bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiling Public Affairs Programs
Authors: Koven Steven G. , Goetzke Frank , Brennan Michael
Published: November 2008

This research updates existing literature that describes the nature of public affairs programs. A profile of the top 50 public affairs programs, according to rankings from U.S. News & World Report, is identified. Programs are differentiated by type (master of public administration, master of public policy, master of public affairs, and other), and comparisons are made regarding total hours, hours in core, number of specializations, capital city location, accreditation, institutional home, required courses within core, numbers of core courses by category per the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, and variety of specializations within programs. The article statistically explores the relative importance of program characteristics in the status of the top 50 institutions.
The Benefit and Risk of Antidiabetic Agents Used in Patients With Heart Disease
Authors: Cheng Judy W. M. , Bhatt Snehal H. , Goldman-Levine Jennifer D.
Published: November 2008

Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. While improving glycemic control has been demonstrated to reduce microvascular complications, the benefits in reducing macrovascular complications have been controversial. This article reviews the published evidence assessing the benefits and risk of antidiabetic agents as related to cardiovascular outcomes. Current literature revealed that metformin and α-glucosidase inhibitors are the two agents that have not been associated with any harm in diabetic patients in terms of cardiovascular events. Clinical studies have demonstrated controversial results in the use of insulin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones and cardiovascular outcomes. However, the results may be affected by other unknown confounders, the comparative agents, and the degree of control of other cardiovascular risk factors. Clinicians should choose antidiabetic therapy based on patient specific parameters such as current glycemic control, and other concurrent disease states such as heart failure.
Prasugrel: A New Thienopyridine Inhibitor
Authors: Veverka Angie , Hammer John M.
Published: November 2008

The objective of this review is to report the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of prasugrel, the potential advantages and disadvantages over the other agent in its class, clopidogrel, and the clinical data establishing its efficacy in the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes receiving stent implantation. A MEDLINE (1966 to May 2008) search using the key word prasugrel was performed to identify pertinent literature. Additional references were selected from the bibliographies of the articles cited. Searches were not limited by time or human subject. Preclinical studies evaluating the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of prasugrel in humans were selected for review. Clinical trials assessing the efficacy of prasugrel for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes receiving percutaneous coronary intervention were included as long as they were randomized, blinded, and controlled. The authors concluded that prasugrel is a thienopyridine antiplatelet agent with a faster onset of action and increased potency, in terms of inhibiting platelet aggregation, than clopidogrel. It has been shown in one major clinical trial that this enhanced pharmacological effect of prasugrel reduces the combined incidence of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke when compared with clopidogrel. However, this enhanced effect of prasugrel did result in an increased risk of bleeding.
TURFS in the lab: Institutional Innovation in Real-Time Dynamic Spatial Commons
Authors: Janssen Marco A. , Ostrom Elinor
Published: November 2008

Using a real-time, spatial, renewable resource environment, we observe participants in a set of experiments formulating informal rules during communication sessions over three decision rounds. In all three rounds, the resource is open access. Without communication, the resource is persistently and rapidly depleted. With face-to-face communication, we observe informal arrangements to divide up space and slow down the harvesting rate in various ways. We observe that experienced participants, who have participated in an earlier experiment where private property was used as one way of controlling harvesting in this renewable resource environment, are more effective in creating rules, although they mimic the private-property regime of their prior experience. Inexperienced participants need an extra round to reach the same level of resource use, but they craft diverse arrays of novel rule sets.
Social Influence, Binary Decisions and Collective Dynamics
Authors: López-Pintado Dunia , Watts Duncan J.
Published: November 2008

In this paper we address the general question of how social influence determines collective outcomes for large populations of individuals faced with binary decisions. First, we define conditions under which the behavior of individuals making binary decisions can be described in terms of what we call an influence-response function: a one-dimensional function of the (weighted) number of individuals choosing each of the alternatives. And second, we demonstrate that, under the assumptions of global and anonymous interactions, general knowledge of the influence-response functions is sufficient to compute equilibrium, and even non-equilibrium, properties of the collective dynamics. By enabling us to treat in a consistent manner classes of decisions that have previously been analyzed separately, our framework allows us to find similarities between apparently quite different kinds of decision situations, and conversely to identify important differences between decisions that would otherwise appear very similar.
Moral Hazard With Unawareness
Authors: Xiaojian Zhao
Published: November 2008

The article introduces unawareness of actions into the standard moral hazard model in contract theory. We allow the contracting party (the principal or the agent) to be unaware of his or the other party's actions. The principal may also have an incorrect belief about the awareness of the agent. We provide a solution concept where the principal contemplates the incentive scheme according to his conjecture of the agent's mind and also contemplates informing the agent through the contract. In the post-contractual stage, either party may be surprised by the other party's action. Finally, we analyze the value of awareness for each party, and present the negative result that awareness is not always valuable.
At-Risk and Maltreated Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Aggression/Violence
Authors: English Diana J. , Graham J. Christopher , Newton Rae R. , Lewis Terri L. , Thompson Richard , Kotch Jonathan B. , Weisbart Cindy
Published: November 2008

Despite increasing research on children's exposure to intimate partner aggression/violence (IPAV), and co-occurrence of IPAV and maltreatment, little is known about IPAV in at-risk and maltreating families. We explored the nature of IPAV in 554 homes where children were identified as at risk or reported for maltreatment and examined differences between emotional and behavioral outcomes for children in homes where one or both intimate partners is the alleged perpetrator of IPAV. We found in this sample that IPAV primarily took the form of verbal aggression with differences in perpetrator gender for verbal, minor, and severe violence. There were few child outcomes predicted by perpetrator gender: Significant child behavior problems were found with all types of IPAV and both genders as perpetrators. Results suggest the need for comprehensive assessments of IPAV when assessing risk, safety, and harm issues for children reported as being at risk or victims of maltreatment.
A National Study of Male Involvement Among Families in Contact With the Child Welfare System
Authors: Bellamy Jennifer L.
Published: November 2008

Few studies inform the frequency and type of adult male involvement in families in contact with child welfare, and even fewer explore how male involvement relates to child welfare outcomes. This study employed data from a sample of 3,978 families in contact with the U.S. child welfare system, drawn from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being. The nature of male involvement in these families and its relationship to (a) caseworkers' perception of children's risk for maltreatment rereport and (b) entry into out-of-home care were explored. Results indicate that most caregivers report male involvement, distinct types of male involvement are related to the likelihood of out-of-home care, and households that include nonparental adult males are perceived by caseworkers as relatively risky. No male involvement indicator tested, however, was related to maltreatment rereport. Implications include the need to appropriately assess, include, and engage adult male family members across diverse family systems.
Health Risk Perceptions as Mediators of Socioeconomic Differentials in Health Behaviour
Authors: Lee Jennifer E.C. , Lemyre Louise , Turner Michelle C. , Orpana Heather M. , Krewski Daniel
Published: November 2008

Differentials in health status and behaviour by socioeconomic status (SES) constitute a scientific and policy challenge. In this article, data from a national survey on Canadians' perceptions of population health risks were analysed to determine whether various types of health risk perceptions mediated SES differentials in health behaviour. As expected, health behaviours and risk perceptions both varied with SES. Results suggested a mediating role of health risk perceptions—particularly those of a social nature—in the association between SES and smoking. Findings underscore the importance of improving the social environment to fostering better lifestyle and health among disadvantaged individuals.
Cancer Survivors' Health Worries and Associations with Lifestyle Practices
Authors: Mosher Catherine E. , Lipkus Isaac M. , Sloane Richard , Kraus William E. , Snyder Denise Clutter , Peterson Bercedis , Jones Lee W. , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy
Published: November 2008

This study examined among recently diagnosed breast and prostate cancer survivors ( N = 678) associations between worry about a future diagnosis of heart disease or cancer and hypothetical and actual adherence to exercise and dietary guidelines. Greater worry about future illness was reported under the hypothetical scenario of nonadherence to guidelines relative to the scenario of adherence. Worry about potential heart disease was associated with actual adherence to guidelines, whereas worry about a potential cancer diagnosis was not. Findings suggest that the motivational properties of worry should be considered when developing interventions to reduce heart disease risk among cancer survivors.
Coping with the Challenges of Recovery from Stroke
Authors: Ch'Ng Amanda M. , French Davina , Mclean Neil
Published: November 2008

Recovery from stroke poses significant physical and psychological challenge. To develop appropriate psychological support interventions, increased understanding of the challenge and coping behaviours that promote adjustment is critical. This study presents results from a series of focus groups with stroke support group members. The evolution of challenges faced during hospitalization, rehabilitation and into the longer term is described. The active, social and cognitive coping strategies reported as helpful are explored. In the long term, acceptance of life changes, engagement in new roles and activities and the presence of social support appear to be key factors in post-stroke adjustment.
Sources of Intrusions in Children's Dietary Recalls from a Validation Study of Order Prompts
Authors: Baxter Suzanne Domel , Hardin James W. , Royer Julie A. , Smith Albert F. , Guinn Caroline H.
Published: November 2008

Validation-study data and foodservice production records were analyzed to test hypotheses concerning sources of intrusions (reports of uneaten items) in the school-meal parts of children's dietary recalls. Each child was observed eating school meals on two days, and interviewed the morning after each observation day; one interview used forward-order (morning-to-evening) and one used reverse-order (evening-to-morning) prompts. Lunch intrusions were likelier to have been available in the foodservice environment at lunch as day before the interview came closer, and on days before than after the interview. Temporal dating errors are contributing sources of intrusions in the school-lunch parts of children's recalls.
Drive for Muscularity and Beliefs about Legal Performance Enhancing Substances as Predictors of Current Use and Willingness to Use
Authors: Dodge Tonya , Litt Dana , Seitchik Allison , Bennett Sarah
Published: November 2008

Using a sample of college-aged male athletes ( n = 56) and nonathletes ( n = 43), negative and positive beliefs were tested as mediators of the relationship between Drive for Muscularity (DM) and use of performance enhancing substances (PES). Results showed that the Muscularity Behavior (MB) and Muscularity-oriented Body Image (MBI) subscales of the DM scale differentially predicted PES use. Results also showed that negative and positive beliefs are mediators MB—PES use relationship. Neither the MB nor MBI subscales predicted willingness to use a new performance enhancing drug.
Beyond Muscles
Authors: Tiggemann Marika , Martins Yolanda , Churchett Libby
Published: November 2008

Thus far the study of men's body image has been largely restricted to the dimensions of adiposity and muscularity. The aim of this study was to investigate in a systematic way multiple aspects of men's body images, in particular, head hair, body hair, height and penis size, in addition to body weight and muscularity. Questionnaires were completed online by 200 heterosexual men. It was found that men were dissatisfied with all six aspects of their bodies, and worried primarily about body weight, penis size and height. In addition, aspects of weight, muscularity, height and penis size, but not head or body hair, were related to overall appearance self-esteem. It was concluded that men's body image is both multi-faceted and complex.
Adolescent Females and Their Mothers
Authors: Volkman Julie E. , Silk Kami J.
Published: November 2008

Recent research indicates environmental factors and personal behaviors are related to breast cancer risk, but adopting a healthy lifestyle as early as adolescence can serve a protective function. To investigate perceptions of breast cancer risk and the environment, 10 focus groups ( N = 91) were conducted with adolescent females ( n = 55) and mothers ( n = 36) across four counties in the Midwest, USA. The Uncertainty Management Theory provides a framework for discussing statements, and results suggest that uncertainty is maintained through ambiguity about environmental risk factors and breast cancer. Recommendations for prevention messages are presented.
Positive and Negative Health Behavior Changes in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Park Crystal L. , Edmondson Donald , Fenster Juliane R. , Blank Thomas O .
Published: November 2008

Cancer survivors often make health behavior changes in response to their increased risk for subsequent health problems. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying these changes or whether they differ for positive and negative changes. This cross-sectional study applied a stress and coping model to examine both positive and negative health behavior changes in 250 middle-aged cancer survivors. A structural equation model showed that social support, sense of control over illness course, life meaning, and approach coping were related to positive health behavior changes; a lack of life meaning and avoidance coping were related to negative health behavior changes.
Sense of Coherence Relates with Smoking
Authors: Igna Cornel V. , Julkunen Juhani , Ahlström Richard
Published: November 2008

The present study investigated the relationship between sense of coherence (SOC) and smoking. This study is a sub-study of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial. SOC was assessed with a short form self-report questionnaire at baseline and at two-year follow-up. Smoking behaviour was self-reported at both dates. The sample consisted of 841 hypertensive participants, (women 22.1%) at baseline, and 697 (women 23.0%) participants at the follow-up. At baseline the age range was 40—79. Results showed that smoking behaviour was associated with levels of SOC. Current-smokers had a lower mean of SOC. Gender had no statistically significant influence on these results.
Expressing Positive Emotions within Online Support Groups by Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Han Jeong Yeob , Shaw Bret R. , Hawkins Robert P. , Pingree Suzanne , Mctavish Fiona , Gustafson David H.
Published: November 2008

Based upon Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions, this study examined the role of expressing positive emotions in online support groups for women with breast cancer. Underserved women with breast cancer in rural Wisconsin and Detroit, Michigan were recruited from 2001 to 2003, and they were given access to online support groups. Both pretest and four-month posttest surveys were conducted with a sample of 231 women. Messages from 96 active participants were analyzed using a computerized text analysis program. Psychological benefits that occurred following the expression of positive emotions were greater among those who expressed more negative emotions.
Application of the DSM-IV Criteria to the Experience of Living with AIDS
Authors: Kagee Ashraf
Published: November 2008

A diagnosis with HIV is often considered traumatic. According to the DSM-IV-TR's criteria for PTSD, a traumatic event precipitates a set of reactions in an individual that includes avoidant behaviour, intrusive thoughts, and physiologic hyperarousal. However, persons diagnosed with HIV are typically concerned with events that will occur in the future such as physical decline and death, access to treatment, the welfare of dependants, and stigma and discrimination. Their concerns are thus future-oriented rather than anchored to a past traumatic event, which is the requirement of PTSD. This article argues that an HIV diagnosis may be inappropriately regarded as traumatic.
Family, School and Health in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Karademas Evangelos C. , Peppa Nadia , Fotiou Anastasios , Kokkevi Anna
Published: November 2008

The association between family, school and subjective health was examined in a large representative sample of Greek children and adolescents ( N = 3034). We hypothesized that (a) family and school factors are associated with health, even after controlling for gender and economic status; (b) family and school factors are directly related to satisfaction with life and health complaints, but indirectly to self-rated health. According to the findings, family and school factors were related to subjective health, even though this relation was weakening with age. Family and school factors were associated with self-rated health through health complaints and life satisfaction.
Illness Perceptions, Illness-related Problems, Subjective Health and the Role of Perceived Primal Threat
Authors: Karademas Evangelos C. , Bakouli Argyro , Bastounis Anastasios , Kallergi Fani , Tamtami Panagiota , Theofilou Maria
Published: November 2008

Many theories suggest that a threatening situation impacts health because it affects core needs. Our assumption was that a set of interdependent `perceived primal threats' to basic human needs (self-preservation, social integration, personal identity and growth, and positive worldview), which result from the presence of a disease, are related to illness perceptions and subjective health. Participants were 121 chronic medical patients. According to the results, perceived primal threat was strongly associated with illness-related perceptions and problems, as well as perceived psychological and overall self-rated health. Also, perceived primal threat mediated the relationship between illness-related factors and subjective health measures.
Ethical Issues in Neuroimaging Health Research
Authors: Shaw Rachel L. , Senior Carl , Peel Elizabeth , Cooke Richard , Donnelly Louise S.
Published: November 2008

Neuroimaging is increasingly used to understand conditions like stroke and epilepsy. However, there is growing recognition that neuroimaging can raise ethical issues. We used interpretative phenomenological analysis to analyse interview data pre-and post-scan to explore these ethical issues. Findings show participants can become anxious prior to scanning and the protocol for managing incidental findings is unclear. Participants lacked a frame of reference to contextualize their expectations and often drew on medical narratives. Recommendations to reduce anxiety include dialogue between researcher and participant to clarify understanding during consent and the use of a `virtual tour' of the neuroimaging experience.
`What, Me Worry?'
Authors: Sturm Lynne A. , Mays Rose M. , Juliar Beth , Bair Rita M. , Perkins Susan , Zimet Gregory D.
Published: November 2008

Little is known about the bases of parental worry about adolescents' risk for acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Parents ( N = 247) of adolescents 12—17 years endorsed reasons that explained their worry or nonworry. Parents' past experience of an STI, perception of the child's sexual activity, and racial self-identification were predictors of worry. Cluster analyses identified five groups of worriers and four groups of nonworriers. Worriers tended to select reasons reflecting an external parental locus of control or child-specific reasons. Nonworriers endorsed reasons consistent with internal parental locus of control. Findings suggest that preventive health communication should be tailored to parents' perceptions of risk and protective factors.
The Quest for Meaningful Theory in Health Psychology
Authors: Marks David F.
Published: November 2008

Theories generate questions, which in turn generate findings, which in turn generate articles. Theories in health psychology have successfully generated research activity but with inconclusive results. Avenues for more fruitful exploration are described. One of these suggests that health psychology will alter its focus from the study of what is (description) to the study of what might be (explanation), from what individuals do and say (behaviour) to what that behaviour means (contextuality), from `social cognitions' (box ticks) to personal subjectivities (mental experience), from the status quo (demographics) to social injustice (structures of power and inequality).
Globalization: Mental Health and Social Economic Factors
Authors: Bhavsar Vishal , Bhugra Dinesh
Published: November 2008

Several factors associated with globalization have mental health consequences. This article reviews the literature on mental health and inequality, occupational patterns and identity shifts before considering the role of globalization as an acculturative stressor. We argue that a re-evaluation of mental health policy in light of globalization must look further than current studies of migrants to consider indigenous communities where models of social experience and behaviour are changing.
Ethnic boundaries and conflict in Darfur
Authors: Solevad Nielsen Erik
Published: November 2008

This article proposes an event structure hypothesis to study the ethnic dimensions of conflict in Darfur, Sudan. I construct a narrative that describes a sequence of four `event structures' to explore how ethnic boundaries transformed in Darfur during the period from the formation of the modern Sudanese state in 1956 through the regional wars fought in Darfur in the 1980s. I use anthropologist Fredrik Barth's influential `ethnic boundary theory' as a conceptual model to describe the historical interaction between ethnic groups. Barth's ethnic boundary theory is useful not just on its own merits, but because it was informed, in part, by examples provided by ethnographic work carried out in Darfur in the late 1960s. I propose the hypothesis that Darfur was subjected to four major historical changes that occurred between independence and the end of the 1980s, which further solidified and eventually militarized ethnic boundaries between groups and clans, who then began identifying themselves as `Arab' or `non-Arab'. I also look at the sexual violence in Darfur, by using `ethnosexual boundaries', Nagel's extension of Barth's original concept. Finally, I briefly address whether or not the conflict constitutes genocide. My analysis is meant to be a preliminary investigation that will hopefully inspire future empirical and comparative analyses.
`Is yellow black or white?'
Authors: Shah Bindi
Published: November 2008

Given recent demographic shifts and changes in the racial landscape of many urban areas, what kind of inter-group relations have emerged and what are the prospects for cross-racial coalitions to contest racial hierarchies and structures of racial inequality in the USA? Drawing on qualitative data, I examine the efforts of an environmental justice organization, defined as a `border space', to build solidarity and forge alliances between second-generation Laotians and other communities of color in the San Francisco Bay Area. I argue that the possibilities and limits to engendering cross-racial solidarity are also shaped by Laotians' status as new immigrants and as Asian Pacific Americans, as well as by everyday encounters and interactions between racial groups. Racializing processes in the US engender complex inter-minority relations that are marked by cooperation or conflict. In such a context, cross-racial alliances are based on political commitments and shared interests that are contingent and situationally specific.
Class formations
Authors: Moore Kesha S.
Published: November 2008

Although some scholars continue to debate the relative significance of race versus class, others have argued for an analysis that underscores the interlocking nature of these stratification systems. This research builds upon the intersectionality perspective to investigate the importance of culture in understanding racial and class stratification and identity. By describing a racialized class structure, this research challenges race scholars to rethink the meanings of socioeconomic class. It also identifies ways in which class shapes the articulation of a black racial identity. The article presents two competing forms of black middle-class identity ( multi-class and middle-class minded) in the USA that highlight the intersections of race, class and culture. The data is based on a three-year community ethnography, including interviews with 35 residents. Results show the centrality of morality and a racial ideology of resistance as prominent resistance strategies of action with a black middle-class habitus. This article describes two competing forms of black middle-class identity and the tensions that emerge between them. It concludes with a discussion of the necessity for a more emic understanding of class stratification.
Muslim encounters in the global economy
Authors: Kibria Nazli
Published: November 2008

The contemporary international migrations of Muslims are associated with a rise in religiosity, specifically with a rise in engagements with orthodox and revivalist practices and movements of Islam. In this article, I examine the narratives of `life while abroad' of 47 returned Bangladeshi Muslim labor migrants to the Middle East. For these largely unskilled, male migrants, the experience of living in Muslim states had produced a sharp and multifaceted awareness of the complexities of religion and nationality in the modern world. Based on their experiences while abroad, the returned migrants expressed support for the project of Islamization in Bangladesh, seeing it as a means to foster prosperity and social order in the country.
Developing a Juvenile Justice System in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Rights, Diversion and Alternatives
Authors: Morris Claire
Published: November 2008

In the Dayton Agreement that marked the end of the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995, the two entities comprising the state agreed to secure international human rights to all persons, including children. Thereafter, the Constitution accorded primacy to the European Convention on Human Rights over domestic law. Further, Bosnia looks toward the European Union with hope of membership. Thus, Bosnian criminal law is in the midst of reform to improve the situation of children in conflict with the law. Accordingly, the Strategy against Juvenile Offending was adopted to improve respect for children's rights. It foresees the adoption of a Juvenile Justice Act, the creation of a Juvenile Court, and the appointment of specialized professionals. Secondly, it recognizes that the effectiveness of a juvenile justice system depends on the availability of diversion and alternatives to judicial proceedings and criminal sanctions. This article analyses these two aims in the light of international standards and the need for rule of law reform. The problems experienced in implementing diversion, and local initiatives taken to rectify these shortcomings are also addressed.
Youth Justice in New Zealand: A Children's Rights Perspective
Authors: Lynch Nessa
Published: November 2008

New Zealand's youth justice system has been lauded internationally for its restorative and diversionary approach to youth justice. This article takes a fresh perspective to youth justice in New Zealand, namely that of children's rights. Using the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and associated international standards as benchmarks, this article argues that although the system has many positive aspects in its design, there are difficulties in implementation, especially in relation to checks on discretion. This article also queries whether the future direction of the New Zealand youth justice system, especially the increased emphasis on restorative justice, is positive for children.
Protecting Rights at the Margins of Youth Justice in England and Wales: Intensive Fostering, Custody and Leaving Custody
Authors: Hollingsworth Kathryn
Published: November 2008

This article attempts to set out a framework for understanding children's rights in the youth justice system. It distinguishes between the child's status and rights as offender, and the child's status and rights as child. It argues that at certain stages — namely, the margins of youth justice (the pre- and post-crime contexts) - the child's primary status is child, and hence his/her rights as a child should have primacy. It applies the framework set out in part one to the post-crime margin, specifically to the use of intensive fostering as part of a community sentence, to children in custody, and to children leaving custody. It considers some of the children's rights issues which arise here.
Children, Rights and Justice in Northern Ireland: Community and Custody
Authors: Convery Una , Haydon Deena , Moore Linda , Scraton Phil
Published: November 2008

This article is based on primary research conducted with children in community and custodial settings in Northern Ireland. It provides an analysis of the social, economic and political context in which children's rights are routinely breached. Presenting consultations with children in the community, the article considers the impact of negative assumptions, disrespect and exclusion from participation. It demonstrates how the rights of socially excluded and marginalized children are consistently undermined. Further, it draws on the experiences of children and the views of staff in considering the rights of children in custody. In conclusion, the article explores the contributions of critical analysis and rights-based discourses within an increasingly punitive climate.
Motor Network Changes Associated With Successful Motor Skill Relearning After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Longitudinal Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Askim Torunn , Indredavik Bent , Vangberg Torgil , Håberg Asta
Published: November 2008

Background. Motor learning mechanisms may be operative in stroke recovery and possibly reinforced by rehabilitative training. Objectives. To assess early motor network changes after acute ischemic stroke in patients treated with very early mobilization and task-oriented physical therapy in a comprehensive stroke unit, to investigate the association between neuronal activity and improvements in hand function, and to qualitatively explore the changes in neuronal activity in relation to motor learning. Methods. Patients were assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging and by clinical tests within the first week after stroke and 3 months later. After discharge, all participants were offered functional training of the affected arm according to individual needs. Results. A total of 359 patients were screened, with 12 patients experiencing first-ever stroke, excluding primary sensorimotor cortex (MISI), with severe to moderately impaired hand function fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Laterality indexes (LIs) for MISI increase significantly during follow-up. There is increased cerebellar and striatal activation acutely, replaced by increased activation of ipsilesional MISI in the chronic phase. Bilateral somatosensory association areas and contralesional secondary somatosensory cortex (SII) area are also more active in the chronic phase. Activation of the latter region also correlates positively with improved hand function. Conclusions. Restoration of hand function is associated with highly lateralized MISI. Activity in bilateral somatosensory association area and contralesional SII may represent cortical plasticity involved in successful motor recovery. The changes in motor activity between acute and chronic phases seem to correspond to a motor learning process.
Uniparental disomies, homozygous deletions, amplifications, and target genes in mantle cell lymphoma revealed by integrative high-resolution whole-genome profiling
Authors: Beà Sílvia , Salaverria Itziar , Armengol Lluís , Pinyol Magda , Fernández Verónica , Hartmann Elena M. , Jares Pedro , Amador Virginia , Hernández Luís , Navarro Alba , Ott German , Rosenwald Andreas , Estivill Xavier , Campo Elias
Published: November 2008

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is genetically characterized by the t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation and a high number of secondary chromosomal alterations. However, only a limited number of target genes have been identified. We have studied 10 MCL cell lines and 28 primary tumors with a combination of a high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism array and gene expression profiling. We detected highly altered genomes in the majority of the samples with a high number of partial uniparental disomies (UPDs). The UPD at 17p was one of the most common, and it was associated with TP53 gene inactivation. Homozygous deletions targeted 4 known tumor suppressor genes (CDKN2C, BCL2L11, CDKN2A, and RB1) and 6 new genes (FAF1, MAP2, SP100, MOBKL2B, ZNF280A, and PRAME). Gene amplification coupled with overexpression was identified in 35 different regions. The most recurrent amplified regions were 11q13.3-q13.5, 13q31.3, and 18q21.33, which targeted CCND1, C13orf25, and BCL2, respectively. Interestingly, the breakpoints flanking all the genomic alterations, including UPDs, were significantly associated with genomic regions enriched in copy number variants and segmental duplications, suggesting that the recombination at these regions may play a role in the genomic instability of MCL. This integrative genomic analysis has revealed target genes that may be potentially relevant in MCL pathogenesis.
Psiscan: a computational approach to identify H/ACA-like and AGA-like non-coding RNA in trypanosomatid genomes
Authors: Myslyuk Inna , Doniger Tirza , Horesh Yair , Hury Avraham , Hoffer Ran , Ziporen Yaara , Michaeli Shulamit , Unger Ron
Published: November 2008

Background

Detection of non coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules is a major bioinformatics challenge. This challenge is particularly difficult when attempting to detect H/ACA molecules which are involved in converting uridine to pseudouridine on rRNA in trypanosomes, because these organisms have unique H/ACA molecules (termed H/ACA-like) that lack several of the features that characterize H/ACA molecules in most other organisms.

Results

We present here a computational tool called Psiscan, which was designed to detect H/ACA-like molecules in trypanosomes. We started by analyzing known H/ACA-like molecules and characterized their crucial elements both computationally and experimentally.

Next, we set up constraints based on this analysis and additional phylogenic and functional data to rapidly scan three trypanosome genomes (T. brucei, T. cruzi and L. major) for sequences that observe these constraints and are conserved among the species. In the next step, we used minimal energy calculation to select the molecules that are predicted to fold into a lowest energy structure that is consistent with the constraints. In the final computational step, we used a Support Vector Machine that was trained on known H/ACA-like molecules as positive examples and on negative examples of molecules that were identified by the computational analyses but were shown experimentally not to be H/ACA-like molecules. The leading candidate molecules predicted by the SVM model were then subjected to experimental validation.

Conclusion

The experimental validation showed 11 molecules to be expressed (4 out of 25 in the intermediate stage and 7 out of 19 in the final validation after the machine learning stage). Five of these 11 molecules were further shown to be bona fide H/ACA-like molecules. As snoRNA in trypanosomes are organized in clusters, the new H/ACA-like molecules could be used as starting points to manually search for additional molecules in their neighbourhood. All together this study increased our repertoire by fourteen H/ACA-like and six C/D snoRNAs molecules from T. brucei and L. Major. In addition the experimental analysis revealed that six ncRNA molecules that are expressed are not downregulated in CBF5 silenced cells, suggesting that they have structural features of H/ACA-like molecules but do not have their standard function. We termed this novel class of molecules AGA-like, and we are exploring their function.

This study demonstrates the power of tight collaboration between computational and experimental approaches in a combined effort to reveal the repertoire of ncRNA molecles.
Thyroid hormone components are expressed in three sequential waves during development of the chick retina
Authors: Trimarchi Jeffrey M , Harpavat Sanjiv , Billings Nathan A , Cepko Constance L
Published: November 2008

Background

Thyroid hormone (TH) is an important developmental regulator in many tissues, including the retina. TH is activated locally via deiodinase 2 (Dio2), and it is destroyed by deiodinase 3 (Dio3). The TH receptors, TRa and TRb, mediate TH activity through hormone and DNA binding, and interactions with transcription regulators.

Results

In the current work, the expression of these TH components was examined in the chick retina over time. Three waves of expression were characterized and found to be correlated with critical developmental events. The first wave occurred as progenitor cells began to make photoreceptors, the second as some cell types adopted a more mature location and differentiation state, and the third as Müller glia were generated. The cell types expressing the components, as well as the kinetics of expression within the cell cycle, were defined. TRb expression initiated during G2 in progenitor cells, concomitant with NeuroD and Otx2, which are expressed in early photoreceptor cells. TRb was expressed in photoreceptor cells for several days and then was reduced in expression level, as the expression of Crx, a later photoreceptor gene, became more evident. Dio3 was expressed throughout the cell cycle in progenitor cells. TRa was in most, if not all, retinal cells. Dio2 appeared transiently in a ventral (high) to dorsal gradient, likely in a subset of photoreceptor cells.

Conclusion

Multiple TH components were expressed in dynamic patterns in cycling progenitor cells and photoreceptors cells across the developing chick retina. These dynamic patterns suggest that TH is playing several roles in retinal development, both within the cycling progenitor cells and possibly with respect to the timing of differentiation of photoreceptor cells.
Overuse of artemisinin-combination therapy in Mto wa Mbu (river of mosquitoes), an area misinterpreted as high endemic for malaria
Authors: Mwanziva Charles , Shekalaghe Seif , Ndaro Arnold , Mengerink Bianca , Megiroo Simon , Mosha Frank , Sauerwein Robert , Drakeley Chris , Gosling Roly , Bousema Teun
Published: November 2008

Background

Adequate malaria diagnosis and treatment remain major difficulties in rural sub-Saharan Africa. These issues deserve renewed attention in the light of first-line treatment with expensive artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT) and changing patterns of transmission intensity. This study describes diagnostic and treatment practices in Mto wa Mbu, an area that used to be hyperendemic for malaria, but where no recent assessments of transmission intensity have been conducted.

Methods

Retrospective and prospective data were collected from the two major village health clinics. The diagnosis in prospectively collected data was confirmed by microscopy. The level of transmission intensity was determined by entomological assessment and by estimating sero-conversion rates using anti-malarial antibody responses.

Results

Malaria transmission intensity by serological assessment was equivalent to < 1 infectious bites per person per year. Despite low transmission intensity, > 40% of outpatients attending the clinics in 2006–2007 were diagnosed with malaria. Prospective data demonstrated a very high overdiagnosis of malaria. Microscopy was unreliable with < 1% of slides regarded as malaria parasite-positive by clinic microscopists being confirmed by trained research microscopists. In addition, many 'slide negatives' received anti-malarial treatment. As a result, 99.6% (248/249) of the individuals who were treated with ACT were in fact free of malaria parasites.

Conclusion

Transmission intensity has dropped considerably in the area of Mto wa Mbu. Despite this, most fevers are still regarded and treated as malaria, thereby ignoring true causes of febrile illness and over-prescribing ACT. The discrepancy between the perceived and actual level of transmission intensity may be present in many areas in sub-Saharan Africa and calls for greater efforts in defining levels of transmission on a local scale to help rational drug-prescribing behaviour.
Ex vivo promoter analysis of antiviral heat shock cognate 70B gene in Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Kang Seokyoung , Sim Cheolho , Byrd Brian D , Collins Frank H , Hong Young S
Published: November 2008

Background

The Anopheles gambiae heat shock cognate gene (hsc70B) encodes a constitutively expressed protein in the hsp70 family and it functions as a molecular chaperone for protein folding. However, the expression of hsc70B can be further induced by certain stimuli such as heat shock and infection. We previously demonstrated that the An. gambiae hsc70B is induced during o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) infection and subsequently suppresses ONNV replication in the mosquito. To further characterize the inducibility of hsc70B by ONNV infection in An. gambiae, we cloned a 2.6-kb region immediately 5' upstream of the starting codon of hsc70B into a luciferase reporter vector (pGL3-Basic), and studied its promoter activity in transfected Vero cells during infection with o'nyong-nyong, West Nile and La Crosse viruses.

Results

Serial deletion analysis of the hsc70B upstream sequence revealed that the putative promoter is likely located in a region 1615–2150 bp upstream of the hsc70B starting codon. Sequence analysis of this region revealed transcriptional regulatory elements for heat shock element-binding protein (HSE-bind), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), dorsal (Dl) and fushi-tarazu (Ftz). Arbovirus infection, regardless of virus type, significantly increased the hsc70B promoter activity in transfected Vero cells.

Conclusion

Our results further validate the transcriptional activation of hsc70B during arbovirus infection and support the role of specific putative regulatory elements. Induction by three taxonomically distinct arboviruses suggests that the HSC70B protein may be expressed to cope with cellular stress imposed during infection.
How to make the rhetoric of joined-up government really work
Authors: Hyde Jim
Published: November 2008

"Joined-up' government and 'whole-of-government' approaches have evolved over the past two decades from the simple 'one-stop-shop' concept to much more formal organisational structures mandated at the highest levels. In many cases, the participants in these developments were learning on the job, as they responded to community and political demands for better service delivery and more accountability. This paper looks back at some of those developments and proposes a schema to assess and place policies, strategies and programs.
Genetic lineage tracing defines distinct neurogenic and gliogenic stages of ventral telencephalic radial glial development
Authors: Anthony Todd E , Heintz Nathaniel
Published: November 2008

Background

Radial glia comprise a molecularly defined neural progenitor population but their role in neurogenesis has remained contested due to the lack of a single universally accepted genetic tool for tracing their progeny and the inability to distinguish functionally distinct developmental stages.

Results

By direct comparisons of Cre/loxP lineage tracing results obtained using three different radial glial promoters (Blbp, Glast, and hGFAP), we show that most neurons in the brain are derived from radial glia. Further, we show that hGFAP promoter induction occurs in ventral telencephalic radial glia only after they have largely completed neurogenesis.

Conclusion

These data establish the major neurogenic role of radial glia in the developing central nervous system and genetically distinguish an early neurogenic Blbp+Glast+hGFAP- stage from a later gliogenic Blbp+Glast+hGFAP+ stage in the ventral telencephalon.
Wnts acting through canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways exert opposite effects on hippocampal synapse formation
Authors: Davis Elizabeth K , Zou Yimin , Ghosh Anirvan
Published: November 2008

Background

Wnt proteins comprise a large class of signaling molecules that regulate a variety of developmental processes, including synapse formation. Previous studies have shown Wnts to be involved in both the induction and prevention of synapses in a number of different organisms. However, it is not clear whether the influence of Wnts on synapses is a result of Wnts' behavior in different organisms or differences in the activity of different Wnt ligands.

Results

We used in situ hybridization to show that several Wnt ligands (Wnt3, Wnt5a, Wnt7a, and Wnt7b) and their receptors, Frizzled, are expressed in the developing hippocampus during the period of synapse formation in rodents. We used recombinant Wnt protein or Wnt conditioned media to explore the effects of Wnts on synapses in hippocampal cultures. We found that Wnt7a and Wnt7b activate canonical signaling, whereas Wnt5a activates a noncanonical pathway. The activation of the canonical pathway, either through pathway manipulations or through Wnt stimulation, increases presynaptic inputs. In contrast, exposure to Wnt5a, which activates a noncanonical signaling pathway, decreases the number of presynaptic terminals.

Conclusion

Our observations suggest that the pro- and antisynaptogenic effects of Wnt proteins are associated with the activation of the canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways.