bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feminist Research in the Public Domain
Authors: Grauerholz Liz , Baker-Sperry Lori
Published: April 2007

This article offers a feminist perspective on public sociology that suggests that the potential risks of going public with feminist sociological research are more pervasive and serious than proponents of public sociologies have previously acknowledged. At the same time, the promise of public sociologies for furthering feminist goals has been largely untapped. Here, the authors recount their own experience with widely publicized research that, while neither unique nor typical, serves to highlight potential risks of making feminist sociological research public. Feminist scholars must be made aware of these risks as feminist research, which challenges existing gender inequalities and arrangements, is especially likely to encounter negative public reaction. The authors recommend collective and conscientious attention to both the medium and the message. The perspective on public sociologies presented here can help further the goals of public sociology and holds special promise for feminist sociologists who seek effective ways to promote social change.
Hospital Financial Condition and Operational Decisions Related to the Quality of Hospital Care
Authors: Bazzoli Gloria J. , Clement Jan P. , Lindrooth Richard C. , Chen Hsueh-Fen , Aydede Sema K. , Braun Barbara I. , Loeb Jerod M.
Published: April 2007

Financial pressure mounted for hospitals nationwide during the late 1990s. Our study examines how this affected the quality of their operations in terms of organizational infrastructure and processes that support the delivery of care. Our sample consisted of community hospitals operating between 1995 and 2000. Financial pressure was measured based on changes in net patient revenues per adjusted patient day and the ratio of cash flow to total revenues. The authors examined effects on hospital investments in plant and equipment and on hospital standards compliance with selected Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization performance areas. The results suggest that increasing financial pressures did lead to cutbacks in these areas. These findings suggest the importance of looking broadly across hospital operations to identify factors that may contribute to poor patient outcomes. Given the findings of earlier studies, these results suggest that poor outcomes may in part result from deterioration in supporting infrastructure and organizational processes.
Starting with Lives
Authors: Tanner Denise
Published: April 2007

• Summary: A recent summary of research findings concluded that social policy and practice should use older people's lives as the starting point to plan and evaluate services (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2004). Based on the findings of a small-scale qualitative study and related research, this article explores the strategies and ways of coping used by older people to manage changes and difficulties that accompany ageing.

• Findings: It is suggested that older people's strategies and ways of coping can be understood as efforts to sustain a sense of self in later life and a model of some key processes involved is presented. The empirical findings of the study are related to theoretical models of ageing and identity management. Attention is directed to the interaction between structural resources and constraints, dominant cultural norms and values, and older people's individual capacities for reflexivity and interpretation.

• Applications : It is argued that this understanding has significant implications for the planning and delivery of social work and social care services that aim to promote the well-being of older people. In particular, practitioners need to understand the meaning and significance that difficulties and different approaches to managing them have for individuals. Interventions should be sensitive to, and seek to support, older people's cognitive ways of coping, as well as their practical strategies.
The Needs of Victims of the Troubles in Northern Ireland
Authors: Manktelow Roger
Published: April 2007

• Summary: The civil and political conflict in Northern Ireland over a 30-year period, known as the Troubles, has resulted in over 3600 deaths and some 40,000 injured. The present study investigates the needs of people affected by the Troubles and what contribution social work is making to help meet those needs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key representatives of 45 groups providing services to victims of the Troubles. Proposals are made for the development of specialist social work services for individuals suffering conflict-related trauma.

• Findings: The results show that the psychological experience of the Troubles is characterized by the theme of a vulnerability to depression and anxiety arising from the internalization of negative feelings and the theme of loss — a sudden and violent bereavement and a grieving which has had to be denied and postponed. Victims suffered ill-health caused by long-term, attritional stress and the employment of coping mechanisms which in themselves placed individual health at risk. The Troubles caused adverse social effects including an individual experience of anomie, a community fragmentation and disintegration and a social culture of suspicion and segregation.

• Applications : The prime recommendation of the study is that social work services provided for victims of the Troubles must be community based, offer safety and trust, recognize the right to campaign on human rights issues and offer a range of therapeutic responses.
Orality and Literacy
Authors: Nai Ming Tsang
Published: April 2007

• Summary: This article examines the issue of orality and literacy and reflects critically on their relevance, challenges and opportunities in relation to social work practice and education.

• Findings: The findings from language studies on the effects of literacy on individuals are examined, identifying the significant features of the oral and literate mind-sets. Using these findings, the hiatus between the literate mode of education and oral mode of practice in social work, and its possible effects, are scrutinized. Three types of incompatibility are identified: between clients and social workers; between direct and indirect practice; and between education and practice.

• Applications : Empirical studies can be conducted in education and practice based on the deliberations of this article to test the validity of the assertions and the heuristic tools suggested. Social work educators and practitioners may want to redress the balance between the oral and written modes of communication in curriculum design, methods of assessment and accounting for practice, with due recognition of the orally mediated mode of knowledge construction and dissemination.
Role of Proteinase‐Activated Receptor‐2 on Cyclooxygenase‐2 Expression inH. pylori–Infected Gastric Epithelial Cells
Authors: SEO JI HYE , KIM KYUNG HWAN , KIM HYEYOUNG
Published: April 2007

Abstract: Proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR‐2) belongs to a novel subfamily of G protein–coupled receptors with seven‐transmembrane domains. PAR‐2 is activated by serine proteases, such as trypsin, mast cell tryptase, and allergic or bacterial proteases. The presence of trypsin has been shown in human stomach. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is induced by inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, gastrin, and reactive oxygen species in gastric epithelial cells, which may lead to mutagenesis and subsequent metaplasia, dysplasia, and cancer formation. We investigated whether PAR‐2 is activated inH. pylori(HP99)‐infected cells, which is related to COX‐2 induction in gastric epithelial cells. After treatment ofH. pylorito AGS (gastric adenocarcinoma) cells at a bacteria/cell ratio of 100:1, we determine the expression and the activation of PAR‐2 and the expression of COX‐2. The same experiments were performed in the cells treated with PAR‐2 agonist peptide. mRNA and protein expression of PAR‐2 and COX‐2 were determined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting. PAR‐2 activation was assessed by increase in intracellular calcium level. As a result,H. pyloriinduced the activation and expression of PAR‐2 as well as COX‐2 expression. PAR‐2 agonist peptide augmentedH. pylori‐induced COX‐2 expression in AGS cells.H. pyloriinduces COX‐2 expression, which is mediated by both activation and expression of PAR‐2 in gastric epithelial cells.
Control of Human Herpes Virus Type 8–Associated Diseases by NK Cells
Authors: SIRIANNI MARIA C. , CAMPAGNA MASSIMO , SCARAMUZZI DONATO , CARBONARI MAURIZIO , TOSCHI ELENA , BACIGALUPO ILARIA , MONINI PAOLO , ENSOLI BARBARA
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The “natural killer” (NK) cells preferentially kill targets lacking surface major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) molecule expression. NK cells recognize these targets through membrane receptors, which can trigger activating or inhibitory signals for killing. Several tumors or virus‐infected cells downregulate MHC‐I expression as a mechanism to evade recognition and killing by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). They, however, become targets for NK cells cytotoxic activity. NK cell activity is reduced during disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and in individuals with AIDS‐associated tumors linked with infection by the oncogenic human herpes virus type‐8 (HHV8), including Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphomas (PEL). We have demonstrated that AIDS‐related KS (AIDS‐KS) is characterized by an increased expression of inhibitory receptors by T lymphocytes, and that HIV‐non‐infected patients with KS (classic KS, C‐KS) have a substantial number of NK cells bearing these same receptors. NK cells from patients with C‐KS are normally equipped with cytolytic molecules including granzyme A and perforin. However, the cytotoxic activity of NK cells is reduced in patients with C‐KS, AIDS‐KS, or PEL patients, who are all infected by the HHV8, and this correlates with disease severity. Moreover, we have found that HHV8‐infected cell lines established from PELs have a reduced surface expression of MHC‐I molecules and are sensitive to the lysis mediated by NK cells. Since PEL cells express the same HHV8 latency program as KS cells, these data point to MHC‐I downregulation by HHV8 as a primary immune evasion mechanism against CTL responses, further reinforced by upregulation of inhibitory receptors on T and NK cells in the setting of HIV and/or HHV8 infection. Thus, studies on killing receptor regulation and signaling in T and NK cells may shed light on the pathogenesis of HHV8‐associated tumors both in HIV‐infected or ‐noninfected patients.
Modification of Proteins by Cyclopentenone Prostaglandins is Differentially Modulated by GSH in Vitro
Authors: GAYARRE JAVIER , ISABEL AVELLANO M. , SÁNCHEZ‐GÓMEZ FRANCISCO J. , CARRASCO M. JESÚS , CAÑADA F. JAVIER , PÉREZ‐SALA DOLORES
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Prostanoids with cyclopentenone structure (cyP) display a potent anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative activity. CyP are reactive compounds, which may modulate cellular functions by multiple mechanisms, including the direct covalent modification of cysteine residues by Michael addition. This interaction displays selectivity since only a subset of cellular proteins is modified by cyP. Several factors have been proposed to influence the selectivity and/or extent of cyP addition to proteins, including determinants related to protein and cyP structure, and levels of cellular thiols, such as glutathione (GSH). Here we have explored the ability of biotinylated cyP analogs to modify several recombinant proteins

in vitro

, and the influence of GSH in these effects. We have observed that protein modification by cyP is protein‐ and cyP‐selective. Under our conditions, biotinylated 15‐deoxy‐Δ
12,14
‐PGJ2 (15d‐PGJ2‐B) was more efficient than biotinylated PGA1 (PGA1‐B) at forming adducts with components of the transcription factors NF‐κB and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1).
However, both biotinylated cyP were nearly equipotent at modifying human GSTP1‐1. Interestingly, the presence of GSH differentially modulated the formation of protein–cyP adducts. Under our conditions, GSH reduced the incorporation of cyP into GST, but improved their binding to p50, more intensely in the case of PGA1‐B. These results evidence the importance of GSH‐cyP and/or GSH–protein interactions for the selectivity of protein modification by cyP and suggest a complex role for GSH that may be related to its ability to prevent protein oxidation or induce conformational alterations. This may shed light on the factors involved in the pleiotropic effects of electrophiles with therapeutic potential.
Signaling Pathways Involved in Proteinase‐Activated Receptor1‐Induced Proinflammatory and Profibrotic Mediator Release Following Lung Injury
Authors: MERCER PAUL F. , DENG XIAOLING , CHAMBERS RACHEL C.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The proteinase‐activated receptors (PAR1 to 4) represent important novel therapeutic targets in fibroproliferative lung disorders, linking signals from coagulation proteinases to the production of proinflammatory and profibrotic mediators, in response to lung injury. This review focuses on the current understanding of cytokine and chemokine release downstream of PAR1 activation in the context of fibroproliferative lung disease, with an emphasis on the induction of the chemokine CCL2/MCP‐1.
Melphalan Reduces the Severity of Experimental Colitis in Mice by Blocking Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Signaling Pathway
Authors: SHMARINA GALINA , PUKHALSKY ALEXANDER , ALIOSHKIN VLADIMIR , SABELNIKOV ALEX
Published: April 2007

Abstract: Melphalan is an alkylating agent, which is commonly used as an antineoplastic drug. Its cytostatic effect can be realized in humans in the dose range of 0.6–1.4 mg/kg body weight. However, previously it was shown that in the case of gradual dose decrease, the number of targets for alkylation was also reduced and the drug lost its cytostatic properties switching to cell growth modifier. It has been postulated that application of alkylating agents in such ultra‐low concentrations (50‐ to 100‐fold lower than cytostatic ones) may result in a beneficial effect in the therapy of diseases associated with mucosa inflammation. The aim of the article was to investigate the effect of ultra‐low doses of melphalan in the murine experimental colitis induced by the replacement of drinking water with 5% solution of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). Daily administration of melphalan (25 μg/kg body weight) markedly reduced the severity of DSS‐colitis as determined by clinical and quantitative histological criteria. Both systemic and local anti‐inflammatory effects of melphalan have been observed. The possible mechanisms of the beneficial effect of the drug have been discussed.
Preservation of Mitochondrial Volume Homeostasis at the Early Stages of Age‐Related Synaptic Deterioration
Authors: BERTONI‐FREDDARI CARLO , FATTORETTI PATRIZIA , GIORGETTI BELINDA , GROSSI YESSICA , BALIETTI MARTA , CASOLI TIZIANA , DI STEFANO GIUSEPPINA , PERRETTA GEMMA
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  A morphometric study on synaptic mitochondria was performed in the frontal (FC) and temporal (TC) cortex of adult and aged monkeys to seek ultrastructural alterations due to age. The overall volume covered by mitochondria (volume density: Vv), the number of mitochondria/μm3 of tissue (numeric density: Nv), the average mitochondrial size (average volume: V), and the average mitochondrial shape (average length: Fmax) were calculated. Either in FC and TC, no significant age‐related differences were revealed for any of the above‐mentioned morphometric parameters. Namely, in FC of aged monkeys, a decrease of Vv (2%) and Nv (6%) was observed, whereas V and Fmax were increased by 5% and 2%, respectively. In TC of aged animals, both Vv and Nv increased by 7%, V decreased by 2%, and Fmax increased by 1%. The above morphometric parameters account for changes in single aspects of mitochondrial ultrastructure; nonetheless, when considered together per experimental group, they provide information regarding the structural rearrangements occurring on discrete populations of organelles. Considering these assumptions, the present findings document a preservation of the mitochondrial volume homeostasis in the brain of aged monkeys. Because our data from a previous investigation on the same animals showed early signs of synaptic deterioration in FC and TC during aging, this seems to be in contrast with the results of the present study. However, the clear age‐related preservation of the mitochondrial potential for structural dynamics may be interpreted as a reactive response to early signs of synaptic deterioration.
Dysregulation of GABAergic Neurotransmission in Mood Disorders
Authors: BIELAU HENDRIK , STEINER JOHANN , MAWRIN CHRISTIAN , TRÜBNER KURT , BRISCH RALF , MEYER‐LOTZ GABRIELA , BRODHUN MICHAEL , DOBROWOLNY HENRIK , BAUMANN BRUNO , GOS TOMASZ , BERNSTEIN HANS‐GERT , BOGERTS BERNHARD
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Alterations of GABAergic neurotransmission are assumed to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) acts via binding to A and B receptors, whereas the B receptor is G protein‐coupled. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is the key enzyme of GABA synthesis. Immunohistochemical staining of GAD 65/67‐immunoreactive neurons was performed in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, superior temporal cortex, hippocampus formation, and mediodorsal thalamus with consecutive determination of neuronal density in 20 brains of patients with mood disorders (P) and 19 controls (C). In the patients' group were 11 patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and 9 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The data were tested statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests. ANOVA revealed significant differences among the groups (C, BD, MDD) in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, superior temporal cortex, and hippocampus. Post hoc tests demonstrated higher neuronal densities in unipolar patients compared with bipolar patients and controls in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, superior temporal cortex, and hippocampus. In the orbitofrontal cortex, a higher neuronal density was found in bipolar and unipolar patients compared with controls. In mood disorder patients, dose equivalents of antidepressants given prior to death correlated positively with the neuronal density in superior temporal cortex and hippocampus. The current data on GAD 65/67 point to a dysregulation of the GABAergic system in mood disorders. Possibly, existing deficits of GABAergic neurotransmission will be compensated or overcompensated by antidepressants. Additionally, albeit speculative, an imbalance between GABA production and transport might be of relevance.
Release of β‐Amyloid from High‐Density Platelets
Authors: CASOLI TIZIANA , DI STEFANO GIUSEPPINA , GIORGETTI BELINDA , GROSSI YESSICA , BALIETTI MARTA , FATTORETTI PATRIZIA , BERTONI‐FREDDARI CARLO
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The main component of Alzheimer's disease (AD) senile plaques in the brain is amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ), a proteolytic fragment of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Platelets contain both APP and Aβ and much evidence suggests that these cells may represent a useful tool to study both amyloidogenic and nonamyloidogenic pathways of APP processing. It has been demonstrated that platelets activated by physiological agonists, such as thrombin and collagen, specifically secrete Aβ ending at residue 40. To verify whether APP β‐processing could be observed also in an in vitro system of highly concentrated platelets, we measured the Aβ released in the incubation media of 5 × 109 platelets/mL by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activation status of platelets was investigated by ultrastructural analysis. We found that Aβ40 levels were significantly higher in incubation media of 5 × 109/mL platelets in comparison with 108/mL platelets (normalized values), while Aβ42 levels were not affected by cell density. The ultrastructural analysis showed platelets at different phases of activation: some platelets were at earlier stage, characterized by granule swelling and dilution, others had granules concentrated in a compact mass in the cell centers within constricted rings of circumferential microtubules (later stage). Normally concentrated cells had the characteristic morphology of resting platelets. Our data suggest that high‐density platelets undergo activation likely by increased frequency of platelet–platelet collisions. This, in turn, determines the activation of APP β‐processing with consequent release of Aβ40. Investigating the biochemical pathways triggering Aβ secretion in platelets might provide important information for developing tools to modulate this phenomenon in AD brains.
The Role of Selenite on Microglial Migration
Authors: PUPPA LISA DALLA , SAVASKAN NICOLAI E. , BRÄUER ANJA U. , BEHNE DIETRICH , KYRIAKOPOULOS ANTONIOS
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Oxidative brain damage, such as excitotoxicity and stroke, leads to primary neuronal destruction. The primary damage is further potentiated by macrophages and microglial cells, which are attracted and invade into the zone of damage resulting in secondary neuronal death. Since the essential trace element selenium has anti‐inflammatory properties, we analyzed the effects of selenium on these inflammatory cells. Here, we show that the essential trace element selenium abrogates the stress‐induced migration of microglial cells. Thus, the antimigratory effects of selenium may attenuate the secondary cell death cascade by preventing microglial invasion.
Prion Protein Aggregation and Neurotoxicity in Cortical Neurons
Authors: MELO JOANA BARBOSA , AGOSTINHO PAULA , OLIVEIRA CATARINA RESENDE
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Prion diseases are degenerative disorders of the central nervous system characterized by cerebral protein aggregation and deposition. A cellular glycoprotein, PrPC is converted in an altered isoform, PrPSc, that accumulates in the brain, and is believed to be responsible for the neuronal loss observed in prion diseases. The synthetic peptide PrP106‐126 shares many characteristics with PrPSc and is largely used to explore the toxic mechanisms underlying prion diseases. In this article we analyzed the neurotoxic effects of PrP106‐126 in primary rat brain cortical neurons, correlating these results with the presence of amyloid plaques in cultures. Incubation of cells with PrP106‐126, 25 μM, for 2 days did not significantly decrease neuronal viability, although we have observed an increase of basal intracellular calcium levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and lipid peroxidation. The presence of congophylic and thioflavin S‐amyloid‐positive plaques in cortical cultures was only observed after a 5‐day‐treatment period, correlating with a significant decrease of neuronal viability, as assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. The data obtained support the idea that PrP106‐126 aggregates in vitro and that the aggregation state is important for its neurotoxicity but also suggest that this synthetic peptide, even when is not aggregated invitro, can compromise cell homeostasis.
Activation and Endocytic Internalization of Melanocortin 3 Receptor in Neuronal Cells
Authors: WACHIRA S. J. M. , GURUSWAMY B. , URADU L. , HUGHES‐DARDEN C. A. , DENARO F. J.
Published: April 2007

Abstract: Melanocortins play a central role in autonomic modulation of metabolism by acting through a family of highly homologous G protein–coupled receptors. Studies with gene knockout mice have implicated neural melanocortin receptors, MC3R and MC4R, in the etiology of obesity, insulin resistance, and salt‐sensitive hypertension. In an attempt to better understand the mechanisms of function of these receptors, we expressed MC3R and MC4R in neuronal cells and demonstrated their co‐localization to several membrane regions. We now show that in cultured neuronal cells, MC3R localizes to lipid rafts and undergoes endocytic internalization upon activation by γ‐MSH through a protein kinase‐sensitive pathway. The appearance of the internalized receptor in lysosomes suggests that it is subsequently degraded. The expression of protein kinase A regulatory subunits and of c‐Jun and c‐Fos was analyzed by either immunoblotting or real‐time PCR. No discernable changes were observed in the expression levels of these protein kinase A and protein kinase C responsive genes. Immunohistochemical studies showed a robust expression of MC3R protein in brain nuclei with relevance to cardiovascular function and fluid homeostasis further supporting the notion that the physiological effects of melanocortins on the cardiovascular system arise from effects on the central nervous system.
Breast Cancer Mortality Trends in the United States According to Estrogen Receptor Status and Age at Diagnosis
Authors: Jatoi Ismail , Chen Bingshu E. , Anderson William F. , Rosenberg Philip S.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Since 1990, overall breast cancer mortality rates in the United States decreased 24%. This decline has been attributed to mammography screening and adjuvant systemic therapy. However, the efficacy of these modalities may depend on estrogen receptor (ER) expression and age. We therefore examined breast cancer mortality trends in the United States according to ER status and age.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program (1990-2003), we calculated trends in incidence-based mortality (IBM), annual hazard rates for breast cancer deaths after diagnosis, and relative hazard rates for women with ER-positive and ER-negative tumors. Relative hazard rates were assessed with Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for stage and grade, and stratified by age at diagnosis.

Results

During the study period, IBM and annual hazard rates for breast cancer deaths decreased among women with ER-positive and ER-negative tumors, although declines were greater for those with ER-positive tumors. Among women younger than 70 years, relative hazard rates declined 38% for those with ER-positive tumors versus 19% for those with ER-negative tumors. Among women 70 years or older, relative hazard rates declined 14% for those with ER-positive tumors versus no significant decline for those with ER-negative tumors.

Conclusion

In the United States, breast cancer mortality rates have declined among women with ER-positive and ER-negative tumors, with greater declines among younger women and those with ER-positive tumors. Although mortality in all groups remains unacceptably high, additional emphasis should be placed on improving outcomes of breast cancer patients older than 70 years and those of all ages with ER-negative tumors.
Neurovascular changes after four-layer compression bandaging in people with chronic venous leg ulcers
Authors: Ogrin R , Darzins P , Khalil Z
Published: April 2007

Objectives: Venous leg ulcers represent a major clinical problem, with poor rates of healing. Ideal treatment is compression bandaging. The effect of compression on neurovascular tissues involved in wound repair is unclear. This study aims to assess the effect of four-layer compression therapy (40 mmHg) on neurovascular function and wound healing in people with chronic venous leg ulcers – 15 people (55 years or older) with venous leg ulcers for more than six weeks.

Methods: Basal microvascular perfusion measurement (MPM), oxygen tension (tc pO2) measured at sensor temperatures of 39°C and 44°C and sensory nerve function using electrical cutaneous perception thresholds (ECPT) at 5, 250 and 2000 Hz (corresponding to C, A δ and A β fibres) were assessed adjacent to the ulcer site, and at a mirror location on the non-ulcerated limb. Testing was undertaken before and after therapy for 5–12 weeks of four-layer compression bandaging.

Results: There was significant improvement in tc pO2 at 44°C and ECPT at 2000 Hz ( P<0.05) compared with pre-intervention. Changes in basal MPM, tc pO2 at 39°C and ECPT at 5 and 250 Hz after compression therapy did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion: Four-layer compression bandaging in people with venous leg ulcers improved some components of neurovascularture in people with chronic venous leg ulcers. Whether this improvement has contributed to wound healing in this study requires further investigation.
Does size matter? The impact of calf muscle volume on venous return in patients with venous leg ulcers
Authors: Moloney M Clarke , Lyons G M , Egan M , Wallis F , Burke P E , Kavanagh E , Grace P A
Published: April 2007

Objectives: The calf muscle pump is recognized as an integral component of effective venous return from the lower limbs. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between calf muscle volume and venous blood flow among patients with venous leg ulcers.

Methods: Nine patients with venous leg ulceration were recruited for this study. These patients underwent haemodynamic testing using duplex ultrasound to measure peak venous velocities in response to voluntary maximum plantar flexion, with and without compression bandaging. Each patient then had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lower limbs. Calf muscle volume was calculated from the MRI images using a specially designed Matlab computer program to identify and count muscle pixels. Analyses applied Pearson's correlation coefficient to determine correlation between calf muscle volume and mean peak venous velocities in response to voluntary contraction.

Results: No correlation was seen between calf muscle volume and haemodynamic venous return in response to voluntary contraction, with or without compression bandaging.

Conclusion: The volume of calf muscle available for promoting venous return alone may not be an accurate indicator of muscle functioning capability.
A home-based exercise programme improves ankle range of motion in long-term venous ulcer patients
Authors: Davies J A , Bull R H , Farrelly I J , Wakelin M J
Published: April 2007

Background and objectives: Decreased ankle mobility is associated with delayed healing of venous ulcers. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 24-week home-based exercise programme in increasing ankle range of motion and increasing the strength and endurance of the calf muscle. The secondary aim was to see whether subjects with venous ulcers were able to maintain a consistent exercise programme.

Methods: Eleven patients with long-standing venous ulcers were encouraged to undertake a thrice-weekly 5–10 min ankle exercise programme using elastic resistance bands and stretching in a 24-week single-arm pilot study. Ankle range of motion was measured monthly using a bi-plane ankle goniometer. Pain scores and participation levels were also recorded.

Results: There were significant improvements in ankle range of motion achieved at 12 and 24 weeks. Median pain scores (scale of 1–10) were reduced from 5.2 at baseline to 2.0 at weeks 12 and 24.

Conclusion: These results show that a simple, home-based exercise programme is effective in achieving gains in ankle range of motion and may help to reduce pain. Good participation levels show that it is not only effective, but also feasible. A larger randomized controlled study is needed to show whether there is a positive effect on ulcer healing.
Popliteal venous aneurysm: a report on three cases presenting with chronic venous insufficiency without embolic events
Authors: Christenson J T
Published: April 2007

Objectives: Popliteal venous aneurysms (PVA) are rare, but represent a significant potential source of thromboembolus. Most often the patients present with pulmonary embolism, which can also be detected in patients presenting with chronic venous insufficiency.

Methods: Three patients without any clinical evidence of pulmonary emboli were diagnosed by venous duplex scanning during workup for superficial venous insufficiency. None of the PVAs contained thrombus. The mean diameter of the aneurysm was 30 mm. Surgery included tangential aneurysmectomy and lateral venorrhaphy.

Results: None of the patients had evidence of pulmonary embolism, and there were no postoperative deep venous thromboses diagnosed. All patients received anticoagulation therapy for three months postoperatively, and patency was confirmed by duplex scanning during follow-up four, nine and 12 months after surgery.

Conclusions: It is recommended that PVAs should be ruled out in patients undergoing workup for chronic venous insufficiency, even in the absence of embolic events. A good quality venous duplex scanning is sufficient for diagnosis and treatment. Surgical treatment of PVAs is advocated. Tangential aneurysmectomy with lateral venorrhaphy is the surgical technique of choice. It is a safe procedure with a low complication rate.
Ball Aerospace Explores Operational and Financial Trade-Offs in Batch Sizing in Implementing JIT
Authors: McKenzie Peter , Jayanthi Shekhar
Published: April 2007

Ball Aerospace, which manufactures highly innovative products, recently implemented a just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing system to reduce costs, improve lead times, and enhance customer satisfaction. The company manufactures under customer requirements that dictate the timing and quantities of sales. In the first phase of our study, we used value stream mapping (VSM), a precursor to implementing JIT, for two products in the company’s advanced antenna and video systems division. Using this approach, we reduced the lead times and identified opportunities for improvement in the manufacturing facility. In the second phase, we quantified the trade-off between operational and financial considerations of the JIT implementation. Using detailed data from the facility, we analyzed these trade-offs by investigating batch-sizing decisions under different types of demand patterns. Our analysis provided the company with the input it needed to make resource-allocation decisions and current and planned process improvements under changes in external demand.
Competition Among Virtual Communities and User Valuation: The Case of Investing-Related Communities
Authors: Gu Bin , Konana Prabhudev , Rajagopalan Balaji , Chen Hsuan-Wei Michelle
Published: April 2007

Virtual communities are a significant source of information for consumers and businesses. This research examines how users value virtual communities and how virtual communities differ in their value propositions. In particular, this research examines the nature of trade-offs between information quantity and quality, and explores the sources of positive and negative externalities in virtual communities. The analyses are based on more than 500,000 postings collected from three large virtual investing-related communities (VICs) for 14 different stocks over a period of four years. The findings suggest that the VICs engage in differentiated competition as they face trade-offs between information quantity and quality. This differentiation among VICs, in turn, attracts users with different characteristics. We find both positive and negative externalities at work in virtual communities. We propose and validate that the key factor that determines the direction of network externalities is posting quality. The contributions of the study include the extension of our understanding of the virtual community evaluation by users, the exposition of competition between virtual communities, the role of network externalities in virtual communities, and the development of an algorithmic methodology to evaluate the quality (noise or signal) of textual data. The insights from the study provide useful guidance for design and management of VICs.
Correspondence between self‐ratings and key‐workers' ratings of depression in adults with mild learning disabilities
Authors: Gordon Michael S. , Shevlin Mark , Tierney Kevin J. , Bunting Brendan , Trimble Timothy
Published: April 2007

Objective This study assessed the association between self‐ratings and key‐worker ratings of depression in people with mild learning disabilities.

Method The Zung Depression Scale was completed by 74 adults with mild learning disabilities and a modified version of the questionnaire was completed by two key‐workers at two periods in time.

Results The correlations between ratings of depression by key‐workers were high and key‐worker ratings correlated significantly with self‐rating. The depression scores were found to be temporally stable.

Conclusions The findings suggest that proxy raters appear to be able to make reliable and valid judgements about other people's self‐reported levels of depression.
Effects of thinning and fertilisation on tracheid dimensions and lignin content of Norway spruce
Authors: Jaakkola Tuula , Mäkinen Harri , Saranpää Pekka
Published: April 2007

The effects of the intensity and timing of commercial thinning and fertilisation on tracheid properties and lignin content of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst] were studied in two long-term fertilisation-thinning experiments in central and eastern Finland. The experiments consisted of three thinning and three fertilisation treatments in a randomised block design. Fertilisation levels were: unfertilised (F
0), 150 kg N ha-1 (F
1), and 300 kg N ha-1 (F
2). Thinning treatments were: delayed first thinning (T
0), normal thinning (T
1), and intensive first thinning (T
2). A total of 85 trees were sampled 26 years after treatment onset. Tracheid length was measured for 24 trees and cell wall thickness and lumen diameter for 16 trees grown under treatments F
0
T
0, F
0
T
2, F
1
T
0, and F
1
T
2. Lignin content was determined for all trees sampled (n=85) grown in all the different treatment combinations. We found only small differences in tracheid length (0–6%), cell wall thickness (1–17%) and lumen diameter (0–9%), depending on the different fertilisation and thinning conditions. We also found only slightly (1–2%) higher lignin content for fertilised (F
1 and F
2) than for unfertilised (F

0
) trees (25.8% and 26.0% vs. 25.4%). Trees yielded 26.0% lignin content after intensive first thinning (T
2), 25.9% following normal thinning (T
1), and 25.4% after delayed first thinning (T
0). Thus, the prevailing fertilisation and thinning practice for Norway spruce stands in Finland may not cause essential changes in tracheid properties and lignin content.
Taxonomy and distribution of the Brazilian species of Thylamys (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) / La taxonomie et la distribution des espèces brésiliennes du genre Thylamys (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)
Authors: Carmignotto Ana Paula , Monfort Talitha
Published: April 2007

The recent increase in mammal inventories and the widespread use of pitfall traps as a major capture method in Brazil have increased the number of non-volant small mammal specimens in scientific collections, providing new information on natural history, geographical range, and taxonomic status of many marsupials and rodents. To date, however, little is known about the Brazilian species of the marsupial genus Thylamys : the number of species in the country is disputed, as are their names and geographic distribution. Thus, the aim of this study was to define the Brazilian species of the genus, delimiting their taxonomic status and distributional range. We provide qualitative and quantitative data on external and skull morphology for specimens housed in scientific collections. A study of the material available allowed us to recognize the occurrence of three species in Brazil: Thylamys karimii (Petter, 1968), T. macrurus (Olfers, 1818) and T. velutinus (Wagner, 1842). For each of these we provide redescriptions, a discussion of local and geographic variations, geographic distribution, taxonomy, age class differentiation, sexual dimorphism, and natural history.
Experiments on sprainting activity of otters ( Lutra lutra ) in the Bieszczady Mountains, southeastern Poland / Observations des épreintes de la loutre ( Lutra lutra ) sur les montagnes du Bieszczady au sud-est de la Pologne
Authors: Brzeziński Marcin , Romanowski Jerzy
Published: April 2007

Consecutive surveys of otter spraints of both banks along a 28-km stretch of the River San showed an average of 4.18 deposited spraints/km per day during a 3-week pre-experimental period. The variation in spraint density on particular 1-km-long sections of the river was high and varied from 40 to 145 spraints/km after 3 weeks. Spraint deposition was positively correlated with the proportion of steep and rocky riverbanks, which were characterised by a higher number of potential sprainting sites than those with many flat and undermined banks. Average daily deposition of spraints on the whole 28-km stretch after experimental removal of spraints (experimental period) did not significantly differ compared to the pre-experimental period. However, in sections where otter spraints were removed (n=14), sprainting intensity increased 1.6-fold, while in the control sections (n=14) the defecation ratio decreased 1.5-fold during the first week after removal. Placement of additional spraints of unfamiliar individuals on half the experimental sections did not stimulate otters to increase defecation on these sections compared to those where only old spraints were removed. Otter response to the removal of spraints has a spatial character and is expressed by differentiation in spraint deposition within the home range.
Epstein-Barr Virus–Induced Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Disease: A Mimicker of Sepsis in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Mischler Matthew , Fleming Geoffrey M. , Shanley Thomas P. , Madden Lisa , Levine John , Castle Valerie , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Cornell Timothy T.
Published: April 2007

A rare complication of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is the development of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Although most cases of Epstein-Barr virus–induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis develop in immunocompetent individuals, the rare immunodeficiency X-linked lymphoproliferative disease is often unmasked by Epstein-Barr virus infection and is clinically indistinguishable from Epstein-Barr virus–induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. We describe the clinical course and management of a previously healthy 17-year-old boy who presented with hemodynamic collapse and severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome resulting from overwhelming hemophagocytosis in the setting of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease. A novel therapeutic approach using anti–tumor necrosis factor α therapy was instituted, aimed at attenuating the viral-induced hyperinflammatory state. Given the similarity to overwhelming sepsis, yet a substantially different therapeutic approach, this case illustrates the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment that are necessary to reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with Epstein-Barr virus–induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and X-linked lymphoproliferative disease.
Deformation behaviors and mechanism of Ni–Co–Nb–Ta bulk metallic glasses with high strength and plasticity
Authors: Liu Y.H. , Wang G. , Pan M.X. , Yu P. , Zhao D.Q. , Wang W.H.
Published: April 2007

A class of Ni–Co–Nb–Ta bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) with a high glass-forming ability is developed. With proper compositional modification, the BMGs exhibit the enhanced plastic strain (up to 4%) and the ultimate strength (up to 3540 MPa). It is found that the interactions of shear bands such as intersecting, arresting, and branching, which normally are related to the plastic metallic glasses, can be observed both in the plastic and brittle Ni–Co–Nb–Ta BMGs. Obvious serrated flow behavior is observed during plastic deformation. The origins of the plasticity and the serrated flow in the Ni-based BMGs are analyzed in analogy to that in crystalline materials.
Seeded epitaxial growth of ZnO thin films on MgAl2O4 substrates using the chemical solution deposition method
Authors: Kim Jin Hyeok , Kim Boram , Andeen David , Lange Fred F.
Published: April 2007

Epitaxial ZnO thin films were grown on (111) MgAl2O4 with a pre-seeded, two-step chemical solution deposition process. Isolated, epitaxial ZnO islands (seeds) were formed on the substrate in the first step by spin coating a very thin layer of the precursor solution and heat-treating to 950 °C/3 h. In the second step, the seeded substrate was coated with another layer of precursor to produce an epitaxial film. The result was compared with the case in which a MgAl2O4 substrate was not seeded. Both the seeded and unseeded ZnO films have out-of-plane and in-plane orientation relationships of , respectively. However, only the seeded ZnO films have very faceted surface morphology without grain boundaries, indicating epitaxy, whereas the unseeded ZnO films have deep grain boundaries indicative of polycrystalline nature. This result shows that the formation of seeds in the first step plays an instrumental role in the formation of an epitaxial ZnO film.
The dependence of the nanostructure of magnetron sputtered Cu–Ag alloy films on composition and temperature
Authors: Almtoft K. Pagh , Ejsing A.M. , Bøttiger J. , Chevallier J. , Schell N. , Martins R.M.S.
Published: April 2007

Cu–Ag alloy films prepared by magnetron cosputtering were characterized by using x-ray diffraction. A two-phase nanocrystalline structure of Cu grains supersaturated with Ag and Ag grains saturated with Cu was always observed. When alloying Ag with Cu or Cu with Ag, the grain sizes decreased dramatically, and the supersaturation increased with the amount of the alloying element. On annealing, the grain sizes of the Cu–Ag films increased and the solubilities decreased. To shed light on the mechanisms in play during the phase formation and subsequent phase changes, additional in situ real-time measurements were carried out using a high-intensity x-ray beam from the synchrotron at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France. Based on the experimental findings, the phase formation and the subsequent changes during annealing are discussed.
Evidence of stress-induced tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation during sputter deposition of yttria-stabilized zirconia
Authors: Piascik Jeffrey R. , Zhang Qi , Bower Christopher A. , Thompson Jeffrey Y. , Stoner Brian R.
Published: April 2007

Partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) has been studied extensively, due to its high-temperature stability and stress-induced tetragonal (T)-to-monoclinic (M) martensitic phase transformation. This T ⇒ M phase transformation has been well-documented for bulk PSZ, but limited data exist for PSZ thin films. Data will be presented that support a stress-induced T ⇒ M transformation mechanism that occurs during sputter deposition in the presence of a substrate bias. Substrate bias (0–50 W) was originally applied to increase film density, modify microstructure, and vary film stress. The films were deposited using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering from a sintered yttria-stabilized zirconia target and were subsequently characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and wafer bow measurement (for stress analysis). With no substrate bias, the films exhibited a columnar grain structure that was consistent with sputter-deposited films, with a majority T phase as determined by XRD. Under higher substrate bias, wafer bow measurements indicated a steady increase in compressive stress as substrate bias increased (maximum, 310 MPa at 50-W bias), while XRD indicated a corresponding increase in the percentage of the M phase. Both SEM and TEM analyses revealed a shift from a defect-free columnar structure to one consisting of lateral intracolumnar or transgranular defects for films deposited under substrate-bias conditions. It is hypothesized that these defects form as a result of stress relief in the growing film via the T ⇒ M phase transformation due to bias-induced compressive stress.