bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNase 1 activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: relationship with epidemiological, clinical, immunological and therapeutical features
Authors: Martinez-Valle F , Balada E , Ordi-Ros J , Bujan-Rivas S , Sellas-Fernandez A , Vilardell-Tarres M
Published: March 2009

The main objective of this study is to determine the relationship between the activity of DNase1 and the clinical and immunological features in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 66 patients (8 men and 58 women) diagnosed with SLE according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) SLE classification criteria were included in the study. Sixty-two sera from healthy blood donors were also included as controls. Epidemiological, clinical, immunological and therapeutical features for each patient were obtained. Disease activity was assessed using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). DNase1 activity was determined by using a radial enzyme diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 12.0 software, with significant P value <0.05. Dnase1 activity was lower in patients with SLE than in the control group: 13.69 ± 8.52 μg/mL vs 24.75 ± 12.32 μg/mL, respectively ( P < 0.005). No statistical relationship was found between DNase1 activity and disease evolution time, hypertension, presence of absolute or relative proteinuria, SLEDAI, new clinical manifestations, anti-Ro antibodies, anti-La antibodies, anti-RNP antibodies, anti-DNA antibodies, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, or with the treatment pattern received by the patients. Although important differences in DNase1 activity were found between patients with or without anti-Sm antibodies, they did not reach statistical significance. DNase1 activity was significantly lower in patients with SLE. Nevertheless, we did not find further relationships with any other of the epidemiological, clinical, immunological or therapeutical variables considered.
Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in acute life threatening haemolytic anaemia complicating childhood onset SLE
Authors: Abdwani R , Mani R
Published: March 2009

Haematological involvement occurs frequently in childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia occurring in 10%. Conventional treatment includes high-dose steroids. Second line agents used in refractory cases include azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide. Rituximab, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is emerging in the treatment of SLE refractory to conventional therapy. We report the successful use of anti-CD20 therapy in the treatment of acute life threatening haemolytic anaemia, complicating childhood onset SLE. We propose that earlier introduction of rituximab may reduce the side effects related to other cytotoxic therapy mainly steroids and cyclophosphamide. However, in view of controversies in the reported side effects of rituximab in childhood onset SLE, multicentred randomised controlled trials are required to determine the long-term efficacy, safety and optimal dosing of rituximab in childhood onset SLE.
Mycophenolate mofetil is effective in reducing disease flares in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Nannini C , Crowson CS , Matteson EL , Moder KG
Published: March 2009

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is effective in the treatment of patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought to evaluate its efficacy in reducing the number of disease flares in adults with SLE. For this retrospective study, all patients seen at our institution over a six year period, 1999–2005, with the diagnosis of SLE treated with MMD were identified. Data regarding lupus flare was obtained for patients at least one and up to two years prior to starting MMF. The number of flares prior to MMF therapy was compared to the number of lupus flares in the one to two year period after starting MMF. Clinical assessment was performed with the SELENA-SLEDAI instrument. Differences between groups were compared using the signed rank test. The rate of flares (flares per person-year), before and after the introduction of MMF were compared assuming the occurrence of flares followed a Poisson distribution. In the evaluable 67 patients, the mean time period of followup prior to starting MMF was 14.1 months (range 0.3–24), mean time period of follow-up after starting MMF was 14.8 months (range 1.5–24); and mean MMF dose was 1328 mg/day (range 250–3000). The mean flare rate was reduced from 8.9 to 5.3 per 10 personyears and the mean prednisone dose was reduced on average 7.3 mg/day after starting MMF therapy. MMF treatment significantly reduced the total number of lupus flares and prednisone requirements. Even with the reduction in mean daily prednisone dose, both the SLEDAI and physican global assessment also improved during MMF therapy.
Glu298Asp eNOS polymorphism is not associated with SLE
Authors: Mucenic T , Brenol JCT , Bredemeier M , Paiva dos Santos B , Chies JAB , Monticielo OA , Xavier RM
Published: March 2009

To examine potential associations of the Glu298Asp polymorphism in the coding region of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene with susceptibility to and clinical expression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). One hundred thirteen consecutive patients of European ancestry with diagnosis of SLE, satisfying the American College of Rheumatology criteria, from the outpatient clinic of the Serviço de Reumatologia of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, and 206 healthy controls from the same geographic area were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction for the Glu298Asp polymorphism in the coding region of the eNOS gene. Clinical, demographic, and laboratorial data were collected. Clinical manifestations of SLE and related diseases were evaluated for the association with specific genotypes. The allelic and genotypic distribution of the Glu298Asp did not differ significantly between SLE patients and controls. We found no association of the polymorphism with lupus nephritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and risk factors to CVD. The presented results in this study do not provide support for a major role of eNOS Glu298Asp neither in the susceptibility for SLE or clinical manifestations, although there was low statistical power for the latter evaluation.
Trends in the Relative Household Income of Working-Age Men With Work Limitations
Authors: Burkhauser Richard V. , Larrimore Jeff
Published: March 2009

Policy makers relying on public-use Current Population Survey (CPS) data to measure the success of government policies in overcoming the gap in economic well-being between working-age men with and without disabilities will understate the mean income of both and overstate the relative economic well-being of the former. This understatement results from topcoding in the public-use CPS, which suppresses top incomes in the data set. Using cell means with the public-use CPS, the authors better correct for these topcoding problems than alternate methods and provide a relative economic well-being series (1980—2006) based on the mean incomes of working-age men with and without disabilities.
Damage Monitoring of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Laminates Using Resistance Measurements. Improving Sensitivity Using Carbon Nanotube Doped Epoxy Matrix System
Authors: Kostopoulos V. , Vavouliotis A. , Karapappas P. , Tsotra P. , Paipetis A.
Published: March 2009

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used as additives in the epoxy matrix of unidirectional (UD) carbon fiber reinforced laminates. CNTs were employed not only for improving the mechanical performance of composite, but also for providing an innovative way for monitoring the damage accumulation during the loading of the laminate via the monitoring of the changes in the conductivity of the material. The CNT inclusion improved the transverse conductivity rendering the UD composite more electrically isotropic. Both plain and modified laminates were subjected to monotonic and cyclic tensile loading with simultaneous monitoring of the longitudinal resistance. The resistance change due to mechanical loading was more pronounced for the laminates with the modified matrices. As it was expected, the presence of the electrically conductive CNT network acted as a direct sensor of matrix related damage phenomena, which was complementary to changes related to failure of the reinforcing phase. This was not the case for the reference composite laminates where the monitored changes of the electrical conductivity mirrored the damage exclusively related to the reinforcing phase i.e., the carbon fibers.
Piezoelectric Fiber Composites as Sensor Elements for Structural Health Monitoring and Adaptive Material Systems
Authors: Brunner Andreas J. , Birchmeier Marcel , Melnykowycz Mark M. , Barbezat Michel
Published: March 2009

Piezoelectric Active Fiber Composites (AFC) and Macro Fiber Composites (MFC) have the potential to provide various sensor functions for nondestructive test methods. AFC have been integrated into fiber-reinforced laminates as a first step towards structures with sensing capability. These developments constitute initial stages for developing adaptive composite structures or structures with integrated health monitoring system. So far, the use of AFC and MFC has been explored in selected nondestructive tests for defect detection in model composite systems on laboratory scale with e.g., Acoustic Emission, Acousto-Ultrasonics, and Electromechanical Impedance testing. The present article will focus on limitations and current prospects for structural health monitoring with AFC or MFC and discuss selected concepts and approaches.
Does Presidential Primary and Caucus Order Affect Policy? Evidence from Federal Procurement Spending
Authors: Taylor Andrew J.
Published: March 2009

This article examines the contention that states with early presidential primaries or caucuses receive disproportionate distributive policy benefits. The basic theory is that presidential candidates pledge more federal spending per capita to these states because doing well in their contests is critical to capturing the nomination. Candidates then deliver on these promises if they win the White House. Using by-state procurement per capita data from 1984 to 2004, four conditional hypotheses derived from this thinking are tested. The results show that primary or caucus order matters only during competitive nominations when the ultimately victorious presidential candidate won the state’s contest.
H ∞ Control with μ-analysis of a Piezoelectric Actuated Plate
Authors: Iorga Lucian , Baruh Haim , Ursu Ioan
Published: March 2009

This paper presents the development of a multimodal H∞controller for piezoelectric actuated plates designed to simultaneously suppress vibrational components of the first two modes. The controller is developed for a reduced structural model. The closed-loop control scheme is subject to both uncertainties due to control and observation spillover in the unmodeled residual modes and to parametric errors in the structural model. The closed-loop stability and performance robustness is analyzed using μ-analysis, and numerical investigations indicate that the controller tolerates uncertainties of significant size.
An Active Identification Method of Rotor Unbalance Parameters
Authors: De Queiroz M.S.
Published: March 2009

This note presents a new method for identifying the unknown unbalance parameters of a rotor. The active feedback method asymptotically learns the unbalance-induced disturbance forces. From the resulting disturbance estimates, we show how to identify the unbalance parameters. Simulation results illustrate the proposed identification method.
The Control and Optimization Design of the Fish-like Underwater Robot with the Aid of the Giant Magnetostrictive Material Actuator
Authors: Xu X.S. , Sun F.M. , Wang G.P.
Published: March 2009

In this paper, the mechanism of the underwater fish-like robot, which is controlled by the giant magnetostrictive material actuator, is studied. A mechanical model of the robot is presented based on the relationship between the driving force and frequencies, which is controlled by external magnetic fields. At the same time, a new design project is given by optimizing structures and a two-tail fish-like robot is devised, in which the robot can swim directly forward and backward.
Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Weight Optimization of Vibrated Ground Recycled Rubber
Authors: Chettah A. , Ichchou M.N. , Bareille O. , Chedly S. , Onteniente J.P.
Published: March 2009

The aim in this paper is first and foremost to present an experimental method for measuring the dynamic characteristics of granular rubber. Dynamic measurements on recycled granular rubbers are performed here using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The Young’s modulus and loss factor of these materials are estimated by using the frequency—temperature equivalence introduced by Williams—Landel—Ferry. It allows us to describe the dynamic properties over a wide range of frequencies. An increase in the wave speed and a decrease in the loss factor were observed with an increase in the frequency for ground tire rubber (GTR) and compound particles obtained by extrusion of GTR—ethylene vinyl acetate blend. However, for recycled polyurethane particles, the loss factor increases with increasing frequency. Then, we investigate the damping efficiency of granular rubbers introduced into a metallic tube, which was subjected to vibrating bending loads. A numerical model is presented to predict the frequency response for the displacement—force function of the tube—particles system. Model prediction is hence validated through a comparison with experimental results. Second, this paper also aims at calculating the optimum weight of granular material with maximum allowable damping effects on tube subjected to bending vibrations. For this purpose, a technique is proposed from the model developed by optimizing the apparent mass of granular material and the dissipation energy of the tube—particles system. Optimization is achieved by a nondominated storing genetic algorithm (NSAG-II). From the results, this technique can be successfully used to optimize the frequency dependence of wave speed and the loss factor of granular rubber with optimized weight.
Neuro-fuzzy Based Condition Prediction of Bearing Health
Authors: Fagang Zhao  , Jin Chen  , Lei Guo  , Xinglin Li
Published: March 2009

A reliable prognostic model is very useful for industries to forecast equipment behaviors. The aim of this research is to verify the effectiveness of the neuro-fuzzy model in predicting the health condition of bearings. Simulation and an experiment have been carried out to verify the model, with results showing that the neuro-fuzzy model is a reliable and robust forecasting tool, and more accurate than a radial basis function network. In the experiment, vibration data collected from the equipment is used to predict the future condition.
Different Kinds of Knowing
Authors: Brown Lyndsay , Durrheim Kevin
Published: March 2009

In this article, it is proposed that when an interviewer participates interactively in an interview creating a largely unrehearsed conversation, a different form of (intersubjective) knowledge can be produced. This kind of knowledge can be particularly useful in the research of elusive “social facts,” such as subtle and ongoing discrimination, segregation, and prejudice. However, given the familiarity of socialized interviewer/interviewee positionings, achieving this type of inter-activity in interviews is difficult. One way to disrupt this fixity is through situated talking while on the move (walking and/ or driving). Drawing on data generated during mobile interviews in Durban, South Africa, the authors examine the various features of this mobile methodology and the impact this methodological choice had on the interview/ interviewee relationship and the data (and knowledge) generated.
Cytotoxic chemotherapy for pregnancy-associated breast cancer: single institution case series
Authors: Morris Patrick G , King Fionnuala , Kennedy M John
Published: March 2009

Background. Pregnancy-associated (PA) breast cancer is a rare disease state that poses unique management challenges, specifically controlling the cancer and maximizing the survival of the expectant mother balanced with the health and safety of the developing fetus. As more women delay pregnancy into their 30s and 40s it is expected that this may become a more important clinical problem in the future. Existing data on PA-breast cancer comes from case series using older chemotherapy drugs. A review of practice was carried out to assess current experience with PA-breast cancer, particularly relating to current cytotoxic drugs and targeted agents.

Methods. The St James’s Hospital breast cancer registry, a prospectively maintained database, was used to identify cases of PA-breast cancer over a 6.5-year period and a chart review carried out. Chemotherapy administered during pregnancy, breast cancer specific outcomes, and fetal outcomes were assessed.

Results. Five patients were identified with PA-breast cancer; median age 34 years (range 28—35). The median gestation at presentation was 18 weeks (range 14—29). Four women received chemotherapy during pregnancy; three received doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) and one paclitaxel. These agents were generally well tolerated. At median gestation of 36 weeks (range 35—40 weeks) four elective caesareans and one spontaneous delivery occurred. There were no fetal abnormalities.

Conclusions. Common cytotoxics can safely be delivered in pregnancy. Further research on newer therapies such as trastuzumab is needed.
Influence of plasma exchange on the disposition of the fourth generation cephalosporin cefepime
Authors: Ibrahim Rami B , Liu Chin Y , Cronin Simon M , Murphy Bridgette C , Cha Raymond , Swerdlow Paul , Avila Tomoco , Smith Stephen T , Lewis Richard A , Edwards David J
Published: March 2009

Cefepime, a fourth generation cephalosporin, is widely used in hematology and oncology patients. These patients may require plasma exchange (PE) for indications such as chemotherapy- or cancer-induced thromobotic thrombocytopenic purpura to name a few. To date, no pharmacokinetic evaluation has been conducted assessing cefepime’s disposition during PE. A 2 g IV cefepime single dose was given to patients undergoing therapeutic PE. Two hours from cefepime dose administration, plasma concentration was measured. PE was then instituted and cefepime plasmapheresate concentration was measured at the completion of the PE session. Cefepime levels were measured using HPLC. The percentage removed by PE was calculated as: amount removed/2 g dose. Ten adult patients were analyzed: median age (range): 52 years (33—67) and median weight (range); 82.85 kg (47—120). PE indications were: myasthenia gravis (n = 3), transverse myelitis (n = 2), multiple sclerosis (n = 1), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (n = 1), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (n = 1), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (n = 1), and humoral rejection post cadaveric renal allograft (n = 1). All patients except one had a creatinine clearance >60 mL/min. One patient was excluded from the pharmacokinetic analysis owing to loss of venous access during PE. For the remaining nine patients, total plasma volume removed was 3.5 L (range: 2.5—3.5) and duration of PE was 120 min (range: 94—209). The cefepime removed by PE was 3.7% (range: 2.1—6.7). A strong correlation was found between cefepime plasma concentration prior to PE and the amount of drug removed (r = 0.96, r2 = 0.92; p<0.05). The above results suggest that, under the studied conditions, cefepime removal by PE is clinically insignificant (∼4% of total 2 g dose).
Cisplatin preparation error; patient management and morbidity
Authors: Vila-Torres E. , Albert-Marí A. , Almenar-Cubells D. , Jiménez-Torres NV
Published: March 2009

Introduction. Antineoplastic drug therapy errors represent a high iatrogenic potential due to antineoplastic drugs narrow therapeutic ranges and the complexity of chemotherapy regimens that may increase the risk of morbidity and mortality for oncology patients.

Setting. We report a 57-year-old man with head and neck cancer who mistakenly received 180 mg/ m2 of cisplatin overdose despite the safety measures and validations carried out during preparation. The patient developed moderate nausea and vomiting, acute renal failure, hearing difficulty (tinnitus), and severe myelodepression.

Patient management. Prophylactic and symptomatic treatments were applied in order to prevent and correct toxicity during the 9 days stay at hospital.

Result. He recovered with mild tinnitus and mild renal impairment as the only sequelae. This case presents a hospital stay and treatment quite different to others used to reverse all cisplatin overdose toxicity and it shows the benefits of prompt management.
Pharmacokinetics of a granisetron transdermal system for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Authors: Howell Julian , Smeets Jean , Drenth Henk-Jan , Gill David
Published: March 2009

Objective. To determine the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of granisetron transdermal formulation and examine its possible relationship with age, gender, and renal function.

Methods. This article describes a Phase I PK study and a post hoc pooled population PK analysis. The Phase I study was a randomized, cross-over study that assessed PK parameters of three granisetron patch sizes and oral granisetron. The pooled population PK analysis included data from three trials in healthy subjects (n = 48) and from Phase II and III studies in patients with cancer (n = 793). The population PK model was used to investigate granisetron exposure and its possible relationship with age, gender, and renal function.

Results. Following oral dosing, plasma granisetron concentration was quantifiable at 1 h, and maximal mean concentration (4.7 ng/mL) was reached 2 h after administration. With transdermal application, maximal concentration was reached 48 h post-application; t1/2 was 36 h. With oral dosing, overall exposure after 5 days was 306 ng/mL·h, and Cavg 2.6 ng/mL. This corresponded to an AUC0—∞ for the 52 cm2 patch of 420 ng/mL·h and Cavg 2.2 ng/mL over 6 days. Clearance was not affected by age, gender, weight, or renal function.

Conclusion. The 52 cm 2 granisetron patch achieves a similar exposure to that of a 2 mg oral dose and provides continuous delivery of granisetron over 6 days. The patch may have utility in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting where prolonged drug delivery is advantageous. No dose adjustments would be needed based on age or renal function.
The Transition between Neumann and Dirichlet Boundary Conditions in Isotropic Elastic Plates
Authors: Moukhomodiarov R.R. , Pichugin A.V. , Rogerson G.A.
Published: March 2009

The transition from Neumann (traction-free) to Dirichlet (fixed-face) boundary conditions is investigated in respect of wave propagation in a linear isotropic elastic layer. Attention is focused on the implications of such a transition on the dispersion curve branches within the long-wave region. The formation of low-frequency band gap that is expected to exist in layers with Dirichlet boundary condition is shown to be caused by different mechanisms in anti-symmetric and symmetric cases. Certain implications to shortwave propagation in the layer are also investigated. The study includes both a numerical investigation and a multi-parameter asymptotic analysis.
Evidence-based Research Challenges Home Care PPS Patient Benefits, Costs, and Payment Structure
Authors: Cabin William D.
Published: March 2009

A neglected area of discussion in home care is the relationship and dissonance between evidence-based research on effective home and community-based interventions, Medicare home health practice, and the Medicare Home Health Prospective Payment System (PPS). PPS is critical because the literature increasingly indicates that the PPS reimbursement framework drives home health agency and practitioner resource allocation and practice decisions. However, the PPS system does not have an evidence-based evaluation process to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of new, or existing, intervention. The article reviews existing evidence-based research on the effectiveness of home-based environmental skills building, counseling, and support group interventions, which benefit patients, caregivers, home health agencies, and Medicare. The article indicates these interventions have never been evaluated, nor are they covered by Medicare. The article asserts the need for such an evaluation process to evaluate intervention cost-effectiveness and related changes in Medicare coverage, eligibility, reimbursement, and outcomes measurement criteria necessary for their adoption.
Home Health Utilization in Persons with Crohn's Disease
Authors: Hall Lakevia , Hamlin Catherlene , Bregman Amy Stephens , Krueger Andrew , Cooper Jason
Published: March 2009

Accordant Health Services specializes in Crohn's disease management for health plans and employer groups across the United States. The claims database was used to ascertain patterns of care that might reveal opportunities to improve clinical interventions. One component of the research involved identifying primary drivers for home health utilization. Many Crohn's patients require complex and costly home health services for ostomy care and home infusion services. More in-depth analysis of this cohort reveals additional characteristics such as comorbidities and other traits that increase risk factors and impede adherence to complex treatment regimens. By sharing these findings with the home health community, it is the hope that insight into potential needs specific to the Crohn's population that require home health services will be provided. This information may be used to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the likelihood of hospitalizations for this high-risk population.
Hispanic Women and Physical Activity: A Community Approach
Authors: Kohlbry Pam , Nies Mary A.
Published: March 2009

Older Hispanic women are at higher risk for chronic debilitating health problems related to higher rates of inactivity and obesity when compared to other ethnic groups. The purpose of this article was to review the literature on the factors which effect levels of physical activity in older Hispanic women. A literature search was conducted using the terms Hispanic or Latina, physical activity, barriers and benefits, self-efficacy, stages of exercise change, and health promotion behaviors. Forty-two studies between 1988 and mid 2007 were selected. Research methods included qualitative, quantitative, interventional, experimental, and cross sectional. There is some research available to guide nurses in assessment of unique factors that may impact the development of culturally appropriate nursing interventions that increase a women’s level of physical activity and promote health and well-being. Practical take home points are presented. Areas for future nursing research are identified.
Performing Translatinidad: Miriam the Mexican Transsexual Reality Show Star and the Tropicalization of Difference in Anglo-Australian Media
Authors: Lewis Vek
Published: March 2009

In 2004, a new celebrity hit the Australian television circuit. Billed as a mysterious, seductive Latina with a secret, she graced our shores in a TV reality show called ` There's Something About Miriam': a dating game with a twist. Set in Ibiza, Miriam vies for the attention of six eligible British bachelors without letting them in on her transsexual status. In her ambiguity, Miriam is the embodiment of all things seen as other and exotic; in the context of Anglo-Australian understandings, she is the marker of all things Hispanic. Wildly popular in Australia, Miriam stepped out of one reality show into another: the Australian version of Big Brother. The TV network promised to deliver more on this boy turned girl, whose body provided the right kind of slippage to become the site of inscription for a range of repeated tropical fictions.
Queer Appearances: Gilbert & George's Visual Strategies
Authors: Dibosa David
Published: March 2009

The use that visual artists have made of popular media, such as television, has provided a point of critical interest over recent decades. Contemporary artists, Gilbert & George, followed the pace set by media-savvy artists, through their recent television appearance on the popular talk-show Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. Their appearance on prime-time TV raised a series of questions concerning gay visibility, mainstream media and the visual subterfuge deployed in contemporary art. This article seeks to examine such issues against the background of political struggles over public and private space.
Negotiating culturally responsive pedagogy through multicultural children's literature: Towards critical democratic literacy practices in a first grade classroom
Authors: Souto-Manning Mariana
Published: March 2009

In this article, I present the description of the learning and social action that unfolded through critical literacy events in my first grade classroom. Resulting from teacher action research, this critical conscientization process underscores how multicultural children's literature served as enabler of culturally responsive pedagogy. Through the analysis of representative literacy events, I highlight how first grade students problematized the racially and socioeconomically segregated nature of pull-out educational programs in an American school — a clear and complex institutional issue that affected society, schooling, and the students' lives. By sharing this, I hope to draw attention to the possibilities of employing children's literature for the benefit of better serving the educational needs of all children.
Rights-based Restorative Justice: Evaluating Compliance with International Standards
Authors: Moore Shannon A. , Mitchell Richard C.
Published: March 2009

The authors' aim is to promote compliance with international legal standards by articulating intersections between young people's human rights and restorative justice principles — for legal theorists through transdisciplinary thinking and for practitioners by introducing the Rights Based Restorative Practice Evaluation ToolKit developed through this conceptual framework (Moore, 2008). This comprehensive approach was developed within the Canadian legal, social policy and youth justice contexts. Notwithstanding potential bias stemming from cultural or political milieu, the authors argue that rights-based restorative justice could contribute to the advancement of ethical practice in many UN-member states attempting to adopt these common frameworks.
The `Scaled Approach' in Youth Justice: Fools Rush In…
Authors: Sutherland Alex
Published: March 2009

There are few studies which examine the relationship between assessment, intervention planning and supervision (APIS) in detail, and none within the context of youth justice in the UK. One such study in probation which looked at risk assessment and intervention planning was Merrington (2001). The study upon which this article is based (Sutherland et al., 2005) aimed to replicate Merrington's research to allow reflection on current practice in a small sample of Youth Offending Teams (YOTs). The rationale for the original study was to inform changes to the youth justice system related to the introduction of an explicit risk-led (`scaled') model of practice (YJB, 2006a, 2007a). This article reports findings relating to the basic practice model suggested by this framework and reflects on the implications for YOTs and young people of the `scaled approach'.
What will characterize international education in US public schools?
Authors: Carber Steven
Published: March 2009

This article develops a working model for international education in US public schools with consideration of the curricula and accreditation standards utilized by the broad group of overseas institutions known as `international schools'. It addresses the public international school identity question in a decade in which public schools in many states and countries are taking an increasing interest in international education and in nurturing globally-minded students; the article also proposes a web-based forum in which such a model can be further refined.
An investigation into teacher turnover in international schools
Authors: Odland Glenn , Ruzicka Mary
Published: March 2009

This study explored expatriate teacher turnover in international schools. Two hundred and eighty-one international teachers completed a questionnaire identifying which variables influenced their decision to leave at the end of their first contract. Using both quantitative and qualitative data, this study revealed that three causal factors were viewed as influential by the respondents; administrative leadership, compensation and personal circumstances. Qualitative data revealed that proprietary schools also suffer from the perception of operational decisions being driven by a profit incentive.
International Perspectives on the Meanings of Work and Working: Current Research and Theory
Authors: Ardichvili Alexandre , Kuchinke K. Peter
Published: March 2009

The problem and the solution. This article situates the topic of the meaning of work and working in the broader context of social science research and theory and develops a rationale for its importance for the theory and practice of human resource development. Some of the themes, anchoring the content of the following articles, are related to issues of levels of analysis in the research on meaning of working; the need for the integration of different disciplinary traditions (historical, sociological, psychological, economic); the dangers of assuming an overly individualistic position on the subject; the role of meaning of working research in understanding the issues of self-identity; and crises of meaning of working arising from unemployment, lay-offs, and growing poverty around the world.
Rhythm Perturbations in Acoustically Paced Treadmill Walking After Stroke
Authors: Roerdink Melvyn , Lamoth Claudine J. C. , van Kordelaar Joost , Elich Peter , Konijnenbelt Manin , Kwakkel Gert , Beek Peter J.
Published: March 2009

Background. In rehabilitation, acoustic rhythms are often used to improve gait after stroke. Acoustic cueing may enhance gait coordination by creating a stable coupling between heel strikes and metronome beats and provide a means to train the adaptability of gait coordination to environmental changes, as required in everyday life ambulation. Objective. To examine the stability and adaptability of auditory—motor synchronization in acoustically paced treadmill walking in stroke patients. Methods. Eleven stroke patients and 10 healthy controls walked on a treadmill at preferred speed and cadence under no metronome, single-metronome (pacing only paretic or nonparetic steps), and double-metronome (pacing both footfalls) conditions. The stability of auditory—motor synchronization was quantified by the variability of the phase relation between footfalls and beats. In a separate session, the acoustic rhythms were perturbed and adaptations to restore auditory—motor synchronization were quantified. Results. For both groups, auditory—motor synchronization was more stable for double-metronome than single-metronome conditions, with stroke patients exhibiting an overall weaker coupling of footfalls to metronome beats than controls. The recovery characteristics following rhythm perturbations corroborated the stability findings and further revealed that stroke patients had difficulty in accelerating their steps and instead preferred a slower-step response to restore synchronization. Conclusions. In gait rehabilitation practice, the use of acoustic rhythms may be more effective when both footfalls are paced. In addition, rhythm perturbations during acoustically paced treadmill walking may not only be employed to evaluate the stability of auditory—motor synchronization but also have promising implications for evaluation and training of gait adaptations in neurorehabilitation practice.
Intra-amniotic LPS modulation of TLR signaling in lung and blood monocytes of fetal sheep
Authors: Kramer Boris W. , Kallapur Suhas G. , Moss Timothy J. , Nitsos Ilias , Newnham John P. , Jobe Alan H.
Published: March 2009

Epidemiological studies suggest that intra-uterine exposure to inflammation may prime postnatal immune responses. In fetal sheep, intra-amniotic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced chorioamnionitis, lung inflammation and maturation, matured lung monocytes to macrophages and initiated systemic tolerance of fetal monocytes to subsequent challenge with LPS. We hypothesized that LPS-mediated chorioamnionitis altered the response of lung and blood monocytes to Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands such as PamCysK4 (TLR2), flagellin (TLR5), and human CpG-DNA (TLR9). Time-mated ewes were given intra-amniotic injections of LPS or saline. Blood and lung monocytes were assessed after 2 days, 7 days and 2 days and 7 days repetitive LPS injections before delivery at 124 days gestational age (term 150 days). Responsiveness of blood and lung monocytes to TLR-ligands in vitro was assessed by interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and hydrogen peroxide. Monocytes from preterm controls had minimal responses. Lipopolysaccharide-mediated chorioamnionitis increased IL-6, TNF- α and hydrogen peroxide to all TLR agonists in blood and lung monocytes. Repetitive exposure to antenatal LPS reduced IL-6, TNF- α and hydrogen peroxide to TLR-ligands suggesting tolerance. Tolerance to TLR-ligands reduced IL-1 receptor associated kinase-4 expression. Thus, repeated fetal exposure to LPS induced tolerance to other TLR-ligands. These modulations of fetal innate immunity have implications for host defense and injury responses in preterm infants.
Zebrafish mutants in the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor display a hypoxic response and recapitulate key aspects of Chuvash polycythemia
Authors: van Rooijen Ellen , Voest Emile E. , Logister Ive , Korving Jeroen , Schwerte Thorsten , Schulte-Merker Stefan , Giles Rachel H. , van Eeden Fredericus J.
Published: March 2009

We have generated 2 zebrafish lines carrying inactivating germline mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene ortholog vhl. Mutant embryos display a general systemic hypoxic response, including the up-regulation of hypoxia-induced genes by 1 day after fertilization and a severe hyperventilation and cardiophysiologic response. The vhl mutants develop polycythemia with concomitantly increased epo/epor mRNA levels and erythropoietin signaling. In situ hybridizations reveal global up-regulation of both red and white hematopoietic lineages. Hematopoietic tissues are highly proliferative, with enlarged populations of c-myb+ hematopoietic stem cells and circulating erythroid precursors. Chemical activation of hypoxia-inducible factor signaling recapitulated aspects of the vhl−/− phenotype. Furthermore, microarray expression analysis confirms the hypoxic response and hematopoietic phenotype observed in vhl−/− embryos. We conclude that VHL participates in regulating hematopoiesis and erythroid differentiation. Injections with human VHLp30 and R200W mutant mRNA demonstrate functional conservation of VHL between mammals and zebrafish at the amino acid level, indicating that vhl mutants are a powerful new tool to study genotype-phenotype correlations in human disease. Zebrafish vhl mutants are the first congenital embryonic viable systemic vertebrate animal model for VHL, representing the most accurate model for VHL-associated polycythemia to date. They will contribute to our understanding of hypoxic signaling, hematopoiesis, and VHL-associated disease progression.
Comparative ability of IL-12 and IL-28B to regulate Treg populations and enhance adaptive cellular immunity
Authors: Morrow Matthew P. , Pankhong Panyupa , Laddy Dominick J. , Schoenly Kimberly A. , Yan Jian , Cisper Neil , Weiner David B.
Published: March 2009

Improving the potency of immune responses is paramount among issues concerning vaccines against deadly pathogens. IL-28B belongs to the newly described interferon lambda (IFNλ) family of cytokines, and has not yet been assessed for its potential ability to influence adaptive immune responses or act as a vaccine adjuvant. We compared the ability of plasmid-encoded IL-28B to boost immune responses to a multiclade consensus HIV Gag plasmid during DNA vaccination with that of IL-12. We show here that IL-28B, like IL-12, is capable of robustly enhancing adaptive immunity. Moreover, we describe for the first time how IL-28B reduces regulatory T-cell populations during DNA vaccination, whereas IL-12 increases this cellular subset. We also show that IL-28B, unlike IL-12, is able to increase the percentage of splenic CD8+ T cells in vaccinated animals, and that these cells are more granular and have higher antigen-specific cytolytic degranulation compared with cells taken from animals that received IL-12 as an adjuvant. Lastly, we report that IL-28B can induce 100% protection from mortality after a lethal influenza challenge. These data suggest that IL-28B is a strong candidate for further studies of vaccine or immunotherapy protocols.
New scoring schema for finding motifs in DNA Sequences
Authors: Zare-Mirakabad Fatemeh , Ahrabian Hayedeh , Sadeghi Mehdei , Nowzari-Dalini Abbas , Goliaei Bahram
Published: March 2009

Background

Pattern discovery in DNA sequences is one of the most fundamental problems in molecular biology with important applications in finding regulatory signals and transcription factor binding sites. An important task in this problem is to search (or predict) known binding sites in a new DNA sequence. For this reason, all subsequences of the given DNA sequence are scored based on an scoring function and the prediction is done by selecting the best score. By assuming no dependency between binding site base positions, most of the available tools for known binding site prediction are designed. Recently Tomovic and Oakeley investigated the statistical basis for either a claim of dependence or independence, to determine whether such a claim is generally true, and they presented a scoring function for binding site prediction based on the dependency between binding site base positions. Our primary objective is to investigate the scoring functions which can be used in known binding site prediction based on the assumption of dependency or independency in binding site base positions.

Results

We propose a new scoring function based on the dependency between all positions in biding site base positions. This scoring function uses joint information content and mutual information as a measure of dependency between positions in transcription factor binding site. Our method for modeling dependencies is simply an extension of position independency methods. We evaluate our new scoring function on the real data sets extracted from JASPAR and TRANSFAC data bases, and compare the obtained results with two other well known scoring functions.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that the new approach improves known binding site discovery and show that the joint information content and mutual information provide a better and more general criterion to investigate the relationships between positions in the TFBS. Our scoring function is formulated by simple mathematical calculations. By implementing our method on several biological data sets, it can be induced that this method performs better than methods that do not consider dependencies.
Sugarcane genes associated with sucrose content
Authors: Papini-Terzi Flávia S , Rocha Flávia R , Vêncio Ricardo ZN , Felix Juliana M , Branco Diana S , Waclawovsky Alessandro J , Del Bem Luiz EV , Lembke Carolina G , Costa Maximiller DL , Nishiyama Milton Y , Vicentini Renato , Vincentz Michel GA , Ulian Eugênio C , Menossi Marcelo , Souza Glaucia M
Published: March 2009

Background -

Sucrose content is a highly desirable trait in sugarcane as the worldwide demand for cost-effective biofuels surges. Sugarcane cultivars differ in their capacity to accumulate sucrose and breeding programs routinely perform crosses to identify genotypes able to produce more sucrose. Sucrose content in the mature internodes reach around 20% of the culms dry weight. Genotypes in the populations reflect their genetic program and may display contrasting growth, development, and physiology, all of which affect carbohydrate metabolism. Few studies have profiled gene expression related to sugarcane's sugar content. The identification of signal transduction components and transcription factors that might regulate sugar accumulation is highly desirable if we are to improve this characteristic of sugarcane plants.

Results -

We have evaluated thirty genotypes that have different Brix (sugar) levels and identified genes differentially expressed in internodes using cDNA microarrays. These genes were compared to existing gene expression data for sugarcane plants subjected to diverse stress and hormone treatments. The comparisons revealed a strong overlap between the drought and sucrose-content datasets and a limited overlap with ABA signaling. Genes associated with sucrose content were extensively validated by qRT-PCR, which highlighted several protein kinases and transcription factors that are likely to be regulators of sucrose accumulation. The data also indicate that aquaporins, as well as lignin biosynthesis and cell wall metabolism genes, are strongly related to sucrose accumulation. Moreover, sucrose-associated genes were shown to be directly responsive to short term sucrose stimuli, confirming their role in sugar-related pathways.

Conclusion -

Gene expression analysis of sugarcane populations contrasting for sucrose content indicated a possible overlap with drought and cell wall metabolism processes and suggested signaling and transcriptional regulators to be used as molecular markers in breeding programs. Transgenic research is necessary to further clarify the role of the genes and define targets useful for sugarcane improvement programs based on transgenic plants.
Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and chromogenic in situ hybridization: precise methods to detect HER-2 status in breast carcinoma
Authors: Rosa Fabíola E , Silveira Sara M , Silveira Cássia GT , Bérgamo Nádia A , Neto Francisco A Moraes , Domingues Maria AC , Soares Fernando A , Caldeira José RF , Rogatto Silvia R
Published: March 2009

Background

HER-2 gene testing has become an integral part of breast cancer patient diagnosis. The most commonly used assay in the clinical setting for evaluating HER-2 status is immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). These procedures permit correlation between HER-2 expression and morphological features. However, FISH signals are labile and fade over time, making post-revision of the tumor difficult. CISH (chromogenic in situ hybridization) is an alternative procedure, with certain advantages, although still limited as a diagnostic tool in breast carcinomas.

Methods

To elucidate the molecular profile of HER-2 status, mRNA and protein expression in 75 invasive breast carcinomas were analyzed by real time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and IHC, respectively. Amplifications were evaluated in 43 of these cases by CISH and in 11 by FISH.

Results

The concordance rate between IHC and qRT-PCR results was 78.9%, and 94.6% for qRT-PCR and CISH. Intratumoral heterogeneity of HER-2 status was identified in three cases by CISH. The results of the three procedures were compared and showed a concordance rate of 83.8%; higher discordances were observed in 0 or 1+ immunostaining cases, which showed high-level amplification (15.4%) and HER-2 transcript overexpression (20%). Moreover, 2+ immunostaining cases presented nonamplified status (50%) by CISH and HER-2 downexpression (38.5%) by qRT-PCR. In general, concordance occurred between qRT-PCR and CISH results. A high concordance was observed between CISH/qRT-PCR and FISH. Comparisons with clinicopathological data revealed a significant association between HER-2 downexpression and the involvement of less than four lymph nodes (P = 0.0350).

Conclusion

Based on these findings, qRT-PCR was more precise and reproducible than IHC. Furthermore, CISH was revealed as an alternative and useful procedure for investigating amplifications involving the HER-2 gene.