bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No Evidence for Differences in DNA Damage Assessed before and after a Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Bhatti Parveen , Sigurdson Alice J. , Thomas Cynthia B. , Iwan Allison , Alexander Bruce H. , Kampa Diane , Bowen Laura , Doody Michele Morin , Jones Irene M.
Published: April 2008

The overwhelming majority of studies that have found increased cancer risk associated with functional deficits in DNA repair used a case-control design, in which measurements were made after cancer diagnosis. However, there are concerns about whether the cancer itself or cancer treatment affected the conclusions (reverse causation bias). We assessed the effect of cancer diagnosis among 26 breast cancer controls who had blood collected during 2001 to 2003 and again in 2005 to 2006 after being diagnosed with cancer. Using the alkaline comet assay, we quantified DNA damage in untreated lymphoblastoid cell lines. Comet distributed moment, olive tail moment, percentage of DNA in tail, and comet tail length were summarized as the geometric mean of 100 cells. For comet distributed moment, olive tail moment, tail DNA, and tail length, the proportions of women with before diagnosis values higher than after diagnosis were 65%, 50%, 50%, and 46%, respectively. We found no significant differences in the before or after diagnosis mean comet values. Median cut-points were determined from the before diagnosis distribution, and we used conditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and upper 95% bounds of the confidence intervals. ORs ranged from 0.6 to 0.9 with upper confidence interval bounds of 1.9 and 2.6, meaning biased ORs above 2.6 are unlikely. We found no evidence that reverse causation bias is an important concern in case-control studies using the comet assay applied to cell lines collected after cancer diagnosis. More work is needed to characterize the effect of cancer diagnosis on other phenotypic assays. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(4):990–4)
Ultrastructural Changes in Otoconia of Osteoporotic Rats
Authors: Vibert Dominique , Sans Alain , Kompis Martin , Travo Cécile , Mühlbauer Roman C. , Tschudi Ingrid , Boukhaddaoui Hassan , Häusler Rudolf
Published: April 2008

The etiology of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) remains obscure in many cases and women are affected more often than men. A recent prospective study, performed in women >50 years of age suffering from recurrent BPPV, showed associated osteopenia or osteoporosis in a large percentage of these patients. These results suggested the possible relationship between recurrent BPPV and a decreased fixation of calcium in bone in women >50 years. To test this hypothesis, an experimental study was performed in adult female rats. Utricular otoconia of female rats in which osteopenia/osteoporosis was induced by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) were compared to those of sham-operated adult females rats (SHAM), as control group. First Study: The morphology of theutricles of OVX and SHAM rats was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. In osteopenic/osteoporotic rats, the density of otoconia (i.e. the number of otoconia per unit area) was decreased (p = 0.036)and their size was increased (p = 0.036) compared to the control group. Second Study: To test the role of calcium turnover in such morphological changes, utricular otoconia of 2 other groups of OVX and SHAM rats, previously injected with calcein subcutaneously, were examined by conventional and epifluorescence microscopy. In epifluorescence microscopy, labeling with calcein showed no significant fluorescence in either group. This finding was interpreted as a lack of external calcium turnover into otoconia of adult female rats. The ultrastructural modifications of otoconia in osteopenic/osteoporotic female adult rats as well as the role of estrogenic receptors in the inner ear are discussed. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms which support the relationship between recurrent BPPV in women and the disturbance of the calcium metabolism of osteopenia/osteoporosis are debated.
Noninvasive Detection and Localization of Vulnerable Plaque and Arterial Thrombosis With Computed Tomography Angiography/Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Aziz Kusai , Berger Kevin , Claycombe Kate , Huang Ruiping , Patel Roshan , Abela George S.
Published: April 2008

Background—

It has been shown that plaque uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose is proportional to macrophage density. We tested the hypothesis that arterial thrombosis occurs in areas with high fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and that computed tomography angiography (CTA) can detect thrombi in vessels.

Methods and Results—

Twenty New Zealand White rabbits were studied before and after atherosclerosis induction through de-endothelialization and a high-cholesterol diet; 14 were then thrombus triggered. CTA/positron emission tomography scans were performed before cholesterol diet, at the middle diet feeding, at the end of diet feeding, and after triggering. Serum inflammatory markers were measured. Maximal standardized uptake value was measured over the thoracic and upper and lower abdominal aortas and correlated with thrombosis and macrophage density on sections from the same sites. Aortic diameters averaged 2.84±1.16 mm. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CTA for detecting thrombi were 92%, 89%, and 90%, respectively. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and C-reactive protein levels increased with atherosclerosis and thrombosis triggering. Maximal standardized uptake value at baseline was 0.62±0.13, 0.96±0.33 at the middle of feeding, and 1.06±0.38 at the end of feeding. Segments that developed thrombosis had the highest maximal standardized uptake value of 1.32±0.69 (113% increase;
P
=0.002) and had a 129% increase in macrophage density compared with segments without thrombi (
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was proportional to the duration of cholesterol feeding and peaked with plaque disruption and thrombosis. CTA was highly accurate in detecting thrombi. Our findings in this animal model of atherosclerotic plaques with high macrophage density showed that CTA/positron emission tomography can be used to identify and localize inflamed plaques and thrombosis. With the currently available technology and nuclear tracers, however, many challenges remain before clinical applications are possible.
Absence of Cyclooxygenase-2 Exacerbates Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension and Enhances Contractility of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Fredenburgh Laura E. , Liang Olin D. , Macias Alvaro A. , Polte Thomas R. , Liu Xiaoli , Riascos Dario F. , Chung Su Wol , Schissel Scott L. , Ingber Donald E. , Mitsialis S. Alex , Kourembanas Stella , Perrella Mark A.
Published: April 2008

Background—

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is upregulated in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) during hypoxia and may play a protective role in the response of the lung to hypoxia. Selective COX-2 inhibition may have detrimental pulmonary vascular consequences during hypoxia.

Methods and Results—

To investigate the role of COX-2 in the pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia, we subjected wild-type and COX-2–deficient mice to a model of chronic normobaric hypoxia. COX-2–null mice developed severe pulmonary hypertension with exaggerated elevation of right ventricular systolic pressure, significant right ventricular hypertrophy, and striking vascular remodeling after hypoxia. Pulmonary vascular remodeling in COX-2–deficient mice was characterized by PASMC hypertrophy but not increased proliferation. Furthermore, COX-2–deficient mice had significant upregulation of the endothelin-1 receptor (ET
A
) in the lung after hypoxia. Similarly, selective pharmacological inhibition of COX-2 in wild-type mice exacerbated hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and resulted in PASMC hypertrophy and increased ET
A
receptor expression in pulmonary arterioles. The absence of COX-2 in vascular smooth muscle cells during hypoxia in vitro augmented traction forces and enhanced contractility of an extracellular matrix. Treatment of COX-2–deficient PASMCs with iloprost, a prostaglandin I
2
analog, and prostaglandin E
2
abrogated the potent contractile response to hypoxia and restored the wild-type phenotype.

Conclusions—

Our findings reveal that hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling are exacerbated in the absence of COX-2 with enhanced ET
A
receptor expression and increased PASMC hypertrophy. COX-2–deficient PASMCs have a maladaptive response to hypoxia manifested by exaggerated contractility, which may be rescued by either COX-2–derived prostaglandin I
2
or prostaglandin E
2
.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide Enables Artificial Blood Transfusion Without Hypertension
Authors: Yu Binglan , Raher Michael J. , Volpato Gian Paolo , Bloch Kenneth D. , Ichinose Fumito , Zapol Warren M.
Published: April 2008

Background—

One of the major obstacles hindering the clinical development of a cell-free, hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) is systemic vasoconstriction.

Methods and Results—

Experiments were performed in healthy mice and lambs by infusion of either murine tetrameric hemoglobin (0.48 g/kg) or glutaraldehyde-polymerized bovine hemoglobin (HBOC-201, 1.44 g/kg). We observed that intravenous infusion of either murine tetrameric hemoglobin or HBOC-201 induced prolonged systemic vasoconstriction in wild-type mice but not in mice congenitally deficient in endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS3). Treatment of wild-type mice by breathing NO at 80 ppm in air for 15 or 60 minutes or with 200 ppm NO for 7 minutes prevented the systemic hypertension induced by subsequent intravenous administration of murine tetrameric hemoglobin or HBOC-201 and did not result in conversion of plasma hemoglobin to methemoglobin. Intravenous administration of sodium nitrite (48 nmol) 5 minutes before infusion of murine tetrameric hemoglobin also prevented the development of systemic hypertension. In awake lambs, breathing NO at 80 ppm for 1 hour prevented the systemic hypertension caused by subsequent infusion of HBOC-201.

Conclusions—

These findings demonstrate that HBOC can cause systemic vasoconstriction by scavenging NO produced by NOS3. Moreover, in 2 species, inhaled NO administered before the intravenous infusion of HBOC can prevent systemic vasoconstriction without causing methemoglobinemia.
Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation
Authors: Lurz Philipp , Coats Louise , Khambadkone Sachin , Nordmeyer Johannes , Boudjemline Younes , Schievano Silvia , Muthurangu Vivek , Lee Twin Yen , Parenzan Giovanni , Derrick Graham , Cullen Seamus , Walker Fiona , Tsang Victor , Deanfield John , Taylor Andrew M. , Bonhoeffer Philipp
Published: April 2008

Background—

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation was introduced in the year 2000 as a nonsurgical treatment for patients with right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

Between September 2000 and February 2007, 155 patients with stenosis and/or regurgitation underwent percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation. This led to significant reduction in right ventricular systolic pressure (from 63±18 to 45±13 mm Hg,
P
<0.001) and right ventricular outflow tract gradient (from 37±20 to 17±10 mm Hg,
P
<0.001). Follow-up ranged from 0 to 83.7 months (median 28.4 months). Freedom from reoperation was 93% (±2%), 86% (±3%), 84% (±4%), and 70% (±13%) at 10, 30, 50, and 70 months, respectively. Freedom from transcatheter reintervention was 95% (±2%), 87% (±3%), 73% (±6%), and 73% (±6%) at 10, 30, 50, and 70 months, respectively. Survival at 83 months was 96.9%. On time-dependent analysis, the first series of 50 patients (log-rank test
P
<0.001) and patients with a residual gradient >25 mm Hg (log-rank test
P
=0.01) were associated with a higher risk of reoperations.

Conclusions—

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation resulted in the ability to avoid surgical right ventricular outflow tract revision in the majority of cases. This procedure might reduce the number of operations needed over the total lifetime of patients with right ventricle–to–pulmonary artery conduits.
H
2
O
2
Stimulation of the Cl
−
/HCO
3
−
Exchanger by Angiotensin II and Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Distribution in Membrane Microdomains
Authors: Pedrosa Rui , Villar Van Anthony M. , Pascua Annabelle M. , Simão Sónia , Hopfer Ulrich , Jose Pedro A. , Soares-da-Silva Patrício
Published: April 2008

The present study tested the hypothesis that angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced oxidative stress and Ang II–stimulated Cl
−
/HCO
3
−
exchanger are increased and related to the differential membrane Ang II type 1 (AT
1
) receptor and reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase expression in immortalized renal proximal tubular epithelial (PTE) cells from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) relative to its normotensive control (Wistar Kyoto rat [WKY]). The exposure of cells to Ang II increased Cl
−
/HCO
3
−
exchanger activity with EC
50
s of 0.10 and 12.2 nmol/L in SHR and WKY PTE cells, respectively. SHR PTE cells were found to overexpress nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 and 4 and were endowed with an enhanced ability to generate H
2
O
2
. The reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor apocynin reduced the production of H
2
O
2
in SHR PTE cells and abolished their hypersensitivity to Ang II. The expression of the glycosylated form of the AT
1
receptor in both lipid and nonlipid rafts were higher in SHR cells than in WKY PTE cells. Pretreatment with apocynin reduced the abundance of AT
1
receptors in both microdomains, mainly the glycosylated form of the AT
1
receptor in lipid rafts, in SHR cells but not in WKY PTE cells. In conclusion, differences between WKY and SHR PTE cells in their sensitivity to Ang II correlate with the higher H
2
O
2
generation that provokes an enhanced expression of glycosylated and nonglycosylated AT
1
receptor forms in lipid rafts.
A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the
CYP4F2
but not
CYP4A11
Gene Is Associated With Increased 20-HETE Excretion and Blood Pressure
Authors: Ward Natalie C. , Tsai I-Jung , Barden Anne , van Bockxmeer Frank M. , Puddey Ian B. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Croft Kevin D.
Published: April 2008

Arachidonic acid is a major fatty acid that can be metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme to a number of bioactive eicosanoids. A major metabolite of this oxidation is 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, which acts as a potent vasoconstrictor. However, in the kidney, its vasoconstrictor actions can be offset by its natriuretic properties. A guanine-to-adenine polymorphism in the
CYP4F2
gene was associated with a reduction in 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid production in vitro. A thymidine-to-cytosine polymorphism in the
CYP4A11
gene reduced catalytic activity by >50% in vitro and was associated with hypertension. The aim was to determine whether these 2 mutations are associated with urinary 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid excretion and blood pressure in humans. For the
CYP4F2
, 51% were homozygous for the G allele, 40% were carriers, and 9% were homozygous for the A allele. For
CYP4A11
, 72% were homozygous for the T allele, 25% were carriers, and 3% were homozygous for the C allele. The
CYP4F2
GA/AA genotype was significantly associated with an increase in both 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid excretion and systolic blood pressure. The
CYP4A11
CC/TC genotype was significantly associated with a reduction in 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid excretion but was not associated with blood pressure. We have demonstrated for the first time in humans that polymorphisms of the
CYP4F2
and
CYP4A11
genes have opposite effects on 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid excretion. The positive association between the
CYP4F2
GA/AA genotype and both systolic blood pressure and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid excretion strengthens a role for 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in the modulation of blood pressure.
Salutary Effect of Kallistatin in Salt-Induced Renal Injury, Inflammation, and Fibrosis via Antioxidative Stress
Authors: Shen Bo , Hagiwara Makoto , Yao Yu-Yu , Chao Lee , Chao Julie
Published: April 2008

An inverse relationship exists between kallistatin levels and salt-induced oxidative stress in Dahl-salt sensitive rats. We further investigated the role of kallistatin in inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis through antioxidative stress in Dahl-salt sensitive rats and cultured renal cells. High-salt intake in Dahl-salt sensitive rats induced elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (an indicator of lipid peroxidation), malondialdehyde levels, reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity, and superoxide formation, whereas kallistatin gene delivery significantly reduced these oxidative stress parameters. Kallistatin treatment improved renal function and reduced kidney damage as evidenced by diminished proteinuria and serum urea nitrogen levels, glomerular sclerosis, tubular damage, and protein cast formation. Kallistatin significantly decreased interstitial monocyte-macrophage infiltration and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Kallistain also reduced collagen fraction volume and the deposition and expression of collagen types I and III. Renal protection by kallistatin was associated with increased NO levels and endothelial NO synthase expression and decreased p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, and transforming growth factor-β1 expression. Moreover, kallistatin attenuated tumor necrosis factor-α–induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression via inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB activation in cultured proximal tubular cells. Kallistatin inhibited fibronectin and collagen expression by suppressing angiotensin II–induced reactive oxygen species generation and transforming growth factor-β1 expression in cultured mesangial cells. These combined findings reveal that kallistatin is a novel antioxidant, which prevents salt-induced kidney injury, inflammation, and fibrosis by inhibiting reactive oxygen species–induced proinflammatory cytokine and transforming growth factor-β1 expression.
Renin Inhibition by Aliskiren Prevents Atherosclerosis Progression
Authors: Nussberger Jürg , Aubert Jean-François , Bouzourene Karima , Pellegrin Maxime , Hayoz Daniel , Mazzolai Lucia
Published: April 2008

Hypertension is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Antihypertensive treatment, particularly blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, contributes to prevent atherosclerosis-mediated cardiovascular events. Direct comparison of different antihypertensive treatments on atherosclerosis and particularly plaque stabilization is sparse. ApoE
−/−
mice with vulnerable (2-kidney, 1-clip renovascular hypertension model) or stable (1-kidney, 1-clip renovascular hypertension model) atherosclerotic plaques were used. Mice were treated with aliskiren (renin inhibitor), irbesartan (angiotensin-receptor blocker), atenolol (β-blocker), or amlodipine (calcium channel blocker). Atherosclerosis characteristics were assessed. Hemodynamic and hormonal parameters were measured. Aliskiren and irbesartan significantly prevented atherosclerosis progression in 2-kidney, 1-clip mice. Indeed, compared with untreated animals, plaques showed thinner fibrous cap (
P
<0.05); smaller lipid core (
P
<0.05); decreased media degeneration, layering, and macrophage content (
P
<0.05); and increased smooth muscle cell content (
P
<0.05). Interestingly, aliskiren significantly increased the smooth muscle cell compared with irbesartan. Despite similar blood pressure lowering, only partial plaque stabilization was attained by atenolol and amlodipine. Amlodipine increased plaque smooth muscle cell content (
P
<0.05), whereas atenolol decreased plaque inflammation (
P
<0.05). This divergent effect was also observed in 1-kidney, 1-clip mice. Normalizing blood pressure by irbesartan increased the plasma renin concentration (5932±1512 ng/mL per hour) more than normalizing it by aliskiren (16085±5628 ng/mL per hour). Specific renin-angiotensin system blockade prevents atherosclerosis progression. First, evidence is provided that direct renin inhibition mediates atherosclerotic plaque stabilization. In contrast, β-blocker and calcium channel blocker treatment only partially stabilize plaques differently influencing atherogenesis. Angiotensin II decisively mediates plaque vulnerability. The plasma renin concentration measurement by an indirect method did not confirm the excessive increase of plasma renin concentration reported in the literature during aliskiren compared with irbesartan or amlodipine treatment.
Nitric Oxide Deficiency and Increased Adenosine Response of Afferent Arterioles in Hydronephrotic Mice With Hypertension
Authors: Carlström Mattias , Lai En Yin , Steege Andreas , Sendeski Mauricio , Ma Zufu , Zabihi Sheller , Eriksson Ulf J. , Patzak Andreas , Persson A. Erik G.
Published: April 2008

Afferent arterioles were used to investigate the role of adenosine, angiotensin II, NO, and reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of increased tubuloglomerular feedback response in hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis was induced in wild-type mice, superoxide dismutase-1 overexpressed mice (superoxide-dismutase-1 transgenic), and deficient mice (superoxide dismutase-1 knockout). Isotonic contractions in isolated perfused arterioles and mRNA expression of NO synthase isoforms, adenosine, and angiotensin II receptors were measured. In wild-type mice,
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester (
l
-NAME) did not change the basal arteriolar diameter of hydronephrotic kidneys (−6%) but reduced it in control (−12%) and contralateral arterioles (−43%). Angiotensin II mediated a weaker maximum contraction of hydronephrotic arterioles (−18%) than in control (−42%) and contralateral arterioles (−49%). The maximum adenosine-induced constriction was stronger in hydronephrotic (−19%) compared with control (−8%) and contralateral kidneys (±0%). The response to angiotensin II became stronger in the presence of adenosine in hydronephrotic kidneys and attenuated in contralateral arterioles.
l
-NAME increased angiotensin II responses of all of the groups but less in hydronephrotic kidneys. The mRNA expression of endothelial NO synthase and inducible NO synthase was upregulated in the hydronephrotic arterioles. No differences were found for adenosine or angiotensin II receptors. In superoxide dismutase-1 transgenic mice, strong but similar
l
-NAME response (−40%) was observed for all of the groups. This response was totally abolished in arterioles of hydronephrotic superoxide dismutase-1 knockout mice. In conclusion, hydronephrosis is associated with changes in the arteriolar reactivity of both hydronephrotic and contralateral kidneys. Increased oxidative stress, reduced NO availability, and stronger reactivity to adenosine of the hydronephrotic kidney may contribute to the enhanced tubuloglomerular feedback responsiveness in hydronephrosis and be involved in the development of hypertension.
Resistant Hypertension: Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment
Authors: Calhoun David A. , Jones Daniel , Textor Stephen , Goff David C. , Murphy Timothy P. , Toto Robert D. , White Anthony , Cushman William C. , White William , Sica Domenic , Ferdinand Keith , Giles Thomas D. , Falkner Bonita , Carey Robert M.
Published: April 2008

Resistant hypertension is a common clinical problem faced by both primary care clinicians and specialists. While the exact prevalence of resistant hypertension is unknown, clinical trials suggest that it is not rare, involving perhaps 20% to 30% of study participants. As older age and obesity are 2 of the strongest risk factors for uncontrolled hypertension, the incidence of resistant hypertension will likely increase as the population becomes more elderly and heavier. The prognosis of resistant hypertension is unknown, but cardiovascular risk is undoubtedly increased as patients often have a history of long-standing, severe hypertension complicated by multiple other cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The diagnosis of resistant hypertension requires use of good blood pressure technique to confirm persistently elevated blood pressure levels. Pseudoresistance, including lack of blood pressure control secondary to poor medication adherence or white coat hypertension, must be excluded. Resistant hypertension is almost always multifactorial in etiology. Successful treatment requires identification and reversal of lifestyle factors contributing to treatment resistance; diagnosis and appropriate treatment of secondary causes of hypertension; and use of effective multidrug regimens. As a subgroup, patients with resistant hypertension have not been widely studied. Observational assessments have allowed for identification of demographic and lifestyle characteristics associated with resistant hypertension, and the role of secondary causes of hypertension in promoting treatment resistance is well documented; however, identification of broader mechanisms of treatment resistance is lacking. In particular, attempts to elucidate potential genetic causes of resistant hypertension have been limited. Recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of resistant hypertension remain largely empiric due to the lack of systematic assessments of 3 or 4 drug combinations. Studies of resistant hypertension are limited by the high cardiovascular risk of patients within this subgroup, which generally precludes safe withdrawal of medications; the presence of multiple disease processes (eg, sleep apnea, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, atherosclerotic disease) and their associated medical therapies, which confound interpretation of study results; and the difficulty in enrolling large numbers of study participants. Expanding our understanding of the causes of resistant hypertension and thereby potentially allowing for more effective prevention and/or treatment will be essential to improve the long-term clinical management of this disorder.
The Effects of Religion and Gender on Well-Being, Substance Use, and Academic Engagement Among Rural Adolescents
Authors: Milot Alyssa S. , Ludden Alison Bryant
Published: April 2008

The effects of religious attendance, religious importance, and gender on well-being, substance use, and academic engagement were examined among early adolescents ( N = 683) from rural schools. Results indicated that females viewed religion as more important than males, although the frequency of religious attendance did not differ for males and females. Hierarchical regression results revealed that religious importance was a more prominent protective factor than attendance against substance use even after accounting for parental support; however, no links were found between religiosity and depression or self-esteem. Adolescents who reported that religion was important in their lives reported lower school misbehavior and higher motivation, although those with high religious attendance had higher grades. Interaction effects indicated that religious importance was particularly salient for males compared to females in terms of enhanced school bonding and self-efficacy.
In Search of Modernity and Rationality
Authors: Uyar Mesut , Varoğlu A. Kadir
Published: April 2008

The aim of this article is to analyze the educational programs of the Turkish Military Academy both in the Ottoman era and the Republican time with special emphasis on the sociology courses. This analysis is important in the sense that the Military Academy is always perceived as a pioneering institution of the modernization process in Turkey. As a result of assessing the development process of the Academy curricula it could be safely stated that the aim of changes and designs has always been to promote rationality and to follow up with the recent improvements in military academies of other countries. Explanation is also offered why a sociology course has not been a permanent feature of the curriculum at the Academy.
Parenting Specificity
Authors: McKee Laura , Forehand Rex , Rakow Aaron , Reeslund Kristen , Roland Erin , Hardcastle Emily , Compas Bruce
Published: April 2008

The aim of this study was to advance our understanding of the relations between three specific parenting behaviors (warmth, monitoring, and discipline) and two child outcomes (internalizing and externalizing problems) within the context of parental depression. Using an approach recommended by A. Caron, B. Weiss, V. Harris, and T. Carron (2006), unique and differential specificity were examined. Ninety-seven parents with a history of depression and 136 of their 9- to 15-year-old children served as participants. Children reported parenting behaviors and parents reported child problem behaviors. The findings indicated that warmth/involvement, but not monitoring or discipline, was uniquely related to externalizing problems and differentially related to internalizing and externalizing problems. The findings suggest that parental warmth has implications for interventions conducted with children living in families with a history of parental depression.
A Critique of Raju and Oshima's Prophecy Formulas for Assessing the Reliability of Item Response Theory-Based Ability Estimates
Authors: Wang Wen-Chung
Published: April 2008

Raju and Oshima (2005) proposed two prophecy formulas based on item response theory in order to predict the reliability of ability estimates for a test after change in its length. The first prophecy formula is equivalent to the classical Spearman-Brown prophecy formula. The second prophecy formula is misleading because of an underlying false assumption. It can yield negative reliability estimates, especially if the reliability of ability estimates for the old test is low and the new test is shorter. This article identifies the fallacy of the second prophecy formula and demonstrates the scope of its bias in predicting test reliability.
Explaining and Controlling for the Psychometric Properties of Computer-Generated Figural Matrix Items
Authors: Freund Philipp Alexander , Hofer Stefan , Holling Heinz
Published: April 2008

Figural matrix items are a popular task type for assessing general intelligence (Spearman's g). Items of this kind can be constructed rationally, allowing the implementation of computerized generation algorithms. In this study, the influence of different task parameters on the degree of difficulty in matrix items was investigated. A sample of N = 169 participants (all age groups) completed a set of 25 automatically generated 4 × 4 matrix items. Data collection was conducted through the World Wide Web. All items showed a good fit with the Rasch model, and item difficulty could be explained reasonably well through the implemented task parameters. The research indicated that matrix items can easily be generated using well-defined computerized algorithms. Their composite character explains item difficulty to a satisfactory degree and enables researchers to construct items with anticipated psychometric properties and Rasch model conformity. Practical advantages of these findings are pointed out.
The Gods of Greece: Germans and the Greeks
Authors: Heller Agnes
Published: April 2008

The German relationship to the Greeks was central to German self-understanding. It defined German identity culturally through the exclusion of democracy from the idealized image of Greece and through the emphasis on Greek originality that served to devalue the Roman, Latin and Renaissance translations of the Greek heritage. Hostility to the legacy of the Latin spirit, to legal thought and to rationality, reinforced the German rejection of French intellectual and cultural hegemony. These German fictions about the Greeks were closely linked with reflections on modernity, the death of the Christian God and a disenchanted Cartesian universe. They led Nietzsche and Heidegger to more `original' interpretations of the Greeks as the source of German rebirth.
Nature's God: Emerson and the Greeks
Authors: Murphy Peter
Published: April 2008

This article explores the mystical impulse in the American mind, reflected in the work of William James, Kenneth Burke, and most especially the case of Ralph Waldo Emerson. The parallels and differences between Emerson's mystical idea of Nature and the ancient Greek pre-Socratic idea of the universe as a union of opposites are explored. The divergence between the Americans and the Greeks concerning the idea of limits is reflected on. The optimism of the Americans is explained as a function of their mystical theodicy, and the greatness of their power as a function of their mystic ability, so well assayed by Emerson, to bear crushing paradoxes with a cheerful lightness of being.
Greek Exercises: the Modern Olympics as Hellenic Appropriation and Reinvention
Authors: Ruprecht Louis A.
Published: April 2008

`From Aristotle to Us', the conference held at La Trobe University in May 2007, names a powerful and highly influential Romantic trajectory, one which posits a particular conception of the ancients, a particular conception of the moderns, and a complex conception of the relationship between the two. Using the modern Olympic Revival as a case study and a case in point, this article argues that such `exercises' in Greek appropriation always operate with largely unstated assumptions about the nature of the present's relation to the past, and the enormously complex quality of the Greek past. In becoming self-critical about such appropriations of the Classical legacy, contemporary critics are forced to contend with the spectre of religion, a topic that `Greek exercises' almost inevitably carve in high relief. The article concludes with an historiographic meditation on varying images of `paganism' in contemporary culture, images that link the Greeks to athletics to such modern and post-modern `revivals'.
Thermo-elastic Stress Analysis of Injection Molding Short Glass Fiber Filled Polymer Composite Disc with Holes
Authors: Kaynak Idris , Sen Faruk , Sayman Onur
Published: April 2008

The aim of this study was to find out the influences of uniform thermal loads on a composite disc having many pin/bolt holes. Polymer composite disc reinforced short glass fibers were successfully produced by using injection and compression molding techniques, and microstructural observations were carried out using an electronic microscope. A thermo-elastic stress analysis was performed utilizing a finite element method (FEM). For this reason, the thermal stresses were determined by using ANSYS software package. The circular holes were created in the disc because of observing these effects on thermal stresses. The thermal loads were applied to the disc at a uniform distribution. Due to the composite disc having different thermal expansions in radial and tangential directions, thermal stresses were created in it by applied uniform thermal loads. The magnitude of the tangential stress components was higher than the radial stress components. The magnitudes and distributions of thermal stresses on the composite disc were considerably affected by increasing the uniform temperature loads and the presence of pin/bolt holes.
Energy Release Rate for Repaired Inclined Cracks with Bonded Composite Patch Having Two Adhesive Bands in Aircraft Structures
Authors: Bouiadjra B. Bachir , Fekirini H. , Serier B. , Belhouari M. , Benguediab M.
Published: April 2008

Adhesive in bonded composite repair plays two opposite roles. The first consists in ensuring the transfer of load between the composite patch and the cracked aluminum component. The second role is to ensure the connection between these two structures in order to avoid the adhesive failure. In this study, a method of repair is proposed; it consists in dividing the adhesive layer into two bands with different properties. The first band is bonded on the crack region to ensure the stress transfer and the second band is bonded beyond the crack region to avoid the adhesive failure. The case of mixed mode loading (inclined crack) is studied. The energy release rate at the crack tip is computed for this repair configuration using the finite element method. The obtained results show that the energy release rate at the crack tip is considerably reduced by the difference of properties between the two adhesive bands, which can imply the improvement of fatigue life of cracked structures.
Flexural Properties of Hydroxyapatite Reinforced Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Composites
Authors: Chow Wen Shyang  , Loo Yok Khim  , Ariffin Azlan , Arifin Zainal , Ishak Mohd
Published: April 2008

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) filled with hydroxyapatite (HA) filler has been widely used in biomaterial application. Acrylic denture base material was prepared from PMMA filled with HA. This research work attempted to investigate the effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the flexural properties of poly(methyl methacrylate). PMMA powder was mixed with a monomer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) stabilized with hydroquinone. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) were used as initiator and crosslinking agent, respectively. The PMMA/HA composites were prepared by using heat-processing polymers powder and liquid method. The flexural modulus of PMMA was increased by the addition of HA. This is attributed to the reinforcement effects of HA. However, the flexural strength and strain was decreased in the presence of HA. Experimental data of flexural modulus for PMMA/HA composites was compared with several theoretical models and equations. It was found that the experimental data could be relatively predicted by Hirsch's model.
Natural Frequencies and Mode Shapes of Composite Conoids with Complicated Boundary Conditions
Authors: Das Hari Sadhan , Chakravorty Dipankar
Published: April 2008

A finite element code is developed using an eight-noded curved quadratic isoparametric element and the formulation is validated through solution of a benchmark problem which was earlier solved by other researchers. Numerical problems are solved for ten different practical boundary conditions and for different symmetric and antisymmetric laminations of conoidal shells on square planform to study the performances of different shell options in terms of fundamental frequencies. Effects of number of boundary constraints and arrangement of boundary conditions along the four edges on fundamental frequencies are studied meticulously and also performance of symmetric and antisymmetric laminations are compared in detail. A comparative performance study of cross ply and angle ply laminations is also made. Specific conclusions are drawn at the end, to summarize the outcome of the present investigation that are expected to serve as important guidelines to engineers engaged in analysis, design, and construction of composite shells.
How Does the Quality and Stability of the Teaching Force Influence the Research-to-Practice Gap?
Authors: McLeskey James , Billingsley Bonnie S.
Published: April 2008

Although effective practices have been developed to address the needs of a wide range of students with disabilities, evidence suggests a limited use of these practices. Potential contributors to the research-to-practice gap focus on problems with pre-service teacher preparation, professional development, and the nature of research. The authors present evidence that the lack of well-qualified special education teachers, the instability of special education teachers in teaching positions (i.e., attrition and migration), and inadequate work conditions contribute to the research-to-practice gap. They also address the need for comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained efforts to reduce the teacher shortage and improve the likelihood that special educators have the work conditions needed to use effective practices.
Violent Behavior in Female Inmates
Authors: Byrd Patricia M. , Davis Joanne L.
Published: April 2008

Research findings have been equivocal regarding the relationship between experiencing trauma and exhibiting violent behavior in women. This study seeks to determine predictors of violent behavior in female inmates utilizing various conceptualizations of traumatic experiences. Results indicate a significant univariate relationship between experiencing more frequent physical abuse experiences, both interpersonal and noninterpersonal types of trauma, and both physical and sexual assaults with frequency of engagement in violent behavior. The regression model explained approximately 21.0% of the variance in violent behavior. Furthermore, frequency of physical abuse experiences was a significant predictor of frequency of engagement in violent behavior and explained 12.74% of unique variance. These results suggest that the frequency of physical abuse experiences may serve as a risk factor for women's violent behavior. Although more research is needed, it appears that addressing the potential for violence in women who experience abuse may be an appropriate target of treatment.
Child Maltreatment Profiles and Adjustment Problems in High-Risk Adolescents
Authors: Hazen Andrea L. , Connelly Cynthia D. , Roesch Scott C. , Hough Richard L. , Landsverk John A.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this article is to identify profiles of maltreatment experiences in a sample of high-risk adolescents and to investigate the relationship between the derived profiles and psychological adjustment. Participants are 1,131 youth between the ages of 12 and 18 years involved with publicly funded mental health and social services. Information on physical, sexual, and emotional maltreatment and psychological symptoms are obtained in interviews with adolescents and their primary caregivers. Using latent profile analysis, three maltreatment profiles are identified: “sexual + physical + emotional maltreatment,” “physical + emotional maltreatment,” and “low maltreatment.” Adolescents in the two maltreatment profiles generally have significantly higher scores on symptom scales compared with those in the “low maltreatment” profile, but scores in the two maltreatment profiles do not differ. Findings highlight the need for agencies to identify and provide appropriate intervention for youth who experience multiple types of maltreatment.
Hate Crimes and Stigma-Related Experiences Among Sexual Minority Adults in the United States
Authors: Herek Gregory M.
Published: April 2008

Using survey responses collected via the Internet from a U.S. national probability sample of gay, lesbian, and bisexual adults ( N = 662), this article reports prevalence estimates of criminal victimization and related experiences based on the target's sexual orientation. Approximately 20% of respondents reported having experienced a person or property crime based on their sexual orientation; about half had experienced verbal harassment, and more than 1 in 10 reported having experienced employment or housing discrimination. Gay men were significantly more likely than lesbians or bisexuals to experience violence and property crimes. Employment and housing discrimination were significantly more likely among gay men and lesbians than among bisexual men and women. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.
Development of a Psychometric Typology of Child Molesters
Authors: Mandeville-Norden Rebecca , Beech Anthony R.
Published: April 2008

Cluster analysis of psychometric data measuring offense-specific and socioadequacy problems from a sample of 437 untreated child molesters was carried out. This analysis identified three clusters: Cluster 1 contained men who reported low levels of self-esteem and intimacy and an inability to deal with negative emotions, Cluster 2 contained men who demonstrated a poor understanding of the harm caused to their victims, and Cluster 3 contained offenders who had global offense-specific and socioaffective problems. However, there were no significant differences among the three groups of child molesters in their offense characteristics or their risk levels to support the clustering. It is suggested that these psychological clusters have implications for differing treatment interventions with these three groups.
Using E-Government to Reinforce Government—Citizen Relationships
Authors: Seifert Jeffrey W. , Chung Jongpil
Published: April 2008

A comparison of the United States and China shows that electronic government (e-government) can be used to enhance citizens' access to government as much as government's access to citizens. Both countries are using e-government initiatives as vehicles to improve internal efficiencies and provide better services to their citizens. However, in the case of the United States, e-government also represents an opportunity to infuse business principles into the government— citizen relationship (results-oriented government). In the case of China, e-government represents a means to bring subnational levels of government under greater scrutiny and control of the central government, as it reinforces monopoly control over the government—citizen relationship (transparency with security). Further comparative analysis along three dimensions suggests that although technology can play an important role in fostering the redistribution of power and encouraging interactions between governments and citizens, the notion of government reform carries many different connotations.
Family Management Styles and ADHD
Authors: Conlon Kyle E. , Strassle Carla G. , Vinh Doc , Trout Garrett
Published: April 2008

A previous study identified four family management styles (FMSs) exhibited in families with children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and suggested that understanding how families deal with a child's ADHD would provide additional information from which to create effective interventions. The present study used the FMS typology with a sample of children and adolescents with ADHD with the aims of demonstrating that FMSs could be reliably identified in a different clinical sample and clarifying changes in FMS that occur with treatment. All four FMSs were reliably identified in the sample and more than half of the families (56.3%) improved to a higher functioning FMS with treatment. The findings suggest that FMSs can elicit important information about family functioning and may assist clinical understanding of the child—family interaction that in turn facilitates treatment.
Validity and Reliability of the Chinese Version of the Feetham Family Functioning Survey (FFFS)
Authors: Hohashi Naohiro , Honda Junko , Kong Sarah K.
Published: April 2008

A Chinese version of the Feetham Family Functioning Survey (Chinese FFFS) was developed and psychometrically tested using a sample of 317 child-rearing mothers in Hong Kong. The Chinese FFFS is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 25 items from which an instrument discrepant score (d score) can be extracted. The results from the confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis confirm that the Chinese FFFS has a five-factor structure based on the family ecological model, thereby affirming its construct validity. Cronbach's alpha for d scores was .91, indicating a high internal consistency. In the test—retest study of 39 mothers, the correlation coefficient for “total d score” over a 2-week period was .82, which showed high test—retest reliability. The highest discrepant scores in family functioning were at the level of the marital relationship, which requires family nurses to be skilled at assessing and intervening at this family subsystem.
Global Bird Flu Communication
Authors: Ungar Sheldon
Published: April 2008

Drawing predominately on a once-a-day Google News Alert for newspaper coverage of the “bird flu,” this study examines global discourses on this topic in terms of alarming and reassuring coverage. Three stages of discourse are identified. The first is termed sounding the alarm, where fearful claims making predominates. The second is mixed messages, and involves a continuation of the threat with efforts to moderate it with elements of reassurance, including scientific promises and national plans to combat bird flu. The third stage is hot crisis and containment, and involves efforts to undo the most frightful elements of the avian mutation interpretative package as the H5N1 virus spreads into Europe.