bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Case of CheckpointWatch: A Study of Organizational Practices in a Women's Human Rights Organization
Authors: Desivilya Helena Syna , Yassour-Borochowitz Dalit
Published: April 2008

The present study aims to discern the ways whereby gender-role perceptions and women's perspectives on political conflict and peace processes inform the organizational development process, reflected in organizational structure and processes. In order to achieve this we studied CheckpointWatch, a women's voluntary organization devoted to monitoring and reporting human rights violations of Palestinians crossing Israeli military checkpoints. The research is a qualitative study. Data gathering was designed to collect information from two sources: (1) interviews with key informants in the organization, and (2) documents transmitted over the organization's internal communications network.

The findings illustrate the complexities involved in the organizational development processes of a women's peace and human rights organization, its vacillation between transition into a more formalized NGO and its holding on to the social movement organization, grassroots stage. The study also demonstrates the significance of feminist ideology with its embedded complexity and internal paradoxes, which infiltrates into organizational structure, operational processes and activities. Finally, this research highlights the fundamental role of the cultural and sociopolitical context in women's organizational practices. Overall, the study contributes to organization studies by shedding light on the intricacies of organizational dynamics in women's Peace and conflict resolution organizations.
Transition into adulthood and work — findings from Network 1000
Authors: Pavey Sue , Douglas Graeme , Corcoran Christine
Published: April 2008

This article draws upon data from a large scale project called 'Network 1000'. Network 1000 seeks to survey the changing needs and opinions of visually impaired adults. Data have been collected from 1007 visually impaired people across Great Britain. This analysis focuses upon a sub-sample of approximately 250 adults aged between 18 and 42 years. In all cases, the onset of these participants' visual impairment was during childhood (i.e. under 17 years of age). The analysis presents data in relation to their education and employment, and reflects upon the factors that seem to be associated with both. It appears that earlier onset of visual impairment is associated with higher levels of educational achievement. There was no clear link between the current level of visual impairment (at the time of interview) and educational achievement. In terms of employment, those with higher levels of educational qualification were more likely to be employed. Those with lower levels of qualifications were more likely to describe themselves as 'long term sick and disabled' or 'unemployed'.

Employment rates amongst younger visually impaired people appeared higher for those who had childhood visual impairment than those who did not. This suggests a positive impact of education. Also, employment rates were generally much better amongst younger visually impaired people than those over 50 years old. Nevertheless, the reported employment rate of 40 per cent is still very low. Some time is also spent considering visually impaired adults with severe learning and communication difficulties and their lives following compulsory education, including possible explanations for their likely under-representation in the project sample.
A novel method of notification to profile childhood visual impairment in Scotland to meet the needs of children with visual impairment
Authors: Ravenscroft John , Blaikie Andrew , Macewen Caroline , O'Hare Anne , Creswell Lyn , Dutton Gordon N.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this study is to pilot a new notification system for children with visual impairment (VI) and describe the initial summary findings. A system of notification of children in Scotland with VI was established. Information concerning this system was distributed to professionals working with visually impaired children to forward to parents. Parents, teachers and health professionals were all encouraged to notify children with VI. 975 families with children with (VI) were notified and received information and support from Visual Impairment Scotland (VIS). For this review, the data from 850 parents were included in the analysis. The provision of a range of support services for parents and children with VI has led to a wide range of children being notified to VIS. The causes of VI can be recorded as well as other useful demographic information. The methods used could be applied across the range of low incidence childhood disabilities.
Far From Ideal
Authors: Grace Rebekah , Llewellyn Gwynnyth , Wedgwood Nikki , Fenech Marianne , McConnell David
Published: April 2008

Using narrative interviews underpinned by an ecocultural framework, this Australian study investigated the experiences of 39 mothers of children with disabilities and 27 staff members from the early childhood services which these children attended. The data highlight serious limitations of current government policy and provisions in Australia to facilitating the inclusion of children with disabilities into mainstream children's services. The small number of successful inclusions evident in this study appears to be in spite of current government policy and may be attributed more to staff personnel. This article concludes by calling for policy change that actively facilitates the successful inclusion of children with disabilities into generalist early childhood services.
Being black in Australia: a case study of intergroup relations
Authors: Colic-Peisker Val , Tilbury Farida
Published: April 2008

This article presents a case study in Australia's race relations, focusing on tensions between urban Aborigines and recently resettled African refugees, particularly among young people. Both of these groups are of low socio-economic status and are highly visible in the context of a predominantly white Australia. The relationship between them, it is argued, reflects the history of strained race relations in modern Australia and a growing antipathy to multiculturalism. Specific reasons for the tensions between the two populations are suggested, in particular, perceptions of competition for material (housing, welfare, education) and symbolic (position in a racial hierarchy) resources. Finally, it is argued that the phenomenon is deeply embedded in class and race issues, rather than simply in youth violence.
Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes of Single- and Double-Row Repairs in Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Park Jin-Young , Lhee Sang-Hoon , Choi Jin-Hyung , Park Hong-Keun , Yu Je-Wook , Seo Joong-Bae
Published: April 2008

Background

Although research has demonstrated the superiority of double-row rotator cuff repair over single-row methods from a biological and mechanical point of view, few studies have compared clinical outcome of the 2 methods, and no articles have been published describing the superiority of double-row methods in clinical aspects.

Hypothesis

Arthroscopic double-row repair of a rotator cuff tear has superior clinical outcome to single-row repair.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

The study included 78 patients operated on for full-thickness rotator cuff tears between May 2002 and May 2004. A single-row fixation method was used in the first consecutive 40 patients, and a double-row fixation method was used in the next consecutive 38 patients. The mean age at surgery was 56 years. At 2 years after surgery, final evaluation was done with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant scoring systems and the Shoulder Strength Index. The Shoulder Strength Index is a new evaluation method to estimate relative shoulder strength compared with the unaffected shoulder.

Results

At final follow-up, the average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were 91.6 in the single-row group and 93.0 in the double-row group. The Constant score was 76.7 in the single-row group and 80.0 in the double-row group. Functional outcome was improved in both groups after surgery, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. When the patients were further divided by size of tear, there was still no difference between the repair techniques in the patients with small to medium (<3 cm) tears. However, in patients with large to massive tears (>3 cm), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant scores and Shoulder Strength Index were all significantly better in the group that had double-row repair.

Conclusion

Small to medium rotator cuff tears should be repaired with the single-row method, and large to massive tears should be repaired with the double-row method.
High Tibial Osteotomy for Unloading Osteochondral Defects in the Medial Compartment of the Knee
Authors: Mina Curtis , Garrett William E. , Pietrobon Ricardo , Glisson Richard , Higgins Laurence
Published: April 2008

Background

High tibial osteotomy is a well-established method for the treatment of symptomatic medial unicompartmental cartilage degeneration. While the findings of several outcome studies have led to the widely practiced postoperative goal alignment of 8° to 10° of valgus, there exists no literature to account for patient-specific measurements such as body weight, baseline geometry, and medial chondral defect size. Furthermore, there is a lack of literature to support the ideal goal alignment when using high tibial osteotomy to unload isolated chondral defects.

Purpose

To identify a relationship between these patient-specific factors and the ideal postoperative alignment.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

High tibial osteotomy was performed on 8 human cadaveric knees and was fixed with a dynamic external fixator. The fixator was used to vary the tibiofemoral alignment from 12° valgus to 10° varus. At each alignment, force, contact area, and pressure distribution were recorded. This pattern was repeated for a range of applied loads (0.8–1.8 x ideal body weight) and across a range of medial chondral defect sizes (10–20 cm).

Results

As tibiofemoral alignment was shifted from varus to valgus alignment, we found a decrease in medial contact pressure ( P < .001) and a decrease in medial contact area ( P < .001). For all defect sizes, all contact pressure within the medial compartment was shifted to the lateral compartment at between 6° and 10° of valgus. Contact pressure was found to concentrate around the defect rims for all defect sizes.

Conclusion

We show that regardless of condylar width, baseline tibiofemoral alignment, body weight, or chondral defect size, all specimens demonstrated complete unloading of the medial compartment at between 6° and 10° of valgus, which favors cartilage repair at these alignments. In addition, regarding the use of high tibial osteotomy for unloading isolated chondral defects, we find that contact pressure is approximately equally distributed between the medial and lateral compartments for alignments of 0° to 4° of valgus.

Clinical Relevance

This loading situation most closely approximates physiologic loading and therefore represents an ideal outcome for patients with isolated chondral defects. Reduction in stress concentration around chondral defects has been found to favor cartilage repair.
Rotator Cuff Degeneration
Authors: Nho Shane J. , Yadav Hemang , Shindle Michael K. , MacGillivray John D.
Published: April 2008

By virtue of its anatomy and function, the rotator cuff is vulnerable to considerable morbidity, often necessitating surgical intervention. How we intervene is governed by our understanding of the pathological mechanisms in cuff disease. These factors can be divided into those extrinsic to the rotator cuff (impingement, demographic factors) and those intrinsic to the cuff (age-related degeneration, hypovascularity, inflammation, and oxidative stress, among others). In an era where biologic interventions are increasingly being investigated, our understanding of these mechanisms is likely to become more important in designing effective new interventions. Here we present a literature review summarizing our current understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying rotator cuff degeneration.
The Effects of Ethnicity, SES, and Crime Status on Juror Decision Making
Authors: Esqueda Cynthia Willis , Espinoza Russ K. E. , Culhane Scott E.
Published: April 2008

In two studies, a defendant's ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and crime status were varied for effects on verdict decisions, sentencing recommendations, culpability assignments, and trait assessments. In Study 1, European Americans ( N = 221) provided a low SES Mexican American defendant with more guilt verdicts, a lengthier sentence, and higher culpability ratings, compared to a high SES Mexican American or a European American defendant, regardless of crime status. Higher negative trait ratings occurred for a low SES Mexican American who committed a low status crime. In Study 2, Mexican Americans ( N = 136) showed no differences for guilt verdicts, recommended sentence, or culpability assignment. These findings demonstrate that European American bias toward Mexican Americans may operate in all phases of the legal process, and future research should address specific contexts where bias applies.
Sources of Perceived School Connection Among Ethnically-Diverse Urban Adolescents
Authors: Ozer Emily J. , Wolf Jennifer Price , Kong Carol
Published: April 2008

Adolescents' perceived connection to school has been consistently associated with positive development across a range of domains, with strongest evidence for the quality of student-adult relationships in school as a core factor. Using a purposive sample of 32 high seniors from 9 urban schools who had participated in a quantitative study 5 years prior, this multimethod study examines the experiences that promote or undermine these adolescents' feelings of connection to school— in particular, their feelings of respect for and caring by teachers, and their sense of belonging to their schools. Adolescents in our sample respected teachers with engaging instructional styles and a commitment to student learning; most viewed even small efforts by teachers to get to know them as evidence of caring. Further in-depth analysis of 5 participant cases using interview data and quantitative data from middle and high school provides a contextualized view of adolescents' trajectories of connection to school over time, and highlights the differentiated profiles of belonging to school and affective relationships with teachers reported by these youth. Theoretical and methodological implications for the study and promotion of perceived school connection are discussed.
Normalization and the Limits of the Law: The Case of the Czech Jazz Section
Authors: Bugge Peter
Published: April 2008

The Jazz Section was one of the most remarkable cultural institutions in “normalized” Czechoslovakia. Established in 1971 as part of the official Musicians' Union, the Jazz Section used its legal status to arrange jazz and rock concerts and to publish a variety of books without the permission or consent of the Communist authorities. From the late 1970s, the regime strove hard to close the Section; however, it survived until 1984. Only in 1986 did the regime find a way to prosecute its leading activists. This article investigates why persecution proved so troublesome. It focuses on the impact of the Jazz Section's legalistic strategy, and on the role of legal concerns in regime behavior. It argues that references to “law and order” had a central legitimizing function in the social discourse of the Husák regime, and that the resulting need to translate policies of repression into legal measures inhibited the authorities in their assertion of power and created an ambiguous window of opportunity for independent social activism.
Psychoanalysis in the Shadow of Post-Apartheid Reconstruction
Authors: Hayes Grahame
Published: April 2008

The presence of psychoanalysis in a country is usually adjudged by the existence of an internationally recognized training institute. In other words, psychoanalysis is usually coterminous with its clinical or therapeutic manifestation. Psychoanalysis in South Africa has been around in some form or other for the past 70 years. This article gives a brief history of psychoanalysis in South Africa, and especially with regard to attempts to establish an internationally recognized training of psychoanalysts. While not denying the value of clinical psychoanalysis, an argument is made for a social role for psychoanalysis. It is suggested that a psychoanalytic social theory could be developed to help us make sense of the `social terrors' that populate the human landscape in post-apartheid South Africa. Two such social issues are discussed, namely `race' and HIV/AIDS.
Psychology and Psychoanalysis in Brazil
Authors: Lenz Dunker Christian Ingo
Published: April 2008

This paper focuses first on cultural syncretism, used to characterize Brazilian culture. The other aspect of this socially and racially blended culture is the unfinished assimilation of liberalism in politics and the economy, which defines Brazilian society. The increased assimilation and dissemination of psychology may be linked with these in cultural and social aspects. During the military period (1964-1974) the major expansion in university-level studies in psychology contributed ideologically to the dissemination of psychology throughout Brazilian society. This introduced a type of psychology that was related primarily to clinical practice and developed in opposition to social work practice. This paper examines the ideological bases for this conflict between clinical and social work. Criteria for understanding the cultural dissemination of psychoanalysis are then discussed, and it is argued that cultural incorporation of psychoanalysis involves the development of discourse complexes to reflect particular aspects of Brazilian society. The criteria (a non-totalitarian society and the displacement of a magical and religious interpretation of mental disturbance by psychiatric interpretation) are evaluated in relation to the peculiarities of Brazilian syncretism. The paper argues that cultural syncretism and the incomplete assimilation of liberal ideology must be included as criteria in understanding the particular cultural incorporation of psychoanalysis in Brazil.
Rethinking cultural chronologies and past landscape engagement in the Kopi region, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea
Authors: David Bruno
Published: April 2008

Archaeological models of regional occupation for culture change in and the arrival of trade goods into, the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea have largely relied on pioneering research undertaken in the 1970s, prior to the advent of AMS radiocarbon dating and from a time when excavation methods were relatively coarse-grained. These early chronologies were based on bulk radiocarbon samples potentially incorporating materials from multiple periods of occupation, and freshwater shells `contaminated' by old carbon from regional Miocene limestones necessitating the application of correction factors of uncertain local applicability. This paper revises chronological aspects of pre-European contact history for the mid-Kikori River region of the Gulf Province. It presents a suite of 100 new AMS radiocarbon dates on individual pieces of charcoal, human teeth and a fish bone from 16 sites, in order to re-assess previous chronologies and understandings of the region's history, and to provide a new foundation for future modelling of site and regional land use. Past settlement systems in this region were guided by processes of social interaction and thus need to be interrogated through notions of social landscape in historical perspective.
Latino Outcome Studies in Social Work: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Jani Jayshree S. , Ortiz Larry , Aranda María P.
Published: April 2008

Objective: This article is a review of outcome studies focusing on three social work fields of service—health, substance abuse, and mental health—in which Latinos were significantly represented in the sample and interventions developed to attend to cultural factors. Method: Data were collected from a search of several English language social science indexes to identify experimental or quasi-experimental studies published between 1999 and 2005 focusing on measuring the effect of cultural adaptations of interventions with Latino populations. Results: Twenty-three studies were located and reviewed. Findings are discussed in this article. Conclusions: Most studies with positive outcomes for Latinos used some culturally tailored variation of cognitive theory in the therapeutic intervention. The authors advocate for a mixed methods approach to future studies of Latinos.
Building a Sibling Aggression Treatment Model: Design and Development Research in Action
Authors: Caspi Jonathan
Published: April 2008

One strategy for addressing the persistent challenge of advancing empirically based social work practice is to engage practitioners in the formulation of empirically developed practice guidelines. Although this approach is promising, there has been relatively little work to guide practitioners, and perhaps consequently, few examples of practitioner-developed guidelines exist. Moreover, available treatment models do not address most social work practice concerns. One such concern involves sibling aggression, which is exceptionally widespread with known deleterious consequences, but it has received scant attention in the intervention literature. This article illustrates a practitioner's development of a task-centered sibling aggression treatment model using the design and development research paradigm, a methodology for systematically formulating, testing, and refining practice guidelines. It also introduces a promising sibling aggression treatment model.
Exploratory and Confirmatory Analysis of the Trauma Practices Questionnaire
Authors: Craig Carlton D. , Sprang Ginny
Published: April 2008

Objective: The present study provides psychometric data for the Trauma Practices Questionnaire (TPQ). Method: A nationally randomized sample of 2,400 surveys was sent to self-identified trauma treatment specialists, and 711 (29.6%) were returned. Results: An exploratory factor analysis (N = 319) conducted on a randomly split sample (RSS) revealed a 19-item, six-factor structure. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for the six-factor model on the second RSS (N = 320). The hypothesized model demonstrated adequate fit (comparative fit index [CFI] = .94 and root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .07). Post hoc modifications significantly improved model fit (CFI = .95 and RMSEA = .06). Alpha reliabilities ranged from .72 to .82. Conclusions: The TPQ has evidence of validity for assessing trauma practice patterns among clinical social workers and clinical psychologists.
Learning Through Reflective Classroom Practice
Authors: Raber Hedberg Patricia
Published: April 2008

Reflection is an important yet often-neglected aspect of management performance. This article proposes that management educators take advantage of the contemplative classroom learning process by modeling and teaching reflective practice. A framework for conceptualizing reflective learning is presented. Reflection can result in deeper learning not only about the subject studied but also about the learner. Moreover, critical reflection can challenge embedded assumptions, beliefs, and values. A major focus of the study is sharing specific examples of how and when to add introspective practice throughout a management course. Concerns about the consequences of opening up one's classroom for reflective learning are also discussed.
Representation and Local Policy
Authors: Percival Garrick L. , Johnson Martin , Neiman Max
Published: April 2008

Students of local politics have argued American federalism implies little role for local tastes in policy making. Peterson (1979) anticipates the pursuit of a productive tax base will depress subnational government spending on social services, while promoting developmental policies. We investigate the role public opinion plays in county-level redistributive, developmental, and allocational program spending in California, using a novel measure of county political ideology. Our findings challenge expectations that local governments are uniformly biased against redistribution. We find that social service spending varies across counties as a function of ideological orientation. In several policy areas, institutional structure mediates the responsiveness of officials.
Substance-Using Hispanic Youth and Their Families: Review of Engagement and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Cannon Edward , Levy Marielle
Published: April 2008

A growing population of Hispanic immigrants to the United States means that helping professionals need to gain knowledge about specific issues affecting these groups. Stresses related to the immigration experience and minority status can influence the use of alcohol and illegal substances by Hispanic adolescents. Because the family is considered the preferred unit of treatment for this population, studies addressing approaches to engagement and treatment are reviewed, and two promising models are highlighted: the strategic structural systems engagement approach and the brief strategic family therapy model.
Breast Carcinoma With Micropapillary Features: Clinicopathologic Study and Long-Term Follow-Up of 100 Cases
Authors: Ling Chen  , Yu Fan  , Lang Rong-gang , Guo Xiao-jing , Sun Yu-lan , Cui Li-fang , Liu Fang-fang , Jia Wei  , Zhang Xin-min , Li Fu
Published: April 2008

To study the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of breast (IMPC), 100 cases of invasive breast carcinoma with an IMPC component were reviewed. Compared with invasive ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified, with similar histologic grades, carcinomas with IMPC were larger sized, had a higher lymph node metastasis rate with more nodes involved per case, and exhibited increased lymphovascular invasion. The presence of IMPC strongly correlated with the more aggressive behavior. No significant association was established between the proportion of the IMPC component and overall tumor size, histologic grade, lymph node metastasis rate, and distant metastasis, but a trend was noted. Long-term follow-up demonstrated a poorer 5-year and 10-year survival rate for patients with breast carcinoma containing an IMPC component. Breast carcinomas with micropapillary features are more aggressive tumors with a poorer prognosis. This specific structure should be carefully evaluated in the surgical pathology examination of breast carcinoma specimens.
“Missed” Diagnoses of Phyllodes Tumor on Breast Biopsy: Pathologic Clues to Its Recognition
Authors: Yohe Sophia , Yeh I-Tien
Published: April 2008

Fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumors of the breast exhibit a continuum of pathologic features. We examined phyllodes tumors initially called fibroadenoma for features that may accurately classify the tumor as phyllodes tumor on the first biopsy specimen. The phyllodes tumors initially called fibroadenoma for features that may accurately classify the tumor as phyllodes tumors on the first biopsy specimen are examined. Fifteen patients with phyllodes tumors were studied, initially called FA or another term short of PT. These tumors were compared with 16 true fibroadenomas, all with needle-core biopsy followed by excision. Resected phyllodes tumors were larger on average than fibroadenoma, 6.8 cm (range = 1.7-16.2 cm) versus 2.6 cm (range = 1.0-4.8 cm). In needle-core biopsy cases, sampling was limited, even in large breast masses. p53 and cleaved caspase-3 were noncontributory. Ki-67 showed higher proliferation indices in phyllodes tumors versus fibroadenoma (4.8% vs 0.6%). Features suggesting phyllodes tumors include tissue fragmentation, increased stromal cellularity especially around glands, stromal overgrowth, and increased mitoses. Increased sampling of a large tumor will likely yield more correct diagnoses.
Potassium Channels: Newly Found Players in Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Kim Jinhyun , Hoffman Dax A.
Published: April 2008

One of the major issues for modern neuroscience research concerns the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the acquisition, storage, and recollection of memories by the brain. Regulation of the strength of individual synaptic inputs (synaptic plasticity) has, for decades, been the front-running candidate mechanism for cellular information storage, with some direct supporting evidence recently obtained. Research into the molecular mechanisms responsible for changing synaptic strength has, to date, primarily focused on trafficking and properties of the neurotransmitter receptors themselves (AMPARs and NMDARs). However, recent evidence indicates that, subsequent to receptor activation, synaptic inputs are subject to regulation by synaptically located K+ channels. It is therefore critical to understand the biophysical properties and subcellular localization (density and distribution) of these channels and how their properties are modulated. Here we will review recent findings showing that two different classes of K+ channels (A-type and small conductance, Ca2+ -activated K+ channels), beyond their traditional role in regulating action potential firing, contribute to the regulation of synaptic strength in the hippocampus. In addition, we discuss how modulation of these channels' properties and expression might contribute to synaptic plasticity. NEUROSCIENTIST 14(3):276–286, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858408315041
The Functional Theory of Counterfactual Thinking
Authors: Epstude Kai , Roese Neal J.
Published: April 2008

Counterfactuals are thoughts about alternatives to past events, that is, thoughts of what might have been. This article provides an updated account of the functional theory of counterfactual thinking, suggesting that such thoughts are best explained in terms of their role in behavior regulation and performance improvement. The article reviews a wide range of cognitive experiments indicating that counterfactual thoughts may influence behavior by either of two routes: a content-specific pathway (which involves specific informational effects on behavioral intentions, which then influence behavior) and a content-neutral pathway (which involves indirect effects via affect, mind-sets, or motivation). The functional theory is particularly useful in organizing recent findings regarding counterfactual thinking and mental health. The article concludes by considering the connections to other theoretical conceptions, especially recent advances in goal cognition.
An Investigation of Psychopathic Features Among Delinquent Girls
Authors: Vaughn Michael G. , Newhill Christina E. , DeLisi Matt , Beaver Kevin M. , Howard Matthew O.
Published: April 2008

Although there has been intense interest in the application of the construct of psychopathy among juveniles, few studies have investigated psychopathic traits among adolescent females. To redress this, this study examines psychopathic features and tests their utility in predicting violent behavior, theft, and drug abuse in a statewide survey of 94 female juvenile offenders. Results indicate that interpersonal and affective facets of psychopathy, specifically narcissism and carefree nonplanfulness were significantly associated with violence and theft. Psychopathy features were not significantly associated with drug abuse. Study limitations and implications for future research are delineated.
Classifying Offenders
Authors: Schwalbe Craig S. , Macy Rebecca J. , Day Steven H. , Fraser Mark W.
Published: April 2008

Structured needs assessment instruments aid in-service planning in the juvenile justice system. This article uses latent class analysis to classify juvenile offenders into categories or types based on need profiles using a sample of 542 youthful offenders. The study identified five profiles based on scores from a structured needs assessment instrument.
Recidivism in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: O'Donnell Ian , Baumer Eric P. , Hughes Nicola
Published: April 2008

As prison populations increase, the need for successful reintegration of ex-prisoners becomes more pressing. The challenge of what has become known as `re-entry' has stimulated an extensive body of research, much of it concentrated in a small number of jurisdictions and concerned with levels and predictors of recidivism. The limited geographic breadth of the research effort has hindered our capacity to consider theoretically relevant questions, such as whether particular societal conditions thought to be conducive to successful prisoner reintegration (e.g. high levels of social capital and informal social control) in fact translate into lower levels of recidivism. In this article we expand the reach of existing research by exploring levels and patterns of recidivism in uncharted territory—the Republic of Ireland—and by drawing out the implications of the patterns observed there for comparative analysis.
Propaganda in the trivial: puzzles in the women's section of the Völkischer Beobachter
Authors: Barbe Katharina
Published: April 2008

This article examines word-based puzzles as texts. In particular, it analyzes the potential of using a seemingly harmless pastime — the solving of puzzles — for propagandistic ends. Propaganda is an attempt to manipulate and dominate discourses some of whose manifestations are texts. Because a thorough examination of puzzles has not yet been undertaken, word-based puzzles will be considered first in general, followed by a detailed examination of the potential propagandistic impact of puzzles drawn from the official Nazi newspaper, Völkischer Beobachter [Folkish Observer].
Aspects of sequential organization in text message exchange
Authors: Hutchby Ian , Tanna Vanita
Published: April 2008

This article builds on a range of work analysing interactive properties of text-based technologically mediated communication (e.g. email, internet relay chat, text messaging) which has revealed its deeply interactive properties. Based on a corpus of 1250 SMS text messages, it examines in detail the sequential organization revealed in extended series of text exchanges. Adopting methods and findings from conversation analysis, the study looks at the internal construction of texts as interactive artefacts, focusing on the production of both single-unit and multi-unit messages, and analyses how participants construct exchanges that show both similarities and differences with sequential organization in verbal conversation.
Characterization of Osteocortical-Periosteal Layers by High-Resolution Sonography Using a Doppler Technique in Paget's Disease of Bone
Authors: Mastaglio Claudio , Arnoldi Cristina , Corbellini Ezio , Severi Carlo , Fantini Flavio
Published: April 2008

The authors characterize some aspects of Paget's disease of bone, comparing clinical and radiographic findings with sonographic features; they also demonstrate the utility of sonography and the Doppler technique for the diagnosis and follow-up of Paget's disease. Two sonographic instruments were used to study the bone profile, periosteal layer, and vascularization by high-resolution sonography and color Doppler. Thirteen patients were studied between May 2006 and May 2007. The morphology of cortical bone in Paget's disease analyzed by sonography is comparable to what can be detected by X-rays. The bone profile becomes wavy, and the loss of interface linearity ends up in a loss of echogenicity; only where the interface is still reflecting are some hyperechoic tracts visible. The periosteal layer becomes thicker and forms a fibrillar echoic band between bone and overlying muscle. Color Doppler techniques show cortical hyperflow and low-capillary resistance, suggesting the absence of arteriovenous fistulae, thus confirming data observed with other techniques. Sonographic techniques display the osteoperiosteal-layer hypervascularization, a marker of active disease, thus enabling an evaluation of disease activity, both at the diagnosis and during follow-up.
ParaKMeans: Implementation of a parallelized K-means algorithm suitable for general laboratory use
Authors: Kraj Piotr , Sharma Ashok , Garge Nikhil , Podolsky Robert , McIndoe Richard A
Published: April 2008

Background

During the last decade, the use of microarrays to assess the transcriptome of many biological systems has generated an enormous amount of data. A common technique used to organize and analyze microarray data is to perform cluster analysis. While many clustering algorithms have been developed, they all suffer a significant decrease in computational performance as the size of the dataset being analyzed becomes very large. For example, clustering 10000 genes from an experiment containing 200 microarrays can be quite time consuming and challenging on a desktop PC. One solution to the scalability problem of clustering algorithms is to distribute or parallelize the algorithm across multiple computers.

Results

The software described in this paper is a high performance multithreaded application that implements a parallelized version of the K-means Clustering algorithm. Most parallel processing applications are not accessible to the general public and require specialized software libraries (e.g. MPI) and specialized hardware configurations. The parallel nature of the application comes from the use of a web service to perform the distance calculations and cluster assignments. Here we show our parallel implementation provides significant performance gains over a wide range of datasets using as little as seven nodes. The software was written in C# and was designed in a modular fashion to provide both deployment flexibility as well as flexibility in the user interface.

Conclusion

ParaKMeans was designed to provide the general scientific community with an easy and manageable client-server application that can be installed on a wide variety of Windows operating systems.
Transcriptional regulation by Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 during T cell activation
Authors: Saenz Luis , Lozano Juan J , Valdor Rut , Baroja-Mazo Alberto , Ramirez Pablo , Parrilla Pascual , Aparicio Pedro , Sumoy Lauro , Yélamos José
Published: April 2008

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests an important role for the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) as an integral part of the gene expression regulatory machinery during development and in response to specific cellular signals. PARP-1 might modulate gene expression through its catalytic activity leading to poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of nuclear proteins or by its physical association with relevant proteins. Recently, we have shown that PARP-1 is activated during T cell activation. However, the proposed role of PARP-1 in reprogramming T cell gene expression upon activation remains largely unexplored.

Results

In the present study we use oligonucleotide microarray analysis to gain more insight into the role played by PARP-1 during the gene expression reprogramming that takes place in T cells upon activation with anti-CD3 stimulation alone, or in combination with anti-CD28 co-stimulation. We have identified several groups of genes with expression modulated by PARP-1. The expression of 129 early-response genes to anti-CD3 seems to be regulated by PARP-1 either in a positive (45 genes) or in a negative manner (84 genes). Likewise, in the presence of co-stimulation (anti-CD3 + anti-CD28 stimulation), the expression of 203 genes is also regulated by PARP-1 either up (173 genes) or down (30 genes). Interestingly, PARP-1 deficiency significantly alters expression of genes associated with the immune response such as chemokines and genes involved in the Th1/Th2 balance.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into changes in gene expression mediated by PARP-1 upon T cell activation. Pathway analysis of PARP-1 as a nuclear signalling molecule in T cells would be of relevance for the future development of new therapeutic approaches targeting PARP-1 in the acquired immune response.
Non-random retention of protein-coding overlapping genes in Metazoa
Authors: Soldà Giulia , Suyama Mikita , Pelucchi Paride , Boi Silvia , Guffanti Alessandro , Rizzi Ermanno , Bork Peer , Tenchini Maria Luisa , Ciccarelli Francesca D
Published: April 2008

Background

Although the overlap of transcriptional units occurs frequently in eukaryotic genomes, its evolutionary and biological significance remains largely unclear. Here we report a comparative analysis of overlaps between genes coding for well-annotated proteins in five metazoan genomes (human, mouse, zebrafish, fruit fly and worm).

Results

For all analyzed species the observed number of overlapping genes is always lower than expected assuming functional neutrality, suggesting that gene overlap is negatively selected. The comparison to the random distribution also shows that retained overlaps do not exhibit random features: antiparallel overlaps are significantly enriched, while overlaps lying on the same strand and those involving coding sequences are highly underrepresented. We confirm that overlap is mostly species-specific and provide evidence that it frequently originates through the acquisition of terminal, non-coding exons. Finally, we show that overlapping genes tend to be significantly co-expressed in a breast cancer cDNA library obtained by 454 deep sequencing, and that different overlap types display different patterns of reciprocal expression.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that overlap between protein-coding genes is selected against in Metazoa. However, when retained it may be used as a species-specific mechanism for the reciprocal regulation of neighboring genes. The tendency of overlaps to involve non-coding regions of the genes leads to the speculation that the advantages achieved by an overlapping arrangement may be optimized by evolving regulatory non-coding transcripts.
Elucidating a normal function of huntingtin by functional and microarray analysis of huntingtin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Hua , Das Sudipto , Li Quan-Zhen , Dragatsis Ioannis , Repa Joyce , Zeitlin Scott , Hajnóczky György , Bezprozvanny Ilya
Published: April 2008

Background

The polyglutamine expansion in huntingtin (Htt) protein is a cause of Huntington's disease (HD). Htt is an essential gene as deletion of the mouse Htt gene homolog (Hdh) is embryonic lethal in mice. Therefore, in addition to elucidating the mechanisms responsible for polyQ-mediated pathology, it is also important to understand the normal function of Htt protein for both basic biology and for HD.

Results

To systematically search for a mouse Htt function, we took advantage of theHdh+/- andHdh-floxed mice and generated four mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells lines which contain a single copy of theHdhgene (Hdh-HET) and four MEF lines in which theHdhgene was deleted (Hdh-KO). The function of Htt in calcium (Ca2+) signaling was analyzed in Ca2+imaging experiments with generated cell lines. We found that the cytoplasmic Ca2+spikes resulting from the activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) and the ensuing mitochondrial Ca2+signals were suppressed in theHdh-KO cells when compared toHdh-HET cells. Furthermore, in experiments with permeabilized cells we found that the InsP3-sensitivity of Ca2+mobilization from endoplasmic reticulum was reduced inHdh-KO cells. These results indicated that Htt plays an important role in modulating InsP3R-mediated Ca2+signaling. To further evaluate function of Htt, we performed genome-wide transcription profiling of generatedHdh-HET andHdh-KO cells by microarray. Our results revealed that 106 unique transcripts were downregulated by more than two-fold with p < 0.05 and 173 unique transcripts were upregulated at least two-fold with p < 0.05 inHdh-KO cells when compared toHdh-HET cells. The microarray results were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR for a number of affected transcripts. Several signaling pathways affected byHdhgene deletion were identified from annotation of the microarray results.

Conclusion

Functional analysis of generated Htt-null MEF cells revealed that Htt plays a direct role in Ca2+signaling by modulating InsP3R sensitivity to InsP3. The genome-wide transcriptional profiling of Htt-null cells yielded novel and unique information about the normal function of Htt in cells, which may contribute to our understanding and treatment of HD.
Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6 in normal and neoplastic human gastrointestinal mucosa
Authors: Haveri Hanna , Westerholm-Ormio Mia , Lindfors Katri , Mäki Markku , Savilahti Erkki , Andersson Leif C , Heikinheimo Markku
Published: April 2008

Background

Human gastrointestinal mucosa regenerates vigorously throughout life, but the factors controlling cell fate in mature mucosa are poorly understood. GATA transcription factors direct cell proliferation and differentiation in many organs, and are implicated in tumorigenesis. GATA-4 and GATA-6 are considered crucial for the formation of murine gastrointestinal mucosa, but their role in human gastrointestinal tract remains unexplored. We studied in detail the expression patterns of these two GATA factors and a GATA-6 down-stream target, Indian hedgehog (Ihh), in normal human gastrointestinal mucosa. Since these factors are considered important for proliferation and differentiation, we also explored the possible alterations in their expression in gastrointestinal neoplasias. The expression of the carcinogenesis-related protein Indian hedgehog was also investigated in comparison to GATA factors.

Methods

Samples of normal and neoplastic gastrointestinal tract from children and adults were subjected to RNA in situ hybridization with 33P labelled probes and immunohistochemistry, using an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase system. The pathological tissues examined included samples of chronic and atrophic gastritis as well as adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the colon and rectum.

Results

GATA-4 was abundant in the differentiated epithelial cells of the proximal parts of the gastrointestinal tract but was absent from the distal parts. In contrast, GATA-6 was expressed throughout the gastrointestinal epithelium, and in the distal gut its expression was most intense at the bottom of the crypts, i.e. cells with proliferative capacity. Both factors were also present in Barrett's esophagus and metaplasia of the stomach. GATA-6 expression was reduced in colon carcinoma. Ihh expression overlapped with that of GATA-6 especially in benign gastrointestinal neoplasias.

Conclusion

The results suggest differential but overlapping functions for GATA-4 and GATA-6 in the normal gastrointestinal mucosa. Furthermore, GATA-4, GATA-6 and Ihh expression is altered in premalignant dysplastic lesions and reduced in overt cancer.