bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting Teachers Where They're Needed Most: The Case for Licensure Reciprocity
Authors: Sindelar Paul T. , Bishop Anne G. , Gill Michele Gregoire , Connelly Vincent , Rosenberg Michael S.
Published: February 2009

Proponents tout licensure reciprocity as a means for alleviating teacher shortages. In this paper, we describe existing national and regional reciprocity agreements and consider the arguments underlying this proposition. We use research on teacher shortages, the reserve pool, within-state variation in demand, and teacher mobility to draw conclusions about the plausibility of this argument. Our analysis suggests that relocation from state to state has limited potential to alleviate shortages. Instead, the evidence suggests that areas of need are better defined by socioeconomic considerations than by state boundaries. A policy strategy with better potential for reducing shortages would provide incentives for teachers to work in low SES urban and rural schools.
Teacher Candidates with Learning Disabilities: Effective and Ethical Accommodations
Authors: Baldwin Joni L.
Published: February 2009

The number of teacher candidates with learning disabilities (LD) has grown over the past several years. Teacher education programs are accountable to produce quality teachers while providing reasonable accommodations that facilitate completion of a degree program. This study investigated accommodations provided to teacher candidates with LD in teacher education programs. Accommodations at the knowledge level were considered acceptable, while accommodations in field experiences were less common and more likely to raise ethical concerns. For some accommodations, a wide disparity of opinions was evident, indicating poor consistency across teacher education programs. Findings indicated that programs were willing to provide accommodations that maintain the standards of the program and require candidates to demonstrate competence in essential skills of being a teacher.
The Impact of Teacher Beliefs on the Provision of Leisure and Physical Activity Education Curriculum Decisions
Authors: Rose Tessie E. , McDonnell John , Ellis Gary
Published: February 2009

This study investigated (a) variables that predict amount of time students with severe disabilities spend in leisure and physical activity education and (b) teacher beliefs about provision of these services. Participants included 35 secondary special education teachers and 170 students with severe disabilities. Findings suggest that special education teachers provided recommended duration, but valued other curriculum domains over leisure and physical activity education. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) indicated individual teacher differences are a significant predictor of students' participation in leisure and physical activity. Further, HLM analysis indicated that teachers' beliefs about their role in providing leisure education explained a significant portion of the variance among teachers. Recommendations for policy development and teacher education are provided.
Online Mathematics Methods Course Evaluation: Student Outcomes, Generalization, and Pupil Performance
Authors: Alexander Melina , Lignugaris/Kraft Ben , Forbush David
Published: February 2009

NCLB requires states to provide highly qualified educators for all students. Highly qualified educators should have content knowledge in the areas they teach and the pedagogical expertise to produce student educational gains. In this study, researchers examined the effects of an online mathematics methods class on preservice teachers' knowledge of instructional planning, classroom instructional planning performance; and classroom pupil outcomes in mathematics. Preservice teachers acquired instructional planning skills taught through online instruction and utilized these skills in a subsequent classroom placement. Instructional planning combined with classroom supervision contributed to an increase in pupil's mathematics performance. Results are discussed in terms of participant acquisition of online course materials, classroom application of course materials, and pupil outcomes in mathematics.
National Trends in the Sources of Supply of Teachers in Special and General Education
Authors: Cook Lynne H. , Boe Erling E.
Published: February 2009

This paper addresses the national quantity demand, supply, and shortage of special education teachers (SETs) in comparison to general education teachers (GETs). The main data source was the 1999–00 Schools and Staffing Survey. Results indicated that the total demand for SETs increased 38% from 240,000 in 1987–88 to 330,000 in 1999–00, a rate of growth greater than the 26% increase observed for GETs. For entering teachers, the reserve pool was the predominant source of supply of both SETs and GETs. However, only 46% of first-time SETs completed extensive teacher preparation with degree majors in their primary areas of teaching, whereas the comparable figure for GETs was 82%. As an indication of the inadequate supply of extensively prepared teachers in special education, about 28% of first-time teachers hired in special education positions had completed teacher preparation in general education. Finally, a modest decline in the supply of degree graduates in special education has occurred since 1997–98 in spite of the increasing quantity demand for entering SETs.
General and Special Educators' Predictions of Student Success as a Function of Learner Characteristics and Teacher Experience
Authors: Podell David M. , Tournaki Nelly
Published: February 2009

This study compared the influence of teacher and learner characteristics on general and special educators' predictions of student success. Two groups of teachers, 384 general educators and 384 special educators, reported year of experience and responded to case studies describing a student for whom gender, reading achievement, social behavior, and attentiveness were manipulated experimentally. Results indicated (a) when predicting academic success, general educators make lower predictions than special educators as a function of students' reading achievement; (b) when predicting social success, teachers respond differently as a function of students' behaviors as they interact with reading achievement; and (c) compared to novice teachers, experienced teachers make more positive predictions of social success regarding both aggressive and friendly students. The authors discuss the complexity of the interactions of teachers' and students' characteristics and their implications for the classroom.
Perceptions of Collaboration: A Content Analysis of Student Journals
Authors: Gallagher Peggy A. , Vail Cynthia O. , Monda-Amaya Lisa
Published: February 2009

As collaborative instruction for students with disabilities becomes a prominent practice, teacher educators must examine prospective educators' views on these practices. Researchers analyzed reflective journal entries of 41 masters-level teacher certification students in a class on collaboration. Several themes emerged through content analysis including self-evaluation of skills and general communication skills of teams. Results indicate issues in collaboration and areas of concern among preservice and certification students. Further, teacher educators may use the analysis process to provide a concentrated focus on areas of concern to students. As many programs require prospective teachers to journal about their teaching experiences, the categories used in the analysis may provide a basis for examining those journal entries in greater depth.
Charting the Dispositional Knowledge of Beginning Teachers in Special Education
Authors: LePage Pamela , Nielsen Shelley , Fearn Emilene J.
Published: February 2009

When graduate students enter special education programs, they arrive with dispositional knowledge that can assist or hinder them in their professional development. Over the course of two years, the researchers in this study assessed the dispositions of beginning teachers in a special education program at a west coast state university. The researchers gathered data using qualitative methods, which included analyzing vision statements, survey questions, and interviews. The results of this study describe how students entered the program with a variety of perceptions and attitudes and how course work and clinical experiences in these programs affected students' attitudes, as instructors began building on students' prior experience and knowledge.
Co-Teaching at the Pre-Service Level: Special Education Majors Collaborate with English Education Majors
Authors: McHatton Patricia Alvarez , Daniel Patricia L.
Published: February 2009

General education and special education teacher candidates lack experience in collaborating with each other as colleagues; however, upon graduating and entering their own classrooms, most are expected to know how to provide services to students with disabilities in the general classroom. This study describes the efforts of two professors, one in special education and the other in English education, to have their students participate in a collaborative and consultative relationship with each other at the pre-service level. Data are comprised of pre- and post-surveys, as well as weekly written reflections by the teacher candidates. Significant differences were found across programs and within the English education program. Reflections reveal differing participant perceptions of the co-teaching experience. Findings indicate exposure to co-teaching at the pre-service level provides an opportunity to address the roles and responsibilities of general and special educators in working together to ensure academic success for all learners.
Strategic Choices of Convenience Store Chains in China
Authors: Sato Yukihito
Published: February 2009

Two large Japanese convenience store chain companies, namely 7-Eleven Japan and FamilyMart, both of which set up businesses in China in 2004, have followed entirely different strategies. FamilyMart chose a team management strategy which is distinguished by fully utilizing the resources of its Taiwanese subsidiary and forming a partnership with a big Taiwanese business group, Ting Hsin International Group in China. By contrast, 7-Eleven Japan built up its China subsidiary almost wholly by itself, a policy that can be described as a managing-alone strategy. The differences in strategy stem fundamentally from differences in the two companies' experience of international management and from the knowledge derived from that experience. And their choice of strategies has also been shaped by the interactions between two Taiwanese business groups, namely the Ting Hsin International Group and the President Group. Furthermore, we find that FamilyMart's strategy enabled it to build up its operations more quickly than the policy adopted by 7-Eleven Japan. Although the latter's strategy is more time-consuming, it offers a stronger possibility of establishing a more efficient and more transparent business model than the approaches followed by other convenience store chains.
Learning from Customers
Authors: Kawakami Momoko
Published: February 2009

This article explores the firm-level competitive edge that underlies the dominance of Taiwanese manufacturers in the global production of notebook PCs. Based on the study of the business flow of original design manufacturing trade and the author's interviews with outsourcing and subcontracting firms, the article argues that the successful formation of multifaceted capabilities in product development, mass production, and logistics, as well as the creation of information advantages, underpin the drastic rise of Taiwan's position in the global competitive landscape. The article also examines the mechanism through which such firm-level competitiveness has been created, and it argues that the unique attributes of the notebook PC value chains have allowed Taiwanese firms to effectively absorb technology, know-how, and information by interacting with and learning from a wide variety of customers, and thus enhance their competitiveness as original design manufacturing suppliers.
'Enoch and the Son of Man' Revisited: Further Reflections on the Text and Translation of 1 Enoch 70.1-2
Authors: Olson Daniel C.
Published: February 2009

This article is a response to criticism of the author's 1998 article, 'Enoch and the Son of Man in the Epilogue of the Parables' ( JSP 18:27-38). The author here concedes to his critics that the proper textual basis for 1 En. 70.1-2 cannot be determined by manuscript evidence alone, and he is willing to modify slightly his translation of the passage. Otherwise, this article defends the author's original translation of these verses against such critics as Michael Knibb and against alternate translations such as that of George Nickelsburg and James VanderKam. New evidence is brought into the discussion (a Coptic Enoch apocryphon) and several fresh literary and linguistic arguments are presented in defense of the author's original translation.
Immigrant Parents' Concerns Regarding Their Children's Education in the United States
Authors: Nesteruk Olena , Marks Loren , Garrison M.E. Betsy
Published: February 2009

A growing body of research suggests that as immigrant families assimilate into U.S. culture, their children's academic achievements and aspirations decline. This article explores possible reasons for this finding from the perspective of immigrant parents from Eastern European countries whose children attend U.S. schools. In‐depth, qualitative interviews are conducted with 50 married mothers and fathers who hold professional‐status employment. The data are analyzed using open and axial coding approach and three central, recurring themes emerge: (a) Parental Influences: “Education is a must…. The sky is the limit”; (b) The Educational System: “Parental guidance and resources are required”; and (c) Sociocultural Influences: “Everything here is about making money…. But what about our children'” Supporting, illustrative narratives are presented in connection with each theme to explain the perspectives of these immigrant parents on their children's schooling in the United States, and to add other tentative factors for further research into the decline of the children's academic achievement and aspirations with longer residence in the United States. Implications for family and consumer scientists are presented.
Horizontal and Vertical Tax Competition in Florida Local Governments
Authors: Wu Yonghong , Hendrick Rebecca
Published: February 2009

This is an empirical exploration of tax competition among Florida local governments. We estimate a spatial lag reaction function for property tax rate of Florida municipal governments in 2000 and 2004. The level of ``neighborliness'' is measured as spatial distance between geographical centers of municipalities. The weight matrix excludes the municipalities locating within the same county to eliminate their common responses to higher-tier government property tax policy. By including the property tax rate levied by other local governments (counties, school districts), we find that tax competition exists for property tax among neighboring municipalities (horizontal) as well as between municipalities and other local governments (vertical). The response of municipal governments is negative to county's property tax rate but positive to school district's property tax rate.
How Often Versus How Long
Authors: Dagger Tracey S. , Danaher Peter J. , Gibbs Brian J.
Published: February 2009

This study investigates the effects of customer contact frequency and relationship duration on customer-reported relationship strength (CRRS). We embed our analysis of these two relationship-quantity variables within a larger model that considers the effects of relationship-quality variables—commitment, trust and satisfaction—on CRRS. We additionally control for customer demographics and service type. Using a fully national sample of 591 service consumers, we find that both contact frequency and relationship duration have a positive effect on CRRS, and that duration moderates the effect of frequency. Specifically, we observe a relationship-maturity effect: for shorter-duration relationships, contact frequency enhances CRRS, but for longer-duration relationships, contact frequency has no effect on CRRS. Furthermore, employing an iso-contact analysis, we find that for relationships with about the same number of total contacts, those with longer duration are perceived to be stronger, while those with greater contact frequency are not.
Body image in adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Hammar Görel Råsmark , Ozolins Andrejs , Idvall Ewa , Rudebeck Carl Edward
Published: February 2009

The study aims to describe important features of body image in adolescents with motor disabilities and compare them against similar features in able-bodied peers. Relational aspects of body image were given preference in a questionnaire distributed to 35 adolescents with cerebral palsy and 98 adolescents with no known disabilities. Similarities were shown, but also significant differences, indicating a less favourable body image in adolescents with cerebral palsy. It is paramount for young people who are constantly reminded of physical restrictions to experience body vitality. Professionals need to consider the importance of how they interact with young people when seeking to promote a positive body image
Public health nurses' approaches to early childhood physical activity in Finland
Authors: Javanainen-Levonen Tarja , Poskiparta Marita , Rintala Pauli , Satomaa Pekka
Published: February 2009

This study was conducted using five focus groups with 24 public health nurses from regional child health clinics in order to explore health professionals' perceptions concerning physical activity. Participants were professionally experienced (mean 13.9 years), female (mean 46.2 years) nurses with some training in health-enhancing physical activity. Frame analysis of verbatim transcripts resulted in four frames: the environmental frame, the family frame, the natural frame and the wellbeing and health frame. The importance of physical and social environment, especially the role of parents, was highlighted as determinants of physical activity. Furthermore, the natural characteristics of physical activity in early childhood and the benefits of physical activity for wellbeing and health were focused on within these frames. According to the findings, the sample of Finnish nurses approached physical activity multidimensionally. Further research is warranted to ascertain how these approaches come true in health care settings in Finland as well as elsewhere.
Unintended Consequences of Cooperation Inducing and Maintaining Mechanisms in Public Goods Dilemmas: Sanctions and Moral Appeals
Authors: Chen Xiao-Ping , Pillutla Madan M. , Xin Yao
Published: February 2009

Research suggests that contribution to public goods (i.e. cooperation) will increase when groups use sanctions. We argue that when groups use rewards and punishments to induce members to cooperate in a social dilemma, individuals' natural propensity to cooperate may be reduced. Results from two laboratory experiments provide consistent support for our hypothesis. Specifically, we found that cooperation (in groups that adopted sanctioning systems, including both reward and punishment) decreased significantly following the removal of sanctioning systems. We also found that a moral appeal to cooperate was as effective as sanctions in inducing cooperation. Moreover, cooperation induced through appeals was more likely to sustain than that induced through sanctions. We found that people's trust in others' cooperation mediated the relationship between the use of sanctions and appeals and the level of cooperation after these inducing practices were removed. Implications of these results are discussed in the group and organizational context.
Social Structure Shapes Cultural Stereotypes and Emotions: A Causal Test of the Stereotype Content Model
Authors: Caprariello Peter A. , Cuddy Amy J. C. , Fiske Susan T.
Published: February 2009

The stereotype content model (SCM) posits that social structure predicts specific cultural stereotypes and associated emotional prejudices. No prior evidence at a societal level has manipulated both structural predictors and measured both stereotypes and prejudices. In the present study, participants ( n = 120) responded to an immigration scenario depicting a high- or low-status group, competitive or not competitive, and rated their likely stereotype (on warmth and competence) and elicited emotional prejudices (admiration, contempt, envy, and pity). Seven of eight specific predictions are fully confirmed, supporting the SCM's predicted causality for social structural effects on cultural stereotypes and emotional prejudices.
`I'm Out of the Loop': Ostracism Through Information Exclusion
Authors: Jones Eric E. , Carter-Sowell Adrienne R. , Kelly Janice R. , Williams Kipling D.
Published: February 2009

`Out-of-the-loop' experiences, or situations where people perceive being uninformed of information mutually known by others, pervade people's lives. Two experiments examined the psychological impact of this form of partial ostracism. In Experiment 1, compared to in-the-loop participants, out-of-the-loop participants experienced a variety of deleterious effects (e.g. depleted fundamental needs), even without significant costs for being uninformed. In Experiment 2, out-of-the-loop participants were led to believe that their lack of information resulted from their group members' decisions or chance. Unlike those who experience complete ostracism, participants typically reported negative psychological consequences only when group members were responsible for the exclusion decision. Information exclusion also affected factors related to group dynamics (e.g. liking and trust of group members), which may ultimately harm group functioning. Taken together, these studies demonstrate the social and psychological importance of being in the information loop in group settings.
The Roles of Group Importance and Anxiety in Predicting Depersonalized Ingroup Trust
Authors: Kenworthy Jared B. , Jones Jennifer
Published: February 2009

In this experiment, we examine depersonalized ingroup trust as a function of group importance and anxiety. We expected that depersonalized ingroup trust would be stronger in more important social groups. We further predicted that anxiety would moderate the relationship between group importance and depersonalized ingroup trust, so that in high-importance social groups, but not within low-importance social groups, anxiety would increase depersonalized ingroup trust. By contrast, for low importance groups, anxiety should not affect depersonalized trust, but should increase interpersonal trust instead. These predictions were supported, even after controlling for baseline levels of general trust in others as well as for the presence of non-anxiety emotion states. The article discusses the theoretical and empirical links between anxiety, uncertainty, and decisions to trust in collective contexts.
The New Empiricism
Authors: Ticineto Clough Patricia
Published: February 2009

This article offers a review of the relationship of methodological positivism and post-World War II U.S. sociology, especially its transformations in the last three decades of the twentieth century. With this as context, sociological methodology is rethought in terms of what cultural critics refer to as infra-empiricism that allows for a rethinking of bodies, matter and life through new encounters with visceral perception and pre-conscious affect. Thinking infra-empiricism as a new empiricism at this time means rethinking methodology in relationship to the changing configuration of economy, governance disciplinarity and control in the early twenty-first century.
Concepts and the `New' Empiricism
Authors: Gane Nicholas
Published: February 2009

This article examines the role of concepts in the so-called 'new' empiricism that is currently emerging from the writings of Gilles Deleuze. It asks what concepts are, and how they might be put to work to present the 'pure difference' of the empirical world. In addressing these questions, a number of parallels and contrasts are drawn between the writings of Deleuze and Max Weber. It is shown that many of Deleuze's key arguments about concepts- in particular, that they are pedagogical, multiple, networked and problem-oriented in basis - are anticipated by Weber's sociological methodology of concept formation. This leads, finally, to a consideration of whether the creation of concepts as a practice belongs primarily within the domain of philosophy (as argued by Deleuze), or if it is a key part of social scientific work more generally.
Contemporary Sociology and the Challenge of Descriptive Assemblage
Authors: Savage Mike
Published: February 2009

This article argues that the descriptive turn evident in contemporary capitalism challenges orthodox sociological emphases on the central importance of causality and the denigration of descriptive methods. The article reviews the different evocations of descriptive sociology pronounced by three very different contemporary sociologists: Andrew Abbott, John Goldthorpe, and Bruno Latour, and lays out their different approaches to the role of the `sociological descriptive'. It is argued that their apparent differences need to be placed in a broader re-orientation of sociology away from its historical interface with the humanities and towards the natural sciences. How this reorientation involves a new role for visual methods which have traditionally been decried in orthodox sociology is examined, and the article concludes with suggestions for how sociology might best orient itself to the descriptive turn.
Are rural older Icelanders less physically active than those living in urban areas? A population-based study
Authors: Arnadottir Solveig A. , Gunnarsdottir Elin D. , Lundin-Olsson Lillemor
Published: February 2009

Background: Older people in rural areas have been labelled as physically inactive on the basis of leisure-time physical activity research. However, more research is needed to understand the total physical activity pattern in older adults, considering all domains of physical activity, including leisure, work, and domestic life. Aims: We hypothesised that: (a) total physical activity would be the same for older people in urban and rural areas; and (b) urban and rural residency, along with gender and age, would be associated with differences in domain-specific physical activities. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected in Icelandic rural and urban communities from June through to September 2004. Participants were randomly selected, community-dwelling, 65—88 years old, and comprised 68 rural (40% females) and 118 urban (53% females) adults. The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) was used to obtain a total physical activity score and subscores in leisure, during domestic life, and at work. Results: The total PASE score was not associated with rural vs. urban residency, but males were, in total, more physically active than females, and the 65—74-year-olds were more active than the 75—88-year-olds. In the leisure domain, rural people had lower physical activity scores than urban people. Rural males were, however, most likely of all to be physically active in the work domain. In both urban and rural areas, the majority of the physical activity behaviour occurred in relation to housework, with the rural females receiving the highest scores. Conclusions: Older Icelanders in rural areas should not be labelled as less physically active than those who live in urban areas. Urban vs. rural living may, however, influence the physical activity patterns among older people, even within a fairly socioeconomically and culturally homogeneous country such as Iceland. This reinforces the need to pay closer attention to the living environment when studying and developing strategies to promote physical activity.
Click a Donor
Authors: Kroløkke Charlotte
Published: February 2009

In postmodern culture, sperm banking is turned into a legitimate business. This article expands on consumer theory and feminist scholarship and analyses the ways in which masculinity is positioned and performed on the website of one of the world's largest sperm banks, Cryos International. Cryos International brands its product as uniquely Scandinavian while simultaneously engaging in the discourses of a multicultural society. Viking donors are not only white, athletic, fit and young, but also sensitive, witty and moral; intimately connecting images of the donors to images of a nurturing and progressive Scandinavia. The website encourages prospective parents to not only consume sperm, but to also vividly consume images of cute, active, intelligent Nordic children and successful (heterosexual) families.
There is nothing so theoretical as good action research
Authors: Friedman Victor J. , Rogers Tim
Published: February 2009

The goal of this article is try to retrieve the idea of `good theory' that provides accessible and useful tools for practitioners, academics, and other participants in action research. In doing so, we advocate the importance of explicit theory building and testing as an integral part of action research practice. The association of theory with positivist research methodologies has resulted in the rejection of theory by many action researchers, who are fundamentally interested in interpretation and change and correctly see positivist theorizing as antagonistic to these aims. Drawing on the example of Chris Argyris and Donald Schön's `theory of action' approach, we identify six qualities of a non-positivist `good theory'. Broadly, these suggest that theory needs to be both sensitive to the meanings participants give to their situation, yet go beyond these to explore unseen causal dimensions of their behavior and the environment, and the interaction of the two. A case study based on our own practice illustrates these points. We conclude that empowering clients to make practical and sustainable changes means co-creating a shared knowledge of the causal conditions of their social world and its attendant difficulties, and that this knowledge is theoretical.
Building grounded theory in action research through the interplay of subjective ontology and objective epistemology
Authors: Poonamallee Latha
Published: February 2009

In this article, I contribute to the discourse on building theory within the context of action research. Specifically, drawing on advaita (non-dualism) philosophy from Hinduism, I describe a holistic framework which views life as holistic, that is, comprising both subjective and objective views of reality and thus promoting interplay between ontological subjectivity and epistemological objectivity. I illustrate with examples, how anchored in a holistic paradigm, I used principles of constant comparison in developing the theoretical category of sacredness in its various dimensions. I also describe two dimensions that characterized this process: researcher as insider-outsider and researcher's affirmations and ambivalences.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Gravity-Supported, Computer-Enhanced Arm Exercise for Individuals With Severe Hemiparesis
Authors: Housman Sarah J. , Scott Kelly M. , Reinkensmeyer David J.
Published: February 2009

Background/Objective. The authors previously developed a passive instrumented arm orthosis (Therapy Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton [T-WREX]) that enables individuals with hemiparesis to exercise the arm by playing computer games in a gravity-supported environment. The purpose of this study was to compare semiautonomous training with T-WREX and conventional semiautonomous exercises that used a tabletop for gravity support. Methods. Twenty-eight chronic stroke survivors with moderate/severe hemiparesis were randomly assigned to experimental (T-WREX) or control (tabletop exercise) treatment. A blinded rater assessed arm movement before and after twenty-four 1-hour treatment sessions and at 6-month follow-up. Subjects also rated subjective treatment preferences after a single-session crossover treatment. Results. All subjects significantly improved ( P ≤ .05) upper extremity motor control (Fugl-Meyer), active reaching range of motion (ROM), and self-reported quality and amount of arm use (Motor Activity Log). Improvements were sustained at 6 months. The T-WREX group maintained gains on the Fugl-Meyer significantly better than controls at 6 months (improvement of 3.6 ± 3.9 vs 1.5 ± 2.7 points, mean ± SD; P = .04). Subjects also reported a preference for T-WREX training. Conclusion . Gravity-supported arm exercise, using the T-WREX or tabletop support, can improve arm movement ability after chronic severe hemiparesis with brief one-on-one assistance from a therapist (approximately 4 minutes per session). The 3-dimensional weight support, instant visual movement feedback, and simple virtual reality software provided by T-WREX were associated with modest sustained gains at 6-month follow-up when compared with the conventional approach.
Identification and characterization of a novel P2Y12 variant in a patient diagnosed with type 1 von Willebrand disease in the European MCMDM-1VWD study
Authors: Daly Martina E. , Dawood Ban B. , Lester William A. , Peake Ian R. , Rodeghiero Francesco , Goodeve Anne C. , Makris Michael , Wilde Jonathan T. , Mumford Andrew D. , Watson Stephen P. , Mundell Stuart J.
Published: February 2009

We investigated whether defects in the P2Y12 ADP receptor gene (P2RY12) contribute to the bleeding tendency in 92 index cases enrolled in the European MCMDM-1VWD study. A heterozygous mutation, predicting a lysine to glutamate (K174E) substitution in P2Y12, was identified in one case with mild type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) and a VWF defect. Platelets from the index case and relatives carrying the K174E defect changed shape in response to ADP, but showed reduced and reversible aggregation in response to 10 μM ADP, unlike the maximal, sustained aggregation observed in controls. The reduced response was associated with an approximate 50% reduction in binding of [3H]2MeS-ADP to P2Y12, whereas binding to the P2Y1 receptor was normal. A hemagglutinin-tagged K174E P2Y12 variant showed surface expression in CHO cells, markedly reduced binding to [3H]2MeS-ADP, and minimal ADP-mediated inhibition of forskolin-induced adenylyl cyclase activity. Our results provide further evidence for locus heterogeneity in type 1 VWD.
Systematic identification of genes involved in divergent skeletal muscle growth rates of broiler and layer chickens
Authors: Zheng Qi , Zhang Yong , Chen Ying , Yang Ning , Wang Xiu-Jie , Zhu Dahai
Published: February 2009

Background

The genetic closeness and divergent muscle growth rates of broilers and layers make them great models for myogenesis study. In order to discover the molecular mechanisms determining the divergent muscle growth rates and muscle mass control in different chicken lines, we systematically identified differentially expressed genes between broiler and layer skeletal muscle cells during different developmental stages by microarray hybridization experiment.

Results

Taken together, 543 differentially expressed genes were identified between broilers and layers across different developmental stages. We found that differential regulation of slow-type muscle gene expression, satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, protein degradation rate and genes in some metabolic pathways could give great contributions to the divergent muscle growth rates of the two chicken lines. Interestingly, the expression profiles of a few differentially expressed genes were positively or negatively correlated with the growth rates of broilers and layers, indicating that those genes may function in regulating muscle growth during development.

Conclusion

The multiple muscle cell growth regulatory processes identified by our study implied that complicated molecular networks involved in the regulation of chicken muscle growth. These findings will not only offer genetic information for identifying candidate genes for chicken breeding, but also provide new clues for deciphering mechanisms underlining muscle development in vertebrates.
Microarray-based comparative genomic profiling of reference strains and selected Canadian field isolates of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: Gouré Julien , Findlay Wendy A , Deslandes Vincent , Bouevitch Anne , Foote Simon J , MacInnes Janet I , Coulton James W , Nash John HE , Jacques Mario
Published: February 2009

Background

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, the causative agent of porcine pleuropneumonia, is a highly contagious respiratory pathogen that causes severe losses to the swine industry worldwide. Current commercially-available vaccines are of limited value because they do not induce cross-serovar immunity and do not prevent development of the carrier state. Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridizations (M-CGH) were used to estimate whole genomic diversity of representativeActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaestrains. Our goal was to identify conserved genes, especially those predicted to encode outer membrane proteins and lipoproteins because of their potential for the development of more effective vaccines.

Results

Using hierarchical clustering, our M-CGH results showed that the majority of the genes in the genome of the serovar 5A. pleuropneumoniaeL20 strain were conserved in the reference strains of all 15 serovars and in representative field isolates. Fifty-eight conserved genes predicted to encode for outer membrane proteins or lipoproteins were identified. As well, there were several clusters of diverged or absent genes including those associated with capsule biosynthesis, toxin production as well as genes typically associated with mobile elements.

Conclusion

AlthoughA. pleuropneumoniaestrains are essentially clonal, M-CGH analysis of the reference strains of the fifteen serovars and representative field isolates revealed several classes of genes that were divergent or absent. Not surprisingly, these included genes associated with capsule biosynthesis as the capsule is associated with sero-specificity. Several of the conserved genes were identified as candidates for vaccine development, and we conclude that M-CGH is a valuable tool for reverse vaccinology.
The extracellular matrix controls gap junction protein expression and function in postnatal hippocampal neural progenitor cells
Authors: Imbeault Sophie , Gauvin Lianne G , Toeg Hadi D , Pettit Alexandra , Sorbara Catherine D , Migahed Lamiaa , DesRoches Rebecca , Menzies A Sheila , Nishii Kiyomasa , Paul David L , Simon Alexander M , Bennett Steffany AL
Published: February 2009

Background

Gap junction protein and extracellular matrix signalling systems act in concert to influence developmental specification of neural stem and progenitor cells. It is not known how these two signalling systems interact. Here, we examined the role of ECM components in regulating connexin expression and function in postnatal hippocampal progenitor cells.

Results

We found that Cx26, Cx29, Cx30, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45, and Cx47 mRNA and protein but only Cx32 and Cx36 mRNA are detected in distinct neural progenitor cell populations cultured in the absence of exogenous ECM. Multipotential Type 1 cells express Cx26, Cx30, and Cx43 protein. Their Type 2a progeny but not Type 2b and 3 neuronally committed progenitor cells additionally express Cx37, Cx40, and Cx45. Cx29 and Cx47 protein is detected in early oligodendrocyte progenitors and mature oligodendrocytes respectively. Engagement with a laminin substrate markedly increases Cx26 protein expression, decreases Cx40, Cx43, Cx45, and Cx47 protein expression, and alters subcellular localization of Cx30. These changes are associated with decreased neurogenesis. Further, laminin elicits the appearance of Cx32 protein in early oligodendrocyte progenitors and Cx36 protein in immature neurons. These changes impact upon functional connexin-mediated hemichannel activity but not gap junctional intercellular communication.

Conclusion

Together, these findings demonstrate a new role for extracellular matrix-cell interaction, specifically laminin, in the regulation of intrinsic connexin expression and function in postnatal neural progenitor cells.
Study design and methods of the Ansan Geriatric Study (AGE study)
Authors: Han Changsu , Jo Sangmee Ahn , Kim Nan Hee , Jo Inho , Park Moon Ho
Published: February 2009

Background

The overall objective of the Ansan Geriatric Study (AGE study) was to describe the prevalence, incidence, and related risk factors for geriatric diseases in elderly Koreans.

Methods/Design

The AGE study was designed as a population-based prospective cohort study on health, aging, and common geriatric diseases of elderly Koreans aged 60 to 84 years. The inception cohort was recruited in May 2002. The first-wave and second-wave studies were performed using uniform and structured procedures. At the screening study, 2,767 participants were enrolled. Participants (1391 in the first wave study and 841 in the second wave study) were recruited and completed the evaluation. The prevalence of geriatric disease and related factors in elderly Koreans were estimated.

Discussion

Here, we report the design and sampling participants, measurement tools, and characteristics of the AGE study. This cohort study will allow a detailed study of the longitudinal comprehensive data on health information of elderly Koreans, thereby contributing to policy formulation and planning of health, welfare management, and other social services in Korea.
Improving the functional expression of a Bacillus licheniformislaccase by random and site-directed mutagenesis
Authors: Koschorreck Katja , Schmid Rolf D , Urlacher Vlada B
Published: February 2009

Background

Laccases have huge potential for biotechnological applications due to their broad substrate spectrum and wide range of reactions they are able to catalyze. These include, for example, the formation and degradation of dimers, oligomers, polymers, and ring cleavage as well as oxidation of aromatic compounds. Potential applications of laccases include detoxification of industrial effluents, decolorization of textile dyes and the synthesis of natural products by, for instance, dimerization of phenolic acids. We have recently published a report on the cloning and characterization of a CotA Bacillus licheniformis laccase, an enzyme that catalyzes dimerization of phenolic acids. However, the broad application of this laccase is limited by its low expression level of 26 mg l-1 that was achieved in Escherichia coli. To counteract this shortcoming, random and site-directed mutagenesis have been combined in order to improve functional expression and activity of CotA.

Results

A CotA double mutant, K316N/D500G, was constructed by combining random and site-directed mutagenesis. It can be functionally expressed at an 11.4-fold higher level than the wild-type enzyme. In addition, it is able to convert ferulic acid much faster than the wild-type enzyme (21% vs. 14%) and is far more efficient in decolorizing a range of industrial dyes. The investigation of the effects of the mutations K316N and D500G showed that amino acid at position 316 had a major influence on enzyme activity and position 500 had a major influence on the expression of the laccase.

Conclusion

The constructed double mutant K316N/D500G of the Bacillus licheniformis CotA laccase is an appropriate candidate for biotechnological applications due to its high expression level and high activity in dimerization of phenolic acids and decolorization of industrial dyes.
Mild hypothermia does not attenuate platelet aggregation and may even increase ADP-stimulated platelet aggregation after clopidogrel treatment
Authors: Högberg Carl , Erlinge David , Braun Oscar Ö
Published: February 2009

Background

Mild hypothermia is currently standard of care for cardiac arrest patients in many hospitals and a common belief is that hypothermia attenuates platelet aggregation. We wanted to examine the effects of clopidogrel on platelet aggregation during hypothermia.

Methods

Platelet reactivity at 37°C and 33°C was evaluated by light transmission aggregometry and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) in blood from healthy volunteers before, and 24 hours after, a 600 mg loading dose of clopidogrel.

Results

Collagen, 5-HT, epinephrine, U46619 and ADP-induced platelet aggregation was unaltered or even increased by hypothermia. After clopidogrel, there was a significant increase in platelet aggregation for 5 and 20 μM ADP at 33°C compared to 37°C (46 ± 5 vs. 34 ± 5% and 58 ± 4 vs. 47 ± 4%, p < 0.001, n = 8). Hypothermia also increased ADP-induced aggregation after pretreatment with the P2Y1 antagonist MRS2500. The decreased responsiveness to clopidogrel during hypothermia could be overcome by addition of the reversible P2Y12 antagonist AZD6140. ADP-induced inhibition of VASP-phosphorylation was unaffected by hypothermia both in the presence and absence of clopidogrel. A dose-response curve for ADP-induced platelet aggregation revealed increased potency for ADP during hypothermia with no difference in efficacy.

Conclusion

Mild hypothermia did not attenuate platelet aggregation, instead it even increased ADP-stimulated platelet aggregation after clopidogrel treatment. Dual platelet inhibition with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor antagonist is probably needed for patients with acute coronary syndromes treated with mild hypothermia, and it is possible that future ADP blockers could be of benefit.
Sang Froid in a time of trouble: is a vaccine against HIV possible?
Authors: Plotkin Stanley A
Published: February 2009

Since the announcement of the STEP trial results in the past months, we have heard many sober pronouncements on the possibility of an HIV vaccine. On the other hand, optimistic quotations have been liberally used, from Shakespeare's Henry V's “Once more unto the breach, dear friends” to Winston Churchill's definition of success as “going from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm”. I will forgo optimistic quotations for the phrase “Sang Froid”, which translates literally from the French as “cold blood”; what it really means is to avoid panic when things look bad, to step back and coolly evaluate the situation. This is not to counsel easy optimism or to fly in face of the facts, but I believe that while the situation is serious, it is not desperate.

I should stipulate at the outset that I am neither an immunologist nor an expert in HIV, but someone who has spent his life in vaccine development. What I will try to do is to provide a point of view from that experience.

There is no doubt that the results of STEP were disappointing: not only did the vaccine fail to control viral load, but may have adversely affected susceptibility to infection. But HIV is not the only vaccine to experience difficulties; what lessons can we glean from prior vaccine development?