bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrity of Mission in Light of the Gospel in Africa: A Perspective from an African in Diaspora
Authors: Tiénou Tite
Published: December 2007

Tite Tiénou, born in Côte 'Ivoire, but currently an émigré presently living and teaching in the United States, examines the integrity of mission in light of the Gospel by exploring the church as African and the implication of this for mission, the meaning of mission in Africa, the place of Africa in the world, the opportunities for the integrity of mission in Africa and the requirement of integrity for the agents of mission. Tiénou believes that mission will be fruitful at the personal and collective level in Africa to the extent that churches and missionaries make integrity a moral and ethical imperative in church and society.
Integrity of Mission in the Light of the Gospel: Listening to and Bearing the Witness of the Spirit in Western Europe: The Public Rumour of the Kingdom of God in and from Western Europe: Notes and Glimpses from France
Authors: Bernard Edith
Published: December 2007

Aware of post-modernity in all its various shapes and manifestations, Edith Bernard explores what it means to be missionary in the context of contemporary France where people have so many questions and where post-modernity's child, deconstruction is often the name of the game. Given the extraordinary diversity of solutions to the question raised in the post-modern world, careful discernment is required if one is to successfully navigate the shoals that await the unwary and unthinking. Bearing witness to the Spirit means growing in an awareness of the Spirit present in the joys, sorrows, dramas, and predicaments of the world, realities to which the missionary is called to respond.
Witness, Worship and Presence: On the Integrity of Mission in Contemporary Europe
Authors: Parushev Parush
Published: December 2007

Like Bernard, Bulgarian academic and missionary Parush Parushev names some of the way forward for missionary engagement in contemporary Europe, particularly in those countries formerly dominated by the Soviet Union. Parushev argues that the integrity of Christian mission is ensured by a holistic approach which witnesses to God's transforming presence in one's life, in pastoral assistance for the down and out, and, in enduring social commitment to challenging, and redeeming those aspects of societal life not in harmony with gospel values.
The Jargon of Authenticity and the Study of Religion
Authors: Mccutcheon Russell T.
Published: December 2007

This article is an analysis and critique of the jargon of authenticity that operates in both theological and humanistic studies of religion. The article argues that a form of myth making is at work in claims to such things as the 'deep meaning' of a text or even the supposedly essential, human nature all people are said to share. The article deploys its critique in a variety of sites, arguing that the discourse on authenticity-whether found in ethnic, nationalist, or hermeneutic traditions-is an all too common, socio-rhetorical technique used to construct a facade of homogenous group identity in the face of unpredictable, competing, and inevitably changeable historical situations and social interests. Instead of uncritically reproducing such discourses on authenticity, meaning, and personal experience-discourses that happen to be aligned with the scholar's political sympathies-the article argues that scholars of religion can study the 'natural history' of such mechanisms and discourses, illuminating the means whereby contingent, competing systems of credibility and meaning are established, reproduced, and contested.
Creative Hope and Imagination in a Practical Theology of Aesthetic (Artistic) Reason
Authors: Louw Daniël J.
Published: December 2007

In order to take Kant's third question seriously, practical theology should respond methodologically to the question: What may we hope? The hypothesis is argued that practical reason needs to be supplemented by aesthetic reason in order to deal with 'the absurd logic of hope' (Ricoeur). The latter can prevent a practical theological hermeneutics falling prey to a positivistic stance and an empirical model which makes little room for the spiritual dimension of the sublime and personal experiences of transcendence. While the theoretical reason posits 'the other' as object (analysis and objectification), aesthetic reason establishes between God and human beings a personal relationship of identification (synthesis and interconnectedness) which is sensitive to awe and surprise. Furthermore, it is argued that aesthetics is a vital component in liturgy. Art describes a dynamic relation between form and content, celebration and faith, and belief, experience and transcendence. These dynamics are established through imagination and creative hope. Applied to the problem of God-images, aesthetic reason should deal with the 'beauty of God' in terms of vulnerability (deformation) as depicted in the notion of a suffering God. To instil hope, the metaphor 'God as Partner for Life' is proposed.
Inheriting Chinese and Christian Traditions in Global Context: a Confucian-Protestant Perspective
Authors: Lai Pan-Chiu
Published: December 2007

This article offers an analysis of the problems and tensions in the endeavour to inherit Chinese and Christian traditions in contemporary global and Chinese contexts. Through an investigation of the theological concept of tradition and the Chinese, mainly Confucian, understanding of the transmission of the Way, this article argues that it is possible to inherit the Protestant and Confucian traditions at the same time, without violating the basic principles of the two traditions. It also argues that an integration of the Protestant and Confucian traditions will be beneficial to the development of the two traditions.
In Search of the Origin of the Merchants of Sena
Authors: Le Roux Magdel
Published: December 2007

The oldest, recorded oral tradition ofthe Lemba of southern Africa, individually also known as mušavi (buyer/trader), nyakuwana (the man who finds the things which are bought), or mulungu ('white man' or 'the man from the North'), is that their Israelite ancestors came to Africa by boat as traders from a remote place called Sena on the 'other side' of the 'Phusela'. Some say they came through Egypt. From anthropological and archaeological evidence it has become clear that at a very early stage continuing influences between the Semitic world (Phoenician, Hebrew and Sabaean) and the eastern parts of Africa had a reciprocal impact. The Sabaean (Yemenite) colonies were established in Ethiopia very early. There seems to be a historical link between the Lemba and Yemen. Later documents (684-900 CE) (for example Arab and Portuguese) refer to 'Moorish' traders along the east coast of Africa who possessed notably Semitic characteristics without being clearly Muslim. It is not certain who those 'Moorish' people were, but their traditions and customs were reminiscent of those that we know today as Lemba. Numerous Lemba songs, recitations, prayers, praises, proverbs and customs bear witness to their traditions of origin and their trading skills. One advantage of dealing with a 'living source' is that the researcher can sometimes verify some of the information on traditions. A qualitative study of Lemba 'Israelite' culture underlies this article. Oral traditions do not provide us with chronology, and some cannot be verified. The oral traditions of the Lemba and historical, archaeological and genetic data suggest that the immigration of the Lemba to Africa as traders could have taken place before the Christian era, but probably before the 6th century CE. An oral tradition can survive many generations.
The Millennarian Meridian and Cultural-Religious Conflict in Timothy Mofolorunso Aluko's Kinsman and Foreman
Authors: Hale Frederick A.
Published: December 2007

In this novel of 1966, the critical Nigerian author T. M. Aluko examines the irrelevance of an indigenous Christian movement among his Yoruba ethnic fellows during the final decade of British imperial rule. He, like Chinua Achebe and other literary contemporaries, highlights the corruption rampant in colonial Nigeria and attributes much of the responsibility for this social ill to the colonised themselves. Aluko takes to task both leaders and adherents of the Alasotele religious community for failing to perceive and address the social sin around them. In his portrayal, they fix their gaze on the anticipated return of Jesus Christ rather than raising a prophetic voice against the evils of the present world, shouldering public responsibility and contributing to the transformtion of society. Despite his scathing indictment of their religious escapism and purported moral poverty, Aluko sheds light on the Alasoteles' relationship to the colonial Church of England, their indigenous African style of worship and the individual spirituality they evince within the context of their fellowhsip.
The Blood of the Female Martyrs as the Sperm of the Early Church1
Authors: Vorster Johannes N.
Published: December 2007

To what extent did early Christian martyr stories function as empowering the female body and contributing to an independent view of her 'self' and 'identity'? In the light of claims made, often motivated by political correctness, that certain early Christian traditions acknowledged, appreciated and promoted woman's agency in Graeco-Roman social interaction, it is argued that if the notion of a 'regulatory body' is taken into consideration, early Christian female bodies and identities were crushed both by the Roman Imperium and early Christian patriarchal leadership.
'We are able': Cross-bearing Discipleship and the Way of the Lord in Mark
Authors: Brower Kent
Published: December 2007

According to Mark, the disciples are invited to follow Jesus in cross-bearing servanthood. This is more than imitatio Christi or simply the consequence of following Jesus. Rather, Jesus calls them to participate in his redemptive suffering: cross-bearing discipleship is part of the redeeming purposes of God because they are participate in the mission of Jesus as Son of Man. When Mark's gospel is read in the early Christian communities, this is how they would hear the call to cross bearing discipleship. This understanding especially illuminates our understanding of Paul's emphasis on cruciform living and is consistent with other NT views.
Observation on Growth Process of Gold Y- and -shaped Nanoparticles in Solutions
Authors: Kang Sung Koo , Choi Inhee , Lee Jeongjin , Kim Younghun , Yi Jongheop
Published: December 2007

The morphological evolution of gold (Au) nanoparticles is demonstrated via TEM and UV-vis spectroscopy in a real-time basis. Y-shaped and -shaped Au nanoparticles were prepared by a seed mediated method at 0 °C. The evolution of shape ranging from spheres to Y- and
-shapes was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy. For the spherical particles, the corresponding transverse plasmon absorption (540 nm) was observed at the initial growth stage. As further growth proceeded, new peaks appeared at ca. 620 nm and ca. 700–1000 nm, which was
to the characteristic peak of Y-shaped and -shaped nanoparticles, respectively. In addition, all intermediate steps were observed in the morphology change by TEM. At the initial step, spherical particles with 20 nm size were generated and the particles were gradually evolved from
tiny triangular shape or I-shape to Y- and -shape. In this study, the growth mechanism of Au nanoparticles was investigated by the characterization of optical properties as well as morphologies with respect to reaction time.
Photocurrent–Voltage of a Dye-Sensitized Nanocrystalline TiO2 Solar Cells Influenced by N719 Dye Adsorption Properties
Authors: Lee Jae-Wook , Hwang Kyung-Jun , Park Dong-Won , Park Kyung-Hee , Shim Wang-Geun , Kim Sang-Chai
Published: December 2007

Titanium particles of single-phase anatase nanocrystallites were prepared by the hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide. A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was fabricated by adsorbing cis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylato)-ruthenium(II)bis-tetrabutylammonium
dye (N719) onto TiO2 film. The samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, AFM, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The influence of the acetic acid treatment of TiO2 electrode with different concentrations on the photovoltaic performance of DSSC was investigated.
It was found that DSSC had better photoelectric performance when the TiO2 electrode was treated by acetic acid of 0.5 M. An equivalent circuit analysis using the one-diode model was used to evaluate the influences of adsorption quantity and acetic acid treatment on the energy conversion
efficiency of DSSC. A nonlinear least-square optimization method was used to determine five model parameters.
Ocean–Atmosphere Interaction over Agulhas Extension Meanders
Authors: Liu W. Timothy , Xie Xiaosu , Niiler Pearn P.
Published: December 2007

Many years of high-resolution measurements by a number of space-based sensors and from Lagrangian drifters became available recently and are used to examine the persistent atmospheric imprints of the semipermanent meanders of the Agulhas Extension Current (AEC), where strong surface current and temperature gradients are found. The sea surface temperature (SST) measured by the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) and the chlorophyll concentration measured by the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) support the identification of the meanders and related ocean circulation by the drifters. The collocation of high and low magnitudes of equivalent neutral wind (ENW) measured by Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT), which is uniquely related to surface stress by definition, illustrates not only the stability dependence of turbulent mixing but also the unique stress measuring capability of the scatterometer. The observed rotation of ENW in opposition to the rotation of the surface current clearly demonstrates that the scatterometer measures stress rather than winds. The clear differences between the distributions of wind and stress and the possible inadequacy of turbulent parameterization affirm the need of surface stress vector measurements, which were not available before the scatterometers. The opposite sign of the stress vorticity to current vorticity implies that the atmosphere spins down the current rotation through momentum transport. Coincident high SST and ENW over the southern extension of the meander enhance evaporation and latent heat flux, which cools the ocean. The atmosphere is found to provide negative feedback to ocean current and temperature gradients. Distribution of ENW convergence implies ascending motion on the downwind side of local SST maxima and descending air on the upwind side and acceleration of surface wind stress over warm water (deceleration over cool water); the convection may escalate the contrast of ENW over warm and cool water set up by the dependence of turbulent mixing on stability; this relation exerts a positive feedback to the ENW–SST relation. The temperature sounding measured by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) is consistent with the spatial coherence between the cloud-top temperature provided by the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) and SST. Thus ocean mesoscale SST anomalies associated with the persistent meanders may have a long-term effect well above the midlatitude atmospheric boundary layer, an observation not addressed in the past.
Walking the Talk
Authors: Gazel Jeanne
Published: December 2007

An effective social justice pedagogy will simultaneously (a) acknowledge that students of all backgrounds are barraged with the false notion that racism no longer exists and (b) confront the apathy and hopelessness students may develop in response to existing systems of racialization. Furthermore, it will expose and challenge the global racial hierarchy that continues to uphold an obsolete and destructive system of social organization, despite efforts to repackage it as color blindness. The social justice pedagogy described herein (called MRULE, or Multi-Racial Unity Learning Experience) interrogates this system, rejects spurious claims of egalitarianism, and stimulates new patterns of thinking and acting that move authentically toward justice. Application of this pedagogical approach is reviewed here in a university cocurricular program conducted from 1996 to the present.
Age-Related Rates of Decline in Performance among Elite Senior Athletes
Authors: Wright Vonda J. , Perricelli Brett C.
Published: December 2007

Background

Age-related disability and lost independence currently plague one third of older Americans. Many causes of disability, lost muscle mass and bone mineral density, are modifiable with exercise. Most exemplary of successful aging are the Senior Olympians; this group of vital athletes exhibit persistently high levels of functional capacity.

Purpose

This study describes demographic data, injury characteristics and the effect of aging on physical performance in senior athletes to identify key time points for intervention to address declining performance.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Senior Olympians (>50 years) participating in the 2001 National Senior Olympic Games were surveyed for demographic and health characteristics. Age-related changes in physical performance were determined from mean winning performance times in track and field events. These were plotted against age and task for men and women. Analysis of variance and intergroup significance were analyzed using the Tukey procedure. Percentage performance change across events was compared. The 2001 National Senior Olympic Games results were compared with American track and field record holders.

Results

Senior athletes’ performance declined (male and female) approximately 3.4% per year over 35 years of competition—slowly from age 50 to 75 years and dramatically after age 75 years. Men showed no difference in decline of sprint and endurance events, whereas the decline in the sprint was greater than in endurance for women, especially after the age of 75 years.

Conclusion

Even the healthiest examples of musculoskeletal aging experience significant performance declines around age 75 years. This may be a key time point for preventive intervention.
Surgical Treatment of Acute versus Chronic Complete Proximal Hamstring Ruptures
Authors: Folsom Greg J. , Larson Christopher M.
Published: December 2007

Background

Acute surgical repair of proximal hamstring ruptures has been shown to result in a high return to preinjury activity level.

Hypothesis

Achilles allograft reconstruction of chronic complete proximal hamstring ruptures results in improved function and strength that approaches that of acute surgical repairs.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2005, 26 patients underwent surgical treatment for complete proximal hamstring ruptures. Twenty-one were acute primary repairs. Five chronic ruptures were treated with Achilles allograft reconstruction with (n = 2) or without (n = 2) interference screw fixation or mobilization and primary repair (n = 1). Isokinetic strength testing was conducted postoperatively in 11 acute and 3 chronic cases, and a functional questionnaire was given at most recent follow-up.

Results

Subjective results for all patients at a mean follow-up of 20 months revealed good leg control in 96%, no pain in 80%, and return to sporting activities in 76%. Ninety-six percent of patients said they would have the procedure done again. With the isokinetic testing available at most recent follow-up, there was no significant difference in the mean hamstring strength deficits for the acute versus chronic groups tested at 60 deg/s (8% vs 21%, P = .295) and 180 deg/s (12% vs 2%, P = .294). Overall, there were 3 major adverse events and 5 patients with superficial wound drainage treated with antibiotics.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment of acute and chronic complete proximal hamstring ruptures can result in a high return to full activity. Reconstruction of chronic ruptures with Achilles allograft appears to restore function and strength comparable to acute repairs.
The Effects of Pubertal Timing and School Transition on Preadolescents' Well-Being
Authors: Seifert Tim , Schulz Henry
Published: December 2007

Previous research has indicated that pubertal development and the transition from middle or elementary school to junior high may present problems for some preadolescents. The effects of these transitions on achievement, psychological well-being, and social relations were examined using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth. Children were tracked during a 2-year period and the changes in outcome scores were assessed. Results indicate that psychological well-being was closely related to social relations, and socioeconomic status was predictive of achievement and social relations. However, pubertal development and school transition had a minimal impact on outcome.
Listening to Participants
Authors: Athanasiou Michelle S. , Hazel Cynthia E. , Geil Molly
Published: December 2007

Studying the social validity of consultation research could lead to research results being more widely used among practitioners, improving the validity of consultation research, and furthering social justice. The following qualitative study investigates school psychologists' and teachers' perceptions of school-based consultation in four elementary schools. The findings are organized into two interrelated themes: the impact of the research on the participants and the impact of the participants and their surrounds on the data collection. Soliciting participants' reactions to studies could advance our knowledge considerably, thereby leading to more sophisticated future studies that could make research results more useful to practitioners and, ultimately, improve outcomes for students.
The Relationship of Parental Practices and Knowledge to School Adaptation for Immigrant and Nonimmigrant High School Students
Authors: Birman Dina , Ryerson Espino Susan
Published: December 2007

This study assesses the impact of parent practices and knowledge of school on school success for a sample of 240 immigrant and nonimmigrant high school students and their parents. Immigrant parents from the former Soviet Union were less knowledgeable about and had less contact with the school, and allowed less autonomy than U.S.-born parents. Some differences and similarities in the relationship between parental practices and knowledge and school adaptation were found.
Thermal Degradation Kinetics of some Aromatic Poly(1,3,4-oxadiazole-ether)s
Authors: Hamciuc Corneliu , Mirela Ipate Alina , Hamciuc Elena , Lisa Gabriela
Published: December 2007

Poly(1,3,4-oxadiazole-ether)s containing isopropylidene, hexafluoroisopropylidene, cyclohexylidene, fluorene, phthalide or phenylquinoxaline groups have been prepared by nucleophilic substitution polymerization technique of 2,5-bis( p-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole with various aromatic bisphenols. The thermal decomposition behavior of the polymers was studied using thermogravimetric analysis in air, at several heating rates: 6, 10 and 14° C min . The polymers showed high thermo-oxidative stability with decomposition temperature corresponding to 5% weight loss above 380°C. The kinetic processing of data was carried out using the Coats—Redfern, Reich—Levi, Flyn—Wall and Kissinger methods.
Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Nanocomposites involving OMMT Clay and Cyanate ester—Siloxane-modified Epoxy Resin: Thermal, Dielectric and Morphological Properties
Authors: Nagendiran Shanmugam , Chinnakkannu Karikal Chozhan  , Alagar Muthukaruppan , Hamerton Ion
Published: December 2007

Inorganic—organic hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by the following steps: (1) homogeneous dispersion of various percentages (1 to 5% w/w) of organically modified montmorollonite clay in epoxy matrix resin; (2) the resulting homogeneous epoxy—clay hybrids were modified with 10 wt.% of hydroxyl-terminated polydiemthyl siloxane (HTPDMS) using γ -aminopropyltriethoxysilane ( γ APS) as coupling agent in the presence of dibutyltindilaurate catalyst; and (3) the siliconized epoxy—clay prepolymers were further modified separately with 10 wt% of three different cyanate ester monomers and cured with diaminodiphenylmethane. The chemical interactions between epoxy, clay, HTPDMS and cyanate ester were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis. The values obtained from differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis showed that there was a significant loss of glass transition temperatures in the resulting hybrid epoxy nanocomposite systems compared with that of neat epoxy system. The inorganic clay mineral and the formation of thermally stable oxazolidinone structures and siloxane linkages during curing led to significant improvement in the thermal properties of the resulting nanocomposites. A decreasing trend was identified in the resulting nanocomposites from their values of dielectric constant and dielectric loss by the incorporation of clay, HTPDMS and cyanate ester in the epoxy resin. The intercalation/exfoliation structure was studied using X-ray diffraction analysis and the homogeneous/heterogeneous morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy analysis in the resulting nanocomposites.
Peer Assessment in Small Groups: A Comparison of Methods
Authors: Baker Diane F.
Published: December 2007

This article describes and evaluates several peer evaluation tools used to assess student behavior in small groups. The two most common methods of peer assessment found in the literature are rating scales and single score methods. Three peer evaluation instruments, two using a rating scale and one using a single score method, are tested in several management courses to examine their effectiveness. All three instruments demonstrate acceptable levels of reliability and are found to be correlated with individual performance measures. The article concludes with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each instrument.
Perivascular tissue factor is down-regulated following cutaneous wounding: implications for bleeding in hemophilia
Authors: McDonald Anna G. , Yang Katie , Roberts Harold R. , Monroe Dougald M. , Hoffman Maureane
Published: December 2007

Healing of skin wounds is delayed in hemophilia B (HB) mice. HB mice do not bleed excessively at wounding, yet rebleed hours to days later. Tissue factor (TF) expression is up-regulated by inflammatory cytokines and has been linked to angiogenesis. We hypothesized that impaired thrombin generation in HB leads to impaired TF expression following injury. Punch biopsies were placed on wild-type (WT) and HB mice. Tissues from wound sites were immunostained for TF. Blood vessels are normally surrounded by a coat of pericytes expressing TF. Surprisingly, within a day after wounding TF disappeared from around nearby vessels; returning after 8 days in WT and 10 days in HB mice. The granulation tissue filling the wound during healing also lacked TF around angiogenic vessels. Thus, perivascular TF expression is down-regulated during wound healing. This may prevent thrombosis of neovessels during angiogenesis but renders hemophiliacs vulnerable to hemorrhage during healing.
CD150− side population cells represent a functionally distinct population of long-term hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Weksberg David C. , Chambers Stuart M. , Boles Nathan C. , Goodell Margaret A.
Published: December 2007

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are a self-renewing population of bone marrow cells that replenish the cellular elements of blood throughout life. HSCs represent a paradigm for the study of stem-cell biology, because robust methods for prospective isolation of HSCs have facilitated rigorous characterization of these cells. Recently, a new isolation method was reported, using the SLAM family of cell-surface markers, including CD150 (SlamF1), to offer potential advantages over established protocols. We examined the overlap between SLAM family member expression with an established isolation scheme based on Hoechst dye efflux (side population; SP) in conjunction with canonical HSC cell-surface markers (Sca-1, c-Kit, and lineage markers). Importantly, we find that stringent gating of SLAM markers is essential to achieving purity in HSC isolation and that the inclusion of canonical HSC markers in the SLAM scheme can greatly augment HSC purity. Furthermore, we observe that both CD150+ and CD150− cells can be found within the SP population and that both populations can contribute to long-term multilineage reconstitution. Thus, using SLAM family markers to isolate HSCs excludes a substantial fraction of the marrow HSC compartment. Interestingly, these 2 subpopulations are functionally distinct, with respect to lineage output as well as proliferative status.
Lyn-coupled LacCer-enriched lipid rafts are required for CD11b/CD18-mediated neutrophil phagocytosis of nonopsonized microorganisms
Authors: Nakayama Hitoshi , Yoshizaki Fumiko , Prinetti Alessandro , Sonnino Sandro , Mauri Laura , Takamori Kenji , Ogawa Hideoki , Iwabuchi Kazuhisa
Published: December 2007

The integrin CD11b/CD18 plays a central role in neutrophil phagocytosis. Although CD11b/CD18 binds a wide range of ligands, including C3bi and β-glucan, and transmits outside-in signaling, the mechanism of this signaling responsible for phagocytosis remains obscure. Here, we report that lactosylceramide (LacCer)-enriched lipid rafts are required for CD11b/CD18-mediated phagocytosis of nonopsonized zymosans (NOZs) by human neutrophils. Anti-CD11b and anti-LacCer antibodies inhibited the binding of NOZs to neutrophils and the phagocytosis of NOZs. During phagocytosis of NOZ, CD11b and LacCer were accumulated and colocalized in the actin-enriched phagocytic cup regions. Immunoprecipitation experiments suggested that CD11b/CD18 was mobilized into the LacCer-enriched lipid rafts during phagocytosis of NOZs. DMSO-treated, neutrophil-like HL-60 cells (D-HL-60 cells) lacking Lyn-coupled, LacCer-mediated signaling showed little phagocytosis of NOZs. However, loading of D-HL-60 cells with C24 fatty acid chain-containing LacCer (C24-LacCer) reconstructed functional Lyn-associated, LacCer-enriched lipid rafts, and restored D-HL-60 cell NOZ phagocytic activity, which was inhibited by anti-LacCer and anti-CD11b antibodies. Lyn knockdown by small interfering RNA blocked the effect of C24:1-LacCer loading on D-HL-60 cell phagocytosis of NOZs. CD11b/CD18 activation experiments indicated phosphorylation of LacCer-associated Lyn by activation of CD11b. Taken together, these observations suggest that CD11b activation causes translocation of CD11b/CD18 into Lyn-coupled, LacCer-enriched lipid rafts, allowing neutrophils to phagocytose NOZs via CD11b/CD18.
Schizotypal cognitions as a predictor of psychopathology in adolescents with mild intellectual impairment
Authors: Johnstone Eve C. , Owens David G. C. , Hoare Peter , Gaur Sonia , Spencer Michael D. , Harris Jonathan , Stanfield Andrew , Moffat Vivien , Brearley Norma , Miller Patrick , Lawrie Stephen M. , Muir Walter J.
Published: December 2007

Background

There is evidence to suggest that among young people with mild intellectual disability there are those whose cognitive difficulties may predict the subsequent manifestation of a schizophrenic phenotype. It is suggested that they may be detectable by simple means.

Aims

To gain adequate cooperation from educational services, parents and students so as to recruit a sufficiently large sample to test the above hypothesis, and to examine the hypothesis in the light of the findings.

Method

The sample was screened with appropriate instruments, and groups hypothesised as being likely or not likely to have the phenotype were compared in terms of psychopathology and neuropsychology.

Results

Simple screening methods detect a sample whose psychopathological and neuropsychological profile is consistent with an extended phenotype of schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Difficulties experienced by some young people with mild and borderline intellectual disability are associated with enhanced liability to schizophrenia. Clinical methods can both identify those with this extended phenotype and predict those in whom psychosis will occur.
Postcards from the EDge: 24-month outcomes of a randomised controlled trial for hospital-treated self-poisoning
Authors: Carter Gregory L. , Clover Kerrie , Whyte Ian M. , Dawson Andrew H. , D'Este Catherine
Published: December 2007

Background

Repetition of self-poisoning is common.

Aims

To report the 24-month outcomes of a non-obligatory postcard intervention (plus treatment as usual) compared with treatment as usual.

Method

In a randomised-controlled trial (Zelen design) conducted in Newcastle, Australia, eight postcards were sent to participants over a 12-month period. The principal outcomes were the proportion of participants with one or more repeat episodes of self-poisoning and the number of repeat episodes per person.

Results

No significant reduction was observed in the proportion of people repeating self-poisoning in the intervention group (21.2%, 95% CI 17.0–25.3) compared with the control group (22.8%, 95% CI 18.7–27.0;χ2=0.32, d.f. = 1,P= 0.57); the difference between groups was −1.7% (95% CI −7.5 to 4.2). There was a significant reduction in the rate of repetition, with an incidence risk ratio of 0.49 (95% CI 0.33–0.73).

Conclusions

A postcard intervention maintained the halving of the rate of repetition of hospital-treated self-poisoning events over a 2-year period, although it did not significantly reduce the proportion of individuals who repeated self-poisoning.
Cost-effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and routine specialist care with and without cognitive–behavioural therapy in adolescents with major depression
Authors: Byford Sarah , Barrett Barbara , Roberts Chris , Wilkinson Paul , Dubicka Bernadka , Kelvin Raphael G. , White Lydia , Ford Claire , Breen Siobhan , Goodyer Ian
Published: December 2007

Background

Major depression is an important and costly problem among adolescents, yet evidence to support the provision of cost-effective treatments is lacking.

Aims

To assess the short-term cost-effectiveness of combined selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) together with clinical care compared with SSRIs and clinical care alone in adolescents with major depression.

Method

Pragmatic randomised controlled trial in the UK. Outcomes and costs were assessed at baseline, 12 and 28 weeks.

Results

The trial comprised 208 adolescents, aged 11–17 years, with major or probable major depression who had not responded to a brief initial psychosocial intervention. There were no significant differences in outcome between the groups with and without CBT. Costs were higher in the group with CBT, although not significantly so (P=0.057). Cost-effectiveness analysis and exploration of the associated uncertainty suggest there is less than a 30% probability that CBT plus SSRIs is more cost-effective than SSRIs alone.

Conclusions

A combination of CBT plus SSRIs is not more cost-effective in the short-term than SSRIs alone for treating adolescents with major depression in receipt of routine specialist clinical care.
Lithium in mood disorders: increasing evidence base, declining use?
Authors: Young Allan H. , Hammond Judith M
Published: December 2007

Use of lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder may be declining even as knowledge of the efficacy and side-effects of lithium has increased. Recent meta-analyses confirm the benefits of maintenance lithium treatment and show that it reduces suicide and suicidality. Psychiatrists should continue to utilise this efficacious treatment for bipolar disorder.
Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cell Mediates Proinflammatory Gene Expression in Response to Mechanotransduction
Authors: CELIL AYDEMIR AYSE B. , LEE STEPHENIE , WON KIM DAE , GARDNER THOMAS R. , PRINCE DANIEL , MOK AHN JAE , YOUNG‐IN LEE FRANCIS
Published: December 2007

Abstract: Bone adapts to its environment. Osteoblasts and osteocytes are subject to mechanical loadin vivo. It has been shown that osteoblasts alter cytokine expression in response to mechanical loading. However, signal transduction pathways that mediate bone cell response to mechanical stimuli have not been elucidated. In this study, we report an increase in proinflammatory gene expression in response to fluid shear stress (FSS) in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and mouse preosteoblasts. Fluid shear stress (FSS)‐induced effect was blocked by the inhibition of the calcineurin–NFATc1 axis, thus implicating a role for nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling in mechanotransduction.
Bone Mineral Density Improvement After Successful Parathyroidectomy in Pre‐ and Postmenopausal Women with Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: LUMACHI FRANCO , CAMOZZI VALENTINA , ERMANI MARIO , DE LOTTO FEDERICA , LUISETTO GIOVANNI
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term (1 year) changes of the lumbar spine (L2–L4) bone mineral density (LS‐BMD) after parathyroidectomy (PTx) in pre‐ and postmenopausal women with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). A series of 48 women (median age 56 years, range 23–82 years) with confirmed PHPT were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients who received both oral contraceptives less than 2 years before the diagnosis and estrogen replacement therapy have previously been excluded. All patients underwent LS‐BMD by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry before surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (n= 12) premenopausal, and group B (n= 36) postmenopausal patients. The LS‐BMD was repeated 12 months after successful PTx. Basal LS‐BMD (0.852 ± 0.061 vs. 0.748 ± 0.142 g/cm2), serum calcium (2.95 ± 0.23 vs. 2.94 ± 0.26 mmol/L), creatinine (69.2 ± 17.5 vs. 82.0 ± 24.2 μmol/L), alkaline phosphatase (107.4 ± 43.6 vs. 151.3 ± 95.7 U/L), osteocalcin (28.6 ± 9.3 vs. 28.2 ± 8.3 μg/L), and PTH (192.7 ± 133.2 vs. 175.2 ± 132.1 ng/L) levels did not differ significantly (P= NS) between groups. The 1‐year LS‐BMD was 0.921 ± 0.048 and 0.825 ± 0.151 g/cm2 in group A and B, respectively. In group B patients, the 1‐year LS‐BMD value did not improve significantly (P= NS), while in group A patients the difference between basal and postsurgical LS‐BMD was significant (P < 0.01). In conclusion, PTx should be considered for all patients with PHPT and loss of bone density, but in premenopausal patients a greatest improvement of BMD may be found, suggesting the need of endogenous estrogens in complete lumbar bone recovery after surgery.
Orthopedic Implant Particle‐Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Production in Macrophage–Monocyte Lineage Cells Is Mediated by Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells
Authors: MINEMATSU HIROSHI , SHIN MIKE J. , CELIL AYDEMIR AYSE B. , SEO SUNG WOOK , KIM DAE WON , BLAINE THEODORE A. , MACIÁN FERNANDO , YANG JAY , YOUNG‐IN LEE FRANCIS
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Wear particles produced from artificial joint prostheses are known to cause macrophage–monocyte lineage cells to produce proosteoclastogenic cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. The specific molecular mechanism, however, is not yet known. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the promoter region of TNF‐α has several consensus sequences for NFAT binding. Consequently, we examined the role of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) in TNF‐α production. Our investigation has shown that treatment with titanium nanoparticles increased TNF‐α gene expression along with TNF‐α protein secretion in murine macrophage‐like RAW264.7 and primary monocyte–macrophage cells. Titanium particle‐induced TNF‐α induction was inhibited by VIVIT, a peptide inhibitor that targets the calcineurin/NFAT axis, which suggests that NFAT mediates metallic particle‐induced TNF‐α expression in monocyte–macrophage lineage cells.
Quantitative Ultrasound Technology in Evaluating Bone Status and Osteoporosis in Patients with Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: CAMOZZI VALENTINA , LUISETTO GIOVANNI , ZANGARI MONICA , LUMACHI FRANCO
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Osteoporosis is a major feature of Cushing's syndrome (CS), and fragility fractures may be the first sign of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of quantitative ultrasound technology (QUS) in diagnosing osteoporosis in patients with CS. Sixty‐three consecutive patients (mean age 38.6 ± 13.0 years), 13 (20.6%) men and 50 (79.4%) women, with confirmed CS underwent both dual‐energy X‐ray densitometry (DXA) and QUS. Two groups of patients were selected: group A, 23 patients, T‐score –2 SD or less (bone mineral density [BMD] femoral neck ≤ 695 g/cm2), and group B, 40 patients, T‐score above –2 SD. Age (42 ± 12 vs. 37 ± 13 years) and 24‐h free urinary cortisol (499 ± 345 vs. 469 ± 319 μg/day) did not differ significantly (P= NS) between groups, while the body mass index did (24.3 ± 4.1 vs. 28.1 ± 4.6, P= 0.002). Unlike DXA, QUS values did not differ significantly (P= NS) between groups. Moreover, in the overall population, as well as in a single group, there was no correlation (R < 0.5, P= NS) between QUS and DXA parameters. In conclusion, in our study QUS was not able to differentiate osteoporotic patients from those with normal BMD measured by DXA, and thus QUS technology should not be used to discriminate between osteopenic and nonosteopenic patients with CS.
PTHrP and Tumorigenesis
Authors: NISHIHARA MINORU , KANEMATSU TAKASHI , TAGUCHI TAKASHI , RAZZAQUE MOHAMMED S.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  The role of parathyroid hormone‐related peptide (PTHrP) in the regulation of hypercalcemia in patients with malignancies is well studied, but whether its expression in tumor tissue correlates with tumor progression is not clear at present. The majority of tumors that metastasize to the bone produce PTHrP, and PTHrP expression correlates with skeletal localization of tumors. About 95% of colorectal adenocarcinomas overexpress PTHrP mRNA and protein, and the expression level is higher in poorly differentiated than in well‐differentiated adenocarcinomas. However, there is some controversy at present about the prognostic significance of PTHrP expression on primary tumor cells, and studies suggest that there might be tissue‐specific responses. We will briefly present here existing evidences that suggest that the expression of PTHrP in the primary tumor tissue could have both positive and/or negative impact on tumor progression and clinical outcome of the disease.
Oxygen Sensing and Osteogenesis
Authors: WANG YING , WAN CHAO , GILBERT SHAWN R. , CLEMENS THOMAS L.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Osteogenesis and angiogenesis are tightly coupled during bone formation and repair. Blood vessels not only carry oxygen and nutrients to the developing bone, but also play an active role in bone formation and remodeling by mediating the interaction between osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, and vascular cells at a variety of levels. Tissue hypoxia is believed to be a major stimulus for angiogenesis by activating hypoxia‐inducible factor α (HIFα) pathway, which is a central regulator of hypoxia adaptation in vertebrates. HIFα remains inactive under normoxic conditions through pVHL‐mediated polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Activation of the HIFα pathway by hypoxia triggers hypoxia‐responsive gene expression, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf), which plays a critical role in angiogenesis, endochondral bone formation, and bone repair following fracture. Recent work from our laboratory has shown that osteoblasts use the HIFα pathway to sense reduced oxygen tension and transmit signals that impinge on angiogenic and osteogenic gene programs during bone formation. Using a genetic approach, we have demonstrated that overexpression of HIFα in mouse osteoblasts through disruption of Vhl results in profound increases in angiogenesis and osteogenesis, which appear to be mediated by cell nonautonomous mechanisms involving VEGF. These studies suggest that VEGF exerts many of its actions on bone indirectly by stimulation of angiogenesis. Whether or to what extent this angiogenic factor functions independent of endothelial cells remains to be determined.
Progression of Efficacy with Ibandronate
Authors: ZAIDI MONE , EPSTEIN SOLOMON , HARRIS STEVEN T. , KOHLES JOSEPH D. , CHESNUT CHARLES H.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  While initial preclinical studies provide an important starting point for dose selection, they may not provide adequate information to identify the optimal dosage for an extended treatment regimen. Determining the best dose for use in an extended dosing regimen requires ongoing development, illustrated best with the bisphosphonate, ibandronate. As mandated for regulatory purposes, the daily oral regimen of ibandronate was proven effective in significantly reducing the rate of new vertebral fractures assessed prospectively, and nonvertebral fractures in a high‐risk population, assessed retrospectively. Extended dosing regimens, namely monthly and quarterly intravenous formulations, were developed subsequently to improve the convenience and enhance persistence, while maintaining or increasing efficacy. The continuing and progressive evolution of data led to the understanding that extension of drug‐free interval requires higher annual cumulative skeletal exposures (ACE), which were not simply numerical multipliers of the interval and daily dose. For ibandronate, this led to dose selection for the oral monthly 150 mg (ACE 10.8 mg) and intravenous quarterly 3 mg (ACE 12 mg) formulations that proved superior in increasing bone mineral density (BMD) compared with oral daily 2.5 mg (ACE 5.5 mg) ibandronate. Pooling data from clinical trials with high ACE regimens (monthly and quarterly) led to the evolution of statistical evidence for a reduction in clinical and nonvertebral fractures with ibandronate. The ibandronate story should serve as an important future paradigm for bisphosphonate development.
Gene Therapy in Musculoskeletal Repair
Authors: NIXON ALAN J. , GOODRICH LAURIE R. , SCIMECA MICHAEL S. , WITTE THOMAS H. , SCHNABEL LAUREN V. , WATTS ASHLEE E. , ROBBINS PAUL D.
Published: December 2007

Abstract: Local and regional gene therapy has improved healing in preclinical trials of articular and other muculoskeletal conditions. Combinations of cell supplementation and cells overexpressing growth factor genes have shown promising results for improving cartilage repair, enhancing delayed union of fractures, and driving organized tendon repair. Proof of concept has been developed using viral vectors, predominantly adenovirus, to deliver growth factor genes, such as BMP‐2, TGF‐β1, and IGF‐I. Integrating vectors, such as retrovirus and lentivirus, have improved the duration of gene‐induced repair, however, increased risk factors have limited broad application. Cartilage repair can be improved using chondrocyte or stem cell transplantation with cells expressing IGF‐I, BMP‐2, or FGF‐2. In cartilage injury and secondary osteoarthritis models, a combination of IL‐1 knockdown and growth factor supplementation has restored cartilage matrix and stabilized the osteoarthritic process. Ultimately, nonviral vectors may provide similar control of catabolic activity in cartilage and synovial structures, which may further improve outcome after chondrocyte or mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) implantation. MSCs derived from bone marrow, fat, or other connective tissues provide a multipotent cell source that may be privileged vectors for skeletal gene therapy. MSCs expressing BMP‐2, TGF‐β1, LMP‐1, IGF‐I, or GDF‐5 have enhanced cartilage, bone, and tendon repair. Overall, the field of orthopedic gene therapy for enhanced tissue repair has made significant preclinical advances. Combining existing cell transplant technology to deliver differentiated cells in a minimally invasive way, with genes that improve matrix formation, provides a manageable protocol for a persisting anabolic impact.