bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Practice of Argument: Reading the Condition of Civil-Military Relations
Authors: Dauber Cori
Published: March 2007

Dauber approaches the question of civil-military relations from the perspective of argument studies. Viewed as an argument formation, the Weinberger Doctrine functions as a template that privileges technical argumentation in considerations of possible uses of force. As a result, public forms of argument, centered more on the value of the potential intervention than the methodology, becomes more difficult. The acceptance of the Weinberger Doctrine in the public forum, therefore, independent of whether or not the various services officially subscribe to the doctrine, produces a situation where civil-military relations are distorted. The military side of the ledger, determining the possible cost of an intervention, trumps the civil side, determining whether the cost is worthwhile. The result is an argument within which it is almost impossible to successfully defend interventions on purely humanitarian grounds.
Personalizing a Large Comprehensive High School
Authors: Breunlin Douglas C. , Mann Barton J. , Kelly Dennis , Cimmarusti Rocco A. , Dunne Linda , Lieber Carol Miller
Published: March 2007

Although bringing a personalized learning environment to a small school is challenging in its own right, it is much easier than personalizing the environment of a large school. This article describes the interventions used in one suburban school with over 3,700 students to move the learning environment toward a more personalized climate. The multi-prnged strategies used are discussed, as are the results of a repeat-measure climate evaluation. During the researchers'years of involvement with the school, the climate was clearly moved toward personalization.
Within the Accountability Era: Principals' Instructional Leadership Behaviors and Student Achievement
Authors: O'Donnell Robert J. , White George P.
Published: March 2007

Researchers randomly selected Pennsylvania public middle level schools to identify significant relationships between principals' instructional leadership behaviors and student achievement, with school socioeconomic status (SES) as a secondary variable of interest. For each participant school, four teachers and the principal were asked to complete Hallinger's (1987) Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale. This instrument includes 50 behaviors that have been identified by the research on effective schools. Data analysis includes achievement test data from the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. Findings indicate that teacher perceptions of principal behaviors focused on improving school learning climate were identified as predictors of student achievement. In addition, principals of schools with high SES who believe they frequently exhibit behaviors associated with defining their schools' respective missions are related to higher reading achievement.
Effects of Fathers’ Attendance to Labor and Delivery on the Experience of Childbirth in Turkey
Authors: Gungor Ilkay , Beji Nezihe Kizilkaya
Published: March 2007

This study was planned to experimentally determine the effects of fathers’ attendance to labor and delivery on the experience of childbirth. Fifty primigravidae low-risk women and their partners were recruited to the study. The first 25 women were included in the experimental group, and their partners were allowed to participate in birth. The remaining 25 women were included in the control group, and their partners were not allowed to participate in birth. Perception of Birth Scale and Father Interview Form were used to evaluate couples’ experiences during labor and delivery. In conclusion, fathers’ support in birth helped mothers to have more positive experiences in all aspects of childbirth. There was no relationship between fathers’ support and length of labor, use of pain-relieving drugs, or obstetric interventions in birth. When mother and father were supported during labor and delivery, the rate of the fathers who adopted an active role was high.
Descriptive Eyewitness Testimony: The Influence of Emotionality, Racial Identification, Question Style, and Selective Perception
Authors: Leinfelt Fredrik H.
Published: March 2007

A number of studies on cross-racial identifications have been undertaken using standard facial recognition paradigms, but modest attention has been paid to the effect of cross-racial identifications in juxtaposition with other influencing factors. The present article examines the impact of race in conjunction with emotionality and question-related variables on descriptive eyewitness recall accuracy. Findings from a controlled experiment (staged crime) with a total of 106 participants from a Midwestem university suggest that descriptive eyewitness recall was influenced by the examined variables-emotionality, race, and type of question asked. Moreover, it was found that eyewitnesses tended to pay more attention to weapons and vehicles during a mock scenario than to perpetrator behavior, perpetrator description, and other information surrounding the event. The results add further evidence to the bulk of literature suggesting that the current usage of eyewitness testimony by the legal system is far from ideal. It is suggested that the high emphasis currently placed on eyewitness accounts be reviewed and reconsidered. Systemic implications of the results are also addressed.
Juvenile Metachromatic Leukodystrophy: Understanding the Disease and Implications for Nursing Care
Authors: Barrell Catherine
Published: March 2007

Hematopoietic stem cell transplants are increasingly being performed in attempt to halt the progression of juvenile metachromatic leukodystrophy, which is a rare neurodegenerative disease. Children who are diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy are not commonly cared for by nurses who specialize in pediatric stem cell transplants. This article provides nurses with insight about this disease and serves as a guide for nursing care of this patient population during hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The case study highlights the complexities of care of this population while illustrating many of the unique care needs of patients with metachromatic leukodys-trophy undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The article provides information about the pathophysiology of metachromatic leukodystrophy, the natural progression of symptoms, and how hematopoietic stem cell transplant may work to halt the progression of juvenile metachromatic leukodys-trophy. It also focuses on the implications of nursing care, including a review of systems, the need for increased patient and family education, and the complexities of caring for a family with multiple affected children.
Comparing the external validity of the DSM-1V and Two-Factor models of childhood behavior problems
Authors: Loney J. , Paternite C. E. , Roberts M. A. , Schwartz J. E.
Published: March 2007

This study of 132 clinic-referred 6to 12-year old boys with behavior problems examined the concurrent external validity of dimensions of the DSM-IV and Two-Factor diagnostic models. Both models used parent responses to the same DSM structured interview, focusing the study on conceptual differences between the models. Age at evaluation accounted for major variation and was held constant in all analyses.

Both models, in both twoand three-dimension versions, had considerable external validity. The Two-Factor inattention-overactivity (10) dimension predicted more external variables than the DSM-IV inattention (IN) dimension. DSM oppositional/conduct (OD/CD) accounted for some variation that is usually misattributed to DSM-IV hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI).

In hierarchical analyses, the 10 and AG dimensions of the Two-Factor model predicted more variation in more dependent variables than did the IN and HI dimensions of the DSM model of ADHD. However, when the often-ignored third dimension (OD/CD) was included, the complete three-dimension DSM-IV model accounted for more variation in more dependent variables than did the Two-Factor model. When the excluded third dimension (HI) was added to the Two-Factor model, the two three-dimension models were essentially equal in external validity.
The Conners' Teachier Rain Scale(CTRS-28) applied to a U.K. sample
Authors: Kuntsi J. , Barrett D. , Canning E. , Karia N.
Published: March 2007

To assess the application of the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS-28) in the United Kingdom, we obtained ratings from the teachers of a representative sample of 2,632 twin school children, aged between 6 and 11 years. In the older age group (ages 9-11), there were no significant differences between the present means for the CTRS-28 dimensions and the means for the original standardization sample (Goyette, Conners, & Ulrich, 1978). In the younger age group (ages 6-8), boys obtained higher average ratings on the Conduct Problem dimension and girls obtained higher average ratings on the Hyperactivity dimension, compared to the original study. Two standard deviation cutoff points, which can be used to specify "extreme" groups, identified similar numbers of children in the older age group, whether the cutoff points were based on the present or the original data. For the younger children, the present cutoff points identified consistently fewer children than the original cutoff points. Boys obtained higher scores than girls on each dimension, and there was a decrease in the mean scores with age for the Hyperactivity and Inattentive-Passive, but not Conduct Problem, dimensions. The findings highlight the need to consider the generalizability of rating scale norms and restandardization in different populations and historical time points.
Emotion appraisal in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and their parents
Authors: Norvilitis J. M. , Casey R. J. , Brooklier K. M. , Bonello P. J.
Published: March 2007

The present study investigated the relationship between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and emotion appraisal skills in children and their parents. Eighty children, 44 of whom had ADHD, and at least one of each of their parents participated in a study of appraisal skills for themselves and others as related to psychopathology. Results found support for previous research demonstrating that children with greater ADHD symptomatology are less adept at identifying emotion in both themselves and in others in different contexts. Contrary to the hypothesis, parental emotion appraisal skills were unrelated to greater ADHD symptoms in children. Overall, however, child and parent emotion appraisal skills were moderately related when psychopathology was not a factor.
A role for the speech-language pathologist in multidisciplinary assessment and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Hill G. P.
Published: March 2007

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is widely recognized as encompassing a variety of social, behavioral, academic, and psychiatric problems. Among these problems is a high rate of language disorders and impairments in receptive, expressive, and metalinguistic functions. Yet, relatively little attention is given to language impairment in assessment and treatment of ADHD, and so, these impairments often go unrecognized and untreated. In addition, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are infrequently included in service delivery efforts for children with ADHD. This paper describes specific language problems that are frequently encountered by children with ADHD, as well as related clinical and research issues. Roles and contributions of SLPs in multidisciplinary services for ADHD are discussed. It is argued that greater representation of SLPs in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, and increased utilization of their services, is needed to more fully and adequately address needs of children with this disorder.
Preschool inattention and impulsivity-hyperactivity: Development of a clinic-based assessment protocol
Authors: DeWolfe N. A. , Byrne J. M. , Bawden H. N.
Published: March 2007

Objective: To determine whether preschoolers classified as ADHD exhibited significantly more inattention and/or impulsivity-hyperactivity in the clinic than their typically-developing peers, using a developmentally appropriate clinical assessment protocol similar to protocols used with school-age children.

Method: Fifty preschoolers participated; 25 preschoolers were classified with ADHD and matched with 25 typically-developing preschoolers. Direct clinic-based observations of behavior were analyzed and subsumed under two dimensions: inattention and impulsivity-hyperactivity.

Results: In regard to inattention, compared to their typically-developing controls, the preschoolers classified with ADHD were significantly more often off-task in both low and high structure settings, and their episodes of play were significantly shorter in duration, though they did not shift activities more frequently. With regard to impulsivity-hyperactivity, preschoolers classified with ADHD were significantly more active and more talkative than their typicallydeveloping peers.

Conclusions: Developmentally appropriate assessment protocols do provide convergent, clinically valuable information that may assist in the early assessment of ADHD and facilitate continuity of monitoring/assessment of ADHD symptoms into the school-age years.
Teacher understanding of ADHD as reflected in attributions and classroom strategies
Authors: Arcia E. , Frank R. , Sánchez-LaCay A. , Fernáindez M. C.
Published: March 2007

Teacher understanding of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was examined by analyzing teacher reports of attributions about the behavior of individual students with the condition, and by using teacher reports of management strategies. Participants, 21 elementary education teachers in three states, were interviewed twice using a semistructured format. The narratives provided by teachers indicated a wide range of techniques for addressing disruptive behaviors and/or underachievement. However, teachers lacked information on the behavioral profiles of ADHD and lacked comprehensive plans of action for classroom management. These findings have substantial implications for teacher training and for general classroom functioning, as well as for the valid identification of children in need of supportive services and for their treatment.
Acceptability of Attention-Deficit! Hyperactivity Disorder interventions: A comparison of parents
Authors: Gage J. D. , Wilson L. J.
Published: March 2007

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) produces significant negative consequences for children, thus often requiring treatment. Although efficacious treatments exist for ADHD, effectiveness results often vary. One important variable associated with treatment effectiveness is treatment acceptability, because it is commonly related to treatment adherence. Although previous studies have been conducted regarding acceptability of ADHD interventions, much of the research has not utilized actual consumers of the interventions. Therefore, this study examined the acceptability of medication and behavioral treatments among parents of children with ADHD (actual consumers) and without ADHD (potential consumers). Sixty parents were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions (behavioral treatment, medication, and combination of both) and asked to evaluate the acceptability of all three treatments via the Treatment Evaluation Inventory (TEI). Results revealed significant differences between parents of children with ADHD and parents of children without ADHD for all three treatment options. These results demonstrate that important differences exist between potential and actual consumers' views of ADHD interventions.
Treatment alternatives for Attention-Deficit! Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Arnold L. E.
Published: March 2007

Objective: To review alternate treatments (Tx) of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)those other than psychoactive medication and behavioral/psychosocial Tx-for the November, 1998 National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Conference on ADHD.

Method: The literature was searched on Medline and PsychInfo 1963-1998 and investigators known to be interested in alternate Tx were contacted for unpublished data.

Results: Twenty-three alternate Tx were identified, ranging in scientific documentation from discrediting controlled studies through mere hypotheses to positive controlled double-blind clinical trials. Many of them are applicable only to a restricted etiological subgroup. The oligoantigenic or few-foods diet has convincing double-blind evidence of efficacy in multiple trials for a properly selected subgroup. Enzymepotentiated desensitization to foods, relaxation/EMG biofeedback, and deleading also have controlled evidence of efficacy. Glyconutritional supplementation, iron supplementation, magnesium supplementation, Chinese herbals, EEG biofeedback, meditation, mirror feedback, channel-specific perceptual training, and vestibular stimulation all have promising prospective pilot data. Single-vitamin megadosage has some intriguing pilot trial data. Zinc supplementation is hypothetically supported by systematic case-control data but has no systematic clinical trial. Laser acupuncture has promising unpublished pilot data. Essential fatty acid supplementation has promising systematic case-control data but clinical trials are equivocal. Recommended-Daily-Allowance vitamin supplementation, nonChinese herbals, homeopathic remedies, and antifungal therapy have no systematic data in ADHD. Megadose multivitamin combinations are probably ineffective for most patients and possibly dangerous. Simple sugar restriction and hypnosis seem ineffective. Amino acid supplementation, though mildly effective in the short term, is not effective beyond a few weeks. Thyroid Tx is effective in the presence of documented thyroid abnormality, but not otherwise.

Conclusion: Some alternate Tx of ADHD are effective or probably effective, but mainly for restricted etiologic subgroups. In some cases they are the Tx of choice, and initial evaluation should consider the relevant etiologies. A few have failed to prove effective in controlled trials. Most need research to determine whether they are effective and/or to define the applicable subgroup. Some of them, though not safer than standard Tx, may be preferable for an etiologic subgroup.
Fitness, Antioxidants, and Moderate Drinking: All to Lower Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Miner Martin
Published: March 2007

Inadequate physical activity has been recognized as an independent risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. The cardiovascular benefits of exercise and fitness have been found in both men and women. Survival following myocardial infarction and risk of sudden death appear to significantly diminish in those individuals who follow a fitness regimen of 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, 4 to 6 times per week, with the exercise having the following endpoints of fatigue, breathlessness, and sweating. In regard to the role of antioxidants in primary and secondary prevention of coronary hear disease, this article addresses vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, with the conclusion that supplementation with beta-carotene and vitamin E, either alone or in combination, does not appear to be efficacious in either primary or secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, with the exception of patients receiving hemodialysis. Data on vitamin C are conflicting. The author recommends a good multivitamin supplement, which has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality. Finally, in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, in >8000 men free of cardiovascular disease who followed a healthy lifestyle, cardiovascular risk appeared lowest in men who reported daily alcohol consumption ranging from 5 to 30 gm, which corresponded to one half to 2 drinks.
A Commentary on Lifestyle Medicine Strategies for Risk Factor Reduction, Prevention, and Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Greenstone Clinton L.
Published: March 2007

Lifestyle medicine is the study and practice of how simple lifestyle measures such as proper diet, proper exercise, and stress reduction are thoughtfully and comprehensively integrated into conventional Western medicine practices. This includes promoting health through prevention and therapeutic strategies. Through the use improved assessment tools, such as coronary computed tomography calcium scoring and exercise capacity, and underused treatment strategies, such as thoughtful diet and exercise interventions coupled with appropriate statin use, practicing clinicians can integrate these lifestyle medicine strategies and significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality of coronary heart disease.
Practical Dietary Approaches to Reducing Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Melanson Kathleen J.
Published: March 2007

As a follow-up to a previous review on the relationship between diet and cardiovascular disease risk, this article offers practical advice for making appropriate dietary changes. Reliable resources and Web sites are discussed, as well as general concepts in diet planning. These include reading food labels, controlling serving sizes, and selecting foods with high nutrient density and low energy density. Tips for reducing intakes of total fats, saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium are also included, as well as guidelines for increasing intakes of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains. The importance of obtaining heart-healthy nutrients from food sources rather than supplements is emphasized. Overall, one's whole diet is critical to reducing cardiovascular disease risk, not just one food component.
Functional specialization of human circulating CD16 and CD1c myeloid dendritic-cell subsets
Authors: Piccioli Diego , Tavarini Simona , Borgogni Erica , Steri Veronica , Nuti Sandra , Sammicheli Chiara , Bardelli Monia , Montagna Daniela , Locatelli Franco , Wack Andreas
Published: March 2007

Human blood contains 2 populations of dendritic cells (DCs): plasmacytoid and myeloid (mDC). mDCs are subdivided into 3 subsets using the surface markers CD16, CD1c, and BDCA-3. Their role as pathogen sentinels and adjuvant targets was tested by phenotypic and functional analysis. We show that mDC subsets are immature and express mRNA for most toll-like receptors (TLRs), except for TLR3 in CD16-mDCs. The most represented subsets, CD16- and CD1c-mDCs, are similarly responsive to all TLR agonists. Among 31 cytokines tested, both subsets produce CXCL8 (IL-8)/tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/IL-6/CCL3 (MIP-1α)/CCL4 (MIP-1β)/IL-1β. CXCL8 (IL-8) is the predominant cytokine produced by CD1c-mDCs on TLR engagement, whereas all other cytokines, particularly TNF-α, are secreted in 10-fold to 100-fold higher amounts by CD16-mDCs. CD16-mDCs cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells induce a significantly higher production of CXCL10 (IP-10), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor than CD1c-mDCs. In addition, interleukin-3 and type I interferons are stimuli specifically for DC maturation rather than cytokine secretion, whereas TNF-α is almost ineffective in inducing either function, suggesting a mechanism of T-cell–DC crosstalk and of rapid induction of antigen-presenting cell function during viral infection rather than inflammation. In conclusion, CD16-mDCs show strong proinflammatory activity, whereas CD1c-mDCs appear to be mainly inducers of chemotaxis.
A comparative study of S/MAR prediction tools
Authors: Evans Kenneth , Ott Sascha , Hansen Annika , Koentges Georgy , Wernisch Lorenz
Published: March 2007

Background

S/MARs are regions of the DNA that are attached to the nuclear matrix. These regions are known to affect substantially the expression of genes. The computer prediction of S/MARs is a highly significant task which could contribute to our understanding of chromatin organisation in eukaryotic cells, the number and distribution of boundary elements, and the understanding of gene regulation in eukaryotic cells. However, while a number of S/MAR predictors have been proposed, their accuracy has so far not come under scrutiny.

Results

We have selected S/MARs with sufficient experimental evidence and used these to evaluate existing methods of S/MAR prediction. Our main results are: 1.) all existing methods have little predictive power, 2.) a simple rule based on AT-percentage is generally competitive with other methods, 3.) in practice, the different methods will usually identify different sub-sequences as S/MARs, 4.) more research on the H-Rule would be valuable.

Conclusion

A new insight is needed to design a method which will predict S/MARs well. Our data, including the control data, has been deposited as additional material and this may help later researchers test new predictors.
Transcriptional analysis of early lineage commitment in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Laslett Andrew L , Grimmond Sean , Gardiner Brooke , Stamp Lincon , Lin Adelia , Hawes Susan M , Wormald Sam , Nikolic-Paterson David , Haylock David , Pera Martin F
Published: March 2007

Background

The mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells, and those that drive their commitment into particular differentiation lineages, are poorly understood. In fact, even our knowledge of the phenotype of hESC is limited, because the immunological and molecular criteria presently used to define this phenotype describe the properties of a heterogeneous population of cells.

Results

We used a novel approach combining immunological and transcriptional analysis (immunotranscriptional profiling) to compare gene expression in hESC populations at very early stages of differentiation. Immunotranscriptional profiling enabled us to identify novel markers of stem cells and their differentiated progeny, as well as novel potential regulators of hESC commitment and differentiation. The data show clearly that genes associated with the pluripotent state are downregulated in a coordinated fashion, and that they are co-expressed with lineage specific transcription factors in a continuum during the early stages of stem cell differentiation.

Conclusion

These findings, that show that maintenance of pluripotency and lineage commitment are dynamic, interactive processes in hESC cultures, have important practical implications for propagation and directed differentiation of these cells, and for the interpretation of mechanistic studies of hESC renewal and commitment. Since embryonic stem cells at defined stages of commitment can be isolated in large numbers by immunological means, they provide a powerful model for studying molecular genetics of stem cell commitment in the embryo.
Alterations in lipid metabolism gene expression and abnormal lipid accumulation in fibroblast explants from giant axonal neuropathy patients
Authors: Leung Conrad L , Pang Yinghua , Shu Chang , Goryunov Dmitry , Liem Ronald KH
Published: March 2007

Background

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a hereditary neurological disorder that affects both central and peripheral nerves. The main pathological hallmark of the disease is abnormal accumulations of intermediate filaments (IFs) in giant axons and other cell types. Mutations in the GAN gene, encoding gigaxonin, cause the disease. Gigaxonin is important in controlling protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The goal of this study was to examine global alterations in gene expression in fibroblasts derived from newly identified GAN families compared with normal cells.

Results

We report the characterization of fibroblast explants obtained from two unrelated GAN patients. We identify three novel putative mutant GAN alleles and show aggregation of vimentin IFs in these fibroblasts. By microarray analysis, we also demonstrate that the expression of lipid metabolism genes of the GAN fibroblasts is disrupted, which may account for the abnormal accumulations of lipid droplets in these cells.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that aberrant lipid metabolism in GAN patients may contribute to the progression of the disease.
The Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy region on 4qter and the homologous locus on 10qter evolved independently under different evolutionary pressure
Authors: Rossi Monica , Ricci Enzo , Colantoni Luca , Galluzzi Giuliana , Frusciante Roberto , Tonali Pietro A , Felicetti Luciano
Published: March 2007

Background

The homologous 4q and 10q subtelomeric regions include two distinctive polymorphic arrays of 3.3 kb repeats, named D4Z4. An additional BlnI restriction site on the 10q-type sequence allows to distinguish the chromosomal origin of the repeats. Reduction in the number of D4Z4 repeats below a threshold of 10 at the 4q locus is tightly linked to Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), while similar contractions at 10q locus, are not pathogenic. Sequence variations due to the presence of BlnI-sensitive repeats (10q-type) on chromosome 4 or viceversa of BlnI-resistant repeats (4q-type) on chromosome 10 are observed in both alleles.

Results

We analysed DNA samples from 116 healthy subiects and 114 FSHD patients and determined the size distributions of polymorphic 4q and 10q alleles, the frequency and the D4Z4 repeat assortment of variant alleles, and finally the telomeric sequences both in standard and variant alleles.

We observed the same frequency and types of variant alleles in FSHD patients and controls, but we found marked differences between the repeat arrays of the 4q and 10q chromosomes. In particular we detected 10q alleles completely replaced by the 4q subtelomeric region, consisting in the whole set of 4q-type repeats and the distal telomeric markers. However the reciprocal event, 10q-type subtelomeric region on chromosome 4, was never observed. At 4q locus we always identified hybrid alleles containing a mixture of 4q and 10q-type repeats.

Conclusion

The different size distribution and different structure of 10q variant alleles as compared with 4q suggests that these loci evolved in a different manner, since the 4q locus is linked to FSHD, while no inheritable disease is associated with mutations in 10qter genomic region. Hybrid alleles on chromosome 4 always retain a minimum number of 4q type repeats, as they are probably essential for maintaining the structural and functional properties of this subtelomeric region.

In addition we found: i) several instances of variant alleles that could be misinterpreted and interfere with a correct diagnosis of FSHD; ii) the presence of borderline alleles in the range of 30–40 kb that carried a qA type telomere and were not associated with the disease.
Cervical cancer: a qualitative study on subjectivity, family, gender and health services
Authors: Pelcastre-Villafuerte Blanca E , Tirado-Gómez Laura L , Mohar-Betancourt Alejandro , López-Cervantes Malaquías
Published: March 2007

Background

In 2002, cervical cancer was one of the leading causes of death in Mexico. Quantitative techniques allowed for the identification of socioeconomic, behavioral and biological characteristics that are part of its etiology.

However such characteristics, are inadequate to explain sufficiently the role that emotions, family networks and socially-constructed categories such as gender play in the demand and utilization of health services for cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment and neither the timely undertaking of preventive actions, such as getting a PAP smear or seeking adequate and continuons treatment.

Methods

A qualitative study was carried out to analyze the role of different social and cultural factors in the timely detection of cervical cancer. As part of a multi-level, multi-method research effort, this particular study was based on individual interviews with women diagnosed with cervical cancer (identified as the "cases"), their female friends and relatives (identified as the "controls") and the cases' husbands.

Results

The results showed that both: denial and fear are two important components that regulate the behavior of both the women and their partners. Women with a small support network may have limited opportunities for taking action in favor of their own health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Women tend not to worry about their health, in general and neither about cervical cancer in particular, as a consequence of their conceptualizations regarding their body and feminine identify – both of which are socially determined. Furthermore, it is necessary to improve the quality of information provided in health services.
A Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Impact on an Emergency Response System on Anxiety and Health Care Use among Older Emergency Patients after a Fall
Authors: Lee Jacques S. , Hurley Mary Jane , Carew Debra , Fisher Rory , Kiss Alex , Drummond Neil
Published: March 2007

Objectives:
Personal emergency response systems (PERSs) are reported to reduce anxiety and health care use and may assist in planning the disposition of older patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) to home. This study measured the impact of a PERS on anxiety, fear of falling, and subsequent health care use among older ED patients.

Methods:
This study was a randomized controlled trial comparing PERS use with standard ED discharge planning in subjects 70 years of age or older discharged home after a fall. Outcome assessors were blinded to the study objectives. Anxiety and fear of falling were measured at baseline and 30 days using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety subscale (HADS‐A) and modified Falls Efficacy Scale (mFES). Return to the ED, hospitalization, and length of stay were recorded after 30 and 60 days.

Results:
Eighty‐six subjects were randomized and completed follow up (43 per group). There was no important difference in mean reduction in anxiety (mean change treatment − control, +0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] =−1.5 to 0.76; p = 0.55) or fear of falling (mean change, +4.5; 95% CI =−6.7 to 15.7; p = 0.70). Return visits to the ED occurred in eight of 43 patients in both the control and treatment groups (risk difference, 0.0%; 95% CI =−16% to 16%). Hospitalization occurred in six of 43 in the control group versus three of 43 in the treatment group (risk difference treatment − control =−7.0%; 95% CI =−19.8% to 5.9%).

Conclusions:
In contrast to previous studies, there was no evidence that a PERS reduced anxiety, fear of falling, or return to the ED among older persons discharged from the ED.
A Molecular Basis for the Sexually Dimorphic Response to Growth Hormone
Authors: Thangavel Chellappagounder , Shapiro Bernard H.
Published: March 2007

Once reserved solely for the treatment of short stature, the now readily available recombinant GH has expanded the use of the hormone to include the treatment of cardiovascular, renal, muscular, skeletal, immunological, psychosocial, and metabolic abnormalities associated with GH deficiency. There are also proposals for the widespread use of the hormone to ameliorate or reverse aging. However, this extensive use of GH has revealed intrinsic sexual dimorphisms in which females are considerably less responsive to the therapeutic regimen than are males. Dynamic changes in the Janus kinase-2 (Jak2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat5B) signaling pathway [as determined by transducer activation, Stat5B binding to the GH-responsive promoter of the CYP2C11 gene, and expression levels of the suppressors of cytokine signaling family (Socs2, Socs3, and Cis)] were examined in male and female rat-derived primary hepatocyte cultures exposed to the masculine-like episodic GH profile. We report that the cellular actions of GH normally mediated by activation of the Jak2/Stat5B pathway are suppressed in female cells possibly due to an inherent overexpression of Cis, a member of the suppressors of cytokine signaling family that normally down-regulates the Jak2/Stat5B pathway.
Effect of Myxothiazol on Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis: Inhibition of Luteinizing Hormone-Mediated Testosterone Synthesis but Stimulation of Basal Steroidogenesis
Authors: Midzak Andrew S. , Liu June , Zirkin Barry R. , Chen Haolin
Published: March 2007

Studies of MA-10 Leydig cells have shown that intact mitochondria with active respiration are essential for LH-induced Leydig cell steroidogenesis. To further elucidate the role played by mitochondria in steroidogenesis, we examined the effects of the perturbation of the mitochondrial electron transport chain with myxothiazol (MYX) on testosterone production by primary cultures of Brown Norway rat Leydig cells. Analysis of the steroidogenic pathway revealed that cAMP production and the activities of each of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17α-hydroxylase/C17–20 lyase, and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were inhibited by MYX and that LH-stimulated testosterone production was suppressed. In contrast to the inhibition of LH-stimulated testosterone production by MYX, the incubation of Leydig cells with MYX in the absence of LH stimulated testosterone production. Although testosterone production was increased, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein was decreased in response to MYX, not increased as could be expected. Additional electron transport chain inhibitors had stimulatory effects on testosterone production that were similar to those of MYX, strongly suggesting that the effect of MYX on basal testosterone production is related to its effect on the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Finally, incubation of the cells with a combination of MYX and the calcium chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetracetic acid tetrakis acetoxymethyl ester suppressed MYX-mediated increased basal steroidogenesis but had no effect on hydroxycholesterol-mediated steroidogenesis. Taken together, these results indicate that inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain can block LH-stimulated testosterone production through suppression of a number of steps of the steroidogenic pathway but also stimulates basal testosterone production through a calcium-mediated mechanism.
Thyroid Hormone Homeostasis and Action in the Type 2 Deiodinase-Deficient Rodent Brain during Development
Authors: Galton Valerie Anne , Wood Emily T. , St. Germain Emily A. , Withrow Cheryl-Ann , Aldrich George , St. Germain Genevieve M. , Clark Ann S. , St. Germain Donald L.
Published: March 2007

Considerable indirect evidence suggests that the type 2 deiodinase (D2) generates T3 from T4 for local use in specific tissues such as pituitary, brown fat, and brain, and studies with a D2-deficent mouse, the D2 knockout (D2KO) mouse, have shown this to be the case in pituitary and brown fat. The present study employs the D2KO mouse to determine the role of D2 in the developing brain. As expected, the T3 content in the neonatal D2KO brain was markedly reduced to a level comparable with that seen in the hypothyroid neonatal wild-type mouse. However, the mRNA levels of several T3-responsive genes were either unaffected or much less affected in the brain of the D2KO mouse than in that of the hypothyroid mouse, and compared with the hypothyroid mouse, the D2KO mouse exhibited a very mild neurological phenotype. The current view of thyroid hormone homeostasis in the brain dictates that the T3 present in neurons is generated mostly, if not exclusively, from T4 by the D2 in glial cells. This view is inadequate to explain the findings presented herein, and it is suggested that important compensatory mechanisms must be in play in the brain to minimize functional abnormalities in the absence of the D2.
Real-Time PCR to Identify Variola Virus or Other Human Pathogenic Orthopox Viruses
Authors: Scaramozzino Natale , Ferrier-Rembert Audrey , Favier Anne-laure , Rothlisberger Corinne , Richard Stéphane , Crance Jean-Marc , Meyer Hermann , Garin Daniel
Published: March 2007

Background: Variola virus (family Poxviridae, genus Orthopoxvirus) and the closely related cowpox, vaccinia, and monkeypox viruses can infect humans. Efforts are mounting to replenish the smallpox vaccine stocks, optimize diagnostic methods for poxviruses, and develop new antivirals against smallpox, because it is feared that variola virus might be used as a weapon of bioterrorism.

Methods: We developed an assay for the detection of variola virus DNA. The assay is based on TaqMan chemistry targeting the 14-kD protein gene. For the 1st stage of the assay we used genus consensus primers and a mixture of 2 probes (14-kD POX and 14-kD VAR) spanning the 14-kD protein-encoding gene for detection of all human pathogenic orthopoxviruses. We then tested positive samples with the specific orthopoxvirus-specific probe 14-kD POX to identify monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses and with the 14-kD VAR probe to identify variola viruses. The assay was established on 4 different PCR cycler platforms. It was assessed in a study with 85 different orthopoxvirus species and strains that included variola, camelpox, cowpox, monkeypox, and vaccinia viruses at concentrations ranging from 100 ng/L to 1 μg/L.

Results: The assay detected as little as 0.05 fg of DNA, corresponding to 25 copies of DNA, and enabled differentiation of variola virus from the other orthopoxviruses.

Conclusions: This real-time PCR assay provides a rapid method for the early detection and differentiation of smallpox and other human pathogenic orthopoxvirus infections.
Schulorthographie und Graphematik
Authors: Eisenberg Peter , Fuhrhop Nanna
Published: March 2007

This paper will address the relationship between ‘school orthography’ and graphemics. For a long time graphemics was not accepted as a linguistic subject at all. However, orthography has always been taught in school. Problems with the discrepancy are discussed in this paper. We will focus on the problems at the level of phoneme-grapheme-correspondences, the basic principle for alphabetical systems. We will then analyse the interpretation of mistakes given in orthography-tests and how the mistakes should be interpreted linguistically. We will also show how it is problematic to base the teaching of an alphabetic system exclusively on one position in the word, normally the beginning of the word (as seen in dictionary picture books, and corresponding to the German ‘Anlauttabelle’), which always leads to reductions. Furthermore, graphemes which do not occur in word initial position consequentially seem to be highly marked, which in fact they are not. Even if we believe that German words always begin with a consonant (e. g. [?alt]), Anlauttabellen convey that children do not hear correctly, and this should simply not be the case. But this has nothing to do with the graphemic system: the graphemic system of German is much more systematic than is often assumed. If only for this reason alone, current and future teachers should know this system for teaching.
Normative Gaps in the Criminal Law: A Reasons Theory of Wrongdoing
Authors: Aponte Luis Ernesto Chiesa
Published: March 2007

In this article it is argued that in two controversial homicide cases—severing conjoined twins and downing a hijacked commercial plane headed toward a heavily populated area—it is permissible to kill innocent human beings without having to establish the existence of a claim of justification such as selfdefense or choice of evils. Even though criminal law scholars consider that unjustified conduct is always wrongful, the position defended in the article is that there is a normative gap between an absence of justification and a finding of wrongdoing. This "normative gap defense," which negates wrongdoing without justifying the conduct, is the best way to deal with the troubling homicide cases described above. The normative gap defense is grounded on what is called a "reasons" theory of wrongdoing. According to this theory, the state cannot legitimately prohibit conduct when, in light of the fact that there are powerful utilitarian reasons in favor of performing the act and commanding deontological reasons against performing it, we are in a state of equipoise in which it is impossible for us to determine which course of action is "the right thing to do" (i.e., justified). Under these circumstances, the conduct should be regarded as non—wrongful even though it is unjustified.
Influence of Multiple Risk Behaviors on Physical Activity–Related Injuries in Adolescents
Authors: Janssen Ian , Dostaler Suzanne , Boyce William F. , Pickett William
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE. The study objectives were to (1) examine the relationship between physical activity and physical activity injuries in youth, (2) determine whether this relationship is modified by the engagement in multiple risk behaviors, and (3) determine whether this relationship is modified by the setting of the injury (school versus outside of school).

METHODS. We examined associations between physical activity and multiple risk behaviors with physical activity injuries occurring at and outside of school. The study population consisted of a representative sample of 5559 Canadian youth in grades 6 through 10 who participated in the 2001/2002 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children Survey. The exposure and outcome measures were determined from a classroom-based survey.

RESULTS. Irrespective of grade, there were strong gradient relations between physical activity participation and related injuries outside of school. Conversely, there were modest relations between physical activity participation and related injuries at school. In students in grades 6 to 8, there was no relation between multiple risk behaviors and physical activity injuries at school and a curvilinear relation between multiple risk behaviors and physical activity injuries outside of school. The opposite pattern of relationships between multiple risk behaviors and injuries was observed in students in grades 9 to 10. Irrespective of grade and setting of injury, there was no significant interaction between physical activity and multiple risk behaviors on injury risk. The results were consistent by severity of injury and for structured/organized and unstructured/informal forms of physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS. The environment moderated the relation between physical activity and related injuries in that strong risk gradients only existed outside of the school setting. Unexpectedly, there were no consistent gradients between the engagement in multiple risk behaviors and physical activity injuries or any interaction effect between physical activity exposure and multiple risk behaviors. These findings suggest that optimizing the environment would be a preferred strategy for preventing physical activity injuries compared with selectively targeting youth who engage in multiple risk behaviors.