bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Firing up and burning out: The personal and professional impact of working in domestic violence offender programmes
Authors: Morran David
Published: May 2008

The term vicarious or secondary trauma describes the negative impact on professionals' emotions resulting from painful experiences in their practice. This study of practitioners involved in UK probation programmes for domestic violence perpetrators suggests that the emotional consequences are considerable and may differ for male and female practitioners, with potential implications for the nature of their relationships and intervention with men on such programmes. The study also concludes that current training is based on a knowledge base which may be outmoded, and that ongoing support from management and colleagues for staff engaged in this work is insufficient and may be preoccupied with managerial concerns to the neglect of professional practice.
Ethnic Conflict in France
Authors: Meier Kenneth J. , Hawes Daniel P.
Published: May 2008

In the last 3 years, France has seen a series of violent protests by ethnic minorities in regard to jobs, legal discrimination, and access to positions in the public bureaucracy. Because France as a nation rejects the concepts of race and ethnicity, it has also failed to consider any possible benefits that might accrue from a representative bureaucracy. This article examines whether French ethnic protests are linked to bureaucratic access issues and how a policy seeking a more representative bureaucracy might benefit the French Republic.
Meniscal Healing after Meniscal Repair
Authors: Pujol Nicolas , Panarella Ludovico , Selmi Tank Ait Si , Neyret Philippe , Fithian Donald , Beaufils Philippe
Published: May 2008

Background

Studies evaluating healing of repaired meniscus are rare and primarily retrospective. The aim of this study was to assess whether there were different healing rates for arthroscopic meniscal repair with respect to the different zones of the meniscus.

Purpose

This study was conducted to assess outcomes and to document anatomic characteristics of the repaired meniscus with postoperative arthrography combined with computed tomography (arthro-CT), particularly the dimensions and healing of the repaired meniscus.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Fifty-three arthroscopic meniscal repairs were prospectively evaluated between 2002 and 2004 in 2 orthopaedic departments. There were 36 medial and 17 lateral torn menisci. All ACL tears (n = 31, 58.5%) underwent reconstruction. Patients were preoperatively evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical evaluation included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores before the operation and 6 and 12 months afterward. Healing criteria were evaluated at 6 months by arthro-CT scan. Three parameters were evaluated—healing in thickness (Henning criteria), overall healing rate, and reduction in the width of the remaining meniscus.

Results

According to the objective IKDC score, 26 patients were graded A, 20 B, and 4 C (92% good results). The mean subjective IKDC score was 78.9 (standard deviation [SD], 16.2). According to Henning's criteria, 58% of the menisci healed completely, 24% partially, and 18% failed. The overall healing rate was 73.1% (SD, 38.5). Twenty tears located in the posterior part had a healing rate of 59.8% (SD, 46.0). Nineteen tears extending from the posterior to the middle part had a healing rate of 79.2% (SD, 28.2). Isolated tears located in the posterior part had a lower healing rate ( P < .05). There was a 9% ± 1.2% reduction in the width of the remaining medial meniscus in the middle and posterior repaired portions ( P < .02). There was a 15% ± 14% reduction in the width of the remaining lateral meniscus in the middle repaired portion ( P < .01). Complete healing of the posterior segment was associated with reduction in the width of the meniscus ( P < .04).

Conclusion

A modern technique using all-inside fixation or outside-in sutures provided good clinical and anatomic outcomes. No statistically significant effect on ACL reconstruction or laterality (medial vs lateral) on overall healing after meniscal repair was identified. Partial healing occurred often, with a stable tear on a narrowed and painless meniscus. The posterior segment healing rate remained low, suggesting a need for further technical improvements.
e-Sciences as research technologies: reconfiguring disciplines, globalizing knowledge
Authors: Schroeder Ralph
Published: May 2008

This article examines recent e-science initiatives through the lens of the concept of `research technologies'. It has been argued that e-science research, which makes use of advanced computing tools to share distributed resources via networks, changes the disciplinary nature of research towards greater interdisciplinarity and paves the way for the increasing globalization of research. However, these claims need to be instantiated in concrete research practices. The essay therefore presents three examples of research projects where these two features can be demonstrated. More generally these three projects — in social science hyperlink analysis, high-energy physics, and astronomy — are examples of `research technologies', which, it has been argued, are often a radical source of innovation. The article describes how the three projects illustrate these arguments about research technologies, but also how this concept is limited as e-science research is still ongoing. The conclusion assesses how the notion of research technologies is useful for understanding how networked computing technologies are changing the current landscape of knowledge production.
The wrath of the gods: appraising the meaning of disaster
Authors: Grandjean Didier , Rendu Anne-Caroline , MacNamee Terence , Scherer Klaus R.
Published: May 2008

Beginning with the Flood story from ancient Mesopotamia, which is related to similar Biblical and Greek accounts, we focus on the genre of disaster myths, in which man is overcome by divine retribution for his misdeeds. Psychologically speaking, myth has to be considered as part of our human search for meaning. Man looks for the causes of effects; he also expects the effects of causes to be proportionate, which may be the basis of the notion of justice. We review the concept of appraisal as a necessary prelude to emotion: human beings `size up' the situation to see what caused it and whether it was deserved or not before they react. In the case of myth, this psychological mechanism led ancient man to supernatural explanations for natural disasters, namely divine retribution. This is not the case in all cultures; in animistic ones, the cause of misfortune may be sought in hostile outside agency, such as witchcraft. This just goes to show the importance of appraisal biases in emotion, which typically rest on a cultural and religious foundation. The psychological perspective can thus contribute to the understanding of myth at work in human thinking, as part of an interdisciplinary effort involving anthropology and the study of religion.
A Physiological Model of a Circannual Oscillator
Authors: MacGregor Duncan J. , Lincoln Gerald A.
Published: May 2008

Recent evidence based on studies in hypothalamo-pituitary disconnected Soay sheep suggests that the generation of circannual rhythms may be localizable to specific tissues or physiological systems. Now, the authors present a physiological model of a circannual rhythm generator centered in the pituitary gland based on the interaction between melatonin-responsive cells in the pars tuberalis that act to decode photoperiod, and lactotroph cells of the adjacent pars distalis that secrete prolactin. The model produces a self-sustained, circannual rhythm in endocrine output that the authors explore by mathematical modeling. The circannual oscillation requires a delayed negative feedback mechanism. The authors highlight specific features of the pituitary dynamics as a guide to future research on circannual rhythms.
Decline of the Presynaptic Network, Including GABAergic Terminals, in the Aging Suprachiasmatic Nucleus of the Mouse
Authors: Palomba Maria , Nygård Mikael , Florenzano Fulvio , Bertini Giuseppe , Kristensson Krister , Bentivoglio Marina
Published: May 2008

Biological rhythms, and especially the sleep/wake cycle, are frequently disrupted during senescence. This draws attention to the study of aging-related changes in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master circadian pacemaker. The authors here compared the SCN of young and old mice, analyzing presynaptic terminals, including the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic network, and molecules related to the regulation of GABA, the main neurotransmitter of SCN neurons. Transcripts of the α3 subunit of the GABAA receptor and the GABA-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase isoform 67 (GAD67) were analyzed with real-time RT-PCR and GAD67 protein with Western blotting. These parameters did not show significant changes between the 2 age groups. Presynaptic terminals were identified in confocal microscopy with synaptophysin immunofluorescence, and the GABAergic subset of those terminals was revealed by the colocalization of GAD67 and synaptophysin. Quantitative analysis of labeled synaptic endings performed in 2 SCN subregions, where retinal afferents are known to be, respectively, very dense or very sparse, revealed marked aging-related changes. In both subregions, the evaluated parameters (the number of and the area covered by presynaptic terminals and by their GABAergic subset) were significantly decreased in old versus young mice. No significant differences were found between SCN tissue samples from animals sacrificed at different times of day, in either age group. Altogether, the data point out marked reduction in the synaptic network of the aging biological clock, which also affects GABAergic terminals. Such alterations could underlie aging-related SCN dysfunction, including low-amplitude output during senescence.
A Melatonin-Independent Seasonal Timer Induces Neuroendocrine Refractoriness to Short Day Lengths
Authors: Butler Matthew P. , Turner Kevin W. , Zucker Irving
Published: May 2008

The duration of nocturnal pineal melatonin secretion transduces effects of day length (DL) on the neuroendocrine axis of photoperiodic rodents. Long DLs support reproduction, and short DLs induce testicular regression, followed several months later by spontaneous recrudescence; gonadal regrowth is thought to reflect development of tissue refractoriness to melatonin. In most photoperiodic species, pinealectomy does not diminish reproductive competence in long DLs. Turkish hamsters ( Mesocricetus brandti) deviate from this norm: elimination of melatonin secretion in long-day males by pinealectomy or constant light treatment induces testicular regression and subsequently recrudescence; the time course of these gonadal transitions is similar to that observed in males transferred from long to short DLs. In the present study, long-day Turkish hamsters that underwent testicular regression and recrudescence in constant light subsequently were completely unresponsive to the antigonadal effects of short DLs. Other hamsters that manifested testicular regression and recrudescence in short DLs were unresponsive to the antigonadal effects of pinealectomy or constant light. Long-term suppression of melatonin secretion induces a physiological state in Turkish hamsters similar or identical to the neuroendocrine refractoriness produced by short-day melatonin signals (i.e., neural refractoriness to melatonin develops in the absence of circulating melatonin secretion). A melatonin-independent interval timer, which would remain operative in the absence of melatonin during hibernation, may determine the onset of testicular recrudescence in the spring. In this respect, Turkish hamsters differ from most other photoperiodic rodents.
Beyond Physical Attractiveness
Authors: Park Haesun , Lennon Sharron J.
Published: May 2008

An experiment assessed the simultaneous effects of two interpersonal attraction factors, physical attractiveness of a target person and similarities in personal characteristics between a target and a perceiver. Participants were exposed to three pictures, each depicting a college student with varying degrees of physical attractiveness and rated the target person and themselves on personal characteristics (i.e., character traits, behavior, attitudes, demographic traits, and physical/biological traits). Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) was utilized to examine the simultaneous effects of similarities and physical attractiveness on the level of attraction while limiting common error and confounding effects. The results revealed that character traits, attitudes, and physical and/or biological traits were significant and the pattern of the influence was similar across all three attractiveness conditions. The results suggest that similarities in such personal characteristics strongly contributed to interpersonal attraction and this relationship holds for all levels of physical attractiveness of the stranger.
Time Crime
Authors: Lane David C. , Bromley David G. , Hicks Robert D. , Mahoney John S.
Published: May 2008

The looting of art and antiquities is an ancient practice. However, recent decades have witnessed such a dramatic increase in the magnitude and impact of “time crime” that it is now one of the larger transnational markets in illegal goods. The authors argue that this market can be understood as consisting of three elements: a supply component, primarily in impoverished nations; a demand component, primarily in wealthy Western nations; and a social control component, which permits transfer of goods from the illicit to the licit economy. Changes in each of these three components are responsible for the exponential increase in the size and scope of the market. The authors examine those changes and the roles through which the three components of the market are organized.
Study of the Damage-induced Anisotropy of Quasi-brittle Materials using the Component Assembling Model
Authors: Jing Zhang  , Liang Nai-Gang , Deng Shou-Chun , Liu Jin-Xing , Liu Xiao-Yu , Qiang Fu
Published: May 2008

Damage-induced anisotropy of quasi-brittle materials is investigated using component assembling model in this study. Damage-induced anisotropy is one significant character of quasi-brittle materials coupled with nonlinearity and strain softening. Formulation of such complicated phenomena is a difficult problem till now. The present model is based on the component assembling concept, where constitutive equations of materials are formed by means of assembling two kinds of components' response functions. These two kinds of components, orientational and volumetric ones, are abstracted based on pair-functional potentials and the Cauchy—Born rule. Moreover, macroscopic damage of quasi-brittle materials can be reflected by stiffness changing of orientational components, which represent grouped atomic bonds along discrete directions. Simultaneously, anisotropic characters are captured by the naturally directional property of the orientational component. Initial damage surface in the axial-shear stress space is calculated and analyzed. Furthermore, the anisotropic quasi-brittle damage behaviors of concrete under uniaxial, proportional, and nonproportional combined loading are analyzed to elucidate the utility and limitations of the present damage model. The numerical results show good agreement with the experimental data and predicted results of the classical anisotropic damage models.
Investigation of the Crack-Dislocation Interaction Effects
Authors: Ju J.W. , Sejin Oh
Published: May 2008

The objective of the current work is to investigate the interaction effects between a crack and an array of dislocations under various configurations using the elasticity theory. By treating the crack and dislocations as singularities in the elastic field of a material, we examine their collective stress and displacement responses near the crack tip at the micromechanical level. First, the stationary formulation for a crack interacting with a single dislocation is presented, and the effects of dislocation upon the crack tip field are systematically assessed under different spatial configurations. This stress—displacement analysis shows that the crack remains open at all times for the blunting dislocations, while the crack closure is observed at the tip for wake dislocations. Subsequently, the elastic theory of crack-multiple dislocations interaction is rigorously studied by considering three types of forces exerted on the dislocations along different slip planes. Specifically, the slip forces exerted on a typical dislocation are due to the influences from the external loading, its own image dislocations, and other interacting dislocations as well as all their image dislocations. Furthermore, the dislocation emission criterion defined by Lin and Thomson is employed, and the behavior of multiple dislocations is systematically investigated. Finally, the effective stress intensity factor, the shielding of the crack tip from the dislocation array, the geometric dislocation distributions, and the dislocation-free zone are explored in detail.
Anisotropic Elastoplastic and Damage Behavior of SiCp/Al Composite Sheets
Authors: Skolnik D.A. , Liu H.T. , Wu H.C. , Sun L.Z.
Published: May 2008

A combined experimental and modeling research is performed to study the anisotropic elastoplastic and damage responses of SiC particle-reinforced Al composite sheets. To investigate the effects of the composite processing, two sets of specimens cut from the heat-treated and as-rolled composite sheets are tested under uniaxial loading. The dependence of the strength, plastic flow, and strain ratios on the rolling angles are discussed in detail. To model the phenomena observed in the experiments, a micromechanics-based damage framework is further developed. The interfacial debonding and the rolling angle's effects are integrated into this model. Good consistency between the experimental results and the analytical predications demonstrates the validity of the theoretical model.
Development of New Products in Small Companies
Authors: Duhovnik Joze , Starbek Marko , Dwivedi S.N. , Prasad Biren
Published: May 2008

Problems in the development of new products in small and mid-sized companies are analyzed in the following paper. Concurrent engineering methods known to date for the development of new products are tested within the framework of human and organizational capacities. The methodologies of 3-T looping and three-level team structure were especially tested. It was established that a two-level organization is more suitable for small companies. Due to requirements for product complexity, it was found that n-T looping methodology should be implemented. In the case of complex products (the methodology was tested on a mini-loader), it turns out that n is in the range of 7 to 9 members. Such a large team is still manageable and acts in an integrative manner to achieve the goal, product development. In the matrix analysis of activities, the use of a supplemented methodology was justified and proven for each phase of product development.
Academic and Industrial User Needs for a Concurrent Engineering Computer Simulation Game
Authors: Riedelt Johann c.k.h. , Pawar Kulwant S. , Barson Richard
Published: May 2008

This paper describes the rationale of a multimedia computer based simulation game of concurrent engineering for use on university engineering courses and for the training of engineers in industry. It describes the methodology and results of the analysis of academic and industrial user needs. This included interviews and focus groups with users and players of the simulation. The learning goals for the simulation were developed from this analysis. These learning goals and the insights gained were used as an input in the development of a simulation modelling methodology and computer simulation model of CE. The outcome of the development methodology was the first prototype of the COSIGA CE simulation game. This prototype is currently undergoing testing, including assessing how well it delivers the learning goals.

The game will aim to realistically simulate the collaborative and cooperative process of product development inherent in a concurrent engineering approach. It is a team player game, played by up to five people. It can be played by individuals in the same room or in a distributed group, using the internet and telecommunications (phone, fax, videophone, etc). Each person plays a role in the product development process and work collaboratively together, using whatever communication means they choose, to specify, design, and produce the final product - a type of truck. This would involve them drawing up a market specification, a product specification, designing the product and allocating production processes. The product's manufacturability will be put to the test in the simulated factory to produce the final products. The final product's conformance to specification, development time and costs are used to calculate the team's score.

This two year project will make the final simulation game available on CD-Rom (with a demo version available on the internet) for use by other universities and industrial companies.
Wildlife Trading in Vietnam
Authors: Van Song Nguyen
Published: May 2008

This report provides data on the logistics, scope, and economics of the illegal trade in wildlife in Vietnam. It analyses the main reasons for the rapid growth in this trade and highlights key failures in the country's attempts to control it. This report recommends that the government should strengthen the capacity of the agencies responsible for fighting the trade and raise their budgets. It also highlights the need to use education to encourage Vietnam people to stop consuming illegal wildlife products. The report concludes that given the scale of the problem, a high level of commitment at all levels of government will be needed to significantly affect the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam.
Who Gains From Community Conservation? Intended and Unintended Costs and Benefits of Participative Approaches in Peru and Tanzania
Authors: Haller Tobias , Galvin Marc , Meroka Patrick , Alca Jamil , Alvarez Alex
Published: May 2008

Who are the beneficiaries from participative approaches in conservation? The authors compare two protected areas Amarakaeri Communal Reserve in Peru and Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania and show how in similar institutional settings local interest groups react very differently to the possibility of participation. The difference, however, does not regard economic benefits. In the case of Peru, local groups defining themselves as indigenous peoples see a political gain in participatory conservation, which seems to offer the possibility for securing land rights in their area. In Tanzania, however, local actors oppose participative conservation strategies or passively resist those forced on them because they cause high-economic costs and no political gains. By comparing both cases based on a new institutionalism analysis, the article reveals how intended and unintended costs and benefits can explain different attitudes of local groups to participative conservation.
The Backward Span of the Corsi Block-Tapping Task and Its Association With the WAIS-III Digit Span
Authors: Kessels Roy P. C. , van den Berg Esther , Ruis Carla , Brands Augustina M. A.
Published: May 2008

The Corsi Block-Tapping Task measures visuospatial short-term and working memory, but a standardized backward condition is lacking. The authors present a standardized backward procedure that was examined in 246 healthy older adults (ages 50 to 92), comparing the results with the Digit Span subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale— Third Edition. Principal component analysis resulted in a two-factor model, dissociating a verbal and a spatial working-memory factor. Also the Corsi backward is not more difficult than the Corsi forward, in contrast to the Digit Span backward that is more difficult than the Digit Span forward. This may suggest that the Corsi Block-Tapping Task backward task relies on processing within working-memory's slave systems, whereas the Digit Span backward also relies on the central executive component of working memory. Finally, regression-based normative data and cutoff scores for older adults are presented for use in clinical practice.
Dynamics of a Laminated Composite Beam on Pasternak-Viscoelastic Foundation Subjected to a Moving Oscillator
Authors: Ahmadian M.T. , Jafari-Talookolaei R.A. , Esmailzadeh E.
Published: May 2008

Dynamic behavior of a laminated composite beam (LCB) supported by a generalized Pasternak-type viscoelastic foundation, subjected to a moving two-degree-of-freedom (DOFs) oscillator with a constant axial velocity is studied. Analytical solution using the Galerkin method is sought and the couplings of the bending—tension, shear—tension, and bending—twist with the Poisson effect are considered. The possible separation of the moving oscillator from LCB during the course of motion is investigated by monitoring the contact force between the oscillator and LCB. The effects of the non-rigid foundation, oscillator parameters, and the load speed on the separation are also studied. It is found that the separation of the oscillator from the slender LCB will occur with a high stiffness of the oscillator and by having either a low or a high axial momentum of the oscillator. The separation can be suppressed by an elastic foundation with a relatively large stiffness. The bending moment and the beam deflection at the beam center and just below the oscillator due to the load velocity and position are examined and the corresponding velocity for the maximum values of those parameters is determined.
Numerical Solution of the Controlled Rayleigh Nonlinear Oscillator by the Direct Spectral Method
Authors: Navabi M.R. , Shamsi M. , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: May 2008

This paper presents two numerical methods for solving the controlled Rayleigh nonlinear oscillator problem. The first method is based on construction of interpolation polynomials to approximate the states and subsequent control using the roots of Legendre polynomials as collocation nodal points. In the second method, we look for a piecewise continuous approximation polynomial for each state and a piecewise constant function for the control function. We show that this method leads to better results and enables us to accurately compute switching times. These methods are easy to implement, and yield very accurate results.
The Use of TeleCAM as a Remote Web-Based Application for Child Maltreatment Assessment, Peer Review, and Case Documentation
Authors: Thraen Iona Maria , Frasier Lori , Cochella Chris , Yaffe Joanne , Goede Patricia
Published: May 2008

Approximately 1 million children are physically or sexually abused each year in the United States. Accurate diagnosis of these children and subsequent extensive legal intervention requires a thorough clinical assessment as well as legal documentation. A Web-based application developed for the remote sharing of child maltreatment assessment among multiple child protection providers is presented. Usability data was collected from medical personnel at three remote Utah Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) and one urban tertiary children's hospital. Qualitative findings are summarized and satisfaction differences are reported between remote sites and their referral tertiary center.
Expressive Practices: The Local Enactment of Culture in the Communication Classroom
Authors: Wolf Karen , Milburn Trudy , Wilkins Richard
Published: May 2008

As students participate in corporate communication classes, they may, on occasion, use the term culture to make sense of their experiences. The authors use Mino's idea of a learning paradigm to shift the emphasis away from teaching traditional theories of culture and use student-centered experiences to teach culture as an expressive practice. Using instances drawn from their own classrooms, the authors show how students can recognize the value of understanding their role in creating culture each time they choose how to act, how to evaluate others' behavior, and whether to label what is going on as cultural.
Parents' Experiences With Childhood Deafness
Authors: Jackson Carla Wood , Traub Randi J. , Turnbull Ann P.
Published: May 2008

In response to the need for family-centered follow-up, this study examined parents' experiences with deafness after early identification. Qualitative inquiry methods were used to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of nine parents of children identified with severe to profound deafness. Parents participated in face-to-face conversations and interviews by phone and e-mail. Naturalistic inquiry methods were used to identify themes in family experiences including reactions to diagnosis; decision making; impact of deafness on family interactions, family time, and the child; positive experiences in early intervention; and desired support services. Implications and recommendations for early intervention programs are discussed.
Parent Directiveness in Free Play With Young Children With Physical Impairments
Authors: Cress Cynthia J. , Moskal Lisa , Hoffmann Ann
Published: May 2008

Children with disabilities are reported to experience a high degree of directive parent interaction compared to typically developing children because of poor communicative or task skills. This study examines relationships between parent behaviors (directiveness and contingency) and child skills (language and motor) for children with physical or neuromotor impairments at risk for being nonspeaking during undirected incidental play. The only correlation between parent behavior and child developmental status was between physical directiveness and child motor scores. Previous reports of high directiveness that increase with degree of disability might be attributable to task instructions during object play, in which high physical directiveness would be required for this population.
Beyond the Obvious
Authors: Corrigan Roberta
Published: May 2008

This article addresses the acquisition of meaning of words and phrases that refer to aspects of the world that are not directly perceivable. It examines the patterns of semantic input that are available in the linguistic environment that provide clues to allow a child to construct a lexicon that is both broad and deep. These patterns are illustrated with examples from the author's research on implicit verb causality, underlying dimensions of affective meaning, and the acquisition of rare adjectives. Throughout the article, the author selectively reviews the literature on children with language impairments to examine what is known about depth of vocabulary knowledge in these populations.
Accommodating Students With Disabilities on State English Language Proficiency Assessments
Authors: Albus Debra , Thurlow Martha L.
Published: May 2008

All English language learners (ELLs) are to participate in an annual assessment of English language proficiency (ELP) under Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This includes ELLs with disabilities, regardless of whether they are high-incidence disabilities (e.g., learning disability) or low-incidence disabilities (e.g., deaf or hard of hearing). This article summarizes findings from a national study of state ELP accommodation policies for ELLs with disabilities on these state assessments. It highlights the policy differences across states in the accommodations offered and also provides information on state-specific policies. Several recommendations based on the analysis are provided.
From Early Childhood Special Education to Special Education Resource Rooms
Authors: Liu Yi-Juin , Ortiz Alba A. , Wilkinson Cheryl Y. , Robertson Phyllis , Kushner Millicent I.
Published: May 2008

Results of an exploratory study of eligibility decisions made for 19 Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs), who qualified for special education in early childhood and subsequently received special education reading instruction, are reported. Full and individual evaluations revealed that only 9 students demonstrated significant Intelligence Quotient–reading achievement discrepancies. Because the study's purpose was to describe characteristics of ELLs with reading-related learning disabilities (LD), these students became the focus of analyses. After examining data from students' school records, an expert panel concluded that 1 student had reading-related LD, 3 had disabilities other than LD, and 5 had problems that could be explained by other factors. Issues associated with the special education identification process for ELLs are discussed and recommendations for improving practice are offered.
Review Paper: Considerations for Determining if a Natural Product Is an Effective Wound-Healing Agent
Authors: Lindblad William J.
Published: May 2008

Many research groups are examining natural products for their vulnerary activity. On the basis of the countless years of folklore and clinical observations, these preparations are being fractionated and applied to wounds in a variety of animal species. Despite this work, the number of agents that have documented ability to enhance wound healing is minimal. This article provides a brief review of some of the major historical milestones in wound care and provides a framework for studying plant products so as to achieve statistically significant results in biologically important models of healing. Only with the use of reference standards, data from appropriate animal models, and human trials can we begin to mine the great potential of these natural products.
Reducing Lower Extremity Amputations Due to Diabetes: The Application of Diabetic-Foot Protocol in Chiang Mai University Hospital
Authors: Rerkasem Kittipan , Kosachunhanun Natapong , Tongprasert Siam , Khwanngern Krit , Matanasarawoot Anuchart , Thongchai Chaweewan , Chimplee Kaset , Buranapin Supawan , Chaisrisawadisuk Somboon , Mangklabruks Ampika
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to determine whether intensive treatment and education strategies for diabetic patients with ulcers help in preventing leg amputation. From August 2005 to March 2007, a diabetic-foot protocol using a multidisciplinary approach was applied at our hospital. All the subjects were educated regarding diabetic-foot disease and its complications and prevention. This report compares the amputation rate in patients receiving the protocol care from August 2005 to March 2007 with those who had standard care from August 2003 to July 2005. Seventy-three and 110 diabetic-foot ulcer patients received protocol and standard foot care, respectively. The incidence of major amputations in the protocol and standard care groups was 4.1% and 13.6%, respectively ( P = .03). Our protocol was associated with improved diabetic-foot care outcomes. It can be used by any hospital to improve outcomes for patients with diabetes.
Cytokine storm in a mouse model of IgG-mediated hemolytic transfusion reactions
Authors: Hod Eldad A. , Cadwell Chantel M. , Liepkalns Justine S. , Zimring James C. , Sokol Set A. , Schirmer David A. , Jhang Jeffrey , Spitalnik Steven L.
Published: May 2008

Cytokines are hypothesized to play a central role in the pathophysiology of IgG-mediated hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs), and deeper understanding is required for improving therapy for these events. After establishing well-defined mouse models of HTRs, we tested whether cytokines were involved. Red blood cells (RBCs) from human glycophorin A transgenic (hGPA-Tg) or wild-type (WT) mice were transfused into non-Tg recipients passively immunized with monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Only transfusions of incompatible RBCs induced IgG-mediated HTRs, exemplified by rapid clearance and hemoglobinuria. Very high plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were induced after incompatible transfusion. No significant changes in IL-10, IL-12, or interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were observed. The proinflammatory cytokines elaborated in this in vivo mouse model are also implicated in the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and confirm the hypothesis that cytokine storm occurs as a result of HTRs.
The Xenopus FcR family demonstrates continually high diversification of paired receptors in vertebrate evolution
Authors: Guselnikov Sergey V , Ramanayake Thaminda , Erilova Aleksandra Y , Mechetina Ludmila V , Najakshin Alexander M , Robert Jacques , Taranin Alexander V
Published: May 2008

Background

Recent studies have revealed an unexpected diversity of domain architecture among FcR-like receptors that presumably fulfill regulatory functions in the immune system. Different species of mammals, as well as chicken and catfish have been found to possess strikingly different sets of these receptors. To better understand the evolutionary history of paired receptors, we extended the study of FcR-like genes in amphibian representativesXenopus tropicalisandXenopus laevis.

Results

The diploid genome ofX. tropicaliscontains at least 75 genes encoding paired FcR-related receptors designated XFLs. The allotetraploidX. laevisdisplays many similar genes primarily expressed in lymphoid tissues. Up to 35 domain architectures generated by combinatorial joining of six Ig-domain subtypes and two subtypes of the transmembrane regions were found in XFLs. None of these variants are shared by FcR-related proteins from other studied species. Putative activating XFLs associate with the FcRγ subunit, and their transmembrane domains are highly similar to those of activating mammalian KIR-related receptors. This argues in favor of a common origin for the FcR and the KIR families. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the entire repertoires of theXenopusand mammalian FcR-related proteins have emerged after the amphibian-amniotes split.

Conclusion

FcR- and KIR-related receptors evolved through continual species-specific diversification, most likely by extensive domain shuffling and birth-and-death processes. This mode of evolution raises the possibility that the ancestral function of these paired receptors was a direct interaction with pathogens and that many physiological functions found in the mammalian receptors were secondary acquisitions or specializations.
Insight into the early steps of root hair formation revealed by the procuste1 cellulose synthase mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Singh Sunil K , Fischer Urs , Singh Manoj , Grebe Markus , Marchant Alan
Published: May 2008

Background

Formation of plant root hairs originating from epidermal cells involves selection of a polar initiation site and production of an initial hair bulge which requires local cell wall loosening. In Arabidopsis the polar initiation site is located towards the basal end of epidermal cells. However little is currently understood about the mechanism for the selection of the hair initiation site or the mechanism by which localised hair outgrowth is achieved. The Arabidopsis procuste1 (prc1-1) cellulose synthase mutant was studied in order to investigate the role of the cell wall loosening during the early stages of hair formation.

Results

The prc1-1 mutant exhibits uncontrolled, preferential bulging of trichoblast cells coupled with mislocalised hair positioning. Combining the prc1-1 mutant with root hair defective6-1 (rhd6-1), which on its own is almost completely devoid of root hairs results in a significant restoration of root hair formation. The pEXPANSIN7::GFP (pEXP7::GFP) marker which is specifically expressed in trichoblast cell files of wild-type roots, is absent in the rhd6-1 mutant. However, pEXP7::GFP expression in the rhd6-1/prc1-1 double mutant is restored in a subset of epidermal cells which have either formed a root hair or exhibit a bulged phenotype consistent with a function for EXP7 during the early stages of hair formation.

Conclusion

These results show that RHD6 acts upstream of the normal cell wall loosening event which involves EXP7 expression and that in the absence of a functional RHD6 the loosening and accompanying EXP7 expression is blocked. In the prc1-1 mutant background, the requirement for RHD6 during hair initiation is reduced which may result from a weaker cell wall structure mimicking the cell wall loosening events during hair formation.
Evaluation of left ventricular outflow tract gradient during treadmill exercise and in recovery period in orthostatic position, in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Miranda Rita , Cotrim Carlos , Cardim Nuno , Almeida Sofia , Lopes Luís , Loureiro Maria José , Simões Otília , Cordeiro Pedro , Fazendas Paula , João Isabel , Carrageta Manuel
Published: May 2008

Background-

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The classical quantification of intraventricular obstruction is performed in resting conditions in supine position, but this assessment does not reflect what happens in HCM patients (pts) in their daily activities, neither during effort nor during orthostatic recovery.

Aim-

To assess intraventricular gradients with echocardiography during treadmill exercise and in the recovery period in upright position, in HCM pts.

Methods-

We studied 17 HCM pts (9 males, mean age 53 ± 16 years, 11 with obstructive HCM). Each pt had 2 echocardiographic evaluations at rest (left lateral decubitus (LLD) and orthostatic position). The pts then underwent a treadmill exercise test and intraventricular gradients were measured at peak exercise and during recovery in orthostatic position.

Results-

3 pts with non-obstructive HCM at rest developed intraventricular gradients during exercise. 1 pt developed this gradient only during orthostatic recovery. The mean intraventricular gradient in LLD was 49 ± 24 mmHg; in orthostatic position was 62 ± 29 mmHg (p < 0.001 versus in LLD); at peak exercise was 83 ± 35 mmHg (p < 0.001 versus supine rest); during recovery it was 96 ± 35 mmHg (p < 0.001 versus peak exercise)

Conclusion-

In HCM pts the intraventricular gradient increases in orthostatic position, increases significantly during treadmill exercise and continues increasing in the recovery period in orthostatic position. This type of evaluation can help us to better understand the physiopathology, the symptoms and the efficacy of different therapeutic modalities in this disease and should be routinely used in the assessment of HCM pts.
Individual mRNA expression profiles reveal the effects of specific microRNAs
Authors: Arora Amit , Simpson David AC
Published: May 2008

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are oligoribonucleotides with an important role in regulation of gene expression at the level of translation. Despite imperfect target complementarity, they can also significantly reduce mRNA levels. The validity of miRNA target gene predictions is difficult to assess at the protein level. We sought, therefore, to determine whether a general lowering of predicted target gene mRNA expression by endogenous miRNAs was detectable within microarray gene expression profiles.

Results

The target gene sets predicted for each miRNA were mapped onto known gene expression data from a range of tissues. Whether considering mean absolute target gene expression, rank sum tests or 'ranked ratios', many miRNAs with significantly reduced target gene expression corresponded to those known to be expressed in the cognate tissue. Expression levels of miRNAs with reduced target mRNA levels were higher than those of miRNAs with no detectable effect on mRNA expression. Analysis of microarray data gathered after artificial perturbation of expression of a specific miRNA confirmed the predicted increase or decrease in influence of the altered miRNA upon mRNA levels. Strongest associations were observed with targets predicted by TargetScan.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that the effect of a miRNA on its target mRNAs' levels can be measured within a single gene expression profile. This emphasizes the extent of this mode of regulation in vivo and confirms that many of the predicted miRNA-mRNA interactions are correct. The success of this approach has revealed the vast potential for extracting information about miRNA function from gene expression profiles.
Cell cycle regulation by FasL and Apo2L/TRAIL in human T-cell blasts. Implications for autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndromes
Authors: Bosque Alberto , Aguiló Juan I , del Rey Manuel , Paz-Artal Estela , Allende Luis M , Naval Javier , Anel Alberto
Published: May 2008

The Fas-FasL pathway plays an important role in the homeostasis of mature lymphocytes, with defects causing autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndromes (ALPS). Human T-cell blasts are not sensitive to FasL or Apo2L/TRAIL-induced apoptosis unless they get reactivated, but either of those ligands inhibits their growth in the absence of cell death induction due to a cell cycle arrest in S-G2/M. In the present work, we have studied the mechanism(s) by which FasL or Apo2L/TRAIL regulate T-cell blast cell cycle in healthy donors and in two types of ALPS patients. Our data indicate that in human CD8+ T-cell blasts, Fas ligation, and especially Apo2L/TRAIL induce the p53-dependent decrease in cyclin-B1 levels. However, the induction of the negative cell cycle regulator p21WAF1 by FasL or Apo2L/TRAIL in either CD4+ or CD8+ T-cell blasts seems to be the main regulatory mechanism. This mechanism is dependent on caspase activation and on H2O2 generation. The increase in p21 levels by FasL or Apo2L/TRAIL is concomitant with p53 increases only in CD8+ T-cell blasts, with p21 levels maintained high for longer times than p53 levels. In CD4+ T-cell blasts p21 levels are controlled through a transient and p53-independent mechanism. The present results suggest that the etiology of ALP syndromes could be related not only to defects in apoptosis induction, but also in cell cycle regulation.
No end in site: TWEAK/Fn14 activation and autoimmunity associated- end-organ pathologies
Authors: Zheng Timothy S , Burkly Linda C
Published: May 2008

Growing evidence suggests that the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) member TWEAK and its cognate receptor Fn14 play an important role in both physiological and pathological tissue remodeling. Herein, we review the various lines of experimental evidence that support the involvement of this ligand/receptor pair in triggering a wide range of cellular responses crucial to tissue remodeling, including angiogenic, proliferative, and inflammatory responses, and discuss the molecular mechanisms by which TWEAK/Fn14-induced tissue responses can lead to desired vs. undesired consequences in a context-dependent manner. We explore the key features of TWEAK-induced end-organ pathologies in various autoimmune disorders and the potential therapeutic benefits of TWEAK inhibition therein. We submit the viewpoint that TWEAK/Fn14-mediated pathogenic tissue remodeling represents an important, universal mechanism leading to various end-organ pathologies associated with autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. The highly specific and localized nature of its pathogenic contribution, therefore, makes the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway a unique and promising therapeutic target.