bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to Reduce Bond-line Read-out in Adhesive Joined SMC Automotive Body Panels
Authors: Basu Soumendra K. , Kia Hamid G.
Published: August 2008

Parameter sensitivity analysis on a 2D finite element model of adhesive-joined SMC hat/plate structure was performed to evaluate the relative impact of design, application, and material parameters on the bond-line read-out (BLRO) defect. Based on the sensitivity analysis and the ease of implementation, a list of strategies in the order of their effectiveness in reducing the BLRO defect is proposed. Choosing a low modulus, low cure temperature, and low shrinkage adhesive, raising the stiffness of the exterior SMC panel, and lowering the stiffness of the interior SMC panel in the regions around the bond-line were found to reduce the BLRO defect.
Exploring the Linkage Between Ministerial Leadership and Performance in Korea
Authors: Jung Kwangho , Jae Moon M. , Sung Deuk Hahm
Published: August 2008

The significance and the role of leadership in organizations and institutions have been widely discussed but not well understood. Much of the previous literature is limited to leadership practices and education as well as to the American context. Focusing on the Korean ministerial level, this study examines the ministerial leadership interplaying uniquely between the president (politics) and career civil servants (administration). Extending the typology of transformational and transactional leadership, this study presents five different leadership orientations and investigates their association with ministers' performances. Based on the 2002 Korean Minister Survey, this study shows that the strategic-transformational and external-transformational forms of leadership are the primary determinants of Korean ministers' performance. This study suggests that political appointees like Korean ministers should strike a balance between their political responsiveness as political appointees and their administrative responsibility as department heads.
The State of Work (and Workers) in America
Authors: Kalleberg Arne L.
Published: August 2008

Informed discussions of many important topics in the sociology of work and occupations—such as earnings and wealth inequality, employment and unemployment, gender and race differences in earnings and employment, and the situations of working families—have come to rely increasingly on data provided by the biennial volumes, The State of Working America written by economists from the Economic Policy Institute. These volumes tell us what is happening in the labor force and labor market, often evaluate explanations of trends, and indicate some of their policy implications. This article provides an overview of this series; discusses some of its main conclusions about trends in jobs, wages, and other important features of work and labor markets; and illustrates some ways that these volumes are useful (and could be made even more valuable) for the study of work and occupations.
Job Authority and Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace
Authors: Schieman Scott , Reid Sarah
Published: August 2008

Using data from a 2005 sample of 1,785 working adults in the United States, the authors examine the association between job authority and the exposure to interpersonal conflict in the workplace and potential gender and age contingencies in that association. A positive association was observed between authority and conflict, but that association was more positive among men and younger workers. Moreover, the authors rule out occupation, job sector, role-set multiplicity, and work conditions as alternative explanations for these associations. These observations have implications for theoretical views about social status variations in job authority and its link to interpersonal stress in the workplace.
An Optimization Approach to the Computer Simulation of Composite Materials
Authors: Horta-Rangel Jaime , Brostow Witold , Martinez-Barrera Gonzalo , Castaño Victor M.
Published: August 2008

A procedure for the optimal modal design of a beam made of a composite material was developed. The two components considered for the composite are a light concrete as the matrix and a polyester fiber as the filler. The fibers inside of the matrix tend to aggregate and to take this into account in the modeling, a subroutine that generates random finite elements corresponding to the fiber clusters was constructed. Three-dimensional simulation using a volumetric model allows to obtain the solutions by means of a coupled modal analysis-optimization procedure, by employing the ANSYS software. The weight of the beam is considered as the objective function. Restrictions are imposed on the first resonant frequency as well as on the design parameters: percentage of fiber polyester, density of the components, and thickness of the beam. The results provide the optimum set of solutions in terms of the parameters that minimize the weight of the beam, while maintaining the first frequency within a specified range of values.
Geometrically Nonlinear Determination of Energy Release Rate and Mode Ratio in Single Leg Bending Tests
Authors: Davidson B.D. , Bansal Amitabh , Qida Bing  , Xuekun Sun
Published: August 2008

Geometrically linear and nonlinear finite element analyses are used to determine the energy release rate and mode ratio in simulated tests of unidirectional, symmetric, single leg bending (SLB) specimens. It is shown that the finite diameter loading rollers that are typically used in practical test set-ups cause this test to be inherently nonlinear. The differences between the linear and nonlinear results are presented parametrically as a function of material properties, specimen thickness, roller diameter, span length and crack length. These results are used, along with empirically derived equations, to develop an approach for designing SLB experiments where one will have a high degree of confidence in toughness values as obtained from conventional data reduction techniques, and for which relatively little specimen-to-specimen variation in mode ratio will be observed.
Concrete Slabs Reinforced with FRP or Steel Reinforcements
Authors: Razzaq Zia , Dabbagh Mohamed A.E. , Sirjani Mojtaba B. , Prabhakaran Ram
Published: August 2008

Experiments are first conducted on simply-supported square concrete slabs with fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) reinforcements with a gradually increasing concentrated central static load. Similar experiments on slabs are then repeated with steel reinforcements. The experimental load-carrying capacities are compared to those obtained using yield line analysis. The experiments showed that the slabs with FRP reinforcements performed better than those with the steel reinforcements. Practical examples are also presented for uniformly loaded square and rectangular concrete slabs reinforced with FRP reinforcements, utilizing existing analysis and design expressions modified herein to account for the use of FRP reinforcements.
Free Vibration Analysis of Multiple Delaminated Beams under Axial Compressive Load
Authors: Della Christian N. , Dongwei Shu
Published: August 2008

Analytical solutions are developed to study the free vibrations of multiple delaminated beams under axial compressive loadings. The Euler—Bernoulli beam theory and both the `free mode' and the `constrained mode' assumption in delamination buckling and vibration are used. In addition, a parametric study is performed to study the influence of the axial compressive load on the vibration characteristics of the multiple-delaminated beam. Results show a monotonic relation between the natural frequency and the axial compressive load. Furthermore, the axial compressive load is shown to significantly influence the first vibration mode shape of the beam. However, the influence on the second vibration mode shape is less significant. The present `free mode' solution is also used to investigate the first mode and the second mode buckling of the delaminated beams. For certain delamination lengths and locations, the second mode buckling load is lower that the first mode.
GA-LQR Based Optimal Vibration Control of Smart FRP Composite Structures with Bonded PZT Patches
Authors: Roy Tarapada , Chakraborty Debabrata
Published: August 2008

In the present study a genetic algorithm (GA) based linear quadratic regulator (LQR) scheme has been developed and applied for optimal vibration control of smart fiber reinforced composite structure with surface bonded PZT patches. 3D layered shell elements have been formulated for modeling and analysis of smart fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) structures having piezoelectric sensors and actuators patches. Location of PZT patches have been decided based on the mode shapes and modal analysis has been performed to transform the coupled finite element equation to state space equation. Genetic algorithm has been used to search for optimal [Q] and [R] matrices in order to maximize the control performance while keeping actuator/input voltage within limits. The present control scheme has been applied to study the efficacy of vibration control of structures including doubly curved smart FRP structures. Results obtained from the work show that GA-LQR control scheme is much more effective in vibration control both in term of maximizing the control performance as well as closed loop damping coefficient within allowable actuator voltage.
Mechanical Performance of X-Truss/Foam Sandwich Construction
Authors: Zuoguang Zhang , Jijun Hao , Min Li , Yizuo Gu , Zhijie Sun
Published: August 2008

In order to improve the transverse mechanical performance of ordinary foam core sandwich, Z-pins of carbon fiber were inserted into the foam core forming a novel X-truss/foam sandwich construction. Mechanical behaviors of this new composite are mainly determined by its structure parameters, which offer many degrees of freedom to designers. Here, flatwise compression, shear, and bending tests were carried out to investigate the influence of structure parameters on mechanical behavior. These structure parameters include Z-pin inserted angle, volume fraction, and orientation of X-truss, etc. Based on the rule of mixture, equations have been derived to estimate the compression and shear properties, which conform to experimental results. With the increase of Z-pin inserted angle, compression performance is improved, while shear and bending performance decrease. The 45° angle offers the best properties of shear and bending behavior, whereas the 90° angle presents the best compression performance. In addition, using the theory of the Winkler foundation beam, a prediction equation of compression strength has been derived which indicates that larger diameter Z-pins can offer more efficient enhancement than smaller diameter ones in terms of compression behavior.
Academic Success Strategy Use Among Community-Active Urban Hispanic Adolescents
Authors: Vick Rebecca M. , Packard Becky Wai-Ling
Published: August 2008

Although much has been written about the “risky” behaviors in which some Hispanic adolescents participate, the predictors of academic success are less understood. Toward this end, predictors of academic self-regulation were investigated in Hispanic adolescents. Specifically, a predictive model incorporating self-efficacy, instrumentality, salience of becoming a college student, and structured programming was examined in a sample of 66 Hispanic teens drawn from an urban community center. A model including self-efficacy, instrumentality, and salience of becoming a college student explained 53% of the variance in academic self-regulation, and further regression tests suggested that self-efficacy acted as a mediator of the other two predictors. However, structured leadership programming was not related to self-regulation. Case illustrations are presented. Future research involving the study of community-active Hispanic teens and their academic success is discussed.
Special Educators' Knowledge Regarding Psychotropic Interventions for Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Ryan Joseph B. , Reid Robert , Ellis Cynthia
Published: August 2008

The use of psychotropic interventions to manage the inappropriate behaviors displayed by students with emotional and behavior disorders has become more common over the past several decades. The efficacious use of these medications requires monitoring students for desired behavioral outcomes as well as potential side effects. Educators are in an excellent position to monitor medication effectiveness and provide feedback to the prescribing physician because they are in close proximity of students for up to 6 hr per day. However, to date, there has been sparse research investigating teachers' knowledge of the desired therapeutic outcomes and potential side effects of even the most common psychotropic medications prescribed to youth. A survey of staff from 12 nonpublic residential and special day schools found that special educators and paraprofessionals alike have minimal knowledge of any medication, with the exception of stimulants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
A Childish Culture?
Authors: Davies Matthew
Published: August 2008

Street children in Makutano, northwest Kenya, form strong, stable social groups. Group activity functions through a well-defined structure involving leadership and close personal and economic relationships. This article shows how group solidarity is maintained through the sharing of a common subculture of spatial understandings, games, activities, dress, language and bodily actions. Through the group, the children experience a quality of life that negates the validity of common interventionist strategies. Moreover, given their high levels of competency, policies for working with these street children should be based on dialogue and should act to empower them through expanding the choices available to them.
Children Working Beyond Their Localities
Authors: Huijsmans Roy
Published: August 2008

Globally, migration statistics indicate rising numbers of people who have for various reasons left their local community. Of these, a considerable proportion is below the age of 18 and often engaged in some kind of work. Yet, the phenomenon of children working beyond their localities receives little special attention in migration studies or child labour studies. It is, however, increasingly addressed under the label of human trafficking. This article critically discusses the notion of human trafficking in relation to childhood and combines this with an analysis of a set of recent studies on Lao children working in Thailand. Based on this, the article concludes with some suggestions to come to a greater understanding of, and more relevant interventions for, children working beyond their localities.
The Emotional World of Kinship
Authors: Notermans Catrien
Published: August 2008

This article focuses on children's narrated experiences of fosterage in East Cameroon. It seeks to complement the predominantly adult approaches to fosterage with children's views of the intimate, emotional and competitive aspects of kinship in everyday life. As kinship evolves in homes through sharing food and intimacy, children directly experience how kinship is created, disputed and defined and how lived kinship is inextricably linked with mobility, flexibility and power dynamics. It is argued that children's multiple and changing experiences of fosterage depend on three interconnected factors: changing household compositions, power dynamics in the homes and the changes in women's life histories.
On the Border
Authors: Ericsson Kjersti , Simonsen Eva
Published: August 2008

This article conceptualizes Second World War children of German soldiers and native women in Norway as `border children', who became symbolic bearers of deep societal conflicts. The authors demonstrate that this position had painful consequences in the personal experiences of the children, experiences that were shared with war children in other occupied countries in Europe. Being a `border child' is discussed in relation to three topics: (1) the construction of a national narrative expressing the collective memory of war and occupation; (2) the cultural pattern making the sexuality of women national property; and (3) the transformation of social and political conflicts into biological and medical terms and categories.
The syndrome of accident proneness (Unfallneigung): why psychiatrists did not adopt and medicalize it
Authors: Burnham John C.
Published: August 2008

In the World War I period, psychologists in Britain and Germany independently and simultaneously originated the idea of accident proneness (Unfallneigung) . This distinctive syndrome of suffering a series of accidents was logically attractive for psychiatrists and psychoanalysts, especially as a pattern of unconsciously motivated deviant and self-destructive behaviour. Yet except for some mid-twentieth-century interest by psychosomatics specialists, psychiatrists did not systematically embrace the syndrome except occasionally as a symptom of other psychiatric conditions, thus showing that there were limits to the extent to which twentieth-century psychiatrists would medicalize patterns of behaviour.
The Sources of Cooperation
Authors: Engelen Bart
Published: August 2008

This article focuses on the explanations of human cooperation that dominate the fields of psychology, philosophy, economics, and other social sciences. It argues that these accounts all frame cooperation in egoistic terms and thus cannot solve the evolutionary puzzle of strong reciprocity, defined as a propensity to cooperate with others similarly disposed and to punish others who violate norms, even at a personal cost and without any prospect of present or future rewards. This article shows that strong reciprocity accounts for the uniquely high levels of human cooperation and is best explained by referring to the important role of culture in natural selection. In the end, it aims to analyze the implications of these insights for the interdisciplinary aim of understanding the sources of cooperation.
Changes and Challenges in the Flow of International Human Capital China’s Experience
Authors: Pan Su-Yan
Published: August 2008

This article tracks the changes in the directions of the international flow of Chinese human capital between the 1870s and 2000s. Although many studies on international academic flow adopt the pull-and-push approach, this article argues that the direction of human capital flow is not determined solely by an individual’s choice when faced with a pulling or pushing force; it can also be affected by people’s psychocultural perception of overseas study, the international relations between host and source countries, the nation state’s higher education policy, and social changes in both the domestic and the global contexts. China’s experience exemplifies the potential of a developing country’s success in influencing the distribution of internationally mobile students and in altering its status in the world system from that of a country on the periphery to that of one approaching the core.
(Re)conceptualizing International Student Mobility
Authors: Gargano Terra
Published: August 2008

Although educational border crossings are not new, the creation of innovative theoretical constructs, such as transnational social fields, to examine the flow of students and social networks across national borders is a profound development. Within transnational social fields, a constant flow of ideas and practices is embedded within relationships, offering a framework for addressing evolving associations across borders to better understand how university students construct identities and negotiate social spaces, physical locales, and the geography of the mind. Employing the concept of transnational social fields in an analysis of student mobility illuminates student negotiations by recognizing simultaneity in localities and multiplicity in identities and refuting the generalization or homogenization of student experiences. This article aims to provide a working understanding of transnational social fields and justify adopting concepts that currently reside outside of the existing cross-border education discourse to frame international student negotiations that are not thoroughly explored or understood.
Reliability and Construct Validity of the Dutch Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version
Authors: Das Jacqueline , de Ruiter Corine , Doreleijers Theo , Hillege Sanne
Published: August 2008

The present study examines the reliability and construct validity of the Dutch version of the Psychopathy Check List: Youth Version (PCL:YV) in a sample of male adolescents admitted to a secure juvenile justice treatment institution ( N = 98). Hare's four-factor model is used to examine reliability and validity of the separate dimensions of psychopathy. Interrater reliabilities are good to excellent for the PCL:YV total score and most factor scores, except for the affective factor. Several suggestions are offered for optimizing reliability of this factor. Finally, meaningful associations between PCL:YV scores and scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescent and the Interpersonal Checklist—Revised support the construct validity of the PCL:YV total score as well as the four factors in the Dutch context.
A Scenario-Based Dieting Self-Efficacy Scale
Authors: Stich Christine , Knäuper Bärbel , Tint Ami
Published: August 2008

The article discusses a scenario-based dieting self-efficacy scale, the DIET-SE, developed from dieter's inventory of eating temptations (DIET). The DIET-SE consists of items that describe scenarios of eating temptations for a range of dieting situations, including high-caloric food temptations. Four studies assessed the psychometric properties of the 11-item DIET-SE. Exploratory factor analysis ( N = 392) and confirmatory factors analysis ( N = 124) revealed three internally consistent and reliable factors representing challenges to adhere to a diet (high-caloric food temptations [HCF], social and internal factors [SIF], negative emotional events [NEE]). Convergent validity is established with other measures of dieting self-efficacy, as well as measures of eating disinhibition, susceptibility to hunger, and weight loss competency. Criterion-related validity is provided through the assessment of goal adherence, and predictive validity is established for dieters' actual food intake ( N = 68). The DIET-SE represents a short, reliable, and valid scenario-based measure of dieting self-efficacy.
Effects of Newcomer Practicing on Cross-level Learning Distortions
Authors: Branzei Oana , Fredette Christopher
Published: August 2008

This article fuses variance generation and suppression arguments with the micro-underpinnings of collective learning to bring the socio-emotional context of learning to the foreground. We take a practice-based perspective on cross-level learning distortions to explore non-recursive trade-offs between variance generation and variance suppression as newcomers adapt to established groups and as groups react to newcomers. Our typology first disaggregates the effects of sociality and emotionality to describe four patterns of context-contingent individual practicing: experimenting, emulating, bracketing and impersonating. We then explain why groups operating in distinct contexts may systematically ignore or discount two specific types of individual departures from collective norms: outliers (infrequent, significant deviations) and clusters (frequent, incremental changes). Our theoretical predictions add value to managers by unpacking the contextual contingencies that systematically pattern individual and collective learning and by suggesting specific interventions for preventing or alleviating learning disorders.
Leading Organizational Learning Through Authentic Dialogue
Authors: Mazutis Daina , Slawinski Natalie
Published: August 2008

This article explores how authentic leaders enable learning in organizations through the mechanism of dialogue. Using Crossan et al.'s multi-level framework, we examine how top managers who exhibit the authentic leadership capabilities of self-awareness, balanced processing, self-regulation and relational transparency can shape an organizational culture characterized by authentic dialogue. This culture then supports feed-forward and feedback learning across individual, group and organizational levels, promoting and reinforcing double-loop learning. We develop propositions that integrate the leadership and organizational learning literatures and offer suggestions for future research.
Holy Summer: A Field Story
Authors: Chawla Devika
Published: August 2008

This essay is a storied account of a series of events that occurred in the field in New Delhi, India, in summer 2002. The author's mother, a devout Hindu, found herself besieged under the spell of the "resident spirit" of their old home, an entity that has yet to be defined or deciphered. The author takes readers into one urban north Indian family's struggle to understand and contain this "other" force that seemed to hold the author's mother hostage. The author uses mostly real and some composite characters and the short story form to narrate the situation in the then and the now. The story illustrates the continuing tensions between so-called rational scientific medical explanatory models and longstanding cultural practices to understand human illness in many postindustrialized societies. This is an account of how the family came to experience these tensions and indeed lived with them.
“A Lot of Us Look at Life Differently”: Homeless Youths and Art on the Outside
Authors: Kidd Sean A.
Published: August 2008

This article presents a qualitative analysis of the artistic expression of homeless youths, accompanied by examples of drawings and poetry gathered from youths in New York City and Toronto. The impacts of various forms of marginalization and the meanings youths give their work are examined. These meanings include art as being transformative, self-exploratory, communicative, and a redirection of emotional energy into an artistic medium and expressive process. Parallels are drawn between the art and the marginalization of homeless youths and forms and expressions subsumed under the L'Art Brut and Outsider Art movements.
Lack of endogenous TRIM5α-mediated restriction in rhesus macaque dendritic cells
Authors: Arhel Nathalie J. , Nisole Sébastien , Carthagena Laetitia , Coutant Frédéric , Souque Philippe , Brussel Audrey , Estaquier Jérôme , Charneau Pierre
Published: August 2008

Rhesus macaques are resistant to infection by HIV-1 as a result of an innate cellular restriction mechanism attributable to the expression of rhTRIM5α, a member of the large tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family. TRIM5α-mediated restriction, which occurs before reverse transcription through targeting of the HIV-1 capsid, has been identified in a number of macaque primary cells and cell lines and is thought to occur in all macaque cell types. We report, however, that rhesus macaque dendritic cells (DCs) lack TRIM5α-mediated restriction and are equally permissive to HIV-1 infection as human DCs. Evidence suggests that, although TRIM5α RNA levels are normal in these cells, the protein may be dysfunctional. We propose that abrogation of TRIM5α-mediated restriction in DCs, although still operative in cells that replicate HIV-1 (macrophages, T lymphocytes), illustrates the need for innate mechanisms to not inhibit adaptive immune responses to ensure an optimal fight against pathogens.
A decade of genome-wide gene expression profiling in acute myeloid leukemia: flashback and prospects
Authors: Wouters Bas J. , Löwenberg Bob , Delwel Ruud
Published: August 2008

The past decade has shown a marked increase in the use of high-throughput assays in clinical research into human cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In particular, genome-wide gene expression profiling (GEP) using DNA microarrays has been extensively used for improved understanding of the diagnosis, prognosis, and pathobiology of this heterogeneous disease. This review discusses the progress that has been made, places the technologic limitations in perspective, and highlights promising future avenues
Determinants of cerebrospinal fluid arsenic concentration in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia on oral arsenic trioxide therapy
Authors: Au Wing-Yan , Tam Sidney , Fong Bonnie M. , Kwong Yok-Lam
Published: August 2008

The extent of and factors controlling arsenic penetration into the central nervous system (CNS) remain unclear. Elemental arsenic levels in 67 paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples from 9 patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) on oral arsenic trioxide (As2O3), obtained during intrathecal chemotherapy (treatment of CNS APL, n = 6; prophylaxis, n = 3) were measured. Median arsenic levels of CSF and plasma were 95.8 nmol/L (range, 3.5-318.9 nmol/L) and 498.9 nmol/L (range, 36.3-1892.8 nmol/L). As a group, CSF and plasma arsenic was linearly correlated (P < .001), with CSF at 17.7% the plasma level. The CSF/plasma arsenic ratio, which reflected the arsenic CSF penetration efficiency, varied significantly in individual patients (P < .001). Repeated intrathecal chemotherapy and presence of blasts in CSF did not affect the CSF/plasma arsenic ratio. Plasma arsenic was the only significant determinant of CSF arsenic levels. CSF arsenic was present at therapeutically meaningful levels, implying that As2O3 therapy might be beneficial in CNS APL.
SBML-SAT: a systems biology markup language (SBML) based sensitivity analysis tool
Authors: Zi Zhike , Zheng Yanan , Rundell Ann E , Klipp Edda
Published: August 2008

Background

It has long been recognized that sensitivity analysis plays a key role in modeling and analyzing cellular and biochemical processes. Systems biology markup language (SBML) has become a well-known platform for coding and sharing mathematical models of such processes. However, current SBML compatible software tools are limited in their ability to perform global sensitivity analyses of these models.

Results

This work introduces a freely downloadable, software package, SBML-SAT, which implements algorithms for simulation, steady state analysis, robustness analysis and local and global sensitivity analysis for SBML models. This software tool extends current capabilities through its execution of global sensitivity analyses using multi-parametric sensitivity analysis, partial rank correlation coefficient, SOBOL's method, and weighted average of local sensitivity analyses in addition to its ability to handle systems with discontinuous events and intuitive graphical user interface.

Conclusion

SBML-SAT provides the community of systems biologists a new tool for the analysis of their SBML models of biochemical and cellular processes.
Targeted disruption of the mouse Csrp2gene encoding the cysteine- and glycine-rich LIM domain protein CRP2 result in subtle alteration of cardiac ultrastructure
Authors: Sagave Julia F , Moser Markus , Ehler Elisabeth , Weiskirchen Sabine , Stoll Doris , Günther Kalle , Büttner Reinhard , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: August 2008

Background

The cysteine and glycine rich protein 2 (CRP2) encoded by the Csrp2 gene is a LIM domain protein expressed in the vascular system, particularly in smooth muscle cells. It exhibits a bimodal subcellular distribution, accumulating at actin-based filaments in the cytosol and in the nucleus. In order to analyze the function of CRP2 in vivo, we disrupted the Csrp2 gene in mice and analysed the resulting phenotype.

Results

A ~17.3 kbp fragment of the murine Csrp2 gene containing exon 3 through 6 was isolated. Using this construct we confirmed the recently determined chromosomal localization (Chromosome 10, best fit location between markers D10Mit203 proximal and D10Mit150 central). A gene disruption cassette was cloned into exon 4 and a mouse strain lacking functional Csrp2 was generated. Mice lacking CRP2 are viable and fertile and have no obvious deficits in reproduction and survival. However, detailed histological and electron microscopic studies reveal that CRP2-deficient mice have subtle alterations in their cardiac ultrastructure. In these mice, the cardiomyocytes display a slight increase in their thickness, indicating moderate hypertrophy at the cellular level. Although the expression of several intercalated disc-associated proteins such as β-catenin, N-RAP and connexin-43 were not affected in these mice, the distribution of respective proteins was changed within heart tissue.

Conclusion

We conclude that the lack of CRP2 is associated with alterations in cardiomyocyte thickness and hypertrophy.
Sampling 'hard-to-reach' populations in health research: yield from a study targeting Americans living in Canada
Authors: Southern Danielle A , Lewis Steven , Maxwell Colleen J , Dunn James R , Noseworthy Tom W , Corbett Gail , Thomas Karen , Ghali William A
Published: August 2008

Background

Some populations targeted in survey research can be hard to reach, either because of lack of contact information, or non-existent databases to inform sampling. Here, we present a methodological "case-report" of the yield of a multi-step survey study assessing views on health care among American emigres to Canada, a hard-to-reach population.

Methods

To sample this hard-to-reach population, we held a live media conference, supplemented by a nation-wide media release announcing the study. We prepared an 'op-ed' piece describing the study and how to participate. We paid for advertisements in 6 newspapers. We sent the survey information to targeted organizations. And lastly, we asked those who completed the web survey to send the information to others. We use descriptive statistics to document the method's yield.

Results

The combined media strategies led to 4 television news interviews, 10 newspaper stories, 1 editorial and 2 radio interviews. 458 unique individuals accessed the on-line survey, among whom 310 eligible subjects provided responses to the key study questions. Fifty-six percent reported that they became aware of the survey via media outlets, 26% by word of mouth, and 9% through both the media and word of mouth.

Conclusion

Our multi-step communication method yielded a sufficient sample of Americans living in Canada. This combination of paid and unpaid media exposure can be considered by others as a unique methodological approach to identifying and sampling hard-to-reach populations.
DNA methylation patterns in bladder cancer and washing cell sediments: a perspective for tumor recurrence detection
Authors: Negraes Priscilla D , Favaro Francine P , Camargo João Lauro V , Oliveira Maria Luiza CS , Goldberg José , Rainho Cláudia A , Salvadori Daisy MF
Published: August 2008

Background

Epigenetic alterations are a hallmark of human cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether aberrant DNA methylation of cancer-associated genes is related to urinary bladder cancer recurrence.

Methods

A set of 4 genes, including CDH1 (E-cadherin), SFN (stratifin), RARB (retinoic acid receptor, beta) and RASSF1A (Ras association (RalGDS/AF-6) domain family 1), had their methylation patterns evaluated by MSP (Methylation-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis in 49 fresh urinary bladder carcinoma tissues (including 14 cases paired with adjacent normal bladder epithelium, 3 squamous cell carcinomas and 2 adenocarcinomas) and 24 cell sediment samples from bladder washings of patients classified as cancer-free by cytological analysis (control group). A third set of samples included 39 archived tumor fragments and 23 matched washouts from 20 urinary bladder cancer patients in post-surgical monitoring. After genomic DNA isolation and sodium bisulfite modification, methylation patterns were determined and correlated with standard clinic-histopathological parameters.

Results

CDH1 and SFN genes were methylated at high frequencies in bladder cancer as well as in paired normal adjacent tissue and exfoliated cells from cancer-free patients. Although no statistically significant differences were found between RARB and RASSF1A methylation and the clinical and histopathological parameters in bladder cancer, a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 71% were observed for RARB methylation (Fisher's Exact test (p < 0.0001; OR = 48.89) and, 58% and 17% (p < 0.05; OR = 0.29) for RASSF1A gene, respectively, in relation to the control group.

Conclusion

Indistinct DNA hypermethylation of CDH1 and SFN genes between tumoral and normal urinary bladder samples suggests that these epigenetic features are not suitable biomarkers for urinary bladder cancer. However, RARB and RASSF1A gene methylation appears to be an initial event in urinary bladder carcinogenesis and should be considered as defining a panel of differentially methylated genes in this neoplasia in order to maximize the diagnostic coverage of epigenetic markers, especially in studies aiming at early recurrence detection.
Identification of a novel CHEK2variant and assessment of its contribution to the risk of breast cancer in French Canadian women
Authors: Novak David J , Chen Long Qi , Ghadirian Parviz , Hamel Nancy , Zhang Phil , Rossiny Vanessa , Cardinal Guy , Robidoux André , Tonin Patricia N , Rousseau Francois , Narod Steven A , Foulkes William D
Published: August 2008

Background

BRCA1andBRCA2account for the majority of the known familial breast cancer risk, however, the impact of other cancer susceptibility genes largely remains to be elucidated. Checkpoint Kinase 2 (CHEK2) is an important signal transducer of cellular responses to DNA damage, whose defects have been associated with an increase in breast cancer risk. Previous studies have identified low penetranceCHEK2alleles such as 1100delC and I157T, as well as variants such as S428F in the Ashkenazi Jewish population and IVS2 + 1G>A in the Polish population. No founder allele has been specifically identified in the French Canadian population.

Methods

The 14 coding exons ofCHEK2were fully sequenced for variant alleles in a panel of 25 affected French Canadian women and 25 healthy controls. Two variants were identified of which one novel variant was further screened for in an additional panel of 667 breast cancer patients and 6548 healthy controls. Additional genotyping was conducted using allele specific PCR and a restriction digest assay. Significance of amino acid substitutions were deduced by employing comparative analysis techniques.

Results

Two variants were identified: the previously reported silent substitution 252A>G (E84E) and the novel missense variant, 1217G>A (R406H). No significant difference in allele distribution between French Canadian women with breast cancer and healthy controls was observed (3/692, 0.43% vs. 22/6573, 0.33%, respectively, P = 0.73).

Conclusion

The novel CHEK2 missense variant identified in this study, R406H, is unlikely to contribute to breast cancer risk in French Canadian women.
Fitness, motor competence and body composition as correlates of adolescent neck/shoulder pain: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Authors: Perry Mark C , Straker Leon M , O'Sullivan Peter B , Smith Anne J , Hands Beth
Published: August 2008

Background

Adolescent neck/shoulder pain (NSP) is a common and sometimes debilitating problem. Several risk factors for this condition have been investigated, but no studies have previously evaluated associations between fitness, motor competence, body composition and adolescent NSP.

Methods

1608 males and females of mean age 14 years answered questions on their history of NSP (4 measures), and were tested for aerobic fitness, upper and lower limb power, trunk endurance, grip strength, shoulder flexibility, motor competence and anthropometric factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to test for associations between NSP and physical variables.

Results

There were significant gender differences for most physical and pain variables. After multivariate analysis, males had lower odds of NSP if they had reduced back endurance [OR: 0.66 (95% CI: 0.46–0.97)], reduced persistent control [0.42 (0.19–0.95], and increased muscle power [0.33 (0.12–0.94)], and higher odds of NSP if they had a higher basketball throw [2.47 (1.22–5.00)] and jump performance [3.47 (1.55–7.74)]. Females had lower odds for NSP if they had a reduced jump performance [0.61(0.41–0.92)], a better basketball throw [0.60(0.40–0.90)], lower shoulder flexibility [0.54 (0.30–0.98)] and a higher aerobic capacity [0.61 (0.40–0.93)], and higher odds for NSP if they had greater abdominal endurance [1.57(1.07–2.31)] and greater bimanual dexterity [1.77(1.18–2.65)]. Females showed a U shaped relationship between NSP and back endurance [low: 2.12 (1.20–3.74); high 2.12 (1.18–3.83)].

Conclusion

Adolescent NSP was associated with fitness and motor competence, although the associations varied with gender, and their strength was limited.
MCP-1-deficient mice show reduced neuroinflammatory responses and increased peripheral inflammatory responses to peripheral endotoxin insult
Authors: Thompson Wendy L , Karpus William J , Van Eldik Linda J
Published: August 2008

Background

An endotoxin insult mimics a severe peripheral infection and recent evidence suggests that a single exposure can cause long-term cognitive deficits. A peripheral injection of LPS results in production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and TNF-α, in the brain and periphery and these cytokines mediate many effects of the acute phase response including activation of the HPA axis. The chemokine MCP-1 is highly expressed during endotoxemia and although much is known about the importance of MCP-1 in peripheral inflammatory responses to LPS, information about MCP-1 and CNS responses to peripheral LPS is lacking.

Methods

C57Bl/6 mice were administered LPS by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, serum and brains were collected at several time points, and the time course of MCP-1 protein up-regulation was measured. To examine the role of MCP-1 in activation of the brain during acute systemic inflammation, we injected MCP-1 knockout (MCP-1-/-) or control C57Bl/6 (MCP-1+/+) mice with LPS i.p. and measured the levels of selected cytokines and chemokines in serum and brain extracts 6 hours later. Activated microglia were examined by CD45 immunohistochemistry, and serum corticosterone and ACTH levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay.

Results

We report that LPS injection induces a robust increase in MCP-1 protein levels in serum and brain, with peak brain levels reached at 6 hrs after LPS administration. MCP-1-/-mice injected with LPS showed higher levels of serum IL-1β and TNF-α compared to LPS-treated MCP-1+/+mice. In contrast, these MCP-1-/-mice showed significantly lower inductions of brain pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, fewer activated microglia, and a reduction in serum corticosterone levels.

Conclusion

MCP-1-/-mice have decreased brain inflammation after a peripheral LPS insult, despite an exaggerated peripheral response. These data demonstrate an important role for MCP-1 in regulation of brain inflammation after peripheral endotoxemia.
The Frizzled 3 gene is associated with methamphetamine psychosis in the Japanese population
Authors: Kishimoto Makiko , Ujike Hiroshi , Okahisa Yuko , Kotaka Tatsuya , Takaki Manabu , Kodama Masafumi , Inada Toshiya , Yamada Mitsuhiko , Uchimura Naohisa , Iwata Nakao , Sora Ichiro , Iyo Masaomi , Ozaki Norio , Kuroda Shigetoshi
Published: August 2008

Background

Frizzled 3 (Fzd3) is a receptor required for the Wnt-signaling pathway, which has been implicated in the development of the central nervous system, including synaptogenesis and structural plasticity. We previously found a significant association between the FZD3 gene and susceptibility to schizophrenia, but subsequent studies showed inconsistent findings. To understand the roles of the FZD3 gene in psychotic disorders further, it should be useful to examine FZD3 in patients with methamphetamine psychosis because the clinical features of methamphetamine psychosis are similar to those of schizophrenia.

Methods

Six SNPs of FZD3, rs3757888 in the 3' flanking region, rs960914 in the intron 3, rs2241802, a synonymous SNP in the exon5, rs2323019 and rs352203 in the intron 5, and rs880481 in the intron 7, were selected based on the previous schizophrenic studies and analyzed in 188 patients with methamphetamine psychosis and 240 age- and gender-matched controls.

Results

A case-control association analyses revealed that two kinds of FZD3 haplotypes showed strong associations with methamphetamine psychosis (p < 0.00001). Having the G-A-T-G or A-G-C-A haplotype of rs2241802-rs2323019-rs352203-rs880481 was a potent negative risk factor (odds ratios were 0.13 and 0.086, respectively) for methamphetamine psychosis.

Conclusion

Our present and previous findings indicate that genetic variants of the FZD3 gene affect susceptibility to two analogous but distinct dopamine-related psychoses, endogenous and substance-induced psychosis.
Capsular synovial metaplasia mimicking silicone leak of a breast prosthesis: a case report
Authors: Krishnanandan Sarah , Abbassian Ali , Sharma Anup K , Cunnick Giles
Published: August 2008

Introduction

Synovial metaplasia around a prosthesis and in particular around silicone breast implants has been noted by various investigators, but has unknown clinical significance. We report on a patient where a large amount of synovial fluid mimicked rupture of an implant. We believe this to be an unusual clinical presentation of this phenomenon. Review of the English language literature failed to identify a comparable case.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old woman had undergone bilateral breast augmentation for cosmetic reasons. One implant was subsequently subjected to two attempts at expansion to correct asymmetry. The patient was later found to have a large quantity of viscous fluid around the port of that same prosthesis. Histological assessment of the implant had consequently confirmed capsular synovial metaplasia. This had initially caused the suspicion of a silicone 'bleed' from the implant and had resulted in an unnecessary explantation.

Conclusion

Capsular synovial metaplasia should be ruled out before the removal of breast implants where a leak is suspected. Manipulation and expansion of an implant may be risk factors for the development of synovial metaplasia.