bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of the Tonic GABACReceptor Current in Retinal Bipolar Cell Terminals by Nonvesicular GABA Release
Authors: Jones S. M. , Palmer M. J.
Published: June 2009

Within the second synaptic layer of the retina, bipolar cell (BC) output to ganglion cells is regulated by inhibitory input to BC axon terminals. GABAAreceptors (GABAARs) mediate rapid synaptic currents in BC terminals, whereas GABACreceptors (GABACRs) mediate slow evoked currents and a tonic current, which is strongly regulated by GAT-1 GABA transporters. We have used voltage-clamp recordings from BC terminals in goldfish retinal slices to determine the source of GABA for activation of these currents. Inhibition of vesicular release with concanamycin A or tetanus toxin significantly inhibited GABAAR inhibitory postsynaptic currents and glutamate-evoked GABAAR and GABACR currents but did not reduce the tonic GABACR current, which was also not dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The tonic current was strongly potentiated by inhibition of GABA transaminase, under both normal and Ca2+-free conditions, and was activated by exogenous taurine; however inhibition of taurine transport had little effect. The tonic current was unaffected by GAT-2/3 inhibition and was potentiated by GAT-1 inhibition even in the absence of vesicular release, indicating that it is unlikely to be evoked by reversal of GABA transporters or by ambient GABA. In addition, GABA release does not appear to occur via hemichannels or P2X7receptors. BC terminals therefore exhibit two forms of GABACR-mediated inhibition, activated by vesicular and by nonvesicular GABA release, which are likely to have distinct functions in visual signal processing. The tonic GABACR current in BC terminals exhibits similar properties to tonic GABAAR and glutamate receptor currents in the brain.
Using Spatiotemporal Correlations to Learn Topographic Maps for Invariant Object Recognition
Authors: Michler Frank , Eckhorn Reinhard , Wachtler Thomas
Published: June 2009

The retinal image of visual objects can vary drastically with changes of viewing angle. Nevertheless, our visual system is capable of recognizing objects fairly invariant of viewing angle. Under natural viewing conditions, different views of the same object tend to occur in temporal proximity, thereby generating temporal correlations in the sequence of retinal images. Such spatial and temporal stimulus correlations can be exploited for learning invariant representations. We propose a biologically plausible mechanism that implements this learning strategy using the principle of self-organizing maps. We developed a network of spiking neurons that uses spatiotemporal correlations in the inputs to map different views of objects onto a topographic representation. After learning, different views of the same object are represented in a connected neighborhood of neurons. Model neurons of a higher processing area that receive unspecific input from a local neighborhood in the map show view-invariant selectivities for visual objects. The findings suggest a functional relevance of cortical topographic maps.
Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury Associated with Anomalies of the Right Hepatic Sectoral Ducts: A Misunderstood and Underappreciated Problem
Authors: Babel Nitin , Sakpal Sujit V. , Paragi Prakash , Wellen Jason , Feldman Stephen , Chamberlain Ronald S.
Published: June 2009

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been widely accepted as the standard of care, it continues to have a higher complication rate than open cholecystectomy. Bile duct injury with LC has often been attributed to surgical inexperience, but it is also clear that aberrant bile ducts are present in a significant number of patients who sustain biliary injuries during these procedures. We present three cases of right sectoral hepatic duct injuries which occurred during LC and provide a discussion of the conditions which are likely to lead to these injuries, as part of a strategy to prevent them.
The Modified Kimura's Technique for the Treatment of Duodenal Atresia
Authors: Zuccarello Biagio , Spada Antonella , Centorrino Antonio , Turiaco Nunzio , Chirico Maria Rosaria , Parisi Saveria
Published: June 2009

Background/Purpose. Kimura's diamond-shaped-duodenoduodenostomy (DSD) is a known technique for the correction of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction. We present a modification of the technique and review the advantages of this new technique.Methods. From 1992 to 2006, 14 newborns were treated for duodenal atresia. We inverted the direction of the duodenal incisions: a longitudinal incision was made in the proximal duodenum while the distal was opened by transverse incision.Results. Our “inverted-diamond-shaped-duodenoduodenostomy” (i-DSD) allowed postoperative oral feeding to start on days 2 to 3, peripheral intravenous fluids discontinuity on days 3 to 8 (median values 3.6); time to achieve full oral feeds on days 8 to 12 (median values 9.4); the length of hospitalisation ranged from 10 and 14 days (median value 11.2). No complications related to the anastomosis, by Viz leakage, dehiscence, biliary stasis, or stenosis were observed.Conclusions. The i-DSD provides a safe procedure to protect the ampulla of Vater from injury and avoids any formation of a blind loop. The results show that patients who have i-DSD achieve full oral feeds in a very short time period and, consequently, the length of hospitalisation is also significantly reduced.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect: Perinatal and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Yıldırım Gokhan , Gungorduk Kemal , Yazıcıoğlu Fehmi , Gul Ahmet , Çakar Fatma , Çelikkol Özgü , Ceylan Yavuz
Published: June 2009

Objective. The purpose of this study was to establish the outlook for fetuses diagnosed with complete atrioventricular septal defect (cAVSD) prenatally and its relation to additional cardiac, extracardiac, and chromosomal abnormalities.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed fetal echocardiograms diagnosed with cAVSD from January 2002 to December 2007, comparing fetuses with and without aneuploidy.Results. Complete antrioventricular septal defect was confirmed in 62 fetuses. Mean maternal age was28.79±4.78years (range 20–38). Mean gestational age was23.69±5.48weeks (range 12–38). Fetal karyotype was known in all fetuses. An abnormal karyotype was found in 21 fetuses. Complete AVSD occurred without any other intracardiac abnormality in 28 fetuses. Extracardiac anomalies were present in 38 fetuses. As for pregnancy outcomes, there were 36 (58%) terminations of pregnancy and 4 (6.4%) intrauterine fetal deaths. In these four fetuses, complex cAVSD was associated with atrioventricular block (one case), heterotaxy (one case), and fetal hydrops (two cases). Of the 22 live births, 5 were neonatal deaths without surgery while 17 babies underwent surgery and 13 have survived to date. The mean survival age was53±4months (range 22–64 m).Conclusion. AVSD is associated with chromosomal, other cardiac, and extracardiac abnormalities. The detection of these abnormalities is important in order to give the best indication of the likely outcome when counselling parents.
Comparative study of inhibitory antibody derivatives towards thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor
Authors: Develter Jan , Dewilde Maarten , Gils Ann , Declerck Paul J.
Published: June 2009

Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) attenuates fibrinolysis and is considered as an attractive drug target. We generated two different antibody fragments, an antigen-binding fragment (Fab) and a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), derived from three distinct monoclonal antibodies (MAs) that inhibit the activation of TAFI by the thrombin/thrombomodulin complex (T/TM) and plasmin (MA-T1C10 and MA-T94H3) or by T/TM alone (MA-T12D11). The Fabs were obtained by papain digestion of the purified Mas, whereas the scFvs were cloned and subsequently expressed in bacteria. All antibody fragments revealed similar or slightly decreased affinities compared to those of the respective Mas, except scFv-T94H3. In the presence of a 16-fold molar excess of all antibody fragments, activation of TAFI by T/TM was completely blocked. Furthermore, Fab and scFv-derivatives from MA-T1C10 and MA-T94H3 were capable of interfering with the plasmin-mediated activation of TAFI. Addition of 850 nM of MA, Fab or scFv to an in-vitro clot lysis assay caused a significant reduction of clot lysis time (except for scFv-T94H3) and this effect was comparable to that of potato tuber carboxypeptidase inhibitor, a well-known TAFIa inhibitor. Dose-response experiments with the antibody (derivatives) in clot lysis and chromogenic assay revealed that the inhibitory capacity of the Fabs was comparable to that of the Mas, whereas the scFvs had a more reduced potency. In conclusion, these highly specific TAFI inhibitors are interesting tools to further evaluate the concept of TAFI inhibition in various in-vitro and in-vivo models.
Hypercoagulability is independently associated with kynurenine pathway activation in dialysed uraemic patients
Authors: Pawlak Krystyna , Mysliwiec Michal , Pawlak Dariusz
Published: June 2009

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) exhibit features of a hypercoagulable state, which may contribute to atherosclerosis. Kynurenines are the metabolites of tryptophan degradation in mammals. We examined the relationship between coagulation activation and kynurenines in 92 patients with ESRD on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 20 healthy controls. We measured the plasma levels of: tissue factor (TF), its pathway inhibitor (TFPI), the marker of coagulation activation – prothrombin fragments 1+2 (F1+2), kynurenine (KYN) and its metabolites: kynurenic (KYNA), anthranilic (AA) and quinolinic (QA) acids. The ratio of KYNA to KYN (kyna/kyn), AA to KYN (aa/kyn) and QA to KYN (qa/kyn), reflecting intensified activity of enzymes which converted KYN to its metabolites, were also determined. Measured coagulation parameters and kynurenines were significantly elevated in ESRD patients compared to controls. TF, TFPI and F1+2 were significantly associated with AA, aa/kyn, QA and qa/kyn ratio. Multiple regression analysis showed that fibrinogen (p<0.01) and above mentioned KYN metabolites (all p<0.05) were the independent variables significantly associated with increased F1+2 levels, reflecting hypercoagulability in ESRD patients. In conclusion, this study represents the first to investigate both the coagulation system and KYN pathway in ESRD patients. The coagulation was enhanced in dialysed uraemic patients compared with the healthy controls demonstrated by increased TF, TFPI and F1+2 levels. These changes were correlated with activation of the KYN pathway. Finally, fibrinogen and KYN metabolites are independently and significantly associated with the hypercoagulable state in uraemic patients on CAPD and HD treatment.
The in-vitro effects of E5555, a protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 antagonist, on platelet biomarkers in healthy volunteers and patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Kogushi Motoji , Dastros-Pitei Daniela , Flather Marcus , Bhatt Deepak L. , Serebruany Victor L.
Published: June 2009

E5555 is a potent protease-activated receptor (PAR-1) antagonist targeting the G-coupled receptor and modulating thrombinplatelet-endothelial interactions. The drug is currently being tested in phase II trials in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and has potential antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory benefits.We investigated the in-vitro effects of E5555 on platelet function beyond PAR-1 blockade in healthy volunteers and CAD patients treated with aspirin (ASA) with or without clopidogrel. Conventional aggregation induced by 5 µM ADP, 1 µg/ml collagen, 10 µM TRAP, whole blood aggregation with 1 µg/ml collagen, and expression of 14 intact, and TRAP-stimulated receptors by flow cytometry were utilised to assess platelet activity after preincubation with escalating concentrations of E5555 (20 ng/ml, 50 ng/ml, and 100 ng/ml) in healthy volunteers, CAD patients treated with ASA, and CAD patients treated with ASA and clopidogrel combination (n=10, for each group). E5555 inhibited a number of platelet biomarkers. Platelet inhibition was usually moderate, present already at 20 ng/ml, and was not seemingly dose-dependent without TRAP stimulation. E5555 caused 10–15% inhibition of ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation in plasma, but not in whole blood.TRAP-induced aggregation was inhibited almost completely. PECAM-1, GP IIb/IIIa antigen, and activity with PAC-1, GPIb, thrombospondin, vitronectin receptor expression, and formation of platelet-monocyte aggregates were also significantly reduced by E5555.TRAP stimulation caused dose-dependent effects between 20 and 50 ng/ml E5555 doses. P-selectin, LAMP-1, LAMP, and CD40-ligand were not affected by E5555. In conclusion, E5555 in vitro moderately but significantly inhibits platelet activity beyond PAR-1 blockade. Antiplatelet potency of ASA alone, and the combination of ASA and clopidogrel may be enhanced by E5555 providing rationale for their synergistic use. Selective blockade of platelet receptors suggests unique antiplatelet properties of E5555 as a potential addition to current antithrombotic regimens.
Role of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β in Cardioprotection
Authors: Juhaszova Magdalena , Zorov Dmitry B. , Yaniv Yael , Nuss H. Bradley , Wang Su , Sollott Steven J.
Published: June 2009

Limitation of infarct size by ischemic/pharmacological pre- and postconditioning involves activation of a complex set of cell-signaling pathways. Multiple lines of evidence implicate the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) as a key end effector of ischemic/pharmacological pre- and postconditioning. Increasing the ROS threshold for mPTP induction enhances the resistance of cardiomyocytes to oxidant stress and results in infarct size reduction. Here, we survey and synthesize the present knowledge about the role of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β in cardioprotection, including pre- and postconditioning. Activation of a wide spectrum of cardioprotective signaling pathways is associated with phosphorylation and inhibition of a discrete pool of GSK-3β relevant to mitochondrial signaling. Therefore, GSK-3β has emerged as the integration point of many of these pathways and plays a central role in transferring protective signals downstream to target(s) that act at or in proximity to the mPTP. Bcl-2 family proteins and mPTP-regulatory elements, such as adenine nucleotide translocator and cyclophilin D (possibly voltage-dependent anion channel), may be the functional downstream target(s) of GSK-3β. Gaining a better understanding of these interactions to control and prevent mPTP induction when appropriate will enable us to decrease the negative impact of the reperfusion-induced ROS burst on the fate of mitochondria and perhaps allow us to limit propagation of damage throughout and between cells and consequently, to better limit infarct size.
Demographics and Police Involvement
Authors: Torres Mario S. , Stefkovich Jacqueline A.
Published: June 2009

Purpose: A factor largely overlooked amid the press for greater security in schools is the extent to which law enforcement participates in search and seizure and the implications such actions carry for student civil liberties. As case law suggests, police engaged in school searches may be held to the probable cause standard or the more flexible reasonable suspicion standard articulated in New Jersey v. T. L. O. (1985). This article examines the use of law enforcement in schools and whether the probability that student offenses are criminalized increases as a result. Data Collection and Analysis: In this study, researchers report data on 2,270 schools from the School Survey on Crime and Safety made available through the National Center for Education Statistics. Using a factorial ANOVA, researchers use various demographic indicators to measure whether schools ordinarily relying on law enforcement for security report offenses to municipal police to a greater degree than those that do not. Findings: Findings indicate that schools using off-duty law enforcement officers report offenses to the police at a significantly higher rate than those not using off-duty law enforcement officers. While poverty, minority composition, and urbanicity do not interact significantly with off-duty police use, the minority composition of the school and the percentage of students receiving free and reduced-price lunch, when examined as main effects, yield statistically significant differences in the mean percentage of offenses reported to the police. These findings suggest the need for schools to develop clearly articulated policies with respect to police intervention, as well as the need for further research into decision making of principals in schools with greater concentrations of student poverty.
The Flight Experiences of People with Disabilities: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Poria Yaniv , Reichel Arie , Brandt Yael
Published: June 2009

Using in-depth interviews, this study explores the flight experiences of people with disabilities through their own perspective, revealing the physical and social hurdles facing blind people and those who use wheelchairs and crutches. Accessibly difficulties in boarding the plane, disembarkation, and on board are reported. The findings suggest that participants are confronted with physical and social difficulties, which, for wheelchair users, result in humiliation and physical suffering. Moreover, crew members’ behavior toward people with disabilities indicates the need to train and educate airline employees. The article concludes with implications for researchers and practitioners.
Psychological and Biological Correlates of Fatigue After Mild-to-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Bay Esther , Xie Yan
Published: June 2009

Relationships between chronic perceived stress, cortisol response (area under the curve) and posttraumatic brain injury fatigue were examined with persons from outpatient settings. Seventy-five injured persons with traumatic brain injury and their relatives/significant others participated in this cross-sectional study. Using interviews and self-reported data from the Neurofunctional Behavioral Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Profile of Mood States-Fatigue subscale, the McGill Pain Scale, as well as self-collection of salivary cortisol over a 12-hour period ( N = 50), we found that perceived chronic stress explained 40% of the variance in fatigue until depressive symptoms and pain were in the model. Hypocortisolemia was evident. Somatic symptom frequency and perceived chronic stress represented 50% of the variability in post-TBI fatigue. Fatigue and stress management interventions, as suggested in the Centers for Disease Control Acute Concussion guidelines, may be beneficial in reducing this common symptom.
Methodological review: measured and reported congruence between preferred and actual place of death
Authors: Bell CL , Somogyi-Zalud E , Masaki KH
Published: June 2009

Congruence between preferred and actual place of death is an important palliative care outcome reported in the literature. We examined methods of measuring and reporting congruence to highlight variations impairing cross-study comparisons. Medline, PsychInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science were systematically searched for clinical research studies examining patient preference and congruence as an outcome. Data were extracted into a matrix, including purpose, reported congruence, and method for eliciting preference. Studies were graded for quality. Using tables of preferred versus actual places of death, an overall congruence (total met preferences out of total preferences) and a kappa statistic of agreement were determined for each study. Twelve studies were identified. Percentage of congruence was reported using four different definitions. Ten studies provided a table or partial table of preferred versus actual deaths for each place. Three studies provided kappa statistics. No study achieved better than moderate agreement when analysed using kappa statistics. A study which elicited ideal preference reported the lowest agreement, while longitudinal studies reporting final preferred place of death yielded the highest agreement (moderate agreement). Two other studies of select populations also yielded moderate agreement. There is marked variation in methods of eliciting and reporting congruence, even among studies focused on congruence as an outcome. Cross-study comparison would be enhanced by the use of similar questions to elicit preference, tables of preferred versus actual places of death, and kappa statistics of agreement.
Effects of modafinil and prazosin on cognitive and physiological functions in healthy volunteers
Authors: Winder-Rhodes SE , Chamberlain SR , Idris MI , Robbins TW , Sahakian BJ , Müller U
Published: June 2009

Previous research has demonstrated cognitive-enhancing effects of modafinil in humans and generated evidence for its therapeutic potential in psychiatric disorders. The neurochemical basis of these effects remains unresolved although a role for α1-adrenoceptors has been hypothesised. In this within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 12 healthy male adults received modafinil (300 mg), the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (3 mg), both together and placebo on separate occasions at least 5 days apart. Cognitive effects were assessed using a well-validated testing battery focusing on executive and working memory functions. Blood pressure, heart rate and salivary α-amylase (sAA) were measured at hourly intervals. Cognitive effects of modafinil and prazosin were identified at the difficult levels of the One-Touch Stockings of Cambridge (OTSOC) planning task. Prazosin antagonized the error-reducing effect of modafinil when the agents were given together. In contrast, the combined agents acted synergistically to increase time taken to complete OTSOC problems compared with placebo. The tachycardic and sAA-elevating effects of prazosin were also potentiated by concurrent modafinil administration. The current data suggest that the cognitive effects of modafinil on performance accuracy and latency are dissociable in terms of their neurochemical mechanisms. Our findings support the hypothesised involvement of α1-adrenoceptors in some of the cognitive-enhancing effects of modafinil and warrant further investigation.
Age Differences in the Demand—Control Model of Work Stress
Authors: Shultz Kenneth S. , Wang Mo , Crimmins Eileen M. , Fisher Gwenith G.
Published: June 2009

There have been many tests of Karasek’s demand—control model of work stress. However, no studies have examined how the model may differentially apply to older versus younger workers. Due to age changes in cognitive processing, the psychological demands of jobs may interact differently with controls for younger versus older workers. Therefore, the study uses data from the Eurobarometer to examine how the demand—control model of work stress may function differently for older versus younger workers. The results indicate that different controls may in fact buffer different types of job demands for younger versus older workers. The findings reveal that only the interaction between problem solving and time to complete tasks was significant for younger workers. For older workers, however, the interactions between time deadlines and having sufficient time to complete tasks, autonomy, and the interaction between problem solving and schedule flexibility are significant predictors of self-reported stress.
Conversion of organic material by black soldier fly larvae: establishing optimal feeding rates
Authors: Diener Stefan , Zurbrügg Christian , Tockner Klement
Published: June 2009

Larvae of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), are voracious feeders of organic material and may thus be used in simple engineered systems to reduce organic waste in low- and middle-income countries. Controlled feeding experiments with standard fodder were conducted to assess the optimum amount of organic waste to be added to a CORS system (Conversion of Organic Refuse by Saprophages). A daily feeding rate of 100 mg chicken feed (60% moisture content) per larva resulted in an optimum trade-off between material reduction efficiency (41.8%, SE 0.61) and biomass production (prepupal dry weight: 48.0 mg, SE 2.0). Applied to market waste and human faeces, this corresponds to a potential daily feeding capacity of 3—5 kg/m2 and 6.5 kg/m2, respectively. In addition, H. illucens prepupae quality was assessed to determine their suitability to substitute fishmeal in animal feed production. The chitin-corrected crude protein content ranged from 28.2 to 42.5%, depending on the amount of food provided to the larvae. Based on our study, a waste processing unit could yield a daily prepupal biomass of 145 g (dry mass) per m2. We conclude that larvae of the black soldier fly are potentially capable of converting large amounts of organic waste into protein-rich biomass to substitute fishmeal, thereby contributing to sustainable aquaculture.
Cerebral Palsy—Long-Term Medical, Functional, Educational, and Psychosocial Outcomes
Authors: Mesterman Ronit , Leitner Yael , Yifat Rachel , Gilutz Gabi , Levi-Hakeini Ofra , Bitchonsky Ora , Rosenbaum Peter , Harel Shaul
Published: June 2009

Cerebral palsy, typically diagnosed in childhood, clearly continues into adulthood. This study describes the long-term medical, functional, educational, and psychosocial outcomes of people with cerebral palsy. Of the 203 people with cerebral palsy diagnosed and treated at the Child Development Center in Tel Aviv between 1975 and 1994, 163 (80%; age range 8-30 years, mean age 18.9 years, and median age 19 years) participated in a cross-sectional telephone survey. Half the respondents have chronic health problems: 78% report they experience gross motor disability, of whom 22% are wheelchair users; 30% to 50% need help in various activities of daily living; 35% have mental retardation; 79% completed 12 years or more of schooling; 78% live with their parents; 25% have served in the army; 23% have a driver’s license; and 23% work in competitive employment. The large majority is involved in varied leisure activities and report a high level of life satisfaction.
Violence Against Primary Health Care Workers in Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia
Authors: El-Gilany Abdel-Hady , El-Wehady Adel , Amr Mostafa
Published: June 2009

This self-report questionnaire study was carried out in Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia to highlight the magnitude, predictors, and circumstances of workplace violence against primary health care (PHC) workers. A total of 1,091 workers completed a self-administered questionnaire. About 28% were exposed to at least one violent event during the past year. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the most important predictors of violence are high education of workers (OR = 9.3), working in emergency clinics (OR = 6.8), and in Hegar (OR = 3.2). Emotional and physical violence accounted for 92.1% and 7.9% of violent events, respectively. Unmet needs of patients, overcrowding, and reaction to injury or illness were the leading contributing factors for violence. There is a need for violence prevention and control program in health care facilities.
The Relationship Among Exposure to Stressful Life Events, Drug Use, and Violence Perpetration in a Sample of Native Hawaiian, Samoan, and Filipino Adolescents
Authors: Baker Charlene K. , Hishinuma Earl S. , Chang Janice Y. , Nixon David C.
Published: June 2009

This study examined the relationship between stressful life events, drug use, and self-reported violence perpetration among 293 Native Hawaiian, Samoan, and Filipino adolescents. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with students in three high schools in Hawai‘i. Stressful life events were delineated into three categories: transitions, discrete events, and victimization. Samoans reported more stressful life events than Native Hawaiians and/or Filipinos, depending on the subscale, but there were no sex differences in the stressful life events total scale or subscales. There were sex differences on several stressful life events items, including boys reporting more physical victimization and more life threatening illnesses and injuries than girls. Stressful life events were related to higher rates of violence perpetration for all groups, though specific types of events were significant for some groups but not others. Drug use moderated the influence of transitions on violent behaviors for boys and Samoan adolescents and also of discrete events on violence perpetration for Samoan adolescents. Additional research is needed to examine other risk factors, as well as types of protective factors that may moderate the relationship between life stressors and engaging in violent behaviors.
Taxation with Representation?
Authors: Mancini Christina , Barrick Kelle , DiPonio Julia , Gertz Marc
Published: June 2009

Few criminological studies have investigated what factors influence the public’s fiscal support for correctional policies. This study addresses this gap by exploring public support for increasing taxes to fund five diverse correctional measures—inmate education, drug treatment for inmates, psychiatric care for mentally ill prisoners, child counseling for inmates’ children, and the building of new prisons. Findings suggest that citizen dissatisfaction and criminal justice system employment are significant predictors of decreased support for taxes that would fund correctional policies. Experience with the criminal justice system is a significant predictor of increased support for correctional programming. Social and demographic variables are also predictors of fiscal support. Because large segments of the public support taxes for correctional measures, policymakers should consider such views when adopting or modifying correctional policies. Additionally, correctional systems should consider tracking public support on an annual basis to establish and monitor levels of support for criminal justice policies.
Hypogalactia Treated with Hand Expression and Translactation without the Use of Galactagogues
Authors: Lopes de Melo Suzana , Candido Murta Eddie Fernando
Published: June 2009

This case study demonstrates the possibility of treating hypogalactia without using galactagogues. The focus is a female child who, in her first 54 days of life, had a weight gain of only 610 g, with a daily average of 11g. The child suffered from improper latch-on, insufficient sucking, and consequent excessive drowsiness. During the first clinical visit by the mother, hand expression produced only 5 mL of breast milk. Mother and daughter were assisted daily with the hand expression and translactation method, without the use of any other milk, feeding bottles, or galactagogues. After 2 months and 6 days of assistance, the infant gained 1800 g. The child was exclusively breastfed for 6 months, after which she received complementary foods and continued breastfeeding until her 27th month. She crawled at the age of 7 months and walked when she was 1 year old. She is currently 4 and very healthy. J Hum Lact. 25(4):444-447.
The Accomplishment of Authority Through Presentification
Authors: Benoit-Barné Chantal , Cooren François
Published: June 2009

The complex distribution and negotiation of authority in real time is a key issue for today's organizations. The authors investigate how the negotiations that sustain authority at work actually unfold by analyzing the ways of talking and acting through which organizational members establish their authority. They argue that authority is achieved through presentification—that is, by making sources of authority present in interaction. On the basis of an empirical analysis of a naturally occurring interaction between a medical coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières and technicians of a hospital supported by her organization, the authors identify key communicative practices involved in achieving authority and discuss their implications for scholars' understanding of what being in authority at work means.
Exploring the Relationship Between Prior Career Experience and Instructional Quality Among Mathematics and Science Teachers in Alternative Teacher Certification Programs
Authors: Paredes Scribner Jay , Akiba Motoko
Published: June 2009

This mixed-method evaluation study examines relationships between the nature and characteristics of teachers’ prior experiences and teachers’ practice of standards-based instruction as a measure of instructional quality among alternatively certified mathematics and science teachers. The study found that career length, number of prior careers, and career relevance to subject area were not related to instructional quality. However, teachers with prior career experiences that were education-related practiced standards-based instruction to a greater degree than teachers with no education-relevant career experience. Implications of these findings for policy makers and practitioners are discussed.
A 50-State Strategy to Achieve School Finance Adequacy
Authors: Odden Allan R. , Picus Lawrence O. , Goetz Michael E.
Published: June 2009

This article estimates the costs of school finance adequacy in each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. by applying the recommendations from an evidence-based model to the student characteristics of each individual state. Using two different prices, (a) the national average teacher salaries adjusted by a comparable wage index and (b) individual state teacher salaries, the authors estimate per pupil costs of adequacy. Results suggest that in 30 states additional resources are needed to reach the funding level for the evidence-based model. The findings do not make adjustments for diseconomies resulting from large numbers of small schools or districts or other state preferences for educational services that could lead to individual state variations from the authors’ findings.
How Permeable is the Nonprofit Sector? Linking Resources, Demand, and Government Provision to the Distribution of Organizations Across Nonprofit Mission-Based Fields
Authors: Jones Stater Keely
Published: June 2009

A large vibrant nonprofit sector is often equated with a civically active and democratically inclined population. Yet, the degree to which different interests and needs are equally activated in a community’s nonprofit sector remains unclear. This article argues that more than the number of nonprofit organizations, the distribution of organizations across nonprofit fields can better represent the plurality of the nonprofit sector and its relationship to democracy. If the sector represents a permeable sphere for the activation of interests through formal voluntary action, one should see a more even nonprofit landscape in communities where there is greater population heterogeneity. Using national data on nonprofit organizations to investigate the determinants of nonprofit heterogeneity in U.S. counties, findings indicate that the nonprofit sector is semipermeable. Although greater population heterogeneity does lead to a more evenly distributed nonprofit sector, resource dependency and resource inequality complicate this relationship.
Development of a Scale to Measure the Empowerment of Youth Consumers of Mental Health Services
Authors: Walker Janet S. , Thorne Elizabeth K. , Powers Laurie E. , Gaonkar Rujuta
Published: June 2009

Within the field of children’s mental health, there is increasing emphasis on the idea that young people who experience mental health difficulties should be encouraged to take an active role in shaping not only their own treatment but also mental health services and systems. The terms empowerment and, to a lesser extent, self-efficacy have been used to describe consumers’ confidence and capacity for taking on this active role. Measures of mental health empowerment and self-efficacy have been developed for adults with mental illnesses and for parents and caregivers of children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders; however, no such measure exists to assess empowerment among youth who themselves experience serious mental health difficulties. This article describes the development of the Youth Empowerment Scale—Mental Health and provides initial evidence of its reliability and validity.
Indiscriminate Friendliness in Maltreated Foster Children
Authors: Pears Katherine C. , Bruce Jacqueline , Fisher Philip A. , Kim Hyoun K.
Published: June 2009

Indiscriminate friendliness is well documented in children adopted internationally following institutional rearing but is less studied in maltreated foster children. Precursors and correlates of indiscriminate friendliness were examined in 93 preschool-aged maltreated children residing in foster care and 60 age-matched, nonmaltreated children living with their biological parents. Measures included parent reports, official case record data, and standardized laboratory assessments. Foster children exhibited higher levels of indiscriminate friendliness than nonmaltreated children. Inhibitory control was negatively associated with indiscriminate friendliness even after controlling for age and general cognitive ability. Additionally, the foster children who had experienced a greater number of foster caregivers had poorer inhibitory control, which was in turn associated with greater indiscriminate friendliness. The results indicate a greater prevalence of indiscriminate friendliness among foster children and suggest that indiscriminate friendliness is part of a larger pattern of dysregulation associated with inconsistency in caregiving.
Transmission Problems for Thermoelastic Plates with Transverse Shear Deformation
Authors: Chudinovich Igor , Constanda Christian
Published: June 2009

An initial-boundary value problem for bending of a piecewise homogeneous thermoelastic plate with transverse shear deformation is studied, and its unique solvability in spaces of distributions is proved by means of a combination of the Laplace transformation and variational methods.
Plastic Intermediate Configuration and Related Spatial Differential Operators in Micromorphic Plasticity
Authors: Grammenoudis P. , Tsakmakis CH
Published: June 2009

The finite deformation kinematics of micromorphic plasticity is discussed in the framework of multiplicative decomposition of the macro- and microdeformation gradient tensor, suggesting the introduction of a so-called plastic intermediate configuration for the micromorphic continuum. The geometrical structure of the plastic intermediate configuration and the micromorphic curvature tensors are elucidated by invoking the differential operator of the relative covariant derivative with respect to the plastic intermediate configuration. Micromorphic curvature tensors arise in a natural way by considering scalar-valued differences. The latter measure the deformation process and are required to be form-invariant with respect to the chosen configuration.
Mediating Variables in a Transtheoretical Model Dietary Intervention Program
Authors: Di Noia Jennifer , Prochaska James O.
Published: June 2009

This study identified mediators of a Transtheoretical Model (TTM) intervention to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among economically disadvantaged African American adolescents ( N = 549). Single-and multiple-mediator models were used to determine whether pros, cons, self-efficacy, and stages of change satisfied four conclusions necessary for establishing mediation of intervention effects on youths’ dietary behavior. All four conclusions were satisfied for stages of change and pros in the single-mediator models and for stages in the multiple-mediator model. Stages mediated 31% of the intervention effect, and pros mediated 7% of the intervention effect in the single-mediator models. In the multiple-mediator model, stages accounted for 72% of the intervention effect. Findings add to the limited data on mediating variables in TTM dietary intervention programs. Replication studies are needed before it can be concluded that stages of change and pros are consistent mediators of TTM intervention program effects.
A Comparison of Face-to-Face or Internet-Delivered Physical Activity Intervention on Targeted Determinants
Authors: Steele Rebekah M. , Mummery W.K. , Dwyer Trudy
Published: June 2009

This article describes the equivalency testing results of a 12-week behavior change program on targeted determinates of physical activity (PA) and self-reported health status. Participants ( n = 192) were randomized to face-to-face, combined Internet and face-to-face, and Internet-only groups. Equivalency testing was used to examine differences and statistical equivalency across groups for all outcome measures (social support, self-efficacy, perceived health status, and motivational readiness for PA). Participants were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 2 and 5 months postintervention. Motivational readiness for PA increased across all groups. The face-to-face and combined groups showed changes in social support; however, they were not statistically different and were equivalent. There were no changes in self-efficacy or physical health status. Overall face-to-face and the Internet delivery modes show similar results. If Internet-based programs can be shown to be as effective as face-to-face, they may in turn be a more efficient and cost-effective delivery method.
Demystifying Intercultural Service Encounters
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Tam Jackie L. M. , Kim Namwoon
Published: June 2009

Customers and employees from different cultures are increasingly interacting with each other. However, there is little research in this area and it focuses mostly on the customers’ perspective. This article presents a conceptual framework for intercultural service encounters applicable to both customers and employees. Findings from an exploratory qualitative study show that perceived cultural distance and intercultural competence influence inter-role congruence, interaction comfort, adequate and perceived service levels, and satisfaction. These findings have important managerial implications for managing the expectations and perceptions of customers and employees involved in the intercultural service encounters and improving their satisfaction with the service experience.
Thermomechanical Bending Response of Functionally Graded Nonsymmetric Sandwich Plates
Authors: Zenkour A.M. , Alghamdi N.A.
Published: June 2009

The thermomechanical bending response of nonsymmetric sandwich plates of uniform thickness (constant depth) is studied. A power-law distribution for the mechanical characteristics is adopted to model the continuous variation of properties from those of one component to those of the other. The nonsymmetric sandwich plate faces are made of isotropic, two-constituent (ceramic—metal) material distribution through the thickness. The core layer is still homogeneous and made of an isotropic metal material. The modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio of the faces and the thermal expansion coefficient are assumed to vary according to a power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. Several kinds of nonsymmetric sandwich plates are presented. Field equations for functionally graded nonsymmetric sandwich plates whose deformations are governed by either the shear deformation theories or the classical theory are derived. Displacement and stress functions of the plate for different values of the power-law exponent and thickness-to-side ratios are presented. The results of the shear deformation theories are compared together. Numerical results for deflections and stresses of functionally graded metal—ceramic plates are investigated.
Repeated Slamming of Sandwich Composite Panels on Water
Authors: Charca S. , Shafiq B. , Just F.
Published: June 2009

Wave slamming was simulated by repeatedly slamming rectangular sandwich composite specimens mounted on a rigid wedge with constant deadrise angle onto the body of calm water at various energy levels. Under single slamming, peak pressures and strains on the specimens were consistently found near the keel, whereas the maximum damage was localized near the chine. Significant reduction in strength was observed resulting from a single slam even at a moderate slamming energy level that left no apparent/visible damage to the test panel. Similarly, a substantial reduction in strength was observed under repeated slamming at various energy levels. The results were corroborated with acoustic emission observations that indicated a substantial reduction in AE activity in slammed specimens. A methodology was developed for the quantitative assessment of remaining strength and damage accumulation in slammed specimens using AE technique. Face yielding and core crushing were found to be the dominant modes of failure.
Mechanical Behavior of Thermoplastic FML-reinforced Sandwich Panels Using an Aluminum Foam Core: Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Reyes German
Published: June 2009

Sandwich panels manufactured using thermoplastic fiber-metal laminates (FML) skins and an aluminum foam core were tested under quasi-static and low-velocity impact loading conditions. The quasi-static properties of the sandwich beams were evaluated using the three-point bend test geometry. Energy absorbing mechanisms such as buckling and interfacial delamination in the FML skin, as well as indentation, crushing, and densification in the aluminum foam have been observed to contribute to the excellent energy absorbing characteristics offered by these systems. The low-velocity impact behavior of the sandwich panels was evaluated using an instrumented dropping weight impact tower and modeled using an energy balance approach. A breakdown of the energy absorption revealed that these sandwich structures absorb much of the impact energy due to contact and bending effects. Finally, four-point bend testing after low-velocity impact revealed that these systems offer excellent residual flexural strength with relative values remaining close to 80% of the original strength after a 32 J impact.
Failure Response of Two Serial Bolted Aluminum Sandwich Composite Plates
Authors: Sen Faruk , Sayman Onur
Published: June 2009

The scope of this study is to examine the failure response in an aluminum—glass—epoxy sandwich composite plate with two serial circular holes, which is subjected to a traction force by two serial bolts. To determine the effects of joint geometry and applied/without preload moments on the bearing strength and failure mode, parametric studies were carried out experimentally. The end distance to diameter (E/D) and width to diameter (W/D) ratios in the specimens were designed from 1—5 to 2—5, respectively, whereas the distance between two serial holes and diameter ratio were fixed as 4. Besides, each type of specimen were tested under various applied preload moments as 2, 3, 4, 5 Nm and without preload moments (0 Nm). According to the experimental results, the bearing strength and maximum failure load generally increase by increasing E/D and W/D ratios and of applied preload moments. Besides, failure modes strictly affected these parameters.
Analysis of Laminated Sandwich Plates Based on an Improved Higher Order Zigzag Theory
Authors: Pandit M.K. , Sheikh A.H. , Singh B.N.
Published: June 2009

A finite element model based on an improved higher order zigzag plate theory developed by the authors is refined in this study and applied to bending and vibration response of soft core sandwich plates. The theory satisfies interlayer transverse shear stress continuity including transverse shear stress free condition at the plate top and bottom surfaces and transverse normal compressibility of the core. The in-plane displacements vary cubically through the entire thickness, while transverse displacement is assumed to vary quadratically within the core. In order to have a better computational benefit, a C0 finite element formulation is adopted. This is refined through satisfaction of certain constrains variationally using a penalty function approach. The performance of the model is demonstrated by comparing the present results with 3D elasticity solutions and other available results.