bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Window for Calcium-Channel Blockers in the Management of Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Prospective, Two-Centre Study on Non-Advanced Disease
Authors: Wojnicz Romuald , Nowak Jolanta , Lekston Andrzej , Wilczewski Przemysław , Nowalany-Kozielska Ewa , Streb Witold , Wojciechowska Celina , Stolarz Wojciech , Helewski Krzysztof , Szyguła-Jurkiewicz Bożena , Poloński Lech
Published: October 2010

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of the calcium-channel blocker verapamil in non-advanced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods: This was a randomised trial of 70 DCM patients treated with carvedilol (36 patients) and verapamil (instead of β-blocker; 34 patients) for 12 months. The remaining heart failure (HF) therapy was constant in both groups. The primary outcomes were to determine selected echocardiography parameters and functional status of patients. The secondary outcome included death, heart transplantation and re-hospitalisation due to HF progression. Results: Of the primary outcomes, only the mean ratio of early to late transmitral flow velocities increased significantly in the verapamil-treated patients as compared with the carvedilol-based therapy (1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2; 95% CI –0.6 to –0.1; p = 0.015). Simultaneously, the Minnesota Quality of Life improved significantly in the verapamil group (95% CI 5.2–19.9; p = 0.002). It was accompanied by the favourable effect of verapamil therapy on exercise capacity in the 6-min walk test (95% CI 21.3–110.7; p = 0.005). Conclusion: The addition of verapamil to angiotensin-converting enzyme and aldosterone inhibitors in non-advanced DCM patients has been shown to have a neutral or even positive effect in a few patients.
Formation of Bovine Placental Trophoblast Spheroids
Authors: Haeger J.-D. , Hambruch N. , Dilly M. , Froehlich R. , Pfarrer C.
Published: October 2010

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to form spheroids with the bovine placental trophoblast cell line F3. Spheroids are 3-dimensional culture models which can be used to conduct versatile in vitro and in vivo experiments. Materials and Methods: The spheroids were generated using the hanging drop technique, 25% methocel and matrigel. The F3 spheroids were characterized morphologically by light microscopy and transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunohistochemistry (ezrin, vimentin, cytokeratin, placental lactogen). The fluorescent dyes calcein and ethidium homodimer were used to determine the viability of the spheroidal F3 cells by immunofluorescence microscopy. Results: The cell line F3 only formed spheroids by the hanging drop technique when matrigel was added. The trophoblast spheroids were delimited and fully covered by extracellular matrix (light microscopy/TEM/SEM). Cells contributing to spheroids could not be discriminated from each other (light microscopy). The outer spheroidal layer consisted of cells which possessed an apical pole with microvilli that were directed to the outside (light microscopy/TEM). All of the spheroidal F3 cells expressed ezrin, vimentin and cytokeratin, but not placental lactogen. The spheroid core contained degenerating cells whilst the F3 cells of the outer rim were viable (TEM/immunofluorescence microscopy). Discussion: We have established a 3-dimensional spheroid model for the bovine placental trophoblast cell line F3. The developed culture model might prove valuable for future in vitro studies on the differentiation of bovine trophoblast cells.
Agreement between Maternal Cannabis Use during Pregnancy according to Self-Report and Urinalysis in a Population-Based Cohort: The Generation R Study
Authors: El Marroun H. , Tiemeier H. , Jaddoe V.W.V. , Hofman A. , Verhulst F.C. , van den Brink W. , Huizink A.C.
Published: October 2010

Aim: To verify self-reported information on prenatal drug use in urine because reporting in pregnancy is sensitive to stigma and might lead to misclassification. Methods: Using semiquantitative immunochemical analysis, the presence of the urinary metabolite (11-nor-Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol- 9-carboxylic acid) was compared to self-reported prenatal cannabis use. Sensitivity and specificity for self-report and urinalysis outcomes were calculated and Yule’s Y was used as an agreement measure. Results: Urine samples were available for 3,997 pregnant women. Of these women, 92 reported having used cannabis during pregnancy (2.3%) and 71 had positive urine screens (1.8%). In total 35% of the 92 women with self-reported cannabis use also had a positive urine screen. Positive urines were relatively frequent in women reporting cannabis use before pregnancy only (7.6%) and in women with missing information (2.6%). Sensitivity and specificity of urinalysis compared to self-report were 0.46 and 0.98. Sensitivity and specificity of self-report compared to urinalysis were 0.36 and 0.99. Yule’s Y amounted to 0.77, indicating substantial agreement between the measures. Conclusions: Our findings illustrate the difficulties in obtaining valid information on prenatal cannabis use. To improve the quality of cannabis use data, we suggest a 2-step approach starting with self-report.
Barriers to Opioid Substitution Treatment Access, Entry and Retention: A Survey of Opioid Users, Patients in Treatment, and Treating and Non-Treating Physicians
Authors: Stöver Heino
Published: October 2010

Background/Aims: Although the number of patients in opioid substitution treatment (OST) in Germany has increased in recent years, many dependent opioid users remain out of treatment. Project IMPROVE assessed attitudes and beliefs regarding barriers to OST. Methods: Data were collected from opioid-dependent individuals (using self-complete questionnaires) currently in treatment (n = 200) or not in treatment (n = 200), and OST-accredited physicians (using computer-aided telephone interviewing) who currently provided (n = 101) or did not provide OST (n = 51) from different regions in Germany. Results: Key results showed that OST was perceived as valuable and effective by physicians, patients and users but that OST access and provision were inadequate, especially outside of major cities. Conclusion: These findings are consistent with national data indicating a worsening imbalance between patient demand for treatment and the supply of available physicians accredited to provide it. Many physicians and patients were not aware of, or were not utilizing, therapeutic strategies that may help reduce misuse and diversion. Improvements in the regulatory framework for OST, and identifying additional sources of support and training, would encourage more accredited physicians to actively provide treatment and thus help to fully realize the benefits of currently available treatment options.
Milk-Based Test as a Preventive Method for Chylous Ascites following Pancreatic Resection
Authors: Aoki Hideki , Takakura Norihisa , Shiozaki Shigehiro , Matsukawa Hiroyoshi
Published: October 2010

Background/Purpose: The incidence and natural history of postoperative chylous ascites are not well understood. This complication causes malnutrition and prolonged hospital stay. We investigated our institution’s experience involving chylous ascites, especially following pancreatectomy. Additionally, we designed a new intraoperative method dubbed the ‘milk test’ for preventing chylous ascites. Methods: Five cases of chylous ascites following pancreatectomy from April 2001 through March 2004 were studied retrospectively. The milk test was carried out prospectively. Such rates as positivity and incidence of ascites were examined. Results: Of 65 cases (40 pancreatoduodenectomy; 25 distal pancreatectomy), 5 (7.7%) developed chylous ascites following pancreatic resection. All cases underwent octreotide and total parenteral nutrition treatment. From April 2004 through March 2009, the milk test was used in 104 cases. Surgical procedures comprised pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 78) and distal pancreatectomy (n = 23). Of these cases, 23 (22.1%) tested positive. No significant difference in positive rates was observed between the procedures and diseases. After initiation of the milk test, chylous ascites incidence decreased from 7.7 to 2.9%. Conclusions: For chylous ascites, octreotide and total parenteral nutrition treatments are useful. However, the milk test was found to be a safe and effective method for prevention of chylous ascites following pancreatectomy.
Olfactory Identification Deficits in Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Lee Jung Seok , Choi Jay Chol , Kang Sa-Yoon , Kang Ji-Hoon , Lee Sang Hun , Kim Jeong Hong , Kim SangYun
Published: October 2010

Background/Aims: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited angiopathy caused by mutations of the Notch 3 gene. Olfactory identification deficits are present in a number of neurodegenerative disorders. However, olfaction has not been investigated in CADASIL. The aim of the present study was to assess olfactory identification in CADASIL and to determine whether there is an association between olfactory identification and the frontotemporal lobe. Methods: Twenty-seven patients and 27 control subjects had an olfactory identification test and neuropsychological testing. Brain MRIs were obtained from 25 patients. Involvement of frontal white matter, anterior temporal white matter and the external capsule were measured. Results: Olfactory identification scores were lower in CADASIL patients than in healthy comparison subjects. The Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and semantic Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) were also affected. In CADASIL patients, olfactory identification scores correlated with MMSE, COWAT scores and Scheltens’ scores from frontal white matter. The tendency for an association between olfactory identification scores and Scheltens’ scores from anterior temporal white matter was also observed. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that olfactory identification deficits may be a sensitive indicator of frontotemporal dysfunction in CADASIL.
De novo Thrombotic Microangiopathy Induced by Cytomegalovirus Infection Leading to Renal Allograft Loss
Authors: De Keyzer Kristel , Van Laecke Steven , Peeters Patrick , Vanholder Raymond
Published: October 2010

After kidney transplantation, thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) can occur de novo or as recurrent disease. Risk factors for de novo posttransplant TMA include ischemia-reperfusion injury, immunosuppressive drugs, viral infections, acute humoral rejection, and complement gene abnormalities. Cytomegalovirus infection as a trigger for posttransplant TMA in kidney transplant recipients has only been reported in 7 cases, all of them between 4 weeks and 8 years after transplantation. We describe a new case of de novo TMA in association with cytomegalovirus infection 25 years after kidney transplantation.
Renal Replacement Therapy for Prevention of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Song Kai , Jiang Shan , Shi Yongbing , Shen Huaying , Shi Xiaosong , Jing Donghua
Published: October 2010

Background: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is an important cause of acute renal injury. Several clinical trials using renal replacement therapy (RRT) for prevention of CI-AKI yielded conflicting results. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of prophylactic RRT on CI-AKI. Methods: Randomized controlled trials on CI-AKI using RRT were identified without language restriction in Cochrane library, Pubmed and Embase. Data extracted from literature were analyzed with Review manager and Stata software. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials involving 751 patients were included. Heterogeneity was found across trials (p < 0.00001). A random effect model was used to combine the data. RRT reduced the risk of CI-AKI by 26% compared with the control group, but statistical significance was not reached (risk ratio (RR) 0.74, 95% CI 0.35–1.60, p = 0.45). Subgroup analysis of modality indicated that hemodialysis was ineffective in reducing the risk of CI-AKI (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.63–2.32, p = 0.57), while CRRT decreased the incidence of CI-AKI (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07–0.64, p = 0.006). Subgroup analysis according to the CKD stage did not record heterogeneity across trials. RRT increased the odds of CI-AKI in CKD stage 3 patients (RR 1.53, 95% CI 0.07–0.64, p = 0.01), but decreased the occurrence of CI-AKI in patients with CKD stage higher than 3 (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.35–1.60, p = 0.45). The pooled RR of the need for permanent dialysis demonstrated an insignificant trend towards benefit in patients treated with RRT (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.26–1.40, p = 0.24). RRT reduced in-hospital mortality compared with control group (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14–0.77, p = 0.01). Conclusion: RRT fails to reduce the incidence of CI-AKI in CKD stage 3 patients, but may be beneficial in patients with more advanced renal function. CRRT is more effective than hemodialysis for prevention of CI-AKI. RRT is effective in reducing the in-hospital mortality of CI-AKI patients.
Relationship between Total Tear and Serum IgE in Allergic Conjunctivitis
Authors: Mimura Tatsuya , Usui Tomohiko , Mori Mikiro , Funatsu Hideharu , Noma Hidetaka , Yamamoto Hiroki , Aixinjueluo Wei , Amano Shiro
Published: October 2010

Background: Recently, a new commercial test for total tear IgE based on immunochromatography (Allerwatch®) was developed. We examined the relationship between total tear and serum IgE levels with the Allerwatch test. Methods: A nonrandomized cross-sectional study was conducted in 40 patients with allergic conjunctivitis, 35 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects, and 6 patients with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). The total tear IgE score was determined with the Allerwatch test (0, 1 and 2), and the serum total IgE level was measured by solid-phase immunoassay (Phadezym PRIST) in all subjects. Results: Total tear IgE was assayed within 10 min of collection in all samples. The total tear IgE-positive rate was significantly higher in the allergic group than in the control and EKC groups (92.5 vs. 0.0 vs. 0.0%; p < 0.00001). Sensitivity and specificity were 0.925 and 1.000, respectively. The total IgE score and log (total serum IgE) were also higher in the allergic group than in the control and EKC groups [total IgE score: 1.48 ± 0.63 vs. 0.00 ± 0.00 vs. 0.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.00001; log (serum total IgE): 2.23 ± 0.50 vs. 0.80 ± 0.31 vs. 0.79 ± 0.37, p < 0.00001]. The total tear IgE score was significantly correlated with log (total serum IgE) in the allergic group (r = 0.712, p < 0.00001). Conclusions: These results show that this rapid test for the measurement of total tear IgE is easy to perform on an outpatient basis and may be helpful in the management of ocular allergy.
Long-Term Prophylaxis of Hereditary Angioedema with a Pasteurized C1 Inhibitor Concentrate
Authors: Tallroth G.A.
Published: October 2010

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a relatively rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). Common clinical presentations are abdominal pain and localized edema of the skin, with laryngeal edema being potentially life-threatening. Replacement therapy with C1-INH concentrate is recommended for treatment of acute HAE attacks and results in rapid resolution of symptoms. C1-INH concentrate can also be used for prophylaxis of HAE and is recommended in cases where standard prophylactic agents are ineffective or not tolerated. This case study describes the use of C1-INH concentrate as a home therapy for on-demand and prophylactic self-administration in a patient with HAE. This treatment approach was well tolerated and effective, leading to a dramatic improvement in symptoms and improved quality of life.
The Alternative Pathway Is Critical for Pathogenic Complement Activation in Endotoxin- and Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: Malik Talat H. , Cortini Andrea , Carassiti Daniele , Boyle Joseph J. , Haskard Dorian O. , Botto Marina
Published: October 2010

Background—

The early components of the classical and lectin complement pathways have been shown to protect low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient mice (
Ldlr
−/−
) from early atherogenesis. However, the role of the alternative pathway remained unknown, and that was investigated in this study.

Methods and Results—

Mice lacking factor B (
Bf
−/−
), the initiator of the alternative pathway, were crossed with
Ldlr
−/−
mice and studied under different proatherogenic conditions. There was no statistically significant difference in lipid profiles or atherosclerotic lesion development between
Bf
−/−
/
Ldlr
−/−
and
Ldlr
−/−
mice fed a low-fat diet. However, in these groups, administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide led to a significant increase in atherosclerosis only in
Ldlr
−/−
and not in
Bf
−/−
/
Ldlr
−/−
mice, indicating that the alternative pathway is necessary for endotoxin-mediated atherogenesis.
Bf
−/−
/
Ldlr
−/−
mice also had significantly decreased cross-sectional aortic root lesion fraction area and reduced lesion complexity compared with
Ldlr
−/−
animals after a 12-week period of high-fat diet, although this was also accompanied by reduced levels of serum cholesterol. Under both experimental conditions, the atherosclerotic changes in the
Bf
−/−
/
Ldlr
−/−
mice were accompanied by a marked reduction in complement activation in the circulation and in atherosclerotic plaques, with no statistically significant differences in immunoglobulin G deposition or in the serum antibody response to oxidized low-density lipoprotein.

Conclusions—

These data demonstrate that amplification of complement activation by the alternative pathway in response to lipopolysaccharide or high-fat diet plays a proatherogenic role.
Cellular FLICE-Inhibitory Protein Protects Against Cardiac Remodeling Induced by Angiotensin II in Mice
Authors: Li Hongliang , Tang Qi-Zhu , Liu Chen , Moon Mark , Chen Manyin , Yan Ling , Bian Zhou-Yan , Zhang Yan , Wang Ai-Bing , Nghiem Mai P. , Liu Peter P.
Published: October 2010

The development of cardiac hypertrophy in response to increased hemodynamic load and neurohormonal stress is initially a compensatory response that may eventually lead to ventricular dilatation and heart failure. Cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (cFLIP) is a homologue of caspase 8 without caspase activity that inhibits apoptosis initiated by death receptor signaling. Previous studies showed that cFLIP expression was markedly decreased in the ventricular myocardium of patients with end-stage heart failure. However, the critical role of cFLIP on cardiac remodeling remains unclear. To specifically determine the role of cFLIP in pathological cardiac remodeling, we used heterozygote cFLIP
+/−
mice and transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of the human cFLIP
L
gene. Our results demonstrated that the cFLIP
+/−
mice were susceptible to cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis through inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 signaling, whereas the transgenic mice displayed the opposite phenotype in response to angiotensin II stimulation. These studies indicate that cFLIP protein is a crucial component of the signaling pathway involved in cardiac remodeling and heart failure.
Angiotensin II–Mediated Microvascular Thrombosis
Authors: Senchenkova Elena Y. , Russell Janice , Almeida-Paula Lidiana D. , Harding Joseph W. , Granger D. Neil
Published: October 2010

Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis that appears to involve an interaction between the renin-angiotensin system and hemostasis. In this study we determined whether angiotensin II–mediated thrombosis occurs in arterioles and/or venules and assessed the involvement of type 1 (AT1), type 2 (AT2), and type 4 (AT4) angiotensin II receptors, as well as receptors for endothelin 1 and bradykinin 1 and 2 in angiotensin II–enhanced microvascular thrombosis. Thrombus development in mouse cremaster microvessels was quantified after light/dye injury using the time of onset of the thrombus and time to blood flow cessation. Wild-type and AT1receptor–deficient mice were implanted with an angiotensin II–loaded ALZET pump for 2 weeks. Angiotensin II administration in both wild-type and AT1receptor–deficient mice significantly accelerated thrombosis in arterioles. Genetic deficiency and pharmacological antagonism of AT1receptors did not alter the thrombosis response to angiotensin II. Isolated murine platelets aggregated in response to low (picomolar) but not high (nanomolar) concentrations of angiotensin II. The platelet aggregation response to angiotensin II depended on AT1receptors. Antagonism of AT2receptors in vivo significantly prolonged the onset of angiotensin II–enhanced thrombosis, whereas an AT4receptor antagonist prolonged the time to flow cessation. Selective antagonism of either endothelin 1 or bradykinin 1 receptors largely prevented both the onset and flow cessation responses to chronic angiotensin II infusion. Our findings indicate that angiotensin II induced hypertension is accompanied by enhanced thrombosis in arterioles, and this response is mediated by a mechanism that involves AT2, AT4, bradykinin 1, and endothelin 1 receptor–mediated signaling.
Regulation of 3′,5′-cAMP in Preglomerular Smooth Muscle and Endothelial Cells From Genetically Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Cheng Dongmei , Ren Jin , Gillespie Delbert G. , Mi Zaichuan , Jackson Edwin K.
Published: October 2010

Our previous studies show that inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) augments agonist-induced renovascular 3′,5′-cAMP secretion more in isolated, perfused kidneys from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) versus Wistar-Kyoto normotensive rats (WKY); however, whether this is because of PDE4 inhibition in renovascular smooth muscle cells or endothelial cells is unknown. Therefore, we examined the effects of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (broad-spectrum PDE inhibitor) and RO 20-1724 (selective PDE4 inhibitor) on isoproterenol-induced 3′,5′-cAMP levels in cultured WKY and SHR preglomerular vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and RO 20-1724 augmented isoproterenol-induced 3′,5′-cAMP levels similarly in WKY versus SHR endothelial cells. In contrast, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and RO 20-1724 augmented isoproterenol-induced 3′,5′-cAMP levels significantly more in SHR, compared to WKY, smooth muscle cells (P<0.0001). In both cell types from both rat strains, mRNA levels for the PDE4B subtype exceeded levels for the PDE4A, PDE4C, and PDE4D subtypes, and small interfering RNA knockdown of PDE4B mRNA in SHR smooth muscle cells increased isoproterenol-induced 3′,5′-cAMP. mRNA levels for the PDE4B2 variant exceeded levels for the PDE4B1, PDE4B3, PDE4B4, and PDE4B5 variants. In vivo, infusions of RO 20-1724 increased the urinary excretion of 3′,5′-cAMP more in SHR than WKY (P=0.0211). We conclude that (1) the greater effect of PDE4 inhibition on renovascular 3′,5′-cAMP is mediated by inhibition of PDE4 in renovascular smooth muscle cells, not endothelial cells; (2) the major PDE4 subtype in both renovascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells is PDE4B with variant PDE4B2 likely being dominant; and (3) inhibition of PDE4 in vivo increases renal 3′,5′-cAMP levels more in genetically hypertensive rats.
Barack Versus Hillary: Race, Gender, and Political Cartoon Imagery of the 2008 Presidential Primaries
Authors: Conners Joan L.
Published: October 2010

This study examines the representations of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in political cartoon imagery during the 2008 presidential primaries, with specific attention toward portrayals of race and gender themes. An analysis of primary campaign— and election-related cartoons from 57 American cartoonists found Hillary Clinton was featured in more political cartoons than was Barack Obama, but they were often featured together in some competitive representation. Cartoon imagery of Obama identified weaknesses of his campaign but oftentimes portrayed the issue of race in favorable images. Cartoon imagery of Clinton focused on gender-related themes of her emotions and appearance but also went beyond gender themes to highlight her determination to remain in the race. When both candidates were featured, or portrayed along with Republican nominee John McCain, contrasts of race and gender were prominent in political cartoon imagery.
Best Practices in the Reporting of Participatory Action Research: Embracing Both the Forest and the Trees 1Ψ7
Authors: Smith Laura , Rosenzweig Lisa , Schmidt Marjorie
Published: October 2010

Participatory action research (PAR) represents an approach that is deeply consonant with counseling psychology’s commitments to social equity and action. However, counseling psychologists who would like to study this literature, or who would like to write about a project of their own, may discover that the reporting of PAR is not straightforward: PAR is a fluid, multifaceted, co-created, idiosyncratic process that does not necessarily correspond to established report-writing conventions. In this article, the authors present best-practices suggestions for writing about PAR based on an analysis of PAR articles published between 2000 and 2008.
Influences on Women Counseling Psychology Associate Professors’ Decisions Regarding Pursuit of Full Professorship
Authors: Pruitt Nathan T. , Johnson Adanna J. , Catlin Lynn , Knox Sarah
Published: October 2010

Twelve women tenured as associate professors in American Psychological Association—accredited counseling psychology doctoral programs were interviewed regarding their pursuit of promotion to full professor. Interview data were analyzed using a modified version of consensual qualitative research. Most participants indicated a strong desire to be promoted and stated that they would not change their minds about achieving this goal. Participants reported that their universities’ guidelines for promotion emphasized a strong publication record and evidence of a national reputation, but participants often described these criteria as vague. Pursuit of full professorship was encouraged by having a current mentor, receiving supportive feedback about applying for promotion, and publishing noteworthy research. Pursuit of full professorship was discouraged by negative prior promotion experiences, feelings that colleagues did not value the participant’s research, and conflicts between career and family obligations. Results are discussed within the context of Super’s theory of career development and social cognitive career theory.
Who Is Placed into Special Education?
Authors: Hibel Jacob , Farkas George , Morgan Paul L.
Published: October 2010

The authors use nationally representative data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999 (ECLS-K) to identify variables measured in the fall of 1998 (when the sample’s students were in kindergarten) that predict special education placement by the spring of 2004 (when most students were finishing fifth grade). Placement’s strongest kindergarten predictor is a student’s level of academic achievement. Also important is the student’s frequency of classroom task engagement. There is a “frog-pond” contextual effect—attending an elementary school with high levels of overall student academic ability and behavior increases a student’s likelihood of special education placement. This is the case even after statistically controlling for a wide range of individual-, family-, and school-level characteristics. Social class background displayed a weak or statistically nonsignificant relation with special education placement. However, girls are placed less frequently than boys. African American, Hispanic, and Asian students are placed less frequently than non-Hispanic whites. The under- or equal-placement rates for racial/ethnic minorities are partially explained by their concentration in high-minority schools.
A Further Examination of the Big-Fish–Little-Pond Effect
Authors: Thijs Jochem , Verkuyten Maykel , Helmond Petra
Published: October 2010

Among early adolescents (10–12 years) in the Netherlands, this study examined the academic self-concept in terms of the big-fish–little-pond effect (BFLPE). The BFLPE implies that students in classes where the average achievement is low will have a higher academic self-concept than equally achieving students in classes where the average achievement is high. The social comparison process assumed to underlie this effect was examined by focusing on classmates’ average achievement and the perceived relative achievement position in the school class. It was found that the perceived class position mediated the relationship between classmates’ achievement and the academic self-concept. In addition, the effect of classmates’ achievement on perceived relative academic position was stronger in smaller compared to larger classes. Furthermore, it was investigated whether classmates’ gender was differently important for social comparison processes in the academic domain. It turned out that students’ academic self-concept was affected by the achievements of same-gender classmates. Achievements of opposite-gender classmates only had an effect on the academic self-concept when the number of these classmates was small. The findings of this study support the theoretical principles underlying the big-fish–little-pond effect and are relevant for debates about class sizes and the utility of academic selective schooling.
Defending Mitbestimmung: German trade unions and European company law regulation (1967-2000)
Authors: Fetzer Thomas
Published: October 2010

Recent years have witnessed an enormous growth of research about European Union legislation in the field of employee participation. Besides studies analysing the legislation itself, many publications also deal with the impact of EU developments on employee participation in member states. While impressive in its conceptual breadth and empirical detail, this literature lacks a historical dimension. Taking the example of Germany and of the German trade union confederation, DGB, this article demonstrates that such a historical perspective is important not least because it sheds new light on contemporary debates. The case study chosen concerns the impact of regulatory initiatives for a European Company (Societas Europaea, SE) Statute on DGB co-determination policy since the late 1960s. The article argues that DGB positions shifted from an exclusive focus on the protection of national achievements, towards an approach that combined protection with attempts for re-regulation at the European level from the late 1980s.
Works councils, union bargaining and quits in German firms
Authors: Pfeifer Christian
Published: October 2010

Unsatisfied employees are likely to quit their current job if they have a better outside option. Worker codetermination and union bargaining might increase employees’ utility and make quits unnecessary. The article offers econometric evidence from a large-scale German establishment data set supporting the view that works councils, firm-level and industry-level union bargained collective agreements reduce the number of quits. Moreover, a strong interaction effect between both institutions exists. The results are robust for different subsamples and econometric methods.
Management training as a source of perceived competitive advantage: The Mondragon Cooperative Group case
Authors: Basterretxea Imanol , Albizu Eneka
Published: October 2010

The academic literature argues that managers, with their resources and capabilities, constitute a source of competitive advantage for companies, but that cooperatives generally have difficulties attracting and retaining competent managers. The present study examines the special efforts made in the creation and development of cooperative managers via corporate training centres in the Mondragon Cooperative Group. The fieldwork that supports this research is a qualitative study based on a series of in-depth interviews with 12 people in charge of Mondragon’s training structure. This study confirms that Mondragon’s cooperatives have overcome the difficulties common to other cooperatives in attracting and retaining valuable managers. The study also confirmed that Mondragon’s management training policy, based on its corporate training centres, is internally perceived as a source of competitive advantages to the cooperatives in the attraction, development and retention of managers.
Genre and Gender An interdisciplinary epistemological tool
Authors: Albert Nicole G.
Published: October 2010

In 2004, the journal Diogenes devoted its Issue 208 to “Myths and Gender”, predominantly focused on the figures incarnating the in-between, from the androgyne to the third sex. The current issue represents an extension of this theme, but, if its title recalls the term “gender” - the choice of English translating the strangeness to which it seems condemned in France - it is to enunciate it less in relation to myths than to the theoretical mode.
Gender: Still a Useful Category of Analysis?
Authors: Scott Joan Wallach
Published: October 2010

This paper traces the history of uses of the word “gender”. It suggests that though “gender” has been recuperated and become commonplace, many issues persist around the way “women” and “men”, and the power relations between them, are defined and are evolving. Provided it still allows us to question the meanings attached to the sexes, how they are established and in what contexts, gender remains a useful, because critical, analytical category.
Gender Studies and Film Studies in France: Steps Forward and Back
Authors: Sellier Geneviève
Published: October 2010

Fifteen years after the first translations of Anglo-American feminist film theories, this gender approach is finding it hard to gain acceptance in France. The main reason is the elitist view of cinema d’auteur that is still prevalent in academic circles, where the art is seen as a genius's creation outside social determinations in general and gender relations in particular.

However, under the influence of historians and sociologists, who dominate gender research in France, French work on film privileges a historical and sociocultural approach, whereas American research is dominated by psychoanalytical approaches. French gender analyses privilege the expression of dominant relations but also of contradictions at work in the films, whether popular or by an auteur-e, as well as in the stars’ image or in tv fiction. Finally some research explores the changes brought about by the emergence of female film-makers on the French scene.
Post-Queer: In Defense of a ‘Trans-Gender Approach’ or Trans-Gender as an Analytical Category
Authors: Cardon Patrick
Published: October 2010

The notion of gender, introduced into France by queens and drags in the late 20th century (the glorious period of the “drag-queens”) and revitalized by American “queer”, follows a traditionally feminist path where homosexual and particularly male issues are once again being hidden away. Having played a big part in popularizing that first version, Patrick Cardon proposes, in order to avoid any misunderstanding and escape once for all from any attempts at reification, to use the term and the universal notion of transgender, which would cover the deconstructivist notions of queer, post-colonial and cultural studies, in order to give a place intelligently to ALL diversities beyond any binarism and with a foresight of future hybridity.
Recent Feminist Outlooks on Intersectionality
Authors: Bilge Sirma
Published: October 2010

With its recognition of the combined effects of the social categories of race, class and gender intersectionality has risen to the rank of feminism's most important contribution to date. Though the first intersectional research (American and British) gave visibility to the social locus of women who self-identified as “black” or “of colour”, current research goes beyond the confines of the English-speaking world and aims increasingly to develop an intersectional instrument to deal with discrimination. This project gives rise to two kinds of debate: one related to producing intersectional information and to ways of carrying out research in this area, the other to do with the use of this information in the political struggle for equality. The current paper, which is confined to the first debate, attempts to bring out the main tension points in present theorizations of intersectionality. Its objective is twofold: to demonstrate certain limits to the explanatory power of intersectionality, and to suggest ways forward in the light of discussions already in train. In order to do so four points are tackled: intersectionality as a research paradigm, the issue of levels of analysis, the theoretical difference of opinion on the ontological status of categories of difference and the issue of widening the theoretical scope of intersectionality.
‘Do we really want to be like them?’: Indexing Europeanness through pronominal use
Authors: Cramer Jennifer
Published: October 2010

This article is part of a larger project on language politics in the European Union (EU), with an empirical focus on questions concerning identity. Using Wortham’s (1996) deictic mapping technique, I examine how EU leaders position themselves with respect to a European identity through the use of pronouns. Using this discourse analytic framework, I show how, in a panel featuring leaders from current and prospective EU member states, a participant from Turkey juxtaposes his various identity positions with those of other panel members. The analysis focuses on short discourse fragments featuring discussions about European identity. The analysis reveals three identities constructed through pronoun use: neutral, non-European, and European. While leaders from current member states emphasize their Europeanness through pronoun use, the Turkish panelist portrays an identity in opposition to this European identity, thus exhibiting how the repetition of pronoun use patterns helps to create, recreate, and make visible certain identities.
Tax, war and waiting lists: The construction of national identity in newspaper coverage of general elections after devolution
Authors: Dekavalla Marina
Published: October 2010

This article explores the construction of national identity in the coverage of policy issues during the first two general elections after devolution, in Scottish and in English/UK daily morning newspapers. It focuses on a sample of the coverage of the most mentioned reserved and devolved issue in the 2001 and 2005 campaigns and examines the use of markers of location and deictic references to a national context. It finds that the distinction between reserved and devolved matters is not decisive in how these topics are constructed. The Scottish and English/UK coverage of the Iraq war, taxation and health debates at Westminster is relatively similar, written and presumed to be read in Britain. However, Scottish titles differentiate their output by constructing their readers as having little participation in these ‘UK’ issues, and by emphasizing the Scottish relevance of topics such as fiscal autonomy for Scotland and waiting lists at Scottish hospitals. Even in that coverage though, the relevant national context occasionally shifts between Scotland and Britain. By contrast, newspapers written in England consistently report from an Anglo-British perspective, making no allowance for the changes brought by devolution.
Interactional norms in the Australian police interrogation room
Authors: Yoong David
Published: October 2010

The interaction that takes place in a police interrogation room follows certain conventions which are not evident in other settings like the school or home domains. This study which uses data derived from the questioning the Australian police conducted with Dr Mohamed Haneef — a terrorist accomplice suspect — aims to show how the norms of interaction in the Australian police interrogation room are established through protocols and codes of conduct. Another aspect of norms of interaction analysed in this article is the way power relations are created and maintained by looking at recurring discourse markers like the use of address and referent terms, interruptions, topic switching and latching. By identifying these linguistic devices, we are able to see the patterns of interaction conducted by the Australian police with persons of interest.
Toward Valuation in Social Work and Social Services
Authors: Cnaan Ram A. , Kang Chulhee
Published: October 2010

Social work and social services are known to be beneficial to society, but to date no systematic valuation of their contribution has been attempted. The aim of this article is to advance our ability to quantify both the known direct benefits and some of the positive externalities of social work. The authors make the case of why valuation is important for social work and social services. Relying on the rich literature on valuation, the authors provide a review of key valuation methods. The authors then demonstrate how social work and social services can apply each method to assess the value of their contribution to society. The authors conclude with a call for further refinements of social work valuation.
Beyond “The Total Organization”
Authors: Kane Kathleen R. , Goldgehn Leslie A.
Published: October 2010

This simulation is designed to help students understand the complexity of organizational life and learn how to navigate a work world of chaos, conflict, and uncertainty. This adaptation and update of an exercise by Cohen, Fink, Gadon, and Willits has been a successful addition to MBA and EMBA courses. The participants must self-organize, choose leadership, determine roles, and develop the structure for an entrepreneurial (and should they choose, high-tech) venture. With few instructions, they must struggle with the ambiguity of multiple simultaneous organizational challenges including leading and following, innovation, decision making, team building, and organizational understanding.
Integration of Social Justice Into the Teaching of Evaluation
Authors: Thomas Veronica G. , Madison Anna
Published: October 2010

This article argues that social justice should be included in evaluation education as a fundamental value in evaluation practice. A social justice orientation will provide students with a perspective that will enable them to challenge existing evaluation hegemonic ontological, epistemological, theoretical, and methodological practices that diminish groups at the margins of society and normalize injustice. We suggest four major areas where educators can intersect social justice and evaluation in classroom and field experiences. These include intersecting social justice with evaluation (a) theoretical knowledge, (b) methodological knowledge, (c) interpersonal knowledge, and (d) professionalism. Further, we maintain that a social justice orientation can be evident in pedagogical approaches and the professors’ articulation of students’ expected learning outcomes. Selected readings and various activities are provided that educators can utilize to integrate social justice, evaluation theory, and methodology in graduate training in an effort to produce a more critical evaluator.
Sandwich system for renovation of orthotropic steel bridge decks
Authors: de Freitas Sofia Teixeira , Kolstein Henk , Bijlaard Frans
Published: October 2010

A sandwich system of two steel faces and a polyurethane core is studied as a renovation system for orthotropic steel bridge decks. An experimental program has been carried out aiming to better understand the sandwich beam flexural behavior. The temperature significantly affects the sandwich flexural behavior. Increase in the temperature decreases the sandwich stiffness and strength. The stiffness is more difficult to predict at high temperatures due to the viscoelastic behavior of the core. Stiffer and stronger renovation solutions can be achieved by putting the extra weight on the core thickness rather than on the faces thickness. Stresses on the deck plate can be reduced by 60—95% using this renovation system.
Noise Pollution and Human Health: A Case Study of Municipal Corporation of Delhi
Authors: Firdaus Ghuncha , Ahmad Ateeque
Published: October 2010

Noise pollution, an urban territorial phenomenon, is assuming serious proportions in Delhi, the third largest urban centre of India. The frequency and intensity of pollution has been increasing day by day. The present study reviews the data on sources, intensity and health implications of pollutants collected through household survey using questionnaires from two contrasting density areas; one from high-density area and another from low-density area. The analysis reveals that tremendous increase in population, industrial activities, unchecked growth in vehicular traffic and rapidly changing life style are the major factors that have created and aggravated the problem of pollution in the study area. The major health implications include annoyance, disturbance in sleep, interference with communication and other harmful effects. With the help of regression analysis, the cause and effect relationship between the intensity of pollution and occurrence of diseases among sampled households of Delhi has been established by this study. Some suggestions such as land use and transportation planning are also given in this paper for mitigating and managing the noise pollution problem in the sustainable urban development perspectives.
Indoor Air Quality in the Control Tower of Athens International Airport, Greece
Authors: Tsakas Marios P. , Siskos Panayotis A.
Published: October 2010

In recent decades the air quality in Athens city has been extremely poor. Scientific interest has focused on health effects caused by indoor air pollution, due to the fact that most people in the developed world spend most of their time indoors, especially in office settings. Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds and benzene are important pollutants that can affect indoor air quality. Measurements conducted inside the Control Tower of Athens International Airport have shown that despite the fact that concentrations never exceeded the established limits for indoor environments, all pollutant concentrations determined were significantly higher than those outdoors. This indicates contributions from indoor sources such as smoking, carpets, furniture and human emanations including breathing and body odour. Benzene levels found in the employees’ exposure experiments were particularly noticeable and proved that smoking was a major indoor pollution source.
Survey of Indoor concentrations of Radon and Thoron in homes in Bangalore, India
Authors: Sathish L.A. , Nagaraja K. , Nagesh V. , Sundareshan S.
Published: October 2010

Due to the legislation and general concern of radiation levels in dwellings in India, there is a need to continuously monitor the indoor concentrations of radon and Thoron in different geographical areas of Bangalore, which could be of great significance to exposure to occupants, particularly in living places. This paper presents the 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations measured in houses in 10 different locations in Bangalore. The data was continuously obtained for a period of 2 years since 2007, covering more than 150 dwellings. The arithmetic mean values of 222Rn and 220Rn were found to be 35.0 and 21.5 Bq · m-3. The effective dose rate received by the population in the study area ranged between 0.1—0.5 mSv · y-1, the arithmetic mean concentration was 0.2 ± 0.03 mSv · y-1. The result shows no significant radiological risk for the inhabitants.