bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Professional Soldiers and Politics: A Case of Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Sarvas Stefan
Published: October 2005

This article evaluates the influence of the officer corps of the Central and Eastern European militaries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia) using four of Huntington's indicators. The author argues that the corporate identity and group affiliation of the professional corps have declined, the economic and human sources subjected to the authority of professional soldiers have diminished, the hierarchical interpenetration of officers and other groups has changed substantially, and the prestige of the officer corps is defined by many new factors. Nevertheless, he states that professional soldiers are still involved in politics, albeit the methods of involvement are different from those under communist rule, and suggests that the causes of this situation lie on both the civilian and the military sides. He recognizes five basic patterns that draw professional soldiers into politics: perception of soldiers or former soldiers as the best and only experts on security matters and their appointments to high political posts: close cooperation with nationalistic organizations; continuing links to newly reformed post-communist parties; unclear division of responsibilities in constitutional and legislative frameworks, and deteriorating social and living conditions. He also points to the rift between the older and younger generations of professional soldiers and the differences in their political involvements.
Physical Violence Between Siblings A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Hoffman Kristi L. , Kiecolt K. Jill , Edwards John N.
Published: October 2005

This study develops and tests a theoretical model to explain sibling violence based on the feminist, conflict, and social learning theoretical perspectives and research in psychology and sociology. A multivariate analysis of data from 651 young adults generally supports hypotheses from all three theoretical perspectives. Males with brothers have significantly higher levels of sibling violence than the other three types of sibling pairs. As predicted, conflict and abuse between parents are associated with negative parent-child interactions, which in turn are related to problems in siblings' relationships with each other. All of these predict sibling violence.
Depressive Symptoms in Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Houry Debra , Kaslow Nadine J. , Thompson Martie P.
Published: October 2005

The study was a cross-sectional examination of African American women positive for intimate partner violence (IPV) who presented to the medical or psychiatric emergency department (ED) for treatment. African American women with a recent history of IPV who presented following an attempted suicide (n = 100) were compared to demographically comparable African American women who were IPV positive who had not attempted suicide and presented for treatment of another condition(n= 100). Women completed face-to-face interviews on several measures, including demographics and the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II). Overall, there were no demographic differences between cases and controls. Attempters reported statistically significant higher scores on all 21 BDI-II items than did nonattempters. Four BDI-II items had effect size values in the medium range: sadness, self-dislike, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of worthlessness. These four items can be used as a brief screen in the ED to detect female patients positive for IPV at increased risk for suicidal behavior.
Sexual Murderers' Implicit Theories
Authors: Beech Anthony , Fisher Dawn , Ward Tony
Published: October 2005

Interviews with 28 sexual murderers were subjected to grounded theory analysis. Five implicit theories (ITs) were identified: dangerous world, male sex drive is uncontrollable, entitlement, women as sexual objects, and women as unknowable. These ITs were found to be identical to those identified in the literature as being present in rapists. The presence of dangerous world and male sex drive is uncontrollable were present, or absent, such that three groups could be identified: (a) dangerous world plus male sex drive is uncontrollable; (b) dangerous world, in the absence of male sex drive is uncontrollable; (c) male sex drive is uncontrollable in the absence of dangerous world. These three groups were found to differ in motivation: (a) were motivated by urges to rape and murder; (b) were motivated by grievance, resentment and/or anger toward women; (c) were motivated to sexually offend but were prepared to kill to avoid detection, or secure compliance.
Bedroom Rape
Authors: Fossi Julia J. , Clarke David D. , Lawrence Claire
Published: October 2005

This article examines the sequential, temporal, and interactional aspects of sexual assaults using sequential analysis. Fourteen statements taken from victims of bedroom-based assaults were analyzed to provide a comprehensive account of the behavioral patterns of individuals in sexually charged conflict situations. The cases were found to vary in the sexual severity of assault, distinguishing a variety of motivations and behavioral repertoires of offender and victim. Two quite distinct styles of offense were identified: multiple and single, which may have very different implications for research into rapist taxonomies and rape prevention strategies.
Persevering Through a Difficult Time During the SARS Outbreak in Toronto
Authors: Bournes Debra A. , Ferguson-Paré Mary
Published: October 2005

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of persevering through a difficult time for patients, family members of patients, nurses, and allied health professionals during the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak. van Kaam’s phenomenological research method, with the human becoming theory as the theoretical perspective, was used to gather and analyse data from 63 participants who agreed to describe a situation that illuminated their experience of persevering through a difficult time (either online or using a voicemail system). Data gathering occurred in early April 2003 in the midst of the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in Toronto, Canada. The finding was the structural definition, persevering through a difficult time is dispiriting trepidation arising with witnessing suffering. It is a smothering connectedness with sequestering protection as unsettling contentment emerges amid unburdening hope. It sheds light on what is important for preparing for possible future outbreaks of this and other infectious diseases.
Health as Expanding Consciousness: Seven Women Living With Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Neill Jane
Published: October 2005

The meaning of health as expanding consciousness is explored through stories of seven women who developed multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis during their lives. Using Newman’s hermeneutic-dialectic approach, unstructured interviews were conducted over a 2-year period. Analysis and interpretation of narratives concerning person-environment interactions revealed turning points and separate choice points before four new ways of living including finding simple pleasures, being positive, gaining self-control, and self-differentiation, were found. Support for Newman’s stages of expanding consciousness and more comprehensive descriptions of self-transcendence in space and time are presented. Implications for theory development and theory-guided practice are offered.
Exploring Underlying Life Patterns of Women With Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis: Comparison With NANDA Dimensions
Authors: Neill Jane
Published: October 2005

In Newman’s theory, disease is one of many manifestations of underlying pattern and its existence provides meaningful information about person-environment interactions. Underlying patterns manifest differently over time, so clues to their understanding can be found within life stories. Further interpretation subsequent to illustrating expanding consciousness for seven women living with multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis suggested six underlying patterns expressed in theoretical terms as energy~fatigue, giving~receiving, rejecting~accepting, vulnerability~resilience, control~release, and being silent~speaking out. Discussion and comparison with the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association’s dimensions for assessment of human response patterns illustrates how nurses caring for women could identify and use underlying patterns in practice.
Vulnerable Research Participants: Anyone May Qualify
Authors: Jacobson Gloria A.
Published: October 2005

Although the Code of Federal Regulations has provided guidelines regarding research involving vulnerable participants, persons not traditionally identified may also be considered vulnerable at a given time due to emergent or acute illness, end-of-life needs, or circumstances encountered that challenge capacity to provide informed consent. In this column, the author presents an overview of institutional review board roles, responsibilities, processes, and suggestions regarding assessment of vulnerability and capacity to consent that is responsive to current societal and healthcare needs.
The State of the Field of Criminology
Authors: Eskridge Chris W.
Published: October 2005

This article suggests that although crime and deviance are subject to the dynamics of global socio-economic-political events, the field of criminology can have a marked, positive impact in this realm. To achieve this end, there is a need to advance interdisciplinary criminology and/or criminal justice education worldwide, to embrace systematic, evidence-based program and policy evaluation, and to become effective political and scientific criminologists. Criminology is not a mature science at this point, and we are not certain how to systematically respond to the crime problem. We lack accurate diagnostic instruments, a definitive body of knowledge, and an understanding of cause and effect, and we do not possess a series of generally consistent treatment modalities. In this context, criminologists are somewhat akin to physicians of the 18th century.
Examining the Effect of Incarceration and In-Prison Family Contact on Prisoners'Family Relationships
Authors: La Vigne Nancy G. , Naser Rebecca L. , Brooks Lisa E. , Castro Jennifer L.
Published: October 2005

This article explores the effect of incarceration on relationships between prisoners and their family members, examining the extent to which in-prison contact with family may mediate the negative effect of incarceration on family relationships and support after release. Based on responses from 233 Chicago-bound male prisoners interviewed before and after their release from prison, the authors examine the extent to which the quality of relationships prior to prison is related to the frequency and type of family contact during prison, as well as the quality of family relationships and level of family support after release. Findings indicate that level and type of family contact typically mediate the effect of pre-prison relationship quality on both post-prison family relationship quality and support, but that in-prison contact can be a negative influence if intimate partner relationships are already poor.
Institutional Thoughtlessness in Prisons and Its Impacts on the Day-to-Day Prison Lives of Elderly Men
Authors: Crawley Elaine
Published: October 2005

The number of elderly men in the prisons of England and Wales has grown significantly during the past decade and continues to rise. Based on intensive fieldwork in four English prisons, this article explores the prison experiences of menaged 65+ years. Some of these menhave grownold in prison, some have served previous prison sentences, and others (the majority) have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment in later life. The latter had no prior experience of imprisonment. This article is concerned primarily with what is termed institutional thoughtlessness—the ways in which prison regimes (routines, rules, time-tables, etcetera) simply roll on with little reference to the needs and sensibilities of the old. This article argues that some degree of institutional thoughtlessness is evident in most of the prisons of England and Wales. Drawing on interviews and sustained observations, the article discusses some of the impacts of this thoughtlessness on imprisoned, elderly men.
Anthrax in New Jersey: A Health Education Experience in Bioterrorism Response and Preparedness
Authors: Miro Suzanne , Kaufman Sean G.
Published: October 2005

The anthrax attack in 2001 created new challenges to health educators working on the response effort in New Jersey. Never before had there been a need for educating a group of people who had been exposed to a biological weapon. Coming on the heels of the catastrophic World Trade Center collapse on September 11, 2001, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services was entrenched in the response to, and management of, the anthrax attack that placed a heavy emphasis on educating the postal workers of the United States Postal Service Trenton Processing and Distribution Center. This article provides an account of the preparation and delivery of educational materials and activities in the midst of a biological emergency, emphasizes the role health educators play in responding to bioterrorism events, and encourages health educators to become involved in bioterrorism preparedness efforts.
Development, Adaptation, and Implementation of a Cardiovascular Health Program for Alaska Native Women
Authors: Stefanich Charlotte A. , Witmer Julie M. , Young Bonnie D. , Benson LouAnn E. , Penn Cheryl A. , Ammerman Alice S. , Garcia Beverly A. , Jilcott Stephanie B. , Etzel Ruth A.
Published: October 2005

Southcentral Foundation's Traditions of the Heart program is an innovative cardiovascular disease prevention program for women designed to build on the strengths of the Alaska Native culture as a way to support and encourage positive lifestyle behaviors that focus on healthy eating, active living, stress management, and tobacco cessation. After conducting assessments of existing intervention programs and formative data collection, we adapted two existing programs, Native Nutrition Circles and A New Leaf... Choices for Healthy Living, to develop the Traditions of the Heart program. We implemented and evaluated a pilot intervention study to determine the program's acceptance among Alaska Native women. We used the evaluation results to further refine our study protocol. This article describes the adaptation of these programs to the cultural needs and strengths of Alaska Native women and the results of the formative evaluation used to improve the program design. The complete pilot study outcomes will be published separately.
Physical Activity Among Minority Populations: What Health Promotion Practitioners Should Know—A Commentary
Authors: Lee Sarah M.
Published: October 2005

Leisure time and moderate-level physical activity participation in the United States is low among the majority of the population. Minority populations are especially inactive and report having fewer opportunities and access to be physically active. Physical activity programs utilizing a strong health promotion framework (including needs assessment, program plan and design, program implementation, and evaluation) are limited, particularly among minority populations. The purpose of this article is to discuss the importance of physical activity, briefly review and describe current literature, identify the need for physical activity programs among minority populations, and relate the concepts of a health promotion framework to physical activity programs that are usable among practitioners. The article also provides health promotion practitioners with various resources for improving physical activity programs.
Online Discussions With Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents: Perspectives and Possibilities
Authors: Valaitis Ruta K. , Sword Wendy A.
Published: October 2005

The Internet is an innovative strategy to increase public participation. It is important to include pregnant and parenting teens' perspectives when planning programs to meet their needs. This qualitative study explored online discussions as a strategy to enhance participation by this population. Findings showed that online communication was preferred over face-to-face group discussions. Being anonymous online encouraged open and honest feedback. Participants experienced various forms of social support, however, there was an overall lack of teen involvement online. Strategies to engage adolescents in online discussions and reduce barriers are discussed. Strategies included the use of teen moderators, home computer access, technical support, and engagement in naturally flowing online discussions to meet social support needs. Blending researchers' with teens' needs for social support in an online environment is encouraged. With careful planning and design, online communications can result in mutual benefits for researchers, service providers, and pregnant and parenting adolescents.
Managing Fear in Public Health Campaigns: A Theory-Based Formative Evaluation Process
Authors: Cho Hyunyi , Witte Kim
Published: October 2005

The HIV/AIDS infection rate of Ethiopia is one of the world's highest. Prevention campaigns should systematically incorporate and respond to at-risk population's existing beliefs, emotions, and perceived barriers in the message design process to effectively promote behavior change. However, guidelines for conducting formative evaluation that are grounded in proven risk communication theory and empirical data analysis techniques are hard to find. This article provides a five-step formative evaluation process that translates theory and research for developing effective messages for behavior change. Guided by the extended parallel process model, the five-step process helps message designers manage public's fear surrounding issues such as HIV/AIDS. An entertainment education project that used the process to design HIV/AIDS prevention messages for Ethiopian urban youth is reported. Data were collected in five urban regions of Ethiopia and analyzed according to the process to develop key messages for a 26-week radio soap opera.
Marketing Physical Activity: Lessons Learned From a Statewide Media Campaign
Authors: Peterson Michael , Abraham Avron , Waterfield Allan
Published: October 2005

Steps taken to create, implement, and initially assess a statewide physical activity social marketing campaign targeted to 18-to 30-year-olds are presented. Included is a summary demonstration of the application of the associative group analysis in formative market research and message development. Initial postcampaign questionnaire (n= 363) results indicated that 39.1% of respondents had seen the television ad, of which 31.2% indicated they intended to be more active, and 62.5% of respondents had been exposed to either the television or outdoor media ads. Lessons learned through the social marketing process including media channel effectiveness, message development and assessment, and marketing firm relationships are provided.
Development of an Interviewer Training Manual for a Cervical Health Project on the Apsáalooke Reservation
Authors: Christopher Suzanne , McCormick Alma Knows His Gun , Smith Adina , Christopher John Chambers
Published: October 2005

This article describes strategies used to develop a survey interview training manual for use on the Apsáalooke (Crow Indian) Reservation and delineates how this process and product differed from those discussed in the extant literature on survey interview training. Working to ensure cultural appropriateness is especially important due to past research improprieties with Native American populations. This manual was developed as a part of a cervical health intervention program, Messengers for Health. Areas covered include goals of survey research, recruitment and enrollment, manner of the interviewer, nonverbal behavior, beginning the interview, and language use. Limitations of this work and suggestions for conducting survey research with Native American populations are also included.
Considerations in Recruiting Underscreened Women to Focus Groups on Screening for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Wilson Katherine M. , Orians Carlyn E.
Published: October 2005

This article describes recruitment activities and costs from two independently conducted studies that used similar, systematic approaches to recruiting two subgroups of underscreened women, Black women and Mexican women. The studies varied in number of recruiters, venues of recruitment, and region of the country. The ratio of women approached to women who were underscreened was 4:1 for Black women and 10:1 for Mexican women. Hysterectomy was a predominant reason for ineligibility among Black women but not Mexican women. In both studies, personal networks were the most productive method of identifying women. Flyers and organized community venues were least productive. The cost incurred for identifying a woman who was eligible for a focus group was $145 for Black women and $59 for Mexican women. Those planning research or program activities that include recruiting underscreened women either to focus groups or health services could benefit from this information.
Developing English and Spanish Television Public Service Announcements to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Cooper Crystale Purvis , Gelb Cynthia A. , Jameson Heather , Macario Everly , Jorgensen Cynthia M. , Seeff Laura
Published: October 2005

Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign (SFL) is a federally funded campaign to promote understanding of colorectal cancer and the importance of regular screening for adults aged 50 years and older. SFL uses a variety of communication strategies, including television public service announcements (PSAs). SFL materials are developed using the Health Communication Process endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which has four stages: (a) planning and strategy development; (b) developing and pretesting concepts, messages, and materials; (c) implementing the program; and (d) assessing effectiveness and making refinements. This article describes SFL's application of this process to develop television PSAs in English and Spanish.
Measuring Traditional Agro-Ecological Knowledge: An Example from Peasants in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Rocha Jorge M.
Published: October 2005

A way of operationalizing the concept of traditional agro-environmental knowledge is presented using a combination of data gathering and analysis techniques. The cultural consensus model, along with more traditional Guttman and Likert-type scaling techniques were employed to collect data on the ideas that a group of randomly sampled Andean peasant householders had regarding the best way to use their natural resources. The traditional versus nontraditional dimensionality of these shared environmental understandings was then tested against data explicitly collected to measure householders’ traditionalness.
Using Existing Tests and Scales in the Field
Authors: Schrauf Robert W. , Navarro Ellen
Published: October 2005

Fieldworkers often adopt existing scales and tests for use in the field from the voluminous social science literature. Frequently, these instruments have been developed and validated on samples that differ markedly from those encountered in the field. To address this situation, this article proposes four steps for critically examining and adjusting the results from such existing scales. These are (1) evaluating the psycho-metric properties of the existing scale, (2) comparing the fieldwork sample with the test sample, (3) analyzing item performance in the fieldwork sample, and (4) adjusting the scoring and interpretation.
Measuring Stress Among Luo Elders: Development of the Luo Perceived Stress Scale
Authors: Ice Gillian H. , Yogo Jaja
Published: October 2005

This article describes the development of the Luo Perceived Stress Scale (LPSS) tested on two hundred Luo elders. The LPSS consists of twenty-three emotions and uses alternating “local idioms of distress” and well-being. Due to the low level of education of the population, a yes/no format is used instead of a Likert-type scale. The scale was tested among two hundred Luo elders and was found to be internally reliable (α = .75). Criterion validity was examined through the associations between LPSS score and caregiving, social networks, depression, and cortisol. Known group validity was examined through comparisons of caregiving groups, genders, marital status, and participation in social groups. While these variables were generally associated with LPSS in the predicted direction, subsequent factor analysis suggested that the LPSS did not represent a single domain. Thus, the LPSS requires additional development.
The Evolution of Planning in East St. Louis
Authors: Edwards Mary , Lawson Laura
Published: October 2005

This article analyzes the evolution of East St. Louis, Illinois, in light of identifiable phases of urban planning in the United States. East St. Louis provides a useful context to trace the history of planning because it is a city that has been mired in the very social, economic, and environmental problems that compel new planning approaches. At the same time, the inability to resolve the city's problems reveals the limitations and ultimate inadequacy of any singular approach. The article tracks the evolution of the city, the catalysts for planning activities, different approaches used, and results of these efforts. It notes that each new approach rejects the previous approach in light of its failure to solve what might be entrenched, complex problems faced by the city. The conclusion calls to question this dismissal of past approaches.
“The Whole City Is Our Laboratory”: Harland Bartholomew and the Production of Urban Knowledge
Authors: Heathcott Joseph
Published: October 2005

This article examines the stages by which Harland Bartholomew, one of the leading planners of the twentieth century, consolidated a professional identity by producing a corpus of specialized knowledge about the city. Between 1915, when he arrived in St. Louis, and 1950, when he retired from civil service to run his private firm, Bartholomew cultivated a professional practice through activities of widely varied scope. He grounded these activities in an urban knowledge system that disciplined the ways in which planning interventions were imagined, organized, and implemented. At the core of this system was a conception of the city as an amalgam of parts, the functions of which could be studied through the derivation of land use ratios. Using St. Louis as a laboratory, Bartholomew assembled a vision of the city and a planning methodology that paved the way for dramatic urban reconstruction after World War II.
Report of an independent peer review of an acrylonitrile risk assessment
Authors: Haber L T , Patterson J
Published: October 2005

A peer review panel made up of experts in toxicology, epidemiology, cancer mode of action (MOA), cancer mechanisms, carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, dose–response, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cancer and noncancer methods, pharmacokinetic modeling and acrylonitrile, met on 22–23 September 2003 in Cincinnati, OH. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an independent review of a risk assessment of acrylonitrile that had been prepared by the Acrylonitrile Group (AN Group). Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment (TERA) organized the peer review and selected the panel. The panel discussed the toxicity and epidemiology literature of acrylonitrile and MOA information, and reached conclusions regarding its MOA, weight of evidence (WOE) for carcinogenicity, preferred approach for dose-response assessment and risk values. This paper summarizes the discussion and conclusions of the panel regarding the acrylonitrile assessment. Subsequent to the peer review, the authors of the acrylonitrile assessment revised their report and the panel reviewed the revised report. A manuscript of the revised assessment is being published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.
Colocalization of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase in rat spinal cord
Authors: Mis Katarina
Published: October 2005

In our previous in situ hybridization study in the adult rat spinal cord we demonstrated that only neurons express mRNAs for acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7.) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE; EC 3.1.1.8.) in this CNS region; no staining was detected for these two messages in the glia cells. Here we used immunocytochemical staining for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT; EC 2.3.1.6.) to answer the, as yet only briefly approached, question whether the cells expressing the messages for both cholinesterases are cholinergic. All neurons expressing mRNAs for AChE and BuChE were found to be ChAT positive. This finding supports the previous proposal that BuChE modulates cholinergic transmission in AChE knockout mice.
Sensitized genetic backgrounds reveal a role forC. elegansFGF EGL-17 as a repellent for migrating CAN neurons
Authors: Fleming Tinya C. , Wolf Fred W. , Garriga Gian
Published: October 2005

Although many molecules are necessary for neuronal cell migrations in C. elegans, no guidance cues are known to be essential for any of these cells to migrate along the anteroposterior (AP) axis. We demonstrate that the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) EGL-17, an attractant for the migrating sex myoblasts (SMs), repels the CANs, a pair of neurons that migrate posteriorly from the head to the center of the embryo. Although mutations in genes encoding EGL-17/FGF and a specific isoform of its receptor EGL-15/FGFR had little effect on CAN migration, they enhanced the CAN migration defects caused by mutations in other genes. Two cells at the anterior end of the embryo express EGL-17/FGF, raising the possibility that EGL-17/FGF functions as a repellent for migrating CANs. Consistent with this hypothesis, ectopic expression of EGL-17/FGF shifted the final CAN cell positions away from these novel sites of expression. Cell-specific rescue experiments demonstrated that EGL-15/FGFR acts in the CANs to promote their migration. We also found that the tyrosine phosphatase receptor CLR-1 regulates CAN migration by inhibiting EGL-15/FGFR signaling, and that the FGFR adaptor protein SEM-5/GRB2 may mediate EGL-15/FGFR signaling in CAN migration. Thus, EGL-17/FGF signaling through an EGL-15/FGFR isoform and possibly SEM-5/GRB2 mediates both attraction of the SMs and repulsion of the CANs. This study also raises the possibility that several guidance cues regulate cell migrations along the C. elegans AP axis, and their role in these migrations may only be revealed in sensitized genetic backgrounds.
Directional asymmetry of the zebrafish epithalamus guides dorsoventral innervation of the midbrain target
Authors: Gamse Joshua T. , Kuan Yung-Shu , Macurak Michelle , Brösamle Christian , Thisse Bernard , Thisse Christine , Halpern Marnie E.
Published: October 2005

The zebrafish epithalamus, consisting of the pineal complex and flanking dorsal habenular nuclei, provides a valuable model for exploring how left-right differences could arise in the vertebrate brain. The parapineal lies to the left of the pineal and the left habenula is larger, has expanded dense neuropil, and distinct patterns of gene expression from the right habenula. Under the influence of Nodal signaling, positioning of the parapineal sets the direction of habenular asymmetry and thereby determines the left-right origin of habenular projections onto the midbrain target, the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). In zebrafish with parapineal reversal, neurons from the left habenula project to a more limited ventral IPN region where right habenular axons would normally project. Conversely, efferents from the right habenula adopt a more extensive dorsoventral IPN projection pattern typical of left habenular neurons. Three members of the leftover-related KCTD (potassium channel tetramerization domain containing) gene family are expressed differently by the left and right habenula, in patterns that define asymmetric subnuclei. Molecular asymmetry extends to protein levels in habenular efferents, providing additional evidence that left and right axons terminate within different dorsoventral regions of the midbrain target. Laser-mediated ablation of the parapineal disrupts habenular asymmetry and consequently alters the dorsoventral distribution of innervating axons. The results demonstrate that laterality of the dorsal forebrain influences the formation of midbrain connections and their molecular properties.
POPK-1/Sad-1 kinase is required for the proper translocation of maternal mRNAs and putative germ plasm at the posterior pole of the ascidian embryo
Authors: Nakamura Yoriko , Makabe Kazuhiro W. , Nishida Hiroki
Published: October 2005

Maternal mRNAs localized to specific regions in eggs play important roles in the establishment of embryonic axes and germ layers in various species. Type I postplasmic/PEM mRNAs, which are localized to the posterior-vegetal cortex (PVC) of fertilized ascidian eggs, such as the muscle determinant macho-1 mRNA, play key roles in embryonic development. In the present study, we analyzed the function of the postplasmic/PEMRNA Hr-POPK-1, which encodes a kinase of Halocynthia roretzi. When the function of POPK-1 was suppressed by morpholino antisense oligonucleotides, the resulting malformed larvae did not form muscle or mesenchyme, as in macho-1-deficient embryos. Epistatic analysis indicated that POPK-1 acts upstream of macho-1. When POPK-1was knocked down, localization of every Type I postplasmic/PEM mRNA examined, including macho-1, was perturbed, showing diffuse early distribution and eventual concentration into a smaller area. This is the probable reason for the macho-1 dysfunction. The postplasmic/PEMmRNAs such as macho-1 and Hr-PEM1 are co-localized with the cortical endoplasmic reticulum (cER) and move with it after fertilization. Eventually they become highly concentrated into a subcellular structure, the centrosome-attracting body (CAB), at the posterior pole of the cleaving embryos. The suppression of POPK-1 function reduced the size of the domain of concentrated cER at the posterior pole, indicating that POPK-1 is involved in the movement of postplasmic/PEM RNAs via relocalization of cER. The CAB also shrank. These results suggest that Hr-POPK-1 plays roles in concentration and positioning of the cER, as well as in the concentration of CAB materials, such as putative germ plasm, in the posterior blastomeres.
Splitting the Hedgehog signal: sex and patterning inDrosophila
Authors: Horabin Jamila I.
Published: October 2005

Sex-lethal (Sxl), the Drosophilasex-determination master switch, is on in females and controls sexual development as a splicing and translational regulator. Hedgehog (Hh) is a secreted protein that specifies cell fate during development. Previous work has demonstrated that Sxl protein is part of the Hh cytoplasmic signaling complex and that Hh promotes Sxl nuclear entry. In the wing disc anterior compartment, Patched (Ptc), the Hh receptor, acts positively in this process. Here, it is shown that the levels and rate of nuclear entry of full-length Cubitus interruptus (Ci), the Hh signaling target, are enhanced by Sxl. This effect requires the cholesterol but not palmitoyl modification on Hh, and expands the zone of full-length Ci expression. Expansion of Ci activation and its downstream targets, particularly decapentaplegic the Drosophila TGFβ homolog, suggests a mechanism for generating different body sizes in the sexes; in Drosophila, females are larger and this difference is controlled by Sxl. Consistent with this proposal, discs expressing ectopic Sxl show an increase in growth. In keeping with the idea of the involvement of a signaling system, this growth effect by Sxl is not cell autonomous. These results have implications for all organisms that are sexually dimorphic and use Hh for patterning.
The WEREWOLF MYB protein directly regulatesCAPRICEtranscription during cell fate specification in theArabidopsisroot epidermis
Authors: Ryu Kook Hui , Kang Yeon Hee , Park Young-hwan , Hwang Ildoo , Schiefelbein John , Lee Myeong Min
Published: October 2005

The Arabidopsis root epidermis is composed of two types of cells,hair cells and non-hair cells, and their fate is determined in a position-dependent manner. WEREWOLF (WER), a R2R3 MYB protein, has been shown genetically to function as a master regulator to control both of the epidermal cell fates. To directly test the proposed role of WER in this system, we examined its subcellular localization and defined its transcriptional activation properties. We show that a WER-GFP fusion protein is functional and accumulates in the nucleus of the N-position cells in the Arabidopsisroot epidermis, as expected for a transcriptional regulator. We also find that a modified WER protein with a strong activation domain (WER-VP16) promotes the formation of both epidermal cell types, supporting the view that WER specifies both cell fates. In addition, we used the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)inducible system to show that CPC transcription is regulated directly by WER. Using EMSA, we found two WER-binding sites (WBSs; WBSI and WBSII) in the CPC promoter. WER-WBSI binding was confirmed in vivo using the yeast one-hybrid assay. Binding between the WER protein and both WBSs (WBSI and WBSII), and the importance of the two WBSs in CPC promoter activity were confirmed in Arabidopsis. These results provide experimental support for the proposed role of WER as an activator of gene transcription during the specification of both epidermal cell fates.
Tead proteins activate theFoxa2enhancer in the node in cooperation with a second factor
Authors: Sawada Atsushi , Nishizaki Yuriko , Sato Hiroko , Yada Yukari , Nakayama Rika , Yamamoto Shinji , Nishioka Noriyuki , Kondoh Hisato , Sasaki Hiroshi
Published: October 2005

The cell population and the activity of the organizer change during the course of development. We addressed the mechanism of mouse node development via an analysis of the node/notochord enhancer (NE) of Foxa2. We first identified the core element (CE) of the enhancer, which in multimeric form drives gene expression in the node. The CE was activated in Wnt/β-catenin-treated P19 cells with a time lag, and this activation was dependent on two separate sequence motifs within the CE. These same motifs were also required for enhancer activity in transgenic embryos. We identified the Tead family of transcription factors as binding proteins for the 3′motif. Teads and their co-factor YAP65 activated the CE in P19 cells, and binding of Tead to CE was essential for enhancer activity. Inhibition of Tead activity by repressor-modified Tead compromised NE enhancer activation and notochord development in transgenic mouse embryos. Furthermore, manipulation of Tead activity in zebrafish embryos led to altered expression of foxa2 in the embryonic shield. These results suggest that Tead activates the Foxa2 enhancer core element in the mouse node in cooperation with a second factor that binds to the 5′ element, and that a similar mechanism also operates in the zebrafish shield.
MaternalXenopus Zic2negatively regulatesNodal-relatedgene expression during anteroposterior patterning
Authors: Houston Douglas W. , Wylie Christopher
Published: October 2005

During the development of Xenopus laevis, maternal mRNAs and proteins stored in the egg direct early patterning events such as the specification of the dorsoventral axis and primary germ layers. In an expression screen to identify maternal factors important for early development, we isolated a truncated cDNA for maternal Zic2(tZic2), encoding a zinc-finger transcription factor. The predicted tZic2 protein lacked the N-terminal region, but retained the zinc-finger domain. When expressed in embryos, tZic2 inhibited head and axial development,and blocked the ability of full-length Zic2 to induce neural crest genes. Depletion of maternal Zic2 from oocytes, using antisense oligonucleotides, caused exogastrulation, anterior truncations and axial defects. We show that loss of maternal Zic2 results in persistent and increased expression of Xenopus nodal-related (Xnr) genes, except for Xnr4, and overall increased Nodal signaling. Injection of a Nodal antagonist, Cerberus-short, reduced the severity of head and axial defects in Zic2-depleted embryos. Depletion of Zic2 could not restore Xnr expression to embryos additionally depleted of VegT, a T-domain transcription factor and an activator of Xnr gene transcription. Taken together, our results suggest a role for maternal Zic2 in the suppression of Xnr genes in early development. ZIC2 is mutated in human holoprosencephaly (HPE), a severe defect in brain hemisphere separation,and these results strengthen the suggestion that increased Nodal-related activity is a cause of HPE.
Identification of Rotor Bearing Parameter Using Orbit Data
Authors: Lee K-B , Kim Y-B , Jeong K-Y
Published: October 2005

This paper presents the identification of rotor support dynamic parameters. The final dynamical system equation using the Lagrange method is underdetermined; therefore, another set of equations is derived using same system equation with different rotating speed. Combining these two equation sets, an overdetermined algebraic equation is obtained, and the solution of the system equation can be obtained using the least squares method. The sensitivity analysis is performed to extract the optimized solution, which is considered to be insensitive to inherent measurement errors. The trigonometric terms of experimentally obtained orbit shapes can be utilized for analysis at varying rotor speeds after discussing the possibility of the proposed method. The accuracy of the proposed method is compared with estimated simulation parameters, and experimental results for the rotor rig are compared with previous known data.
On Certain Surfaces and Curves Associated with the Bennett Linkage
Authors: Baker J E
Published: October 2005

Although the subject of many more investigations than any other skew linkage, the Bennett loop does not yield up its properties easily. Recent work has revealed the axodes, which putatively determine its higher-order kinematics, and some of the derivable geometric features, but the study remains incomplete. The present paper uncovers previously hidden characteristics of significance, namely, the operative regulus in the fixed axode's central tangent surface and the consequent parametric equation of its curve of striction. The approach is extended to an examination of the hyperboloid which contains the loop's joint axes.
New Approach for Dynamic Modelling of Flexible Manipulators
Authors: Bouzgarrou B C , Ray P , Gogu G
Published: October 2005

This paper deals with the dynamic modelling of flexible manipulators. Expressing such models analytically is extremely useful in simulation, design, control, and identification. To this end, an efficient and systematic approach is proposed for symbolic derivation of dynamic equations. A kinematic formulation based on homogeneous transformations and infinitesimal operators is used. In order to obtain simplified model equations for sufficiently stiff manipulators, infinitesimal displacement terms of the order of ≤ 2 are systematically eliminated by using an appropriate algorithm. Lagrangian formalism is adopted to obtain dynamic equations. A serial and a parallel manipulator are considered to verify and illustrate the proposed approach.
Adapting the randomized consent (Zelen) design for trials of behavioural interventions for chronic disease: feasibility study
Authors: Campbell Rona , Peters Tim , Grant Clare , Quilty Brian , Dieppe Paul
Published: October 2005

Objectives: Standard randomized controlled trials of interventions for chronic conditions that involve behavioural change, or that are highly desired by participants, are difficult to undertake because of problems with recruitment and contamination. Alternatives include cluster-randomized trials or pre-randomization designs such as the Zelen design. The aim here was to develop a pre-randomization design that would overcome ethical and methodological problems associated with the conventional Zelen design, and permit the rigorous evaluation of a complex package of care, involving physical therapy and behavioural changes, for patients with painful patello-femoral osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Methods: Eligible patients were first consented to a one-year observational study of their arthritis. They were subsequently randomized into intervention and control arms. Those in the intervention arm were then asked if they were willing to participate in a further study involving regular sessions with a physiotherapist. Those in the control arm were not told about this, but were followed up as agreed.

Results: Eighty-seven patients consented to the observational study, 43 of whom were subsequently randomized to the intervention arm. All 43 consented to the intervention, although five of these did not receive the full package of care. Assessments were carried out at five months and one year on 82 patients, and concealment was satisfactorily maintained in the majority.

Conclusions: We conclude that this study design could potentially offer an acceptable compromise between the need for scientific rigour and the ethical imperative of fully informed consent in trials that involve behavioural change or interventions that patients might want to obtain.
Simulation analysis of the consequences of shifting the balance of health care: a system dynamics approach
Authors: Taylor Kathryn , Dangerfield Brian , Le Grand Julian
Published: October 2005

Objectives: The shift in the balance of health care, bringing services 'closer to home', is a well-established trend. This study sought to provide insight into the consequences of this trend, in particular the stimulation of demand, by exploring the underlying feedback structure.

Methods: We constructed a simulation model using the system dynamics method, which is specifically designed for the analysis of feedback structure. The model was calibrated to two cases of the shift in cardiac catheterization services in the UK. Data sources included archival data, observations and interviews with senior health care professionals. Key model outputs were the basic trends displayed by waiting lists, average waiting times, cumulative patient referrals, cumulative patient activity and cumulative overall costs.

Results: Demand was stimulated in both cases via several different mechanisms. We revealed the roles for clinical guidelines and capacity changes, and the typical responses to imbalances between supply and demand. Our analysis also demonstrated the potential benefits of changing the goals that drive activity by seeking a waiting list goal rather than a waiting time goal.

Conclusions: Appreciating the wider consequences of shifting the balance of care is essential if services are to be improved overall. The underlying feedback mechanisms of both intended and unintended effects need to be understood. Using a systemic approach, more effective policies may be designed through coordinated programmes rather than isolated initiatives, which may have only a limited impact.