bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Plant Extracts Antimutagenicity Using the Ames Test and the Cytogenetic Analysis of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes
Authors: Bunkova R. , Marova I. , Pokorna Z. , Lojek A.
Published: April 2005

This work was focused on comparison of antimutagenic effect of selected plant extracts (carrot, paprika, tomato, spinach, onion, kiwi and green tea) analysed by two independent tests of genotoxicity: i) the Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and ii) cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes (CAPL). Both methods were proved without and/or with metabolic activation. Samples were allowed to be positive antimutagens based on their ability to inhibit the mutagenic effects of standard mutagens. High positive results (more than 60% of inhibition of mutagenic effect) were obtained with extract from green tea. Extracts from paprika, carrot and spinach as well as solutions of standard alltrans-carotene and some standard flavonoids showed antimutagenic (40-60% of inhibition) or weakly antimutagenic (20-40% of inhibition) effects. Positive antimutagenic effects of extracts from spinach and green tea were determined using CAPL method too. Further, the comparison of antimutagenic activity and antioxidant capacity of tested samples analysed using TRAP (total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter) method was proved. Extract from green tea showed the highest antioxidant as well as antimutagenic capacity, but no correlation was found between these parameters in all tested extracts.
Note. Physicochemical Composition of Ten Pomegranate Cultivars (Punica granatum L.) Grown in Iran
Authors: Fadavi A. , Barzegar M. , Azizi M. H. , Bayat M.
Published: April 2005

Ten pomegranate varieties were analysed for their percent of skin, juice, seed, lipid content and moisture, and sugars, minerals, vitamin C, protein, pH, titrable acidity (TA) and soluble solid content (SSC) of juices. Predominant sugars were fructose (3.50 to 5.96g/100g) and glucose (3.40 to 6.40g/100g). Saccharose and maltose were not practically detected in any variety. K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb and Cd were determined by ICP atomic spectroscopy. Contents of K, Na, Ca and Mg were the highest among minerals in fruit juices. The average concentration of vitamin C, protein, TA, SSC and pH were 0.09-0.40mg/100g, 0.29-1.93%, 4.0-24.5g/L, 10.0-16.5°Brix and 2.90-4.21, respectively.
Problems of Modernizing an Ethno-Religious Party
Authors: Evans Jocelyn A.J. , Tonge Jonathan
Published: April 2005

Structural reforms of political parties in Western Europe have shifted these actors towards individual member organizations in which sectional interests have diminished in salience. This process has been accompanied by a secularization of parties, as links to religious organizations have declined. Such developments have been facilitated by a matching of the need for structural reform with the electoral imperative of the removal of electorally unpopular associations. Where such alignment is less apparent, however, processes of modernization may be shelved. This is apparent in Northern Ireland, where the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) declined to remove the Orange Order from its structures, relying instead upon the Order to voluntarily sever the link. This article employs Downsian and sociological models to assess the debate over whether to proceed with party modernization amid electoral risk. It finds that, even if the UUP leadership had been able to convince its members to adopt such a modernization strategy, this would not eradicate divisions within the party upon constitutional and policy questions, and indeed would push the party away from popular Protestant opinion. As such, modernization in this ‘deviant’ case cannot be seen as a rational strategy.
Factions of Interest in Japan and Italy
Authors: Bettcher Kim Eric
Published: April 2005

The classification and analysis of intra-party groups remain challenging despite several scholarly attempts. This article argues that intra-party groups vary along two important dimensions, one which describes their incentive structures (motivation) and one their degree of organization. The first dimension delineates the relative mixture of selective and collective incentives they offer, and the second dimension their organizational stability and sophistication. In brief, clienteles and factions of interest are based primarily on patronage, while tendencies and factions of principle are based primarily on policy beliefs. Both factions of interest and factions of principle are more highly developed organizationally than clienteles or tendencies. To illustrate, the article details the experience of factions in Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and Italy’s Christian Democracy. It is shown how factions in both parties experienced shifts along the organizational and motivational dimensions and how they may best be classified.
New Technology in Ageing Parties
Authors: Pedersen Karina , Saglie Jo
Published: April 2005

The primary organizational innovation in political parties during the 1990s was the employment of new information and communication technologies (ICTs). The article explores the use of ICTs in party membership organizations and the impact these have on intra-party communication and participation: first, the extent to which party members participate in activities facilitated by these new technologies, and second, the ‘digital divide’ separating organizational strata. Data from Danish and Norwegian party member and party congress delegate surveys conducted in 2000/01 indicate that ICTs have become fully integrated parts of party work among top-level and middle-level elites, and that the extent to which rank-and-file party members participate in these activities remains limited. Even though some members who did not engage in traditional party activities were attracted by these new activities, the impact was limited during the early 2000s.
Using Evaluation to Create ‘Provisional Stabilities’
Authors: Saunders Murray , Charlier Bernadette , Bonamy Joel
Published: April 2005

This article reports the evaluation experience in two SOCRATES (European Union funding mechanism designed to support innovation in teaching and learning) projects focused on change in higher education. The projects were international in scope involving six countries and ten institutions within the last four years. The article reflects on change in institutions specifically, especially those introduced by the use of information and communication technologies, and it suggests the hypothesis that in such a phase of transition, new rules are not yet established and a state of anomie can occur at the level of courses, departments and institutions. The article details what happens in educational institutions in which rules and practices are well established and validated and a new event radically changes or challenges the traditional practices. Instead of the psycho-social notion of ‘resistance to change’, the theory of Durkheim and followers that analyses human responses in times of social change may be of use to interpret situations in which change or the will to change creates conflicting systems of rules and practices. The article will argue for a crucial role for evaluation in negotiating such periods of change.
Qualitative Control
Authors: Kushner Saville
Published: April 2005

This article takes a balanced look at the recent publication Quality in Qualitative Evaluation: a Framework for Assessing Research Evidence (Liz Spencer, Jane Ritchie, Jane Lewis and Lucy Dillon), published by the UK Cabinet Office. Set in a context of an absence in the UK of a defined professional community of evaluators - unlike in the USA - the article examines the promises and limitations of the Framework. The Framework emerges as a useful document for legitimating the use of more varied and comprehensive data sets, but shows certain weaknesses in acknowledging the particular challenge of evaluation practice, as opposed to the mere application of social science methods.
Using Realistic Evaluation to Evaluate a Practice-level Intervention to Improve Primary Healthcare for Patients with Long-term Mental Illness
Authors: Byng Richard , Norman Ian , Redfern Sally
Published: April 2005

Mental Health Link - a facilitated programme - aimed to develop systems within primary care and links with specialists to improve care for patients with long-term mental illness. A process evaluation based on Pawson and Tilley’s Realistic Evaluation complemented a randomized controlled trial. This article describes the method developed for this ‘realistic evaluation’, the mechanisms behind the integration of linked specialist workers and discusses practical and theoretical issues arising from the use of the realistic evaluation framework as a way of explaining the results of trials and service development. Retrospective interviews identified the important outcomes and were used to construct ‘Context-Mechanism-Outcome’ configurations. The 12 case studies represented what had happened. A second-level analysis using analytic induction developed ‘middle range theories’ designed to be of value to those developing care elsewhere. The intervention was successful in stimulating productive joint working, through case discussions, but often failed to ensure a review of progress.
Well-being in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Effects of Disease Duration and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Treharne Gareth J. , Kitas George D. , Lyons Antonia C. , Booth David A.
Published: April 2005

This study examined the multivariate relationships of psychosocial factors with well-being in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fifty-five patients with early RA (< six months), 52 with intermediate RA (one-seven years) and 47 with established RA (> seven years) completed questionnaires on psychosocial factors and psychological and physical well-being. Illness perceptions related to worse depression and life satisfaction (especially in early RA) and to longer morning stiffness (especially in intermediate RA). Optimism related to lower pain in early and intermediate RA. Social support related to lower fatigue in established RA. Indications for interventions targeted by disease duration are discussed.
A Social Semiotic Interpretation of Suicidal Behaviour in Young People
Authors: Anderson Martin , Standen P. J. , Noon Joe P.
Published: April 2005

This article presents a study of nurses’ and doctors’ perceptions of young people who engage in suicidal behaviour. A contemporary view of grounded theory is used to guide the collection and analysis of qualitative data from nurses and doctors working with young people in an accident and emergency department, paediatric medicine and child and adolescent mental health services (adolescent inpatient unit). The analysis of 45 semi-structured interviews generated the category: Processes of communication and associated meanings: Another voice, Complex messages and Seeing and using the social environment. A social semiotic framework is used to explore the way in which nurses and doctors perceive young people who engage in suicidal behaviour. The article concludes by considering the implications for policy and practice.
Sun Protection as a Family Health Project in Families with Adolescents
Authors: Young Richard A. , Logan Corinne , Lovato Chris Y. , Moffat Barbara , Shoveller Jean A.
Published: April 2005

This study examined sun protection in families with adolescents from an action-theoretical perspective. Interview data were collected from 20 families about their attitudes and behaviors around sunbathing and sun protection. The data support the understanding of project as joint goal-directed action over time as the basis on which these behaviors are organized in families. Families used the language of goal-directed action to discuss family sun protection. Differences between families with focused and diffuse sun-protection projects are identified. Sun protection in families as one part of an array of family goal-directed actions and projects has implications for health promotion.
The Physical, Emotional and Interpersonal Impact of HAART: Exploring the Realities of HIV Seropositive Individuals on Combination Therapy
Authors: Halkitis Perry N. , Shrem Michael T. , Zade David D. , Wilton Leo
Published: April 2005

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the impact of HAART on the lives of HIV seropositive men and women. The data demonstrate that the demands of these treatments are substantial, but that renewed health and hope for the future due to the implementation of HAART often overshadows the stress of the treatments on the physical, emotional and social well-being of the individuals. Practitioners should be keenly aware of the struggles faced by those on HAART, and provide multidimensional support to assure maximum effectiveness of these treatments in light of the realities of their clients’ lives.
Understanding Why People with Type 1 Diabetes Do Not Attend for Specialist Advice: A Qualitative Analysis of the Views of People with Insulin-dependent Diabetes Who Do Not Attend Diabetes Clinic
Authors: Lawson Valerie L. , Lyne Patricia A. , Harvey John N. , Bundy Christine E.
Published: April 2005

Attendance at diabetes clinic is associated with improved medical outcome, however, significant numbers of people with type 1 diabetes choose not to attend. In order to understand the reasons underlying this decision, qualitative interviews were carried out with 12 long-term non-attenders. Three distinct groups emerged differing in terms of their cognitive and emotional responses to diabetes and their coping strategies: (1) the ‘High fear’ group; (2) the ‘Patient as expert’ group; and (3) the ‘Low motivation’ group. These differences should be recognized and suitable approaches developed to ensure that all people with diabetes are able to accept appropriate specialist support.
The Social Meanings of Prosthesis Use
Authors: Murray Craig D.
Published: April 2005

The present research explores the social meanings surrounding the use of artificial limbs. Semi-structured email and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 35 prosthesis users, along with analysis of the posts made on an email discussion group for prosthesis users. This data was subject to an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. It is concluded that prosthesis use plays a social role in the lives of persons with limb loss/absence. The ability to conceal such use enabled participants to ward off social stigmatisation that in turn enabled their social integration and the reduction of emotional problems surrounding such disability.
Child Labour and the International Labour Organization’s Convention 182: A Critical Perspective
Authors: Estacio Emee Vida , Marks David F.
Published: April 2005

‘Child labour’ is a worldwide problem that has caused detrimental effects to children’s health and well-being. The ILO Convention 182 aims to address this issue by immediately eliminating its worst forms. This article provides a discourse analysis of this Convention. The analysis suggests that using an organizational discourse, the Convention promotes the maintenance of existing hierarchies of power, primarily through emphasis on legislative structures and consultation with the Organization of Employers and Workers. It has been recommended that the Convention be revised in light of the insights generated by the analysis and that the children be given a more active role in the process.
The relationship between expressive language level and psychological development in children with autism 5 years of age
Authors: Pry R. , Petersen A. , Baghdadli A.
Published: April 2005

The age of detection of autism varies and may be linked to differences in the severity of disturbance and any associated retardation. Symptom intensity, overall language level, age of recognition of first disturbances and level of psychological development were examined in 222 children with pervasive developmental disorder with a mean age of 5 years. Results showed a positive correlation between language level and psychological development as well as between language level and intensity of symptoms. The central position of language in psychological development is discussed.
Adjustment in mothers of children with Asperger syndrome
Authors: Pakenham Kenneth I. , Samios Christina , Sofronoff Kate
Published: April 2005

The present study examined the applicability of the double ABCX model of family adjustment in explaining maternal adjustment to caring for a child diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Forty-seven mothers completed questionnaires at a university clinic while their children were participating in an anxiety intervention. The children were aged between 10 and 12 years. Results of correlations showed that each of the model components was related to one or more domains of maternal adjustment in the direction predicted, with the exception of problem-focused coping. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that, after controlling for the effects of relevant demographics, stressor severity, pile-up of demands and coping were related to adjustment. Findings indicate the utility of the double ABCX model in guiding research into parental adjustment when caring for a child with Asperger syndrome. Limitations of the study and clinical implications are discussed.
Social communication in children with autism
Authors: Hale Courtney M. , Tager-Flusberg Helen
Published: April 2005

This longitudinal study investigated the developmental trajectory of discourse skills and theory of mind in 57 children with autism. Children were tested at two time points spaced 1 year apart. Each year they provided a natural language sample while interacting with one parent, and were given standardized vocabulary measures and a developmentally sequenced battery of theory of mind tasks. The language samples were coded for conversational skills, specifically the child’s use of topic-related contingent utterances. Children with autism made significant gains over 1 year in the ability to maintain a topic of discourse. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that theory of mind skills contributed unique variance to individual differences in contingent discourse ability and vice versa, when measured concurrently; however, they did not predict longitudinal changes. The findings offer some empirical support for the hypothesis that theory of mind is linked to communicative competence in children with autism.
Attention, monotropism and the diagnostic criteria for autism
Authors: Murray Dinah , Lesser Mike , Lawson Wendy
Published: April 2005

The authors conclude from a range of literature relevant to the autistic condition that atypical strategies for the allocation of attention are central to the condition. This assertion is examined in the context of recent research, the diagnostic criteria for autism in DSMIV and ICD-10, and the personal experiences of individuals with autism including one of the authors of the article. The first two diagnostic criteria are shown to follow from the ‘restricted range of interests’ referred to in the third criterion. Implications for practice are indicated.
Looking Like a Family: Negotiating Bio-Genetic Continuity in British Lesbian Families1 Using Licensed Donor Insemination
Authors: Jones Caroline
Published: April 2005

Under current legal regulations, when undertaking donor insemination at British clinics, women are able to ‘choose’ particular characteristics of donors. It is also permissible to reserve sperm from a particular donor for future use. These provisions have traditionally been associated with facilitating heterosexual couples to ‘pass’ as ‘the family’. In contrast, this article discusses the significance of these practices for some lesbian couples. I explore the construction of implied (racial and cultural) bio-genetic links between donor-conceived children and co-mothers, and to co-mothers’ extended families. I also examine the use of the same donor for ‘full’ siblings. In conclusion I discuss some of the implications for our understanding of lesbian family construction.
Crafting cultural resonance
Authors: Ettema James S.
Published: April 2005

To offer mythic appeal or ritual value, news must be framed not only to make certain facts and interpretations salient but also to resonate with what writers and readers take to be real and important matters of life. Paralleling salience as an effect of selectivity in fact-gathering and emphasis in news-writing, this study argues that resonance is an effect of those same practices when accomplished with eloquence. Continuing coverage of a particular news event provides the opportunity to study the recurring narrative structures and rhetorical strategies that just seemed to work in telling the story. That story, a poignant death and its aftermath, illustrates three resources for crafting resonance - all of which point to an ultimate source of resonance in the complexities of human desire.
‘Blogs of war’
Authors: Wall Melissa
Published: April 2005

This article examines current events weblogs or blogs that were particularly active during the second US war with Iraq, in the spring of 2003. Analysis suggests that these blogs are a new genre of journalism that emphasizes personalization, audience participation in content creation and story forms that are fragmented and interdependent with other websites. These characteristics suggest a shift away from traditional journalism’s modern approach toward a new form of journalism infused with postmodern sensibilities.
Identity, contingency and rigidity
Authors: Carpentier Nico
Published: April 2005

This article uses key notions of the discourse theory of Laclau and Mouffe to analyze the identity of the media professional. Within their post-structural framework, this identity is seen as over-determined, contingent and constructed but at the same time subjected to a hegemonic articulation, based on four nodal points: objectivity, autonomy, management of resources and employee-employer relations. Combined with a theoretical discussion on the (counter-)hegemonic articulations, this allows for the field of discursivity that surrounds the identity of the media professional to be (re)constructed, resulting in four dimensions that offer potential points of identification. This field of discursivity is then used and put to the test as a series of sensitizing concepts for the analysis of the seven phone-in broadcasts the program Ter Zake (on VRT - the North Belgian public broadcasting company) has organized, illustrating both the contingency of the identity of the media professional and the rigidity of the hegemonic articulation.
Location, Location, Location
Authors: Brinegar Adam P. , Jolly Seth K.
Published: April 2005

Political scientists have extensively studied how the public forms its opinions about European integration, utilizing a variety of techniques and data sets while focusing on different units of analysis. Much of the public opinion literature suggests that lower-skilled workers are likely to have more negative evaluations of European integration. We argue, by contrast, that ‘socio-tropic’ evaluations of the effects of European integration on national redistribution and capitalist systems are more important than skill. To the extent that skill levels matter, they can be understood only through the frame of national factor endowments and varieties of capitalism. In addition, we find that other individual-level factors, such as ideology, are conditioned or attenuated by national contextual factors, suggesting that cross-level interactions are a promising direction for future research.
Public Opinion, Risk Perceptions, and Genetically Modified Food Regulatory Policy
Authors: Durant Robert F. , Legge Jerome S.
Published: April 2005

The underlying assumption of multinational corporations and US government campaigns to inform citizens worldwide of the advantages of genetically modified (GM) foods has been straightforward: if citizens better understand GM science and benefits, they will become less wary of GM foods. To test the assumptions of proponents regarding science-based information campaigns, we use heteroskedastic probit analysis to analyze responses to the 1999 Eurobarometer survey. The results suggest that pro-GM food campaigns, directed at enhancing citizens’ understanding of the underlying science and biotechnology of GM food benefits, may not be as effective as GM proponents expect, and may even be counterproductive. The analysis also reveals, however, that support for GM foods is likely to be linked to citizens’ trust in government. Thus, campaigns stressing the regulatory capacity and willingness to protect public health, safety, and the environment, rather than merely leavening citizens’ understanding of the genetic science and biotechnology informing GM foods, may be more effective.
‘Second-order’ versus ‘Issue-voting’ Effects in EU Referendums
Authors: Garry John , Marsh Michael , Sinnott Richard
Published: April 2005

Are referendums on EU treaties decided by voters’ attitudes to Europe (the ‘issue-voting’ explanation) or by voters’ attitudes to their national political parties and incumbent national government (the ‘second-order election model’ explanation)? In one scenario, these referendums will approximate to deliberative processes that will be decided by people’s views of the merits of European integration. In the other scenario, they will be plebiscites on the performance of national governments. We test the two competing explanations of the determinants of voting in EU referendums using evidence from the two Irish referendums on the Nice Treaty. We find that the issue-voting model outperforms the second-order model in both referendums. However, we also find that issue-voting was particularly important in the more salient and more intense second referendum. Most strikingly, attitudes to EU enlargement were much stronger predictors of vote at Nice 2 than at Nice 1. This finding about the rise in importance of attitudes to the EU points to the importance of campaigning in EU referendums.
Political versus Instrumental Euro-scepticism
Authors: Lubbers Marcel , Scheepers Peer
Published: April 2005

In this contribution we demonstrate that European citizens distinguish between political and instrumental Euro-scepticism and indicate the extent to which these Euro-sceptic positions are endorsed. Data from 143,367 European citizens in 15 countries and 182 regions show that political Euroscepticism constitutes a cumulative evaluation in each European country. European citizens who are Euro-sceptic on international policies are also Euro-sceptic on joint decisions on immigration policies and sociocultural policies. Moreover, we notice that political Euro-scepticism is modestly correlated with instrumental Euro-scepticism. We explore the extent to which both forms of Euro-scepticism vary between countries and regions and to what extent the percentages of missing values on these measurements affect the degree of Euro-scepticism at the national and regional level. This contribution shows that research on Euro-scepticism to date is skewed by a focus on instrumental Euro-scepticism.
Forum Section The Study of EU Public Policy
Authors: Franchino Fabio
Published: April 2005

This note reports the results of a survey of all the articles on EU policies published since 1994 in three major journals. It makes four recommendations. We should probably invest more research time on (1) established policy areas that are at the core of the Union, (2) the study of policy adjudication and the role of courts in the EU policy process, (3) confirmatory theory-testing research and (4) strategies that increase the number of observations, in order to make more use of statistical estimation techniques.
On restlessness and patience
Authors: Fullagar Simone
Published: April 2005

This article develops a post-structuralist analysis of Bruce Chatwin’s famous travel narrative The Songlines (1987). This narrative is compelling because Chatwin positions his narrator as the cosmopolitan traveller moved by a strong desire to know the world in its difference. The desire that informs travel and travel writing is rarely theorized within the sociological literature on tourism, and yet desire is a fundamental social relation that structures encounters between self and other/difference. By analysing the different trajectories of desire within Chatwin’s travel narrative we can begin to unravel the social processes that transform the western subject and mediate the embodied experience of time (as lived temporality). Within The Songlines travel is characterized by a constant tension between the western subject’s experience of restlessness and patience as these embody quite distinctly different notions of time. Drawing on insights from contemporary phenomenology, psychoanalytic theory and French feminism, I analyse the temporal nature of Chatwin’s journeys in order to theorize the desire that mediates his ambivalent relationship between home and away. Home is a complex signifier of the feminine (and heterosexual identity) for Chatwin that is also associated with stasis and death as they figure in an oppositional relation to travel as an imagined freedom. This freedom is produced through a particularly nostalgic relation to Aboriginal culture as the otherness that provides the materiality and background for Chatwin’s quest for truth and self certainty as a western subject.
Mediating landscapes
Authors: Scarles Caroline
Published: April 2005

Using the example of the Scottish Tourist Board ([STB] now VisitScotland), this article outlines three spaces of mediation involved in the discursive transformation of material landscapes into brochure images. STB marketing personnel occupy the first space of mediation. Market research provides specialist knowledge of consumer expectations and key icons of Scotland that form the dominant ideological foundations upon which positive discourses of place are constructed. Photography occupies the second space of mediation. Directly influenced by marketing discourse, photography becomes a highly selective process as photographers directly mediate landscapes using photographic techniques, knowledge and artistic expertise to convey atmospheres, moods and feelings of place, capturing consumers’ attention and encouraging imaginative interpretation. Design and the final presentation of images in brochures occupy the third space of mediation. Bound by design briefs outlining mediated discourse, design mediation occurs as designers apply knowledge, skills and artistic expertise of design practices and create new ways of presenting images in brochures.
multi-agency working
Authors: Atkinson Mary , Doherty Paul , Kinder Kay
Published: April 2005

This article relays the findings from a study of multi-agency working involving professionals from the Education, Social Services and Health sectors of local authorities, which are conveyed in two reports - Multi-agency Working: An Audit of Activity, published in February 2001, and Multi-agency Working: A Detailed Study, published in January 2002. This article focuses on models of multi-agency activity, together with the challenges and the key factors for their success.
investigating the impact of working in multi-agency service delivery settings in the uk on early years practitioners’ beliefs and practices
Authors: Anning Angela
Published: April 2005

In the UK Centres of Excellence were funded by the DfES to model high quality, multi-agency, early years services for young children and their families. They were precursors to Children’s Centres to be established across the UK. Early Excellence Centres were evaluated at national and local levels. This article will draw on data from local evaluations of two contrasting Centres of Excellence: interviews with staff to explore shifts in their perspectives on the rhetoric and reality of multi-agency team work; and responses by staff to vignettes representing conflicts and dilemmas in the delivery of services. The article explores methodological complexities of accessing values underpinning action in practice in multi-agency teams working in inner cities.
head start children’s transition to kindergarten
Authors: Pigott Therese D. , Israel Marla Susman
Published: April 2005

It has been acknowledged that children from poverty begin school missing many of the prerequisites for school success. The 1963 US initiative, Head Start, is the major federal program aimed at providing children in poverty the experiences necessary to start school on an equal footing with their same-age peers. This article uses data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS) to examine the reading and math assessment scores of Head Start children as compared to their same-age peers at kindergarten entry. The data suggests that while Head Start children score higher than their same-age peers when compared to non-Head Start children from the same socio-economic status, there is still a gap between Head Start children and their peers in schools with higher social economic standing. The article brings an interdisciplinary focus to the issue of how ‘peer’ is defined for disadvantaged children when examining achievement gaps and relative program effectiveness.
Towards a nursing science of the unique
Authors: Rolfe Gary , Gardner Lyn
Published: April 2005

In this paper we attempt to counter the tendency for reflection and reflective practice to be marginalised by the growing dominance of evidence-based practice in nursing. We resist the assimilation of reflection into a hierarchy of evidence dominated by the findings from ‘hard science’, and argue instead for an alternative science of nursing based on the premise that nursing is a series of individual and unique encounters which cannot be described by a science of large numbers. The resulting ‘science of the unique’ is concerned with persons rather than people, with wet data from the clinical setting rather than dry data from the laboratory and clinical trial, and with the individual practice encounter as the site of reflexive research. In particular, we argue that the traditional concept of evidence from formal research is merely the starting point for the on-the-spot generation of reflective/reflexive evidence by nurses themselves as part of everyday practice.
The Effect of Polymer Properties on the Mechanical Behavior and Morphological Characteristics of Cast Polyethylene Film for Stretch and Cling Film Applications
Authors: McNally G. M. , Small C. M. , Murphy W. R. , Garrett G.
Published: April 2005

Polyethylene films, prepared from a range of mLLDPE, LLDPE, and ULDPE resins containing 4% polyisobutylene (PIB) from a masterbatch, are manufactured using a Killion cast film extrusion system. FTIR, DSC, and mechanical analysis techniques are used to investigate the effect of comonomer type, density, and melt flow index (MFI) on the mechanical performance, orientation, and crystallinity of these films. The study established that comonomer type and MFI are the greatest factors influencing the mechanical performance and crystallinity. Crystallinity has been found to be the most influential factor governing PIB migration in these films and this in turn is related to polymer type, density, and MFI.
The Effect of PIB Molecular Weight on the Cling Characteristics of Polyethylene-PIB Films for Stretch and Cling Film Applications
Authors: McNally G. M. , Small C. M. , Murphy W. R. , Clarke A. H.
Published: April 2005

The effect of molecular weight on the migratory characteristics of polyisobutylene (PIB) additive from the bulk to the surface of a range of monolayer and multilayer extruded polyethylene films has been analyzed by FTIR-ATR and peel cling analysis. Migration rates are shown to be higher for lower molecular weight PIB additive, and cling strength increases as the PIB molecular weight increases.
The Effect of Vinyl Acetate Content and Polyisobutylene Concentration on the Properties of Metallocene Polyethylene-Ethyl Vinyl Acetate Coextruded Film for Stretch and Cling Film Applications
Authors: McNally G. M. , Small C. M. , Murphy W. R. , Garrett G.
Published: April 2005

A range of EVA-mLLDPE-EVA coextruded films, with polyisobutylene (PIB) masterbatch content of 0-20% and vinyl acetate (VA) comonomer content of 6, 12, and 18%, is manufactured. The films are aged at 45 C for up to 28 days to enable tack (cling) development. The results show that film tack strength improves significantly with aging. Increased VA concentration in the surface layer also shows significant improvement in film tack strength. The film tensile strength, elongation, and tear properties in both machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) are not significantly affected by increase in PIB concentration. Increased VA content shows slight improvement in MD mechanical performance of the films, although TD properties are relatively unaffected.
In vivo analyses of early events in acute graft-versus-host disease reveal sequential infiltration of T-cell subsets
Authors: Beilhack Andreas , Schulz Stephan , Baker Jeanette , Beilhack Georg F. , Wieland Courtney B. , Herman Edward I. , Baker Enosh M. , Cao Yu-An , Contag Christopher H. , Negrin Robert S.
Published: April 2005

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major obstacle in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Given the dynamic changes in immune cell subsets and tissue organization, which occur in GVHD, localization and timing of critical immunological events in vivo may reveal basic pathogenic mechanisms. To this end, we transplanted luciferase-labeled allogeneic splenocytes and monitored tissue distribution by in vivo bioluminescence imaging. High-resolution analyses showed initial proliferation of donor CD4+ T cells followed by CD8+ T cells in secondary lymphoid organs with subsequent homing to the intestines, liver, and skin. Transplantation of purified naive T cells caused GVHD that was initiated in secondary lymphoid organs followed by target organ manifestation in gut, liver, and skin. In contrast, transplanted CD4+ effector memory T (TEM) cells did not proliferate in secondary lymphoid organs in vivo and despite their in vitro alloreactivity in mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) assays did not cause acute GVHD. These findings underline the potential of T-cell subsets with defined trafficking patterns for immune reconstitution without the risk of GVHD.
Advances in the biology and therapy of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: moving toward a molecularly targeted approach
Authors: Abramson Jeremy S. , Shipp Margaret A.
Published: April 2005

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) displays striking heterogeneity at the clinical, genetic, and molecular levels. Clinical prognostic models can define a population at high risk for relapse following empiric chemotherapy, although such models do not account for underlying biologic differences among tumors. Commonly observed genetic abnormalities that likely contribute to pathogenesis include translocations of BCL6, BCL2, cMYC, and FAS(CD95) mutations, and aberrant somatic hypermutation. Despite recent advances in empiric chemotherapy, including interval reduction of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) and the incorporation of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, a significant proportion of patients still die of their disease. Gene expression profiling has shed light on the molecular heterogeneity within DLBCL by highlighting similarities between subsets of tumors and normal B cells, identifying features associated with unfavorable responses to empiric combination chemotherapy, and defining robust subtypes with comprehensive transcriptional signatures. Such strategies have suggested distinct routes to lymphomagenesis and have identified promising rational therapeutic targets. Additional novel therapies under investigation include those targeting BCL6 and BCL2, as well as development of novel monoclonal antibody-based therapies. Our increasing molecular understanding of the heterogeneous subsets within DLBCL will likely improve the current empiric therapy of DLBCL by identifying rational therapeutic targets in specific disease subtypes.
A newly discovered human α-globin gene
Authors: Goh Sung-Ho , Lee Y. Terry , Bhanu Natarajan V. , Cam Margaret C. , Desper Richard , Martin Brian M. , Moharram Ramy , Gherman Robert B. , Miller Jeffery L.
Published: April 2005

A previously undefined transcript with significant homology to the pseudo-α2 region of the α-globin locus on human chromosome 16 was detected as part of an effort to better define the transcriptional profiles of human reticulocytes. Cloning and sequencing of that transcript (GenBank AY698022; named μ-globin) revealed an insert with a 423-nucleotide open reading frame. BLASTP and ClustalW and phylogenetic analyses of the predicted protein demonstrated a high level of homology with the avian α-D globin. In addition, the heme- and globin-binding amino acids of μ-globin and avian α-D globin are largely conserved. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), μ-globin was detected at a level of approximately 0.1% that measured for α-globin in erythroid tissues. Erythroid-specific expression was detected by Northern blot analysis, and maximal expression during the erythroblast terminal differentiation was also detected. Despite this highly regulated pattern of μ-globin gene transcription, μ-globin protein was not detected by mass spectrometry. These results suggest the human genome encodes a previously unrecognized globin member of the avian α-D family that is transcribed in a highly regulated pattern in erythroid cells. (Blood. 2005;106:1466-1472)
The transcription factor Gli3 regulates differentiation of fetal CD4–CD8– double-negative thymocytes
Authors: Hager-Theodorides Ariadne L. , Dessens Johannes T. , Outram Susan V. , Crompton Tessa
Published: April 2005

Glioblastoma 3 (Gli3) is a transcription factor involved in patterning and oncogenesis. Here, we demonstrate a role for Gli3 in thymocyte development. Gli3 is differentially expressed in fetal CD4–CD8– double-negative (DN) thymocytes and is most highly expressed at the CD44+ CD25– DN (DN1) and CD44–CD25– (DN4) stages of development but was not detected in adult thymocytes. Analysis of null mutants showed that Gli3 is involved at the transitions from DN1 to CD44+ CD25+ DN (DN2) cell and from DN to CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) cell. Gli3 is required for differentiation from DN to DP thymocyte, after pre–T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling but is not necessary for pre-TCR–induced proliferation or survival. The effect of Gli3 was dose dependent, suggesting its direct involvement in the transcriptional regulation of genes controlling T-cell differentiation during fetal development.
Tuberculous dilated cardiomyopathy: an under-recognized entity?
Authors: Agarwal Ritesh , Malhotra Puneet , Awasthi Anshu , Kakkar Nandita , Gupta Dheeraj
Published: April 2005

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common public health problem in many parts of the world. TB is generally believed to spare these four organs-heart, skeletal muscle, thyroid and pancreas. We describe a rare case of myocardial TB diagnosed on a post-mortem cardiac biopsy.

Case presentation

Patient presented with history suggestive of congestive heart failure. We describe the clinical presentation, investigations and outcome of this case, and review the literature on the involvement of myocardium by TB.

Conclusion

Involvement of myocardium by TB is rare. However it should be suspected as a cause of congestive heart failure in any patient with features suggestive of TB. Increasing recognition of the entity and the use of endomyocardial biopsy may help us detect more cases of this "curable" form of cardiomyopathy.
Practical PCR genotyping protocols for Plasmodium vivax using Pvcs and Pvmsp1
Authors: Imwong Mallika , Pukrittayakamee Sasithon , Grüner Anne Charlotte , Rénia Laurent , Letourneur Frank , Looareesuwan Sornchai , White Nicholas J , Snounou Georges
Published: April 2005

Background

Plasmodium vivax is the second most prevalent malaria parasite affecting more than 75 million people each year, mostly in South America and Asia. In addition to major morbidity this parasite is associated with relapses and a reduction in birthweight. The emergence and spread of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum is a major factor in the resurgence of this parasite. P. vivax resistance to drugs has more recently emerged and monitoring the situation would be helped, as for P. falciparum, by molecular methods that can be used to characterize parasites in field studies and drug efficacy trials.

Methods

Practical PCR genotyping protocols based on polymorphic loci present in two P. vivax genetic markers, Pvcs and Pvmsp1, were developed. The methodology was evaluated using 100 P. vivax isolates collected in Thailand.

Results and Discussion

Analysis revealed that P. vivax populations in Thailand are highly diverse genetically, with mixed genotype infections found in 26 % of the samples (average multiplicity of infection = 1.29). A large number of distinguishable alleles were found for the two markers, 23 for Pvcs and 36 for Pvmsp1. These were generally randomly distributed amongst the isolates. A total of 68 distinct genotypes could be enumerated in the 74 isolates with a multiplicity of infection of 1.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the genotyping protocols presented can be useful in the assessment of in vivo drug efficacy clinical trials conducted in endemic areas and for epidemiological studies of P. vivax infections.
Effects of dexamethasone on TNF-alpha-induced release of cytokines from purified human blood eosinophils
Authors: Uings Iain , Puxeddu Ilaria , Temkin Vladislav , Smith Susan J , Fattah Dilniya , Ray Keith P , Levi-Schaffer Francesca
Published: April 2005

Background

TNF-alpha is an important mediator in allergy also for its effects on eosinophils.

Methods

The effect of dexamethasone on TNF-alpha induced eosinophils survival, degranulation (ECP), cytokines release (IL-8, GM-CSF) and adhesion to VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and IgG coated wells (EPO release) were evaluated.

Results

The drug inhibited IL-8 and GM-CSF production, but not viability, degranulation or adhesion in human peripheral blood eosinophils.

Conclusion

These results indicate that part of the activity of glucocorticosteroids on eosinophils may be mediated by their ability to inhibit cytokine secretion that in turn is important for the perpetuation of the allergic inflammation.
The relations between symptoms, somatic and psychiatric conditions, life satisfaction and perceived health. A primary care based study
Authors: Al-Windi Ahmad
Published: April 2005

Background

In spite of the fact that self-rated health is such an important factor, little is known about the aetiological background to poor perceived health and also less is known about the impact of life satisfaction on health in a primary care practice population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, symptoms, somatic and psychiatric conditions as well as health status measures and life satisfaction on perceived health in a multi-ethnic Swedish health practice population.

Methods

Four-hundred and seventy adult patients, who visited the Jordbro Health Care Centre District (JHC), Haninge Municipality, participated in this study. A general questionnaire with questions about socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, health status and chronic disease were used. In addition to that, the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) was used. Furthermore, physical examinations were conducted. Unconditional logistic regression in successive models was used, adjusted for socio-demographic variables and other confounders.

Results

Life satisfaction is the strongest predictor of poor perceived health in addition to country of birth, number of symptoms and depression. Being born in Sweden or other Nordic countries were related to lower OR as compared to those born outside Europe. The OR for non-depressed vs. depressed was 0.29 (0.17–0.48) and for non-symptomatic vs. symptomatic (1–3 symptoms) 0.25 (0.46–0.48). The OR and 95% CI for low satisfaction with life was 15.40 (5.28–44.97) in comparison to those who are satisfied with life.

Conclusion

Country of birth, depression, number of symptoms and life satisfaction are factors related significantly and independently to perceived health. Life satisfaction is the strongest predictor of perceived poor health.