86.3%), and 16 were women (13.7%). The 1-year incidence proportion was 2.8%. The male incidence proportion was 2.9% and the female incidence proportion was 2.5%. Eighteen events were dislocations (15.4%), and 99 were subluxations (84.6%). Of the 99 subluxations, 45 (45.5%) were primary events, while 54 (54.5%) were recurrent. Of the 18 dislocations, 12 (66.7%) were primary events, while 6 (33.3%) were recurrent. The majority of the 117 events were anterior in nature (80.3%), while 12 (10.3%) were posterior, and 11 (9.4%) were multidirectional. Forty-four percent (43.6%) of the instability events experienced were as a result of contact injuries, while 41.0% were a result of noncontact injuries, including 9 subluxations caused by missed punches during boxing; information was unavailable for the remaining 15%.

Conclusion

Glenohumeral instability is a common injury in this population, with subluxations comprising 85% of instability events.
Endothelial Cell Seeding onto Various Biomaterials Causes Superoxide-induced Cell Death
Authors: Coyle Christian H. , Mendralla Scott , Lanasa Stephanie , Kader Khalid N.
Published: June 2007

The seeding and/or in-growth of endothelial cells on a number of blood-contacting implants are a concern for both biomaterials and tissue engineering. While endothelialization has been viewed positively, owing to their ability to regulate both smooth muscle and blood, there is evidence which suggests that endothelial cells on a nonoptimized surface may be counterproductive. The present study describes the experimentation designed to elucidate the effect of culture substrate on intracellular superoxide (SO) levels, a marker for endothelial cell dysfunction. The adaptation of the use of dihydroethidium under physiologically relevant shearing conditions is also reported.

The present study describes a standardized method for the use of dihydroethidium as a marker for intracellular oxidative stress under physiologic shear. Levels of hydrogen peroxide (oxidative stress producing agent) are optimized to a minimum of 60 μM (under static conditions) to allow for the detection of SO within the free radical scavenging environment. A flow rate of 24.4 mL/min is applied and found to produce physiologically relevant shear stress (8.2 dynes/cm2) within the system under study. Dihydroethidium is a useful marker for assessing intracellular oxidative stress in studies that require shear.
Synthesis of Osteoconductive Organic—Inorganic Nanohybrids through Modification of Chitin with Alkoxysilane and Calcium Chloride
Authors: Miyazaki Toshiki , Ohtsuki Chikara , Ashizuka Masahiro
Published: June 2007

The so-called bioactive ceramics have been attractive because they spontaneously bond to living bone. Organic—inorganic hybrids consisting of organic polymers and the essential constituents of the bioactive ceramics, i.e., silanol (Si—OH) group and calcium ions (Ca2+), are useful as novel bone substitutes, owing to bioactivity and high flexibility. In the present study, organic—inorganic hybrids are synthesized from chitin by modification with glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPS) and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Their apatite-forming ability is examined in a simulated body fluid (SBF). The prepared hybrids form apatite on their surfaces in SBF within 7 days.
Preparation of Graded Zirconia—Hydroxyapatite Composite Bioceramic and Its Immunocompatibility in vitro
Authors: Quan Renfu , Yang Disheng , Miao Xudong , Wu Xiaochun , Wang Hongbin , Li Wei
Published: June 2007

To obtain immunocompatibility, graded zirconia—hydroxyapatite (ZrO 2-HA) composite bioceramic and simplex ZrO2-HA composite bioceramic are prepared. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) harvested from healthy individuals are cultured with the two ceramic extracts to assess their effect on the transformation of lymphocytes, apoptotic ratio, CD69 expression, and expression of cytokine of TNFα and IL-6, with or without phytohemoagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated cells. Ceramic extracts did not activate the resting lymphocytes, whereas the response of the PHA-stimulated cells was significantly modified. The PBMCs activated by graded ZrO2-HA composite bioceramic is noticeably smaller than that by simplex ZrO2-HA composite bioceramic; these results, however can only be seen under the amplified effect of PHA-stimulation.
A New Generation of Sterile and Radiopaque Impression Materials—an in vitro Cytotoxicity Study
Authors: Coppi Chiara , Paolinelli Devincenzi Chiara , Bortolini Sergio , Consolo Ugo , Tiozzo Roberta
Published: June 2007

Impression materials are largely used to record the geometry of dental tissue. Hence, the assessment of their possible cytotoxicity is a necessary step in the evaluation of their biocompatibility. The present study is carried out to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a new elastomeric sterile and radiopaque impression material. Human gingival fibroblasts, cultured in vitro are exposed directly to Elite Implant in three different viscosities, heavy, medium, and light. At 3, 9, 24, 48, and 72 h, the cellular proliferation is evaluated. In parallel, human gingival fibroblasts are exposed indirectly by means of fluid extracts of Elite Implant. The cellular viability is evaluated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, (MTT) assay (Sigma, St Louis, Mo). The gingival fibroblasts proliferation and viability are unaffected by the presence of Elite Implant. This new impression material may represent a safe medical device for clinical and surgical applications. In addition, this material is radiopaque and, thus, can be identified radiographically.
Preparation and Characterization of a Multilayer Biomimetic Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Kong Lijun , Ao Qiang , Wang Aijun , Gong Kai , Wang Xi , Lu Guangyuan , Gong Yandao , Zhao Nanming , Zhang Xiufang
Published: June 2007

In scaffold based bone tissue engineering, both the pore size and the mechanical properties of the scaffold are of great importance. However, an increase in pore size is generally accompanied by a decrease in mechanical properties. In order to achieve both suitable mechanical properties and porosity, a multilayer scaffold is designed to mimic the structure of cancellous bone and cortical bone. A porous nano-hydroxyapatite—chitosan composite scaffold with a multilayer structure is fabricated and encased in a smooth compact chitosan membrane layer to prevent fibrous tissue ingrowth. The exterior tube is shown to have a small pore size (15—40 μm in diameter) for the enhancement of mechanical properties, while the core of the multilayer scaffold has a large pore size (predominantly 70—150 μm in diameter) for nutrition supply and bone formation. Compared with the uniform porous scaffold, the multilayer scaffold with the same size shows an enhanced mechanical strength and larger pore size in the center. More cells are shown to grow into the center of the multilayer scaffold in vitro than into the uniform porous scaffold under the same seeding condition. Finally, the scaffolds are implanted into a rabbit fibula defect to evaluate the osteoconductivity of the scaffold and the efficacy of the scaffold as a barrier to fibrous tissue ingrowth. At 12 weeks post operation, affluent blood vessels and bone formation are found in the center of the scaffold and little fibrous tissue is noted in the defect site.
FGF Receptor-mediated Gene Delivery using Ligands Coupled to Polyethylenimine
Authors: Li Da , Yu Hai , Huang Hongliang , Shen Fenping , Wu Xiaoyuan , Li Jingzhong , Wang Jianli , Cao Xuetao , Wang Qingqing , Tang Guping
Published: June 2007

To obtain new nonviral vectors with high gene delivery efficiency and special cell targeting ability, an attractive strategy is to link ligands to polyethylenimine (PEI). Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are highly expressed on a variety of human cancer cells and are potential targets for cancer gene therapy. In this study, the peptides NH2-Met-Gln-Leu-Pro-Leu-Ala-ThrGly-Gly-Gly-Cys-COOH (MC11) which have been proved to combine specially with the FGFR on cell membrane are coupled to PEI using N-Succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP) as a linker with different molar ratios (1 : 0.3, 1 : 0.75, 1 : 1.5, and 1 : 3.0) and the new polymer PEI-MC11 is verified by a series of physicochemical methods including 1H-NMR and FTIR. The agarose gel electrophoresis assay, particle size test, zeta potential test, and electron microscope observation show that PEI-MC11 can efficiently condense plasmid DNA into nanoparticles with about 200 nm in diameter and with positive surface charge at the suitable N/P ratio. The MTT assay suggests the decreased toxicity of the polymers. The results of the gene delivery efficiency in vitro show that PEI-MC11/pDNA polyplexes have significantly greater transgene activity than PEI/pDNA in COS-7 and HepG2 cells which express FGFR positively, while no such effect is observed in PC3 cells which have negative FGFR. The enhanced gene delivery efficiency of PEI-MC11 can be blocked by the co-culture of free peptides MC11 before the gene delivery procedure. The synthesized nonviral vector based on PEI with the targeting peptides MC11 for binding FGFR has improved efficiency of gene delivery and targeting specificity in FGFR positive cells. It may have potential application in cancer gene therapy.
Preparation of Hydrophilic Polyhydroxyalkyl Glutamine Crosslinked Films and its Biodegradability
Authors: Pan Shi-Rong , Wang Qin-Mei , Yi Wu
Published: June 2007

Polybenzyl glutamate (PBLG) or polymethyl glutamate (PMLG) films have been aminolyzed with amino alcohol and crosslinked with aliphatic diamine at 60°C for 48 h simultaneously which led to the formation of crosslinked films of polyhydroxyalkyl glutamine (PHAG). ATR-IR indicates that for the aminolysis of PBLG with 2-amino-1-ethanol or 3-amino-1-propanol, benzyl glutamate almost completely turned to hydroxyalkyl glutamine, however for the aminolysis of PMLG with 5-amino-1-pentanol, methyl glutamate partially turned to hydroxypentanyl glutamine. The water-swelling test shows that water-swelling ratio Q of PHAG films from amino alcohol with longer carbon chain was smaller, the PHAG films crosslinked by 1,2-diamino ethane have the higher water-swelling ratio Q, but the PHAG films crosslinked by 1,8-diamino octane have the lower water swelling ratio Q; and PHAG films with a greater amount of crosslinking agents have high crosslinking density or the low water swelling-ratio Q for same amino alcohol and diamine. It is obvious from in vitro enzymatic hydrolysis test that specimens with smaller swelling ratio Q displayed larger T1/2, time for half weight digestion of PHAG film, that is, less biodegradability. Therefore, biodegradability of the crosslinked PHAG films can be controlled by changing amino alcohol and diamine.
An Initial Evaluation of Gellan Gum as a Material for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Smith Alan M. , Shelton Richard M. , Perrie Yvonne , Harris Jonathan J.
Published: June 2007

Alpha-modified minimum essential medium (αMEM) has been found to cross-link a 1% gellan gum solution, resulting in the formation of a self-supporting hydrogel in 1:1 and 5:1 ratios of polysaccharide: αMEM. Rheological data from temperature sweeps confirm that in addition to orders of magnitude differences in G' between 1% gellan and 1% gellan with αMEM, there is also a 20°C increase in the temperature at which the onset of gelation takes place when αMEM is present. Frequency sweeps confirm the formation of a true gel; mechanical spectra for mixtures of gellan and αMEM clearly demonstrate G' to be independent of frequency. It is possible to immobilize cells within a three-dimensional (3D) gellan matrix that remain viable for up to 21 days in culture by adding a suspension of rat bone marrow cells (rBMC) in αMEM to 1% gellan solution. This extremely simple approach to cell immobilization within 3D constructs, made possible by the fact that gellan solutions cross-link in the presence of millimolar concentrations of cations, poses a very low risk to a cell population immobilized within a gellan matrix and thus indicates the potential of gellan for use as a tissue engineering scaffold.
Microbial Leakage of Gutta-percha and Resilon™ Root Canal Filling Material: A Comparative Study Using a new Homogeneous Assay for Sequence Detection
Authors: Pasqualini Damiano , Scotti Nicola , Mollo Livio , Berutti Elio , Angelini Emma , Migliaretti Giuseppe , Cuffini Annamaria , Adlerstein Daniel
Published: June 2007

The sealing ability of gutta-percha/sealer root canal filling was compared to a new thermoplastic synthetic polymer-based obturation material (Resilon TM), using a microleakage model and a new sequence detection assay One Cut Event AmplificatioN (OCEANTM). Eighty-eight extracted human teeth, shaped with K-Files and the ProTaper Technique, were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 22) and obturated in the apical 5 mm. Group R were obturated with the Resilon/Epiphany technique; group GP were obturated with gutta-percha and Zinc oxide eugenoe sealer; group RCH and GPCH received calcium hydroxide intracanal medication before being obturated. Sterilized specimens were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated in sterile medium for 47 days. DNA extracted from the specimens was amplified by PCR and then identified by the OCEAN technique. Samples obturated with Resilon root canal filling material showed a greater number of microleakage events than the other groups (p = 0.036). Calcium hydroxide medication did not have a relevant impact on the quality of the apical seal (p = 0.044).
Preparation and Properties of Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/ Nano-Hydroxyapatite (NHA) Scaffolds by Thermally Induced Phase Separation and Rabbit MSCs Culture on Scaffolds
Authors: Huang Y.X. , Ren J. , Chen C. , Ren T.B. , Zhou X.Y.
Published: June 2007

Biodegradable polymer/bioceramic composites scaffold can overcome the limitation of conventional ceramic bone substitutes such as brittleness and difficulty in shaping. To better mimic the mineral component and the microstructure of natural bone, novel nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA)/polymer composite scaffolds with high porosity and well-controlled pore architectures as well as high exposure of the bioactive ceramics to the scaffold surface is developed for efficient bone tissue engineering. In this article, regular and highly interconnected porous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/NHA scaffolds are fabricated by thermally induced phase separation technique. The effects of solvent composition, polymer concentration, coarsening temperature, and coarsening time as well as NHA content on the micro-morphology, mechanical properties of the PLGA/NHA scaffolds are investigated. The results show that pore size of the PLGA/NHA scaffolds decrease with the increase of PLGA concentration and NHA content. The introduction of NHA greatly increase the mechanical properties and water absorption ability which greatly increase with the increase of NHA content. Mesenchymal stem cells are seeded and cultured in three-dimensional (3D) PLGA/NHA scaffolds to fabricate in vitro tissue engineering bone, which is investigated by adhesion rate, cell morphology, cell numbers, and alkaline phosphatase assay. The results display that the PLGA/NHA scaffolds exhibit significantly higher cell growth, alkaline phosphatase activity than PLGA scaffolds, especially the PLGA/NHA scaffolds with 10 wt.% NHA. The results suggest that the newly developed PLGA/NHA composite scaffolds may serve as an excellent 3D substrate for cell attachment and migration in bone tissue engineering.
Antidiabetic Activity of the Orally Effective Vanadyl-Poly (γ-Glutamic Acid) Complex in Streptozotocin(STZ)-induced Type 1 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Karmaker Subarna , Saha Tapan Kumar , Sakurai Hiromu
Published: June 2007

Newly synthesized vanadyl-poly(γ-glutamic acid) complex (VO-γ-PGA) with a VO(O4) coordination mode was found to have potent antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice (STZ-mice), compared with that of a solution containing only vanadyl sulfate, VOSO 4. This was the first example of orally active vanadyl complex of γ-PGA for treating STZ-mice. To better define its efficacy, we examined here the effects of VO-γ-PGA treatment in STZ-mice by oral administration at the dose of 10 mg V/kg body mass for a longer period time than our previous study. The improvement in diabetic states in STZ-mice compared with saline-treated nondiabetic normal Std ddY mice. It was found that the elevated blood glucose levels in STZ-mice significantly decreased after 3 days and sustained the normalized blood glucose level around 180—200 mg/dL (10—11.1 mM) for the last 14 days, which is close to the blood glucose levels 100—200 mg/dL (5.6—11.1 mM) in nondiabetic normal Std ddY mice. The improvement in diabetes was strongly corelated by the improvement in oral glucose tolerance ability, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and blood pressure, and serum parameters. The present results confirmed that VO-γ-PGA complex is a promising, orally active insulin-mimetic agent to treat type 1 diabetic mice.
A Clinical Report of Bone Regeneration in Maxillofacial Surgery using Bonelike ® Synthetic Bone Graft
Authors: Sousa R.C. , Lobato J.V. , Maurício A.C. , Hussain N.S. , Botelho C.M. , Lopes M.A. , Santos J.D.
Published: June 2007

The objective of this study is to evaluate the osteoconductivity and bioactivity of the Bonelike® graft in repairing surgical cystic bone defects. Bonelike® is implanted in 11 patients, aged between 24 and 53 years with a mean age of 36 years, consisting of 5 men and 6 women. According to the standard follow up protocols, radiological examinations are performed and Bonelike®/bone retrieved samples have been analyzed histologically using non-decalcified sections obtained perpendicular to bone length axis. Radiographic examination and histological results clearly demonstrate an extensive new bone formation apposed on Bonelike® granules with a significant degree of maturation. These clinical applications in maxillary bone defects indicate perfect bone bonding between new bone formed and Bonelike ® granules, along with partial surface biodegradation. This quick and effective osteoconductive response from Bonelike® may reduce the time needed to reconstruct the bone defected area of patients.
Plenty of Children Left Behind
Authors: O'Malley Borg Mary , Plumlee J. Patrick , Stranahan Harriet A.
Published: June 2007

The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a high-stakes test that public school students must pass to be eligible for graduation from high school. Previous research suggests that high-stakes tests have a differential effect on students by race and ethnicity. This study finds that in one Florida school district African American and Hispanic students coming from poorer, less educated, or higher mobility households are less likely to meet graduation requirements than their higher socioeconomic, White, suburban counterparts. African American students and students from the lowest income households are also the most likely to encounter a negative graduation effect because the passing score on the FCAT rises each year. School characteristics also affect the probability of student success. High schools that hire more teachers with advanced degrees or offer a magnet program have better student FCAT scores. This results in higher probabilities that all categories of students will meet graduation requirements.
Use of the Means/Ends Test to Evaluate Public School Dress-Code Policies
Authors: Workman Jane E. , Studak Cathryn M.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this article is to explain how a means/ends test can be adapted for the school environment. Public school officials can use a means/ends test to document an analysis of whether dress-code policies will be effective in diminishing risks to the health, safety, or morality of the school population. Elements of policy evaluation—ends, means, and relations—and four main sources of information—authority, statistical or observational analysis, deduction, and sensitivity analysis—were used to illustrate how to analyze dress-code policies. Five components of good policy analysis—validity, usefulness, feasibility, originality, and importance—framed an evaluation of this approach.
Implementing the Workforce Investment Act From In Between
Authors: Belzer Alisa
Published: June 2007

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) was the first legislation since 1991 to significantly revise federal funding for adult basic education (ABE). Federal ABE funds are distributed to state agencies that are in turn responsible for awarding the funds to local programs. In this role, the state agencies are in a pivotal in-between position in the policy process. This qualitative study identified and analyzed the ways in which preconditions that the state agencies' leadership created in four focal states helped shape their responses to new demands placed on them and the programs they fund by the new accountability system mandated by WIA. In particular, the findings look at how anticipating future policy changes, using relationships with the field, and using a professional development infrastructure influence the actions of state agencies when they function in between federal policy and local programs.
Further Than the Eye Can See? Photo Elicitation and Research With Men
Authors: Oliffe John L. , Bottorff Joan L.
Published: June 2007

Photo elicitation studies have attracted modest attention in qualitative health research. However, few researchers have focused exclusively on men's health and/or illness experiences. In this article, the authors discuss the benefits of using photo elicitation among a subcohort of 19 prostate cancer survivors from a larger ethnographic study. Specifically, participants were asked to imagine that they were being paid to mount a photographic exhibition entitled Living With My Prostate Cancer, an exhibition that would show prostate cancer from their unique perspective. The authors subsequently discussed the photographs with the participants during individual interviews using photo elicitation techniques. The methods provided some unique and unanticipated benefits, the details of which the authors share to guide researchers considering similar approaches. In addition, the authors make specific recommendations for future photo elicitation applications to men's health research.
Problematic Integration of Uncertainty and Desire in Pregnancy
Authors: Sassi Matthias Marianne , Babrow Austin S.
Published: June 2007

Although most women in the United States choose physicians for their prenatal care, a small but growing number are now turning to midwives. The disparity between these two models of care has clear implications for the communication that takes place with each type of provider. In this project, the authors seek to understand the mother-midwife relationship by employing a case study approach with multiple data collection methods to examine one woman's struggles with the uncertainties she faces during her pregnancy. The authors employed problematic integration (PI) theory, which illuminates struggles with uncertainty, profound values, and communication, to examine how one woman and her midwife jointly handle and negotiate the dilemmas posed by her pregnancy. The woman's relationship and interactions with her midwife exemplify the midwifery model of care and illuminate the implications that this model has for the joint confrontation of uncertainty and desire during pregnancy.
The Process and the Meaning of Hope for Family Members of Traumatic Coma Patients in Intensive Care
Authors: Verhaeghe Sofie T. L. , van Zuuren Florence J. , Defloor Tom , Duijnstee Mia S. H. , Grypdonck Mieke H. F.
Published: June 2007

In this study, the authors examined the process that family members go through when they are confronted with traumatic coma. They conducted 24 semistructured interviews with 22 family members of 16 coma patients and analyzed the data using the constant comparative method as proposed by grounded theory. Hope was the most prominent theme. It can be described as keeping a possible positive outcome in mind in an uncertain situation, knowing that this outcome is unlikely to happen. Hope was found to evolve stepwise up and down, dependent on further events and information: big steps at first, smaller later on. Hope helps family members to keep going and to manage care for the patient and for each other. Family members were found to protect themselves against false or unjustified hope by seeking valid information. They alternate their moments of despair, and in their interactions they respect each other's hope.
Empowerment of Aging Mothers and Daughters in Transition During a Health Crisis
Authors: Shawler Celeste
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical model illustrating aging mothers' and daughters' transitions through a health crisis. The investigator, using grounded theory, conducted 27 interviews over a 15-month period with 6 older women who had experienced a hip fracture and their adult daughters. The use of the constant comparative method guided data collection and generation of theory. The theoretical model that emerged from data illustrates five major concepts: Internalizing female lineage, Mastering maturity, Evolving matriarchs, Emerging transformation, and Becoming empowered. The basic social process integrating these five concepts is the Evolution of Female Strength. The model could be used to explicate strengths of aging mothers and their daughters while identifying health care problems that require interventions.
Smoking Cessation and Stress Among Teenagers
Authors: Falkin Gregory P. , Fryer Craig S. , Mahadeo Madhuvanti
Published: June 2007

The authors describe the experience of quitting smoking, focusing on the obstacles youth struggle with, based on individual interviews and focus groups with 54 teenagers in New York City. A major obstacle was the belief that people should stop smoking forever. The youth had to cope with temptation, frequent and often intense urges or cravings for cigarettes, and lack of social support from their family and friends. The young participants not only had to cope with general life stresses without being able to use cigarettes to reduce tensions but also had to contend with new stressful situations, such as friends who put them down for not smoking. In addition, the teens had to give up things that were important to them, such as friendships, during their quit attempts. The study describes how quitting can be a much more stressful experience for youth than research typically acknowledges. The authors discuss public health implications.